Glutathione is a small peptide composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine and is present in tissues in concentrations as high as one millimolar. It contains an unusual peptide linkage between the amine group of cysteine and the carboxyl group of the glutamate side chain. Glutathione is involved in detoxification, it binds to toxins, such as heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides, and transforms them into a form that can be excreted in urine or bile. It is also an important antioxidant, helping to maintain the -SH groups of proteins in their reduced form. Chronic functional glutathione deficiency is associated with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, immune disorders, an increased incidence of malignancies, and in the case of HIV disease, probably accelerated pathogenesis of the disease. Acute manifestations of functional glutathione deficiency can be seen in those who have taken an overdosage of acetaminophen (paracetamol). This results in depletion of glutathione in the hepatocytes, leading to liver failure and death.