Histological changes in methotrexate hepatotoxicity after boron application and evaluation of serum thiol-disulfide balance

Aim: Methotrexate, a folic acid antagonist, is a chemotherapeutic drug used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases as well as some cancer types.The purpose of this study; It is the study of the effects of boric acid against the hepatotoxic side effects of methotrexate. Materials and Methods: Male wistar albino rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. The rats in group 1 were used as a control group. Methotrexate was administered to the rats in group 2 and boric acid to the rats in group 3. While the rats in group 4 were given first methotrexate and then boric acid, the rats in group 5 were administered boric acid first and then methotrexate. Results: Light microscopic examination revealed sinusoidal dilatation, hepatocyte degeneration, vascular congestion-thrombosis, and inflammatory infiltration in the livers of rats treated with methotrexate. It was observed that the protective effect of boric acid was more effective than its treatment. In the groups given methotrexate, the level of oxidative stress-related parameters such as lipid hydroperoxide, MPO and disulfide increased (p< 0.05), whereas the level of antioxidant parameters such as native thiol, total thiol and catalase decreased (p< 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that the protective effect of boric acid was more than the therapeutic effect in liver damage caused by methotrexate. Oxidative hepatotoxicity resulting from methotrexate application disrupted the thiol disulfide balance and caused it to shift in favor of oxidation.