The in vitro effects of antibiotics on cell viability and gene expression of equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.
Authors: Parker R A, Clegg P D, Taylor S E
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Antibiotic Effects on Equine Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Parker and colleagues (2012) examined how five commonly used equine antibiotics affect the viability and gene expression of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in vitro—a critical consideration since MSC therapies are increasingly used for tendon and ligament injury whilst systemic or local antibiotics are often administered concurrently. Using cultured equine MSC exposed to gentamicin, amikacin, penicillin, enrofloxacin, and ceftiofur at clinically relevant concentrations (50–500 µg/ml), the researchers assessed cell viability over 48 hours and measured expression of genes related to matrix production (COL1A2, COL5A1), inflammation (TNFα, TGF-βR2), and apoptosis (CASP3, BCl2). Enrofloxacin demonstrated the most concerning profile, producing concentration-dependent cell death at ≥200 µg/ml and altered collagen gene expression; amikacin and gentamicin significantly suppressed RNA synthesis and anti-apoptotic gene expression at highest concentrations; whilst penicillin showed minimal adverse effects across all doses tested. These findings suggest that fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside antibiotics warrant careful consideration when MSC therapy is planned, particularly regarding local antibiotic delivery methods that might achieve high tissue concentrations, whereas beta-lactam antibiotics appear compatible with cell-based regenerative treatments.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Penicillin is safe to use alongside MSC implantation in clinical practice, with minimal detrimental effects on cell viability
- •Enrofloxacin should be used cautiously when administering MSC locally, as it reduces cell viability at therapeutic and higher concentrations
- •Consider local antibiotic toxicity versus efficacy when selecting antibiotics for local administration near MSC implantation sites; systemic or regional alternatives may be preferable for some agents
Key Findings
- •Enrofloxacin produced significant concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability at concentrations ≥200 µg/ml (P = 0.009)
- •Amikacin significantly reduced cell viability only at 500 µg/ml (P = 0.002)
- •Penicillin had no effect on MSC viability at any concentration tested (P = 0.18)
- •Gentamicin, amikacin, enrofloxacin and ceftiofur all significantly reduced RNA levels at 500 µg/ml (P<0.001 to P = 0.03)