Study of the Gene Expression Changes TNF-Α, BCL2, IL-6, and IL- 1β In Male Rats with Nephrolithiasis Treated the Aqueous Extract of Cichorium intybus L. Flower

Inroduction & Objective: Cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β cause an inflammatory response or
infection, and ultimately increase cell destruction (reduced expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2 protein) in
damaged tissue. In this study, we investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of chicory flower on the
expression of relevant genes. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups of Since the first
day of the intervention, the healthy control group, received ethylene glycol group, prevention groups was
administered 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of intraperitoneal chicory aqueous extract and
1% ethylene glycol (EG) for the induction of calcium crystals formation. The intervention was continued for
30 days. RNA was extracted from kidney tissues and cDNA was synthesized. Finally, using the Real Time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, BCL2, and TNF-α were
evaluated. Data analysis by one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's test and software SPSS showed that in the
prevention groups 1 and 2, there was a significant increase in BCL2 expression and a significant reduction in
TNF-α expression (P<0.001). Also, the expression of IL-1β significantly increased in rats administered 200
mg of chicory extract, while the expression of IL-6 was significantly enhanced in rats given 50 mg of chicory
extract (P<0.001). Chicory flower extract is effective in eliminating the necrotic effects of TNF-α and
consequently, reducing apoptosis in renal epithelial cells. However, it does not affect IL-6, particularly the
removal of infection caused by IL-1β.