title: The impact of micafungin on the cellular integrity of mg63 osteoblastlike cells in vitro a preliminary study.
abstract: Fungal osteomyelitis is a rare and possibly life-threatening condition. Factors that increase the risk of bone infection include the use of indwelling catheters, immunosuppressive agents (cyclosporine) in organ transplantation, aggressive anticancer chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition, and broad spectrum antibiotics; immunocompromised hosts (human immunodeficiency virus) and individuals who have suffered burns, have diabetes mellitus or have undergone abdominal surgery. Treatment involves the use of intravenously administered antifungal agents, such as micafungin (MFG), initially, followed by long term oral suppressive therapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of MFG at low (0.128 microg/mL), medium (64 microg/mL) and high (125 microg/mL) concentrations on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells (MOCs) on cell growth and viability. Apoptosis, glutathione and malondialdehyde assays, hematoxylin and eosin stains, and the proliferation rate were used to characterize MOCs (1 x 104 cells/well) for growth and viability after exposure to low, medium and high concentrations of MFG at 24, 48 and 72 hours in tissue culture. Micafungin at 0.128 and 64 microg/mL had a stimulatory effect on bone cell proliferation as early as 24 hours and was maintained for the duration of the study. Micafungin at high concentration showed suppressive effects on cell number after 72 hours and markedly decreased glutathione levels at 24 hours. Cell membrane damage was less than that observed in controlled untreated cells. Cell morphology and apoptosis evaluation of cells treated with MFG at high concentration showed a greater potential towards cell damage. Micafungin, at low and medium concentrations, minimally affected the integrity of MOCs relative to the control at 24, 48 and 72 hours in tissue culture medium.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Clinical Health Sciences, School of Health Related Professions, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA. psealy@pharmacy.umsmed.edu.
authors.forename: P I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Sealy
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tucci
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Benghuzzi