Differential modulation of cytokine production by macrolides: interleukin-6 production is increased by spiramycin and erythromycin

Antibiotics do not act alone but act in conjunction with the host defense system. In particular, it has been shown that some antibiotics can modify cytokine production. We compared the in vitro effects of three macrolides (roxithromycin, spiramycin, and erythromycin) actively concentrated by leukocytes on interleukin-1 alpha, (IL-1 alpha), IL-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha production by human monocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Our results show that the three macrolides tested have different effects on production of these cytokines. Spiramycin and, to a lesser extent, erythromycin increased total IL-6 production without affecting IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, or tumor necrosis factor alpha production, whereas roxithromycin had no effect. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an antibiotic has been shown to increase IL-6 production.