Reny I'TIshom

Cardiovascular disease resulting from atherosclerosis, which is triggered by oxidative stress, can result from lead exposure in the body, as this increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to prove the potential of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) as a protector of Bcl-2 expression in the hearts of mice exposed to lead acetate. This study employed a true experimental laboratory design using stored raw materials (BBT) consisting of male mouse (Mus musculus) hearts, with a completely randomized design (CRD). A total of 40 BBT samples were divided into 5 treatment groups, with each group containing 8 samples. Significant results (p<0.05) were obtained in each treatment group, with the highest Bcl-2 expression found in the group exposed to lead acetate alone, and the lowest Bcl-2 expression found in the group given the highest dose of tamarillo extract. The dosage of tamarillo extract had an inversely proportional effect on the level of Bcl-2 expression in the hearts of mice. The hearts of mice exposed to lead acetate alone (K2) had a median value of 32.97, while the hearts of mice dosed with 400 mg/kg BW/day (P3) had a median value of 5.97.

Background: Lead (Pb), a toxic heavy metal that does not break down in the environment, seriously endangers human health. Oral exposure to lead affects the lungs, causing disrupted physiological functions and respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced following lead exposure, reducing endogenous antioxidants, particularly superoxide dismutase (SOD). Administration of exogenous antioxidants to enhance SOD activity is therefore a crucial preventive strategy. Objective: To examine the effect of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) ethanol extract on SOD expression in the lungs of mice (Mus musculus) after lead acetate exposure. Materials and Methods: The authors used twenty-five mouse lung tissue samples. Each treatment group comprised five samples: C0 (negative control, given only distillated water), C1 (positive control, given lead acetate at a dose of 0.075 g/kg BW), T1 (lead acetate + tamarillo extract at concentration of 100 mg/kg BW), T2 (lead acetate + tamarillo extract 200 mg/kg BW), and T3 (lead acetate + tamarillo extract 400 mg/kg BW). The duration of the treatments was 35 days. Results: After administering 0.075 g/kg BW of lead acetate, the study found a substantial increase in SOD expression (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to the positive control group, the administration of 100 mg/kg BW of tamarillo ethanol extract resulted in a significant increase in SOD expression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ethanol extract of tamarillo, particularly at a level of 100 mg/kg BW, efficiently increases SOD expression in mouse lungs.

Introduction: Lead acetate, a toxic heavy metal compound, induces cellular and tissue injury primarily through oxidative stress. Exposure via inhalation or ingestion enables systemic absorption and distribution to target organs, particularly the lungs. One of the key anti-apoptotic proteins involved in maintaining cell survival is B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). The administration of exogenous antioxidants represents a preventive approach to counteract the cytotoxic effects of lead, including the use of ethanol extract of tamarillo fruit. This study investigated the potential influence of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) ethanol extract, known for its antioxidant content. Specifically, it examined its effect on Bcl-2 expression in the lung tissue of male mice exposed to lead acetate. Methods: This study used a true experimental design in a controlled laboratory setting. The specimens were divided into five groups: K0 served as the negative control, while K1 acted as the positive control and was treated with lead acetate at a dose of 0.075 g/kgBW. Group P1, P2, and P3 received lead acetate combined with ethanol extract of tamarillo at doses of 100 mg/kgBW, 200 mg/kgBW, and 400 mg/kgBW, respectively. Results: The findings showed that tamarillo ethanol extract significantly increased lung Bcl-2 expression in lead-exposed mice (pConclusion: Administration of the tamarillo ethanol extract at 100 mg/kgBW was the most effective and provided protective effects on lung tissue.

