Fig. 1. Generation of oxidative stress by experimental interference with the metabolism of glutathione in human endothelial cells. Scheme depicting the central position of the glutathione redox-cycle in the intracellular detoxification of peroxides and the sites of pharmacological intervention used in this study (details in text). The proposed mechanism by which these alterations of redox homeostasis affect telomere integrity are shown. GSH, reduced glutathione; GSSG, oxidised glutathione; SOD, superoxide dismutase.