Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) is a sulfoximine which reduces levels of glutathione and is being investigated as an adjunct with chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer. The compound inhibits gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, the enzyme required in the first step of glutathione synthesis.

Studies show methylglyoxal (MG) activated caspase-3 is enhanced in the presence of BSO. It has been reported that BSO can augment HIV-1 activation through class I HDACIs, and that it can sensitize human breast cancer cells that are anti-hormone resistant to estrogen-induced apoptosis.

Buthionine sulfoximine may also be used to increase the sensitivity of parasites to oxidative antiparasitic drugs.

Additional Information

Additional Information