Ofloxacin-associated retinopathy in rabbits: role of oxidative stress

Abstract

<jats:p> Ofloxacin, a quinolone, is an extensively used, well-tolerated antibacterial agent but has been reported to induce photosensitivity at low incidences. In the present investigation, the possible role of oxidative stress in ofloxacin-induced retinopathy in rabbits was evaluated. It was observed that ofloxacin at a dose rate of 10 and 20 mg/rabbit, twice daily for 21 consecutive days, resulted in significant elevation in the extent of lipid peroxidation and depletion of the blood glutathione levels. Marked alterations were also observed in various parameters of the glutathione-redox cycle. There was significant increase in the enzymic activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase enzymes. Histopathological studies revealed retinal damage especially in the pigmented cell layer. Degenerative changes in liver and kidneys were also observed. Liver showed focal areas of necrosis, dilation of sinusoids, and cellular infiltration, whereas in kidneys, there was glomerular and tubular degeneration, suggesting impaired renal functioning. </jats:p>

Cytotoxic effect of lomefloxacin in culture of human epidermal melanocytes

“…Like other fluoroquinolones, lomefloxacin acts by inhibiting DNA topoisomerases, of which DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV are particularly important [28,40]. Serious adverse phototoxic reactions on melanin containing tissues (e.g., allergy, toxic dermatitis, retinal degeneration) have been described for the use of lomefloxacin [27,28,36]. This fluoroquinolone belongs to the class of antibiotics known to exhibit severe phototoxicity [37].…”

Evaluation of photodegradation, phototoxicity and photogenotoxicity of ofloxacin in ointments with sunscreens and in solutions

“…Among the ocular side effects of this group of antibiotics are: local irritation and burning, hyperemia, eyelid oedema, lid margin crusting, superficial punctate keratitis, corneal precipitation and perforation, blurred vision and lacrimation [2]. Oral administration in animals may result in varied degenerative changes in eye balls, predominantly in retina, due to the increase in lipid peroxidation and generation of free radicals [12]. There are also examples of eye chromosomal DNA fragmentation in Balb/c mice as a result of FQ administration combined with light exposure and reports about the risk of decent in the eye lenses transparency due to the photopolymerization of a-crystallin and damage to the lens epithelial cells [13,14].…”

Effect of enrofloxacin and chlorpyrifos on the levels of vitamins A and E in Wistar rats

“…Studies carried out in the recent years indicated that fluoroquinolones produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Ibrahim and Yarsan, 2011;Rawi et al, 2011). Side effects of these drugs such as phototoxicity and cartilage damage may be related to producing ROS (Pouzaud et al, 2006;Rampal et al, 2008).…”