Protective effects of Nigella sativa Against Oxidative Stress and Cytotoxicity Induced by Smokeless Tobacco in an Allergic Asthma Model in Wistar Rats

Abstract Purpose Studies carried out on the exposure to toxic metals from smokeless tobacco (ST) products and their health effects are limited compared to particulate metal inhalation toxicology. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by smokeless tobacco (ST), in the context of asthmatic pathology. Furthermore, we explored the preventive and ameliorating effects of oral administration of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) at a dose of 4 mL/kg/day in rats.Results Our results showed that ST clearly intensifies the oxidative stress state induced by Ova-challenge in rat. This has been shown by augmenting lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and by altering the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant status. Besides, ST impairs the liver enzymes ASAT, ALAT, ALP, total proteins and albumin. Moreover, aggravation of inflammation and oxidative stress was demonstrated by the histopathological responses observed especially in the liver. Conclusion Our data indicate that acute concurrent exposure to allergen and ST enhances cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. In contrast, NSO administration has shown the recovery of the biochemical parameters in the liver and kidney, restoration of the antioxidant status, reduction of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. Finally, NSO treatment improved the histopathological alterations in liver and kidney.