Medical & Clinical Reviews

Role of Antioxidants in the Prevention of Hepatotoxicity Induced by Anti Tubercular Drugs

Tuberculosis (TB), an emerging infection in human beings and is now the leading cause of deaths worldwide. Anti-tubercular drugs are available for treating Tuberculosis (TB). Hepatotoxicity is the major side effect associated with antitubercular drugs. Anti-tubercular drugs cause hepatotoxicity or Drug Induced Liver Injury (DILI) mainly due to excess free radical formation. The risk of hepatotoxicity due to anti-tubercular drugs can be prevented by neutralizing the free radicals with antioxidants. Mycobacterium also causes immunosuppression due to oxidative stress (free radical accumulation), antioxidants can reduce the oxidative stress induced immunosuppression. Estimation of malondialdehyde, Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Spin trapping technique are useful to specify radicals or the location at which the radicals are produced and to find the radical concentration. So use of antioxidants along with anti-tubercular drugs can prevent Drug Induced Liver Injury (DILI) or hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by Mycobacterium and helps in successful completion of anti-tubercular therapy.

Author(s):

Sunil Paul G

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