The effects of Clindamycin on serum oxidative stress and liver histopathology

Abstract

Clindamycin is used to treat upper respiratory tract, dental, skin, and anaerobic infections. Long-term, high-dose clindamycin may also be used in conditions such as bone infections. However, there is limited information regarding the safety of long-term, high-dose clindamycin use. The study aims to clarify the effects of long-term clindamycin treatment at various doses on serum oxidative stress values and liver histopathology. The study included 40 female Wistar albino rats, divided equally into four groups. While no treatment was administered to the first group (Control group), the other three groups were administered. Clindamycin orally at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day, respectively (treatment 5 days/week, resting 2 days/week) for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, blood and liver tissue samples were taken from the rats for analysis. Serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader. The liver tissue was examined histopathologically. At a dose of 600 mg/kg, catalase levels were found lower compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). In liver histopathology, interface necrosis, confluent necrosis, hydropic degeneration, portal inflammation, and steatosis scores were higher in the 300 and 600 mg/kg groups compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, only the 600 mg/kg dose group had a higher bile duct proliferation score compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, since clindamycin was observed to affect oxidative stress parameters and cause hepatotoxicity at high doses, it can be suggested that clindamycin may be safe for the liver at recommended therapeutic doses and duration.