Protective Effects of Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) Extract Against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Abstract

Objective: By inhibiting the synthesis of thymidine and purine, and thereby DNA synthesis, Methotrexate (MTX), suppresses the proliferation of cancer cells. It is thought that the side-effect mechanism is related to oxidant molecules derived from MTX metabolism. In this study, we examined whether the Petroselinum crispum extracts (PCr; parsley) of which the antioxidant properties have been previously shown, was protective against MTX induced liver damage. Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley rats (female/male; 200-250 g) were used. MTX was injected intraperitoneally and PCr extract was given orally. A single dose of 20mg/kg MTX was administered to the groups that were to experience hepatotoxicity. Then, a physiological saline (MTX group) or PCr (2 g/kg, MTX + PCr group) treatment was applied for 5 days. The same treatments were applied to the other groups (control group, PCr group) for 5 days after a single dose saline injection. At the end of the study, the biochemical parameters were examined in the blood and liver tissues taken from animals sacrificed by decapitation. Results: MTX caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde and collagen levels and myeloperoxidase and caspase-3 activities, while glutathione levels were found to have decreased. PCr treatment showed protective efficacy by preventing these increases. Conclusion: It appears that the administration of PCr to MTX treated rats prevented the accumulation of lipid peroxides, inflamatory reactions and depletion of antioxidant glutathione, and thus protected liver tissues against oxidative stress.