N-Acetyl-Cyste ine Ethyl Ester Powder(NACET)

N-Acetyl-Cysteine Ethyl Ester Powder (NACET) is a new lipophilic cell-permeable cysteine derivative with a unique pharmacokinetic profile and possible unique antioxidant properties. It penetrates the cells quickly and is trapped there, converted into NAC and cysteine. In comparison to NAC, NACET may increase the glutathione content of most tissues studied, including the brain, and protected rats from paracetamol intoxication after oral therapy.

NACET in Animal Studies:

In a study that involved an animal model, blood from rats was collected after administering a dose of 60 mg/Kg or 6 mg/Kg. Blood was screened for Cysteine and Glutathione (GSH), well-known metabolites of NACET and an important part of the endogenous antioxidant system. It is believed that increased concentration of GSH could potentially lead to numerous health benefits. Results of this study indicated that NACET is potentially more effective as a GSH precursor as compared to other similar compounds because of its ability to penetrate the cell membrane of red blood cells to make sure that enough of cysteine is available to synthesise GSH. Increase levels of GSH is well known to reduce oxidative stress which could have potential health implications such as the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders[1].

NACET in Human Studies:

In a comparative study to check the efficacy as an antioxidant, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were incubated with different compounds including NACET. The concentration of GSH and Cysteine significantly increased in cell culture treated with NACET [2].

In another study, human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were used to study the antioxidant effects of NACET and compared with similar compounds. After 16 hours of treatment with either NACET or other compounds showed that NACET significantly promoted the natural antioxidant system which in turn could be helpful to avoid many diseases including age-related macular degeneration [3].