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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.
Abstract:
Ofloxacin (OFX), a second-generation of quinolones, is a broad-spectrum flouroquinolone antibiotic used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. In this article, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potentials of OFX in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of OFX on human peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined in vitro by sister chromatid exchange (SCE), chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and micronucleus (MN) tests. Cultures were treated with 30, 60 and 120 μg/ml of OFX for 48 h. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a solvent control. OFX decreased the mitotic index (MI) and nuclear division index (NDI) significantly, especially at higher concentrations (60 and 120 μg/ml) compared with solvent control. OFX significantly induced CAs at all concentrations and SCEs at higher concentrations (60 and 120 μg/ml) compared with solvent control. In conclusion, our results indicated that OFX has cytotoxic, cytostatic and genotoxic potential especially at higher concentrations on human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures under the experimental conditions.
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.

