Author/Authors :
Mesgari Abbasi Mehran نويسنده Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. , Zakeri-Milani Parvin نويسنده Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. , Ghamarzad Shishavan Neda نويسنده Faculty of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical
Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran , Amini Afshar Rogayeh نويسنده Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, IR
Iran , Yahyavi Fariba نويسنده Department of Basic Science, School of Veterinary
Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IR
Iran
Abstract :
Background Methotrexate (MTX), as one of the most pivotal drugs in
treatment of some malignancies and autoimmune diseases, is associated
with damages to different tissues particularly the liver tissue through
impairing the balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidants. Pomegranate
peel is a great source of polyphenols with antioxidant function that has
recently become a center of attention. Objectives The current study was
undertaken to investigate the effects of MTX and pomegranate peel
methanolic extract (PPME), alone and in combination, on liver
antioxidants of rats. Methods Antioxidant capacity, total phenolic and
flavonoid contents of PPME were analyzed. 32 rats were divided into (1)
control, (2) orally received 500 mg/kg PPME, (3) intramuscularly
received 10 mg/kg MTX, and (4) PPME (for 18 days) and MTX (for 3 days
beginning from the 10th day) groups. After the experimental period, the
rats were euthanatized and tissue samples were obtained for antioxidant
analysis. Results PPME had a considerable antioxidant capacity, as well
as total phenolic and flavonoid contents. There were low liver contents
of Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase and a high level of
Malondialdehyde and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the Methotrexate group
compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In the
Methotrexate-PPME group, PPME could increase the GPx and Catalase
contents and decrease the SOD content of the liver compared to the
Methotrexate group. GPx of liver samples in the PPME group decreased (P
< 0.05). GPx decreased and Malondialdehyde increased in the
Methotrexate-PPME group compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions Methotrexate can surprisingly increase SOD and
Malondialdehyde and decrease Catalase contents. PPME can decrease GPx
and relatively prevent the effects of Methotrexate on SOD and Catalase
contents of the liver tissue. However, further studies are recommended.
