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Neuroprotective effects of carvacrol and pomegranate against methotrexate-induced toxicity in rats

F Celik1, C Gocmez, M Bozkurt

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Biochemistry, Department of Neurology, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey. drfeyzicelik@gmail.com.

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|December 5, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methotrexate (MTX) induces oxidative stress and inflammation in rat sciatic nerves. Carvacrol (CAR) and pomegranate (POM) offer protective effects, with CAR showing a stronger reduction in inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapy agent with significant toxic side effects.
  • Existing treatments to mitigate MTX toxicity are insufficient, necessitating new therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if MTX induces oxidative stress and inflammation in the sciatic nerve.
  • To evaluate the protective potential of carvacrol (CAR) and pomegranate (POM) against MTX-induced sciatic nerve damage.

Main Methods:

  • Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, MTX-only, MTX+CAR, and MTX+POM.
  • MTX was administered intraperitoneally, while CAR was given intraperitoneally and POM extract via orogastric gavage.
  • Sciatic nerve tissue was analyzed for oxidative stress markers (TOS, TAS, MDA) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β).

Main Results:

  • MTX administration significantly increased oxidative stress and inflammation markers (TOS, MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α) and decreased antioxidant capacity (TAS) in the sciatic nerve.
  • Both CAR and POM treatments attenuated MTX-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • CAR demonstrated a more pronounced reduction in TNF-α levels compared to POM.

Conclusions:

  • MTX induces significant oxidative stress and inflammation in rat sciatic nerve tissue.
  • Carvacrol (CAR) exhibits antioxidant properties and reduces inflammation.
  • Both CAR and pomegranate (POM) effectively decrease the pro-inflammatory response associated with MTX treatment.

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