Alterations in some organ function indices in rats administered metal complexes of ofl oxacin and norfl oxacin

Abstract

Joseph O. Adebayo, Elizabeth A. Balogun, O. Ajadi,Caroline A. Akinremi, Joshua A. Obaleye

Background: Some metal complexes of norfloxacin and ofloxacin have been synthesized and found to be more potent than their free ligands, but have not been evaluated for their toxicities. Objective: Effects of ofloxacin, norfloxacin and their metal complexes (nickel, copper, and iron complexes) on kidney and liver function indices in rats were investigated. Materials and Methods: Ofloxacin and its metal complexes (2.86 mg/kg body weight twice daily) and norfloxacin and its nickel complex (5.71 mg/kg body weight twice daily) were orally administered to rats whereas the control animals received sterile distilled water for 7 days. Afterward, concentrations of selected serum electrolytes and biomolecules were determined. Results: Ofloxacin significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum calcium ion, urea and total protein concentrations while it significantly increased (P < 0.05) the atherogenic index compared to controls. Cuprate (II) hydrate complex of ofloxacin significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum glucose concentration while it significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum inorganic phosphate concentration compared to controls. Iron (III) complex of ofloxacin had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on all the parameters studied compared with controls. Norfloxacin significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum glucose concentration while it significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum potassium ion concentration compared to controls. Nickel (II) complex of norfloxacin significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum creatinine and inorganic phosphate concentrations compared to controls. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that Iron (III) complex of ofloxacin may be a less toxic therapeutic option compared with ofloxacin.