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Modulation of rifampicin toxicity by 6 MFA, an interferon inducer obtained from fungus Aspergillus ochraceus

J N Dhuley1, S R Naik

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Research Centre, Hindustan Antibiotics Limited, Pimpri, Pune-411 018, India.

Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
|July 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The Sixth Mycelial Fraction of Acetone (6 MFA) protected rats from rifampicin toxicity, preventing adverse effects like anemia and thrombocytopenia. This interferon inducer may offer a protective strategy against drug-induced side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Rifampicin, an antibiotic, can cause significant toxicity.
  • The Sixth Mycelial Fraction of Acetone (6 MFA) is an interferon inducer derived from Aspergillus ochraceus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of 6 MFA against rifampicin-induced toxicity in rats.
  • To explore the potential mechanisms underlying 6 MFA's beneficial effects.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were administered rifampicin orally for 30 days.
  • Simultaneous administration of 6 MFA (intraperitoneal) was given on alternate days.
  • Hematological parameters, bone marrow, spleen, thymus weights, liver/bone marrow biochemical markers, and hepatic histology were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Rifampicin caused thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, altered bone marrow, and reduced organ weights.
  • Rifampicin increased liver/bone marrow cytochrome P-450, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.
  • 6 MFA treatment ameliorated most rifampicin-induced toxicities, restored hepatic architecture, normalized LPO and cytochrome P-450, and enhanced antibody production.

Conclusions:

  • 6 MFA demonstrates significant protective effects against rifampicin-induced toxicity in rats.
  • The beneficial effects of 6 MFA may be mediated through interferon induction and related immune responses.
  • 6 MFA shows potential as an adjunct therapy to mitigate antibiotic-associated adverse events.

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