Lipoxin A4 and interleukin-8 levels in cystic fibrosis sputum after antibiotherapy

Antibiotics are largely prescribed for cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory exacerbations. Effects of antibiotics on the inflammatory profile of the patients have been shown but remain controversial. Lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) is a lipid mediator, reported to play a central role in resolving airway inflammation. The aim of the study was to investigate the consequences of antibiotherapy on LXA(4) and IL-8 levels in CF patients' airways. Methods: Eighteen CF patients (7 females, median age 20, range 8 to 47 years) consecutively admitted at the CF center of Montpellier for antibiotics during pulmonary exacerbation, were enrolled. Before and after antibiotics, all patients underwent spirometry (FEV1 and FVC), bacterial cultures and cell counts in sputa. IL-8 and LXA(4) concentrations were determined in sputum samples by the median of immunometric assays. Results: As previously reported, after antibiotics therapy, FEV1 and FVC significantly improved. While neutrophil cell counts and IL-8 levels decreased, the LXA(4) levels significantly increased after antibiotics therapy and were inversely correlated with IL-8 levels. In conclusion, we reported a correlation between antibiotics treatments and inflammatory markers in CF sputum. Our data provide evidences for a novel effect of antibiotics increasing the concentration of the anti-inflammatory lipid mediator LXA(4). (C) 2008 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.