Narra J (Journal)
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Phytochemical profiling and enzyme inhibitory activity of Sterculia populifolia DC stem bark extract and fractions against elastase and tyrosinase
Full text linkThe demand for natural ingredients in cosmetic and medical applications is steadily increasing, particularly for anti-aging and skin-lightening products. Sterculia populifolia DC, a member of the Sterculia genus, is known to contain diverse bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids, which may offer pharmacological benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-aging potential of S. populifolia stem bark extract and its solvent-partitioned fractions through enzyme inhibition assays coupled with phytochemical profiling. The stem bark was extracted using 96% ethanol via maceration, followed by sequential liquid-liquid partitioning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water. Phytochemical constituents were characterized using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The inhibitory activities of the extract and fractions against tyrosinase and elastase enzymes were evaluated using spectrophotometric assays, with kojic acid and quercetin as positive controls, respectively. IC₅₀ values were calculated to quantify enzyme inhibition potency. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed key bioactive compounds, including 4-[(E)-(3,5-diamino-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)diazenyl]phenol, isofraxidin, and (22E)-ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one. Among the tested samples, the ethanol extract exhibited the most potent activity, with an IC₅₀ of 93.35 µg/mL for elastase inhibition and 133.15 µg/mL for tyrosinase inhibition—classified as strong and moderate activity, respectively. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that S. populifolia stem bark extract possesses promising anti-aging and depigmenting properties, supporting its potential development as a natural bioactive ingredient in cosmetic and skincare formulations
Association between the CYP24A1 rs2762939 polymorphism and vascular calcification in Indonesian patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis
Full text linkVitamin D plays a key role in mineral metabolism, and its dysregulation contributes to vascular calcification, a major complication of chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD–MBD) in patients undergoing hemodialysis with CKD. The CYP24A1 gene encodes 24-hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for degrading active vitamin D metabolites and its polymorphisms, particularly rs2762939, have been linked to variability in vitamin D status and coronary artery calcification. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the rs2762939 polymorphism of CYP24A1 and vascular calcification in Indonesian patients with CKD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. A case–control study was conducted in 92 hemodialysis patients, including 46 with vascular calcification and 46 without. Genotyping of the rs2762939 polymorphism was carried out using PCR–RFLP, and the amplified products were separated by electrophoresis on 4% agarose gel. The frequency of vascular calcification was found to be significantly higher in patients with diabetes mellitus than in the control group (19 (82.6%) vs 4 (17.4%)), whereas in non-diabetic patients the frequency of vascular calcification was lower compared with controls (27 (39.1%) vs 42 (60.9%)). A statistically significant association between CKD etiology and vascular calcification was observed (p=0.001). The prevalence of vascular calcification was lower among carriers of the mutant C allele (45%) compared with the G allele (51.4%), although this difference was not statistically significant (OR=0.77; 95%CI: 0.38–1.56; p=0.592). The rs2762939 polymorphism of the CYP24A1 gene was not significantly associated with vascular calcification in Indonesian patients with CKD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Further studies with larger, ethnically diverse cohorts and integration of vitamin D status are needed to clarify the genetic contribution of CYP24A1 and related pathways to vascular calcification
SARS-CoV-2 lineages and naso-oropharyngeal bacterial communities in COVID-19 reinfection: A study in West Java, Indonesia
Full text linkContinuous emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants may influence viral transmission dynamics and alter interactions with the respiratory microbiota, potentially increasing the risks of reinfection. This study investigated cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reinfection in West Java, Indonesia, with the aim of identifying the SARS-CoV-2 variants involved, characterizing their genomic mutations, and profiling the nasal and oropharyngeal microbiota associated with reinfection. Naso-oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from 42 COVID-19 reinfection cases and nine new infection cases. Whole genome sequencing was performed using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION Mk1C and variant analysis was conducted using ARTIC workflow. Nexstrain and PANGOLIN were used to determine the lineages. