The Sound of Evolution
Balsalazide
Mechanism of action:
Balsalazide is an intestinal anti-inflammatory agent and a prodrug of mesalazine, also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid. In the intestine, balsalazide is cleaved by bacterial azoreductase to release 5-aminosalicylic acid, which then inhibits the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, reducing the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. 5-Aminosalicylic acid also suppresses NF-κB activation and reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. Through these actions, it suppresses inflammation-related responses in the intestinal mucosa.
Reference(s):
1. Wiggins JB et al. (2009). Balsalazide: a novel 5-aminosalicylate prodrug for the treatment of active ulcerative colitis. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol.
2. Ragunath K et al. (2001). Review article: balsalazide therapy in ulcerative colitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther.