Influencia del ciclo lunar sobre la expresión génica de las interleucinas 1, 6 y 8 en el bazo de cobayas (Cavia porcellus) en cuatro momentos del ciclo lunar

Abstract

The present study evaluated the influence of the lunar cycle on the gene expression of interleukins IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. Spleen samples were obtained from 80 guinea pigs at the new moon, first quarter, full moon and third quarter during four consecutive cycles. The spleens were weighed on an analytical balance and a sample from three of them used to determine gene expression. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance using the general linear model; means were compared with the least squares test. An effect of the lunar cycle on spleen weight (p = 0.0385) and somatic spleen index (p = 0.0332) was observed. This organ was significantly heavier in the first quarter than in the other lunar phases. On the other hand, the mRNA of the three interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8) was identified in the spleen of these animals. In neither case was an increase or decrease in gene expression determined, or a particular pattern in their expression according to the lunar phases. In conclusion, an effect of the lunar cycle on spleen weight and spleen somatic index was observed, but not on the qualitative assessment of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression