Department of Dental Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.
10.32598/ijvm.20.2.1005829
Abstract
Background: Widely used in chemotherapy, methotrexate (MTX) is known to induce oxidative stress and cell death in non-target organs, such as salivary glands. Objectives: This study investigates the preventive and therapeutic effects of ferulic acid (FA), a naturally occurring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, on the histological and biochemical alterations induced by MTX in the submandibular salivary glands of rats. Methods: A total of 24 mature male rats were divided into 4 groups (6 rats in each group): Group I (control) received a normal saline solution for 18 days during the study. On the 15th day of the study, group II (MTX-treated) rats got a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of MTX (40 mg/kg). They were left untreated for three days. Group III was the protective group (FA+MTX). The rats were given FA (60 mg/kg/d, orally) for 14 days before receiving a single IP injection of MTX (40 mg/kg) on day 15. Group IV was the therapeutic group (MTX+FA). After three days of MTX administration (days 15, 16, and 17), they received FA (60 mg/kg/day, orally). Results: FA significantly attenuated MTX-induced biochemical and histological anomalies, as demonstrated by decreased levels of IL-1β and caspase 3, elevated levels of IL-10, and attenuated degenerative alterations in the granular convoluted tubule, mucous acini, and striate duct. Conclusion: The study revealed that MTX induces inflammation and cellular death in the submandibular salivary glands of rats, as evidenced by increased levels of IL-1β and caspase 3, along with decreased levels of IL-10, thereby impairing tissue architecture. FA, given either prophylactically or therapeutically, significantly reduced inflammation and apoptosis.
Talal Fattah, M. , Attarbashee, R. Khairi and Azher Al-Mashhadane, F. (2026). Ferulic Acid and Submandibular Salivary Gland in Rats Exposed to Methotrexate. Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 20(2), 329-338. doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.2.1005829
MLA
Talal Fattah, M. , , Attarbashee, R. Khairi, and Azher Al-Mashhadane, F. . "Ferulic Acid and Submandibular Salivary Gland in Rats Exposed to Methotrexate", Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 20, 2, 2026, 329-338. doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.2.1005829
HARVARD
Talal Fattah, M., Attarbashee, R. Khairi, Azher Al-Mashhadane, F. (2026). 'Ferulic Acid and Submandibular Salivary Gland in Rats Exposed to Methotrexate', Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 20(2), pp. 329-338. doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.2.1005829
CHICAGO
M. Talal Fattah , R. Khairi Attarbashee and F. Azher Al-Mashhadane, "Ferulic Acid and Submandibular Salivary Gland in Rats Exposed to Methotrexate," Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 20 2 (2026): 329-338, doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.2.1005829
VANCOUVER
Talal Fattah, M., Attarbashee, R. Khairi, Azher Al-Mashhadane, F. Ferulic Acid and Submandibular Salivary Gland in Rats Exposed to Methotrexate. Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2026; 20(2): 329-338. doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.2.1005829
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