Protective Effect of Vitamin A against Oxidative Stress Caused by Methotrexate

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX), a folate antagonist agent, is mainly used in treatment of
malignant tumors and autoimmune diseases. The present study was undertaken to
determine whether antioxidant vitamin (vitamin A) could ameliorate methotrexateinduced
oxidative stress in male rabbits. Twenty male rabbits were randomly
assigned into four groups. Group 1: control group, Group 2: MTX-treated group
(received 20 mg/kg MTX intraperitoneally), Group 3: Vit.A treated group received
5000 IU Vit.A orally) and Group 4: MTX+Vit.A treated group received MTX 20
mg/kg plus 5000 IU vit.A). After 4 weeks of treatment, blood samples were
collected by cardiac puncture to determine the serum malondialdehyde (MDA), as a
good indicator for lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The results showed that
there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum MDA level in MTX-treated group
compared with control group. Also, the results revealed that there was a significant
decrease (p<0.05) in serum MDA level in MTX+Vit.A treated group in comparison
with MTX-treated group. The present study suggests that the administration of vit.A
with MTX is associated with reduction in oxidative stress, and therapeutic role in
reduced toxicity of MTX.