ABSTRACT

Vernonia amygdalina, also known as bitter leaf, is a widely distributed plant which has attracted particular attention for its potential medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina on cKIT and FLT3 mRNA expression pattern in benzene induced haematoxicity male albino wistar rats. Twenty (20) male adult albino wistar rats were selected into control (group 1), group 2 were administered 0.2ml intraperitoneal injection of benzene mixed with 2-propanol and water (2:5:5 v/v) (induction regiment), groups 3 were administered induction regiment + 250mg/kg per body weight of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and group 4 received only 250mg/kg per body weight of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract. Each group consists of five (5) rats each. The full blood count parameters were evaluated after collecting five milliliters (5mls) of blood (in EDTA containers) using an automated 5-part haematological analyzer. RNA extraction fluid (TRIZOL) was use to isolate RNA from the rats’ bone marrow, complimentary DNA was synthesized and amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gel electrophoresis was used to determine the bands of the genes. The results of this study showed that the mRNA expression of cKIT was significantly increased (p<0.01) in the groups 2, 3 and 4 when compared to group 1. In addition, the experimental group 2 also had a significantly higher (p<0.01) cKIT mRNA expression when compared to groups 3 and 4. The mRNA expression of FLT3 was significantly increased (p<0.01) in the groups 2, 3 and 4 when compared to group 1. Also, the group 3 had a significantly higher (p<0.01) FLT3 mRNA expression when compared to groups 2 and 4. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in total white blood cell count (TWBC), Neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, eosinophil count, RBC count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet count and platelet lymphocyte ratio of male rats when comparing all experimental groups and the control group. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was significantly higher (p=0.0184) in controls (0.122±0.0070) and group 4 (0.1071±0.03) when compared to group 2 (0.0388±0.003). In conclusion, the aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina had an effect in the cKIT and FLT3 mRNA expression pattern and in the neutrophil and lymphocyte count.