<![CDATA[Introduction: Preeclampsia is associated with endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and renal injury, including proximal tubular necrosis mediated by pro‑inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‑α. Nigella sativa possesses anti‑inflammatory properties that may attenuate these pathologic processes. This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic Nigella sativa seed extract on proximal renal tubular cell necrosis and TNF‑α expression in a pregnant mouse (Mus musculus) model of preeclampsia. Material and Methods: Using a true experimental post‑test design with 24 mice (4/group, 6 groups including negative control, preeclampsia positive control, and treatment groups), this study administered ethanolic Nigella sativa extract orally at 500‑2000 mg/kg/day on gestational days 15‑20, after which necrosis was assessed via H&E staining and TNF‑α expression via immunohistochemistry. Results: Administration of the ethanol extract of Nigella sativa seeds showed a trend toward reducing the percentage of proximal tubular cell necrosis and TNF‑α expression in a preeclampsia mouse model. The lowest values were observed at 2000 mg/kg (necrosis: 18.84±2.89%; TNF‑α: 19.80±12.98%). Necrosis differed significantly between groups (p<0.005); however, TNF‑α expression did not differ significantly between groups (p>0.005). Linear regression showed a negative dose‑dependent association with necrosis (R²=0.358; p=0.002; coefficient −0.005). Conclusion: Ethanolic Nigella sativa seed extract improved proximal tubular injury significantly, but did not significantly reduce TNF‑α expression, showing only a trend toward lower TNF‑α levels in a preeclampsia model, with the most evident effect at 2000 mg/kg body weight/day.]]>
