Light and Electron Microscopic Study on the Possible Protective Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil on Cisplatin Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Cisplatin has a potent anti-tumor action and it has been associated with several toxic side effects. Nigella sativa (NS) oil has an antioxidant and protective effects against side effects of many drugs.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of cisplatin on the liver of rats and the protective effect of NS oil both histologically (LM and EM) and biochemically (serum ALT & AST).Material and methods: Thirty five adult male rats were used in this study and were divided into 4 groups; group I: as a control group, 10 rats were used and divided equally to negative and positive controls, group II: (5 rats) received NS oil 2 ml/kg body weight (BW) by gastric tube daily for 10 days. The group III: (10 rats) received cisplatin 1.5 mg/kg BW intraperitonial (i.p.) daily for 7 days and group IV: (10 rats) received cisplatin 1.5 mg/kg BW (i.p.) daily for 7 days and NS oil 2 ml/kg BW by gastric tube daily for 10 days starting 3 days before cisplatin administration. Twenty four hours after the end of experiment, blood samples and liver specimens were obtained from animals in all groups and prepared for examinations.Results: The results revealed that group II was nearly as group I. Group III revealed by LM cytoplasmic vacuolation, pyknotic nuclei and aggregation of inflammatory cells in some portal tracts and surrounding central veins. By EM, hepatocytes revealed some pyknotic nuclei and degenerated mitochondria. Some area of the cytoplasm showed rarefaction and vacuoles. Also there was a significant increase in both ALT & AST levels. Group IV revealed amelioration of these changes.Conclusion: NS oil ameliorates the hepatotoxic effects of cisplatin.