Abstract

Aim: Ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) is an antibiotic in the quinolone group. It can exert cardiotoxic effects on the cardiovascular system through potential arrhythmic and oxidative stress. Naringenin (NRG) is a flavonoid compound found in various plant sources. It may protect the heart by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, protective effects of NRG against CIPRO-induced cardiotoxicity was explored.
Material and Methods: Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups by simple randomization: Control, CIPRO (50 mg/kg CIPRO intraperitoneally (i.p.) twice a day for 7 days), NRG (25 mg/kg NRG oral gavage (p.o.), 28 days), and NRG+CIPRO (25 mg/kg NRG p.o. for 28 days, 50 mg/kg CIPRO i.p. twice a day from the 22nd day). Data on heart rate, blood pressure (BP), and electrocardiography (ECG) were recorded. The samples (heart and descending aorta) were prepared for histopathology and biochemical analysis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (tGSH) levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were evaluated in the heart tissue.
Results: The CIPRO group showed histopathological abnormalities such as infiltration and interstitial oedema. In the NRG+CIPRO group, infiltration was significantly reduced. In the NRG group, SOD activity greatly increased, while in the NRG+CIPRO group, tGSH level significantly increased. The control, CIPRO, and NRG+CIPRO groups showed significantly higher systolic and mean BP measurements than the NRG group. In comparison to the CIPRO and control groups, the QT interval was longer in the NRG group.
Conclusion: NRG can reduce CIPRO-induced cardiac damage in rats by increasing antioxidant enzymes and decreasing oxidative stress. With our histopathological evaluation, we have shown that CIPRO-induced cardiotoxicity may be ameliorated by pretreatment with NRG. NRG may also be effective in BP regulation. It should be kept in mind it is important to use NRG with caution and at appropriate doses, as it may prolong the QT interval.

Key words: Cardiotoxicity, ciprofloxacin, naringenin, oxidative stress, rat