Effect of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa L.) on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Levels and Perivascular Adipose Tissue (PVAT) Thickness in High-Fat Diet Rat Models

Background: Atherosclerosis is a long-lasting inflammatory condition resulting from the interaction between monocytes and endothelial damage in the tunica intima. The development and early pathophysiology comprises two main events, namely endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Proinflammatory cytokines, which are produced by perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), may attract monocytes. Meanwhile, Black Cumin is a herbal plant used traditionally in medicine. Several preliminary studies indicate that Black Cumin may enhance aspects of metabolic disease and improve lipid profiles, lower blood pressure, as well as reduce glycemic index and inflammation. It also has the potential to improve endothelial dysfunction associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: The study employed an experimental design featuring a control group and included only a post-test. The sample population comprised Wistar rats, divided into 5 groups, namely dyslipidemia with Black Cumin (P1), atorvastatin (P2), atorvastatin with Black Cumin (P3), negative (N), and positive (P) control. The body weight was then measured every week for assessment. At the conclusion of the study, rats were euthanized in the ninth week through cervical dislocation following xylazine’s and ketamine’s intraperitoneal injections. Results: The results showed that after treatment, the average VEGF levels were 39.66 (N), 66.27 (P), 83.90 pg/mL (P1), 65.64 (P2), and 57.86 (P3). The Duncan test revealed no substantial differences in VEGF levels among groups P, P2, and P3 (p>0.05), while group P1 exhibited the highest levels, which were significantly higher than those of the other groups. For PVAT thickness, mean levels post-treatment were 329.35 µm (N), 322.94 µm (P), 224.40 µm (P1), 222.41 µm (P2), and 222.64 µm (P3). The Duncan test indicated that groups P1, P2, and P3 had the same strength in reducing PVAT thickness. Conclusion: The Black Cumin extract administration to the rats with a high-fat diet functioned better compared to atorvastatin in increasing VEGF levels and reducing PVAT thickness within the aortic wall in the early process of atherosclerosis. Accordingly, additional research is needed to identify the optimal dosage. Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Nigella sativa; Black cumin; Perivascular Adipose Tissue; VEGF