Introduction: Rhabdomyolysis, the release of skeletal muscle cell contents into the plasma, can cause acute renal failure by filtering myoglobin through the glomeruli. Glycerol injection is one of the experimental models to induce rhabdomyolysis in laboratory animals. Oxidative stress is crucial in pathophysiology of rhabdomyolysis-induced kidney damage. In this study, Nigella sativa and its active ingredient thymoquinone, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, have been investigated for its possible protective effects on kidney damage in the rat model of rhabdomyolysis caused by glycerol. Methods and Materials: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, rhabdomyolysis, Nigella sativa extract (200 & 400 mg/kg) + rhabdomyolysis. Glycerol was injected into both legs on day three, and after seven days, the kidneys were collected to assess the oxidant/antioxidant balance then animals were humanly euthanized. Results: In the rhabdomyolysis group, a significant increase was observed in the concentration of MDA (malondialdehyde) and renal tissue damage, while no significant changes were observed in total thiol concentration, and the activities of catalase and SOD (superoxide dismutase) enzymes. In all treatment groups with Nigella sativa extract, there was a significant reduction in MDA concentration and tissue damage compared to the rhabdomyolysis group. However, none of these groups showed any significant change of SOD activity. Compare to the rhabdomyolysis group, the total thiol concentration increased significantly in the thymoquinone and Nigella sativa extract (400 mg/kg) treatment groups. Also, catalase activity showed a significant increase in the Nigella sativa extract (400 mg/kg) treatment group. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of the renoprotective effects of Nigella sativa extract in rhabdomyolysis-induced renal injury, which can be attributed, at least partially, to their antioxidant properties.
Morvarid Y, Naderi E, Hosseinian S, Khajavi Rad A, Shahraki S, Rigi M H. The Effect of Nigella sativa on Renal Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model of Glycerol-Induced Rhabdomyolysis. Koomesh 2023; 25 (5) :731-731 URL: http://koomeshjournal.semums.ac.ir/article-1-8928-en.html