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using IQ-tree and FigTree. Key mutations were identified by Cov-GLUE. Additionally, 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing was conducted on nine samples from each group to analyze bacterial communities using EPI2ME and MicrobiomeAnalyst. All identified SARS-CoV-2 strains in this study were Delta variant (B.1.617.2), predominantly lineage AY.23 (n=46, 90%), followed by AY.24 (n=3) and AY.109 (n=2). No differences in SARS-CoV-2 lineages were observed between reinfection and new infection cases. Unique hotspot mutations found only in COVID-19 reinfections included NSP3, V220A, S_T676I, ORF7a_V82A, and ORF7a_TI20I. Bacterial community analysis revealed no significant diversity differences (alpha and beta) between the two groups. While the most dominant phylum remained Terrabacteria in both groups, Streptococcus was dominant in COVID-19 reinfections, whereas Prevotella was dominant in new infection cases. Notably, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Fusobacterium periodonticum, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Leptotrichia buccalis had significant increases in reinfection cases. Despite the similarity in SARS-CoV-2 lineages causing both COVID-19 reinfection and new infection cases, the presence of distinct key mutations and bacterial species suggest their potential as biomarkers within this group
Nutritional composition and action mechanism of Channa striata meat in wound healing: A systematic review
Full text linkWound healing is a complex biological process requiring adequate nutritional support, particularly proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, and essential minerals. Snakehead fish (Channa striata) has been traditionally consumed in Southeast Asia to accelerate recovery after surgery and childbirth. Emerging evidence suggests that its nutritional composition plays a pivotal role in tissue repair. The aim of this systematic review was to consolidate evidence on the nutritional composition of C. striata and elucidate its mechanisms of action in wound healing based on preclinical and clinical studies. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2023, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies included biochemical analyses, in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, and clinical trials assessing the wound-healing effects of C. striata. Data extraction covered nutrient composition, study design, wound-healing parameters, and mechanistic pathways. Out of 2898 identified studies, 22 of them met the inclusion criteria: ten biochemical composition studies, nine preclinical investigations, and four clinical trials. C. striata extract demonstrated high levels of albumin (0.76–10.73 g/100 g), essential and non-essential amino acids (notably glutamic acid, arginine, and glycine), fatty acids (palmitic, arachidonic, linoleic), and minerals such as zinc and copper. Preclinical models consistently showed enhanced fibroblast proliferation, epithelialization, tensile strength, and collagen deposition. Clinical studies in post-cesarean patients reported significant improvements in wound healing scores, uterine involution, pain reduction, and biomarker modulation (VEGF, IL-6, MMP-9). In conclusion, C. striata exhibits promising wound-healing potential attributable to its rich nutrient profile and multi-pathway mechanisms involving collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. However, the limited number of clinical trials underscores the need for larger, well-designed studies to confirm its translational efficacy in human wound care
Epidemiology and management of acute coronary syndrome in remote and resource-limited settings: Insights from a rural Indonesian hospital
Full text linkAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a major global health and economic burden. In Indonesia, North Kalimantan reports the highest prevalence of heart disease (2.2%), exceeding the national average of 1.5%. Nunukan, the province’s northernmost and predominantly archipelagic region, is served by a single general hospital, reflecting the healthcare challenges faced by many rural Indonesian areas. This study aimed to provide epidemiological insights into ACS cases in this region to inform improved management strategies in similar resource-limited settings. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among ACS patients admitted to Nunukan Regency General Hospital, Nunukan, Indonesia, between January 1 and August 31, 2023. Data on demographics, risk factors, clinical presentation, vital signs, diagnostic findings, treatments, and outcomes were collected from paper-based medical records. Of the 241 patients admitted, 4.56% were diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 35.68% with very high-risk non-ST-elevation ACS (VHR NSTE-ACS), and 59.75% with non-very high-risk NSTE-ACS (NVHR NSTE-ACS). The mean age was 55.4±12.26 years, with a predominance of males (51.5%) and obesity (35.7%). The median number of risk factors was 2 (IQR: 1–2.5), with hypertension being the most prevalent (72.6%). Late presentation was common, and only 36.4% of STEMI patients received fibrinolytic therapy. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 3.3%, and the median length of stay was 6 days (IQR: 5–7). ACS patients in Nunukan exhibited distinct clinical and demographic profiles, characterized by younger age, obesity, multiple risk factors, and delayed presentation. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen cardiovascular care capacity and early intervention strategies in remote and resource-limited regions of Indonesia
