Beneficial effects of thymoquinone and omega-3 on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal dysfunction in rats

Intestinal ischemia–reperfusion (II/R) is a complex phenomenon causing local and remote tissue destruction and multiple-organ dysfunction. The technique has been used by many authors to produce certain organ dysfunctions. This study is to investigate the possible beneficial effects of thymoquinone and omega-3 separately in II/R-induced renal dysfunction in rats. Sixty-four Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into four experimental groups namely sham control, II/R control, thymoquinone and omega-3 each group pre-treated separately. II/R model was established by clamping the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 30 min followed by 60 min reperfusion.Serum level of creatinine was measured. Renal tissue contents of malodialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured. Apoptosis in renal tissue cells was determined by immunohistochemical analysis of caspase-3. Renal histopathological examination was carried out.II/R elevated serum creatinine level. In-addition, renal tissue content of GSH and SOD activity were decreased. However renal tissue content of MDA and MPO activity were increased. Immunohistochemical analysis showed remarkable activation of caspase-3 in renal tissue. Histopathological examination revealed definite alterations after II/R.Pre-treatment with thymoquinone and omega-3 resulted in increased renal tissue content of GSH and SOD activity. The results revealed significant decrease in renal tissue content of MDA as well as MPO activity. Test drugs decreased the activity of caspase-3 through immunohistochemical examination. Thymoquinone and omega-3 corrected the reported histopathological changes induced by II/R.Depending on the obtained results in the present study it could be concluded that thymoquinone and omega-3 have beneficial effects on II/R-induced renal dysfunction in rats. The protective potential could be attributed to the antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of test drugs.