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

The effect of roxithromycin (ROM), a new oral semisynthetic 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.