protective effect of Nigella sativa oil against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

The present work was performed to study the possible protective effect of Nigella sativa Oil [NSO] on hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol, as a model of hepatotoxic agents. 50 adult male albino rats were used in this study, each rat weighing 120-150 grams. Animals were divided into 5 groups; 10 rats each group. Group [I] received saline intraperitoneal and served as control. Group [II] received paracetamol in a single dose 1 gm/kg intraperitoneally to each rats. Group [III] received Nigella sativa Oil [NSO] in a dose of 800 mg/kg orally daily for 4 weeks. Group [IV] rats of this group received Nigella sativa Oil orally once daily in a dose of 800 mg/kg for 4 weeks followed by a single dose of paracetamol i.p. [1 gm/kg]. Group [V] received a single dose of paracetamol [1 gm/kg] i.p followed by Nigella sativa Oil orally 800 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks. At the end of experiment all animals were sacrificed after an overnight fasting, and blood samples were collected for the biochemical ssessment of the standard liver function tests, serum transaminases [ALT, AST], alkaline phosphatase, total proteins and albumin. Malondialdehyde and glutathione were estimated in liver tissues in addition to histopathological examination of liver was performed in each group. The results of the present study showed that in group II there was a marked elevation of serum transaminases and decrease in total protein and albumin plus elevation of malondialdhyde and reduction of glutathione in liver tissues. Administration of NSO before or after paracetamol produced significant reduction in all parameters of liver function tests, also malondialdehyde in liver tissue decreased while glutathione showed a significant increase in liver tissues. Also there was an improvement in histopathological finding of the liver. The results of our study showed that Nigella sativa Oil can significantly protect and treat the liver against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity

Effects of low dose aspirin and antioxidant on Haemostatic equilibria in females oral contraceptives

Abnormalities in coagulation equilibria and prooxidant antioxidant status have been observed in consequence to cigarette smoking and oral contraceptive pill use. The study aims to evaluate parameters of hemostatic equilibria and endothelial damage in females with thrombotic tendencies arising from oral contraceptive [OC] pill use for more than three years besides the cumulative impact of cigarette smoke inhalation [CSI]. As well assessment of the influence of cessation of CSI for six months in conjunction with therapeutic regimen involving low dose aspirin and antioxidant supplementation. Selected cases were within age range 27-35 years and included active smokers [GII n = 20] and passive smokers [G11 n=20]. For six months they followed a regimen of daily supplementation of low dose [75 mg] aluminum aspirin tablets and antioxidants [antox tablets and dietary resources] besides cessation or avoidance of cigarette smoke inhalation as well as use of conventional contraception instead of OC. The results illustrated variations in the evaluated parameters of hemostatic equilibria including protein C, protein S and thrombin antithrombin complex as well as of total antioxidant - capacity and lipid peroxidation product malonedialdehyde versus serum cotinine levels. These variations were more bronounced in passive than active smokers when values were compared to those assessed before commencing the six month regimen. The aforementioned therapeutic regimen provided appropriate changes after six months for passive smokers and should be extended for another six months for active smokers who stopped smoking to fulfill the regimen requirements for rebalancing of hemostatic equilibria