Evaluation of apoptotic effects of punicalagin on rat liver which are exposed to partial hepactectomy

In this study, the apoptotic effects of punicalagin, have been studied on liver tissues by means of partial hepatechtomy (PH) experiment model. In the experiments, six groups have been formed by arbitrary selection from 3-4 months old, male Wistar albino rats weighing 200±20 g. Group I and II refer to sham control groups which have been respectively dissected at 3rd and 6th hours. Group III and IV refer to the SF applied groups after %70 PH which have been respectively dissected at 3rd and 6th hours. Group V and VI refer to the groups into which intra peritonal punicalagin at 98 % purity were injected after %70 PH which have been respectively dissected at 3rd and 6th hours. Tissue samples are obtained from the liver of the rats where regeneration is induced by means of PH for RT-PCR, Q-PCR and TUNEL analysis. Findings of RT-PCR, Q-PCR and TUNEL analysis have been evaluated comparatively with the control groups. According to the results of RT-PCR (p<0.05), Q-PCR (p<0.05) and apoptotic index (p<0.05) belonging to caspas-3 gene, in groups V and VI, NF-κB gene expression was time dependently supressed. Kaspas-3 gene expression has increased in a time dependent manner. It has been observed that 15 mg/kg punicalagin has induced apoptosis 6 hours after PH in group VI. 15 mg/kg punicalagin after PH has supressed regeneration in the tissue in time dependent manner and induced apoptosis.