Abstract
Serious and acute renal failure could be induced in pediatric patients as a result of treatment with ceftriaxone sodium (CTX). CTX may be crystalized in the urine and adhere to surface of renal tubular cells, causing the generation of reactive oxygen species and finally resulting in kidney damage. Our study aims to protect renal tubular cells and prevent calcium oxalate precipitation by combining CTX with alpha lipoic acid (ALA) liposomes. A thin- film hydration method was used for formulation, and the prepared liposomes were imaged with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release were measured, as was the antimicrobial activity of raw CTX and the prepared formula, to assess the effect of ALA on CTX antimicrobial activity. An in vivo study was carried out on 3 groups of rabbits to measure kidney function parameters, such as creatinine, urea, sodium calcium, and potassium. The study was conducted over 10 days of treatment to assess the degree of kidney protection. Results showed that small spherical liposomes measuring 60.4 +/- 4.4 nm released CTX gradually, to about 100% after 8 hours. ALA has no effect on the antimicrobial activity of CTX. Data on kidney function showed an insignificant change in kidney function parameters, whereas raw CTX showed a partial difference after 5 days and a significant difference after 10 days. These findings demonstrate that ALA protects renal tubular cells from damage, which makes the combination a candidate for safe antimicrobial therapy.