The mechanism of action of colchicine

Colchicine's main effects are manifested in the following aspects: 1. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: By reducing the activity and chemotaxis of neutrophils, inhibiting the migration of granulocytes to affected areas, and simultaneously inhibiting T lymphocyte activation and their adhesion to endothelial cells, colchicine exerts significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It is commonly used during acute gout attacks to alleviate pain, redness, and swelling. 2. Antitumor: Colchicine can disrupt spindle formation, arresting the cell division process at metaphase, thereby inhibiting protein metabolism in tumor cells and aiding in the treatment of malignant tumors. 3. Antifibrotic: Colchicine can significantly inhibit fibroblast proliferation, suppress collagen (type I and III) mRNA expression and protein synthesis and secretion, and enhance collagenase activity, thereby exerting antifibrotic effects.