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Effects of cefpirome in comparison with cefuroxime against human polymorphonuclear leucocytes in vitro

F J Morán1, L F Puente, C Pérez-Giraldo

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Badajoz, Spain.

Insights

Cefpirome and cefuroxime, both cephalosporin antibiotics, were tested for their effects on human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs). Cefpirome significantly enhanced PMN mobility, chemotaxis, and candidacidal capacity, while cefuroxime showed minimal effects.

Area of Science:

  • Immunopharmacology
  • Microbiology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) are critical immune cells involved in pathogen clearance.
  • Cephalosporin antibiotics like cefpirome and cefuroxime are widely used to treat bacterial infections.
  • Understanding the interaction between antibiotics and immune cells is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro effects of cefpirome and cefuroxime on human PMN functions.
  • To evaluate the impact of therapeutic concentrations of these antibiotics on PMN adherence, mobility, chemotaxis, chemokinesis, phagocytosis, and candidacidal capacity.

Main Methods:

  • Human PMNs were isolated and exposed to varying concentrations (1, 10, 50 mg/L) of cefpirome and cefuroxime.
  • Standard in vitro assays were employed to measure PMN adherence to nylon fiber.
  • Neutrophil mobility, chemotaxis, chemokinesis, phagocytosis of Candida, and candidacidal activity were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Neither cefpirome nor cefuroxime significantly affected PMN adherence to nylon fiber.
  • Both antibiotics increased PMN mobility with increasing concentrations.
  • Cefpirome significantly enhanced spontaneous mobility, chemotaxis, and chemokinesis at 10 mg/L, with strongest effects (up to 70% increase) at 50 mg/L.
  • Cefpirome significantly boosted phagocytosis and candidacidal capacity at 50 mg/L (P < 0.01).
  • Cefuroxime only significantly increased spontaneous mobility at 10 mg/L and had no significant impact on phagocytosis or candidacidal power.

Conclusions:

  • Cefpirome demonstrates immunomodulatory effects, enhancing human PMN functions, particularly at higher therapeutic concentrations.
  • Cefuroxime exhibits limited impact on PMN functions under the tested conditions.
  • These findings suggest that cefpirome may have additional benefits beyond its antimicrobial activity by augmenting host immune responses.

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