Cyclosporin A does not increase the oxidative susceptibility of low density lipoprotein in vitro

Accelerated atherosclerosis is the leading cause of morbidity in renal tran splant recipients. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the progressio n of atherosclerosis in renal transplant recipients have not been elucidate d. Cyclosporin A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive agent used post-transplant a nd may contribute to increased oxidative susceptibility of low density lipo protein (LDL). There is a paucity of data testing the effect of CsA on LDL oxidation. Hence, the aim of this study was to test the effect of in vitro enrichment of LDL with CsA on LDL oxidation. LDL oxidation in presence of d ifferent concentrations of CsA was tested using metal-dependent (copper), m etal-independent (AAPH) and cell-mediated (macrophages) oxidation systems. In all 3 systems, CsA had no significant effect on LDL oxidation. Also, pre -incubation of LDL with CsA did not affect LDL oxidation and LDL alpha toco pherol levels. Thus, the results of our studies with CsA indicate that it i s not a direct pro-oxidant. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.