The College of Pharmacy discussed the MSc thesis entitled “Evaluation the Effects of Chromium Picolinate (Cr+3) Supplements in Methotrexate Induced Nephrotoxicity in a Rat Model” by the student Jehan Najm Al-deen Farhan and her supervisor, Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Faris Hassan, at the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department. The study aimed to assess whether chromium picolinate reduces nephrotoxicity produced by Methotrexate in a rat model. The study included Thirty-two male rats were separated into four groups (n=8): Group I: The rat was administered distilled water orally for 8 days. Group II: On the first day, rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of Methotrexate at a dosage of 20 mg/kg, followed by distilled water for 7 days. Group III: On the first day, rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of Methotrexate at a dosage of 20 mg/kg, followed by Chromium picolinate at a dose (2mg/kg) orally for 7 days. Group IV: On the first day, rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of Methotrexate at a dosage of 20 mg/kg, followed by Chromium picolinate at a dose (4mg/kg) orally for 7 days. All animals were sacrificed on day 9. Blood and tissue samples were collected for further analysis. The study concluded that chromium treated rats had significantly (p<0.05) reduction in renal function parameters like serum levels of (creatinine and urea) and kidney injury molecule-1, and a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the oxidative stress parameters like malondialdehyde, with a significant (p<0.05) increase antioxidant enzyme level like ( superoxide dismutase-1) and a significant decline (P<0.05) in the pro-inflammatory cytokine activity like interleukin 1beta levels, and tumor necrosis factor alpha as compared to methotrexate only group. Kidney portions from rat treated with chromium significantly improved upon histopathological inspection. The study recommended identifying the precise molecular mechanism(s) behind the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chromium. Analyzing the anti-apoptotic properties of chromium against nephrotoxicity brought on by MTX. Evaluating the possible therapeutic benefit of chromium in patients treated with HDMTX therapy. Studying the antioxidant effects of chromium in comparison with other known antioxidants like vitamin E and omega-3.
