The Protective Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Extract on Intestinal Injury Caused by Amethopterin Administration in Mice
Alkhedaide Adel Q
Medical Laboratory Department, Turabah University College, Taif University, Saudi Arabia.
Corresponding Author E-mail: adelglhk@hotmail.com
Abstract: Amethopterin (methotrexate) is a well-known chemotherapy agent that has been used for the treatment of different types of cancers, such as leukemia and breast cancer. It is also used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as an immunosuppressor; however, its numerous adverse effects limit its use in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on the intestinal toxicity caused by amethopterin exposure. Forty adult male mice were divided into four groups (10 mice each): the control group, a group treated orally by moringa extract (300 mg/kg) daily, a group treated by a single intraperitoneal injection dose of amethopterin at (20mg/kg ) on the seventh experimental day, and a group given orally moringa extract (300 mg/kg) orally daily and a single intraperitoneal injection dose of amethopterin (20mg/kg) on the seventh experimental day. A serum analysis of TNF-α and CRP showed a significant elevation of both parameters in amethopterin-treated mice, while the co-treatment of moringa extract protected the intestines and restored both to normal control values. The immunohistochemistry and histopathology images indicated inflammation in the intestinal lamina as a response to the amethopterin toxicity supported by the downregulation of GLP2 and TGFβ2 genes in the laminal tissues. These structural alterations were prevented by moringa extract co-treatment in the fourth group. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaves extract exerts an anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effect on intestinal tissues caused by amethopterin toxicity exposure in experimental mice.
Keywords: Amethopterin; GLP2; Intestinal injury; Methotrexate, Moringa; TGFβ2 Back to TOC