The Protective Effect of Rutin Against Methotrexate- Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Objective: This study was purposed to investigate the possible protective effects of rutin on kidney tissue in a methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity rat model. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, methotrexate (MTX, 20 mg/kg) group, rutin (RUT, 50 mg/kg/day) group, and methotrexate + rutin (MTX+RUT, 20 mg/kg+50 mg/kg/day, respectively) group. Biochemical and histopathological analyzes were performed on kidney tissues of rats at the end of the study. Results: It was determined that kidney tissue damage determined in the MTX group was decreased in the MTX + RUT group; there were no degenerative changes in the tubular epithelium of the MTX+RUT group, and only mild degenerative changes were observed rather than hydropic degeneration seen in MTX group. Conclusion: This study suggests that rutin can be effective in preventing the toxic effects of methotrexate on the kidney. Keywords: Methotrexate, nephrotoxicity, rutin