Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: July 7, 2014
Oxidative stress as a mechanism underlying sulfasalazine-induced toxicity
Victoria Linares1, Virginia Alonso, José L Domingo
1Physiology Unit, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
Introduction:
Sulfasalazine (SASP) is a drug commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A high incidence of side effects limits therapy with this drug. Getting a wider knowledge of drug pharmacology, indications and side effects is essential to ensure the best possible clinical care, minimizing toxicity and inappropriate use.
Areas Covered:
This paper gives an overview of recent research about SASP and its main adverse effects, highlighting the mechanisms underlying them. To give an overview and comment on the data available so far on this topic, relevant literature was identified using a PubMed search of articles published up to December 2009. Search terms included: 'sulfasalazine', 'oxidative stress, 'renal effects', 'hepatotoxicity' and 'male fertility'. Original papers were reviewed and relevant citations from these articles were also considered.
Expert Opinion:
Although SASP and 5-aminosalicylic acid also scavenge ROS, which may account for some of their anti-inflammatory properties, the reaction with ROS may also generate toxic free radicals; hence, the ability of other antioxidants to suppress the toxicity of SASP in vivo. Further investigations, particularly about SASP mechanism, are still needed.
More Related Videos
09:33Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors
Published on: February 7, 2018
12:59Assessment of Oxidative Damage in the Primary Mouse Ocular Surface Cells/Stem Cells in Response to Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) Damage
Published on: February 15, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity
Sulfur Assimilation
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Phase II Reactions: Sulfation and Conjugation with α-Amino Acids
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...