Thymoquinone supplementation ameliorates cisplatin-induced hepatic pathophysiology

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hepatology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Hepatotoxicity is a significant dose-limiting side effect of cyclophosphamide (CP) chemotherapy.
• Thymoquinone (TQ), derived from Nigella sativa, shows promise in improving liver function in acute liver injury models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of TQ against CP-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model.
• To evaluate the biochemical and histological impact of TQ on CP-induced liver damage.

Main Methods:

• Rats were administered TQ (1.5 mg/kg) orally for 14 days before and 4 days after a single hepatotoxic dose of CP (6 mg/kg).
• Groups included control, CP, CP+TQ, and TQ.
• Biochemical markers (ALT, AST), enzyme activities, and antioxidant status were assessed.
• Liver histopathology was examined.

Main Results:

• CP administration significantly elevated serum ALT and AST levels, indicative of liver injury.
• CP induced detrimental changes in membrane marker enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism enzymes, and the antioxidant defense system.
• TQ supplementation effectively ameliorated these CP-induced biochemical and histological alterations.

Conclusions:

• Thymoquinone demonstrates significant hepatoprotective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury.
• TQ supplementation normalizes liver function and mitigates oxidative stress in CP-treated rats.
• TQ holds potential for clinical application in managing chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity.