RT-qPCR-based transcriptional profiling of the effects of tarantula logoplex on inflammatory, oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways in remote organs in experimental lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury

Background: Lower extremity ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is a significant cellular damage event frequently encountered in clinical cases, causing local and systemic complications. This study investigated the protective and therapeutic efficacy of Tarantula logoplex® (TL) extract against hemodynamic changes in distant organs (liver, heart, and kidneys) following bilateral lower extremity I/R injury. Methods: Thirty-five male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control, I/R, TL, Pre-Ischemia (PI) + TL, and Pre-Reperfusion (PR) + TL. The I/R model consisted of 3 h of ischemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion. The process was monitored using a thermal camera. Results: Compared to the control group, the I/R group had higher serum levels of liver Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Total Protein (Tp), Total Bilrubin (T.bil) and Direct Bilrubin (D.Bil), heart (Troponin-I, Lactate Dehydrogenase and CK-MB) and kidney (Blood Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine, Phosphorus and Magnesium) function panels (p < 0.001), and lower albumin levels (p < 0.001). When compared to the TL, PI + TL, and PR + TL groups, the I/R group had lower levels of liver, heart, and kidney function panels and higher albumin levels (p < 0.001). Additionally, rt-PCR, TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha), 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine), Hsp27 (Heat Shock Protein 27), collagen-1, and caspase-3 expression levels were found to be higher in the I/R group, partially decreased in the PI + TL groups, and significantly decreased in the PR + TL groups in heart, liver, and kidney tissues (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The TL application was found to have protective potential, showing a partial effect during ischemia and an even greater effect during reperfusion.