Topically-administered Betamethasone and Neomycin can cause Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity In Rats: are these effects reversible?

Abstract

Introduction: Different cream formulations of neomycin and betamethasone are presently very popular and are purchased over-the-counter to treat various skin diseases in Nigeria. Their use has been postulated to have a possible link to the now common incidences of kidney and liver failure in the country.

Method: Each of 36 juvenile Sprague-Dawley rats, of four groups (n = 9), had a 2 cm diameter circumference shaved at their back and treated by gently rubbing the various preparations, once daily, for 30 days as follows: Group 1: normal rats, no treatment; Group 2: 0.5 g of Neomycin + 0.5 g of petroleum jelly; Group 3: 0.5 g of Betamethasone + 0.5 g of petroleum jelly; Group 4 (control): 0.5 g of petroleum jelly. On day 31, blood was collected retro-orbitally from five animals in each group for assessment of the liver and kidney removed for biochemical assays and oxidative stress indicators. The remaining four rats in each group were left untreated for a further 15 days for reversibility tests.

Results: Results showed significant (P<0.05) increases in aspartate aminotransaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, low-density lipoprotein, total protein, triglycerides, creatinine and urea, as well as significant (P<0.05) decreases in levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase, compared to the control group. Following the 15-day reversibility period, both biochemical and antioxidant parameters were not restored to normal levels.

Conclusion: Prolonged topical exposure to neomycin and/or betamethasone-containing creams has the potential to cause irreversible hepatic and kidney injury.