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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and radioprotective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ) against ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in lens after total cranium irradiation (IR) of rats with a single dose of 5 gray (Gy).
Materials and methods: Seventy-four Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the experiment. The rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group A received total cranium IR plus NSO (1 g kg–1 d–1) orally through an orogastric tube. Group B received total cranium IR plus TQ (50 mgkg–1 d–1) daily by intraperitoneal injection. Group C received 5 Gy of gamma IR as a single dose to total cranium plus 1 ml saline. Group D1 just received 1 ml saline. Group D2 just received dimethyl sulfoxide. Group D3 did not receive anything.
Results: At the end of the 10th d, cataract developed in 80% of the rats in IR group only. After IR, cataract rate dropped to 20% and 50% in groups which were treated with NSO and TQ, respectively, and was limited at grades 1 and 2. Nitric oxide synthase activity, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite levels in the radiotherapy group were higher than those of all other groups.
Conclusions: The results implicate a major role for NSO and TQ in preventing cataractogenesis in ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in the lenses of rats, wherein NSO were found to be more potent.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no declarations of interest. None of the authors has a commercial interest, financial interest and/or other relationship with manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, laboratory supplies and/or medical devices or with commercial providers of medically related services.