Modulation of thrombocytes, thrombopoietin, thrombopoietin receptors and ribonucleic acid expression with Jatropha tanjorensis using albino Wistar rats.

Abstract

Background: Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract possesses some bioactive compounds with potential medicinal properties. Its role in thrombopoiesis and the associated molecular pathways could offer useful insights into its therapeutic potential in conditions related to platelet disorders. This study is aimed at investigating the modulatory effects of this leave extract on platelet functions, thrombopoietin (TPO), cyclic myeloproliferative leukaemia virus oncogene(c-MPL) and messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the modulation of thrombopoiesis using male albino Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: A total of twenty (20) male adult albino Wistar rats weighing between 150g-250g were selected into four (4) groups of five rats each. The groups were control groups(A), treated group B(1000mg/kg leave extract, treated group C(2000mg/kg leave extract, and treated group D(4000mg/kg leave extract. Platelet counts and platelet indices were done using a three-part Sysmes Haematology autoanalyzer. RNA extraction and semi-qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to isolate from rat bone marrow; complementary DNA was synthesized and subsequently amplified. Gel electrophoresis was used to determine the bands of the genes.

Results: Platelet counts were significantly higher in the treated groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). RNA expression of TPO was significantly lower in the control group compared to the test group (p<0.001). Treated groups B, C and D showed significantly higher expression of TPO when compared to control(p<0.001). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of c-MPL showed no significant effect when compared to all the groups, even with varying concentrations of the plant extracts.

Conclusion: Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extracts significantly increase platelet counts and TPO expression but have no significant effect on c-MPL gene expression. These results suggest that the leaf extract could influence thrombopoiesis by modulating the expression of the key regulating factor.