Metronomic capecitabine inhibits liver transplant rejection in rats by triggering recipients’ T cell ferroptosis

Figure 5 Metronomic capecitabine caused the increase of free ferrous ions and oxidative stress in peripheral blood CD3⁺ T cells of transplanted rats. A: Representative FACS data showing differential FerroOrange staining reflecting different cytoplasmic labile iron concentrations in control groups and metronomic capecitabine-treated rats, followed by statistical analysis of mean fluorescence intensity (MFI); B and C: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid ROS detected by FACS using DCFH-DA and C11-BODIPY respectively, BODIPY emission was recorded on oxidized C11 (FITC channel) signal. The graph shows the statistical analysis of differential MFIs in the two groups; D: The proportion of cells with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was done by unpaired t-test, n = 3. Data are shown as mean ± SD; ^bP < 0.01 vs the control group, ^cP < 0.001 vs the control group. CON: Untreated control groups, rats received 0.9% normal saline for 7 d; MET: Metronomic capecitabine (CAP)-treated groups, rats received metronomic CAP (100 mg/kg/d) treated for 7 d; MFI: Mean fluorescence intensity.