Protective effect of pretreatment with thymoquinone against Aflatoxin B sub(1) induced liver toxicity in mice

Background and the purpose of the study: Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the active components of Nigella sativa. The plant has been used in herbal medicine for treatment of many diseases including liver complications. The present study aimed to investigate protective effects of TQ on Aflatoxin B sub(1) (AFB sub(1)) induced liver toxicity in mice. Methods: Animals were divided into six groups and treated intraperitoneally. Group 1 (blank) served as vehicle, group 2 (positive control) received AFB sub(1), Group 3 was treated with 9 mg/kg of TQ, Groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 4.5, 9 and 18 mg/kg of TQ, respectively. After three consecutive days, except for groups 1 and 3, animals were administered with a single dose of AFB sub(1) (2 mg/kg). All the animals were killed 24 hrs following the AFB sub(1) administration under ether anesthesia. Biochemical parameters including AST, ALT and ALP in serum samples and glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in liver homogenates were determined. Liver sections were collected for histopathological examination. Results: Findings of this study showed that AST, ALT, ALP and MDA levels were significantly lower in the TQ treated animals as compared to AFB sub(1) group (group 2). Furthermore, TQ was able to recover glutathione content (GSH) of liver tissue. The best response, however, was observed with the dose of 9 mg/kg. Liver sections of AFB sub(1) intoxicated mice showed inflammation, necrosis, hyperplasia of kupffer and infiltration of mononuclear cells, dilation of sinusoids and disruption of hepatocytes, while treatment with TQ helped to normalize liver architecture in accordance to biochemical findings. Conclusion: Taken collectively, TQ has a protective role with optimum dose of 9 mg/kg in AFB sub(1) hepatotoxicity.