EJMS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are considered as a common cause of drug-induced liver injury Rare cases of Azithromycin-induced hepatotoxicity have been reported. AIM: In the present study trial to evaluate the effect of antibiotic (Azithromycin)on liver of mice and their offspring as an attempt to clarify any complications that may affect the human health. Material and Methods: Sixty mice were assigned into four groups of fifteen animals for each group; Group 1 (Control) did not receive any drug. Group 2 treated with Azithromycin . Azithromycin was used orally in the treated mice at dose: 1, 25 mg/mice/day for 3 days. Group 3: offspring of control group. Group 4: offspring of treated group 2. Group 1&2 include adult male and pregnant mice during the first week of pregnancy. Light and Electron microscopy were used to evaluate histological changes in liver of adult and their offspring mice. Results: There was no histological alterations in groups (1&3). Histopathological changes were found in groups ( 2 & 4) compared with the controls .The liver of group 2 (G 2)showed dilated central and portal veins ,there was mononuclear inflammatory cells around the central vein and in the portal area. The hepatocytes in the pericentral zone showed vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic or karyolysis the nucleus of hepatocyte. Ultrastructural examination revealed the hepatocytes contain the distorted cytoplasmic organelles, including mitochondria with damaged cristae and proliferation of endoplasmic reticulum. The binucleated hepatocyte possessed condensed chromatin and dentate nuclear membrane .The sinusoidal lining revealed hypertrophy the Kupffer cell and endothelial cell. An increased amount of perisinusoidal fibrous stroma. A dilated bile canliculus at the junction of hepatocytes. The offspring liver of group (G 4)showed dilated congested blood sinusoids ,portal vein and central vein with distorted the endothelial lining .Some degenerated hepatocytes appeared with vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic nucleus. There was periportal cellular infiltration by mononuclear cells. Ultra structural examination of the liver of offspring treated group4 (G 4) revealed the hepatocytes contain the distorted cytoplasmic organelles, including mitochondria with destruction the outer membrane and cristolysis. The bile canaliculus was dilated and cytoplasmic organelles appeared degenerated with increased of glycogen granules and lysosomes. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of these possible hepatic effects as prescriptions of this drug.