The Protective Role of Folic Acid in Biochemical and Histopathological Changes Induced by Azithromycin in the Livers...

Background and Objectives: We evaluated the impact of the second-generation macrolide azithromycin on pregnant albino rats' livers and assessed the protective role of folic acid. Materials and Methods: For this study, forty pregnant rats were treated and then examined. Forty pregnant albino rats were divided into four equal groups (I-IV). In Group I, each pregnant rat was gavaged with 1 mL distilled water on day 16 of pregnancy, then 0.5 mL from day 16 of pregnancy to day 20. In Group II, each pregnant rat was gavaged with 0.45 mL distilled water containing 9 mcg folic acid from day 17 of pregnancy to day 20. In Group III, each pregnant rat was gavaged with 1 mL distilled water containing 9 mg azithromycin on the 16th day, then 0.5 mL distilled water containing 4.5 mg azithromycin from day 17 of pregnancy to day 20. In Group IV, each pregnant rat was gavaged with 1 mL of distilled water containing 9 mg azithromycin and 0.45 mL distilled water containing 9 mcg folic acid on the 16th day, then 0.5 mL of distilled water containing 4.5 mg azithromycin and 0.45 mL distilled water containing 9 mcg folic acid from day 17 of pregnancy to day 20. At the end of the experiments, blood samples and the livers of the studied groups were subjected to biochemical, histological, and morphometric analysis. Results: Azithromycin induced pathological changes in the livers, as evidenced by disturbed lobular architecture, cytoplasmic vacuoles, deeply stained hepatic nuclei, and elevated liver enzymes. The co-administration of folic acid ameliorated most pathological changes. Conclusions: Azithromycin caused pathological alterations in the livers of pregnant rats, and the co-supplementation of folic acid with azithromycin is encouraged, to minimize these changes.