Hepatoprotective Effect of Omega-3 and Selenium on Methotrexate induced Hepatotoxicity.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Omega 3 and selenium on Methotrexate (MTX) induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: A total of 28 New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. The animals were equally divided in to four groups. All groups were maintained on standard chow diet throughout the experiment (8 weeks). Group 1 was treated with normal saline water (control), group 2 with methotrexate (MTX, hepatotoxic), group 3 with MTX plus Omega-3 and group 4 with MTX plus Selenium (Se). The hepatoprotective potential of Omega-3 and Se were evaluated in MTX induced hepatotoxic animals. Changes in the level of serum liver function (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin, total serum protein and PT) and oxidation markers (MDA, GSH and SOD) were tested in both MTX treated and untreated groups. Histologic examination of liver tissues was also performed. Results: MTX produced a significant alteration serum liver function and oxidation markers. Concomitant use of Omega-3 and Se with MTX was found to restore significantly the altered liver function and oxidation markers. Further significant improvement in liver histopathological features was observed. Conclusion: our study suggested that the additive drugs (Omega-3 and Se) possess hepatoprotection against MTX induced hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]