ABSTRACT
Chronic exposure to benzene disrupts blood cell formation, while the extract from Launaea taraxacifolia holds promise for its health benefits. Beta catenin, a key player in blood cell development, is influenced by benzene exposure. Additionally, B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) which is critical for cell survival can be negatively impacted by toxins like benzene. Investigating these connections provides insights into potential natural interventions to mitigate benzene-induced toxicity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Launaea taraxacifolia on Beta catenin and BCL-2 gene expressions 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 Beta catenin and BCL-2 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 Total white blood cell count (TWBC μL) was significantly higher in group A (18.4±1.159) when compared to group C (10.89±0.43), D (14.61±0.33), E (14.56±0.31) and F (13.05±1.37) (p<0.05). Group B (18.59±0.48) had a significantly higher TWBC count when compared to group C (10.89±0.42), D (14.61±0.33), E (14.56±0.31) and F (13.05±1.372) (p<0.05). Lymphocyte count (%) was significantly lower in group C (59.6±3.65) 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). Red blood cell count (RBC) (μL) of groups A (9.3±0.08), B (9.376±0.13), D (9.045±0.12), E (8.894±0.05) and F (8.939±0.03) was significantly higher when compared to group C (7.768±0.11) (p<0.05). Haemoglobin concentration and Haematocrit was significantly lower in group C when compared to other groups (p<0.05). Mean cell volume (MCV) and Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) was significantly lower control groups than test groups (p<0.05). Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was significantly lower in group B (33±0.24) when compared to groups C (33.68±0.04) and D (33.9±0.09) (p<0.05). RDWS (μm3 ) of group A (24.41±0.02) and group E (24.3±0) was significantly lower when compared to groups C (26.24±0.4) (p<0.05). Blood morphology of groups B and C showed the presence of crenated cells. There was a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of Beta catenin of group B and C when compared to group A (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of Beta catenin was statistically significantly higher in groups E and F when compared to group B (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of BCL-2 was significantly lower in groups D, E and F when compared to groups A and B (p<0.05). This study concludes that Launaea taraxacifolia administration led to dosedependent effects on total white blood cell counts and red cell indices. Also, benzene exposure induced a reduction in Beta catenin mRNA expression, while BCL-2 mRNA expression was not significantly changed. Co-administration of benzene and varying Launaea taraxacifolia concentrations subsequently increased beta catenin expression in comparison to benzene while BCL-2 was reduced in comparison to benzene and control groups.
