Molecular orbital study on the glutathione-dependent detoxication of ozonides.

The present paper describes a theoretical study on the mechanism underlying the reaction of cellular glutathione (GSH) with polyunsaturated fatty acid ozonides. The reaction can be catalyzed by glutathione S-transferases and leads to detoxication of the ozonides. Semi-empirical molecular orbital computer calculations suggest that the reaction of glutathione with ozonides involves a nucleophilic attack at one of the carbon atoms of the ozonide ring, instead of at one of the peroxidic oxygen atoms of the ozonide ring. This implies a mechanism different from that of the glutathione S-transferase-mediated reaction with hydroperoxides, previously proposed for the glutathione-dependent detoxication of fatty acid ozonides.