The Sound of Evolution
Mesalazine/Mesalamine
Mechanism of action:
Mesalazine, also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid, inhibits both the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, thereby reducing the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Mesalazine also inhibits activation of NF-κB, leading to reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. Through these effects, it decreases local inflammatory responses in the intestine.
Reference(s):
1. Mayberry J et al. (2013). The history of 5-ASA compounds and their use in ulcerative colitis--trailblazing discoveries in gastroenterology. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis.
2. Stolfi C et al. (2013). Mechanisms of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and mesalazine in the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer. Int J Mol Sci.
3. Bantel H et al. (2000). Mesalazine inhibits activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB in inflamed mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol.