Immunomodulation by quinones. A model for the use of quinones in the treatment of inflammation.

The therapeutic application of quinones in areas other than oncology, such as in chronic inflammation, has been proposed. However, because of the adverse side-effects on the function and vitality of almost all investigated cell types the therapeutical margin is small. The thiol-conjugating capacity of quinones may, however, be applied to reduce the tissue-damaging effects of stimulated neutrophils. In this paper evidence is provided that particular phenols may be used as precursor molecules of quinones. Secretory products from stimulated neutrophils can convert such phenols into quinones. As under normal conditions stimulated neutrophils are present only in inflamed tissues, quinones will be formed only at these sites.