The role of enteric bacteria in the anaerobic metabolism of 5-aminosalicylate.

The primary (and inactive) enteric metabolite of 5-aminosalicylate is N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylate. Previous studies have demonstrated acetylation of this anti-inflammatory agent by intestinal and bacterial homogenates. To assess the contribution of anaerobic bacteria to the N-acetylation in vivo, we have measured the production of N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylate in anaerobic microculture. Our results indicate that enteric bacteria play a minor role in N-acetylation, but may contribute to the production of other metabolites of pharmacologic and toxicological interest.