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Background and purpose: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) such as alcoholic steatosis, hepatitis and cirrhosis are complex multistep chronic diseases reported in many animal studies. Chronic alcohol consumption induces hepatic oxidative stress due to increased generation of reactive oxygen species and/or reduced antioxidant capacity. Trametes versicolor belongs to the more advanced Basidiomycetes class of fungi that grows on tree trunks throughout the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of methanol and hot-water extraction from Trametes versicolor. Materials and methods: Trametes versicolor was collected and maceration extraction was performed. The extraction was then powdered through freeze drying. This study was performed in 20+5g weight male mice that were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=4 per group). Different doses of extract were gavaged for a week. Finally, liver tissues were removed for measuring Glutathione (GSH) level and blood samples were taken for determining AST, ALT and ALP levels. Results: There were statistically significant differences in GSH and ALT, AST, ALP levels between the groups receiving Ethanol + different doses of extracts and Ethanol. No significant differences were found in GSH and liver enzymes level in the group receiving Ethanol + methanol and hot-water extract of Trametes versicolor 200 mg/Kg compared with the normal group. Conclusion: The results showed the antioxidant effect of investigated extracts on hepatotoxicity of ethanol in mice. These extracts can return GSH concentrations to normal levels and protect liver cells from damage and increase of AST, ALT and ALP enzyme levels.

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Abstract Background and purpose: Methotrexate as a chemotherapy drug causes chronic liver damage, infiltration of neutrophils, oxidative stress, and direct renal tubular damage. Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of quercetin on eliminating the liver and kidney toxicity of methotrexate. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 32 rats were divided into 4 groups. Group I (control) was given regular diet. Group II received single-dose methotrexate. Group III received methotrexate + a single dose quercetin and the last group (positive control) received methotrexate + a single dose silymarin. After five days, blood samples were taken and the serum GOT, GPT, ALP, Cr, urea and antioxidant capacity of plasma were measured. Some parts of liver and kidney were removed to measure the liver and kidney SOD, MDA, catalase activity and histopathological studies. Results: Serum GOT, GPT, ALP, Cr, and liver and kidney MDA were significantly higher (P<0.05) in group II, compared with those of the control group. These parameters significantly decreased (P<0.05) in group III. Compared to the control group, antioxidant capacity of plasma, activity of the liver and kidney SOD, catalase and serum urea decreased significantly in group II (P<0.05). Administration of quercetin significantly increased these parameters (P<0.05) and decreased hepatic and renal lymphocyte infiltration. Conclusion: According to the results, administration of quercetin could have a protective role in preventing liver and renal toxicity induced by methotrexate which could be due to its antioxidant property.

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Background and purpose: One of the main issues in cancer treatment is to reduce the side effects of drugs on healthy tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventative effects of continuous aerobic exercise on apoptosis ratio and liver fibrosis induced by doxorubicin in aging rats.
Materials and methods: In this experimental research, 42 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n= 7), including the Young, Aged, Aged+ Saline, Aged+ Dox, Aged+ Exercise+ Saline, and Aged+ Exercise+ Dox. The training groups practiced on treadmill while considering the principle of overload (five sessions per week/ six weeks). On the last 15 days of exercise, doxorubicin or saline solution were injected (1 mg/kg/daily). Then, 48 hours after completing the trainings, liver tissue sampling was performed to evaluate the fibrosis and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. Data analysis was done using One-way ANOVA at a significant level of P≤0.05.
Results: Doxorubicin caused a significant increase in liver fibrosis, expression of Bax protein and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and a significant reduction in expression of Bcl-2 protein (p≤0.05). On the other hand, aerobic training significantly reduced the expression of Bax protein, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and hepatic fibrosis, and significantly increased the expression of Bcl-2 protein (p≤0.05).
Conclusion: Continuous aerobic exercises, reduce the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio which is an indicator of increase in survival rate and also reduce liver fibrosis against doxorubicin.