Ika Yustisia

Introduction: Luminal A Breast Cancer (LABC) remains a pressing global health concern. Natural products have been widely explored as alternative anticancer agents. Moringa oleifera L. has demonstrated anticancer potential; however, studies on its stem bark are limited. Methods: M. oleifera Stem Bark (MO extract was analyzed by GC-MS, and identified compounds were subjected to in silico evaluation using ADMET, PASS, and SwissTargetPrediction. Network pharmacology and UALCAN (TCGA-BRCA) were utilized to validate the expression of hub genes. Cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells was assessed using the MTT assay, and the IC₂⁽ was determined via four-parameter logistic (4PL) regression. Results: Twenty bioactive main compounds were discovered, including steroids (D-Homoestra- 1,3,5(10),8(14)-tetraen-17-one), terpenoids (1H-3a,6-Methanoazulene-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester), and retinoids (9-cis-Retinal). Eight key targets (STAT3, HSP90AA1, BCL2, GAPDH, PPARG, PTGS2, EGFR, and IL1B) were enriched in key oncogenic pathways involved in enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, active metabolism, and lower inflammatory and differentiation signaling. The extract inhibited MCF-7 viability from 19.8% (3.9 μg/mL) to 83.4% (250 μg/mL), with an IC50 of 42.8 μg/mL (R² = 0.9805). Morphological changes suggestive of apoptosis are characterized by cell shrinkage and detachment. Discussion: The multi-target profile of MOSB points to coordinated modulation of proliferative, anti-apoptotic, metabolic, and inflammatory pathways in LABC cells. The observed cytotoxicity (IC50: 42.8 μg/mL) and apoptotic morphology support the network pharmacology predictions, indicating combined effects of the bioactive compounds. Conclusions: MOSB ethanolic extract exhibits antiproliferative activity against LABC and may involve multi-target modulation, supporting its potential for further in vivo and mechanistic validation.

This study aims to evaluate the potential of Moringa oleifera extracts in accelerating incisional wound healing in rats, with a focus on antimicrobial activity and the modulation of wound-healing-related gene expression. Incisional wounds infected by microorganisms remain a significant health problem, particularly in tropical countries such as Indonesia. Extracts derived from the roots, stems, and leaves of Moringa oleifera contain various bioactive compounds known for their antimicrobial and therapeutic properties. Extraction was performed separately on the roots, stems, and leaves. Antibacterial activity of all extracts was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus. Among the tested plant parts, the root extract demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity and was therefore selected for further analysis. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was conducted on the root extract to identify bioactive compounds responsible for its antimicrobial effects. An in vivo study using a rat incisional wound model was subsequently performed to evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of the root extract. Gene expression analysis revealed increased expression of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), along with a decreased expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in treatment groups compared to controls. These findings suggest that Moringa oleifera root extract has strong antibacterial properties and can positively influence wound-healing-related gene expression, supporting its potential development as an effective and affordable wound-healing ointment for use in tropical regions.

Diet-induced dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, driving the search for functional food-based interventions. Nata de Papaya, a fermented bacterial cellulose product, is a rich source of dietary fiber, but its lipid-lowering potential remains unexplored. A high-fat diet (HFD) was used to induce dyslipidemia in a rat model. The rats were subsequently treated for 2 weeks with varying doses of Nata de Papaya (NdP1: 0.54 g, NdP2: 1.08 g, NdP3: 1.62 g), compared against a positive (ezetimibe) and negative control. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low- (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were measured and statistically analyzed. The HFD successfully induced dyslipidemia. Nata de Papaya supplementation, particularly the high-dose NdP3 group, significantly improved the lipid profile. Reductions in total cholesterol (5.81%), triglycerides (6.78%), and LDL (6.60%) were observed, alongside a significant increase in HDL (7.31%). The efficacy of the NdP3 intervention was statistically equivalent to the positive control drug (p > 0.05), demonstrating a clear dose-dependent response. The lipid-lowering effects are attributed to the soluble fiber in Nata de Papaya, which likely acts via bile acid sequestration and enhances LDL clearance. The results posit Nata de Papaya as a potent, natural alternative to pharmaceutical agents for managing dyslipidemia. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

