Expression of P13K And STAT3 Genes in Benzene Bone Marrow-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats Treated with A Dual-Blend Formula of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus Aqueous Leaf Extracts

Abstract

Background: Considering the well-established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus, and the emerging interest in plant-based modulation of cellular signaling pathways, this study investigates the effect of a dual-blend aqueous leaves extract of these plants on the expression of PI3K and STAT3 genes in Wistar rats exposed to benzene bone marrow-induced toxicity.

Materials and Methods: The study involved 60 male Wistar rats, divided into six groups, to evaluate the ef           fect of a Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract blend on GSK3β and AMPK mRNA levels. The groups were: control (A), benzene (B), cyclophosphamide (C), and benzene with 100 mg/kg (D), 200 mg/kg (E), or 400 mg/kg (F) of the extract. PCR was used to measure gene expression in bone marrow aspirates, and Graph Pad Prism was used for data analysis.

Results: Groups B (Benzene) had significantly higher expression of PI3K when compared to group A (Control). There was no significant change in expression observed in groups C (Benzene + Cyclophosphamide), D (Benzene + 100mg/kg of extract), E (Benzene + 200mg/kg of extract) and F when compared to group B (Benzene) (P<0.05). Group B (Benzene) had higher expression of STAT3 when compared to the control group although this was not statistically significant. Groups E (Benzene + 200mg/kg of extract) and F (Benzene + 400mg/kg of extract) had significantly higher expression of STAT3 compared to group A (Control) and B (benzene) (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that while PI3K expression remained largely unaffected by the treatment, alterations in STAT3 expression point to a potential immunomodulatory role of the extract.