Effect of nadifloxacin on neutrophil functions.

Recent reports indicate that nadifloxacin is an effective therapy for acne vulgaris and has a mechanism of action similar to that of the tetracyclines which act directly as antioxidants against infiltrated neutrophils. The effects of nadifloxacin on neutrophil functions, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, chemotaxis and phagocytosis were investigated. Nadifloxacin reduced the numbers of superoxide radical anions (O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (OH.) generated by neutrophils. The drug did not, however, significantly inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis nor did it decrease the levels generated in a cell-free, xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. These results indicate that the clinical effectiveness of nadifloxacin may be partly due to its inhibitory action on the generation of O2- and OH. by neutrophils leading to a reduction in oxidative tissue injury.