The effect of colchicine and low-dose methotrexate on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in an experimental model

Aim Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious clinical condition. Colchicine and low-dose methotrexate have anti-inflammatory features. An experimental model was conducted to investigate the effect of colchicine and methotrexate on intestinal I/R injury.

Methods Twenty-four rats were included. Only laparotomy was done in control group (CG, n = 6). In experimental groups, superior mesenteric artery was occluded. After 1 h ischemia, reperfusion (1 h) was started by de-occlusion. 30 min before reperfusion, saline in sham group (SG, n:6), colchicine (1 mg/kg) in colchicine group (CNG, n:6), and methotrexate (0.1 mg/kg) in methotrexate group (MTXG, n:6) were infused intraperitoneally. Small intestines were harvested for evaluation of intestinal mucosal injury (Chiu score) and oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide: NO, malondialdehyde: MDA, superoxide dismutase: SOD).

Results Biochemically, MDA levels were significantly low in CG compared to SG, CNG, and MTXG (p < 0.05). NO levels were significantly low and SOD levels were significantly high in CG compared to MTXG (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, Chiu score was significantly low in CG compared to SG, CNG, and MTXG (p < 0.05), and significantly high in MTXG compared to SG and CNG (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The present experimental model caused I/R injury in rat intestines. Contrary to literature, it was found that methotrexate worsens and colchicine does not attenuate intestinal I/R injury.