Expresión génica del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa y del receptor de melatonina en células del bazo de cobayas en cuatro momentos del ciclo lunar

Abstract

In this research, Melatonin receptor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expression was determined in the spleens of 80 guinea pigs during new moon, first quarter, full moon and third quarter throughout four consecutive lunar cycles. Samples from each phase were weighed with a precision balance, and 30 mg were randomly collected from three spleens for gene study in each lunar phase (n=48 spleen samples). Samples were stored in Tri Reagent for RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis as part of the PCR process for gene expression. The spleen weight results of the 80 guinea pigs showed a statistically significant difference, with greater spleen weight observed in nulliparous guinea pigs during the first quarter compared to the new moon, full moon and third quarter phases. The amplified products of each gene after PCR were separated by electrophoresis, visualized in a transluminator and imaged. The images indicated that the Melatonin receptor A gene consistently showed greater RNA quantity during the new moon. Melatonin receptor type B showed apparently greater expression in the new and crescent moon phases and was more pronounced in the new moon phase. Similarly, tumor necrosis factor-alpha presented a more intense band during the new moon phase. In conclusion, Melatonin A and B receptor mRNA and tumor necrosis factor mRNA were identified in the spleen, which, according to the qualitative method used, appear to be more abundant in the new moon than in the other phases of the lunar cycle