Sulfasalazine sensitises human monocytic/macrophage cells for glucocorticoids by upregulation of glucocorticoid receptor alpha and glucocorticoid induced apoptosis.

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in the treatment of (chronic) inflammatory diseases and cancer, but inherent or acquired resistance to these drugs limits their optimal efficacy. The availability of drugs that could modulate GC resistance is therefore of potential clinical interest.

Objective: To explore the molecular basis of GC sensitisation of GC resistant monocytic/macrophage cells after chronic exposure to sulfasalazine.