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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Structure-Guided Design and Development of Novel Cyclophilin A Inhibitors and Ganoderiol-F Derivatives: An In-Silico Approach
Published on: June 23, 2026
An underlying role for hepatobiliary dysfunction in cyclosporine A nephrotoxicity
Michael D Aleo1, Colleen M Doshna, Carol A Fritz
1Pfizer Global Research and Development, Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton/New London Laboratories, MS8274-1229, Investigative Toxicology, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340-8014, USA. michael.d.aleo@pfizer.com
Cyclosporine A (CSA) impairs whole-body cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) elimination, primarily by disrupting hepatobiliary excretion. This leads to increased renal exposure and retention of cysLT, potentially contributing to CSA-induced kidney toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLT) are implicated in cyclosporine A (CSA) nephrotoxicity.
- Whole-body cysLT elimination relies mainly on hepatobiliary excretion.
- CSA is known to affect hepatobiliary function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CSA on whole-body cysLT elimination.
- To determine the impact of CSA on hepatobiliary and renal function concerning cysLT handling.
- To explore the role of altered cysLT elimination in CSA nephrotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Male rats received tracer doses of tritiated LTC(4) intravenously.
- CSA or vehicle was administered, and cysLT elimination was measured in bile and urine.
- Renal function (GFR, urine flow) and bile flow were monitored.
Main Results:
- Hepatobiliary excretion was the primary route for cysLT elimination in controls.
- Nephrotoxic CSA doses reduced GFR, urine flow, and bile flow, impairing both hepatobiliary and renal cysLT elimination.
- Non-nephrotoxic CSA doses impaired hepatobiliary elimination, increasing renal cysLT elimination and causing tissue retention.
Conclusions:
- CSA disrupts whole-body cysLT handling by impairing hepatobiliary elimination.
- This disruption increases renal exposure to systemically derived cysLT.
- Renal cysLT accumulation may be a key factor in CSA-induced nephrotoxicity.
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