Alteration of Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression by Pistacia khinjuk Stocks in Rats Exposed to Ethanol-Induced Toxicity

Authors : Neşe Eray Vuran

Pages : 33-45

Doi:10.53433/yyufbed.1578006

View : 27 | Download : 33

Publication Date : 2025-04-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of Pistacia khinjuk Stocks (Bıttım) (Pk), administered through different application methods, on apoptosis-related gene expression in rats subjected to experimental oxidative stress induced by ethanol. The study materials were collected from Siirt-Eruh. The ground samples were macerated in water, and the extracts were used in the experiments after lyophilization. Coffee was prepared from the roasted samples, then filtered and used in the experiments. Dried and powdered Bıttım was mixed into the rats\\\' feed. The rats were divided into five groups: Group I: Normal Control (NC) (n=6), Group II: Oxidative Stress Group (EtOH) (n=6), Group III: Pk: 20% EtOH + Bıttım-based feed (400 mg/kg) (n=6), Group IV: PkE: 20% EtOH + Bıttım water extract (400 mg/kg) (n=6), Group V: PkC: 20% EtOH + Bıttım coffee (400 mg/kg) (n=6). RNA was isolated from the liver and blood, and following cDNA synthesis, gene expression was analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). As a result, this study demonstrated that Pk modulates apoptosis-related gene expression in the liver and blood, in response to ethanol-induced toxicity. Ethanol exposure significantly increased apoptotic markers such as p53 and CASP-3, whereas Pk in feed and extract forms exhibited a protective effect by suppressing apoptotic gene expression, with the feed form being more effective. However, the coffee form showed limited protective capacity. Unexpected fluctuations in gene expression suggest that cellular responses to oxidative stress are complex and influenced by multiple factors.
Keywords : Apoptoz, Bıttım, Hepatotoksisite, Pistacia khinjuk Stocks