Indonesian Journal of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences

Modulation of Caspase-3 Expression and Spermatogenic Cells by Urtica dioica Extract in Obesity-Induced Male Rats

2026-02-03T15:08:15+07:00

Obesity is associated with impaired steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis through mechanisms involving hypogonadism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) contribute to apoptotic signaling pathways, including caspase-3 activation, leading to germ cell
loss. Urtica dioica contains bioactive compounds with reported antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of U. dioica extract on TNF-α and caspase-3 mRNA expression as well as spermatogenic cell counts of the testes of obese male Sprague Dawley rats. This experimental study employed a post-test-only control group design using 25 rats divided into five groups: healthy control (C1), obese control induced by a high-fat and fructose diet (C2), and three intervention groups receiving U. dioica extract at doses of 125 mg/kg (D1), 250 mg/kg (D2), and 500 mg/kg (D3) for four weeks. The results showed no significant differences in TNF-α mRNA expression were observed between the intervention groups and the obese control. In contrast, caspase-3 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in all U. dioica–treated groups compared
with the obese control. No significant differences were observed in the number of primary or secondary spermatocytes among groups. However, spermatid counts were significantly higher in D2 and D3 groups compared with the obese control. In conclusion, U. dioica extract demonstrated potential anti-apoptotic
effects and was associated with improved post-meiotic spermatogenic outcomes in obese rats.

Non-contact electro capacitive cancer therapy (ECCT) modulate the mRNA expression of p53, Apaf-1, survivin, NF-κB, TSP-1 and bFGF in DMBA-induced breast cancer rat

2026-02-03T15:08:13+07:00

Breast cancer is the most common cancer that causes death in women in the world. Cancer development is facilitated by the inhibition of apoptosis and induction of angiogenesis. Current cancer therapy still encounters problems in the form of recurrence, resistance, and side effects of drugs. Non-contact static electric field therapy, electro capacity cancer therapy (ECCT) with medium frequency, is a therapy developed to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. This study aimed to determine the mRNA expression of p53, Apaf-1, survivin related to apoptosis and NF-κB, bFGF and TSP-1 related to angiogenesis in rat breast tumor tissue after ECCT frequency of 150 kHz. Breast tissue samples and rat breast tumor nodules stored in RNA later at -20°C were used. The tissue was obtained from the non-induction non-therapy (NINT) group, induction non-therapy (INT), non-induction therapy (NIT), and induction therapy (IT). mRNA expression of p53, Apaf-1, NF-κB, bFGF and TSP-1 were analyzed using qRT-PCR and calculated with the Livak formula. Data were analyzed using one-way Anova and post-hoc LSD. The results showed that, mRNA expression of p53, Apaf-1 and TSP-1 in the IT group increased significantly, and mRNA expression of survivin and bFGF decreased significantly compared to the INT group. However, the expression of NF-κB mRNA in the IT group remained the same as in the INT group. In conclusion, ECCT with a frequency of 150 kHz upregulates p53, Apaf-1 and TSP-1 mRNA expression and downregulates survivin and bFGF mRNA expression but have no effect on NF-κB mRNA expression in rat breast tumor tissue.

Evaluation of the current clinical and bacteriological profile in the tubotympanic type and the atticoantral type chronic suppurative otitis media

2026-02-03T15:08:18+07:00

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a leading cause of preventable hearing loss in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia. It is classified into tubotympanic and atticoantral types, yet local comparative data regarding clinical features and bacteriological profiles remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical manifestations, microbiological patterns, and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of both CSOM types in a tertiary hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to August 2022 involving patients aged ≥17 yr with active CSOM. Data were collected through interviews, otoendoscopy, and pure-tone audiometry. Ear swabs were cultured and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed. Ear-based analysis was applied for clinical and audiological variables (73 ears from 66 patients), and isolate-based analysis for microbiology. Exploratory comparisons between CSOM types were performed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Among 73 ears, 50 (68.5%) were tubotympanic and 23 (31.5%) atticoantral. Hearing loss was present in 98.6% of ears, most commonly mixed (47.9%) and conductive (42.5%), with predominantly moderate to severe degrees. Facial nerve palsy occurred in one atticoantral case (1.4%). No significant differences in clinical or audiological profiles were observed between types (p > 0.05). Of 76 bacterial isolates obtained from 69 culture-positive samples, Gram-negative organisms predominated (81.6%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogen (57.9%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (13.1%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed highest susceptibility to amikacin, meropenem, and piperacillin–tazobactam, with reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins. Gram-positive bacteria were most susceptible to linezolid, tigecycline, tetracycline, and quinupristin/dalfopristin. In conclusion, tubotympanic CSOM remains the predominant subtype, with P. aeruginosa as the principal pathogen. Moderate-to-severe hearing loss is common in both disease types. Clinical symptoms alone cannot differentiate CSOM subtypes, underscoring the importance of otoscopic or otoendoscopic examination and culture-guided therapy to optimize management and minimize antimicrobial resistance.

Correlation between COHb, HIF-1α levels, and smoking habits with physical fatigue in online motorcycle taxi drivers

2026-02-03T15:08:04+07:00

Online motorcycle taxi drivers have varying working hours and rest periods which can influence the occurrence of fatigue among them. Additionally, working on the road made them exposed to air pollution, including carbon monoxide. Several studies have reported a relationship between carbon monoxide and fatigue levels in specific types of occupations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the correlation between smoking habits, occupational factors, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels, and work fatigue, as well as the correlation between hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and COHb levels. Demographic characteristics, smoking habits, and occupational factors were measured using a questionnaire. COHb and HIF-1α levels were measured through blood biomarker examinations, while fatigue levels were assessed using the IFRC questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using Spearman correlation tests in the SPSS program. The results showed that majority of respondents were male (87%), with the highest age range being 19-44 yr (85.5%). More than 50% of respondents were classified as overweight or obese. The majority of them were light smokers (78.3%). Most respondents had normal COHb levels, and in terms of fatigue levels, a larger proportion experienced mild fatigue (66.7%). No correlation between COHb levels, smoking habits, occupational factors, and fatigue levels as well as between HIF-1α and COHb levels (p>0.05). In conclusion, no correlation is found between COHb levels, smoking habits, occupational factors, and fatigue levels. Similarly, there is no correlation between HIF-1α and COHb levels.

Hand-foot-mouth disease in the elderly: A case report

2026-02-03T15:08:10+07:00

Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), commonly caused by Coxsackievirus A16, is a contagious illness characterized by fever and vesicles on the hands, feet, and oral cavities. While well-documented in children, it is exceptionally rare in older adults. The case of a 65-year-old. illustrates this. woman who presented at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, with red spots on her hands and feet. Examination revealed multiple erythematous plaques on her palms, forearms, and lower legs, alongside target-like plaques with pseudo-vesiculation and a solitary oral ulcer. This case underscores the unusual presentation of HFMD in the elderly, highlighting that the disease, though predominantly pediatric, can occur in the elderly. The atypical clinical findings highlight the urgent need for accurate and timely recognition to ensure appropriate management. This report contributes to the growing evidence on HFMD’s clinical spectrum in adults and signals the necessity for further research and case documentation to improve understanding and early diagnosis in the elderly population.

Clinical effects of Spirulina supplementation on hemoglobin levels in anemic pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2026-02-03T15:08:20+07:00

Anemia during pregnancy continues to pose a significant burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Anemia is a major contributor in increasing maternal illness and negative pregnancy outcomes. Spirulina, a nutrient-dense blue-green alga rich in bioavailable iron, has gained attention as a potential nutritional intervention to support hemoglobin improvement in pregnancy. This systematic review and meta-analysis, adhering to PRISMA standards, sought to assess the impact of Spirulina supplementation on improving hemoglobin levels among pregnant women. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed to assess the change in hemoglobin levels before and after Spirulina supplementation, while a comparative meta-analysis evaluated the mean difference in hemoglobin improvement between Spirulina and standard iron supplementation. Four eligible studies involving 1,070 pregnant women were included. The single-arm analysis demonstrated a significant increase in hemoglobin levels following Spirulina supplementation, with a pooled mean difference (MD) of 1.81 g/dL (95% CI: 0.24 - 3.39; p = 0.024). In the comparative analysis, Spirulina showed a non-significant trend toward higher hemoglobin than standard iron, with a pooled MD of 1.45 g/dL (95% CI: –0.22 - 3.13; p = 0.088). Risk of bias was low to moderate, and the overall certainty of evidence was classified as moderate. These findings suggest that Spirulina may be a promising adjunct for improving maternal hemoglobin, particularly in settings where local cultivation and food-based approaches are preferred. Further high-quality randomized trials are recommended to ascertain its clinical efficacy and inform policy on its integration into maternal nutrition programs.

Immune status in pregnant women against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A scoping review

2026-02-03T15:08:08+07:00

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health concern, especially in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women. Changes in the immune system in pregnancy may impair the individual’s ability to withstand this infection. The objective of this scoping review was to systematically map the available literature regarding alteration of the immune response, specifically cytokines profiles, in pregnant women with or without TB. We conducted a systematic search of four databases (PubMed, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and Scopus). Studies reporting on cytokine measurements in pregnant women with TB were included. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts against predefined eligibility criteria. Data were charted on study characteristics, population, and reported cytokine outcomes. From 1.320 records, 14 studies were ultimately included based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria. Pregnant women with TB were shown to have reduction in adaptive proinflammatory response, mainly by the decrease of IFN-γ and IL-2 levels in the latter stage of pregnancy. However, this still remains conflicted due to several studies that state otherwise. Other cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-17, and TGF-β, show a notable depletion in the concentration suggesting the enhancement of the vulnerability of pregnant individuals. Interestingly, there is a rise in the number and function of innate immune cells, which can be seen from the elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IP-10, MCP-2, and antiinflammatory cytokine, which is IL-1ra. This scoping review provides an overview of the current evidence landscape. It highlights methodological heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting as major challenges in drawing definitive conclusions. The findings underscore the need for more standardized, longitudinal studies to clarify the immune dynamics in pregnant women with TB. This map can guide future primary research and systematic reviews.