Haemopoietic Effect of Telfairia occidentalis on the Expression Pattern of RUNX1 and MECOM mRNA

Abstract

Background: RUNX1 and MECOM are transcription factors that help regulate haemopoiesis. They act as important regulators in the process of blood formation. Natural plant products such as Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) are widely used in traditional medicine for the management of anaemia, yet their specific molecular effects on haemopoietic gene expression remain poorly explored. Aim: This study investigated how Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract affects the expression of RUNX1 and MECOM in rats with anaemia. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats (180–220 g) were divided into four groups (n = 6). Treatments were administered daily for 28 days. Phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia model was used in test group, followed by 100mg/Kg treatment of Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for complete blood count (CBC), and total RNA was extracted from bone marrow cells. The expression of RUNX1 and MECOM mRNA was quantified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out for comparison of data across multiple experimental groups to ascertain significance Results: Administration of Telfairia occidentalis to anaemic rats significantly (p < 0.05) increased red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume compared to the anaemia-only group. Telfairia occidentalis significantly increased RUNX1 (2.4-fold) and reduced MECOM (2.2-fold) compared with untreated anaemic rats (p < 0.05) when control group = 2.0. Interestingly, the extract-treated anaemic group demonstrated partial restoration of blood indices toward normal control values, while RUNX1 and MECOM expression were significantly higher than both the control and anaemia-only groups. These findings suggest that Telfairia occidentalis enhances both functional blood cell recovery and transcriptional activation of key haemopoietic regulators. Conclusion: Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract helps to improve blood production. Its effect may be linked to the activation of RUNX1 and MECOM genes. This supports its use in treating anaemia and shows it could be useful as a natural blood-boosting medicine.