The Protective Effct of N-acetylcysteine Against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rat

Abstract

Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the probably curable effcts of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on Methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatotoxicity as biochemically and histopathologically.Methods: For this purpose 24 male rats were divided into four groups as; control, MTX, NAC+MTX and NAC groups.Control and MTX groups were given 0.09% NaCl solution for 7 days; and MTX group was administrated single dose MTXat fourth day, additionally. NAC+MTX and NAC groups were given NAC during 7 days; and NAC+MTX group was appliedsingle dose MTX at fourth day. On the eighth day, rats were sacrified, blood samples and livers were taken.Results: According to biochemical analysis results, NAC caused a reduction in the MTX-induced increased levels ofaspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) enzymes.Histopathologically, cytoplasmic swelling-vacuolization, sinusoidal dilatation and congestion seen in the MTX groupwere decreased with NAC administration. Although abundant lipid droplets were found in the sections stained withOil Red O of MTX, NAC usage decreased this situation to the minimum level. While NAC given with MTX decreased Baximmunopositivity, it increased Bcl-2 immunopositivity. Also, TUNEL-positive cells were less in NAC+MTX group according to MTX group.Conclusion: Findings obtained in the current study suggest that NAC may be effctive on the MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.