Objectives: One antimetabolite that is frequently used to treat cancer is methotrexate (MTX). Its frequent usage has been linked to negative skeletal effects such decreased bone production and bone loss. This research's objective was to assess the preventive role of pomegranate peel extract and pumpkin seed oil on the histological and immunohistochemical changes of periodontium of rats receiving methotrexate (MTX).
Material and Methods: Thirty-two male albino rats were randomly distributed into four groups.: Group I; normal, Group II; received MTX, Group III and Group IV; received MTX + pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and MTX +pumpkin seed oil (PSO) respectively. Mandibles were viewed under a light microscope for histological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin, specific Masson stain, and immunohistochemical evaluation using the TRAP labelling index that was calculated and statistically assessed.
Results: group II showed partial resorbtion for lining of alveolar bone with dissociation of PDL fibers that devoid of fibroblast with more improvement in the histological result in PSO group compared PPE group. Regarding the immunohistochemical results, PSO group displayed a significant decrease in TRAP labelling index compared to other groups.
Conclusion: both PPE and PSO could be used as a prophylactic dietary supplement against the adverse effect of MTX on the periodontium although PSO showed more promising effect.
Key words:
Methotrexate, Pomegranate Peel Extract, Pumpkin Seed Oil, periodontium.