Risk factor of elevated matrix metalloproteinase-3 gene expression in synovial fluid in knee osteoarthritis women.

INTRODUCTION: Metalloproteinases-3 (MMP3) are the main enzymes involved in cartilage degradation. Several genetic and non-genetic factors can increase the expression of MMP3 in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). This study aims to analyze the risk factors associated with the expression of the MMP3 gene rs679620 fluid synovial knee OA patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the orthopedic polyclinic Arifin Achmad Riau Province and Ibn Sina Hospital in Pekanbaru City. Ninety women who experienced knee OA were taken as samples by consecutive sampling and then signed the informed consent. Data were obtained through interviews using a questionnaire about characteristics, followed by weight and height measurements. Interleukin-1 ß (IL-1ß) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) were examined from the synovial fluid using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The Metalloproteinases-3 (MMP3) gene polymorphism rs679620 was obtained from the DNA analysis of joint fluid results in the Biomedical Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University. The data was processed computerized and then analyzed using the correlation Spearman-Rank, and chi-square tests. The results of statistical analysis are considered significant if the p-value is 0.05. RESULTS: The MMP3 rs679620 gene polymorphism of the mutant type was 88.9%, with the same proportion of AG and GG alleles (44.4%). Subjects aged ≥ 60 years were 53.3%, 85.6% did not work and 84.4% had menopause. The highest degree of OA was grade 2 (53.3%), most of whom had a risky nutritional status (84.4%). The median expression of the MMP3 rs679620 gene was 5.28 copies number. There is a significant relationship between MMP3 gene polymorphism rs679620, age, IL-1ß, and TNF-α with MMP3 gene expression rs679620. There is no significant relationship between BMI, work status, and menopausal status with MMP3 gene expression rs679620. Conclusion. MMP3 gene polymorphism rs679620, age, levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α are risk factors for increased MMP3 gene rs679620 expression in female knee OA.

The potential for zoonotic malaria transmission in five areas of Indonesia inhabited by non-human primates.

BACKGROUND: Indonesia is home to many species of non-human primates (NHPs). Deforestation, which is still ongoing in Indonesia, has substantially reduced the habitat of NHPs in the republic. This has led to an intensification of interactions between NHPs and humans, which opens up the possibility of pathogen spillover. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of malarial parasite infections in NHPs in five provinces of Indonesia in 2022. Species of the genus Anopheles that can potentially transmit malarial pathogens to humans were also investigated. METHODS: An epidemiological survey was conducted by capturing NHPs in traps installed in several localities in the five provinces, including in the surroundings of a wildlife sanctuary. Blood samples were drawn aseptically after the NHPs had been anesthetized; the animals were released after examination. Blood smears were prepared on glass slides, and dried blood spot tests on filter paper. Infections with Plasmodium spp. were determined morphologically from the blood smears, which were stained with Giemsa solution, and molecularly through polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing using rplU oligonucleotides. The NHPs were identified to species level by using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 gene as barcoding DNA markers. Mosquito surveillance included the collection of larvae from breeding sites and that of adults through the human landing catch (HLC) method together with light traps. RESULTS: Analysis of the DNA extracted from the dried blood spot tests of the 110 captured NHPs revealed that 50% were positive for Plasmodium, namely Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium coatneyi, Plasmodium inui, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium sp. Prevalence determined by microscopic examination of the blood smears was 42%. Species of the primate genus Macaca and family Hylobatidae were identified by molecular analysis. The most common mosquito breeding sites were ditches, puddles and natural ponds. Some of the Anopheles letifer captured through HLC carried sporozoites of malaria parasites that can cause the disease in primates. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malaria in the NHPs was high. Anopheles letifer, a potential vector of zoonotic malaria, was identified following its collection in Central Kalimantan by the HLC method. In sum, the potential for the transmission of zoonotic malaria in several regions of Indonesia is immense.