Effects of Roxithromycin on the Production of Lipase and Neutrophil Chemotactic Factor by Propionibacterium acnes

Background: The macrolide antibiotic roxithromycin is effective against acne associated with inflammation, but the mechanism by which this is achieved has not been clarified. Objective: We studied the effects of roxithromycin on the production of lipase and neutrophil chemotactic factor by Propionibacterium acnes in vitro. Results: Roxithromycin significantly inhibited the production of lipase and neutrophil chemotactic factor by P. acnes at a concentration one eighth of the MIC, at which the growth curve of P. acnes is not affected. Conclusion: One mechanism of the effectiveness of roxithromycin in acne therapy is thought to be the inhibition of bacterial lipase and neutrophil chemotactic factor production by P. acnes.