Cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and its abrogation by thymoquinone

Cadmium (Cd(2+) ) causes alteration of the cellular homeostasis and oxidative damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible protective role of thymoquinone (TQ), a predominant bioactive component present in black seed oil (Nigella sativa) on the hepatotoxicity of Cd(2+) with special reference to its protection against perturbation of nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. The effect of TQ pretreatment was examined in postnuclear supernatant prepared from liver of Swiss albino mice under in vitro conditions. CdCl(2) treatment (5 mM) resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant enzymatic activities. It also caused a significant (p < 0.001) increase in protein carbonyl and reduced glutathione content. Pretreatment with TQ (10 μM) showed a significant protection as manifested by noticed attenuation of protein oxidation and rejuvenation of the depleted antioxidants of cellular fraction. These results strengthen the hypothesis that TQ exerts modulatory influence on the antioxidant defense system on being subjected to toxic insult.