Fluconazole induces genotoxicity in cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells via immunomodulation of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10: new challenges for safe therapeutic regimens.

CONTEXT: Fluconazole (FNZ) is a drug used in antifungal therapy. However, the minimum FNZ dose to interfering with immune responses or inducing DNA damage is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the toxicological profile of FNZ on cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated with different concentrations of this azole.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured PBMCs were exposed to FNZ (6, 12, 30, 60 and 120 μg/mL) and the toxicological profile was assessed by the following parameters: cytotoxic and nuclear division index (necrotic, apoptotic and viable cells), DNA damage (alkaline comet test), mutagenic potential (micronucleus test), cytokine modulation (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ), and predictive toxicity (Osiris® and LAZAR® programs).

RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that FNZ induced cellular DNA damage and mutagenicity at concentrations above the plasma peak (>30 μg/mL) and 6 μg/mL, respectively, which was associated with increased TNF-α, and decrease IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations. These effects may be related to increased apoptosis and cytotoxic nuclear division index in the cultured PBMCs. In silico results indicated potential mutagenic, tumorigenic, irritant, and carcinogenic effects, which were partially confirmed by the above assays.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings suggest the need to rationalize the use of FNZ, especially if it is used for long periods or with concomitant pathologies requiring azole therapy that may increase FNZ's plasma concentration.