Pentoxifylline as Adjunctive Therapy in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

Clinical Study to Evaluate the Possible Efficacy of Pentoxifylline in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Treated With Mesalamine

The exact underlying mechanisms of ulcerative colitis (UC), an idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disease marked by diffused inflammation of the colon and rectum mucosa, are still unknown. Due to genetic, immune, and environmental factors, UC is highly dependent on cellular immune reactions and exaggerated inflammatory responses. The release of several cytokines, kinins, leukotrienes, platelet-activating factor (PAF), and reactive oxygen species is connected to immunological activity (ROS). Additionally, many of the cytokines will start an acute phase response, making the inflammation worse.

Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a methyl-xanthine derivative that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. PTX exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting phosphodiesterase and activating the adenosine 2 receptor

Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) will assess the quality of life. The SF-36 is an indicator of overall health status and contains 10 items. The SF-36 has eight scaled scores; the scores are weighted sums of the questions in each section. Scores range from 0 - 100. Lower scores = more disability, higher scores = less disability

changes in the level of measured biomarkers through assessment serum level of TNF- alpha, serum IL-10, and gene expression of zonula occuldin-1(ZO-1).

Inclusion Criteria: Age ≥ 18 years Both males and females will be included Negative pregnancy test and effective contraception Exclusion Criteria: - Breastfeeding Significant liver and kidney function abnormalities Colorectal cancer patients Patients with severe UC Patients taking rectal or systemic steroids Known allergy to the studied medications