CYCLOOXYGENASE

Icacina trichantha, known for their medicinal use possessing bioactive compounds with anti inflammatory and hematopoietic properties, offer promises for novel treatments. This study explores the effect of the aqueous leave extract on Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) expression to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving its therapeutic action. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of Icacina trichantha aqueous leaves extract on Cyclooxygenase 1 expression in Aluminum Chloride-Induced Anaemia in Albino Wistar Rats. A total of sixty (60) adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups; A, B, C, D, E and F representing control, aluminum chloride group, ferrous sulphate group, aluminum chloride + 100mg/kg leaf extract of Icacina trichantha, aluminum chloride + 200mg/kg leaf extract of Icacina trichantha and aluminum chloride + 400mg/kg leaf extract of Icacina trichantha groups respectively. 5 milliliters (ml) of blood sample was drawn from each rat, and haematological parameters and mRNA of COX-1 were determined using a SRFI Haematology autoanalyzer and polymerase chain reaction respectively. Data obtained was analyzed using the GraphPad prism 8.02 software.The comparison of Haematological parameters amongst the study groups showed that there was no significant difference in Total white blood cell count (TWBC μL) across the groups. Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) was significantly lower in group E (8.96±0.27) when compared to group D (10.6±0.31) (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in other platelet parameters across the groups. Group C and D showed significantly lower expressions of COX-1 when compared to group B (p<0.05).Group C, D and E had significantly lower expression of COX-1 when compared to group F (p < 0.05). Groups E had significantly higher expressions of COX-1 when compared to group A, and significantly lower expression when compared to group B (p<0.05). Groups F had significantly higher expressions of COX-1 when compared to group A (p<0.05). In conclusion, administration of aluminum chloride resulted in no significant difference in white blood cell counts. There was also no alteration in platelet parameters, except PDWwhich showed slight difference. Administration of leaf extract of Icacina trichantha led to
alteration in the gene expression of COX-1.