Abstract

Etlingera elatior contains various active compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. In sepsis, endothelial dysfunction can occur due to oxidative stress and hyperinflammation. This study evaluated the effect of E. elatior (EE) ethanolic extract in reducing IL-1ß and caspase-3 levels in sepsis model mice. Thirty-two Mus musculus mice (n = 32) were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 8). Induction of sepsis was performed through intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 0.3 mg/kgBW. Ethanol extract of EE 4.2 mg/20 g, p.o. was given 5 days before (EE-1), 5 days after (EE-2), and simultaneously during LPS induction (EE-3). ELISA was used to measure IL-1ß and caspase-3 levels. The ANOVA was performed to test the differences of each group. Mean levels of IL-1ß (p < 0.05) and caspase-3 (p < 0.05) differed in the control group with each intervention group. The EE significantly reduced levels of IL-1ß and caspase-3 (p < 0.05), with the best results being before LPS induction. This study provides that EE may have a role in averting endothelial dysfunction in sepsis by lowering levels of IL-1ß and caspase-3.

Key words: kecombrang; endothelial dysfunction; interleukin-1ß; caspase-3; sepsis