Role of Nitric Oxide in Methotrexate-Induced Intestinal Damage
Author Information
Author(s): Leitão Renata FC, Brito Gerly AC, Oriá Reinaldo B, Braga-Neto Manuel B, Bellaguarda Emmanuelle AL, Silva Johann V, Gomes Antoniella S, Lima-Júnior Roberto CP, Siqueira Francisco JWS, Freire Rosemeyre S, Vale Mariana L, Ribeiro Ronaldo A
Primary Institution: Federal University of Ceara
Hypothesis
The study investigates the role of nitric oxide, specifically iNOS, in the pathogenesis of methotrexate-induced intestinal mucositis.
Conclusion
The study suggests that nitric oxide, via activation of iNOS, plays a critical role in the development of intestinal mucositis caused by methotrexate.
Supporting Evidence
- Methotrexate treatment caused significant intestinal damage in rats.
- Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase reduced the damage caused by methotrexate.
- iNOS expression increased in the intestines after methotrexate treatment.
- No significant inflammation was observed in iNOS knock-out mice.
Takeaway
This study shows that a substance called nitric oxide can cause damage to the intestines when a medicine called methotrexate is used, but certain treatments can help protect the intestines.
Methodology
The study involved administering methotrexate to rats and mice, followed by treatment with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, and assessing intestinal damage through histopathological analysis and various assays.
Participant Demographics
Forty-eight male Wistar rats and eight C57BL/6 mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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