Effect of grepafloxacin on cytokine production in vitro

The effect of a new quinolone antibacterial agent, grepafloxacin, on the production of cytokines was investigated using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood cells. Grepafloxacin 1-30 mg/L inhibited the production of interleukin 1α (IL-1α) and IL-1β, and the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor a (TNFa), IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of grepafloxacin is exerted, in part, at the gene transcription level.