THE EFFECT OF TAURINE ON METHOTREXATE INDUCED HEPATORENAL TOXICITY IN RATS

The aim of the work: Hepatorenal toxicity is a major side effect for methotrexate. Taurine is a natural compound with multiple pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the effect of taurine on methotrexate-induced toxic effects in male albino rats. Methods: 40 male albino rats were divided into 4 groups (10 rats each): (control group): Rats injected with1ml saline intraperitoneally (i.p) for 6 days, (methotrexate treated group): Rats injected daily with 1ml saline i.p for 5 days, at the 6th day they were injected i.p with a single dose of methotrexate (20 mg/kg), (taurine treated group): Rats injected with taurine 100 mg/kg daily i.p for 6 days, (taurine+methotrexate treated group): Rats injected i.p with taurine 100 mg/kg daily for 5 days at the 6th day after the last dose of taurine, rats were injected i.p with a single dose of methotrexate (20 mg/kg). Results: Methotrexate administration resulted in hepatorenal toxicity, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and apoptosis. These results were confirmed by histopathology and by detection of DNA fragmentation by gel electrophoresis. Taurine administration before methotrexate improved hepatorenal functions caused a reduc?tion in oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and elevation in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This was confirmed by the histopathological findings of hepatic and renal tissue and by the reduction in DNA fragmentation. Conclusion: Taurine supplemen?tation had beneficial effects on liver and kidney functions, with marked reductions in oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by methotrexate.