Thymoquinone Protection Against Oxidative Stress Caused by Cisplatin Through Increased Superoxide Dismutase Expression in the Cochlea of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Cisplatin (Cis) is the primary and most effective chemotherapy drug for treating head and neck cancer. The side effect of cisplatin therapy is toxicity in the cochlea. The most active chemical in Nigella sativa (habbatussauda) is thymoquinone (TQ). The protective effects of thymoquinone antioxidants against oxidative stress caused by cisplatin in the cochlea of Wistar rats are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to determine whether thymoquinone antioxidants may protect Wistar rat cochlea from oxidative damage caused by cisplatin.Methods: We divided 24 healthy male rats into four groups for this experimental animal study (Rattus norvegicus). The researchers named the group that received cisplatin alone the Cis group. The group given cisplatin and thymoquinone at 25 mg/kg/day was designated the Cis+TQ25 group. The group given cisplatin and thymoquinone at 50 mg/kg/day was designated the Cis+TQ50 group. the group that received no treatment was designated as the control group. On day 10, SOD expression was tested the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in rat cochlear tissue using an immunohistochemistry examination.Results: The Cis group significantly decreased the expression of SOD in cochlear tissue (26.64±5.02) compared to the control group (64.18±5.93) with a p = 0.000. The Cis+TQ25 group (51.95±2.98) and the Cis+TQ50 group (56.19±5.43) significantly increase SOD expression in cochlear tissue compared to the Cis group (26.64±5.02) with a p = 0.009 and a p = 0.002.Conclusion: Thymoquinone decreases oxidative stress caused by cisplatin by upregulating SOD expression in Wistar rat cochlea.Keywords: Antioxidants; Cisplatin; Cochlea; Oxidative stress; Rats; Thymoquinone Editorial Expression of Concern:18 May 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about problems in use of English language. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community as we address the errors.Editorial Note:31 May 2025: You are viewing the latest version of this article having minor corrections related to the use of English language and in references section. Expression of concern is hereby revoked