Effect of vitamin - E on methotrexate hepatotoxicity in rats

The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible role of free radicals in methotrexate [MTX] hepatotoxicity and the protective effect of antioxidant [vitamin E] against MTX hepatotoxicity. Experimental MTX hepatotoxicity was induced by a daily oral administration of 15 mg/kg MTX for four days to Sprague-Dawley rats. The oral co-administration of vitamin E 450 mg/kg with MTX for the same period produced a significant improvement in both the functional parameters and the histopathological picture in the liver of the treated rats. Also, the concomitant administration produced a significant decrease in serum malondialdehyde [MDA] which was significantly increased by MTX alone

Toxicity of methotrexate on fertility and internal organs of male albino rats

Fifty male adult albino rats with average weight of 220 - 250 gm were used in this study. Animals were divided into four test groups and a control group each comprised of ten rats. Test animals received methotrexate [MTX] in a therapeutic constant low dose of 7.5 mg/kg/ week for eight weeks. The effects of the drug were assessed by histopathological, biochemical and spermatozoal examination immediately after its stoppage and within one month recovery period. Significant histopathological changes in internal organs of albino rats associated with marked functional biochemical abnormalities were observed. Also there was marked alteration in sperm count, motility and increased percentage of abnormal forms. Gradual improvement was observed during the recovery period