Protective effects of thymoquinone against apoptosis and oxidative stress by arsenic in rat kidney

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the protective role of thymoquinone (TQ) by targeting its antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties against kidney damage induced by arsenic in rats. We have used the 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were divided into three groups. Physiological serum in 10 mL/kg dose as intragastric was given to the control group. Sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg, intragastric by gavage for fifteen days) was given to the arsenic group. Sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg, intragastric by gavage for fifteen days) and TQ (10 mg/kg, intragastric by gavage for 15 days) was given to the arsenic + TQ group. After 15 days, the animals' kidneys were taken theirs, then we have performed histological and apoptotic assessment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels have examined as the oxidative stress parameters. We have determined the levels of arsenic. Increased renal injury and apoptotic cells have been detected in the arsenic group. Degenerative changes in the arsenic + TQ group were diminished. Although the MDA levels were augmented in the arsenic group, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px enzyme activities were lessened than the other groups. Our findings suggest that TQ may impede the oxidative stress, the cells have been damaged and also the generation of apoptotic cells arisen from arsenic. TQ plays a protective role against arsenic-induced toxicity in kidney and may potentially be used as a remedial agent.

An Overview on Renoprotective Effects of Thymoquinone

“…Renal degenerative changes induced by arsenic were decreased by TQ (10 mg/kg, intragastric gavage for 15 days). Also, TQ ameliorated the increased MDA levels and increased the reduced SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px enzyme activities [68]. …”

Spirulina platensis, reduced liver and kidney injuries induced by Sodium arsenite

“…All of these parameters considered as a highly indicators for kidney damage 24, 25 . Earlier studies showed that arsenic is a heavy metal ion and increases the production of Reactive Oxygen Species(ROS) concomitant with increases the production ofpro-inflammatory cytokines and increased activities of the oxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) 26, 27 Paralleled with these findings, kidney histopathological examination revealed a marked interstitial hemorrhage among renal tubules with thickening of lining epithelium of renal tubules and degeneration in proximal convoluted tubules and distal tubules 28 .…”

Dimethylarsenic acid (DMA) accumulation positively correlates with realgar-induced subchronic toxicity in rats

“…There is a positive correlation between renal injury and realgar dosage and administration time. Some studies have reported that arsenic can cause oxidative damage to the kidneys [29-31]. The renal damage caused by long-term oral administration of realgar is reversible, with the prolonged withdrawal time, arsenic in the kidney gradually decreased, and kidney damage gradually reduced to recovery.…”