Iohexol Triggers Cytotoxicity but Not DNA Damage in Human Endothelial Cells: Potential Involvement of XIAP Binding

This study used a combination of in vitro and in silico analyses to characterize the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and molecular interaction profiles of iohexol in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTS assay at concentrations of 1.826, 18.26, 91.3, and 182.6, and DNA damage was evaluated with the comet assay (alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis) at concentrations of 9.8, 19.6, 39.2, and 78.4 mM. In addition, molecular docking was performed to investigate the interaction between iohexol and the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). Iohexol induced concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects in HUVECs; however, no statistically significant DNA strand breaks were detected. Molecular docking revealed a binding energy of -6.53 kcal/mol, indicating a notable interaction between iohexol and XIAP. These findings suggest that iohexol exerts cytotoxic effects at high concentrations but lacks genotoxic potential under the tested conditions. The observed interaction with XIAP may provide insight into the mechanisms by which contrast agents induce apoptosis.