[13C6]-Sulfasalazine

[13C6]-Sulfasalazine is a labeled version of the drug sulfasalazine that is commonly used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. This labeled form contains six carbon atoms that have been replaced with their stable, non-radioactive isotopes of carbon-13. The purpose of this labeling is to allow for more accurate analysis of the drug's metabolism and distribution within the body. Sulfasalazine works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and reducing the activity of immune cells that contribute to the inflammation seen in conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The labeled version of this drug can be used in research studies to track the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the drug in vivo. Chemically, [13C6]-sulfasalazine is a prodrug that is metabolized in the colon by bacteria into its active form, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine. The labeled version of the drug has the same chemical structure as the unlabeled version, except for the stable isotopes of carbon-13 in the six carbon atoms. In conclusion, [13C6]-sulfasalazine is a useful tool for researchers studying the pharmacokinetics of sulfasalazine in vivo. Its labeling with stable isotopes allows for more accurate analysis of the drug's metabolism and distribution within the body, which can ultimately lead to better understanding and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.