The protective effect of proanthocyanidin on the methotrexate-induced intestinal damage

Abstract

19576 Background: Methotrexate (MTX) induced mucositis is an important dose-limiting side effect for which there is no definitive prophylaxis or treatment. This study was designed to investigate whether proantocyanidin, grape seed extract from Vitus Vinifera, had a protective effect on the small intestine of rats with MTX-induced damage. Methods: Thirty two albino rats were randomized into experimental and control groups and divided into four groups. To the first group, MTX was applied as a single dose (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. To the second group, in addition to MTX application, proanthocyanidin (100 mg/kg) was given orally every day by gavage until the rats were killed. To the third group, proanthocyanidin only was administered. The fourth group was the control. All animals were sacrificied 4 days after the intraperitoneally injection of MTX for histopathologic examination and tissue malonaldehyd (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. Results: MTX was found to lead to injury in the jejunal tissues and to increase the MDA levels. Administration of the proantocyanidin decreased the jejunal damage and MDA level which was caused by MTX treatment and increased SOD an GPx levels. Conclusions: These results suggest that proanthocyanidin may protect the small intestine of rats from MTX-induced damage. The effects of proanthocyanidin could be resulted from antioxidant properties of the proanthocyanidin. No significant financial relationships to disclose.