The intricate interplay between physical exercise, mitochondrial function, and lipid metabolism has garnered considerable attention, particularly in the context of energy balance and overall metabolic health. Studies comparing which exercise has the most beneficial effects on mitochondrial activity and lipid metabolism are still scarce. This study aimed to investigate the effects of anaerobic and aerobic exercise on mitochondrial activity and biogenesis, as well as lipid metabolism, in healthy young adults. Eighteen subjects (young male adults) were randomly divided into two groups: anaerobic exercise group (n=9) and aerobic exercise group (n=9) for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after training and the whole blood was separated into leucocyte cells and plasma. Lysate from leucocyte cells was used for the measurement of mitochondrial function, including succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α), and ATP levels. Blood plasma was used for the measurement of lipid metabolism, including HDL cholesterol, adiponectin, and free fatty acids levels. This study demonstrated that SDH activity increases significantly after aerobic exercise (122%) compared to before exercise, although it is not supported by the results of PGC-1a and ATP levels. This may be because these parameters are measured in the blood (leukocyte cells). Adiponectin levels increase significantly after anaerobic exercise (43.8%) while free fatty acid levels increase significantly after aerobic exercise (104%) compared to before exercise. The results of HDL cholesterol levels found a tendency to increase both after aerobic (12%) and anaerobic exercise (10%) compared to before exercise. We conclude that aerobic exercise gives the best impact on increasing mitochondrial activity systemically (significantly increasing SDH activity), supported by the significant increase in free fatty acid levels in the blood, which reflects that lipolysis is increased.

Breast cancer is a major global health concern, ranking among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite available therapies, drug resistance and side effects underscore the need for novel, safe, and effective treatments. Marine-derived bioactive compounds have attracted significant attention due to their diverse pharmacological properties, including anticancer activity. For example, 3,6-Anhydro-D-galactose (3,6-D-AHG), a monomer derived from the degradation of iota-carrageenan in the red macroalga Eucheuma denticulatum, has shown promising bioactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer potential of 3,6-D-AHG against breast cancer through a comprehensive in silico approach. Iota-carrageenan was extracted using microwave-assisted extraction, hydrolyzed to produce 3,6-D-AHG, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Computational analyses included ADMET profiling (AdmetLab 2.0), bioactivity prediction (PASS), protein target identification, network pharmacology analysis, gene expression profiling (GEPIA2), and molecular docking. FTIR spectroscopic data confirmed characteristic peaks of iota-carrageenan and 3,6-D-AHG at 1220-1260 cm⁻¹ and 848-930 cm⁻¹, respectively. ADMET showed favorable pharmacokinetics, low toxicity, and compliance with Lipinski’s rule, while PASS predicted a high probability of glucose oxidase inhibition. Key molecular targets identified were HK2, HSPA5, CA12, and LGALS3. Molecular docking showed a strong binding affinity of 3,6-D-AHG with HK2 and HSPA5 (–5.6 kcal/mol), exceeding that of D-glucose used as the control, suggesting disruption of cancer cell metabolism and stress response. In conclusion, 3,6-D-AHG is a promising candidate for breast cancer therapy. The results, although predictive, provide a strong rationale for further studies, supporting the potential of Indonesian marine resources as valuable sources of novel anticancer agents.

Introduction & Objectives: Prostate cancer is recognized as a global burden disease related to malignancy in men. Several fruit and plant-based supplementation have been studied to evaluate their utility for the management of prostate cancer. Ajwa dates (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) have been known to contain various beneficial compounds, which makes them a potential anti-cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Ajwa dates on prostate cancer cell lines PC3 through analysis of MCL-1 levels, EGFR, and p53 expressions on apoptosis. Materials & Methods: This study was an experimental in vitro study with post-test-only control design. Groups were divided into four: control group, abiraterone group, Ajwa dates group, and combination group (abiraterone and Ajwa dates). Viability test was conducted using the CCK-8 method to determine the inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Ajwa dates after a 72-hour incubation period of PC3 cells. The MCL-1 levels were rated using ELISA, while EGFR and p53 expressions were analyzed using immunofluorescence microscopic staining. Apoptosis was measured using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). SPSS version 25 and R-studio were used for statistical analysis. Results: This study found the IC50 for Ajwa dates was 913.3 μg/ml. Our data indicated that Ajwa dates decrease the MCL-1 levels, EGFR and p53 expression and also induced apoptosis compared to control. Furthermore, these effects became more evident when combined with abiraterone. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of Ajwa dates as a complementary therapy for prostate cancer, but further research is still needed before clinical testing is carried out.

