Administration of Sugar Apple Leaf Extract (Annona Squamosa L.) Decreased Levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Increased Levels of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) in Serum of Male Wistar Rat Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Abstract

Background: Cigarette smoke is a source of free radicals that are often encountered. Smoking causes a decrease in Nitric Oxide (NO) for active and passive smokers which results in various health problems including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) keeps blood pressure low and prevents the formation of platelets on blood vessel walls. Sugar apple leaves contain various antioxidants that can be used to counteract oxidative stress in the body by stabilizing free radicals and preventing the formation of new free radicals, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). Methods: This research was an experimental study with pretest-posttest control group design. Twenty-six male rats (Rattus norvegicus), Wistar strain, 2-3 months old, weight 200-220 grams were divided randomly into two groups. The control group was given 2 cc aquadest 30 minutes before induction to cigarette smoke and the treatment group was given 350 mg/kgBB/day of sugar apple leaf extract (Annona squamosa) 30 minutes before induction to cigarette smoke. IL-6 and eNOS levels were measured before and after 28 days treatment using ELISA method. Results: Control group and treatment group for eNOS levels pretest compared to posttest were 20,63 ± 2,19 and 19,23 ± 2,43 vs. 23,47 ± 1,94 and 25,06 ± 1,90, respectively and for IL-6 levels were 7,47 ± 1,70 and 7,69 ± 1,57 vs. 7,12 ± 0,86 and 6,51 ± 0,53, respectively. Conclusion: Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) leaf extract can prevent a decrease in Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) levels and can prevent an increase in Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the serum of male Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Keywords: sugar apple leaf extract, eNOS, IL-6, cigarette smoke