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Side effects of antibiotics during bacterial infection: mitochondria, the main target in host cell

Rochika Singh1, Lakshmi Sripada1, Rajesh Singh1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, India.

Mitochondrion
|November 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic side effects may stem from their interaction with mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Mutations in mitochondrial rRNA can cause these drugs to target human cells, impairing mitochondrial function and leading to adverse reactions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Antibiotics are crucial for treating bacterial infections but can cause human side effects.
  • Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a primary target for antibiotics inhibiting protein synthesis.
  • Mitochondria, originating from bacteria, share similarities in their protein expression systems with prokaryotes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of antibiotics on mitochondrial functions.
  • To explore the link between antibiotic-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and observed side effects.
  • To investigate the role of mitochondrial rRNA mutations in antibiotic toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on antibiotic effects on mitochondria.
  • Analysis of research on mitochondrial rRNA mutations and antibiotic binding.
  • Synthesis of data on physiological and pathological conditions related to antibiotic side effects.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondrial rRNA exhibits a higher mutation rate than nuclear rRNA.
  • Mutated mitochondrial rRNA may mimic bacterial rRNA, attracting antibiotic binding.
  • Antibiotic interactions with mitochondrial rRNA can compromise mitochondrial functions.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is a potential cause of side effects.
  • Mitochondrial rRNA mutations may predispose individuals to antibiotic toxicity.
  • Understanding these interactions is vital for mitigating antibiotic-related adverse events.
Keywords:
AntibioticsMitochondriaSide effectsTranslational arrest

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