Effect of gibberellic acid on the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 in rats

Abstract

Objective: Gibberellic acid is a plant growth factor. Several studies have demonstrated the effect of gibberellic acid on tumor development. Tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 are important cytokines involved in the regulation or prevention of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether changes in cytokine balance have any role in the tumor-inducing effect of gibberellic acid. Material and Methods: In order to examine the acute and subchronic effect of gibberellic acid, 50 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. For the subchronic treatments, the first group received 2 mg/kg gibberellic acid, the second group received 20 mg/kg gibberellic acid, and the third group received only the solvent via intraperitoneal injections given three times a week for a 30 days. In the acute treatment group, a single does of either 20 mg/kg gibberellic acid or the solvent alone was administered via intraperitoneal injection, and the tissues were dissected three hours after the injection. Results: During the study period (30 days), both doses of gibberellic acid resulted in a decrease in Tumor necrosis factor- α levels, and a dose-dependent decrease in interleukin- 4 levels was observed. However, no change was observed in interleukin-10 levels. Conclusion: We conclude that gibberellic acid influenced the cytokine balance. The resulting changes may be responsible for the development or advancement of inflammatory diseases and malignancies.