The use of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

Krzysztof Gutkowski; Marek Hartleb

eISSN: 1897-4317
ISSN: 1895-5770

Gastroenterology Review/Przegląd Gastroenterologiczny

Current issue Archive Manuscripts accepted About the journal Editorial board Abstracting and indexing Subscription Contact Instructions for authors Publication charge Ethical standards and procedures

Editorial System

Submit your Manuscript

Editorial Policies

Sarajevo Declaration on Integrity and Visibility of Scholarly Publications

Open access

5/2009
vol. 4

Send email

Copy url:

abstract:

Review paper

The use of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

Krzysztof Gutkowski

,

Marek Hartleb

Przegląd Gastroenterologiczny 2009; 4 (5): 225–230

Online publish date: 2009/11/09

View full text Get citation

Azathioprine (AZA) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) have been used for many years in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). AZA is a prodrug that is metabolized to 6-MP, which in turn is metabolized to several metabolites including 6-thioguanine (6-TG) and 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP). The most important enzyme responsible for metabolism of purine analogues is thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), which activity has direct or indirect influence on serum levels of 6-MMP and 6-TG. Detection of low or absent TPMT enzymatic activity before introducing therapy with AZA or 6-MP helps to avoid potentially life-threatening post-medicament toxicity. In this review the current knowledge of rational dosage and monitoring of therapeutic effects of AZA and 6-MP in patients with IBD based on understanding of their pharmacodynamics have been presented.

keywords:

The use of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

Krzysztof Gutkowski , Marek Hartleb

inflammatory bowel diseases, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine

Krzysztof Gutkowski

,

Marek Hartleb