NADPH homeostasis in cancer: functions, mechanisms and therapeutic implications Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Glutathione (GSH) ZELLX The Electron Transport Chain and Pentose Phosphate Pathway biochemistry More on carbohydrates and metabolism NADPH and glutathione protects the cell from free radicals Studocu Pentose Phosphate Pathway made simple. This pathway has two major jobs: Generate NADPH Produce ribose 5 phosphate NADPH protects cells from oxidative stress and supports fatty acid, cholesterol, steroid, nitric oxide, and respiratory burst