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Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine

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Original Article
Osajin is a promising candidate for sepsis-induced brain damage via suppression of the 8-OHdG/Bax/caspase-3 pathway in a rat model of sepsis
Abstract
Aims: We examined the protective effect of the natural product osajin against sepsis-induced brain damage by targeting the 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)/Bcl-2-associated×protein (Bax)/caspase-3 pathway in the brain tissue of septic rats.
Methods: Osajin was isolated from Maclura pomifera fruit, the structure was confirmed, and a rat model of brain damage was established by the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method. Osajin was administered to the animals with sepsis-associated brain damage at 150 and 300 mg/kg. Following euthanasia, histopathological examination, detection of 8-OHdG by immunohistochemistry, and the estimation of Bax and caspase-3 expression using an immunofluorescent technique in the brain tissue were performed.
Results: Histopathological examination revealed the presence of severe inflammation, marked degeneration, and necrosis in the brains of rats with sepsis. The results of immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent assays revealed that the CLP technique induced marked 8-OHdG, Bax, and caspase-3 expression in the brain tissues of septic rats compared with those in healthy rats. Osajin administration at a dose of 150 mg/kg (p<0.05) and 300 mg/kg (p=0.0022) reversed the histopathological changes and significantly ameliorated the increased 8-OHdG, Bax, and caspase-3 expression compared with that in septic rats.
Conclusion: The histopathological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent evidence indicates that osajin can reverse brain damage caused by sepsis by inhibiting the 8-OHdG/Bax/caspase-3 pathway. Accordingly, this natural product represents a promising candidate for the management of brain damage in septic patients.

Keywords : Bax, caspase-3, osajin, sepsis, brain damage, 8-OHdGs

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Article available in :
Volume 8, Issue 2, 2025
Page : 191-196
https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1614590
Article Information
Received : 06 Oca 2025
Accepted : 24 Oca 2025
Published : 21 Mar 2025
Corresponding Author :

Mohammad Alhilal: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Alhilal M, Yıldırım S, Erol HS, et al. Osajin is a promising candidate for sepsis-induced brain damage via suppression of the 8-OHdG/Bax/caspase-3 pathway in a rat model of sepsis. J Health Sci Med. 2025;8(2):191-196.

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