ABSTRACTBackground: Global climate change has escalated ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, contributing to skin aging and damage. Ultraviolet radiation, especially UV-B, is a known inducer of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which trigger inflammation and accelerate photoaging by increasing IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels. Clitoria ternatea, or butterfly pea, contains bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of C. ternatea extract cream on serum IL-1β levels in UV-B-induced Wistar rats, exploring its potential in reducing photoaging and promoting skin health.Methods: True experimental study with post-test only control group design involving male Wistar rats for 30 days. The rats were divided into four groups: negative control with placebo (base cream) and treatment groups given 2.5%, 5%, and 10% C. ternatea extract cream, with UV-B induction applied for 30 minutes, three times per week. IL-1β were evaluated using ELISA Rat IL-1 kit.Results: Significant differences were observed between the negative control and extract-treated groups. The lowest IL-1β levels were recorded in the 2.5% and 5% extract groups (p<0.001), indicating a strong anti-inflammatory effect. The findings suggest that C. ternatea extract cream, especially at 2.5% and 5% concentrations, effectively reduces IL-1β levels in UV-B-induced Wistar rats. The bioactive compounds in C. ternatea, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, may inhibit ROS production and inflammation pathways. This study demonstrates that C. ternatea extract cream can reduce IL-1β levels, potentially mitigating UV-induced skin damage.Conclusion: The C. ternatea extract’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a promising candidate for skincare products aimed at reducing photoaging. Further studies are recommended to explore the effects of higher concentrations and long-term applications in clinical settings. Keywords: Clitoria ternatea extract, IL-1β modulation, antiphotoaging, photoprotective agents, herbal skincare.
Background: The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene regulates energy balance and food intake. The rs17782313 variant has been linked to altered homeostasis and eating behavior, and may also affect anthropometric and body composition responses during Ramadan fasting.Objective: To examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on anthropometric parameters, body composition, and macronutrient intake across different MC4R genotypes in adults.Methods: Thirty-five subjects were genotyped and grouped into recessive (TT, n=15) and dominant (TC+CC, n=20) allele carriers. Anthropometric and body composition measurements, dietary intake (SQ-FFQ), and physical activity (IPAQ-SF) were assessed before, during, and after Ramadan. Genetic data for rs17782313 were obtained from a prior investigation. Repeated Measures ANCOVA, adjusted for energy intake and physical activity, evaluated genotype and time effects.Results: The recessive group (TT) showed higher values than the dominant group (TC+CC), with significant differences in body weight, BMI, hip circumference, and visceral fat across all time points (p<0.05). Waist circumference differed significantly during and after Ramadan, while BMR differed only before fasting (p<0.05). Macronutrient intake and physical activity did not differ significantly, although protein and fat intake changes post-Ramadan were notable (p<0.05). A significant time–activity interaction was found for body weight (p=0.041). TT carriers experienced greater anthropometric benefits from Ramadan fasting compared to TC+CC carriers.Conclusion: Ramadan fasting significantly influences anthropometric parameters, body composition, and macronutrient intake across MC4R genotypes. Greater responses were observed in recessive carriers (TT), although fasting outcomes were also shaped by nutrition and physical activity. These findings highlight the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in energy regulation during Ramadan.
Background: The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to rise, posing significant health challenges. T2DM is characterized by insulin resistance and often leads to hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, which increase the risk of complications. Natural products like noni (Morinda citrifolia) and honey have been studied individually for their antidiabetic properties.Objective: This study investigates the combination of noni and honey to regulate blood glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance antioxidant activity in diabetic models..Methods: The study involved 35 male Wistar rats divided into seven groups, including healthy controls, diabetic controls, and various treatment groups receiving noni fruit juice, honey, or their combinations at different dosages. Type 2 diabetes was induced using streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA). Treatments of Noni and Honey were administered via gavage every day for 28 days. Blood glucose and SOD levels were measured using enzymatic assay methods, whereas insulin concentrations were determined through ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay).Results: The combination of noni and honey significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels (p < 0.0001), with the highest reduction observed in the MCH3 group. Insulin levels and HOMA-B were significantly increased, while HOMA-IR was decreased in treatment groups, particularly in MCH3. SOD activity was notably enhanced, indicating improved antioxidant status.Conclusion: The combination of noni fruit juice and honey exhibits synergistic hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects in diabetic rats, with the highest dose (MCH3) showing the most significant therapeutic potential. These findings support the potential use of noni and honey as complementary treatments in managing type 2 diabetes and its associated metabolic complications.
