Unique cytoprotective properties of Rebamipide: review of basic and clinical research

The article presents current experimental and clinical data on the effectiveness and safety of the use of the drug Rebamipide in the therapy of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including those caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer For a long time, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were the only means of drug prevention of these complications. However, PPIs are effective only for the prevention and treatment of pathology of the upper gastrointestinal tract, but not for pathology of the small intestine. With NSAIDs, gastro- and enteropathies, it is advisable to use drugs that can increase the production of prostaglandins and mucus, restore the permeability of the intestinal epithelium, and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Today, doctors have a new instrument for protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa - Rebamipide. This drug is a unique cytoprotector that stimulates the production of endogenous prostaglandins and mucus glycoproteins, inhibits reactive oxygen species, the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and inhibits the activation of neutrophils. In addition, Rebamipide stimulates the synthesis of epidermal growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and nitric oxide. These properties make it possible to use it in various fields of medicine: gastroenterology, ophthalmology, chemotherapy, rheumatology, and endoscopy. Currently, active developments are underway to create new dosage forms of the drug and search for new therapeutic targets. The aim of this study was to analyze the available publications on clinical and experimental studies of the efficacy and safety of using Rebamipide in the treatment of a wide range of pathological conditions.