The Eijkman Molecular Biology Research Center, formerly Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology is a laboratory in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is most known for the discovery by Christiaan Eijkman that Beriberi was caused by a lack of thiamine in the human body.
Background Thalassemia is classified globally as a rare disease; however, it represents a major public health burden in many low‑ and middle‑income countries due to its high prevalence and limited access to care. In Indonesia, one of the world’s most genetically diverse populations, thalassemia presents epidemiological characteristics more consistent with a common disease than a rare one in certain populations. However, the national molecular spectrum of alpha‑ and beta‑thalassemia, essential for carrier screening and prevention programs, is still insufficiently characterized. Hematological screening (red cell indices and HbA₂ levels) remains the gold standard, but molecular diagnostics are required for definitive diagnosis and accurate carrier identification. Methods This study analyzed archived data from 4,779 individuals across Western Island Southeast Asia and Eastern Island Southeast Asia collected between 1995–2016. Thalassemia screening was based on hematological criteria including MCV, RBC morphology, and HbA2 levels assessed via CBC and HPLC. For 180 whole-genome sequenced individuals, pathogenic variants in HBA1 / HBA2 and HBB genes were identified by cross-referencing ClinVar. Results Pathogenic mutations were detected in 13.2% of participants. Alpha‑thalassemia was dominated by the alpha 3.7 deletion, while beta‑thalassemia was primarily driven by HbE heterozygosity. Mutation frequencies varied markedly by region, with higher burdens in eastern Indonesia. Genotype‑specific hematological profiles highlighted the limitations of routine hematology for identifying mild or silent carriers. Conclusions This broad analysis defines the molecular landscape of thalassemia in Indonesia and reveals substantial regional heterogeneity. These findings support the development of population‑tailored molecular diagnostic panels to improve carrier detection, enable earlier intervention, and strengthen equitable thalassemia prevention strategies in underrepresented populations. Integrating molecular diagnostics with hematological screening would create a more robust and equitable national strategy for thalassemia screening.
Thalassemia is classified globally as a rare disease; however, it represents a major public health burden in many low‑ and middle‑income countries due to its high prevalence and limited access to care. In Indonesia, one of the world’s most genetically diverse populations, thalassemia traits present epidemiological characteristics more consistent with a common disease than a rare one in certain populations. However, the national molecular spectrum of alpha‑ and beta‑thalassemia, essential for carrier screening and prevention programs, is still insufficiently characterized. Hematological screening (red cell indices and HbA₂ levels) remains the gold standard, but molecular diagnostics are required for definitive diagnosis and accurate carrier identification. This study analyzed archived data from 4,779 individuals across Western Island Southeast Asia and Eastern Island Southeast Asia collected between 1995 and 2016. Thalassemia screening was based on hematological criteria including MCV, RBC morphology, and HbA2 levels assessed via CBC and HPLC. For 180 whole-genome sequenced individuals, pathogenic variants in HBA1/HBA2 and HBB genes were identified by cross-referencing ClinVar. Pathogenic variants were detected in 13.2
Background: Dengue virus (DENV) is hyperendemic in Indonesia and of high public health concern globally. Without an effective antiviral therapy, an accurate diagnosis of the four viruses, DENV1-4, is crucial for patient management and outcome. We aim to assess the diagnostic accuracy and usefulness of a commercial DENV antigen rapid diagnostic test kit in point-of-care conditions. Design and methods: Six-hundred-forty-six patients with fever or history of fever, and without leukocytosis, were enrolled from Tabanan General Hospital, Bali in 2017–2018. All sera were tested for DENV NS1 antigen using the Standard Diagnostics Bioline NS1 Ag rapid test kit and Flavivirus genus specific RT-PCR. Positive specimens were further confirmed using DENV multiplex RT-PCR. Results: DENV was detected in 10.4% (67/646) of enrolled patients by molecular assays. Only 41 of the positives were found to be positive by the NS1 rapid test. Our findings indicate that the kit was the most sensitive in the first 2 days after disease onset with sensitivity > 75%, and declining at day 3 with a sensitivity of <60%. In addition, the kit was found to be the most sensitive to DENV-2 and least sensitive to DENV-4. Overall, the kit had a sensitivity of 59.7% [95% CI: 44.5–74.9] and specificity of 99.8% [95% CI: 99.5–100.0]. Conclusions: Our evaluation indicated that the rapid diagnostic test is useful for both surveillance and initial detection of DENV infection in community settings. However, it should be supplemented with additional diagnostic methods to ensure accurate confirmation for patient management.
Background:Genetic polymorphisms in the luteinizing hormone (LH) β-subunit gene have been associated with responses to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) patients. Variants in rs1800447 and rs34349826 may increase androgen production, potentially impairing folliculogenesis and ovarian response. Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of LH β-subunit single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs1800447 and rs34349826), levels of testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free testosterone index in predicting COH response in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women. Settings and Design:This nested case-control study enlisted 122 women with PCOS in the Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia. Materials and Methods:The selection of cases and controls was in the ratio of 1:2. Blood samples were taken on day 2 or 3 of menstrual cycle. Sanger sequencing was utilised to genotype the LH β-subunit genes (rs1800447 and rs34349826). Levels of testosterone and SHBG were measured to calculate the free testosterone index. Women were retrospectively grouped as hyporesponders (<8 oocytes) or normo/hyperresponders (≥8 oocytes) according to the number of retrieved oocytes. Statistical Analysis Used:SPSS Software version 21.0 (IBM Corp., USA). Independent t-test or Mann-Whitney test for numerical variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables were employed. Results:A unique automatic transmission (AT) variant in both rs1800447 and rs34349826 LH β-subunit was discovered, which has yet been reported previously. Notably, the proportion of heterozygous LH β genotypes (AT and AG) in both rs1800447 and rs34349826 was similar between hyporesponder and normo/hyperresponder groups (P > 0.05). All participants were normoandrogenic PCOS women, indicated by the normal level of testosterone (0.84 ± 0.35 nmol/L) and SHBG (57.87 ± 29.20 nmol/L) as well as free testosterone index (1.88 ± 1.34). No difference in testosterone levels, SHBG and free testosterone index was observed among the studied groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion:LH β gene SNPs (rs1800447 and rs34349826), testosterone level, SHBG level and free testosterone index were not significantly correlated and less effective clinical indicators for COH response in normoandrogenic PCOS women.
Aging populations have significant challenges related to immune system decline, known as immunosenescence, exacerbated by gut microbiota imbalances. This review explores the synergistic effects of multi-strain probiotics and prebiotics, known as synbiotics, on immune restoration in aging individuals. The aim is to synthesize current evidence on these combinations’ mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and therapeutic potential. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of the literature from 2014 to 2025, examining the impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and their combinations on gut microbiota diversity, immune modulation, and inflammation. The results and discussion were presented descriptively and systematically. Multi-strain probiotics enhance gut microbiota diversity, increase anti-inflammatory cytokines, and promote short-chain fatty acid production, which supports gut barrier integrity. Prebiotics selectively stimulate beneficial microbes, fostering an optimal environment for probiotic efficacy. Together, synbiotics demonstrate superior outcomes, including significant reductions in inflammation, improved gut barrier function, and enhanced systemic immunity. However, individual responses and long-term safety remain areas for further investigation. In conclusion, synbiotics represent a transformative approach to immune recovery in aging populations, offering benefits beyond gut health. Future research should prioritize personalized interventions and standardized protocols to optimize their therapeutic potential.
