Rosuvastatin protects against methotrexate- induced oral mucositis in rat model Rosuvastatin protects & oral mucositis in rat model

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Published: Jun 30, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58564/jmob.186
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Keywords: Methotrexate, oral mucositis, rosuvastatin.

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Wasan M AL-Omary
Department of Oral Diagnosis, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
Nashwah Azeez
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

Abstract

Methotrexate is an antineoplastic agent employed in chemotherapy. Currently, inflammation of the oral mucosa (oral mucositis) is considered one of the most severe negative effects of anticancer treatment. The aims of this research to examine the effects of rosuvastatin on rat oral mucositis produced by methotrexate. 30 adult albino male rats were randomly allocated into 3 groups (n=10). The healthy control group was orally given normal saline for 15 days. The methotrexate, rosuvastatin+ methotrexate groups were administered methotrexate (80 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on the day 8. The rosuvastatin+ methotrexate group received oral rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg) once daily for 14 days. Cheek tissue specimens were obtained for histopathological evaluation, and biochemical assessment of tissue homogenates. Treatment with rosuvastatin significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) compared with the methotrexate group (p<0.05), while boosting interleukin-10 (IL-10) activity. Furthermore, it significantly improved histopathological scores in methotrexate-induced alterations. Rosuvastatin had significant tissue -protective effects via antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in a rats model of methotrexate evoked mucositis. These results support its potential as an adjunct therapy in the prevention of oral stomatitis.

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How to Cite
AL-Omary , W. M., & Azeez, N. (2026). Rosuvastatin protects against methotrexate- induced oral mucositis in rat model: Rosuvastatin protects & oral mucositis in rat model. Journal of Medical and Oral Biosciences ( JMOB), 3(3), 18–29. https://doi.org/10.58564/jmob.186
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Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026)
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Author Biography

Wasan M AL-Omary , Department of Oral Diagnosis, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

Department of Oral Diagnosis, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

[email protected]

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