The present invention teaches the use of a metal or an oxide of a metal having a capability of reducing the amount of the chemokine IP-IO in a sample and/or reducing the production of IP-IO in cells. The metal is a metal of group 4 or 5 in the periodic table of the elements and preferably titanium. These metals and metal oxides can selectively bind IP-IO to its surface to thereby scavenge IP-IO from the surrounding medium. In addition, a metal-cell contact induces a reduction in the production of IP-IO from IP-IO producing cells. The metals and metal oxides of the present invention can therefore be used for treating and/or preventing medical conditions characterized by adverse IP-IO expression, such as inflammatory reactions.
