To identify glutathione-overproducing mutants, acrolein was used as a selective agent, given glutathiones key role in protecting cells from acrolein-induced toxicity (Mano et al., 2009
When cells fail to neutralize free radicals, there is an imbalance between the radicals and the antioxidant responses, leading to harmful and damaging oxidative stress
However, the intermittent, not continuous, administration of senolytics reduces concerns of toxicity, and effectively circumvents potential off-target effects due to continuous receptor occupancy or modulation of an enzyme or biochemical pathway
Even a recent 2026 review concludes the same thing that GHK-Cu appears safe but the evidence is largely preclinical and comprehensive human RCTs are lacking (Wojcieszuk et al., 2026)
[3] Maquart FX, Bellon G, Pasco S, Monboisse JC
455 Ferroptosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in dystrophin protein encoded by the DMD gene