Ciprofloxacin dramatically affects the mitochondrial genome

Despite antibiotics saving many lives, they can also have damaging effects on the body’s metabolism. Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland found that ciprofloxacin stopped the ordinary maintenance and transcription of the mitochondrial DNA.

Ciprofloxacin is part of a group of broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics called fluoroquinolones which are usually prescribed for urinary, respiratory or ear infections. Generally, most patients respond well to the drugs, however some develop severe health problems such as tendon rupture, depression or permanent nerve damage. 

The team of researchers investigated the effect of ciproflaxacin on mitochondria.

Mitochondria are organelles based in the cytoplasm of a cell and produce most of the adenosine  triphosphate (ATP) – the source of energy for the cell. The organelles possess their own small circular genome, and require the use of topoisomerase enzymes to maintain it.

Topoisomerase enzymes participates in problems caused by the winding of DNA, including its overwinding and underwinding. The enzymes also regulate the topology of DNA and untangle knots and overwound stretches of a genome. This is done by cutting and reconnecting the DNA sequence.

Full article: https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/news/79715/ciprofloxacin-mt-genome/

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