Therapeutic Properties of Alpha Lipoic Acid and Quercetin on Methotrexate-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Liver

Introduction: Methotrexate (MTX), is a widely used drug however it can cause tissue toxicity; but the concurrent use of antioxidants may help reduce this damage. This study investigates the therapeutic properties of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) and Quercetin (Que) on MTX-induced oxidative stress in the rat liver. Methods: The experimental groups were designed as: C: Control, MT: MTX-given group (20 mg/kg, i.p. single dose), MT+α-LA: MTX+α-LA given group (20 mg/kg, i.p. for 5 days), and MT+Q: MTX+Que given group (20 mg/kg, i.p. for 5 days). Liver tissues were analyzed using biochemical, histopathological, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Results: There was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide levels (NO) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase activities in the MT group compared to the control. MTX caused a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and sialic acid (SA) levels and decreased boron level and tissue factor activity. Biochemical results related to hepatotoxicity were also correlated with the histological examinations. Administration of α-LA and Que regulated LPO, GSH, ALP, SA, and boron levels, as well as SOD and CAT activities. Besides, Que was found to be more effective at restoring these values to normal levels. Conclusion: The results suggest that α-LA and, in particular, Que may help alleviate MTX-induced liver damage.