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Methotrexate (MTX) is a cytotoxic immunosuppressant that is widely used in the treatment of tumours, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This study aims to evaluate the effects of whey proteins on MTX-induced liver and kidney damage by focusing on oxidant–antioxidant systems and eating habits. The study was conducted in four groups of thirty Sprague–Dawley rats (control, control + whey protein concentrate (WPC), MTX, MTX + WPC). A single dose of 20 mg/kg MTX was administered intraperitoneally to the MTX groups. Control and MTX groups were given 2 g/kg WPC by oral gavage every day for 10 d. At the end of day 10, blood samples were drawn and liver and kidney tissues were removed. MTX administration increased the lipid peroxidation level and decreased glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities in the liver and kidney. Administration of WPC significantly reduced the damage caused by MTX in the liver and kidney. While a decrease in serum urea level and an increase in serum creatinine level were detected in the MTX group, WPC administration reversed these results up to control group levels. Administration of WPC to the MTX group significantly reversed the histopathological damage scores of the liver and kidney. WPC administration ameliorated the MTX-induced oxidative damage in the liver and kidney tissues due to its antioxidant properties. Liver and kidney damage can be prevented by using whey proteins as a nutraceutical in MTX therapy. In conclusion, whey proteins demonstrated a protective effect against MTX-induced liver and kidney damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of whey proteins on methotrexate (MTX)-induced brain and small intestine damage. Materials and Methods: 30 Sprague Dawley rats (200-300 g) were divided into four groups: Control, control + whey, MTX, and MTX+whey. MTX was administered at 20 mg/kg (single dose) intraperitoneally to the MTX group rats, and 2 mg/kg of whey protein were administered by oral gavage for 10 days to the whey groups. Lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and nitric oxide (NO) levels, as well as glutathione-Stransferase and superoxide dismutase activities were measured in the brain and small intestine. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the brain and intestine tissues were also carried out. Results: While MTX treatment caused oxidative damage in the brain and small intestine, whey protein administration ameliorated MTXinduced oxidative stress. MTX administration did not change the brain’s NO level, while an increase in intestinal NO level was detected. Conclusion: MTX induced oxidative stress in the brain and small intestine changed the protein metabolism in these tissues regardless of reduced food intake. Consecutive 10-day administration of whey proteins has shown its therapeutic effect on MTX-induced brain and small intestine oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]