Phenolic Contents, Antioxidant Activities, LCMS Profiles of Mespilus germanica Leaf Extract and Effects on mRNA Transcription Levels of Apoptotic, Autophagic, and Necrotic Genes in MCF7 and A549 Cancer Cell Lines.

Cancer, defined by the continuous, uncontrollable proliferation of cells in the human body, is a disease with a rapidly increasing incidence and mortality rate. Scientists are looking for novel ways to cure and prevent this sneaky disease because of the toxicity of contemporary chemotherapy and the cancer cells' resilience to anticancer drugs. Determining the effect of herbal medicines, which do not have as harmful side effects as synthetic drugs, on cancer cell lines is an essential preliminary study in the production of effective drugs against cancer. In this study, the phenolic acid profile, antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxicity of the medicinal plant Mespilus germanica (MG) leaf extract were determined, and its effects on the expression of some apoptotic, necrotic, and autophagic pathway genes of MCF7 (Human breast cancer line) and A549 (Human lung cancer line) and healthy HDF (Human Dermal Fibroblasts) cells were investigated for the first time. The LCMS device detected many important phenolic compounds previously reported to act against cancer cells in Mespilus germanica leaf extract. DPPH and total phenolic content showed high antioxidant capacity. The cytotoxicity of MG was determined by the MTT method. The levels of mRNA transcription for Atg5, Atg3, Ripk1, Bcl2, Bax, Apaf1, Caspase-8, Caspase-7, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9, as well as the expression patterns of the DNA damage markers P53 and Parp-1 genes, were assessed. MG leaf extract did not cause significant toxicity against healthy HDF cells. However, it had a cytotoxic effect on A549 and MCF7 cancer cell lines, increasing the transcription levels of essential genes involved in cell death mechanisms. This research is the first to analyze the phenolic components and antioxidant capabilities of leaf extracts from Mespilus germanica. Additionally, it investigates the impact of these extracts on crucial genes involved in cell death pathways of A549 lung cancer, MCF7 breast cancer, and non-cancerous HDF (Human Dermal Fibroblasts) cells.

Lycopene prevents cell death in NRK-52E cells by inhibition of high glucose-activated DNA damage and apoptotic, autophagic, and necrotic pathways.

This study aims to investigate the effects of lycopene on apoptotic, autophagic, and necrotic pathways, oxidative status, and DNA damage in diabetic nephropathy at the molecular level. The sample of the study includes seven groups: lycopene (L), high glucose (G), high glucose + lycopene (GL), and control (C) groups tested at 12 and 24 h. The expression levels of genes in oxidative, apoptotic, autophagic, and necrotic cell death pathways are determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The comet assay method is used for the analysis of DNA damage. It is observed that adding lycopene to high glucose for protective purposes reduces the expression of genes related to apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, as well as the DNA damage index, compared to cells given high glucose alone. Lycopene can be a safe and effective alternative agent.

A rare cause of intestinal obstruction in children trichobezoar: How to diagnose?

BACKGROUND: Trichobezoar is a rare clinical condition in children, which is caused by the accumulation of swallowed hair mass in the digestive tract. This condition is most common in young women with psychiatric histories who suffer from trichotillomania (TTM), where they have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair. Diagnosis and treatment of this pathology, which is already extremely rare, and its variable clinical presentations are challenging. The aim of this study was to increase awareness of trichobezoar in the differential diagnosis of signs of intestinal obstruction in children and to evaluate the diagnosis and management of this rare pathology. METHODS: The clinical data of six patients who were treated for trichobezoars in the pediatric surgery department of our hospital between 2009 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Six female patients were treated with the diagnosis of trichobezoar during this period. Patients were diagnosed with the help of anamnesis, physical examination, abdominal ultrasonography (USG), and finally, endoscopy. USG can predict the intestinal wall infiltration and the tail extended to the duodenum through pylorus in the series. All patients were evaluated with contrast-enhanced abdominal radiography. Five surgical interventions were performed in four of the cases. In a case who underwent surgery twice, the distal intestinal satellite bezoar was not noticed in the first operation. Two patients were diagnosed to have trichobezoar, but surgery was not required. These patients were younger and had early-onset TTM (before 10 years old). The patients were followed for an average of 10.8 years and no recurrence was detected. CONCLUSION: Trichobezoar is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in children with fatal complications when diagnosed late. Failure to follow an algorithm for the management of the disease causes difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment. Especially in pa-tients with a known psychiatric history, whole abdominal USG and laparoscopy performed with awareness can prevent unnecessary examinations.

