Cytoprotection

Cytoprotection is a process by which chemical compounds provide protection to cells against harmful agents.

For example, a gastric cytoprotectant is any medication that combats ulcers not by reducing gastric acid but by increasing mucosal protection. Examples of gastric cyctoprotective agents include prostaglandins which protect the stomach mucosa against injury. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins and thereby make the stomach more susceptible in injury. Gastric cytoprotective drugs include carbenoxolone, deglycyrrhizinised liquorice, sucralfate (aluminium hydroxide and sulphated sucrose), misoprostol (a prostaglandin analogue) and bismuth chelate (tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate).