Doxycycline decreases monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in human lung epithelial cells.

Certain antibiotics possess anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially be used to treat inflammatory lung diseases associated with an influx of monocytes such as panbronchiolitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and bronchitis. Doxycycline is reported to possess anti-inflammatory effects. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a major inflammatory cytokine and a powerful chemoattractant for monocytes.

Doxycycline modulates nitric oxide production in murine lung epithelial cells.

Many effective therapeutic agents exhibit effects that are different from their intended primary mode of action. Antibiotics such as doxycycline and erythromycin A are no exception. They also display anti-inflammatory activity.