Background: Lead acetate exposure through oral route has a significant impact on lung tissue as lead can induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and triggering inflammatory responses. The induction of exogenous antioxidants may prevent this mechanism. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Tamarillo ethanol extract on GPx expression and inflammatory reactions in the lung tissue of mice induced with lead acetate.Methods: This true experimental laboratory study utilized stored formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lung tissue from 30 male mice (Mus musculus). The samples were divided into five intervention groups, each consisting of six mice. Immunohistochemistry and histopathology assessments were performed at 100x and 400x magnification to evaluate the GPx expression using the H-score and to assess inflammatory reactions based on five scoring parameters, which were summed to obtain the total lung injury score.Results: Lead exposure significantly increased inflammatory reactions, particularly in the hemorrhage parameters (p=0.041). A significant increase in GPx expression was observed following lead acetate administration (p=0.027). Administration of Tamarillo ethanol extract at a dose of 400 mg/kgBW increased GPx expression compared with the positive control group (p=0.027).Conclusion: Tamarillo ethanol extract, especially at a dose of 400 mg/kgBW, significantly increases GPx expression in lead acetate-induced lung tissue of mice. This finding highlights the potential role of Tamarillo extract as an antioxidant source to reduce lead-induced lung injury, supporting broader efforts to promote healthy lifestyle practices that protect against environmental toxin exposure.

Background/Objectives: There is a growing acknowledgment of the role of endothelial dysfunction as an outcome predictor and therapeutic target in heart failure (HF). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) are non-invasive diagnostic measures of endothelial dysfunction. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to highlight the importance of endothelial dysfunction, as measured by FMD and RHI, and its association with clinical outcomes, including mortality, hospitalization, and exercise capacity in patients with HF. Methods: We reviewed observational studies assessing clinical outcomes of HF patients with and without impaired FMD and/or RHI. Searches around electronic research databases were conducted using predetermined keywords. Meta-analysis was subsequently performed on selected studies that assessed adverse events in patients with HF. Our primary outcome was adverse events, which include mortality, disease progression, hospitalization, and complications (stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart attack). Results: This review included 16 studies, with a total of 1890 participants. Meta-analysis demonstrated that lower FMD in patients with HF had a significantly higher risk of adverse events (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.15–1.82; p = 0.002; I² = 80%, random-effects model). In contrast, lower RHI was not associated with an increased risk of adverse events (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.96–1.82; p = 0.09; I² = 87%, random-effects model). Conclusions: Endothelial dysfunction is associated with adverse endpoints in HF. FMD showed consistent prognostic values, while RHI’s prognostic significance is less clear and requires further investigation.

Chronic psychological stress significantly contributes to anxiety and depressive disorders, resulting in behavioral and physiological effects. The chronic unpredictable mild stress model has been extensively validated for replicating stress-related traits in mice. Nevertheless, limited information exists regarding the natural trajectory of recovery following the cessation of the stressor and whether stress-induced changes can spontaneously ameliorate over time. This study aimed to evaluate a 4-week chronic mild stress program in mice and to assess the degree of spontaneous recovery during a 2-week stress-free interval. Male BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: control, 4-week exposure, and 2 weeks post-exposure without intervention. Behavioral results were evaluated using the open field test and sucrose preference test, in conjunction with physical assessments, including defecation frequency and coat condition score. Mice exposed to CUMS exhibited anxiety-like behaviors, characterized by diminished mobility, a preference for peripheral zones, and an increased defecation frequency, alongside physiological decline, manifesting as inadequate grooming and decreased sucrose desire (anhedonia). Following two weeks without stress exposure, only a partial recovery was noted: entry into the central zone improved; however, overall distance traveled, duration spent in the central zone, coat condition, and sucrose preference remained markedly diminished compared to controls. In conclusion, chronic stress causes enduring behavioral and physiological deficits that are not entirely reversible in a brief recovery timeframe. These findings highlight the persistent nature of stress-induced dysfunctions and illustrate the necessity of long-term measures for facilitating recovery from chronic psychological stress.

