Protective effect of black mulberry (morus nigra) fruit extract on methotrexate-related intestinal damage in rats

In this study, using histological and/or biochemical parameters, we aimed to demonstrate possible protective effects of black mulberry (morus nigra), already known to have antioxidant properties in the prevention of oral and gastrointestinal system mucositis caused by high dose methotrexate used in the treatment of many childhood cancers. In this prospective, randomized study, male Wistar albino rats weighing between 200-250 g will be divided into 4 groups, each including 14 subjects. In first group 30 mg/kg of methotrexate will be administered intraperitoneally on the first day of the study to establish the intestinal damage model. In second group 30 mg/kg of methotrexate will be administered intraperitoneally on the first day and then at the same time, 500 mg / kg Morus nigra extract was given to these animals by oral gavage to start after the first day of MTX administration. In the third group only 0.001ml / kg-2.5ml / kg intragastric saline solution was given. The fourth group was given morus nigra extract with 500 mg / kg by oral gavage. The rats were sacrificed on the 4th and 6th days in the study groups. Biochemical and histological analyzes will be performed to demonstrate antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities in the subjects. Taken blood sample was analysed biochemically for TOS, TAS levels. For histological analysis, samples were taken from small intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and than distributions of Ki-67, MPO, MDA, TNF-alpha, TOS, TAS, IL-1beta were assessed in the samples. In the literature, no study was determined showing the protective effect of morus nigra on gastrointestinal toxicity of Methotrexate at the tissue level.This study is unique in regard to being the first on this topic. In our study, morphometric and histopathologic symptoms show that, Morus nigra has a protective effect on the mucosa damage caused by the MTX and supports regeneration on intestinal epithelium. Morus nigra, as seen in our study, reduces the damages of MTX. Our study gives hope for the use of Morus nigra in order to remain protected from the adverse effects of MTX but we need more wide range of studies which includes clinical studies also.