title: [Oral antibiotics with antiinflammatory/ immunomodulatory effects in the treatment of various dermatoses].
abstract: A range of antibiotics has been shown to modify host functions apart from the antimicrobial potency. They may directly influence phagocyte and lymphocyte function, as well as chemotaxis. Effects on the generation and release of various cytokines involved in the inflammatory process have been studied both in vivo and in vitro. However, the molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated in detail. It is suggested that antibiotics can exert immunopharmacological effects on the basis of structure-activity relationships independent of their antibacterial activity. We present a collection of clinical studies and case reports dealing with the potential benefits of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of selected dermatoses which have primarily been classified as non-infectious. Generally accepted treatments such as dapsone in dermatitis herpetiformis and leukocytoclastic vasculitis or chloroquine in lupus erythematosus have not been considered. Based on existing clinical trials with a higher number of cases the following antibiotics have been shown to be effective: erythromycin in bullous pemphigoid and pityriasis rosea as well as tetracyclines in pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid and pustulosis palmaris et plantaris. However, most reports have to be viewed critically due to the uncontrolled study design, particularly in dermatoses with a tendency to spontaneous resolution. Despite this lack of evidence-based data, it is important for the clinician to know about the potential use of antibiotics for various skin disorders as a primary treatment option or steroid-sparing therapeutic adjunct. In clinical practice the use of antibiotics depends on various factors including the severity of the disease, the patient's age, contraindications to conventional therapeutic regiments and economic considerations.
authors.affiliation: Hautklinik, Klinikum Dortmund gGmbH und Universität Witten/Herdecke, Germany. stkd.hautklinik@dokom.net
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brinkmeier
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Frosch
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D013256:Steroids; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D013256:Steroids