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Updated: May 11, 2026
05:59
Oxygen-Independent Assays to Measure Mitochondrial Function in Mammals
Published on: May 19, 2023
Mitochondrial OXPHOS function is unaffected by chronic azithromycin treatment.
Shelly Ben-Harush Negari1, Tzemach Aouizerat, Ariel Tenenbaum
1Monique and Jacques Roboh Department of Genetic Research Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; Department of Pediatrics Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem Israel; Division of Adolescent Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA.
Summary
Chronic azithromycin treatment in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) did not significantly impact mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). This antibiotic, commonly used for CF infections, appears safe for mitochondrial energy production in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric medicine
Background:
- Antibiotics targeting prokaryotic systems can affect mitochondria.
- Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) frequently receive chronic azithromycin.
- Mitochondrial function in CF patients on azithromycin is not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of chronic azithromycin on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in children with CF.
- To evaluate ATP production and respiratory chain complex activity in lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Lymphocytes were isolated from children with CF (on azithromycin and controls) and healthy children.
- Enzymatic activities of respiratory chain complexes II-IV were measured.
- ATP production was assessed using an improved assay with specific substrates.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in the enzymatic activities of respiratory chain complexes II-IV were observed between groups.
- ATP production levels were comparable across all groups, including CF patients on azithromycin.
- Mitochondrial function, specifically OXPHOS, remained unaffected by chronic azithromycin treatment.
Conclusions:
- Chronic azithromycin treatment in children with CF does not appear to impair mitochondrial OXPHOS function.
- The study provides evidence for the safety of long-term azithromycin use concerning mitochondrial health in CF patients.
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