TITLE:
Aqueous Leaves Extract of Gongronema latifolium (Benth) Downregulates the Expression of IFN-γ, IL-10 and Cell Surface Markers in Rabbits
AUTHORS:
Adekunle Babajide Rowaiye, Moses Njoku, Angus Nnamdi Oli, Nwamaka Henrietta Igbokwe, Titilayo Asala, Suliat Adebola Salami, Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu, Charles Okechukwu Esimone
KEYWORDS:
Inflammation, Cell Surface Markers, Antioxidant Activity, Cytokine, Hepatic Toxicity, Medicinal Plant, Gongronema latifolium
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Medical Microbiology,
Vol.12 No.4,
November
1,
2022
ABSTRACT: Background: The pathophysiology
of the inflammatory process reveals intricate signaling which includes the IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα pathways that could serve as drug
targets. Aim: This study determined the effect of the aqueous extract of Gongronema latifolium (AEGL) leaves on the expression of
IFNγ, IL-10, CD3, and CD56 in
rabbits. Materials and Methods: ELISA tests were performed to determine the effect of the AEGL on the
expression of a pro-inflammatory cytokine (IFNγ), an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and CD3 and CD56 cell
surface markers in rabbits. Twenty cross-bred male rabbits with an average
weight range of 1.0 - 1.5 kg were selected. The rabbits were separated into
four groups of four rabbits each treated as follows: Grp1 is the untreated
control; Grp2 is the treated control; and Grp3, Grp4, and Grp5 were treated
with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of AEGL respectively for 28 days. Results: The AEGL showed its greatest inhibitory effect in Group 4 on IL-10 (118.5
pg/ml), and IFNγ (332 pg/ml) on days
14 and 21 respectively. AEGL also showed the highest inhibition of CD3
expression on days 14 and 21 (0 pg/ml) in Group 3; and CD56 expression on day
21 (630.5 pg/ml) in Group 4. Conclusion: AEGL showed exhibited strong T cell
mediated anti- inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activity in test rabbits within the
28-day period which can be confirmed by cell based assays. Specifically at 400
mg/kg, AEGL exhibited the greatest anti-inflammatory activity which is
suggestive of its maximum effective dose.