Caffeine May Ease Anxiety and Depression in Transplant Patients on Cyclosporine
A new study suggests caffeine could help reduce the psychological side effects of cyclosporine, a common immunosuppressant drug. Patients taking the medication often experience anxiety and depression, which can lower their quality of life. Researchers have now found that caffeine may ease these symptoms in mice, offering hope for human applications.
Cyclosporine is widely prescribed to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. However, its neurotoxic effects—including mood disorders—have long been a concern for doctors and patients alike. The study, published in Physiology & Behavior, explored whether caffeine could counteract these issues.
The research team, led by Mohaddeseh Ebrahimi-Ghiri and Sakineh Alijanpour, tested caffeine’s impact on mice treated with cyclosporine. They discovered that low doses of caffeine reduced anxiety-like behavior, while higher doses were needed to address depressive symptoms. The findings suggest caffeine may reverse mood disturbances caused by the drug. Scientists believe caffeine works by influencing nitric oxide signaling in the brain. If confirmed in humans, this could make caffeine a simple, non-pharmaceutical supplement to support patients on immunosuppressive therapy.
The study highlights caffeine’s potential as a low-cost way to improve well-being for transplant patients. While further research is needed, the results offer a promising direction for managing cyclosporine’s side effects. For now, the findings remain limited to animal testing, with human trials yet to be conducted.
