Down-regulation of complement genes in lipopolysaccharide-challenged zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae exposed to Indonesian propolis

Although propolis has been reported for having anti-inflammatory activities, its effects on complement system has not been much studied. This research was conducted to find out the effects of Indonesian propolis on the expression levels of C3, C1r/s, Bf, MBL, and C6 in zebrafish larvae which were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Counting of macrophages migrating to yolk sac and liver histology were carried out. Larvae were divided into four groups: CON (cultured in E3 medium only), LPS (cultured in a medium containing 0.5 μg/L LPS), LPSIBU (cultured in a medium containing LPS, and then treated with 100 μg/L ibuprofen for 24 hours), and LPSPRO (cultured in a medium containing LPS, and then immersed in 14,000 μg/L propolis for 24 hours) groups. The results showed that complement gene expression in larvae from the LPSIBU and LPSPRO groups were generally lower than in larvae from the LPS group. The number of macrophage migrations to the yolk in the LPSPRO group was also lower than in the LPS group. Histological structure of liver in all groups were considered normal. This study shows that Indonesian propolis has the potential to be used as an alternative to the substitution of NSAIDs.

Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Schizophrenia and Cognitive Impairment

Background: Neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity play a key role as triggers and support for neurodegenerative processes, increase levels of TNF-α have been found in schizophrenic patients. Improved inflammatory processes have been demonstrated in acute and chronic schizophrenia. In schizophrenia is characterized by a collection of core symptoms that trigger individuals experiencing several cognitive disorders. Objective: To investigate the relationship of serum TNF-α levels to impaired cognitive function in schizophrenic patients in Medan, Indonesia. Method: This research is cross sectional analytical correlative study involving 40 male schizophrenic patients at Prof. Dr. M. Ildrem Mental Hospital through July to September 2019 that fulfilled our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Serum TNF-α levels were analyzed using Quantikine HS Human TNF-α Assay with a minimum detection limit of  0.1062 pg/ml while in the other hand, cognitive function test was carried out by using the Mini Mental State Examination. Results: Serum TNF-α levels with a mean of 25.1216 with a standard deviation of 1.7629. There is a positive correlation with moderate correlation (r = 0.4 - <0.6) on cognitive function with the strength of correlation r = 0.434 Conclusion: We found that there is a link between serum TNF-α level and cognitive function as assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

The Relationship between Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor’s Serum Level and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-depression in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can lead to depression. The involvement of the nervous system in psoriasis was proved by the influence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in regulating corneocyte homeostasis. Low level of BDNF in patients with psoriasis result in transit amplifying subpopulation of basal keratinocytes not performing their function as inhibitors of keratinocyte proliferation, resulting in acceleration of keratinocyte proliferation. In depressed patients, it is known that levels of BDNF in the serum and hippocampus are low. BDNF level imbalance potentially affects the severity of psoriasis and depression. METHODS: This is an analytical cross-sectional study. The measurement of BDNFs serum level was carried out in the Medan Private Laboratory using a human BDNF (R and D®, USA) kit using the ELISA method. We use hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-D) questionnaire to assess depression symptoms. RESULTS: The results of the Spearman correlation test for BDNFs serum level and HADS-D showed p < 0.05, it can be concluded that there is a correlation between BDNFs serum level and HADS-D. The strength of the relationship between HADS-D and BDNFs serum level is −0.537 that shows moderate correlation (r = 0.4 −<0.6). Relationship between HADS-D and BDNFs serum level is −0.537 that shows moderate correlation (r = 0.4 −<0.6). CONCLUSION: This study shows a moderate negative relationship between BDNFs serum level and the degree of symptoms of depression, which the lower level of BDNFs serum will increase the degree of depression symptoms.

The Relation of Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) Serum Level to Sub-Domain Cognitive Functions of Indonesian Schizophrenia Patients Measured by MoCA-Ina

BACKGROUND

BDNF implies to the development of abnormal nerves and neurotransmission that occurred during the changes of cognitive functions. However, in determining initial diagnosis of schizophrenia, measurements focus on the presences of positive and negative symptoms, and general psychopathological features without concerning the BDNF serum, which involves in central nervous system as the main symptom of schizophrenia.

AIM

To determine the relation of BDNF serum level to cognitive functions of schizophrenia patients based on sub-domain of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Indonesia Version (MoCA-Ina).

METHODS

This study was carried out based on observational analysis with cross-sectional design study. The samples were collected by non-probability sampling and consecutive sampling by recruiting 65 of male schizophrenia patients at Prof. Dr. M. Ildrem Mental Hospital, Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia. BDNF serum levels were analysed throughout quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay method, while the cognitive functions were conducted by performing the MoCA-Ina, which concern to attentions and concentrations, executive function, memory, languages, visuoconstructional abilities, numerical calculation, and orientation.

RESULTS

The serum level of BDNF was accounted averagely for 27161.26, with 5350.37 of standard deviation. There was positive correlation with medium strength (r = 0.4 - < 0.6) in visuospatial function, attention (r = 0.437), and memory (r = 0.413).

CONCLUSION

Relation between BDNF serum level and cognitive function occurred in visuospatial, attention and memory domains based on MoCA-Ina assessment.

The Association between CD-4 Level, Stress and Depression Symptoms among People Living with HIV/AIDS

BACKGROUND:

The lives of individuals diagnosed with HIV and the subsequent illness, AIDS, were often chaotic because these individuals deal with the physical, emotional, and interpersonal sequelae of this illness. Depressive symptoms and stress were common and impact on functioning, quality of life, and health status, highlighting the importance of diagnosis and treatment of patients with HIV infection. Psychiatric clinical practice and rating scales have come to play an ever-increasing role both in determining specific symptoms and diagnosing an individual condition. Descriptive reports of psychiatric morbidity among those with HIV infection, that relied primarily on self-report rating scales, described high rates of symptomatic depression and stress.

AIM:

This study aimed to determine the proportion of depression among people living with HIV/AIDS using the BDI-II and PSS to determine a relationship between symptoms of depression and stress with CD4 counts.

METHODS:

This study was a numerical correlative analytic study with a cross-sectional study approach that assessed the correlation between stress, depression and CD4 level in people with HIV/AIDS that were receiving ARV therapy in the Voluntary Counselling Test (VCT) Polyclinic of General Hospital Haji Medan by recruiting 46 subjects. CD4 level was examined in the Pramita Medan laboratory.

RESULTS:

When analysis of BDI-II level and CD4 scores were done, a significant correlation was found (P < 0.05). The strength of the relationship between the BDI score and the CD4 score was 0.548 revealing a positive correlation with moderate correlation strength

CONCLUSION:

We have shown a significant relationship between depression, stress and CD4 level among people with HIV/AIDS in Medan, Indonesia. Psychological distress may affect the immunity in infected people, leading to the disease progressivity.

The Effects of Brain Gym on Quality of Sleep, Anxiety in Elderly at Nursing Home Care Case Medan

BACKGROUND:

The ageing process of human will cause changes in anatomy and physiology. Biologically, ageing is associated with the gradual accumulation of various molecular and cellular damage. Disorders of sleep quality are influenced by several factors, such as the medical condition of illness, stress, anxiety, and others. Brain gym is a collection of simple movements that aim to connect or unite the mind and body.

AIM:

To find out the effect of brain gym in the quality of sleep and anxiety in the elderly at nursing home Karya Kasih Medan.

SETTING AND DESIGN:

This is an experimental pre and post-test design with non-probability consecutive sampling.

METHODS:

This study involved 68 elderly who undergone brain gym for eight weeks. These patients were recruited from the nursing home Karya Kasih Medan, Indonesia. This study was conducted in July-November 2018. This study was approved by the local ethical committee. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is used to assess sleep quality. Anxiety is assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HARS). Data were analysed by paired t-test of SPSS version 22.

RESULTS:

PSQI score pre-test [mean (SD); 16.39 (0.68)] and post-test [mean (SD); 8.99 (0.89)], (p < 0.001). HARS score pre-test [mean (SD); 20.4 (6.7)] after post-test [mean (SD); 10.7 (5.2)], (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Brain gym increased the score level of the PSQI and HARS in the intervention group (p < 0.001).