Mechanisms of action of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs
Harth, M.
Journal of Rheumatology. Suppl 32: 100-103
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0380-0903 PMID: 1613728 Document Number: 401840
The relationship between the biologic activities of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and their therapeutic effects are complex. Some DMARD are prodrugs, e.g., azathioprine; others may act in combination with endogenous substances, e.g., D-penicillamine and copper salts. Gold compounds, antimalarials, sulfasalazine, azathioprine and methotrexate affect various phagocytic cell functions. Most DMARD inhibit the immune responses of monocytes and of T and B lymphocytes. Gold, sulfasalazine, D-penicillamine also affect fibroblast and/or endothelial cell proliferation. Many DMARD inhibit responses to, or production of, cytokines. Several DMARD have overlapping biologic effects but differ in their therapeutic efficacy in individual patients for unknown reasons.