[Visceral morphofunctional changes in guinea-pigs during long-term administration of antituberculous agents]

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Histopathology

Context:

• Antituberculous drugs (ATDs) are essential for tuberculosis treatment but can cause organ damage.
• The impact of combined ATD therapy on visceral organs requires further investigation.
• Guinea pigs are a relevant animal model for studying ATD toxicity.

Purpose:

• To investigate the morphological and histochemical effects of combined antituberculous drugs on guinea pig organs.
• To evaluate dose-dependent toxicity and identify specific organ damage patterns.
• To assess changes in enzyme activity in response to ATD exposure.

Summary:

• Long-term administration of 2 or 5 ATDs to guinea pigs induced widespread organ, tissue, and cellular damage.
• The liver showed microvesicular steatosis, while kidneys exhibited hyaline droplet degeneration.
• Enzyme activities, including dehydrogenases and acid phosphatase, were significantly reduced in affected organs and macrophages.
• More severe pathological changes were observed with the use of 5 ATDs compared to 2.

Impact:

• This study highlights the potential nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity of combined ATD regimens.
• Findings emphasize the importance of monitoring organ function during tuberculosis treatment.
• The results provide a basis for developing safer ATD combinations or supportive therapies.