Tempol produced regression of Crohn’s Disease
Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Endogenous antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione, and catalase are normally able to counteract oxidative stress in the intestinal mucosa. However, inflammation increases the demand for these important antioxidants and results in an imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants, with subsequent mucosal damage.
In Crohn’s Disease mucosal biopsies show an increase in ROIs, POPs, 8-OHdG, and iron, and decreased copper and Cu-Zn SOD activity in inflamed tissues.1
Reported is a case of complete regression of symptoms in a 62-year old man with long-standing Crohn’s disease with Tempol 35mg QD. Patient’s symptoms improved greatly and his Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score decreased from 342 to 40 points, accompanied by a body weight increase from 53 kg to 62 kg.
Further study is needed on the effects of Tempol in the treatment of refractory Crohn’s disease.
1 Lih-Brody L, Powell SR, Collier KP, Reddy GM, Cerchia R, et al. (1996) Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defenses in mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Dis Sci 41: 2078–2086.
