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Macrocycle molecules for the management of systemic infections: the clarithromycin paradigm

Evangelos J Giamarellos-Bourboulis1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens, Medical School, Greece. giamarel@ath.forthnet.gr

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|June 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Macrolides, like clarithromycin, are crucial for treating severe infections by modulating host immune function. Recent research highlights their evolving role, particularly in managing sepsis syndrome and improving patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Macrolides are vital in treating severe infections, with retrospective studies showing reduced mortality in community-acquired pneumonia.
  • Evidence suggests macrolides modulate host immune function, influencing outcomes in conditions like pyelonephritis and sepsis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving understanding of macrolide function within the human immune system.
  • To emphasize the specific role of macrolides, particularly clarithromycin, in the treatment of sepsis syndrome.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing retrospective studies and clinical presentations.
  • Analysis of research on macrolide immunomodulatory effects in animal models and human patients.

Main Results:

  • Macrolides, including clarithromycin, have demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality for community-acquired pneumonia.
  • Studies indicate macrolides can prolong survival and modulate monocyte function in Gram-negative bacterial infections like sepsis.

Conclusions:

  • The immunomodulatory effects of macrolides offer a novel perspective for managing sepsis syndrome.
  • Clarithromycin, a 14-membered macrolide, shows promise as a therapeutic agent in sepsis treatment.

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