The inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. The molecular mechanisms that drive IL-1β production in the intervertebral disc, are what this study investigated (Song Y, et.al., 2017).

The researchers especially wanted to find out what was driving the IL-1beta production in the nucleus pulposus cells which are in the center of the disc. 

When healthy discs were compared to degenerated discs, the results revealed that accumulation of advanced glycation end products in the nucleus pulposus initiated inflammation-related degeneration of the intervertebral disc.

Advanced glycation end products are proteins or lipids that become glycated after exposure to sugars. . Elevated blood glucose is causing a reaction between protein and glucose. That reaction causes damage and triggers inflammation.

A high nutrient, low glycemic index diet will help keep the blood glucose in a low normal range.

Glutathione helps protect tissue from damage. Taking S-Acetyl Glutathione helps increase the level of glutathione in the cells.

Reference:
Yu Song, Yan Wang, Yukun Zhang, Wen Geng, Wei Liu, Yong Gao 1, Shuai Li, Kun Wang, Xinghuo Wu, Liang Kang, Cao Yang, Advanced glycation end products regulate anabolic and catabolic activities via NLRP3-inflammasome activation in human nucleus pulposus cells, J Cell Mol Med. 2017 Jul;21(7):1373-1387.

Effective S-Acetyl Glutathione

 

Glutathione is your primary defense against aging.

As we get older, our cells begin to lose their ability to repair themselves. We make less glutathione, and we actually need more. In certain conditions, younger people may need more glutathione as well.