Effect of linezolid on hematological and oxidative parameters in rats

Effect of linezolid is associated with hematocytopenia. A possible relationship between oxidative stress and hematologic toxicity has also been discussed. This present study was performed to determine the effect of oral administration of linezolid on hematological and oxidative parameters in rats. Rats were divided into five groups of 20 each. Drugs were given for a 15-day period. Control rats were vehicle treated. In the second and third groups, linezolid (50 and 125 mg kg(-1)) was given to rats twice a day (100 and 250 mg kg(-1) per day) orally by gavage. The fourth group was given diet supplement that contained 250 mg kg(-1) Vitamin E. The fifth group was given 125 mg kg(-1) linezolid twice a day along with Vitamin E supplement. Blood cell counts (red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet) were measured every 5 days. Enzymatic antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation and free radical production were performed at the end of 15th day. The results showed that linezolid induces a decrease of WBC, RBC and platelet numbers in rat blood and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in rat serum in a dose-dependent manner. While the content of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide was significantly increased in rats serum compared with the control group, Vitamin E supplement could partially reverse the above changes without affecting the control group. The results suggest that linezolid has effect on decreasing hemocyte level in rats, and oxidative stress may be one of the major causative factors. Antioxidant may prove to be a useful therapeutic option in the reversal of hematologic effects induced by linezolid.