PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - S. Hodge
AU  - G. Hodge
AU  - S. Brozyna
AU  - H. Jersmann
AU  - M. Holmes
AU  - P. N. Reynolds
TI  - Azithromycin increases phagocytosis of apoptotic bronchial epithelial cells by alveolar macrophages
AID  - 10.1183/09031936.06.00001506
DP  - 2006 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - 486--495
VI  - 28
IP  - 3
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/28/3/486.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/28/3/486.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2006 Sep 01; 28
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased apoptosis and defective phagocytosis in the airway. As uncleared cells can undergo secondary necrosis and perpetuate inflammation, strategies to improve clearance would have therapeutic significance. There is evidence that the 15-member macrolide antibiotic azithromycin has anti-inflammatory properties. Its effects may be increased in the lung due to its ability to reach high concentrations in alveolar macrophages (AMs). The present study investigated the effects of low-dose (500 ng·mL-1) azithromycin on the phagocytosis of apoptotic bronchial epithelial cells and neutrophils by AMs. Flow cytometry was applied to measure phagocytosis and receptors involved in AM recognition of apoptotic cells. Cytokines were investigated using cytometric bead array. Baseline phagocytosis was reduced in COPD subjects compared with controls. Azithromycin significantly improved the phagocytosis of epithelial cells or neutrophils by AMs from COPD subjects by 68 and 38%, respectively, often up to levels comparable with controls. The increase in phagocytosis was partially inhibited by phosphatidylserine, implicating the phosphatidylserine pathway in the pro-phagocytic effects of azithromycin. Azithromycin had no effect on other recognition molecules (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, CD44, CD31, CD36, CD91, αvβ3 integrin). At higher doses, azithromycin decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, low-dose azithromycin therapy could provide an adjunct therapeutic option in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.