THYMOQUINONE AFFECTS THE EXPRESSIONS OF HIPPOCAMPAL miR-26b, miR-124, AND miR-29a microRNAs IN HEALTHY RATS

Abstract

Objective: Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa, crosses the blood-brain barrier and exerts neuroprotective and neuromodulatory activities. This study aims to investigate the effect of TQ administration on the expressions of microRNAs (miR) 26b, 124, 29a and 29c in the hippocampus of healthy rats Methods: TQ (20 mg kg?1 d?1) is administered intragastrically to adult rats for 15 days. MicroRNA levels of related genes were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Administration of TQ significantly downregulated the expression profiles of miR-26b and miR-124 and upregulated miR- 29a. No significant change was observed in the expression level of miR-29c. Conclusion: TQ may have a beneficial effect on healthy brain and/or central nervous system (CNS) function by altering the expression of miR-26b, miR-124, and miR-29a, which are highly expressed in the brain.