Effect of neem leaf therapy (Azadirachta indica) on TNF-α expression and hepatocyte apoptosis of balb/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei anka

Introduction: Malaria infection induces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. High concentrations of TNF-α are a bad sign of malaria. Additionally, TNF-α can induce apoptosis. Currently, there is resistance to malaria drugs so it is necessary to look for other alternative therapies. This study aims to determine the effect of Azadirachta indica on the expression of TNF-α and apoptosis of mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Methods: thirty BALB/C mice aged 13-16 weeks were inoculated with Plasmodium berghei. The treatment used was 96% ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica leaves at a dose of 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg orally for six days. As a comparison of treatments, there is a negative control and a positive control. Liver tissue was isolated on the seventh day, and TNF-α expression and apoptosis were examined using immunohistochemistry. The hypothesis was tested using one-way ANOVA with the Least Significant Difference (LSD) and Pearson's correlation test. Results: The ANOVA test showed that there were differences in TNF-α expression and apoptosis in each treatment (P=0.000). The results of the LSD test on TNF-α expression and apoptosis showed significant differences in the five groups. The results of the Pearson correlation test showed that there was a relationship between the expression of TNF-α and the expression of apoptosis (P = +0,893) in the hepatocyte cells of BALB/C mice. Conclusion: Azadirachta indica leaf extract can reduce TNF-α expression and hepatocyte cell apoptosis in mice infected compared to the negative control group without therapy