Effect of Thymoquinone on Everolimus-Induced Oral Toxicity in Rats. A Macroscobic and Biochemical Evaluation

Everolimus is a drug within the class of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTOR). The most widespread side effect observed is oral mucositis.Thymoquinone is a phenolic compound obtained antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of thymoquinone against oral toxicity that may develop due to everolimus in rats. Albino Wistar male rats were divided into healthy(HG), everolimus(EVR), thymoquinone(TQG) and thymoquinone+everolimus(TQE) groups. Thymoquinone (20 mg/kg) was administered to the TQG and TQE groups orally. One h after, TQE and EVR groups were given everolimus to (2 mg/kg) the stomach. This procedure was repeated once a day for four weeks. After 4 weeks, animals were euthanized, tongue and cheek tissues were examined biochemically and histopathologically. Thymoquinone prevented the increase of oxidant and proinflammatory cytokines and the decrease of antioxidants in the tongue and cheek tissues of animals, and also reduced the histopathological damage. © 2022, Colegio de Farmaceuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. All rights reserved.