Under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Sarmed H. Kathem Alkhateeb, the Scientific Affairs Unit at the University of Baghdad/College of Pharmacy held an in-person scientific seminar entitled “Evaluating the Effects of Chromium Picolinate Supplements in Methotrexate Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats,” delivered by Pharmacist Jehan Najm Al-deen Farhan, the MSc student at the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department.The seminar aimed to to evaluate the potential protective role of chromium picolinate against kidney damage caused by methotrexate in a rat model. The seminar included several topics including nephrotoxicity, which is considered as the major cause for acute kidney injury (AKI), which is characterized by a sudden decline in kidney function. Methotrexate, a folic acid antagonist widely used in chemotherapy for various cancers, is known to cause significant nephrotoxic side effects, which limit its clinical application. Among other pathways, oxidative stress and inflammation are believed to play key roles in methotrexate-induced kidney damage. Chromium picolinate is an essential trace element with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The seminar concluded that Chromium picolinate has ameliorative effects on methotrexate -induced nephrotoxicity in rats. These beneficial effects may be attributed to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
