The protective effect of bosentan on methotrexate-induced oral mucositis in rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bosentan as a protective agent on the rats cheek mucosa for Methotrexate-induced oral mucositis. Twenty-four Wister-albino rats, about 12-16 weeks and weighing 300-400 g, were used. The animals were divided into three groups. In the first control group, the second group was treated with methotrexate (80 mg/kg), and the third group was treated with methotrexate and bosentan 60 mg/kg. The microscopical parameters were estimated, the pro-inflammatory marker (TNF-α) and intercellular adhesive molecule-1(ICAM-1) measurement in the buccal mucosa. The animals were sacrificed on day 15, and the buccal mucosa was dissected for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Bosentan decreased the severity of the Methotrexate-induced oral mucositis by a significant decrease in the histological score and a significant decrease in TNF-α and ICAM-1 immune histochemical expression at day fifteen. Bosentan at a concentration of 60 mg/kg/day produced protection against Methotrexate-induced oral mucositis by its anti-inflammatory action and reduction in the histological score and, therefore, can be used as a protective agent against Methotrexate-induced oral mucositis.