The immunological and protective role of Baicalin in male rats treated with chemotherapy (Gemcitabine)

Abstract

Background Baicalin the chemical compound also known as Flavonoid glycoside derived from a Chinese herbal plant (Scutellaria baicalensis) that possesses various biological properties. Baicalin has been an important medical agent with a variety of pharmacological properties. Aims of study: The current study aimed to evaluate the immunological and protective role of the herbal extract (Baicalin) in male rats treated with chemotherapy (Gemcitabine), by measuring the level of some cytokines (IL-10 & IL-12), and measuring the level of antioxidants (MDA & GSH) in the serum of rats by the ELISA technique. The study also included measuring the level of phagocytosis index and the WBC differential count. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the animal husbandry of the college of Veterinary Medicine / Al-Qadisiyah University from January, 2018 to June, 2018. Eighty (80) male Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used in the experiment, and were divided into eight groups, each group had 10 animals. Results: As per the statistical analysis results it was observed that there is significant difference in the study group at the level (P <0.05). The data obtained showed a significant decrease (IL-10 & IL-12) in the T5 group treated with Baicalin in combination with chemotherapy (Gemcitabine) compared to the T1 and T2 groups treated with chemotherapy drug. Not only this, the result obtained showed the marked decrease in the study groups T1 and T2 treated with chemotherapy (Gemcitabine) compared to T3, T4, and T5 groups treated with herbal extract (Baicalin) and control group. While the antioxidant results also showed the marked increase (MDA) in group T1 and T2 treatment with Gemcitabine compared to the study groups. As well as significant decrease in (GSH) in T1 and T2 groups treated with Gemcitabine compare to T3, T4, T5, T6 and control. And the results of the statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in both lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes in the T1 and T2 groups compared to all study groups. Conclusion: Baicalin has a significant preventive role in reducing oxidative stress induced by chemotherapy drugs and has a significant role in improving immune and defensive lines of the body against pathogens.