Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim - Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
Emad W. Ghazy - Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt

Objective(s):  Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a broad spectrum antibiotic widely used for treatment of a wide range of infections. However, its improper human and animal use leads to toxic effects, including hepatonephrotoxicity. Our objective was to evaluate protective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and/or ascorbic acid (AA), against OTC-induced hepatonephrotoxicity in rabbits. Materials and Methods: Forty male white New Zealand rabbits were divided into ۵ groups of eight each. The ۱st group (control) was given saline. The ۲nd group was given OTC (۲۰۰ mg/kg, orally). The ۳rd and ۴th groups were orally administered NSO and AA (۲ ml/kg and ۲۰۰ mg/kg respectively) ۱ hr before OTC administration at the same dose regimen used for the ۲nd group. Both NSO and AA were given in combination for the ۵th group along with OTC administration. Serum biochemical parameters related to liver and kidney injury were evaluated, and lipid peroxidation as well as antioxidant markers in hepatic and renal tissues were examined. Results: OTC-treated animals revealed significant alterations in serum biochemical hepato-renal injury markers, and showed a markedly increase in hepato-renal lipid peroxidation and inhibition in tissue antioxidant biomarkers. NSO and AA protect against OTC-induced serum and tissue biochemical alterations when each of them is used alone or in combination along with OTC treatment. Furthermore, both NSO and AA produced synergetic hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Conclusion: The present study revealed the preventive role of NSO and/or AA against the toxic effects of OTC through their free radical-scavenging and potent antioxidant activities.

Antioxidant, Ascorbic acid, Hepato-Renal, Nigella Sativa, Oxytetracycline, Rabbit