Vitamin D may assist the UPR against sodium fluoride-induced damage by reducing RIPK1, ATG5, BECN1, oxidative stress and increasing caspase-3 in the osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cell line.

BACKGROUND: Out of all measure systemic exposure to fluorides can cause defect of skeletal and dental fluorosis. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is caused by fluorine-induced oxidative stress and importance of vitamin D in its prevention is not known enough in bone cells. This study was carried out to investigate fluorine-induced oxidative stress, ER stress, and death pathways and the effect of vitamin D on them. METHODS: MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblast cell line was used as the material of the study. The NaF and vitamin D concentrations were determined by the MTT assay. NaF treatments and vitamin D supplementation (pre-add, co-add, and post-add) was administered in the cell line at 24th and 48th hours. The expression of the genes in oxidative stress, ER stress, and death pathways was determined using RT-qPCR and Western blotting techniques. RESULTS: Vitamin D significantly reduced mRNA expression levels of SOD2, CYGB, ATF6, PERK, IRE1, ATG5 and BECN1 whereas caused an increase in levels GPX1, SOD1, NOS2 and Caspase-3 in MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblast cell line of NaF-induced. In addition, GPX1, SOD1, ATF6, PERK, IRE1, BECN1, Caspase-3 and RIPK1 protein levels were examined by Western blot analysis, and it was determined that vitamin D decreased IRE1 and PERK protein levels, but increased GPX1, SOD1, ATF6 and Caspase-3 protein levels. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study suggest that vitamin D has protective potential against NaF-induced cytotoxicity reasonably through the attenuation of oxidative stress, ER stress, ATG5, IRE1 and by increasesing caspase-3 in vitro conditions.

The Effects of Vitamin D Application on NaF-Induced Cytotoxicity in Osteoblast Cells (hFOB 1.19).

This study was planned to evaluate the effect of vitamin D administration on cytotoxicity due to fluoride exposure in vitro. NaF (IC50) and vitamin D (proliferative) were applied to human osteoblast (hFOB 1.19) cells. The major genes of apoptotic, autophagic, and necrotic pathways were determined by RT-PCR. 2-∆∆Ct formulation was used for expression analysis. In the NaF group, caspase 3, Bax, Bad, Bak, Bclx, Atg3, Atg5, Atg6, pG2, LC3-I, LC3-II, RIP1, and RIP3 genes were increased (2.6-15 times). It was observed that the expressions of these genes approached the control when vitamin D was given together with NaF. The Bcl2 gene increased significantly (sixfold) with the effect of NaF, and was down-regulated to some extent with additional vitamin D administration, but still more than in the control. As a result, it was determined that apoptotic, necrotic, and autophagic pathways were activated as the molecular basis of the damage in the bone tissue, which was most affected by fluorine, and these genes were down-regulated and approached the control group with the addition of vitamin D. It was concluded that this is an important data to explain the molecular basis of the protective and therapeutic effect of vitamin D against fluorine toxicity.

