The sulfhydryl (sulphur-containing) antioxidant n-acetylcysteine (NAC) appears to play a prominent role in modulating autophagic and apoptotic responses in cells and organelles. This action involves its dual role as a free radical scavenging antioxidant and as a redox signalling agent. The relationship is complex: in cases involving heavy metals and other environmental toxins NAC, likely acting as free radical scavenger, can reduce autophagy and increase cellular apoptosis;75-77 in other cases, NAC plays a protective role inhibiting pro-inflammatory NF-kB and activating the P13K/Akt signalling pathway important in regulating cell growth and proliferation.78 Several other recent studies confirm NAC’s dual role in modulating both cellular and mitochondrial-based responses to oxidative, environmental, and physiological stressors that can damage important biomolecules and cellular components.79-85
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