Aim
The use of iodinated contrast media may impair renal function. However, no report has addressed the nephrotoxicity of high doses of iodinated contrast media in normal kidney cells and its associated molecular mechanisms. Materials and
Conclusion
High concentrations of iopromide induce cell damage, apoptosis, and autophagy through down-regulating AKT and ROS-activated cellular stress pathways in HEK 293 cells.
Methods
Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay. Cell death was evaluated through examining the morphological changes and TUNEL assay. Autophagy was detected through acridine orange staining and lysotracker staining. Reactive oxygen species production and AKT kinase activity were examined.
Results
Iopromide induced cell death and triggered apoptosis and autophagy in HEK 293 cells. Cell viability was significantly restored in the presence of a pan-caspase inhibitor or a ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-L-cysteine. AKT kinase activity was found to be reduced in iopromide-treated HEK 293 cells.