Amelioration of Moxifloxacin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats by Vitamin C and L-Carnitine

Abstract

Background: Moxifloxacin, a widely used fluoroquinolone antibiotic effective against a range of bacterial infections, has been associated with potential hepatotoxicity, a significant clinical concern that can limit its use. The underlying mechanism is strongly linked to oxidative stress. This study investigates the ameliorative effects of two well-known antioxidants, Vitamin C and L-Carnitine, against moxifloxacin-induced liver damage in adult male albino rats, aiming to identify potential and accessible strategies to mitigate these adverse effects. Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were systematically divided into four experimental groups (n=10): a control group receiving normal saline, a group receiving moxifloxacin (80 mg/kg), a group receiving moxifloxacin with Vitamin C (500 mg/kg), and a group receiving moxifloxacin with L-Carnitine (600 mg/kg). The treatments were administered daily for a period of 30 days. Finally, at the end of the study, the quantitative measurement of serum levels of major liver enzymes (Aspartate Aminotransferase - AST, Alanine Aminotransferase - ALT, Alkaline Phosphatase - ALP) and total serum bilirubin (TSB) was done. Liver tissues were also excised, processed, and subjected to close examination of the histopathological changes with attention being put to the degree of tissue cellular and architectural damage. Results: The moxifloxacin-treated group showed a statistically significant (p≤0.05) and marked increase in serum AST, ALT, ALP, and TSB levels compared to the healthy control group, indicating substantial hepatocellular injury. The biochemical observation was further confirmed by histopathological studies, which showed severe tissue damage of the liver, which involved massive cellular degeneration, hydrosis, focal necrosis and a noticeable inflammatory cellular infiltration in the portal and parenchymal regions. Concomitant administration of Vitamin C or L-Carnitine with moxifloxacin had a significant effect in reducing these high liver enzyme levels and considerably reducing the histopathological damage observed in the liver tissues leaving a far more normal hepatic architecture with considerably fewer inflammations and necroses. Conclusion: Moxifloxacin causes serious hepatotoxicity that is dose-dependent and likely caused by oxidative stress that damages cell integrity and cellular functions. The protective effect of strong antioxidants such as L-Carnitine and Vitamin C administered together is shown to have a considerable and clinically significant protective ability against this harm. These results also indicate a high possibility of their application as a useful adjuvant therapy to counteract the negative hepatic activity of moxifloxacin thus improving the safety of this valuable antibiotic in its clinical administration.