Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Colitis; A Disturbed Balance between Damage and Protection: A Selective Review

Abstract

Enhanced local production of reactive oxygen metabolites has been found in association with colitis, both experimentally and in humans. Cellular and biochemical systems involved have been identified, and 5-aminosalicylic acid-containing drugs but, more effectively, specific scavengers have been found to reduce the intestinal inflammatory process. The multitude of reactions in which oxygen metabolites participate provides a new area of research in intestinal inflammation. These basic studies might bring related clinical studies in an era of new anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammatory bowel disease specifically designed to scavenge toxic oxygen metabolites.

Key Words:

• 5-Aminosalicylic acid
• colitis
• hydrogen peroxide
• hydroxyl radical
• inflammatory bowel disease
• reactive oxygen metabolites
• scavengers
• superoxide dismutase