Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions to treat subjects having cystic fibrosis. These compositions comprise the class of isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates, absorbed by a cell are conjugated with glutathione GSH by glutathione-s-tranferase (GST). The conjugates are substrates of the multi-drug resistance associated (MRP)/multi-drug resistance (MDR) proteins. These proteins are functionally redundant to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), allowing for the substrate conjugates to be exported from the cell. The export of GSH conjugates restores intracellular and extracellular levels of GSH to normal levels. Normalizing both extracellular and intracellular GSH via the increased conjugation of isothiocyanates with GSH, and subsequent export, can significantly rectify numerous enzymatic processes and correct the pathologies that are typical of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions to treat subjects having cystic fibrosis. These compositions comprise the class of isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates, absorbed by a cell are conjugated with glutathione GSH by glutathione-s-tranferase (GST). The conjugates are substrates of the multi-drug resistance associated (MRP)/multi-drug resistance (MDR) proteins. These proteins are functionally redundant to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), allowing for the substrate conjugates to be exported from the cell. The export of GSH conjugates restores intracellular and extracellular levels of GSH to normal levels. Normalizing both extracellular and intracellular GSH via the increased conjugation of isothiocyanates with GSH, and subsequent export, can significantly rectify numerous enzymatic processes and correct the pathologies that are typical of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis.