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Immunomodulating effect of antimicrobial agents on cytokine production by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils

Gigliola Reato1, Anna Maria Cuffini, Vivian Tullio

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|March 12, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Certain antibiotics can influence human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and their cytokine release during inflammation. This study investigated how five antibiotics affect PMN cytokine production against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial agents can modulate human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) activity.
  • The impact of antibiotics on cytokine release from PMNs in an inflammatory setting requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of specific antibiotics on cytokine release from human PMNs.
  • To compare the immunomodulatory effects of co-amoxiclav, sanfetrinem, clarithromycin, prulifloxacin, and tobramycin on PMNs stimulated by Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Main Methods:

  • Human PMNs were exposed to a clinical strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
  • The release of cytokines (IL-8, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10) was analyzed using RT-PCR in the presence of five different antibiotics.
  • Comparative analysis of antibiotic effects on PMN cytokine synthesis was performed.

Main Results:

  • All tested antibiotics modulated the in vitro synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6) by human PMNs.
  • None of the antibiotics tested affected the synthesis of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
  • The potency of each antibiotic in stimulating or inhibiting cytokine release varied depending on the specific cytokine.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotics significantly influence the inflammatory response mediated by PMNs through differential modulation of cytokine profiles.
  • The findings highlight the complex interplay between antibiotics, host immune cells, and bacterial pathogens.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing antimicrobial therapy and managing inflammatory conditions.

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