Ehab Tousson^1,, Zeinab Atteya¹, Afaf El-Atrash¹, Ola I. Jeweely¹

Methotrexate (MTX) is used as a chemotherapeutic agent and its anti-oxidant activity is used to treat many cancer types. The present study aimed to examine the possible modifying effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GLE) against hepatic and renal toxicity induced by MTX in rats. A total 60 male albino rats were equally divided into six groups; the first and second groups were the control and GLE groups respectively while the 3rd group was MTX rat group; the 4th and 5th groups were Co- and post treated MTX rat with GLE respectively and the 6th group was MTX self treated rat group. Serum GPT, GOT, urea, creatinine, uric acids and MDA levels in MTX group showed a significant increase when compared with control group, in contrast, MTX-treated group also exhibited a significant decrease in liver antioxidant machinery represented by GSH, catalase, SOD and total protein. Administration of GLE combined with MTX improved the liver and kidney damages induced by MTX. Histopathological and evidence, together with observed CD68 immunoreactivity, supported the detrimental effect of MTX and the ameliorating effect of GLE on liver and kidney toxicities. GLE possessed various protective mechanisms against MTX-induced liver and kidney toxicity throughout Co- and post- treatment. We can conclude that Co-treatment with GLE has beneficial properties and can reduce the liver and kidney damages and toxicity induced by MTX.

Methotrexate, Gingko biloba leaf extract, oxidative damage, antioxidants, CD68 immunoreactivity, liver, kidney