Computational drug repurposing for tuberculosis by inhibiting Ag85 complex proteins
Full text linkTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant and deadly infection among pulmonary diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a highly adaptive bacterium. The ability of M. tuberculosis to evade certain drugs has been linked to its unique structure, particularly in the cell envelope, where the Ag85 complex proteins play an essential role in this part. The aim of this study was to utilize a drug repurposing strategy targeting the Ag85 complex proteins. This study utilized a computational approach with 120 selected drugs experimentally identified to inhibit Tuberculosis. A virtual screening molecular docking with Autodock Vina was used to filter the compounds and identify the strong binders to the Ag85 Complex. Molecular dynamics simulations employed the Gromacs Packages to evaluate the stability of each complex, including root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and radius of gyration (RoG). Additionally, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) assessments were conducted to gather more information about the drug-likeness of each hit compound. Three compounds, selamectin, imatinib, and eltrombopag were selected as potential drugs repurposed to inhibit the activity of the Ag85 complex enzyme, with binding affinities ranging between -10.560 kcal/mol and -11.422 kcal/mol. The MD simulation within 100 ns (3 replicas) showed that the average RMSD of each Ag85A complex was 0.15 nm–0.16 nm, RMSF was 0.09 nm–0.10 nm, and RoG was 1.80 nm–1.81 nm. For Ag85B, the average RMSD was 1.79 nm–1.80 nm, RMSF was 0.08 nm–0.09 nm, and RoG was 1.79 nm – 1.80 nm. Then, for Ag85C, the mean RMSD was 0.16 nm–0.18 nm, RMSF was 0.09, and RoG was 1.77 nm. The study highlights that these promising results demonstrate the potential of some repurposed drugs in combating the Ag85 complex
In silico studies on quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol in inhibiting TGF-β1 and galectin-3 for cardiac fibrosis management
Full text linkCardiac fibrosis remains as the leading cause of death worldwide and is often associated with elevated levels of transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1) and galectin-3, making them potential therapeutic targets. Recent studies revealed that quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol have the biological effect for several cardiovascular diseases. However, the investigation into this topic through molecular models and analysis remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol which targeted TGF-β1 and galectin-3. In this study, quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol roled as the tested ligands. Subsequently, colchicine and native ligand acted as control ligands that were screened through molecular docking against TGF-β1 and galectin-3 using AutoDock tools to identify the potential inhibitor. The stability of ligand-receptor complexes was assessed through molecular dynamic (MD) simulations using NMAD. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and toxicity (ADMET) prediction were also performed using ADMETlab 2.0. Molecular docking analysis revealed that quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol exhibited strong binding affinity which are -8.9 kcal/mol, -8.5 kcal/mol, -7.6 kcal/mol respectively with TGF-β1, and -7.5 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.7 kcal/mol respectively with galetcin-3; low inhibition constant (Ki); and stable interaction with the active sites of TGF-β1 and galectin-3. MD simulations confirmed the stability and compactness of the ligand-receptor complexes. ADMET analysis also showed high Plasma Protein Binding (PPB) values (quercetin: 95%, myricetin: 92%, and kaempferol: 97%) and moderate clearance values (quercetin: 8.284%, myricetin, and 7.716%, kaempferol: 6.868%) for the tested compounds. In conclusion, the in silico analyses suggested that quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol are promising for cardiac fibrosis therapies by inhibiting TGF-β1 and galectin-3
