The present study was carried out to evaluate the role of Nigella sativa Linn (NsL) oil against subacute tramadol-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity as well as oxidative stress in adult male albino rats. Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I: control group; 30 rats equally subdivided into: Ia; −ve control group, Ib; +ve control group received saline, Ic; +ve control group received corn oil. Group II: 10 rats received NsL oil; 1 mg/kg in 1 ml corn oil/day, group III: 10 rats received tramadol; 30 mg/kg/day, group IV: 10 rats received tramadol + NsL oil in the previous doses. Treatments were given by gavage for 30 days. Then rats were sacrificed and specimens from the livers and kidneys were taken for biochemical and histopathological study. Biochemical data showed elevated liver enzymes; alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), bilirubin as well as urea and creatinine in tramadol group. A significant increase in hepatic and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were also noticed. Histological analysis of the liver showed vacuolated hepatocyte cytoplasm indicating hydropic degeneration with binucleated cells, apoptotic nuclei, congested central veins, cellular infiltration and hemorrhage. Kidney sections revealed atrophied glomeruli with collapsed tufts and wide Bowman's space, degenerated tubules, hemorrhage and mononuclear cellular infiltration. There was also an increase in area % of collagen fibers in both organs. Concomitant use of NsL oil with tramadol induced partial improvement in the hepato- and nephrotoxic effects. In conclusion, this study suggested that concomitant use of NsL oil with tramadol proved to be capable of ameliorating tramadol-induced hepato- and nephrotoxicity which might be due to its antioxidant potential.

Iron is an important metal for Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Deferoxamine used as a potent antioxidant plus its chelating function. Quercetin is an effective antioxidant and also reported to have estrogenic activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of deferoxamine and quercetin in the treatment of toxicity induced by short term chronic administration of iron in prepubertal female rats. One hundred and ten rats were divided into 5 groups: Group I : control (40 rats). Group II:(10 rats) injected IP daily with deferoxamine (DFO) (125mg /kg ) for 4 weeks. Group III:( 10 rats ) treated with quercetin (Q) (2g/kg daily) orally for 4 weeks. Group IV:( 10 rats ) received deferoxamine + quercetin for 4 weeks. Group V: (40 rats) subdivided into 4 sub-groups, Va: injected IP daily with Iron dextran (300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks then rats were sacrificed and submitted to biochemical and histopathological examination. Vb: injected intraperitoneally daily with iron dextran for 4 weeks, then received daily intraperitoneal deferoxamine for another 4 weeks. Vc: injected intraperitoneally daily with iron dextran for 4 weeks, then received daily quercetin orally by for another 4 weeks. Vd: injected intraperitoneally daily with iron dextran for 4 weeks, then received daily intraperitoneal deferoxamine + quercetin orally for another 4 weeks. The results showed significant increase in serum iron concentration, ferritin and NTBI and TBARS with significant decrease in serum (LH),(FSH) and estradiol hormones and serum (TAC) values in iron group when compared with other groups accompanied by histopathological changes in pituitary, ovaries and uterus, with marked iron deposits detected by Prussian blue stain and increased expression of caspase 3 . Treatment with deferoxamine or quercetin showed improvement in these parameters which nearly were equally effective. Combined treatment with deferoxamine and quercetin was better than single ones.