ABSTRACT
Allium sativum has long been revered for its medicinal properties. It contains numerous bioactive compounds, including allicin, diallyl disulfide, and S-allyl cysteine, which exhibit various health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Allium sativum aqueous extract on Ras and WT1 gene expressions in male albino Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male adult Albino Wistar rats were selected into four groups of 5 rats per group. The groups were control (group 1), group 2 (administered 0.2ml intravenous injection of benzene:2-propanol: water mixture (2:5:5 v/v) per body weight), group 3 (induced+400mg/kg extract of Allium sativum extract) and group 4 (400mg/kg extract of Allium sativum extract only). The mRNA expressions of Ras and WT1, Haematological parameters and blood cell morphology was done using Polymerase chain reaction, ERMA Haematology Auto analyser PCE-210N and peripheral blood film using Leishman staining technique respectively. Data generated was analyzed using graph pad prism (version 8.02, California, USA). The findings revealed that there was significant increase (p<0.01) in Ras expression in group 2, 3 and 4 when compared to control. Also, group 3 had a significantly higher (p<0.001) Ras mRNA expression when compared to group 2 and 4. There was also significant increase (p<0.01) in WT1 mRNA expression in group 2, 3 and 4 when compared to control. In addition, group 3 had a significantly higher (p<0.01) WT1 expression when compared to group 2 and group 4. The haematological parameter revealed that neutrophil count was significantly higher in the control group (10±0.5774) compared to group 2 (3.5±0.2887), group 3 (2.667±0.3333), and group 4 (3.333±0.333). Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in the control group (0.122±0.00706) compared to group 2 (0.03885±0.0029), group 3 (0.02754±0.0058), and group 4 (0.03663±0.004). Lymphocyte count was significantly lower in the control group (82±1.528) compared to group 2 (90±1.414), group 3 (91±1), and group 4 (91±0.5774) (p<0.05). Cell morphology analysis revealed that the group treated with both benzene + isopropanol and A. sativum extract displayed relative lymphocytosis and exhibited abnormalities in red blood cell (RBC) morphology, including the presence of macrocytic cells and target cells. Conversely, the group treated solely with A. sativum extract at a dosage of 400mg/kg demonstrated a normal leukocyte count. Furthermore, the RBCs in this group exhibited a normocytic normochromic appearance, with some polychromatic cells noted. In conclusion, this study revealed significant increases in Ras and WT1 gene expressions in response to benzene and isopropanol exposure, with further elevation observed in groups treated with Allium sativum aqueous extract.
