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Abstract
Iron homeostasis is vital for numerous physiological processes, including oxygen transport, cellular respiration, and erythropoiesis, and its imbalance can result in anemia or iron overload. The transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) plays a central role in this regulation by mediating iron uptake at the cellular level. Given the limitations of synthetic modulators of iron metabolism, the search for natural alternatives has gained scientific attention. Piperguineense, commonly known as uziza, is a West African spice rich in phytochemicals with reported hematopoietic and antioxidant properties. This study therefore, aimed to investigatethe effect of varying concentrations of aqueous Piper guineense leaf extract on TfR1geneexpression in Drosophila melanogaster, a model organism widely used due to its conservedgenetic similarity with humans. Flies were divided into five groups: a control group and four treatment groups receiving 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/ml of the extract, respectively. Survival rate was monitored for 21 days, while molecular analysis was conducted through RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and semi-quantitative PCR. The 100 mg/ml group demonstrated the highest survival rate and a TfR1 expression level comparable to the control
(2.28 ± 0.07 vs 2.30 ± 0.10), suggesting maintenance of normal iron uptake. At 200 mg/ml, a slight decline in TfR1 expression (2.10 ± 0.08) was observed relative to the control, while300 mg/ml produced a more pronounced reduction (1.97 ± 0.06). The 400 mg/ml group showed the lowest expression (1.89 ± 0.05), indicating significant dose-dependent downregulation. These findings implied that low concentrations may enhance or preservenormal iron metabolism, whereas higher doses may suppress transferrin receptor activity, potentially disrupting iron uptake. It is therefore recommended that Piper guineense extract
be used in low doses for beneficial hematologic modulation, and further studies be conducted to isolate its active compounds and assess safety thresholds in mammalian systems
(2.28 ± 0.07 vs 2.30 ± 0.10), suggesting maintenance of normal iron uptake. At 200 mg/ml, a slight decline in TfR1 expression (2.10 ± 0.08) was observed relative to the control, while300 mg/ml produced a more pronounced reduction (1.97 ± 0.06). The 400 mg/ml group showed the lowest expression (1.89 ± 0.05), indicating significant dose-dependent downregulation. These findings implied that low concentrations may enhance or preservenormal iron metabolism, whereas higher doses may suppress transferrin receptor activity, potentially disrupting iron uptake. It is therefore recommended that Piper guineense extract
be used in low doses for beneficial hematologic modulation, and further studies be conducted to isolate its active compounds and assess safety thresholds in mammalian systems
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