How does 6-mercaptopurine work in the body? - GenericCures.com

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6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) works in the body primarily by interfering with the synthesis of DNA and RNA in rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. Once ingested, Mercaptopurine Class is converted into its active form, thioinosinic acid (TIMP), through the action of an enzyme called hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT). TIMP inhibits several key enzymes involved in purine metabolism, particularly the conversion of inosinic acid to other purines. This disruption leads to decreased production of purine nucleotides, which are essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. As a result, 6-MP effectively slows down the growth of cancer cells and can induce cell death. Additionally, 6-MP can be incorporated into DNA, causing further damage to the cancer cells. This mechanism makes 6-mercaptopurine a valuable treatment for certain types of leukemia and other malignancies, as well as for some autoimmune diseases by suppressing the immune response.
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