polyethylene glycol 600

Polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG 600) is a polyether compound with a mean molecular weight of 600 Daltons, commonly used in clinical research as a molecular probe to assess intestinal mucosal barrier function. As a metabolically inert substance that is not normally absorbed by a healthy colonic mucosa, its presence in urine following rectal or oral administration serves as a marker for increased intestinal permeability. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis, the absorption of PEG 600 is significantly elevated during active inflammation, providing a quantitative measure that correlates with endoscopic and histological disease activity. While not a therapeutic agent, PEG 600 is a valuable diagnostic tool for investigating the pathogenesis and systemic manifestations of intestinal barrier defects.

Other names

PEG 600PEG600PEG-600macrogol 600macrogol600macrogol-600