ABSTRACT
Launaea taraxacifolia, a plant traditionally used in various traditional medicines for its health benefits, has attracted attention due to its reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is growing need to study its ability to mitigate the harmful effects of benzene-induced haematotoxicity which potentially involves modulation ofIntercellular Adhesion Molecules 1 (ICAM-1) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecules1 (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. A total of sixty (60) adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six (6) 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, blood cell morphology, mRNA expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were determined using haematology autoanalyzer, manual method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respectively. Data obtained was analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The comparison of haematological parameters amongst the study groups showed that the Total white blood cell count (TWBC μL) was significantly higher in group A (18.4±1.159) when compared to group C (10.89±0.4298), D (14.61±0.3318), E (14.56±0.3145) and F (13.05±1.372) (p<0.05). Group B (18.59±0.4769) had a significantly higher TWBC count when compared to group C (10.89±0.4298), D (14.61±0.3318), E (14.56±0.3145) and F (13.05±1.372) (p<0.05). Lymphocyte count (%) was significantly lower in group C (59.6±3.655) when compared to groups A (85.15±0.708), B (86.3±1.463), D (89.19±0.96), E (87.79±1.331) and F (90.69±0.49) (p<0.05). Monocyte count, neutrophil count and basophil count was significantly higher in group C when compared to other groups (p<0.05). Platelet count was significantly lower in group A (489.8±22.7) when compared to groups B (605.8±41.23) and C (753.7±37.27) (p<0.05). Group B (605.8±41.23) had a significantly higher platelet count when compared to groups D (479.8±14.58), and F (475.4±23.06) (p<0.05). Platelet count of group C (753.7±37.27) was significantly higher than groups D (479.8±14.58), E (524.8±11.53) and F (475.4±23.06) (p<0.05). Blood morphology showed small and large lymphocytes and normal platelets in all groups. The mRNA expression of ICAM-1 was significantly lower in groups B and C when compared to group A (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of ICAM-1 in groups D, E and F was significantly higher when compared to groups B and C (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of VCAM-1in group B was significantly higher 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 Launaea taraxacifolia intervention led to dose-dependent effects on white blood cell counts and platelets parameters in relationship to benzene administration. Also, 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.
