Methotrexate-induced Hepatic and Renal Toxicity: Role of L-carnitine in Treatment

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX) is used as a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat many cancer types. The present study aimed to examine the possible modifying effects of l-carnitine against hepatic and renal toxicity induced by MTX in rats. A total 60 male albino rats were equally divided into six groups; the first and second groups were the control and l-carnitine groups respectively while the 3rd group was MTX rat group; the 4th and 5th groups were co- and post treated MTX rat with l-carnitine respectively and the 6th group was MTX self treated rat group. A significant increase in serum ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, uric acids and MDA levels and significant decrease GSH, catalase and total protein in MTX and self healing groups when compared with control and l-carnitine groups. In contrast, MTX-treated with l-carnitine exhibited a significant decrease in serum ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, uric acids and MDA levels and significant increase GSH, catalase and when compared with total protein in MTX and self healing groups. Histopathological results supported the biochemical results and the ameliorating effect of l-carnitine on liver and kidney toxicities. L-carnitine possessed various protective mechanisms against MTX-induced liver and kidney toxicity throughout co- and post treatment. We can conclude that treatment with l-carnitine during the MTX chemotherapy has beneficial properties and can reduce the liver and kidney toxicity induced by MTX.