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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of flaxseed oil against hepato-renal toxicity induced by methotrexate. Rats treated with methotrexate exhibited elevations in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, γGT, LDH, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and bilirubin. Furthermore, the levels of MDA, NO and the relative ratio of the gene expression of COX-2 and iNOS were significantly increased, accompanied by a decrease in the total protein, SOD, GPx, total thiol as well as the GSH content. Alterations in the lipid profile and hepatorenal histology were observed in rats treated with methotrexate. Also, up-regulation of α-SMA and loss of DNA bands integration were observed in methotrexate-treated rats. However, the oral treatment of flaxseed oil exhibited a protective effect against methotrexate toxicity in rats that could be attributed to its potent antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities.