Impact of Physalis angulata on Methotrexate-Induced Neurotoxicity

Faiza Abdu

Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/1172

ABSTRACT:

Oxidative stress contributes in the pathogenesis of methotrexate (MTX)-induced damage in the various organs. Many agents have been tested experimentally to reduce or inhibit the oxidative stress. However, the possible protective effect of Physalis angulata extract (PAE) on MTX-induced neurotoxicity in male rats and the mechanisms by which this plant exerts its beneficial effects is unknown.Male rats were alocatedto eight groups, ten rats each. The groups of rats divided to control rats, MTX group (4 mg/kg BW, 4 times per week for one month), PAE groups (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg daily for one month, respectively) and PAE+MTX groups (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg+4mg/kg, respectively). At the end of theexperiment, levels of a monoamine neurotransmitter, serotonin, immune protein, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were determined in rat cerebellum. In addition, activities of several antioxidant enzymes and lipids oxidation analyses in rat cerebellum were assayed. The results revealed that the oxidative damage increasing with MTX in the cerebellum was prevented by PAE treatment. PAE treatment inhibited the effect of MTX on serotonin, immune protein IFN-γ, antioxidant enzymes and lipid oxidation while having no effect on control rats. These results suggested that PAEscavenges free radicals that are produced by MTX, increases the activity of antioxidant-defense system.

KEYWORDS: Physalis angulata; Methotrexate; Neurotoxicity; Antioxidants

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