Probiotics-derived butyric acid may suppress systemic inflammation in a murine model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Full text linkSystemic inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contributes to multimorbidity and a diminished quality of life. Probiotics, through the gut-lung axis, have shown potential to mitigate systemic inflammation; however, their specific role in COPD-related inflammation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in reducing serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels by enhancing butyric acid production in a murine model of COPD. An in vivo experimental study with a post-test-only control group design was conducted using 30 C57BL/6 mice randomized into five groups: non-COPD healthy control, untreated COPD, COPD treated with bronchodilator, COPD treated with probiotics, and COPD treated with a combination of bronchodilator and probiotics. COPD was induced by six weeks of cigarette smoke exposure, followed by six weeks of treatment while continuing the smoke exposure. Caecal butyric acid and serum IL-6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gas chromatography, respectively. Caecal butyric acid levels were lowest in untreated COPD mice (1.2±0.28 mmol/L) and significantly increased with probiotic administration (6.6±4.43 mmol/L, p=0.010), exceeding levels observed in healthy controls (3.9±2.05 mmol/L). Serum IL-6 levels were highest in COPD-induced mice (19.4±6.71 pg/mL) and significantly reduced with administration of probiotics (13.5±0.43 pg/mL, p=0.035), approaching levels of healthy controls (13.0±2.24 pg/mL, p=0.847). A negative correlation was observed between butyric acid and serum IL-6 levels (r=-0.420; p=0.021), suggesting that higher butyric acid levels were associated with reduced systemic inflammation. These findings demonstrated that probiotics, via their metabolite butyric acid, effectively reduced systemic inflammation in a COPD mouse model, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic approach for managing COPD-related inflammation
Cryotherapy on exfoliative cytological changes for oral mucositis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized control trial
Full text linkOral mucositis is a common complication of chemotherapy that significantly impacts quality of life and may reduce treatment efficacy. While oral cryotherapy has been widely studied as a preventive intervention due to its cost-effectiveness, safety, and ease of use, most research focused on clinical outcomes without incorporating objective cytological assessments of mucosal changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral cryotherapy in managing chemotherapy-induced mucositis using exfoliative cytology to monitor oral mucosal changes. A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 50 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The control group (n=25) received standard oral hygiene care, while the intervention group (n=25) received oral cryotherapy in addition to routine oral hygiene. A 20-minute oral cryotherapy was administered twice daily after breakfast (09:00 A.M.) and lunch (01:00 P.M.) for 14 days. This study found a significant reduction in mucositis scores was observed in both groups (p<0.05). However, post-hoc analysis indicated that mucositis severity declined earlier in the cryotherapy group, whereas improvement in the control group was noted only after 14 days. Serial oral mucosal smears analyzed via exfoliative cytology revealed a reduction in inflammatory cells and the absence of coccus microorganisms by days 7 and 14 in the intervention group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that oral cryotherapy effectively reduces the severity and duration of mucositis and accelerates recovery in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Oral cryotherapy can be applied as a viable alternative to mitigate the severity of oral mucositis in this patient population
Determinants of safety performance in healthcare settings: A meta-analysis
Full text linkSafety performance among healthcare workers is an important issue, and currently, the factors related to it remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the factors related to safety performance among the healthcare worker population. This meta-analysis study was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) standards. Data on the factors affecting safety performance in the healthcare population were collected from each article to determine pooled point estimates. Data heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q statistic. Numerical data were analyzed using the inverse variance test, and the Mantel-Haenszel test was used for categorical data analysis. Pooled point estimates were presented as mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) along with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Fifty articles were included in this study. Our results showed that nurses had lower safety performance compared to other professions (OR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.56–0.79; p-Egger: 0.3739; p-Heterogeneity <0.0001; p<0.0001). On the other hand, it was also identified that housekeepers were associated with better safety performance compared to other professions (OR: 1.90; 95%CI: 1.08–3.35; p-Egger: 0.1577; p-Heterogeneity: 0.0950; p=0.0220). Furthermore, our findings revealed that healthcare workers who had undergone work safety training had better safety performance compared to those who had not (OR: 1.40; 95%CI: 1.01–1.95; p-Egger: 0.6124; p-Heterogeneity <0.0001; p=0.0430). In conclusion, this study has identified the factors contributing to safety performance in the healthcare population. These findings can inform policymakers in developing regulatory improvements regarding safety performance in healthcare workers