Journal of International Medical Research 1996-01-01

Effect of pyridone carboxylic acid anti-microbials on the generation of reactive oxygen species in vitro.

H Akamatsu, Y Niwa, H Sasaki, Y Matoba, Y Asada, T Horio

Index: J. Int. Med. Res. 24(4) , 345-51, (1996)

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Abstract

The effects of ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and balofloxacin on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels generated by human neutrophils was examined in vitro; ROS generated in a cell-free, xanthine-xanthine oxidase system was also assessed. The species investigated were superoxide radical anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radical (OH*). Both ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin markedly decreased the levels of O2-, H2O2 and OH* generated by human neutrophils. On the other hand, these drugs did not affect any of the ROS examined in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. Balofloxacin showed no significant effect on ROS generated by either system. The present study indicates that ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin may exert an anti-inflammatory action by reducing the potent ROS species excessively generated by neutrophils at the sites of inflammation.