ABSTRACTBackground: Incised wounds from sharp objects disrupt skin function and risk infection. Healing involves cytokines like IL-1 and growth factors like PDGF. Celery leaf extract (Apium graveolens L.), rich in flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, shows anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects that may lower IL-1 and boost PDGF.Objective: To evaluate the effect of celery leaf extract cream on IL-1 levels and PDGF expression in male Wistar rats with incised wounds.Methods: This in vivo experimental study employed a post-test only control group design. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: healthy control, negative control (cream base), positive control (10% povidone iodine), 2% celery extract cream, and 4% celery extract cream. Incised wounds were made on the rats’ backs, and the cream was applied once daily for 7 days. IL-1 levels were analyzed using ELISA, while PDGF expression was measured using qRT-PCR. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p<0.05).Results: The lowest mean IL-1 level in the treatment groups was found in the 4% celery extract cream group (5.80 ± 1.19 ng/mL), while the highest was in the povidone iodine group (6.77 ± 0.51 ng/mL). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference among all groups (p=0.009). The highest mean PDGF expression was observed in the 2% celery extract cream group (3.10 ± 3.18), followed by povidone iodine (2.53 ± 4.37), whereas the 4% celery extract cream group had a value of 0.57 ± 0.66. However, the differences among groups were not statistically significant (p=0.279).Conclusion: Administration of celery leaf extract cream reduced IL-1 levels in the treatment groups; however, the increase in PDGF expression did not show significant differences among the Wistar rat incisional wound model groups.
Background: The 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) accounted for the majority of autosomal recessive inherited congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) cases. A genetic test could offer a more thorough diagnostic approach because of the wide range of disease’s severity, but it was challenging in a resource-limited setting.Objective: To apply a simple and cost-effective rapid molecular screening for detecting the most common CYP21A2 variants causing salt-wasting (SW) CAH.Methods: DNA extraction was conducted using a salting out method from a venous blood sample taken from 49 CAH patients without prior genetic testing. A PCR-RFLP approach was utilized using primer sets specifically designed to anneal to the CYP21A2. Specific restriction enzymes were selected to cleave the DNA sequence, differentiating the wild and mutant type, i.e, the p.Arg357Trp, p.Gln318Ter, IVS2-13A/C>G, and exon 6 cluster. Samples positive for those mutation types detected from DNA sequencing, used as positive controls.Results: The most common variant was IVS2-13A/C>G, detected in 26 out of 27 patients. Only 6.1% of 49 patients were found to have the p.Gln318Ter variant. Both the p.Arg357Trp and exon 6 cluster carried inconclusive results. All patients detected with the IVS2-13A/C>G and p.Gln318Ter had a phenotype of SW CAH.Conclusion: The PCR-RFLP was an advantageous method for identifying CYP21A2 variants in a low-resource setting. Nevertheless, the use of multiplex ligation-probe dependent amplification (MLPA) and Sanger sequencing offered a comprehensive analysis to discover novel variants that could help with patients' diagnosis and treatment.
Background: Thalassemia-β patients have erythrocyte damage that requires blood transfusion treatment. Blood transfusion treatment that is undergone has an impact on the condition of iron overload in the body. The condition of iron overload will result in oxidative stress and organ damage that requires additional therapyObjective: aimed to compare the effectiveness of turmeric and kalmegh extract doses against biochemical parameters and histopathological features of iron-induced liver Rattus Norvegicus.Methods: This study used a True-experiment research design with a post-test-only control group. A total of 30 rats were used and divided into six treatment groups, normal, deferiprone drugs, turmeric, and kalmegh extracts 100mg/KgBW, 200mg/KgBW, and 400mg/KgBW. Malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ferritin are used as biochemical parameters and hepatic histopathology is documented.Results: The results showed that there were significant improvements and differences in iron-induced rats.Conclusion: The study also showed that turmeric and kalmegh extracts had similar effects to deferiprone.
