Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Hemolysis Induced by Cyclosporine

Abstract

Introduction

Hemolysis is one of the side effects of cyclosporine (CsA) therapy, in part due to, increased production of free radical species by CsA. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which acts as a highly efficient free radical scavenger, may have a protective effect on CsA-induced hemolysis. In this study, we measured the degree of hemolysis of as well as the amounts of hydrogen peroxide level and malondialdehyde produced by normal human erythrocytes (RBCs) incubated with CsA and with EGCG.

Methods

Human RBCs were incubated as follows. In group 1, 4.2 × 106/mL RBCs were incubated with Cremophore EL. In group 2, the RBCs were incubated with only 167 μg/mL EGCG. In group 3, the RBCs were incubated with 1.67 mg/mL CsA. In group 4, the RBCs were incubated with CsA plus EGCG.

Results

The degree of hemolysis in group 2 (53.8 ± 3.8) was significantly higher than that in group 1 (7.0 ± 1.0). The degree of hemolysis in group 3 (86.2 ± 2.2) was significantly higher than that in group 1 and group 2. The degree of hemolysis in group 4 (74.9 ± 2.9) was significantly higher than in group 1 and in group 2, but lower than that in group 3. The hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels paralleled the degree of hemolysis.

Conclusions

These results suggest that CsA can induce free radical-mediated hemolysis, which can be partially prevented with EGCG.