Table 1.

Molecular and biological effects of colchicine and clinical implications

Colchicine mechanisms of action	Clinical implications
Disruption of tubulin and anti-mitotic effect (primary mechanism of action) Inhibition of the NALP3 inflammasome Inhibition of CASPASE-1 and downstream release of IL-1β Enhances dendritic cells maturation and their antigen presentation to naive CD4 + lymphocytes	Treatment and prevention of recurrent pericarditis and reduction of postpericardiotomy syndrome after cardiac surgery
	Prevention of atrial fibrillation incidence after cardiac surgery and recurrence after ablation
Inhibition of macrophages release of ROS, TNF-α, NO, and IL-1β Inhibition of neutrophil activation, mobilization, chemotaxis and release of IL-1β, IL-8, superoxide, chemotactic factors and L-selectin Inhibition of intimal hyperplasia and leukocyte VEGF expression in angioplasty model in dogs Inhibition of VEGF expression/release and endothelial proliferation Reduction of endothelial cells E-selectin expression and neutrophil adhesion inhibition (low doses)	Reduction of plaque inflammation, progression and rupture Prevention of acute cardiovascular events and restenosis after PCI is performed
Increase of Bcl-2 expression and suppression of Caspase-3	Reduces kidney tubulointerstitial fibrosis
Inhibition of TGF-β1 expression	Reduces peritoneal sclerosis

Bcl-2  B-cell lymphoma 2; IL interleukin; NALP3  NACHT-LRRPYD-containing protein 3; NO nitric oxide; ROS  reactive oxygen species; TGF-β1 transforming growth factor beta-1; TNFα tumor necrosis factor alpha; VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor