# Effect of cogon grass root ethanol extract on fatty acid binding protein 4 and oxidative stress markers in a sepsis mouse model

## TL;DR

This study investigates how cogon grass root extract affects fatty acid binding protein 4 and oxidative stress in a mouse model of sepsis.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the potential of cogon grass root extract in modulating sepsis-related biomarkers and oxidative stress.

## Key findings

- Cogon grass root extract significantly reduced FABP4 levels and inflammatory markers in sepsis-affected mice.
- The extract improved platelet and cell counts in liver and heart tissues of treated mice.
- It increased GPx3 activity, suggesting enhanced antioxidant defense in treated groups.

## Abstract

Background: Sepsis causes several immunological and metabolic alterations that induce oxidative stress. The modulation of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been shown to worsen this condition. Extract of cogon grass root (ECGR) contains flavonoids and isoeugenol compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to assess the effects of ECGR on FABP4 and oxidative stress–related factors in a sepsis mouse model.

Methods: Twenty-nine male mice (
Mus musculus) of the
Deutsche Denken Yoken strain were divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, mice treated with 10 μL/kg body weight (BW) lipopolysaccharide (LPS); and groups 3 and 4, mice pre-treated with 90 and 115 mg/kg BW, respectively, and then treated with 10 μL/kg BW LPS for 14 d. Blood, liver, lymph, and cardiac tissue samples were collected and subjected to histological and complete blood examinations. Antioxidant activity, FABP4 levels, and immune system-associated biomarker levels were also measured.

Results: Significant increases in platelet levels (p = 0.03), cardiomyocyte counts (p =0.004), and hepatocyte counts (p = 0.0004) were observed in group 4 compared with those in group 2. Conversely, compared with those in group 2, there were significant decreases in TNF-α expression in group 3 (p = 0.004), white pulp length and width in group 4 (p = 0.001), FABP4 levels in groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.015 and p = 0.012, respectively), lymphocyte counts in group 4 (p = 0.009), and monocyte counts (p = 0.000) and polymorphonuclear cell counts in the livers (p = 0.000) and hearts (p = 0.000) of groups 3 and 4. Gpx3 activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p = 0.04).

Conclusions: Cogon grass root may aid in the development of herbal medicines and specific treatments for sepsis.