Pathogenesis of quinolone-induced arthropathy: a review of hypotheses

The arthropathogenic effects of quinolones have been described in juvenile animals of multiple species such as dogs, rats, non-human primates, rabbits and guinea pigs. Several studies have been performed to clarify the exact mechanism leading to cartilage damage. In these studies, the investigators focused on the inhibitory effects of quinolones on DNA, collagen and proteoglycan synthesis and on the formation of oxygen-derived reactive molecules. Recently, it was suggested that quinolone-induced arthropathy is possibly associated with the magnesium-chelating properties of quinolones. However, the exact mechanism of quinolone-induced arthropathy is still unkown. This article reviews and summarizes several possible mechanisms for quinolone-induced arthropathy.