Cyclosporin A increases hypoxia and free radical production in rat kidneys: prevention by dietary glycine

The ability of glycine to minimize cyclosporin A-induced nephrotoxicity by preventing hypoxia-reperfusion injury in the kidney was investigated. It was determined that cyclosporin A can cause hypoxia via vasoconstriction during increased blood pressure. It was also observed that cyclosporin A can cause increases in free radical formation that can attack lipid components and result in lipid peroxidation. The production of free radicals and a hypoxic condition result in renal injuries such as proximal tubule cell swelling, necrosis and infiltration of macrophages.