Effects of Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Seed and Peel Methanolic Extracts on Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profile Changes Induced by Methotrexate in Rats.

Aliasghar Pouri,Roxana Vafafar,Farideh Doostan,Parvin Zakeri-Milani,Rogayeh Amini Afshar,Mehran Mesgari Abbasi

doi:10.15171/apb.2017.032

Abstract

Purpose: Methotrexate (MTX) is prescribed in many diseases and can result in oxidative stress (OS) followed by injuries in some tissues. Antioxidants administration are effective in reducing OS. Pomegranate exhibits high anti-oxidant capacities. This study investigated whether pomegranate seed and peel methanolic extracts (PSE and PPE) could protect against MTX-induced OS and lipid profile changes in rats.Methods: Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group (normal salin), PSE group (500 mg/kg, orally), PPE group (500 mg/kg, orally), MTX group (10 mg/kg, IM), MTX and PSE group, and MTX and PPE group. Blood samples were taken for analysis in the end of the procedure.Results: The findings showed a significant reduction in Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and an enhancement in malondialdehyde (MDA) values after MTX treatment (p < 0.05). SOD and GPx levels reached the levels of the control group in MTX+SPE and MTX+PPE groups. No significant differences were observed in catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels between groups. The results showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the MTX treated group (p < 0.01). The values of TC, HDL, and LDL became elevated to the normal control levels in the MTX+PSE and MTX+PPE treated groups.Conclusion: The results showed the OS induced by MTX and the protective effects of PSE and PPE against MTX-induced serum oxidative stress and lipid profile changes in rats.

Highlights

The presence of active oxygen species in excess of the tissue's available antioxidant buffering capacity, results in oxidative stress
This study investigated whether pomegranate seed and peel methanolic extracts (PSE and PPE) could protect against MTX-induced oxidative stress (OS) and lipid profile changes in rats
The results showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the MTX treated group (p < 0.01)

Summary

Introduction

The presence of active oxygen species in excess of the tissue's available antioxidant buffering capacity, results in oxidative stress. Antioxidants can be considered to reduce the OS during MTX treatment.[5,6] Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) represents a phytochemical reservoir that has been extensively referenced in medical folklore. This fruit has been used for centuries to treat common ailments such as microbial and parasitic infections, stomach ache, ulcers, diarrhea and dysentery. The health benefits of PG consumption in preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancers have been widely investigated in both laboratory and clinical studies.[1,7,8,9] This study investigated whether pomegranate seed and peel methanolic extracts (PSE and PPE) could protect against MTX-induced oxidative stress in rat blood serum

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

Conclusion