Antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L. seeds on the testis of monosodium glutamate challenged rats

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely spread food additives that might cause male infertility. However, Nigellasativa L. seeds (NSS) could provide a solution. This study was designed to investigate the potential effects of NSS on rats ingesting MSG. To achieve this aim, adult male albino rats were randomly equally assigned into three groups for 21 days: control group received no treatment, MSG group received MSG as 30 g/kg feed, and MSG + NSS group received MSG as 30 g/kg and NSS as 30 g/kg feed. Testis histomorphometry showed marked deterioration by MSG as atrophic seminiferous tubules with degeneration of their lining cells, damaged Leydig cells and decreased germ cells number. Periodic Acid Schiff stain indicated irregular interrupted basement membranes. Glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and caspase-3 immuno-expressions increased in testicular cells. Testosterone levels were significantly decreased in MSG challenged rats along with significant increase in luteinizing hormone levels, whereas NSS normalized this hormonal profile. MSG exposure also caused significantly increased lipid peroxides (LPO), glutathione-S-transferase, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) whereas nitric oxide and SOD2 were significantly decreased. NSS succeeded in rebalance LPO and TAC and ameliorated the histoarchitectural disturbances. NSS mitigated MSG-induced testicular impairment by its antioxidant and cytoprotective activities.

Effect of Nigella sativa L. Seed on the Kidney of Monosodium Glutamate Challenged Rats

“…MSG + NSS group administrated MSG at the same previous dose in addition to NSS, after finely crushed using an electric mill mixer, and added to the diet as a powder at a dose of 30 g/kg feed for the same period. This dose is well established to protect against various toxicants ( Abd-Elkareem et al, 2021 ). Rats were housed at 24 ± 1°C in polypropylene cages on wood chips, exposed to a natural daily light/dark cycle, and provided a standard rat chow pellet and water ad libitum .…”

The protective effect of Nigella sativa seeds against monosodium glutamate-induced hepatic dysfunction in rats

“…Nigella sativa seeds were purchased from Imtenan Heath Shop Company, Obour City, Egypt. Phytochemical constituents of NSS were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry in the previously published protocol ( Abd-Elkareem et al, 2021 ). The gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry of NSS showed the presence of 26 active phytochemical constituents.…”

“…The gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry of NSS showed the presence of 26 active phytochemical constituents. The major constituents were 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and TQ (1.5%) ( Abd-Elkareem et al, 2021 ).…”

“…For immunohistochemical detection of glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in the liver, we used polyclonal anti-glutathione reductase and anti-superoxide dismutase 2 antibodies, respectively (Chongqing Biospes Co., Ltd, China) and Power-Stain™ 1.0 Poly horseradish peroxidase (HRP) DAB Kit (Genemed Biotechnologies, Inc, 458 Carlton Ct. South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA). The protocol was used as the previously published protocol ( Abd-Elkareem et al, 2021 ).…”

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Thymoquinone in Atherosclerosis: A Mini Review

“…Hence, the extensive therapeutic benefits exerted by N. sativa L. may be attributed to TQ ( Alagawany et al, 2021 ). Previous studies have shown that TQ possesses various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant ( Abd-Elkareem et al, 2021 ), antimicrobial ( Mouwakeh et al, 2018 ), antihypertensive ( Enayatfard et al, 2018 ), antidiabetic ( Bule et al, 2020 ), lipid-lowering ( Majdalawieh et al, 2021 ), neuroprotective ( Abulfadl et al, 2018 ), gastroprotective ( Bukar et al, 2017 ), anticancer ( Edris, 2021 ), and anti-inflammatory ( Alkharfy et al, 2018 ; Ahmad et al, 2020 ). Given the potential health benefits of TQ, the present study aimed to examine the available evidence on its anti-inflammatory effects in atherosclerosis via signaling pathway modulation, and to highlight its potential toxicity.…”