The Non-Antibacterial Effects of Azithromycin and Other Macrolides on the Bronchial Epithelial Barrier and Cellular Differentiation.

ABSTRACT: The respiratory epithelium maintains the barrier against inhaled harmful agents. When barrier failure occurs, as in several respiratory diseases, acute or chronic inflammation leading to destructive effects and exacerbations can occur. Macrolides are used to treat a spectrum of infections but are also known for off-label use. Some macrolides, particularly azithromycin (AZM), reduce exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereby its efficacy is thought to be due to its effects on inflammation and oxidative stress. In vitro data indicate that AZM reduces epithelial barrier failure, evidenced by increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Here, we compared the effects of macrolides on differentiation and barrier integrity in VA10 cells, a bronchial epitheli

SUBMITTER: Asbjarnarson A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11900332 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature