Background: Methotrexate is an antineoplastic drug in the treatment of many morbidities. Besides its various benefits, it may induce hazardous effects on different body systems. One of its collateral impacts is ovarian toxicity. Oxidative stress and inflammation are suggested to play a main role in methotrexate induced toxicity. Thymoquinone, a natural agent, is nowadays widely used in the medical field due to its antioxidant, and excellent anti-inflammatory nature as well as its anti apoptotic effect.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the protective role of thymoquinone in different doses in defiance of methotrexate ovarian toxicity.
Material and method: 36 rats were randomized and divided into 6 groups, 6 rats in each. Group I: received no treatment. Group II: received 0.5 mLsaline for 11 days. Group III: Methotrexate was received in a single 20 mg/kg dose. Group IV, V and VI: received methotrexate as group III and thymoquinone in doses of 2.5,5 and 10 mg/kg/day respectively for 11 days. Levels of MDA, SOD, TNFα and AMH were measured. Histopathological and immunostaining examinations with caspase 3 were done.
Results: Group III showed significantly elevated of MDA and TNFα levels and lower levels of SOD and AMH in contrary to the control groups. Groups V and VI showed obvious improvement in the biochemical results. Ovarian sections in group III showed degenerated follicles, disrupted granulosa cells degenerated corpora lutea and intense caspase3 immunopositivity. The normal histology of the ovary was restored with negative immunostaining of caspase 3 in groups V and VI.