الفهرس 
Age-related changes in thyroid gland in male albino rat and the role of Nigella sativa in the amelioration of these changes: Histological, Immunohistochemicaland Biochemical Study
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Abstract
Background: Aging causes morphological and functional changes in the thyroid gland. The free radicals play a key role in the pathology of normal aging. Vimentin and cytokeratin are cytoskeletal intermediate filaments. They are utilized as an indirect detector of many tissue injuries including thyroid tissue injury. Aims: This study was designed to clarify the age-related alterations in the structure and function of the thyroid gland. The relationship between oxidative/antioxidative stress markers (MDA/GSH, SOD) and the cytoskeletal intermediate filaments (vimentin and cytokeratin) from one side and between oxidative/antioxidative stress markers and the VEGF from the other side during the aging process were elucidated. Finally, the role of Nigella sativa (NS) in ameliorating the age-related alterations of the structure and function of the thyroid gland was studied. Methods 30 rats were divided into five groups: I (adolescent control), II (adolescent NS-treated), III (late adult control), IV (late adult NS-treated) and V (senile). Haematoxylin and Eosin, Masson{u2019}s trichrome stain, immunohistochemical, histomorphometric analysis, gene expression VEGF, oxidative/antioxidative markers (MDA/ GSH and SOD) and serum thyroid hormones profile (T3, T4, and TSH) were done. Results The follicles in group III were dilated and disrupted, with increased blood vessels in-between. The follicular cells showed cytoplasmic vacuolation. The follicles in group V were irregular with cellular exfoliation. Many follicles were dilated and lined with flattened cells. Much improvement was observed in group IV. The decrease of the T3 /T4 levels and the increase in the TSH levels were observed in groups III and V. A clear shift of the oxidative/antioxidative stress markers (MDA/GSH, SOD) was observed in such groups in the favor of oxidants. With the use of NS (group IV), all previous parameters were amended. Increase in the collagen fibers, increase in the VEGF and increase of the immunoreaction of the vimentin and cytokeratin were observed in groups III and V. The mean number of follicular cells decreased in such groups. With the use of NS (group IV), all these parameters were improved