Histological Evaluation of L-Carnitine’s Ability to Restore kidney Architecture Following Ceftriaxone Toxicity

Author(s): Mohammed Saad Kadhim, Ali Fayadh Bargooth
Date: 08/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890

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Abstract

Background: Ceftriaxone (Ce) (a third-generation antibiotic) treats severe bacterial infections. it has been 
reported to induce rare toxic effects on the kidneys, But L-carnitine (Lc) (a naturally occurring antioxidant) 
is highly effective for renal protection in experimental studies via antioxidant activity.  
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the nephrotoxic effect of high dose long-term 
ceftriaxone therapy in a rat model and to determine whether this effect could be prevented by a natural 
antioxidant, L-carnitine.  
Methods: A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats (250-300g body weight) were divided into four groups 
(n=10) as follows: a Control group that was administered distilled water; a Ceftriaxone (CE) group that 
received daily injections of ceftriaxone (250 mg/kg body weight/day); a CE+LC group that received daily 
injections of ceftriaxone (250 mg/kg body weight/day) plus oral L-carnitine (600 mg/kg body weight/day); 
and an LC group that was administered L-carnitine (600 mg/kg body weight/day). Animals were treated 
for 30 days. After 30 days of treatment, Renal tissues were collected for histopathological analysis using 
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, to assess morphological alterations . 
Results: Treatment with ceftriaxone (CE group) significantly (p < 0.05) increased Cr and BUN levels 
measured in serum compared with the control group, indicating renal dysfunction. Pathological 
examination of the kidney tissues in the CE group showed severe tubular necrosis, cast formation and 
inflammatory cells. Pre-treatment with L-carnitine (CE+LC group) significantly improved the side effects, 
as demonstrated by significantly reduced Cr and BUN and largely maintained kidney structure. The L
carnitine-treated (LC group) showed normal biochemical parameters and healthy histology similar to a 
normal control group, suggesting that the dose used is safe. 

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