ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effects of aqueous extracts of Datura stramonium on the expression and regulation of Domeless and Kaep1 genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Adult flies aged 1-2 days were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: control and three treatment groups receiving 2000mg/kg, 4000mg/kg, and 8000mg/kg of D. stramonium extract respectively. Gene expression was analyzed using RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and PCR amplification, while survival assays were conducted over 21 days. Results showed that the 8000mg/kg treatment group exhibited significantly higher (p<0.0064) expression of Keap1 mRNA (52.50±1.019) compared to control (43.31±1.311), 2000mg/kg (48.23±1.636), and 4000mg/kg (44.98±0.8457) groups. However, Domeless gene expression showed no statistically significant differences between groups (p=0.0921), with expression levels ranging from 31.38±1.414 to 36.27±1.571. Survival analysis revealed significant concentration-dependent mortality (p=0.0151), with the 8000mg/kg group showing complete mortality by day 21, while the control group maintained 94.74% survival. The 2000mg/kg and 4000mg/kg groups showed intermediate survival rates of 48.87% and 20.13% respectively. These findings indicate that while D. stramonium extract significantly affects Keap1 gene expression and survival rates, its effects on Domeless gene expression are limited. This suggests complex interactions between the extract's toxic effects and cellular defense mechanisms, providing valuable insights into the molecular basis of D. stramonium toxicity.