Pengaruh Pemberian Ekstrak Bawang Putih (Allium sativum L.), Ekstrak Daun Mint (Mentha piperita L.), dan Kombinasi Keduanya terhadap Ekspresi Gen SFTP-A1, Kadar Glutation, dan Makrofag Alveolar Tikus Model Perokok

Abstract

Background. Exposure to secondhand smoke is the leading cause of death worldwide and is known as a risk factor in the development and pathogenesis of several diseases, most of which are respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with negative health consequences, including respiratory infections, asthma, and cancer. One of the pathogens known to cause this disease is inflammation and oxidative stress. This condition causes mitochondrial damage, which causes a decrease in SFTP-A1 gene expression, a decrease in glutathione synthesis, and an increase in alveolar macrophages. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and mint leaves (Mentha piperita L.) are thought to have antiinflammatory and antioxidant potentials that can prevent lung damage due to exposure to cigarette smoke. Method: A total of 25 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups consisting of K1 (control), K2 (cigarette smoke), K3 (cigarette smoke + garlic extract), K4 (cigarette smoke + mint leaf extract), and K5 (cigarette smoke + a combination of both extracts). Cigarette smoke is given at a dose of 2.4 mg of nicotine per cigarette twice a day, in the morning and evening, for 30 minutes in a smoking chamber. Garlic extract was given at a dose of 0.1 g per day and mint leaf extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 40 days. SFTP-A1 gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR. Glutathione levels were measured by the ELISA method. Histopathological examination was carried out by immunohistochemistry to determine the number of alveolar macrophages in the lung tissue. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Result: The one-way ANOVA test showed that there were significant differences in SFTP-A1 gene expression, glutathione levels, and the number of alveolar macrophages between the five groups. A post hoc test showed that SFTP-A1 gene expression was greatest in K3 (5.98 ± 1.02), which was significantly different from K4 (-0.45 ± 6.23) (p <0.05) but not significantly different from K5 (1.96 ± 3.13), and there was no significant difference between K4 and K5 (p > 0.05). The highest glutathione levels were found in K3 (576.77 ± 26.96), which was significantly different from K5 (376.50 ± 72.70) (p <0.05) but not significantly different from K4 (535.95 ± 66, 36) (p > 0.05). The lowest number of alveolar macrophages was found in K3 (3.54 ± 1.07), and there was no significant difference between K4 and K5 (p > 0.05), nor was there a significant difference between K4 and K5 (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Giving garlic extract and mint leaf extract had a better effect on increasing SFTP-A1 gene expression, glutathione levels, and reducing the number of alveolar macrophages when given individually compared to the combination.