Related Experiment Videos
Azithromycin modulates neutrophil function and circulating inflammatory mediators in healthy human subjects
Ognjen Culić1, Vesna Eraković, Ivana Cepelak
1PLIVA d.d., Research Division, Prilaz Baruna Filipovića 25 HR-10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|September 5, 2002
Summary
Azithromycin initially stimulates neutrophils, enhancing their antibacterial potential. Over time, it exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by down-regulating neutrophil activity and increasing apoptosis, even with detectable drug levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Azithromycin is a widely used antibiotic.
- Its effects on human neutrophil function and inflammatory mediators require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute and delayed effects of azithromycin on human neutrophils and circulating inflammatory mediators.
Main Methods:
- 12 volunteers received azithromycin (500 mg/day) for 3 days.
- Blood samples were collected at multiple time points: pre-treatment, 2.5h, 24h, and 28 days post-treatment.
- Assessed neutrophil degranulation, oxidative burst response, apoptosis, and serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators (chemokines, interleukin-6).
Main Results:
- Azithromycin caused rapid neutrophil degranulation and enhanced oxidative response, correlating with high drug concentrations.
- Delayed effects included down-regulation of the oxidative burst, increased neutrophil apoptosis, and decreased serum chemokine and interleukin-6 levels up to 28 days post-treatment.
- Detectable azithromycin concentrations remained in neutrophils 28 days after the last dose.
Conclusions:
- Azithromycin exhibits dual effects: acute neutrophil stimulation for potential antibacterial activity and delayed anti-inflammatory actions.
- These immunomodulatory effects may contribute to azithromycin's therapeutic efficacy and could help mitigate excessive inflammation.