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ORIGINAL RESEARCH

The Protective Effect of Roflumilast Against Acute Hepatotoxicity Caused by Methotrexate in Wistar Rats: In vivo Evaluation

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Pages 453-462 | Received 19 Oct 2023, Accepted 09 Feb 2024, Published online: 15 Feb 2024
 

Abstract

Introduction

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most widely used drugs in cancer chemotherapy and treating rheumatoid arthritis. The hepatotoxicity of MTX is one of its major side effects. Roflumilast (ROF) has been recognized to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in in-vivo and in-vitro models. The present study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of roflumilast against MTX-induced liver toxicity in male Wistar rats.

Methods

High dose of 5 mg/kg for 4 consecutive days subcutaneous (S.C) injection of methotrexate for induction of acute liver injury. A total of 24 Wistar rats, rats were used in four different groups. The NS injections were given S.C to the control group once a day for 4 consecutive days. SC injections of MTX (5 mg/kg) were given to the MTX group daily for four days. At 5 mg/kg once daily for four days, the roflumilast group was given daily oral roflumilast. An injection of MTX and oral roflumilast were given to the MTX + roflumilast group once daily for four consecutive days.

Results

Administration of high dose MTX (5 mg/kg) today 4 produced a significant decrease in hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels and a significant increase in ALT and AST liver enzymes, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor suppressor protein (p53), interleukin 6, interleukin 1 levels compared to the control group. Treatment with roflumilast for 4 days significantly attenuated unfavorable changes in these parameters. According to histopathological findings, Roflumilast significantly reduced MTX-induced inflammation and degeneration in the liver. In conclusion, the findings indicate that roflumilast may have a potential therapeutic benefit in treating rats with MTX-induced liver toxicity by mitigating its effects.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential protective effects of roflumilast against MTX-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats.

Disclosure

The author reports no conflicts of interest in this work.