ABSTRACTBackground: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes opportunistic and healthcare-acquired infections. Its ability to rapidly acquire antibiotic resistance complicates treatment, prolongs hospitalization, and increases morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, South Sumatera, Indonesia.Methods: A descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted using data from the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory and Medical Records Installation of Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang, from May 2022 to April 2023. Data were analyzed univariately and presented through tables, figures, and descriptive summaries.Results: A total of 465 hospitalized patients were found to be infected with P. aeruginosa. Adult patients aged 18–65 years were the most affected (71%). The leading primary diagnoses were diabetic foot ulcer, pneumonia, and sepsis. Most patients were hospitalized for 8–14 days (25.2%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed the highest sensitivity to amikacin (94.2%), while the lowest was observed with meropenem and ceftazidime. The resistance profile included 24.7% MDR, 6.7% XDR, 0.9% probable PDR, and 2.4% DTR isolates.Conclusion: P. aeruginosa infections were predominantly found in adult patients with prolonged hospitalization. Amikacin remains the most effective antibiotic, while cefazolin and tigecycline showed poor efficacy. The presence of MDR, XDR, PDR, and DTR strains highlights the urgent need for rational antibiotic use and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship programs. Keywords:Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Hospitalized patients, Antibiotic resistance, Multidrug resistance
Background: Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder involving retinal ganglion cell loss. Elevated intraocular pressure activates the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and Glutamate Receptor 4 (GluR4), inducing oxidative stress via the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and triggering antioxidant responses through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway, which contributes to disease progression and informs therapeutic insights.Objective: To explore NMDA, GluR4, NF-κB, and NRF2 roles in glaucoma pathophysiology and identify therapeutic targets using Wistar rat models.Methods: This experimental research was conducted using a post-test-only control group design. Fourteen male Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 7). The glaucoma group underwent episcleral veincauterization (EVC) to induce a high intraocular pressure (IOP), whereas the control group remained untreated. Four weeks after EVC, evaluations included the expression of NMDA, GluR4, NF-κB, and NRF2 receptors. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using a parametric independent t-test and a Mann-Whitney U test.Results: The mean NMDA expression was significantly higher in the glaucoma group (14.50 ± 4.23) compared to the control group (7.74 ± 3.24, p=0.006). Similarly, the mean GluR4 expression was elevated in the glaucoma group (10.77 ±2.40) compared to the control group (3.03 ± 4.05, p = 0.012). The mean NF-κB expression was 14.96 ± 4.87 in the glaucoma group, significantly higher than 6.72 ± 1.84 in the control group (p = 0.003). Conversely, the mean NRF2 expression was significantly lower in the glaucoma group (3.98 ± 1.10) than in the control group (7.18 ± 1.61, p < 0.001).Conclusion: The study highlights significant changes in all four variables, where NMDA, GluR4, NF-κB expressions were higher, and NRF2 expression was lower
Background: Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome resulting from germline mutations in the TP53 gene on chromosome 17p13. It significantly increases the risk of various early-onset cancers, making early detection and diagnosis of LFS vital. This study underscores the importance of genetic counseling and multidisciplinary management in addressing the needs of individuals and families affected by LFS and optimizing patient outcomes.Case Presentation: Case report of a 36-year-old male from Murni Teguh Hospital with suspected LFS, characterized by a rare and complex clinical course involving multiple primary tumors, glioblastoma multiforme (GM) and mandibular osteosarcoma (MO). Initial symptoms included a rapidly growing right mandibular mass, following neurological symptoms three months prior. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings supported the diagnosis, with p53 overexpression indicating TP53 mutation. Family history and three generation pedigree revealed multiple early-onset cancers, fulfilling the criteria for suspected LFS.Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of genetic counseling and multidisciplinary management in diagnosing and managing suspected LFS. Proactive cancer surveillance and individualized care strategies are critical to mitigating risks and improving outcomes for patients and families affected by hereditary cancer syndromes.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder that is most commonly experienced by women. This condition can reduce the quality of life because it can affect physical, psychological, emotional, social, and financial. The first-line and safest therapy for PCOS is lifestyle changes. One of them is doing physical activity. Yoga as one of the low-intensity physical activities has the potential as a complementary therapy for PCOS. This study implements a systematic review with qualitative analysis method. A literature search was done using the search engines PubMed, Science Direct, and Proquest by setting inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. Yoga is a sport that can be done by everyone because it does not require fitness and flexibility at a certain level. Some of the mechanisms of yoga as complementary therapy for PCOS are the optimization of the autonomic nervous system, regulation of the endocrine system, reduction of stress levels, and balancing of neural hormones. Previous research has shown that yoga can improve various aspects in PCOS women such as anthropometric parameters, menstrual cycle, ovarian morphology, biochemical markers, hormones, cardiovascular, and psychiatric conditions. Yoga can improve various aspects including anthropometric parameters, menstrual cycle, ovarian morphology, biochemical markers, hormones, cardiovascular, and psychiatric conditions.
Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep. This sleep disorder is often ignored or undiagnosed because it is often underdiagnosed due to non-specific symptoms, even though it can cause health problems and interfere with the quality of life. The gold standard for diagnosing OSA is polysomnography (PSG), but PSG is not available in all healthcare facilities. The Friedman Tongue Position (FTP) examination is a simple method for estimating upper airway obstruction and is expected to serve as a screening tool for OSA risk.Objective: To determine the association between Friedman Tongue Position and the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) in obstructive sleep apnea. To determine the association between body mass index, age, and sex with the respiratory disturbance index in obstructive sleep apnea.Methods: The study was conducted from August to October 2024 at Dr. Kariadi Central General Hospital Semarang, with a total sample of 44 adults (>18 years), comprising 22 OSA and 22 non-OSA subjects. This was a cross-sectional study involving patients who had undergone PSG. The RDI values were obtained from PSG results. FTP was assessed through tongue examination. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test.Results: Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between BMI (p = 0.013) and FTP (p < 0.001) and RDI. Meanwhile, Fisher’s Exact test for age (p=0.697) and Chi-square test for sex (p=0.203) indicated no significant association with RDI.Conclusion: FTP and BMI showed significant associations with RDI, where higher FTP grades and obesity increased the likelihood of OSA. In contrast, age and sex were not significantly associated with RDI, indicating that they do not independently influence respiratory disturbance severity.
Background: Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy and the leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Various studies have shown that Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) deficiency and increased Soluble endoglin (sEng) level are consistently associated with the incidence of preeclampsia. Several studies also show the role of MTHFR A1298C and C677T gene polymorphisms in preeclampsia.Objective: This study investigated association between blood GPx, sEng levels, MTHFR A1298C and C677T gene polymorphisms in Preeclampsia.Methods: This analytic observational case-control study was conducted on 70 cases of preeclampsia and 70 controls. Blood GPx and sEng levels were measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). MTHFR A1298C and C677T gene polymorphism was genotyped using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The data obtained were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and independent T-test.Results: There were no significant differences in GPx levels or MTHFR A1298C/C677T genotype distribution between groups. sEng levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group than controls (p=0.001). ROC analysis identified a cut-off of 7.75 ng/mL. Among preeclampsia patients, those with the MTHFR 1298AC/CC genotypes had lower sEng levels than wildtype (p=0.027), suggesting a potential protective effect. No association was found for C677T.Conclusion: We found no significant difference in GPx level, MTHFR A1298C and C677T gene polymorphism between preeclampsia and control group. Soluble endoglin (sEng) level in the preeclampsia group (mean: 11.0±5.22) were significantly different (p=0.001) compared to the control group (mean: 8.1±5.31). Increased level of sEng is associated with incidence of preeclampsia. A key finding in this study is the significantly lower sEng levels observed in preeclampsia patients carrying the MTHFR 1298AC and 1298CC alleles compared to the control group (p=0.027). This indicates a protective factor where in preeclampsia with MTHFR gene alleles 1298AC and 1298CC sEng levels are lower compared to wildtype.
Background: Globally, stunting affected approximately 148 million children under five in 2022. Chronic infection contributes to stunting through immune hyperactivation and excessive cytokine release. Since anthropometric assessments are prone to errors and may not accurately reflect the underlying inflammatory status, common systemic inflammatory markers, such as the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), can serve as alternatives. These markers are simple, affordable, and accessible in every health center.Objective: To analyze the correlation of NLR, MLR, and PLR with stunting.Methods: A cross-sectional study involving pediatric patients aged 1-5 years from the Nutrition and Metabolic Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Soetomo Regional Hospital in Surabaya from 2022 to 2023. Forty-one samples met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on NLR, PLR, MLR, and other hematological variables were obtained from the patients' hematology profiles. Group differences, correlations, and diagnostic performance were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman, and ROC methods, respectively.Results: Forty-one subjects were obtained and divided into three groups: 21 (51.2%) normal, 10 (24.4%) stunted, and 10 (24.4%) severely stunted. RBC and lymphocytes significantly increased in normal patients, whereas neutrophils, platelets, NLR, MLR, and PLR significantly increased in severely stunted patients. NLR, MLR, and PLR differed significantly between normal and stunted children (p =<0.001; p =0.002; and p =<0.001, respectively) and showed positive correlations between the NLR (p =<0.001; r =0.687), MLR (p =<0.001; r =0.558), and PLR (p =<0.001; r =0.784) with stunting. At cutoff values of 0.844 (NLR), 88.527 (PLR), and 0.174 (MLR), their AUCs were 0.90, 0.95, and 0.82, with sensitivities of 75%, 80%, and 60%, respectively.Conclusion: NLR, MLR, and PLR significantly differ among normal, stunted, and severely stunted children, showing positive associations with stunting. These markers, particularly PLR, may serve as a practical screening tool, warranting further validation through larger studies.
Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency is ovarian aging that occurs before the age of 40, with a global prevalence of 1.1%. Premature ovarian insufficiency can be induced by environmental exposures, particularly through free radicals generated by cigarette smoke.Objective: The purpose of this study was to prove that the administration of ethanol extract of black soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) can inhibit the decrease in ovarian tertiary follicle count and serum estradiol levels in Wistar strain rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to cigarette smoke.Methods: This research is an experimental study with a post-test-only control group design involving 30 Wistar-strain rats (Rattus norvegicus) that met the inclusion criteria. The rats were divided into five groups: group N (normal), group K (control), and group P1-P3 which received black soybean seed extract (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) at doses of 375 mg/kgBW (P1), 750 mg/kgBW (P2), and 1500 mg/kgBW (P3) administered orally via gavage every day for 28 days. The control group and treatment groups were exposed to cigarette smoke, after the administration of the extract, for 2 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 28 days. Serum estradiol levels (ng/L) were measured using the ELISA method, and ovarian tissue samples were collected for counting the number of ovarian tertiary follicles.Results: There was a significant difference in serum estradiol levels (p < 0,001), with the highest serum estradiol level observed in Group P1 (564.4 ± 74.28) and the lowest in Group K (116,7 ± 38,01). There was no significant difference in the number of ovarian tertiary follicles (p=0,645).Conclusion: The ethanol extract of black soybean seeds (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) at a dose of 375 mg/kg BW significantly inhibits the decrease in estradiol levels but did not affect the number of ovarian tertiary follicles in Wistar strain rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to cigarette smoke.
Background: Obesity, a global health crisis affecting over 890 million adults, requiring effective and safe management strategies. Lifestyle-based interventions, such as physical exercise and herbal supplementation, provide promising non-invasive alternatives. Slow Interval Training (SIT) improves fat metabolism with low injury risk, while lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) contains bioactive compounds with anti-obesity potential.Objective: This study investigates the combined effects of SIT and lemongrass ethanol extract on body weight and fat mass in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese male Wistar rat model.Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: healthy control, obese control, SIT only, lemongrass extract only, and SIT + lemongrass. Obesity was induced through a high-fat diet before intervention. Body weight was measured weekly, and fat mass was analyzed after eight weeks of treatment.Results: Obese controls showed significant weight gain (p<0.001). The lemongrass-only group showed a 12.7% weight reduction, while the combination group achieved the lowest final weight (200 g) and the lowest fat mass (2.39 g, p=0.048). Significant intergroup differences appeared from week 1 and persisted until week 13 (p<0.05). The combination group maintained stable weight after intervention, outperforming SIT or lemongrass alone.Conclusion: The combination of SIT and lemongrass ethanol extract significantly reduces body weight and fat mass in obese rats, demonstrating synergistic efficacy. Lemongrass inhibits fat absorption and enhances metabolic regulation, while SIT promotes fat oxidation. This dual approach offers a viable, non-invasive strategy for obesity management, warranting further clinical exploration.
