Similar effect of co-administration of methotrexate and folic acid for the treatment of arthritis compared to separate administration

Dalix, Elisa; Maalouf, Mathieu; Peyroche, Sylvie; Vanden-Bossche, Arnaud; Arthaud, Charles-Antoine; Hodin, Sophie; Mueller, Ruediger B. und Marotte, Hubert (2022): Similar effect of co-administration of methotrexate and folic acid for the treatment of arthritis compared to separate administration. In: Rheumatology, Vol. 62, No. 4: pp. 1706-1710

Abstract

Objectives MTX is the recommended first-line treatment for RA associated with folic acid (FA) to reduce side effects related to MTX. Here, we proposed to test a co-administration of MTX with FA in the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) on efficacy. Material and methods AIA was induced in female Lewis rats and treated with MTX in three groups. The first group of rats received only MTX (n = 13), whereas the second received MTX and FA on the same day (n = 14). The third group received FA one day after MTX (n = 14). Arthritic index (AI), ankle circumference (AC), ankle microcomputed tomography, and blood tests assessed arthritis severity and MTX tolerance. Results AI and AC were similar in MTX groups at various time points. Bone erosion and bone loss parameters were similar in all groups. MTX-PG1 was found at similar levels in various MTX groups and correlated negatively with arthritis severity. Finally, haematology and metabolic parameters were found at a similar level in MTX groups. Conclusion Co-administration of MTX with FA on the same day did not reduce efficacy compared with FA application one day after MTX. Thus, co-administration of MTX and FA could be more convenient and improve compliance in patients.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 1462-0324
• Language: English