Abstract
Background and Objective: Role of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) in enhancing gene expressions of catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in diabetic rats has not investigated so far. Furthermore, sensitive technique is required to confirm its overexpression to superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This study was aimed to investigate the effect of black seed on gene expression of CAT, GST and Bcl-2 and also examine its expression to SOD, GPX and IGF-1 by high sensitive RT-PCR in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Eight non-diabetic albino rats assigned as control (group I). Sixteen rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg kg(-1) b.wt.). Diabetic rats divided into group II and group III (eight rats in each). Rats in group II were untreated diabetic group while rats of group III were diabetic and treated with Black-cumin seed (2 g kg(-1) b.wt.) for 6 weeks. Results: Diabetes increased blood glucose level than control while black seed reduced the higher blood glucose in diabetic rats significantly. Except for IGF-1, diabetes induced significant increases in gene expressions of Bcl2, CAT, SOD, GPX and GST compare to control. Black seed increased expression of Bcl2, CAT, SOD, GPX, GST and IGF-1 genes compare to both control and diabetic untreated rats. Conclusion: The current study observed that the Nigella sativa showed overexpression to CAT, GST and Bcl2 genes and also to SOD, GPX and IGF-1 by higher quantitative PCR in STZ diabetic rats.