Potential neuroprotective effect of thymoquinone against the neurotoxic effects of Bisphenol A

Aim: To evaluate the potential protective and therapeutic effects of thymoquinone against the neurotoxic damage caused by Bisphenol A on brain tissue using histochemical, immunohistochemical, and biochemical methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Control (K), TQ, BPA, and BPA+TQ. The control group was fed ad libitum. The TQ group received 50 mg/kg thymoquinone via oral gavage. The BPA group was administered 50 mg/kg BPA orally, and the BPA+TQ group received 50 mg/kg BPA followed by 50 mg/kg TQ at a 30-minute interval. At the end of the 30-day experimental period, blood and brain tissue samples were collected from the rats under anesthesia. Brain tissues were examined using histochemical, immunohistochemical, and biochemical techniques. Results: Biochemical analysis revealed increased MDA levels and decreased GSH levels in the BPA group. While the K and TQ groups exhibited similar histological structures, the BPA group showed neurons with heterochromatic-pyknotic nuclei, glial cell infiltration, chromatolysis and karyolysis in some neurons, perineuronal edema, and reduced neuropil density. Improvement was observed in the BPA+TQ group. Among all groups, the BPA group had the lowest BDNF, MBP, and NF immunoreactivities and the highest Cas-3 expression. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that thymoquinone has protective and therapeutic effects against the neurotoxic impact of BPA on brain tissue. Keywords: Brain, Bisphenol A, Neurotoxicity, Thymoquinone