Thymoquinone Reduces Atherosclerosis in Rabbits Treated with Cyclosporine A and High Cholesterol
Author Information
Author(s): Ragheb Ahmed, Attia Ahmed, Elbarbry Fawzy, Prasad Kailash, Shoker Ahmed
Primary Institution: University of Saskatchewan
Hypothesis
CsA aggravates hyperlipidemia-induced atherosclerosis by synergistically enhancing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity and that TQ ameliorates these effects.
Conclusion
Thymoquinone significantly reduces atherosclerosis and oxidative stress in rabbits treated with cyclosporine A and a high-cholesterol diet.
Supporting Evidence
- CsA alone did not show a significant effect on serum lipids or induce atherosclerosis.
- High-cholesterol diet induced atherosclerosis covering 45% of the aorta with plaques.
- TQ decreased aortic MDA levels by 83% and reduced atherosclerosis by 52% compared to CsA and cholesterol treatment.
Takeaway
This study shows that a natural compound called thymoquinone can help protect rabbits from heart problems caused by a drug and a fatty diet.
Methodology
Thirty female New Zealand White rabbits were divided into five groups and treated with different diets and drugs for 8 weeks, followed by assessments of serum lipids and atherosclerotic changes.
Limitations
The study did not measure oxidized LDL-C levels or tissue CsA levels, and varying CsA dosing was not tested.
Participant Demographics
Female New Zealand White rabbits, aged 6-8 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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