Embryonic Amoxicillin Exposure Has Limited Impact on Liver Development but Increases Susceptibility to NAFLD in
Peng Gao1, Cheng Chang1, Jieling Liang1
1TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
Abstract:
Amoxicillin is commonly used in clinical settings to target bacterial infection and is frequently prescribed during pregnancy. Investigations into its developmental toxicity and effects on disease susceptibility are not comprehensive. Our present study examined the effects of embryonic amoxicillin exposure on liver development and function, especially the effects on susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using zebrafish as an animal model. We discovered that embryonic amoxicillin exposure did not compromise liver development, nor did it induce liver toxicity. However, co-treatment of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid diminished BESP expression, caused bile stasis and induced liver toxicity. Embryonic amoxicillin exposure resulted in elevated expression of lipid synthesis genes and exacerbated hepatic steatosis in a fructose-induced NAFLD model, indicating embryonic amoxicillin exposure increased susceptibility to NAFLD in zebrafish larvae. In summary, this research broadens our understanding of the risks of amoxicillin usage during pregnancy and provides evidence for the impact of embryonic amoxicillin exposure on disease susceptibility in offspring.
Insights
Embryonic amoxicillin exposure did not harm liver development but increased offspring
Area of Science:
- Developmental toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Amoxicillin is frequently prescribed during pregnancy.
- Comprehensive data on its developmental toxicity and effects on disease susceptibility are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of embryonic amoxicillin exposure on liver development and function.
- To assess the impact on susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a zebrafish model.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to amoxicillin.
- Liver development, toxicity, and gene expression were analyzed.
- Susceptibility to fructose-induced NAFLD was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Embryonic amoxicillin exposure did not impair liver development or cause toxicity.
- Co-treatment with clavulanic acid induced liver toxicity and bile stasis.
- Amoxicillin exposure increased lipid synthesis gene expression and exacerbated NAFLD.
- Embryonic exposure heightened susceptibility to NAFLD in offspring.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic amoxicillin exposure may increase susceptibility to NAFLD.
- This research highlights potential risks of amoxicillin use during pregnancy.
- Further investigation into offspring disease susceptibility is warranted.
