ABSTRACT

This study explored how different concentrations of aqueous Datura stramonium leaf extract affect the expression of the pyk and G6PD genes in Drosophila melanogaster. The pyk gene encodes pyruvate kinase, a key enzyme in glycolysis, while G6PD produces glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, essential for carbohydrate metabolism. Flies were divided into four groups: one control group with no extract exposure and three treatment groups exposed to 2000 mg/kg, 4000 mg/kg, and 8000 mg/kg of the extract. Gene expression was analyzed using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. RNA was extracted from adult flies, followed by cDNA synthesis to target the pyk and G6PD genes. Specific primers were used for amplification, and the results were visualized on agarose gels. Quantitative analysis revealed that the extract significantly repressed the expression of both pyk and G6PD genes in all treated groups compared to controls. The repression of pyk was greater in the 8000 mg/kg group (34.14±1.65) compared to the control (48.35±1.13, p<0.05). Similarly, G6PD expression was significantly reduced, particularly in the 2000 mg/kg group (77.84±1.54) compared to the control (97.15±1.23, p<0.01). Survival analysis over 21 days revealed dose-dependent toxicity. While the control group maintained a survival rate of 94.74%, the rates dropped to 48.87%, 20.13%, and 0% in the 2000 mg/kg, 4000 mg/kg, and 8000 mg/kg groups, respectively. These results demonstrate that Datura stramonium exerts dose-dependent toxic effects on Drosophila melanogaster and represses the expression of the pyk and G6PD genes in a dose-dependent manner. disrupting key metabolic pathways and reducing survival rates. This study highlights the potential biochemical and toxicological implications.