Researchers from Suleyman Demirel University and Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University in Turkey have found that cannabidiol (CBD) may alleviate liver damage caused by methotrexate (MTX), a commonly used chemotherapy drug.
The study, published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology, highlights CBD’s potential as a protective agent against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.
The research involved 32 female Wistar Albino rats, divided into four groups: a control group, an MTX-only group, an MTX+CBD group, and a CBD-only group. The MTX+CBD group received a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) followed by daily CBD injections (5 mg/kg) for seven days. Researchers assessed oxidative stress markers, liver enzyme levels, and genetic expressions linked to inflammation and apoptosis.
MTX administration led to increased oxidative stress, elevated liver enzymes (AST and ALT), and heightened inflammation, as indicated by TNF-α levels. It also disrupted the expression of key genes like SIRT-1, p53, Bcl-2, and Bax, which regulate oxidative stress and cell death. However, CBD treatment reversed these effects, significantly reducing oxidative stress and inflammation while enhancing antioxidant defenses. Additionally, CBD improved SIRT-1 expression, a critical factor in its protective effects.
“These findings suggest CBD could be a promising therapeutic agent for chemotherapy-induced liver damage”, concludes the study, with researchers noting that “Further research is warranted to explore additional pathways and broader molecular mechanisms.”
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