Sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine (brand name Azulfidine) is a sulfa agent and a derivative of mesalazine. Sulfasalazine inhibits in vitro growth of the human pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1. Sulfasalazine also inhibits the cystine-glutamate antiporter, system Xc (SXC). Sulfasalazine, and its metabolite 5-ASA, are poorly absorbed from the gut. Its main mode of action is therefore believed to be inside the intestine. Sulfasalazine (Salazopyrin) induced T lymphocyte apoptosis in glioblastoma cell lines, modulated inflammatory mediators from both cyclooxygenase/5-lipoxygenase pathways and NF-κB signaling pathways, attenuated transcription of proinflammatory cytokines, and activated PPARγ. Sulfasalazine has long been used in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.