The effect of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) on apoptotic, autophagic, antioxidant and inflammation markers in glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance in rats.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance plays an important role in predicting type 2 diabetes that may develops. This study was planned in order to investigate the beneficial effects of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) use in glucocorticoid induced-insulin resistance. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two rats were used as the material (experimental) groups: the control group (C), the quinoa-administered group (Q), the insulin resistance-created group (IR), the IR + metformin group (IM), the IR + quinoa for treatment group (IQ) and the quinoa + IR for prophylaxis group (QI). Blood glucose, insulin levels and HOMA-IR were found to be highest (p < 0.05) in the IR group (p < 0.05). Glucose levels decreased significantly with the administration of quinoa and approached the levels of the control, but the insulin levels and the HOMA-IR did not significantly change. It was also observed that other biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, total cholesterol, total protein, urea and creatinine) changed significantly in the IR group and approached the levels of the control group with the administration of quinoa. Apoptotic (BCL2 5, BAX 9, CAS 3), autophagic (SQSTM1 7, ATG5) and inflammation (IL-1ß, TNF-α) genes were upregulated by 5-11-fold in the IR group. In the groups in which quinoa was administered for treatment and protection, all these genes were found to be upregulated to a lower extent than the IR group. Antioxidant genes (GPX1, SOD1) increased by nine to tenfold in the quinoa groups. CONCLUSION: As a result, after administration of quinoa, it was determined that the glucose level increased due to experimental insulin resistance and the liver and kidney damage indicators decreased. It was determined that quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) had significant beneficial effects on biochemical parameters and apoptotic, autophagic, antioxidant and inflammatory markers in experimental glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance.

Coats plus syndrome: a rare cause of severe gastrointestinal tract bleeding in children - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Coats plus syndrome, cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts, is a rare disease with autosomal recessive pattern occurring due to a mutation in CTC1, encoding conserved telomere maintenance component 1, gene. Besides retinal involvement, abnormalities in brain and osteopenia, serious life-threatening bleeding in gastrointestinal tract and portal hypertension can be observed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-year-old girl with Coats plus syndrome presented to the pediatric emergency department with vomiting blood and blood in stool. An upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed esophageal varices and vascular telangiectasia in the pyloric antrum, duodenum, and colon. She received palliative care and the bleeding was stopped after receiving intravenous octreotide. She then was followed in the pediatric gastroenterology, neurology, and ophthalmology clinics. She was later hospitalized and admitted to the intensive care unit as she continued to have intermittent gastrointestinal system bleeding. She eventually died due to severe gastrointestinal system bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Coats plus syndrome can lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding and portal hypertension. As Coats plus syndrome is quite rare, there is little published data on this syndrome. This report presents a case of Coats plus syndrome as a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and portal hypertension.

Serum tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis levels are elevated in schizophrenia

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess serum Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) concentrations to determine whether changes in patients with schizophrenia could have etiopathogenetic importance. Since very little research has addressed the connection between the inflammatory marker TWEAK and schizophrenia, we wanted to examine alterations of TWEAK and investigate the possible correlation between clinical symptomatology and serum concentrations. Methods: A total of 45 schizophrenia patients and 40 healthy controls were included in this study. The Positive Symptom Assessment scale and the Negative Symptom Assessment scale were administered to determine symptom severity. Venous blood samples were collected and serum TWEAK levels were measured. Results: Serum TWEAK levels were significantly higher in the schizophrenia group than the control group, independently of potential confounders, including sex, age, body mass index and smoking status. Conclusion: The results indicate that TWEAK is elevated in schizophrenia patients, which could deepen our understanding of the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

