Effects of Cyclosporine on Oxidative Stress in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Objectives. Some of the airway complications relate to the use of cyclosporine (CsA), a potent agent widely used after organ transplantations. Several recent studies have demonstrated CsA treatment to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study was undertaken to investigate effects of CsA on production of ROS and antoxidant defense of airway cells using the human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. Methods. We measured biological antioxidant potential (BAP), as well as ROS and malondialdehyde levels in BEAS-2B cells after CsA treatment, using Free Radical Analytical System 4 kits (Diacron, Grosseto, Italy). ROS production was expressed as Carr Units as established by the manufacturer and BAP as mol/2 105 cells; malondialde- hyde, by the thiobarbituric acid assay. Results. ROS production was increased in the BEAS-2B cells after CsA treatment: 73.5 at 0 (controls); 82.5 at 10; 84.0 at 30; 86.0 at 50; and 93.0 Carr Unit/2 105 cells at 100 g/mL of CsA. The levels of BAP were 1821 at 0 (controls), 1698 at 10; 1653 at 30; 1366 at 50 g/mL; and 1391 at 100 g/mL. The levels of malondialdehyde were increased: 3.8 at 0 (controls); 3.4 at 10; 4.4 at 30; 4.2 at 50: and 5.0 nmol/106 cells at 100 g/mL. Conclusions. Increased production of ROS and decreased BAP by CsA in BEAS-2B cells may increase malondialdehyde levels by radical-induced damage.