Epicatechin ameliorative effects on methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Background: Due to the fact that methotrexate is widely used both as an immunosuppressive drug and as a chemotherapy agent, many studies are needed to reduce the side effects of this drug on non-target organs.

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effects of epicatechin (Epi) on MTX (methotrexate)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Research Design: After 1 week for adaptation, we randomly divided 42 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice into six groups: (I) control; (II) Epi (100 mg/kg, po); (III) MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p.) on the fifth day; and (IV, V, and VI) Epi (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, po) + MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p.) on the fifth day. At day 10, the mice were sacrificed and serum factors, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines were measured.

Results: MTX increased activity level of serum enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde), and inflammatory factors including interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nitric oxide. Furthermore, MTX decreased glutathione level and activity level of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Epi was able to reduce the destructive effects of oxidative/antioxidant system imbalance and inflammatory reactions and also histopathological damage in MTX intoxicated mice. Epi pretreatment reduced liver dysfunction by improving the antioxidant defense system, anti-inflammatory effects, and alleviation of histopathological damage in MTX hepatotoxicity.

Conclusions: Accordingly, Epi can be used as a therapeutic agent in hepatotoxicity associated with MTX chemotherapy.