Cytotoxicity of gemifloxacin antibiotic in human peripheral lymphocytes

In this study, possible genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of gemifloxacin antibiotic were investigated by using human peripheral lymphocytes. The frequencies of aberrant cells (AC), chromosomal aberrations (CA/cell), micronucleus (MN), and binuclear cells with micronucleus (BNMN) were determined for genotoxic effect and the levels of mitotic index (MI), and nuclear division index (NDI) were also analysed for cytotoxic effects of the antibiotic in tested concentrations (80, 160, 320, 640 µg/ml). Obtained results were compared with control groups by SPSS (17.0) package programme. In the cells treated with different concentrations of gemifloxacin for 24 and 48 hours, the levels of AC, CA/cell, MN, and BNMN were not statistically different from that of control group (P>0.05). The level of MI was significantly reduced in the cells treated with 160, 320, and 640 µg/ml of gemifloxacin for 48 h as to control. NDI level was also markedly reduced in the cells treated with 320, and 640 µg/ml gemifloxacin for 48 hours, according to control group. As a result, obtained data indicated that gemifloxacin in the tested concentrations have a weak cytotoxic effect in human peripheral lymphocytes rather than genotoxic effect.