Effect of aqueous leaves extracts of Launaea taraxacifolia on caspase 3 and caspase 9 gene expressions in benzene-induced haematotoxicity in albino Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Launaea taraxacifolia is used in various traditional medicines for its health benefits, due to its reported antioxidant, anti- inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. One specific area of interest lies in its potential to modulate apoptotic pathways, as aberrant  apoptosis regulation has been implicated some disease states, including those involving benzene-induced haematotoxicity. Central to the  execution of apoptosis are Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 which hold important roles in mediating both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.

Aim: This aim of this study was to determine the effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Launaea taraxacifolia on Caspase 3 and Caspase 9  gene expression in benzene induced haematotoxicity in albino Wistar rats.

Methods: A total of sixty adult male rats were divided into six  groups namely groups A, B, C, D, E and F, representing control, benzene group, cyclophosphamide group, benzene + 100mg/kg Launaea  taraxacifolia, benzene + 200mg/kg Launaea taraxacifolia and benzene+ 400mg/kg Launaea taraxacifolia respectively. Haematological  parameters, mRNA caspase 3 and mRNA caspase 9 were determined using haematology autoanalyzer, and polymerase chain reaction  respectively. Data obtained was analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software.

Results: Haemoglobin  concentration and Haematocrit was significantly lower in group C when compared to other groups (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of  caspase 3 was significantly lower in group B when compared to group A (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of caspase 9 was significantly  higher in group B when compared to group A (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of caspase 9 in groups D, E and F was significantly lower  when compared to group B (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study concludes that benzene exposure induced a reduction in caspase 3 mRNA  expression, while caspase 9 mRNA expressions significantly increased. Coadministration of benzene and varying Launaea taraxacifolia  concentrations attenuated the effects on caspase 3 and caspase 9 expression caused by benzene.