In Vitro Cytogenotoxicity of Iohexol in Bronchial Epithelial Cells and In Silico DNA and BCL‐XL <i>Affinity</i> Studies

Iohexol is a nonionic contrast agent used in x-ray imaging but can sometimes cause anaphylactic reactions. The mechanism of anaphylaxis-induced fatal respiratory symptoms remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iohexol on cytotoxicity and DNA damage in bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). BEAS-2B cells were treated with Iohexol (1.5, 15, 75, and 150 mg I/mL) and cell viability was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The IC₅₀ value of iohexol was determined and the DNA damage effect of iohexol (12.4, 24.9, 49.9, and 99.9 mM) on BEAS-2B cells was investigated by Comet assay. Molecular docking analysis was also performed to determine the binding affinity to DNA and the antiapoptotic protein BCL-XL. Iohexol 15 mg I/mL, iohexol 75 mg I/mL, and iohexol 150 mg I/mL groups significantly decreased cell viability compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). Iohexol (12.4, 24.9, 49.9, and 99.9 mM) did not significantly alter genotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells compared to the control group (p > 0.05). In silico study showed that iohexol binds with high affinity to BCL-XL but low affinity to DNA. Our results show that iohexol causes cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells and binds strongly to BCL-XL. Our results suggest that the safety of iohexol needs further detailed studies.