Proanthocyanidin prevents methotrexate-induced intestinal damage and oxidative stress

Mucositis is an important dose-limiting side effect of methotrexate for which there is no definitive prophylaxis or treatment. This study was designed to investigate whether proanthocyanidin had a protective effect on methotrexate-induced small intestine damage. Twenty-eight albino rats were randomized into four groups. To the first group, methotrexate was applied as a single dose (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. To the second group, proanthocyanidin (100 mg/kg) was given orally every day by gavage in addition to methotrexate application until the rats were killed. To the third group, only proanthocyanidin was administered. The fourth group was the control. All animals were sacrificed 4 days after the intraperitoneal injection of methotrexate for histopathological examination and the assay for tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels. Methotrexate caused jejunal injury and increased malondialdehyde levels. Administration of proanthocyanidin decreased the jejunal damage and malondialdehyde level, which were caused by methotrexate treatment and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels. These results suggest that proanthocyanidin may protect the small intestine of rats from methotrexate-induced damage. The effects of proanthocyanidin could result from its antioxidant properties.