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Objectives: Skin aging is a degenerative process that can be induced by UV irradiation. UV radiation can produce reactive oxidate stress which causes premature aging. This study aims to examine the antiaging potential of secretome gel (SC) from human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hWJ-MSCs) in a UVB-induced mice model. Materials and Methods: The secretome was obtained from hWJ-MSCs and made in gel form. Male mice were radiated by UVB for 15 min twice daily for 14 days. The gel was topically applied to the mice's dorsal skin. Two treatments of secretome gel: secretome 1 is applied once and secretome 2 is applied twice daily after UVB radiation. TGF-ß1, IL-10, and IL-18 gene expression was determined using RT-PCR. Hematoxylin Eosin staining was used to observe the inflammation and collagen density of skin tissue. An immunohistochemistry assay was used to analyze the protein expression of P53, COL4A1, MMP-2, and MMP-13. The data were statistically analyzed using the ANOVA test followed by the Tukey post hoc test (P<0.05). Results: UVB induction caused loss of collagen, increasing inflammation and high expression of aging mediators. SC increased the gene expression of TGF-ß1 and IL-10 and decreased IL-18 gene expression. Histopathological tests showed that SG increased collagen density, lowered inflammation, and repaired cell damage in skin tissue. Immunohistochemistry test showed that SC decreased MMP-2, MMP-13, and P53 expression, in contrast, increased COL4A1. Conclusion: The secretome gel of hWJ-MSCs showed antiaging activities with potential for preventing and curing skin aging.
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Background: Anemia, a global health concern, affects one-fourth of the global population, particularly women. In Indonesia, its prevalence is 23.7%, with 32.0% among 15-24 year-olds. Factors include poor nutrition, infectious diseases, chronic diseases, inherited disorders, and inadequate healthcare access. This study aimed to investigate anemia prevalence and its etiology among medical students from Jakarta. Methods: This study was a descriptive research with a cross-sectional approach. Undergraduate students aged 18-23 years old were selected and consented to participate by a consecutive nonrandom sampling methods. Laboratory blood data were evaluated (including Hb, MCV, MCH, HbA2, and ferritin levels) and DNA was isolated to confirm the type of thalassemia carrier. Results: In total, 140 medical students, mainly female, were recruited. Anemia was found in 13.6% (11.4% had low MCV and/or MCH), and 16.5% had low MCV and/or MCH without anemia. Hb electrophoresis revealed high HbA2 values, suggesting the HbE variant (2.1%), and ß-thalassemia carrier (0.7%). DNA analysis confirmed the cd26 mutation and heterozygous IVS1nt5. Among those without anemia, 5% had α-deletion, while in the group with anemia, 1.4% had α-deletion (with coexistent IDA), 3.6% had α-deletion, and 0.7% had ß-mutation. Conclusion: DNA analysis can identify specific mutations associated with alpha-thalassemia, distinguishing between iron deficiency anemia and the alpha-thalassemia trait. Thalassemia screening should involve low MCV and/or MCH values as the first step (stage 1), followed by Hb analysis (stage 2) and DNA analysis (stage 3). In common areas, a combination of Hb and DNA testing is best. However, healthcare professionals must diagnose and treat thalassemia, as proper management relies on accurately identifying the underlying condition.
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Successful detection of the first SARS-CoV-2 cases using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method reflects the power and usefulness of this technique. Real-time PCR is a variation of the PCR assay to allow monitoring of the PCR progress in actual time. PCR itself is a molecular process used to enzymatically synthesize copies in multiple amounts of a selected DNA region for various purposes. Real-time PCR is currently one of the most powerful molecular approaches and is widely used in biological sciences and medicine because it is quantitative, accurate, sensitive, and rapid. Current applications of real-time PCR include gene expression analysis, mutation detection, detection and quantification of pathogens, detection of genetically modified organisms, detection of allergens, monitoring of microbial degradation, species identification, and determination of parasite fitness. The technique has been used as a gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. Modifications of the standard real-time PCR methods have also been developed for particular applications. This review aims to provide an overview of the current applications of the real-time PCR technique, including its role in detecting emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
