Cytoprotection is a process by which chemical compounds provide protection to cells

Cell (biology)

The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that is classified as a living thing, and is often called the building block of life. The Alberts text discusses how the "cellular building blocks" move to shape developing embryos....

 against harmful agents.

For example, a gastric cytoprotectant is any medication that combats ulcers not by reducing gastric acid

Gastric acid

Gastric acid is a digestive fluid, formed in the stomach. It has a pH of 1 to 2 and is composed of hydrochloric acid , and large quantities of potassium chloride and sodium chloride...

 but by increasing mucosal protection. Examples of gastric cyctoprotective agents include prostaglandin

Prostaglandin

A prostaglandin is any member of a group of lipid compounds that are derived enzymatically from fatty acids and have important functions in the animal body. Every prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon ring....

s which protect the stomach mucosa against injury. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually abbreviated to NSAIDs or NAIDs, but also referred to as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents/analgesics or nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory medicines , are drugs with analgesic and antipyretic effects and which have, in higher doses, anti-inflammatory...

) inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins and thereby make the stomach more susceptible in injury. Gastric cytoprotective drugs include carbenoxolone

Carbenoxolone

Carbenoxolone, a synthetic derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid, is a licensed drug for oesophageal ulceration and inflammation. Other uses include treatment of oral and perioral lesions....

, deglycyrrhizinised liquorice, sucralfate

Sucralfate

Sucralfate is a cytoprotective agent, an oral gastrointestinal medication primarily indicated for the treatment of active duodenal ulcers. Brand names include Sucramal in Italy; Carafate in U.S.A.; Pepsigard, Sucral, Sucrafil, Hapifate in India; Sutra or Musin in parts of South-East Asia; Sulcrate...

 (aluminium hydroxide and sulphated sucrose

Sucrose

Sucrose is the organic compound commonly known as table sugar and sometimes called saccharose. A white, odorless, crystalline powder with a sweet taste, it is best known for its role in human nutrition. The molecule is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose with the molecular formula...

), misoprostol

Misoprostol

Misoprostol is a drug that is used for the prevention of non steroidal anti inflammatory drug induced gastric ulcers, for early abortion, to treat missed miscarriage, and to induce labor. The latter use is controversial in the United States. Misoprostol was invented and marketed by G.D...

 (a prostaglandin

Prostaglandin

A prostaglandin is any member of a group of lipid compounds that are derived enzymatically from fatty acids and have important functions in the animal body. Every prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon ring....

analogue) and bismuth chelate (tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate).