The Protective Effects of Nigella Sativa on the Antioxidant System and Certain Cytokine Levels in Rats Exposed to Experimental Acrylamide

Aim: The objective of this research was to examine the potential safeguarding properties of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) against the genotoxic, carcinogenic, and neurotoxic effects of acrylamide. N. sativa is known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics which can counteract the detrimental impact of environmental toxins. The research investigated the influence of N. sativa on the antioxidant system and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and explored its therapeutic potential in rats exposed to acrylamide, a substance known for its harmful effects on various systems. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two healthy adult male rats were used and allocated into four separate groups: control, acrylamide, N. sativa, and acrylamide + N. sativa groups. Acrylamide (40 mg/kg/day) and N. sativa oil (10 mg/kg/day) were given orally for 15 days. IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, SOD, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and TNF-α levels were analyzed. Results: The acrylamide group exhibited a significant increase in MDA levels in comparison to the other groups, indicating oxidative stress (P < 0.05). Moreover, GSH and SOD levels were appreciably lower in the acrylamide group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the experimental group treated with N. sativa displayed reduced MDA levels (by approximately 30%) and improved GSH and SOD levels compared to the acrylamide group, suggesting a significant protective effect against acrylamide toxicity (P < 0.05). The acrylamide group showed significantly increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1, along with a notable decrease in the anti inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (P < 0.05). Conversely, in the group treated with N. sativa, there was a significant reduction in the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 (P < 0.05), indicating the anti-inflammatory effects of N. sativa. Conclusion: The study results suggest that N. sativa can alleviate acrylamide induced oxidative stress and inflammation. It seemed that N. sativa significiantly improved the increase of MDA levels altered by ACR and increase antioxidant levels, and partially attenuate the changes in L-1 levels induced by ACR. These findings indicate that N. sativa suggests potential benefits in alleviating the adverse impacts of acrylamide