Rat Sarcoma (<i>RAS</i>) and Wilms Tumor 1 (<i>WT1</i>) expression pattern in pre-leukaemic male albino Wistar rat administered aqueous extract of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>.

Vernonia amygdalina is a plant renowned for processing several bioactive compounds, some of which may hold promising medicinal properties. Delving into its impact on leukaemia presents an opportunity to uncover valuable insights regarding its therapeutic applications in leukaemia-related conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaves extract on RAS and WT1 mRNA in male albino Wistar rats. A total of twenty (20) male adult albino Wistar rats were selected into four (4) groups. The groups were the control group (group 1), benzene:2-propanol group (group 2), 250mg/kg of Vernonia Amygdalina group (group 3), and benzene:2-propanol with 250mg/kg Vernonia amygdalina group (group 4). RNA extraction and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to isolate RNA from rat bone marrow, and complementary DNA was synthesized and was subsequently amplified using polymerase chain reaction. Gel electrophoresis was used to determine the bands of the genes while Full Blood Count were done using automated method. The different groups was compared using ANOVA. The data obtained from this study showed that, in WT1 mRNA depression pattern, group 2 had a significantly higher (p<0.5) expression of WT1 mRNA when compared to control. There was no significant difference with other groups. Group 2 also had a significantly higher (p<0.5) expression of RAS mRNA when compared to control, group 3 and group 4. Group 4 also had a significantly lower (p<0.5) RAS mRNA expression when compared to control. From the findings in this study, we concluded that Vernonia amygdalina significantly reduced RAS and WT1 mRNA expression which was significantly increased in benzene:2-propanol toxicity.