The effect of roxithromycin on the generation of reactive oxygen species in vitro.

The effect of roxithromycin (ROM), a new oral semi-synthetic macrolide, on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), using human neutrophils and a cell-free, xanthine-xanthine oxidase system was examined. The species investigated were the superoxide radical anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the hydroxyl radical (OH.). ROM effectively inhibited the generation of O2-, H2O2 and OH. by human neutrophils. On the other hand, the drug did not markedly affect the ROS levels generated in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. The present study indicates that ROM may exert an anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting neutrophil oxygen radical generation at the sites of inflammation.