Forkhead box P3 messenger-RNA expression after Curcuma longa extract intervention in early pregnant mice with toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Background and Objective: Curcuma longa (C. Longa) has strong anti-inflammatory effect. This study aims to examine the effect of Curcuma longa extract on Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) mRNA expression in early pregnant mice with acute toxoplasmosis. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated 20 early pregnant mice that were divided into 5 groups, four mice in each. Group 1-4 received injections of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Three days later, G1 and G2 were given orally 125 and 500 mg kg-1/day of Curcuma longa extract, respectively. The G3 was given 60 mg kg-1/day of spiramycin (positive control) and G4 was given 0.2 mL of distilled water (negative control). The G5 underwent no intervention at all. Blood samples were obtained serially (before and 3 days after injection of tachyzoites, 3 and 7 days after intervention) to assess FOXP3 mRNA expression. Results: The FOXP3 mRNA expression increased significantly in G1-G3 3 days after intervention (p<0.05), whereas, FOXP3 mRNA expression decreased significantly (p<0.05) 7 days after intervention and there was no significant difference between these three groups. The FOXP3 mRNA expression in G4 increased significantly 3, 6 and 10 days after tachyzoites injections, while FOXP3 mRNA expression on G5 fluctuated but considered as insignificant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The administration of Curcuma longa extract at a dose of 125 mg kg-1/day for 3 days effectively increased FOXP3 mRNA expression and 7 days administration resulted in decreased FOXP3 mRNA expression in early pregnant mice with acute toxoplasmosis.