Comparative study between the effect of methotrexate and valproic acid on solid Ehrlich tumour.

Background: SEC is an undifferentiated tumour used in tumour studies. MTX is an antimetabolite used in treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases and induction of abortion. VPA is used as anticonvulsant and is under investigation for treatment of cancer. The aim of this work was to compare between the effect of each of MTX and VPA on solid Ehrlich tumour in mice.

Methods: Forty albino mice were divided into 4 equal groups: control untreated group, SEC group, SEC+MTX group, and SEC+VPA group. Tumour volume, tissue CAT, tissue GR, tissue MDA, tissue cholesterol and tissue TNF-α were determined. A part of the tumour was examined for histopathological and immunohistochemical study.

Results: MTX alone or VPA alone induced a significant increase in tissue CAT and GR with a significant decrease in the tumour volume, tissue MDA, cholesterol and TNF-α and alleviated the histopathological changes with a significant increase in p53 expression compared to SEC group. This effect was more significant in MTX treated group compared to VPA treated group.

Conclusion: MTX has more antitumour effect than VPA against SEC.