Methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and the therapeutic properties of vitamin E: a histopathologic and flowcytometric research
Ahmet Akman, Züleyha Erişgin, Sibel Türedi, Yavuz Tekelioğlu
Abstract
Aim of the study: Methotrexate (MTX) causes oxidative stress-related liver damage. Our objective was to investigate the protective effects of vitamin E against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity through histopathological methods and flow cytometry. Material and methods: < 0.05. Results: In the histopathological analysis, hepatocyte degeneration, dilatation of sinusoids, mononuclear cell infiltration, hydropic degeneration in hepatocytes, vacuolization, and pycnotic nucleus were observed in the MTX group. In the MTX + vitamin E group, hepatocyte degeneration, pycnotic nuclei, and dilatation in sinusoids were significantly lower compared to the MTX group. In the MTX group, glycogen accumulation in hepatocytes was lower compared to the control group. In the MTX + vitamin E group, glycogen accumulation in hepatocy-tes was higher compared to the MTX group. The flowcytometric apoptotic index (AI) percentage in the MTX group was 34.4% and in the MTX + vitamin E group the value was 9.4%. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that vitamin E ameliorates MTX-induced liver damage. Co-using vitamin E and MTX drugs will be beneficial for the treatment of various diseases.