Effects of favipiravir on hematologic parameters and bone marrow in the rats

ABSTRACT

Favipiravir, a selective RNA polymerase inhibitor agent, is an antiviral drug currently used effectively in treating pandemic diseases such as Covid-19. The present study aims to determine the effects of favipiravir use on bone marrow and blood cells. Twelve male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, namely control and favipiravir groups. Physiological saline at a dose of 1 ml/kg was administered to the rats in the control group by oral gavage for 10 days. Rats in the favipiravir group were administered favipiravir by oral gavage at a dose of 200 mg/kg for 10 days. At the end of the study, the blood tissue was collected from the heart, and bone marrow samples were collected from the femur bone of the rats sacrificed under anesthesia. The hematologic parameters in the blood samples obtained were measured using an auto-analyzer device with the help of rat compatible kits. Bone marrow cell counts were performed by examining structural changes and myeloid and erythroid cell series in the smear samples. The results obtained in the study revealed that favipiravir use caused a decrease in the counts of some hematologic parameters containing erythrocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes. In addition, it was determined that the ratio of myeloid and erythroid cells in bone marrow smears changed significantly with the use of favipiravir. It was concluded that treatment with favipiravir caused suppression of erythrocyte and some leukocyte series. The suppressor effects were also determined in bone marrow cell series in the rats.