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Inflammation Research
Published in: Inflammation Research 8/2009

01-08-2009 | Original Research Paper

Azithromycin increases survival and reduces lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis mice

Authors: Wan C. Tsai, Marc B. Hershenson, Ying Zhou, Umadevi Sajjan

Published in: Inflammation Research | Issue 8/2009

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Abstract

Objective and design

Azithromycin (AZM) has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF), particularly those with chronic infection with P. aeruginosa (PA). To investigate mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of AZM in CF, we examined bacterial load, cytokine levels, and clearance of inflammatory cells in CF mice infected with mucoid PA and treated with AZM.

Methods

Gut-corrected Cftr tm1Unc -TgN(FABPCFTR)#Jaw CF mice infected with an alginate-overproducing PA CF-isolate were treated with AZM or saline and examined for survival of animals, lung bacterial load, inflammation, cytokine levels, and apoptotic cells up to 5 days post-infection.

Results

Administration of AZM (20 mg/kg) 24 h after the infection improved 5-day survival to 95% compared with treatment with saline (56%). AZM administration was associated with significant reductions in bacterial load, decreased lung inflammation, and increased levels of IFN-γ. AZM increased macrophage clearance of apoptotic neutrophils from the lung.

Conclusion

Azithromycin enhances bacterial clearance and reduces lung inflammation by improving innate immune defense mechanisms in CF mice.
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Metadata
Title
Azithromycin increases survival and reduces lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis mice
Authors
Wan C. Tsai
Marc B. Hershenson
Ying Zhou
Umadevi Sajjan
Publication date
01-08-2009
Publisher
SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in
Inflammation Research / Issue 8/2009
Print ISSN: 1023-3830
Electronic ISSN: 1420-908X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-009-0015-9

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