Effects of sodium arsenite on the some laboratory signs and therapeutic role of thymoquinone in the rats

OBJECTIVE: Serious health problems in humans are caused by arsenic (As) exposure, which is wide spread in the environment. Sodium arsenite (SAs), capable of inducing macromolecular damage is evaluated for its damaging effect in the blood vessels, liver and kidneys of Wistar rats. This study was undertaken to investigate the ameliorative effects of thymoquinone on SAs-induced oxidative and inflammatory damages in the serum of male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar Albino rats divided into three groups of nine rats each were administered to controls saline (10 mg/kg), SAs (10 mg/kg), and SAs plus thymoquinone (10 mg/kg/day) for two weeks orally. Biochemical tests were analyzed by a otoanalyzer; nitric oxide levels specthrophometrically, and cytokines were measured by ELISA method in the rat serum samples. RESULTS: Inflammatory cytokines and some biochemical variables were found to be increased in the SAs group compared to control group. On the other hand, thymoquinone supressed these laboratory signs, which are thought to be the characteristic signs of SAs toxicity, most probably by its ameliorative effects including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. CONCLUSIONS: From the results obtained, thymoquinone mitigates SAs-induced adverse effects in the serum of rats, which suggest that it may attenuate inflammation implicated in endotelial dysfunction