The frequency of and factors affecting functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants that presented to tertiary care hospitals.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of infantile functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) based on Rome IV diagnostic criteria, and to determine the associated patient demographic and nutritional characteristics. A total of 2383 infants aged 1-12 months which were evaluated by 28 general pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists on the same day at nine tertiary care hospitals around Istanbul, Turkey, between November 2017 and March 2018, were included in the study. Patients included consulted the pediatric outpatient clinics because of any complaints, but not for vaccines and/or routine well child follow-ups as this is not part of the activities in the tertiary care hospitals. The patients were diagnosed with FGIDs based on Rome IV diagnostic criteria. The patients were divided into a FGID group and non-FGID group, and anthropometric measurements, physical examination findings, nutritional status, risk factors, and symptoms related to FGIDs were evaluated using questionnaires. Among the 2383 infants included, 837 (35.1%) had ≥1 FGIDs, of which 260 (31%) had already presented to hospital with symptoms of FGIDs and 577 (69%) presented to hospital with other symptoms, but were diagnosed with FGIDs by a pediatrician. Infant colic (19.2%), infant regurgitation (13.4%), and infant dyschezia (9.8%) were the most common FGIDs. One FGID was present in 76%, and ≥2 FGIDs were diagnosed in 24%. The frequency of early supplementary feeding was higher in the infants in the FGID group aged ≤6 months than in the non-FGID group (P = 0.039).Conclusion: FGIDs occur quite common in infants. Since early diversification was associated with the presence of FGIDs, nutritional guidance and intervention should be part of the first-line treatment. Only 31% of the infants diagnosed with a FGID were presented because of symptoms indicating a FGID. What is Known: • The functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a very common disorder and affect almost half of all infants. • In infants, the frequency of FGIDs increases with mistakes made in feeding. When FGIDs are diagnosed in infants, nutritional support should be the first-line treatment. What is New: • This study shows that only a third of children presented to hospital because of the symptoms of FGIDs, but pediatricians were able to make the diagnosis in suspected infants after appropriate evaluation. • The early starting of complementary feeding (<6 months) is a risk factor for the development of FGIDs.

Serum zonulin and claudin-5 levels in patients with schizophrenia.

The aim of this research was to assess whether or not changes in the concentrations of serum zonulin and claudin-5 in patients with schizophrenia could have etiopathogenetic importance. In previous studies, the data regarding the relationship between intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and the etiology of schizophrenia have been limited. In this study, we assumed that there may be a difference in serum zonulin and claudin-5 levels in patients with schizophrenia, which may affect the severity of the disease. Fifty schizophrenia patients and 50 healthy controls were included in this study. The patients were administered the Positive Symptoms Assessment Scale (SAPS) and Negative Symptoms Assessment Scale (SANS) to determine the severity of symptoms. Venous blood samples were collected, and the serum zonulin and claudin-5 levels were measured. The mean serum zonulin levels were significantly increased in patients with schizophrenia when compared to the control group. Serum claudin-5 levels were decreased in the schizophrenia patients when compared to the controls. The present study indicates that zonulin is increased and claudin-5 is decreased in patients with schizophrenia. These findings extend the existing knowledge on the dysregulation of intestinal permeability, especially zonulin, and BBB, especially claudin-5, and show that both proteins may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia.

The Effect of Lycopene on DNA Damage and Repair in Fluoride-Treated NRK-52E Cell Line.

Exposure of fluorine at toxic concentrations causes serious damage by accumulating in especially bones, kidneys, and other soft tissues. Fluorine at cytotoxic concentrations may cause DNA damage. This study aims to determine the level of DNA damage due to sodium fluoride (NaF) at different hours (3rd, 12th, and 24th hours) and in IC50 concentrations designated for each hour and reveal the protective effect of lycopene on possible damage. The best enhancer concentrations (1 µM) of microtitration (MTT) viability test and proliferation of lycopene and IC50 values of NaF at the 3rd, 12th, and 24th hour were 9600, 5500, and 3200 µM, respectively. DNA damage significantly increased in all NaF-treated groups in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). DNA damage due to NaF+LYC application significantly decreased in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Lycopene application significantly increased the expression levels of the Ku70 and Ku80 genes which have a part in DNA repair (p < 0.05). The statistical data showed that application of lycopene which is an important antioxidant molecule may be beneficial for decreasing NaF-induced DNA damage. In conclusion, applying lycopene for cytotoxicity due to fluorine in NRK-52E cell line had different effects based on the dosage and time; thus, it can be a potential option for preventing fluorosis-induced toxicity and developing new treatment approaches.

