CAS Number: 89-57-6

Formula: C7H7NO3

Molecular Weight: 153.135 g/mol

Method of Analysis: USP Monograph

Application: Mesalazine, also known as Mesalamine, or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat inflammation of the digestive tract (Crohn's disease) and mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It is the active component of sulfasalazine, which is commonly administered for treatment of colitis. Mesalazine is a bowel-specific aminosalicylate drug that is metabolized in the gut and has its predominant actions there, thereby having fewer systemic side effects. As a derivative of salicylic acid, 5-ASA is also an antioxidant that traps free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of metabolism. However, systemic absorption is low and most of the action is believed to be local.
Mechanism:

Although the mechanism of action of Mesalazine is not fully understood, it is known that its action as a local colonic anti-inflammatory drug is diverse. Mucosal production of arachidonic acid metabolites, both through the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways, i.e., prostanoids, and through the lipoxygenase pathways, i.e., leukotrienes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, is increased in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and it is possible that Mesalazine diminishes inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the colon. In other words, Mesalazine appears to act locally on colonic mucosa and reduces inflammation through a variety of anti-inflammatory processes. Several potential targets of 5-ASA action have been proposed. The current hypothesis is that 5-ASA activates a synthetic class of nuclear receptor. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma is a key receptor that mediates the effect of 5-ASA therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease by trans-repressing several key target genes such as nuclear factor B, signal transducers and activators of transcription. It has a role in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and is highly expressed in the colon, where epithelial cells and macrophages are the main cellular sources of this nuclear receptor. PPAR-gamma is also involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and modulation of cytokine production and antitumourigenic effects. Therefore, PPAR-gamma may form the basis for chemopreventive strategies against colorectal cancer.

Packaging: Polyethylene nylon plastic bag

Storage conditions: Preserve in tight containers, at room temperature