ABSTRACT:
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chlorogenic acid on the decrease of placental apoptosis in pregnant Rattus norvegicus exposed to carbon black by observing the expression of Mitogen Activating Protein Kinase (MAP Kinase) and Vascular Endhotel Growth Factor (VEGF) as indicators of apoptosis. This study was a laboratory experimental study, with five treatment groups and seven replications using female rats (Rattus norvegicus). The study was started by mating the female rats and exposing them to carbon black of 1064 mg/m3 for 8 hours. Then, for MAP Kinase expression examination, immunohistochemical staining was performed and VEGF measurements were done using ELISA. Administration of chlorogenic acid at a dose of 13.4 mg/kg body weight in pregnant rats exposed to carbon black resulted in a decrease of MAP Kinase expression in placenta compared with a positive control group not exposed to carbon black. Carbon black-exposed pregnant rats treated with chlorogenic acid at a dose of 13.4 mg/kg BW showed increased VEGF levels compared with a positive control group not exposed to carbon black. In conclusion, the administration of chlorogenic acid may decrease MAP Kinase and increase VEGF levels.