Serum tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis levels are elevated in schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess serum Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) concentrations to determine whether changes in patients with schizophrenia could have etiopathogenetic importance. Since very little research has addressed the connection between the inflammatory marker TWEAK and schizophrenia, we wanted to examine alterations of TWEAK and investigate the possible correlation between clinical symptomatology and serum concentrations. METHODS: A total of 45 schizophrenia patients and 40 healthy controls were included in this study. The Positive Symptom Assessment scale and the Negative Symptom Assessment scale were administered to determine symptom severity. Venous blood samples were collected and serum TWEAK levels were measured. RESULTS: Serum TWEAK levels were significantly higher in the schizophrenia group than the control group, independently of potential confounders, including sex, age, body mass index and smoking status. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that TWEAK is elevated in schizophrenia patients, which could deepen our understanding of the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

The effect of vitamin E and selenium combination in repairing fluoride-induced DNA damage to NRK-52E cells.

Prolonged and excessive fluoride exposure can lead to fluorosis. The kidney is one of the organs that are injured mostly due to fluoride-induced damage. Fluoride can induce DNA damage at cytotoxic concentrations. This study aims to determine the extent of NaF-induced DNA damage and to investigate the effect of vitamin E and selenium combination (ES) in preventing and repairing this damage. For this purpose, we administered different combinations of NaF and ES to NRK-52E cells and determined the effective concentrations of ES and the NaF IC50 values associated with different incubation times (3, 12, and 24 h) by using the MTT assay. The determined quantities of NaF IC50 in association with time and the NaF IC50 + ES combination were administered to the cells. The extent of DNA damage was determined with the comet assay and the expression levels of the Ku70/80 and PARP-1 genes were determined with the RT-qPCR method. DNA damage significantly increased in all experimental groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). It was found out that the NaF and ES combination statistically reduced the DNA damage compared to the damage observed in the NaF-treated groups (p < 0.05). Treatment of the ES combination significantly increased the expressions of Ku70 and Ku80 genes involved in DNA repair (p < 0.05). We concluded that vitamin E and selenium can potentially be effective in the repair of fluoride-induced DNA damage based on the results of this in vitro study. Our results may shed light on the prevention of DNA damage associated with fluorosis.

Blind liver biopsy: a 17-year experience / Biopsia hepática a ciegas: experiencia de 17 años

ABSTRACT Objectives: Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing liver inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis. The aim of the study is to evaluate clinical indications and histopathological results of percutaneus liver biopsy. Materials and methods: A total of 516 children who underwent blind liver biopsy were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Blind liver biopsy was performed for chronic active hepatitis B in 50% of the cases (n=260), neonatal cholestasis in 14% (n=68), autoimmune hepatitis in 7.7% (n=40), Wilson disease in 7.3% (n=38), isolated elevation of the liver enzymes in 5% (n=26), chronic active hepatitis C in 4.2% (n=22), metabolic disease in 3.4% (n=17), malignancies in 2.2% (n=11) and the others in 3.4% (n=17). Major complications were observed in 0.19% of the cases (n=1) and minor complications such as pain at the biopsy site in 13.5% of the cases (n=70), hypotension and tachycardia in 1.9% (n=10). Conclusions: Blind liver biopsy is a safe method in diagnosing liver diseases in childhood.

RESUMEN Objetivos: La biopsia de hígado es el estándar de oro para evaluar la inflamación, necrosis y fibrosis del hígado. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar las indicaciones clínicas y los resultados histopatológicos de la biopsia hepática percutánea. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluó retrospectivamente a un total de 516 niños a los que se les realizó una biopsia hepática a ciegas. Resultados: Se realizó biopsia hepática a ciegas por hepatitis B crónica activa en el 50% de los casos (n = 260), colestasis neonatal en el 14% (n = 68), hepatitis autoinmune en el 7,7% (n = 40), enfermedad de Wilson en el 7,3%. % (n = 38), elevación aislada de las enzimas hepáticas en el 5% (n = 26), hepatitis C crónica activa en el 4,2% (n = 22), enfermedad metabólica en el 3,4% (n = 17), neoplasias en el 2,2% (n = 11) y los demás en un 3,4% (n = 17). Se observaron complicaciones mayores en el 0,19% de los casos (n = 1) y complicaciones menores como dolor en el sitio de la biopsia en el 13,5% de los casos (n = 70), hipotensión y taquicardia en el 1,9% (n = 10). Conclusiones: La biopsia hepática a ciegas es un método seguro en el diagnóstico de enfermedades hepáticas en la infancia.

