Protective Effect of Ethanol Extract of Tamarillo (Solanum Betaceum) on Renal Interleukin 1 Expression in Lead Acetate-Exposed Mice

Trimitasari, Kurnia
Yuliawati, Tri Hartini
I'tishom, Reny
Fatimah, Nurmawati

Majalah Biomorfologi (Biomorphology Journal)
2026: MAJALAH BIOMORFOLOGI (IN PRESS)

Background: The rise in environmental pollution due to industrial and transportation activities has led to widespread lead (Pb) contamination , which enters the body through inhalation or ingestion and accumulates in the kidneys, triggering excessive Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, which in turn causes oxidative stress and inflammatory responses marked by increased IL-1 expression. Tamarillo, a fruit rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect renal tissue against lead-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Objective: To analyze the impact of ethanol extract from tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) on interleukin-1 (IL-1) expression in the kidneys of lead acetate-exposed mice (Mus musculus). Material and Method: This true laboratory experimental study used preserved biological material (BBT) from 30 male mice (Mus musculus), categorized into five distinct groups. The negative control group, labeled K0, received only distilled water; the positive control group, K1, was administered lead acetate at 0.075 g/kgBW; while group P1, P2, and P3 were treated with lead acetate alongside Solanum betaceum extract for 35 days at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kgBW, respectively. IL-1 expression was analyzed via immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the Immunoreactive Score (IRS) method focusing on glomerular and tubular epithelial cells. Result: Significant difference in IL-1 expression among groups (p<0.05). The treatment group that received 100 mg/kgBW tamarillo extract had the lowest levels of IL-1 expression in glomerular cells (mean 4.0) and tubular epithelial cells (mean 5.0) compared to the positive control, indicating dose-dependent. Conclusion: Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) ethanol extract effectively reduces IL-1 expression in glomerular and tubular regions of lead-exposed mice, with the optimal dose at 100 mg/kg BW, demonstrating its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent for combating lead-induced renal inflammation.