Azathioprine

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive drug converted in the body to metabolites that disrupt purine production and DNA synthesis. It is used to prevent organ rejection and treat autoimmune diseases.

6-Mercaptopurine: A thiopurine drug and active metabolite of azathioprine that inhibits purine metabolism. Azathioprine is converted into this compound, which contributes substantially to its immunosuppressive effects.
Organ transplantation: The transfer of an organ from a donor to a recipient to replace a failing organ. Azathioprine can suppress rejection responses as part of post-transplant immunosuppression.
Immunosuppression: A reduction in the activity or effectiveness of the immune system. Azathioprine is one pharmacological way to reduce immune responses.
Mycophenolate mofetil: An immunosuppressive prodrug that inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase and limits lymphocyte guanine nucleotide production. It also suppresses lymphocyte proliferation but blocks a different step in nucleotide synthesis.
Complete blood count: A blood test measuring red cells, white cells, platelets, and related indices. Regular counts can detect azathioprine-associated bone-marrow suppression.
Thiopurine methyltransferase: An enzyme that methylates thiopurine drugs and metabolites, affecting their activity and toxicity. Its activity helps determine how much azathioprine-derived metabolite accumulates in the body.
Inflammatory bowel disease: A group of chronic disorders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involving intestinal inflammation. Azathioprine is used as a steroid-sparing maintenance treatment for selected cases.
T lymphocyte: A white blood cell that coordinates immune responses or kills infected and abnormal cells. T-cell proliferation and function are among the immune processes suppressed by thiopurine metabolites.
Methotrexate: An antimetabolite that inhibits folate-dependent enzymes and is used for cancer and inflammatory diseases. It is another antimetabolite used in autoimmune disease, but acts mainly through folate pathways.
Liver function tests: Blood tests used to assess liver injury and aspects of liver function. Monitoring can identify liver toxicity associated with azathioprine treatment.

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