Background: Endometriosis is associated with lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species (ROS) which causes endometrial cell DNA damage. Vitamin D is known to have good antioxidant content, so it is thought to have the ability to inhibit proliferation, invasion and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in endometriosis.Objective: To analyze the differences in vitamin D levels between endometriosis cyst patients and normal women and the relationship between vitamin D levels and the size of endometriosis cysts.Methods: Analytical observational study with cross sectional design with 60 samples consisting of 30 endometriosis cyst patients and 30 normal women. Evaluation was carried out on vitamin 25 (OH) D serum levels using the ELISA method and endometriosis cyst size. Cyst size is evaluated by assessing the largest diameter of a single endometriosis cyst assessed through an ultrasound examination by a specialist doctor.Results: Vitamin D levels in the endometriosis group were significantly lower than normal women (13.23 ± 5.39 ng/mL vs 15.83 ± 5.30 ng/mL; p = 0.048). Subjects with vitamin D levels <13.45 had a 4.03x (OR 4.03; CI95% 1.37-11.83) higher risk of experiencing endometriosis compared to subjects with vitamin D levels > 13.45 ng/mL. There was no correlation between vitamin D levels and the size of endometriosis cysts (p=0.720).Conclusion: Endometriosis patients have significantly lower serum vitamin D levels than normal women (OR 4.03; CI95% 1.37-11.83). Serum vitamin D levels do not significantly correlate with endometriosis cyst size.
Background: The role of nutritional factors, particularly vitamin C, in bone repair has been extensively studied. However, despite this research, the specific impact of vitamin C on bone fracture healing remains unclear. While some studies suggest that vitamin C supplementation may enhance bone repair, others report no significant benefits.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of vitamin C on callus formation and osteoblast proliferation in a rat femur fracture model.Methods: A post-test-only control group design was employed in this study, involving 27 male Wistar rats that were randomly divided into three groups. The first and second groups received daily intramuscular injections of vitamin C at doses of 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 500 mg/kg BW, respectively, following femur bone fracture and fixation. The control group did not receive vitamin C and underwent no fixation. After 14 days, all rats were euthanized, and their femur bones were histologically examined for callus diameter and osteoblast count.Results: Vitamin C supplementation significantly increased the callus diameter in rats with complete femoral fractures. Both the 200 mg and 500 mg doses proved effective, demonstrating a clear dose-response relationship. Additionally, Vitamin C significantly elevated the number of osteoblasts, which play a crucial role in bone formation. However, there was no statistically significant difference in osteoblast count between the 200 mg and 500 mg doses.Conclusion: In conclusion, vitamin C supplementation has been shown to positively influence bone fracture healing in rats by promoting an increase in callus diameter and enhancing osteoblast proliferation. This study indicates that vitamin C could serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy for facilitating bone fracture healing, particularly by improving callus formation. Physicians should consider integrating vitamin C into treatment plans for patients with fractures, using doses similar to those applied in this study, adjusted appropriately for human use.
