5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) can reduce levels of oxidative DNA damage in cells of colonic mucosa with and without fecal stream.

Background: No studies have evaluated the effectiveness of 5-ASA against oxidative DNA damage in experimental models of diversion colitis.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of 5-ASA against oxidative DNA damage in an experimental model of diversion colitis.

Methods: Twenty-six Wistar rats were divided into two groups corresponding to sacrifice at 2 or 4 weeks after fecal diversion of the left colon by means of proximal colostomy and distal mucosa fistula.