Effect of Launaea Taraxacifolia Aqueous Leaves Extracts on ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 Gene Expressions in Benzene-Induced Haematotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

Launaea taraxacifolia, is a plant used in traditional medicines, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is a need to study its ability to mitigate the harmful effects of benzene-induced haematotoxicity which potentially involves modulation of Intercellular Adhesion Molecules 1 (ICAM-1) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecules 1 (VCAM-1) gene expressions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Launaea taraxacifolia on ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 gene expression in benzene induced haematotoxicity in albino Wistar rats using standard methods. Data obtained was analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The mRNA expression of ICAM-1 was significantly lower in groups B and C when compared to group A (p<0.05); While the mRNA expression of VCAM-1 in groups C, D, E and F was significantly lower when compared to groups A and B (p<0.05). This study concludes that benzene exposure induced a reduction in ICAM-1 mRNA expression, while VCAM-1 mRNA expression significantly increased. Co-administration of benzene and varying Launaea taraxacifolia concentrations reversed the effects on ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression caused by benzene.