RESUMO
In this study, we investigated the effects of Nigella sativa, vitamins C and E, and selenium on the levels of trace elements in the serum of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-injected rabbits. The rabbits were separated into one control and three experimental groups, each consisting of eight rabbits. MNNG was administered to all rabbits at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Group A received a suspension of N. sativa, group B received a combination of vitamins C and E and selenium, and group C received MNNG without any additional treatment. Group D did not receive any treatment and acted as control. The concentrations of serum zinc, copper, and iron were determined for groups A, B, C, and D. The zinc levels were 155.3+/-25.8, 304.7+/-14.22, 117.2+/-27.9, and 87.0+/-8 ng/dL for groups A-D, respectively; copper was measured at 234.8+/-31.9, 214.3+/-14.2, 196.5+/-19.3, and 359.2+/-19.9 ng/dL and iron levels were 276.3+/-10.71, 260.8+/-7.15, 211.2+/-13.47, and 223.4+/-9.5 ng/dL, in the stated group order. There were statistically significant differences between groups (p<0.05). The results obtained in this work may be of use for monitoring and preventing the nocive effects of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and similar carcinogens.