[Studies on effects of new quinolones on superoxide production--with special reference to NADPH oxidase]

The effects of nalidixic acid (NA) and various new quinolones, such as norfloxacin (NFLX), ofloxacin (OFLX), tosufloxacin (TFLX), lomefloxacin (LFLX) and temafloxacin (TMFX), on the superoxide production of human neutrophil NADPH oxidase were investigated. In their therapeutic concentrations, NA, NFLX and OFLX had no significant effects on superoxide generation of NADPH oxidase. However, TFLX, LFLX and TMFX increased superoxide production by about 130 percent. Fifty microM NA increased superoxide production by 130 percent. Recently, it has been reported that NA and the new quinolones have toxic side effects on the central nervous system. In this report, relationships between toxic side effects of the new quinolones and superoxide production were discussed.