Comparison of the efficacy of Nigella sativa L. and vitamin E in a postoperative peritoneal adhesion model

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of locally applied Nigella sativa L. oil and Vitamin E in a rat adhesion model. Thirty-six male Wistar rats (90 days old, 240 ± 37g) were assigned to three groups: control (sterile saline), N.sativa oil containing (NS) 10 mg/kg TQ (0.16 – 0.24 mL/rat), and vitamin E containing (vit E) 50 mg/kg tocopherol (0.06 – 0.1 mL/rat). After inducing intra-abdominal adhesion, the treatments were administered intraperitoneally. On day 8, rats were euthanized, and adhesions were scored macroscopically. Levels of IL-6 (Interleukin-6), TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha), PGE2 (Prostaglandin E2), TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1), VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), IL-10 (Interleukin-10), and IL-1β (Interleukin-1 beta) were measured, and histopathological evaluation and Picro-Sirius Red staining were performed. Adhesion scores did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.680). TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the control group compared to the vit E group (p = 0.011), with no significant difference between the NS and vit E groups. PGE2 levels differed significantly between the NS and vit E groups (p = 0.023). IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β1, and VEGF levels did not show significant differences (p > 0.05). Histopathology revealed reduced fibrosis and inflammation in the vit E group compared to NS group (p < 0.001). Picro-Sirius Red staining showed improved collagen maturation in the vit E group, followed by NS, with the control group exhibiting less mature collagen. In conclusion, both treatments showed efficacy, but vit E was superior in reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and enhancing collagen maturation. Key Words: Collagen, inflammation, peritoneum, tissue adhesion, vitamins.