Introduction: Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is a vital fertility preservation strategy for men with severe oligozoospermia, who face a substantial risk of azoospermia on the day of ovum pick-up. As a consensus on the optimal micro-volume carrier for these challenging cases remains elusive, this study was designed to compare the efficacy of two carriers, the tip-micro and the micro-straw, for cryopreserving severely oligozoospermic samples. Methods: In this experimental study, semen samples from 12 men with severe oligozoospermia were collected. All the samples were cryopreserved using a vapor fast-freezing method and divided between tip-micro and micro-straw carriers. Key sperm parameters motility, viability, and morphology were meticulously analyzed before freezing and after thawing to determine postthaw quality and survival rates. Results: Comparative analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in postthaw survival rate (54.33% ± 9.87% for tip-micro vs. 48.83% ± 9.95% for micro-straw), total motility (18.83% ± 4.68% vs. 17.33% ± 4.65%), or normal morphology (median 0% for both; all P > 0.05). However, a significant advantage was observed for the tip-micro in preserving sperm viability, which was markedly higher than in the micro-straw group (22.67% ± 4.73% vs. 19.92% ± 4.66%; P = 0.011). Conclusions: Both tip-micro and micro-straw carriers are effective for cryopreserving severely oligozoospermic samples. However, the tip-micro demonstrates superiority in maintaining sperm viability, likely due to a reduction in procedural mechanical stress. Given this advantage and its operational simplicity, the tip-micro represents a preferable clinical option for these cases.

Purpose: To evaluate the protective effects of Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav) extract on lead acetate-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis in male mice. Methods: A post-test-only control group experimental study was conducted on Balb/c mice. Thirty-five male mice 12 weeks old were randomly divided into 5 groups: two control groups (K-, K+) and three treatment groups (P1, P2, P3). The K- received distilled water, and the K+ received 75 mg/kg lead acetate. The P1, P2, and P3 received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of Tamarillo crude extracts (TCE), respectively for 35 days, and on the fourth day, were given lead acetate 75 mg/kg one hour after the TCE administration by gavage tube. The effect of TCE against lead-induced oxidative stress in mice was determined by the expression of mouse testicular apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, the expression of Caspase-3, and SOD. Results: TCE at the dose of 400 mg/kg showed comparable apoptosis and SOD expression to the negative control group (K-). Notably, the level of Caspase-3 among treatment groups showed lower expression than the K- group despite the injection of lead acetate. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that TCE exhibits antioxidant activity and protects the reproductive system by inhibiting lead acetate to induce oxidative damage and testicular damage.

Adolescence is a transition period from childhood to adulthood. This period is crucial because there are many physical and psychological changes. One issue that is quite rife in Indonesia is teenage pregnancy, which will ultimately lead teenagers to have abortions. The case above proves that it is essential to equip adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make responsible choices. Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) is believed to help solve this problem and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, when CSE also conveys the importance of contraception and its benefits. The lack of systematic reviews of studies that highlight the effect of implementing Comprehensive Sexual Education on current contraceptive use makes researchers interested in conducting this systematic literature review. This research uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using PICO (Population, Intervention/Issue, Comparison/Context, Outcome), and Boolean operators are used to facilitate searching studies. PRISMA flowcharts were used in this research until two studies were included in the analysis. Literature quality assessment was conducted using the quality assessment tool for quantitative studies from EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project). Two cross-sectional studies were based in the United States. The sample sizes in studies range from 5000 to 7000. The results of this study show that comprehensive sexual education influences the use of contraceptives today, although it is not very significant. However, there are still many biases in this research. There is a need to conduct randomized controlled trials or multicenter cohort studies that use the same evaluation parameters to strengthen future systematic review research.

Tribulus terrestris is a medicinal herb purported to enhance reproductive function, particularly in instances of erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of administering Tribulus terrestris to patients with ED. We performed a systematic literature review in the Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus, and Europe PMC databases utilizing particular keywords. The primary endpoint in this study is International Index of Erectile Function, that may be in abridged form (IIEF-5) or full form (IIEF-15). The outcomes of continuous variables were aggregated into the mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) utilizing random-effects models. Eight studies were selected for inclusion. After the intervention with Tribulus terrestris, the IIEF-5 [MD 4.21, p < 0.00001] and IIEF-15 scores [MD 15.88, p = 0.0004] were markedly elevated compared to their pre-supplementation levels, as per our comprehensive analysis. Additionally, on both the IIEF-5 [MD 3.23 (95%CI 1.89, 4.58), p < 0.00001] and IIEF-15 [MD 14.44 (95%CI 5.75, 23.14), p = 0.001], Tribulus terrestris outperformed placebo. However, the two groups were not significantly different in terms of total testosterone levels. We observed no difference in the incidence of adverse events between Tribulus terrestris and placebo. Tribulus terrestris supplementation may offer benefits in improving erectile function among patients with ED with a relatively good safety profile.