Pathogen- and Host-Directed Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Macrolide Antibiotics

2012

Helen C. Steel,  Annette J. Theron,  Riana Cockeran,  Ronald Anderson,  and Charles Feldman 

Author information ► Article notes ► Copyright and License information ►

ABSTRACT

Macrolide antibiotics possess several, beneficial, secondary properties which complement their primary antimicrobial activity. In addition to high levels of tissue penetration, which may counteract seemingly macrolide-resistant bacterial pathogens, these agents also possess anti-inflammatory properties, unrelated to their primary antimicrobial activity. Macrolides target cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as structural cells, and are beneficial in controlling harmful inflammatory responses during acute and chronic bacterial infection. These secondary anti-inflammatory activities of macrolides appear to be particularly effective in attenuating neutrophil-mediated inflammation. This, in turn, may contribute to the usefulness of these agents in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders of both microbial and nonmicrobial origin, predominantly of the airways. This paper is focused on the various mechanisms of macrolide-mediated anti-inflammatory activity which target both microbial pathogens and the cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems, with emphasis on their clinical relevance.

Read the full text article with images:

NIH - Mediatotors of Inflammation

Mutational and transcriptomic changes involved in the development of macrolide resistance in Campylobacter jejuni.

Dec 2012

Hao H, Yuan Z, Shen Z, Han J, Sahin O, Liu P, Zhang Q.

Source

National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues(HZAU)/MOA Key Laboratory of Food Safety Evaluation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China.

Abstract

Macrolide antibiotics are important for clinical treatment of infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni. Development of resistance to this class of  antibiotics in Campylobacter is a complex process and the dynamic molecular changes involved in this process remain poorly defined. Multiple lineages of macrolide-resistant mutants were selected by stepwise exposure of C. jejuni to escalating doses of erythromycin or tylosin. Mutations in target genes were determined by DNA sequencing and the dynamic changes in the expression of antibiotic efflux transporters and the transcriptome of C. jejuni were examined by real-time RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and DNA microarray. Multiple types of mutations in ribosomal proteins L4 and L22 occurred in the early stepwise selection. On the contrary, the mutations in 23S rRNA gene, mediating highly resistant to macrolides, were only observed in the late-stage mutants. Upregulation of antibiotic efflux genes was observed in the intermediate-level resistant mutants, and the magnitude of upregulation declined as the occurrence of mutations in the 23S rRNA. DNA microarray analysis revealed differential expression of 265 genes, most of which occurred in the intermediate mutant, including upregulation of genes encoding ribosomal proteins and downregulation of genes involved in energy metabolism and motility. These results indicate 1) that mutations in L4 and L22 along with temporal overexpression of antibiotic efflux genes precede and may facilitate the development of high-level macrolide resistance and 2) that the development of macrolide resistance affects the pathways important for physiology and metabolism in C. jejuni, providing an explanation for the reduced fitness of macrolide-resistant Campylobacter.

PubMed

Macrolide antibiotics for cystic fibrosis.

Nov 2012

Southern KW, Barker PM, Solis-Moya A, Patel L.

Source

Institute of Child Health, University of Liverpool, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK, L12 2AP.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Macrolide antibiotics may have a modifying role in diseases which involve airway infection and inflammation, like cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES:

To test the hypotheses that, in people with cystic fibrosis, macrolide antibiotics: 1. improve clinical status compared to placebo or another antibiotic; 2. do not have unacceptable adverse effects. If benefit was demonstrated, we aimed to assess the optimal type, dose and duration of macrolide therapy.

SEARCH METHODS:

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearching relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.We contacted investigators known to work in the field, previous authors and pharmaceutical companies manufacturing macrolide antibiotics for unpublished or follow-up data (May 2010).Latest search of the Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register: 29 February 2012.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Randomised controlled trials of macrolide antibiotics compared to: placebo; another class of antibiotic; another macrolide antibiotic; or the same macrolide antibiotic at a different dose.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:

Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Seven groups were contacted and provided additional data which were incorporated into the review.

MAIN RESULTS:

Ten of 31 studies identified were included (959 patients). Five studies with a low risk of bias examined azithromycin versus placebo and demonstrated consistent improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second over six months (mean difference at six months 3.97% (95% confidence interval 1.74% to 6.19%; n = 549, from four studies)). Patients treated with azithromycin were approximately twice as likely to be free of pulmonary exacerbation at six months, odds ratio 1.96 (95% confidence interval 1.15 to 3.33). With respect to secondary outcomes, there was a significant reduction in need for oral antibiotics and greater weight gain in those taking azithromycin. Adverse events were uncommon and not obviously associated with azithromycin, although a once-weekly high dose regimen was associated with more frequent gastrointestinal adverse events. Treatment with azithromycin was associated with reduced identification of Staphylococcus aureus on respiratory culture, but also a significant increase in macrolide resistance.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:

This review provides evidence of improved respiratory function after six months of azithromycin. Data beyond six months were less clear, although reduction in pulmonary exacerbation was sustained. Treatment appeared safe over a six-month period; however, emergence of macrolide resistance was a concern. A multi-centre trial examining long-term effects of this antibiotic treatment is needed, especially for infants recognised through newborn screening.

PubMed