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Potent protective effect of apricot and beta-carotene on methotrexate-induced intestinal oxidative damage in rats

Nigar Vardi1, Hakan Parlakpinar, Feral Ozturk

  • 1Department of Embryology and Histology, Inonu University, 44280 Malatya, Turkey. nvardi@inonu.edu.tr

Food and Chemical Toxicology : an International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
|July 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Apricot and beta-carotene consumption may protect the small intestine from methotrexate-induced damage. These natural compounds helped reverse oxidative stress and histological damage in rats treated with methotrexate (MTX).

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Toxicology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Oxidative stress is a known factor in methotrexate (MTX)-induced small intestine damage.
  • Previous research has explored various agents to mitigate MTX-induced oxidative stress.
  • The protective effects of apricot consumption against MTX-induced intestinal damage have not been previously studied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential protective effects of apricot and beta-carotene against MTX-induced intestinal damage in a rat model.
  • To evaluate the impact of apricot and beta-carotene on the oxidative stress markers in MTX-treated rats.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were divided into seven groups: control, apricot, beta-carotene, MTX, apricot+MTX, beta-carotene+MTX, and apricot+beta-carotene+MTX.
  • Histological examination of the small intestine was performed.
  • Biochemical assays measured oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GP-x) activities, and glutathione (GSH) content.

Main Results:

  • MTX treatment caused significant histological damage, including villus shortening, epithelial desquamation, crypt loss, and microvillar damage.
  • MTX-treated rats exhibited increased MDA and MPO levels, and decreased SOD, CAT, GP-x, and GSH levels.
  • Co-administration of apricot and/or beta-carotene ameliorated MTX-induced histological damage and normalized the measured oxidative stress markers.

Conclusions:

  • Apricot and beta-carotene demonstrate protective effects against MTX-induced small intestine damage.
  • These natural compounds may counteract MTX-induced oxidative stress at both biochemical and histological levels.
  • Further research into apricot and beta-carotene as potential therapeutic agents for MTX-induced gastrointestinal toxicity is warranted.

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