ULTRA DILUTED ARSENIC-INDUCED ALTERED CYTOKINE GENE EXPRESSIONS IN EMBRYONATED EGGS CHALLENGED WITH SARS-COV-2 SPIKE PROTEIN RBD ANTIGEN

Introduction / Objective: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the action of ultra-diluted (potency 6CH as per homeopathic pharmacopeia) ethanolic extract of Arsenicum album (Arsenic 6CH) on cytokine gene expression changes along with alteration of hepatic histology in Gallus gallus embryo (embryonated egg) challenged with the spike protein (S protein RBD of Delta SARS-CoV-2). Methods: Allantoic fluid was collected during harvesting of the inoculated eggs after antigenic challenge. The gene expression analysis of interferons (IFN α, IFN β, IFN γ); transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF β1); interleukins (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β) were studied in real-time PCR. Pre- and post-treatment sets were separately studied. Hepatic tissue of the embryos was collected for histological study. Results: The most prominent changes were found with IL-10 expression, which was significantly increased directly by Arsenic 6CH; in pre-and post-treatment experimental sets, its level was further increased, while in control sets, such changes were not delineated. Some changes were found in relation to INF β, IL-8, IL-1β, and TGF β1 in alcohol 6CH (potentized vehicle alcohol as per homeopathic pharmacopoeia), and there was no significant change in other experimental sets. Histological studies of the liver indicated definite protective action of Arsenic 6CH from hepatic pathological changes in both pre and post-treatment experimental sets. Conclusion: Our study indicates enhancement of beneficial anti-inflammatory cytokines with hepato-protective action by Arsenic 6CH in Gallus gallus embryo challenged with Delta SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD antigen inducing pathological changes.