Serum galectin-3 levels are decreased in schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether changes in serum galectin-3 (gal-3) concentrations in schizophrenia patients have etiopathogenetic importance. Since very little research has assessed the connection between galectins and schizophrenia, we wanted to examine alterations in the inflammatory marker gal-3 in schizophrenia and investigate possible correlations between clinical symptomatology and serum concentrations. METHODS: Forty-eight schizophrenia patients and 44 healthy controls were included in this study. The Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) were administered to determine symptom severity. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum gal-3 levels were measured. RESULTS: Mean serum gal-3 levels were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients, and there were no significant differences in age or sex with the control group. There was also a significant positive correlation between serum gal-3 concentrations and negative schizophrenia symptoms according to the SANS. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that gal-3 is decreased in schizophrenia patients, which could contribute to inflammation in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Blind liver biopsy: a 17-year experience.

OBJECTIVES: Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing liver inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis. The aim of the study is to evaluate clinical indications and histopathological results of percutaneus liver biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 516 children who underwent blind liver biopsy were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Blind liver biopsy was performed for chronic active hepatitis B in 50% of the cases (n=260), neonatal cholestasis in 14% (n=68), autoimmune hepatitis in 7.7% (n=40), Wilson disease in 7.3% (n=38), isolated elevation of the liver enzymes in 5% (n=26), chronic active hepatitis C in 4.2% (n=22), metabolic disease in 3.4% (n=17), malignancies in 2.2% (n=11) and the others in 3.4% (n=17). Major complications were observed in 0.19% of the cases (n=1) and minor complications such as pain at the biopsy site in 13.5% of the cases (n=70), hypotension and tachycardia in 1.9% (n=10). CONCLUSIONS: Blind liver biopsy is a safe method in diagnosing liver diseases in childhood.

The Effect of Thymoquinone on Nuclear Factor Kappa B Levels and Oxidative DNA Damage on Experimental Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Thymoquinone (TQ), the basic bioactive phytochemical constituent of seed oil of Nigella sativa, is one of these herbal drugs known for antidiabetic effects. This study was carried out to assess the effects of the possible role of TQ on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and oxidative DNA damage levels in experimental diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight male Wistar Albino rats (200-250 g) were used as experimental subjects. The rats were divided into four groups, including the control, control supplemented with TQ (CT), diabetic (D), and diabetic supplemented with TQ (DT), each containing seven rats. The D and the DT groups were treated with 45 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) (intraperitoneal). TQ was administered 30 mg/kg/day for 21 days by oral gavage in the DT and the T groups. RESULTS: It was determined that glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities were decreased significantly and approached the control group in the DT group after TQ supplement (P < 0.05). Urea levels were the lowest in CT (P < 0.05). Oxidative DNA damage (8 hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine) was increased in both of the diabetic groups (D and DT). The NF-κB levels were the highest in Group D (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was observed that increased glucose and HbA1c levels and the indicators of liver and kidney damages were decreased significantly after TQ supplementation. Oxidative DNA damage and NF-κB levels were increased in the diabetic group, and TQ administration caused a statistically insignificant reduction. SUMMARY: In this study, the effects of thymoquinone (TQ), the basic bioactive phytochemical constituent of seed oil of Nigella sativa, on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), oxidative DNA damage levels, and, some biochemical parameters was invesigated. It was observed that some biochemical parameters (glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), ALT, AST, GGT) were close to the control group after TQ treatment in diabetic group. Oxidative DNA damage (8 hydroxy 2 deoxyguanosine) and NF-κB were highest levels and TQ implementation caused statistically insignificant decrease, in the diabetic group. Abbreviations used: 8-OHdG: 8 hydroxi-2-deoxiguanosin; ALT: Alanine aminotransferase; AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; GGT: Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase; HbA1c: Glycosylated hemoglobin; NF-κB: Nuclear factor kappa protein; STZ: Streptozotocin; TQ: Thymoquinone.