Modulatory Effect of Jatropha tanjorensis Leaf Extract on the Expression of HOXA11, MECOM, and NFE2 Genes in an Animal Model

Background and Objective: Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract is traditionally used as medications in the buildup of red blood cells and other cell lines. Homeobox A11(HOXA11), MECOM gene, and NFW2 genes are vital in haemopoiesis. This study is aimed at investigating the expression of these genes and exploring the roles they play in the haemopoietic process. Materials and Methods: A total of thirty (30) male adult albino Wistar rats were selected into 5 groups. The groups were control group (Group 1), rats administered 40 mg phenyl hydrazine (Group 2) to induce anaemia, rats administered with 1000 mg/kg (Group 3), rats administered 3000 and 4000 mg/kg leave extract as group 4 and group 5 respectively. Haematological parameters and MRNA expressions of HOXA 11, MECOM and NFE2 genes were determined using Haematology analyzer and polymerase chain reaction respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21.0 (IBM, USA) using ANOVA, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The MRNA expression of HOXA 11 was significantly lower in the 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg/kg compared to the control group (p<0.05). MECOM gene expression was significantly higher in the 1000 mg/kg administered group. It increased significantly in the 2000 mg/kg administered group but reduced significantly in the 4000 mg/kg administered group but were all significantly higher compared to the control group (p<0.001). While, there was no significant difference in the 2000 mg/kg administered group compared to the controls (p<0.05). It was significantly lower in the 1000 mg/kg group and further lower in the 4000 mg/kg administered group. Conclusion: Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract significantly affects the expression of Homeobox A11 (HOXA11), MECOM, and NFE2 genes at varying concentrations of leaf extract and this will significantly impact the haemopoietic process.