Constipation is a symptom/problem that arises in the process of defecation, which is not smooth and irregular due to a lack of fiber intake in the body. Nata de durio is an extracellular cellulose made from durian seeds and formed from the activity of the bacterium Acetobacter xylinum, which contains high enough fiber so that it can regulate and maintain intestinal function in the defecation process. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of using nata de durio as a natural fiber in the defecation process in vivo and to assess its effect on the transition time of feces in the small intestine of mice. The current study was an experimental study using male mice that were given distilled water as a negative control, inulin as a positive control, and nata seed de durio with doses of 0.02 gram, 0.04 gram, and 0.08 gram as a treatment group for 5 weeks. According to the findings of this study, the administration of nata de durio had a better effect on the amount of feces, weight of feces, frequency of defecation, and consistency of feces compared to the control group. The study's conclusion is that nata de durio can be used as a natural fiber in improving the defecation pattern of BALB/c male mice.

Papaya peel, a by-product of papaya fruit processing, is a rich source of dietary fiber, making it a promising raw material for producing nata, a gel-like fermented product with potential health benefits. This study evaluated the effects of papaya peel nata (PPN) on glycemic control and gut microbiota in male Wistar rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 5 rats each: negative control (administered 2 mL distilled water) and treatment groups administered PPN at doses of 0.5 (PPN1), 0.6 (PPN2), and 0.7 g (PPN3) orally once daily for weeks. All rats were induced with a single intraperitoneal dose of 40 mg/kg of STZ. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and gut microbiota composition, specifically Lactobacillus gasseri, were assessed. The rat’s body weight, length, Lee index, and health status were monitored weekly. The result showed a significant reduction in FBG and HbA1c levels in the PPN2 and PPN3 groups compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). Body weight recovery and minimal muscle mass loss, as shown by the Lee index, were notable. Gut microbiota analysis using RT-PCR revealed increased L. gasseri in the PPN group. PPN’s high crude fiber (2.08%) likely contributed to glucose-lowering by increasing food viscosity, reducing appetite, delaying nutrient absorption, and promoting short-chain fatty acids production through gut microbiota fermentation. This study demonstrates the potential of PPN as a functional dietary fiber for managing and restoring gut microbiota diversity.

Introduction: Exercise, despite its well-established benefits, can lead to several adverse effects, including muscle injuries and significant elevations in liver enzymes. Objective: This study investigated the effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on serum biomarkers of muscle injury (lactate, LDH, CK) and liver function (ALT, AST). Methodology: Eighteen healthy young male adults were randomized to a 4-week aerobic (n=9) or anaerobic (n=9) exercise program. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-intervention to measure the aforementioned biomarkers. Results: Both aerobic (p=0.028) and anaerobic (p=0.027) exercise significantly increased LDH activity. Lactate levels did not significantly change in either group. CK activity significantly decreased after aerobic exercise (p=0.003) but not after anaerobic exercise (p=0.231). No significant changes in ALT or AST activity were observed in either group. Discussion: The observed LDH increase aligns with existing literature, while the contrasting CK response (decrease after aerobic, no change after anaerobic exercise) highlights differing impacts on muscle integrity. Consistent with prior research, no significant changes in liver enzymes (ALT/AST) were observed, suggesting no exercise-induced liver stress. Conclusions: These findings reveal distinct effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on muscle biomarkers, with only aerobic exercise significantly decreasing CK levels, while both affected LDH. Importantly, no evidence of exercise-induced liver stress was observed based on ALT/AST levels.