Antioxidants suppress nitrofurazone-induced proliferation of hepatocytes

On administration to rats at a subtoxic dose, the antibiotic nitrofurazone (NF) has been shown to increase hepatocyte DNA synthesis and liver weight in a dose-dependent manner, with no histological or biochemical evidence of cell damage or necrosis. Free radicals are implicated in NF metabolism, as well as in the DNA synthesis or cell proliferation induced by a number of other chemicals. In the present study, NF was given alone or concomitantly with the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine or cyanidanol. Antioxidants prevent the effects of free radicals. Co-administration decreased hepatocyte proliferation to the same level as the control. This suppression of NF-induced hepatocyte proliferation by antioxidants therefore strongly suggests that free radical production is involved in this process.