PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MELATONIN AGAINST METHOTREXATE INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN MICE

Melatonin Against Methotrexate Induced Hepatotoxicity

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate protective role of melatonin against methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity.
Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology Army Medical College, duration of the study was, from Apr to Aug 2016.
Material and Methods: Eighteen mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=6). Group (Gp)-1 received normal saline. Gp-2 received single intraperitoneal injection of methotrexate (MTX) while Gp-3 received melatonin along with MTX. Blood samples for measuring serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) along with liver samples for hepatic histological examination were taken after 24 hours of last dose.
Results: In Gp-2 MTX there was significant rise in serum ALT, AST and ALP as compared to its control gp (p<0.05). There was significant attenuation of serum ALT, AST and ALP with protective Gp-3 (MTX + Melatonin) when compared with Gp-2 (p<0.05). The histopathological findings in the liver of mice of Gp-2 MTX showed mild fatty changes which were markedly reduced in mice treated with melatonin along with MTX though minimal inflammation was seen.
Conclusion: Melatonin has hepatoprotective potential when administered along with methotrexate.