Beneficial effects of silymarin and naringin against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats [Ratlarda Methotrexate Kaynakli Karaciǧer Toksisitesine Karşi Silymarin ve Naringin'in Yararli Etkileri]

Abstract

Hepatotoxicity occurs as a result of the complications of methotrexate (MTX) therapy, which is a chemotherapeutic drug. Silymarin (SLY) and naringin (NRG) are bioflavonoids possess multiple pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic activity. This study was undertaken to investigate the beneficial effects of SLY and NRG on MTX-induced liver toxicity in rats. After a single dose of intraperitoneal MTX (20 mg/kg) was given to rats, SLY (25 and 50 mg/kg) and NRG (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment was given by oral gavage for 7 days. It has been determined that MTX induces oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation, decreased in glutathione (GSH) level and antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, MTX toxication has increased liver enzyme activities such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). On the other hand, SLY and NRG treatment increased the level of glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzyme activities and inhibited lipid peroxidation. It has also been determined that SLY and NRG treatment reduces liver enzyme activities when compared to the MTX group. In this study, SLY and NRG provided a beneficial effect against MTX-induced liver toxicity.