The effects of vitamin E on the mucosa of small intestine damage induced by methotrexate on the mice

ABSTRACTM.S.ThesisTHE EFFECTS OF VİTAMİN E ON THE MUCOSA OF SMALLİNTESTİNE DAMAGE İNDUCED BY METHOTREXATE ON THE MİCEİnci ÖZPAMUKCUGaziantep University-Graduate School of Health Science Department ofHistology and EmbriyologySupervisor: Doç. Dr. Mehmet YÜNCÜSeptember-2005,44 pagesAim:: Methotrexate (MTX), widely used for cancer therapy, leads to malabsorption bydamaging the small intestinal mucosa. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether vitaminE is protective or not against the damaging effects of MTX by histopathologic andbiochemical methods.Methods: Thirty Swiss albino mice used in this study were divided into three groups.To the first study group 20 mg/kg MTX was injected intraperitoneally. To the II. Group inaddition to MTX injection (starting from one weak before injection until the end of study)vitamin E was given intraperitonally. Four days after MTX injection mice were sacrified andthe tissue samples taken from their jejunums were investigated under light microscope.Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of these tissue samples were also determined.Results: : In only the MTX treated group, high degree of shortening, atrophy andfusion were seen in the villi. Villous epithelia was lost patchvise. Crypt epithelium wasdegenerated and the number of crypt was decreased. In same places there were crypticdilatations. Progressive mononucleas infiltrations were seen in lamina propria. In the VEMTXgroup the level of degenerations was much less. MDA levels of jejunal tissue samples werealso lesses in the VEMTX group.- ii -This document was created by Print2PDFhttp://www.software602.comConclusion: In the protection of small intestinal epithelium due to MTX vitamin E wasfound to be partially effective. In this effect the antioxidant characteristic of vitamin E may bemore important. Thus it could be concluded that vitamin E may be helpful in the protection ofthe unwanted effects of MTX.Key words: Methotrexate, vitamin E, small intestine- iii -This document was created by Print2PDFhttp://www.software602.com