Background: Bifidobacterium is a key gut microbe that contributes to host metabolism, immunity, and intestinal integrity through SCFA production. Dietary fats are known to modulate gut microbiota, but evidence on the effects of specific fat types—SFA, MUFA, PUFA—on Bifidobacterium in obese adults without metabolic syndrome remains limited.Objectives: To examine the association between intake of dietary fat types and the abundance of Bifidobacterium among obese adults without metabolic syndrome.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Semarang, Indonesia, involving 60 obese adults (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) without metabolic syndrome. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated SQ-FFQ, and Bifidobacterium abundance was quantified using qPCR from fecal samples. Correlation and multivariate linear regression - adjusted for age, sex, and energy intake - were used to assess associations between variables.Results: Saturated fat intake was moderately and negatively correlated with Bifidobacterium levels (r = –0.464; p < 0.001), while total fat intake also showed a statistically significant, but weaker, negative correlation (r = –0.346; p = 0.007). PUFA intake showed a weak but statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.269; p = 0.037), whereas MUFA intake was not significantly associated. Multivariate analysis identified SFA as an independent negative predictor of Bifidobacterium abundance.Conclusion: High intake of saturated fat is associated with decreased Bifidobacterium levels even in obese adults without metabolic syndrome, whereas PUFA may exert modest protective effects. These findings suggest that the type of dietary fat, rather than its quantity, plays a key role in modulating gut microbiota composition.
Background: Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for cancer growth and metastasis, including in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) regulates angiogenesis, and its elevated mRNA expression is linked to poor prognosis in cancer. Genetic variations, such as the rs699947 polymorphism in the VEGF gene, can affect VEGF expression and contribute to cancer progression.Objective: The primary aim of this study is to examine the distribution of the VEGF rs699947 polymorphism and its correlation with VEGF mRNA expression levels in patients with low-grade and high-grade EOC at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia.Methods: This research is a cross-sectional analysis involving 65 normal female whole blood samples and a total of 80 ovarian cancer biopsy samples, including 15 ovarian cysts as expression calibrators, along with 36 low-grade and 29 high-grade EOC samples. The distribution of genotypes and alleles of the VEGF rs699947 polymorphism was assessed through ARMS PCR analysis, while VEGF mRNA expression was quantified using real-time qPCR.Results: Significant differences were observed in both genotype (p<0,01) and allele (p=0,000) distributions between the normal and cases group. The relative mRNA expression of VEGF was significantly elevated in both low-grade and high-grade EOC. Individuals with the homozygous VEGF rs699947 AA genotype exhibited the highest mRNA expression compared to other genotypes. In contrast, individuals carrying the CC genotype showed the lowest correlation with VEGF mRNA expression in both low-grade and high-grade EOC.Conclusion: This study shows that the A allele of VEGF rs699947 is correlated with increased VEGF mRNA expression in EOC patients, particularly in those with the AA genotype. Conversely, the C allele may offer a protective effect against EOC, as the CC genotype is linked to lower VEGF mRNA expression. Genetic screening for VEGF rs699947 could facilitate early detection and inform targeted therapeutic strategies.
Background: The pathogenic Leptospira species is the causative agent of leptospirosis, an endemic zoonotic disease in Indonesia. Misdiagnosis of the disease frequently occurs, as confirmatory diagnosis confined to highly specialized laboratories. As well, the pulmonary involvement of leptospirosis with hemoptysis is scarcely reported.Case Presentation: A 49 years-old male patient was admitted to the district hospital with acute febrile illness and a history of traveling to a malaria-endemic area in Borneo, Indonesia. Based on a chest X-ray result, the patient was clinically suspected to have pulmonary tuberculosis. However, the clinical manifestations of leptospirosis i.e. conjunctival suffusion, calf pain, and oliguria were present, and later hemoptysis was also reported. A clinical diagnosis of leptospirosis with pulmonary involvement was proposed. Immunochromatographic test (ICT)-rapid test for vivax/falciparum malaria and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining of sputum for tuberculosis results were both negative. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), the IgM anti-Leptospira rapid test (lateral flow assay), and PCR amplification of both conventional and real-time (qPCR) were performed using various samples (serum, urine, and sputum). The MAT of acute single serum sample and rapid test were negative. Intriguingly, the PCR showed positive results in sputum and urine samples but not in the serum sample, highlighting the usefulness of leptospiral molecular detection to confirm further diagnosis.Conclusion: Molecular detection of pathogenic Leptospira in sputum samples can be considered for confirmatory diagnosis of leptospirosis patients with pulmonary hemorrhage. Likewise, the urine sample can be used as an option in the examination of severe leptospirosis.
