Abstract:
The use of azathioprine (AZA) in human medicine dates back to research conducted in 1975 that led to the development of several drugs, including 6-mercaptopurine. In 1958, it was shown that 6-mercaptopurine decreased the production of antibodies against earlier administered antigens, raising the hypothesis of an immunomodulatory effect. AZA is a prodrug that belongs to the thiopurine group of drugs that behave as purine analogs. After absorption, it is converted into 6-mercaptopurine. Subsequently, it can be degraded through various enzymatic pathways into inactive compounds and biologically active compounds related to the mechanism of action, which has been the subject of study to evaluate a possible antiviral effect. This study aims to examine the metabolism, mechanism of action, and antiviral potential of AZA and its derivatives, exploring AZA impact on antiviral targets and adverse effects through a narrative literature review. Ultimately, the review will provide insights into the antiviral mechanism, present evidence of its in vitro effectiveness against various DNA and RNA viruses, and suggest in vivo studies to further demonstrate its antiviral effects.
摘要:
硫唑嘌呤(AZA)在人类医学中的使用可以追溯到1975年进行的研究,该研究导致了几种药物的开发。包括6-巯基嘌呤。1958年,研究表明6-巯基嘌呤减少了针对早期施用抗原的抗体的产生,提出免疫调节作用的假设。AZA是属于表现为嘌呤类似物的药物的硫嘌呤组的前药。吸收后,它被转化为6-巯基嘌呤。随后,它可以通过各种酶途径降解成非活性化合物和与作用机理相关的生物活性化合物,这一直是评估可能的抗病毒作用的研究主题。这项研究旨在检查新陈代谢,作用机制,以及AZA及其衍生物的抗病毒潜力,通过叙述性文献综述探讨AZA对抗病毒靶点和不良反应的影响。最终,该审查将提供对抗病毒机制的见解,目前的证据表明其在体外对各种DNA和RNA病毒的有效性,并建议在体内研究,以进一步证明其抗病毒作用。