Effect of Cyclosporine-A on Paraoxonase Activity in Wistar Rats

Background: Many adverse effects have been reported on using cyclosporine (CSA) in organ transplantation. Objective: To investigate the effects of CSA on paraoxonase (PON) activity and lipid peroxidation metabolites in early and late-stage of peroxidation and also total antioxidant (TA). Methods: Twenty 220-250 g adult male Wistar rats were included in the study. The animals were stored for one week in the animal room before the initial injection to habituate with temperature, humidity, and circadian rhythm of day (12 h) and night (12 h). The temperature was kept at 23 °C. Animals had access to food and water ad libitum. Results: A significant (p=0.002) increase in the serum levels of conjugated diones was observed in the case compared to the control group. At the end of the study, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in CSA group was significantly (p=0.01) higher than the control group. Serum PON1 activity was significantly (p=0.004) lower in the case than the control group. Conclusion: CSA administration could impair oxidant-antioxidant pathways and increase oxidative stress. Antioxidant therapy could be beneficial in patients treated with CSA.