Thymoquinone attenuates trauma induced spinal cord damage in an animal model

Aras M., Özgür T., Sefil F., Özden R., Bayraktar H. S.

ULUSAL TRAVMA VE ACIL CERRAHI DERGISI, vol.20, pp.328-332, 2014 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Journal Name: ULUSAL TRAVMA VE ACIL CERRAHI DERGISI
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.328-332
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating conditions leading to neurological impairment and dis-

abilities. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) histopathologically in an

experimental model of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group; SCI group; SCI-induced and

10 mg/kg/day TQ administered group; SCI-induced and 30 mg/kg/day TQ administered group. TQ was given as intraperitoneal for three

days prior to injury and four days following injury. Spinal cord segment between T8 and T10 were taken for histopathologic examina-

tion. Hemorrhage, spongiosis and liquefactive necrosis were analyzed semiquantatively for histopathological changes.

RESULTS: Administration of TQ at a dose of 10 mg/kg did not cause any significant change on the histological features of neuronal

degeneration as compared to the SCI group (p=0.269); however, 30 mg/kg TQ significantly decreased the histological features of spinal

cord damage below that of the SCI group (p=0.011).

CONCLUSION: Data from this study suggest that TQ supplementation attenuates trauma induced spinal cord damage. Thus, TQ

needs to be taken into consideration, for it may have a neuroprotective effect in trauma induced spinal cord damage.

Key words: Experimental spinal cord injury; thymoquinone; histologic examination.