Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cysteine compounds, particularly N-acetylcysteine (NAC), have been studied in relation to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) primarily due to their role as precursors to glutathione, a critical intracellular antioxidant. In people with HIV/AIDS, glutathione levels are often depleted, contributing to oxidative stress and immune dysfunction. Several clinical studies and reviews have explored whether supplementation with cysteine or NAC can restore glutathione levels and improve clinical outcomes.

Evidence suggests that NAC supplementation can increase intracellular glutathione in HIV-infected individuals and may have a modest effect in reducing HIV replication in vitro. Some small clinical trials have reported improved immune parameters (such as increased CD4+ T cell counts) or delayed disease progression with NAC supplementation. For example, studies published in the 1990s and early 2000s (e.g., Herzenberg et al., 1997; De Rosa et al., 2000) provided preliminary support for the immunomodulatory benefits of NAC in HIV/AIDS.

However, the overall quality of evidence is moderate to low (hence, a rating of 2). Larger, well-controlled trials demonstrating clear clinical benefits (such as improved survival or delayed progression to AIDS) are lacking. Current HIV/AIDS treatment guidelines do not recommend cysteine or NAC as a standard therapy, but acknowledge its potential as an adjunct for oxidative stress management.

In summary, use of cysteine compounds in AIDS is scientifically investigated and biologically plausible, but remains adjunctive with limited clinical validation.

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