Natural honey pre-treatment protect against immune suppression in cyclophospamide exposed wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Honey is a natural compound with numerous therapeutic functions ranging from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-hypertensive and hypoglycemic activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of natural honey on cyclophosphamide induced suppression of humoral immunity in Wistar rats.

Methods: Wistar rats with mean body weight of 125+25g were divided into 5 groups (1-5;n- 5)G.ro up 1 (control) received only saline, while groups 2-5 were treated with 30mg/kg bw of Cyclophosphamide (Cyp)in traperitoneally on days 19, 20 and 21. Groups 3-5 received 1.0g, 2.0g and 4.0g per kg bw natural honey orally for 21days in addition to the Cyp injections. Rats were weighed pre-treatment and post-treatment respectively. Blood samples were collected for measurements of hematological parameters and serum immunoglobulin G and M concentrations. Spleen were harvested, weighed and measured respectively.

Results: Compared to the Control group, group 2 had significant reduction in haemoglobin concentration (10.6g/dl), lymphocytes (0.4x10⁹/L) and total white blood cells (0.4x10⁹/L) counts. IgG and IgM concentrations were equally reduced at 960.4 + 37.3mg/dL and 173.6+1.2mg/dL respectively. Body and spleenic weights, heamatological parameters and IgG concentrations were increased in groups 3-5 on a dose dependent manner; the highest increase been observed in group 5. IgM concentration was significantly increased in groups 3-5 relative to group 2, but in reverse dose dependent style.

Conclusion: Natural honey pre-treatment with Cyp treatment improves haematological and leucocytic parameters as well as serum IgG and IgM concentrations, thereby potentially protecting tissues from the deleterious effects of short term Cyp treatment.