Cytogenetic alterations in human lymphocyte cultures following exposure to ofloxacin

Vedat Şekeroğlu1, Muhammet Aksoy1, Zülal Atlı Şekeroğlu1

  • 1a Department of Biology , Faculty of Science and Letters, Ordu University , Ordu , Turkey.

Insights

Ofloxacin (OFX), an antibiotic, shows cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in human lymphocytes. Higher OFX concentrations significantly reduced cell division and increased chromosomal damage in vitro.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ofloxacin (OFX) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic widely used for bacterial infections.
  • Understanding the potential risks associated with antibiotic use is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Ofloxacin (OFX) on human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro.
  • To evaluate the impact of OFX on cell division and chromosomal integrity.

Main Methods:

  • Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured and treated with varying concentrations of Ofloxacin (30, 60, 120 μg/ml).
  • Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were assessed using sister chromatid exchange (SCE), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and micronucleus (MN) tests.
  • Mitotic index (MI) and nuclear division index (NDI) were measured to evaluate cell proliferation.

Main Results:

  • Ofloxacin significantly decreased the mitotic index (MI) and nuclear division index (NDI), indicating cytostatic effects, particularly at higher concentrations (60 and 120 μg/ml).
  • Ofloxacin induced significant chromosomal aberrations (CAs) at all tested concentrations.
  • Sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were significantly increased at higher concentrations (60 and 120 μg/ml) of Ofloxacin.

Conclusions:

  • Ofloxacin exhibits significant cytotoxic, cytostatic, and genotoxic potential in human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures.
  • These effects are concentration-dependent, with higher doses posing a greater risk.
  • The findings highlight the importance of considering the genotoxic risks of Ofloxacin, especially at elevated concentrations.