Amikacin induces rapid dose-dependent apoptotic cell death in equine chondrocytes and synovial cells in vitro.
Authors: Pezzanite Lynn, Chow Lyndah, Soontararak Sirikul, Phillips Jennifer, Goodrich Laurie, Dow Steven
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Amikacin Toxicity in Equine Joint Cells Intra-articular aminoglycoside injections are routine in equine practice, deployed both for septic arthritis management and as adjunctive therapy during osteoarthritis treatment, yet their safety profile against the joint's resident cell populations remained uncharacterised. Pezzanite and colleagues conducted an in vitro study exposing equine chondrocytes and synovial cells to amikacin across a range of concentrations to establish dose-dependent toxicity thresholds and mechanisms of cell death. The results demonstrated rapid, concentration-dependent apoptosis in both cell types, with significant cell death occurring at clinically relevant doses—findings that directly contradict the implicit safety assumptions underlying current intra-articular dosing practices. Given that chondrocytes and synovial cells are essential to joint homeostasis and repair, these findings warrant urgent reassessment of aminoglycoside protocols in equine orthopaedics, particularly regarding dosing, duration of exposure, and suitability for use in non-septic joint conditions where alternative antimicrobials or anti-inflammatory agents might offer efficacy without sacrificing resident joint cell viability.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Intra-articular aminoglycoside use requires careful dose consideration as toxicity to joint resident cells has been demonstrated and safe dosing protocols are not yet established
- •When treating septic arthritis or co-injecting with osteoarthritis medications, veterinarians should weigh the antimicrobial benefits against demonstrated chondrocyte and synovial cell toxicity
- •Further in vivo studies are needed to establish safe intra-articular aminoglycoside dosing protocols for equine joint injections
Key Findings
- •Amikacin induces rapid dose-dependent apoptotic cell death in equine chondrocytes and synovial cells in vitro
- •Safe and effective intra-articular doses of aminoglycosides have not been previously defined in equine medicine
- •Aminoglycosides demonstrate toxicity to equine mesenchymal stem cells and resident joint cells