Effects of Cyclosporine on the Antioxidant Status and Oxidative Stress in the Glioma Cells

Abstract

Objectives. After organ transplantation, some patients suffer neurological complica- tions. Among the immunosuppressants, cyclosporine can cause neurological side effects. However, the mechanisms of encephalopathy by cyclosporine are not fully understood.We measured the antioxidant status, the hydrogen peroxide level, and the malondialdehyde level in glioma cells after cyclosporine treatment. Methods. The production of hydrogen peroxide was determined using a modified xylenol orange method. The amount of malondialdehyde was measured using the thiobarbituric acid assay. Total antioxidant status was measured using Free Radical Analytical System 4 with kits. Results. Cyclosporine resulted in the production of hydrogen peroxide by the glioma cells. The increased production of hydrogen peroxide depended on the drug concen- tration. The antioxidant status was decreased in the glioma cells after cyclosporine treatment. The malondialdehyde level was not changed in glioma cells after cyclospor- ine treatment. Conclusions. Increased production of reactive oxygen species and decreased antioxdant status by cyclosporine in glioma cells may contribute to neurological side effects in transplantation patients.