The relationship of changes in molecular subtypes with metastases and progression-free survival in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Molecular subtyping of breast cancer cells is increasingly being developed as an initial step in selecting therapy and predicting the prognosis of breast cancer patients. During breast cancer, the molecular subtype of cancer cells can change. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between changes in the intrinsic subtype of breast cancer with metastasis and progression-free survival in breast cancer patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with breast cancer from 2016 to 2021. The molecular subtypes from the immunohistochemical examination results were recorded twice, and metastasis and progression-free survival (PFS) were recorded. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and SPSS 26. RESULTS: Of the 44 patients, 19 (43.2%) experienced a change in molecular subtype, and 25 (56.8%) did not. No significant relationship existed between changes in molecular subtype and metastasis (p = 0.405). No significant relationship existed between changes in molecular subtype and PFS (p = 0.900). A significant relationship was found between changes in the molecular subtype and PFS in the patients with changes in the molecular subtype (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the intrinsic subtype were associated with PFS in breast cancer patients. Patients with an intrinsic subtype that changed to triple-negative showed worse PFS.

Serotonin Levels in Newly-Infected HIV-Positive: A Preliminary Study.

Background: HIV is still a global health concern worldwide and in 2021, a total of 27,000 newly infected cases were detected in the Indonesian population, specifically among adults. However, there is no available data found about serotonin levels in newly infected cases of HIV. Objective: This study aimed to preliminary investigate serotonin levels in newly-infected HIV-positive cases in the Indonesian population. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional analytic design was used with a total of 54 newly-infected HIV-positive participants who were enrolled using the purposive sampling technique. The questionnaire, blood sampling, and ELISA methods for measuring serotonin were applied. Furthermore, the serotonin distribution was compared based on participants' characteristics using the Mann-Whitney U test. The main effect of characteristics was also tested by the generalized linear model. Results: The mean serotonin level was low and did not differ based on participants' characteristics. Conclusion: Low serotonin level is characteristic of people newly infected with HIV in Indonesia. This might be a manifestation of the depression stage, a consequence of infection, or the involvement in provoking HIV infection progression.

Vertebral destruction in tuberculous spondylitis correlates with Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR-4) levels: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Tuberculous (TB) spondylitis is a hazardous infectious disease causing significant spinal deformity. Increased toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) activity promotes more extensive infections in patients with TB spondylitis, so it has the potential to be used as a biomarker to predict the severity. This study aims to determine the relationship between TLR-4 levels and the degree of vertebral destruction in TB spondylitis patients. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2023. A total of 27 TB spondylitis samples were then measured for TLR-4 serum levels. Vertebral destruction is assessed based on the Spine At Risk Signs (SARS) criteria on X-ray and MRI examinations. Moreover, the degree of sensory and motor impairment was also assessed in this study. The Spearman correlation test assessed the correlation between TLR-4 levels and vertebral destruction. Results: Most of the samples in this study were less than 30 years old (10 people, 37%), female (14 people, 51.9%), had spinal destruction at 1 level (11 people, 40.7%), had paraplegia (8 people, 29.6%), and had hypoesthesia (11 people, 40.7%). TLR-4 levels had a mean value of 8254.1±1076.1 ng/ml. TLR-4 levels were positively correlated with the degree of vertebral destruction (r=0.599, P=0.001), motor disorders (r=0.632.x, P=0.000), and sensory disorders (r=0.574, P=0.002). Conclusion: TLR-4 levels are associated with the severity of vertebral destruction in TB spondylitis, so it has the potential to be used as a prognostic biomarker.

Pre-treatment inflammatory and immune system parameters predicting cervical cancer metastasis.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 as an immune system parameter and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an inflammatory parameter to predict cervical cancer metastasis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 70 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer between January 2022 and February 2023 at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Hasanuddin University Hospital, and Ibnu Sina Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia. Blood samples taken before therapy as well as clinical and histological data were gathered and examined. MASP-2 levels and NLR were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry respectively. Results: The median age of the patients was 46 years (range, 24-72 years), with the majority of patients aged between 41 and 52 years. Statistical analysis showed that MASP-2 was associated with cervical cancer stage (p≤0.000), organ metastasis (p=0.011), and lymphovascular invasion (p=0.036). In addition, NLR was associated with cervical cancer stage (p=0.004), histopathology type (p=0.031), tumor size (p=0.019), and organ metastasis (p=0.013). Conclusion: Pretreatment with MASP-2 as an immune system parameter and NLR as an inflammatory parameter is associated with cervical cancer metastasis. The NLR indicator can be applied in clinical practice because it is simple and reasonably priced.

A potential mechanism of miana (Coleus scutellariodes) and quercetin via NF-κB in Salmonella typhi infection.

Purpose: To prove the effect of Miana (M), Quercetin (Q), and the combination as an anti-inflammatory agent and Cefixime (C) as an antibiotic in Balb/c mice infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and related to the dynamics of NF-κB mRNA expression and NF-κB protein levels. Methods: A cohort study on male Balb/c mice with subjects consisted of 8 groups with 5 each group by administration of M, Q, M + Q, M + C, Q + C, M + Q + C, C only and sterile distilled water group as negative control. The statistical significance of the difference group was defined as P values less than 0.05. Results: Decreased mRNA expression of NF-κB, NF-κB protein levels, and bacterial load after administration of M + C, Q + C, or M + Q + C showed significant differences when compared to the negative control. The decline in NF-κB was stronger when M + Q + C was given compared to M, Q, M + Q, or C only. Conclusion: The effects of NF-κB suppression appear to be the same between the administration of M, Q and the M + Q when C added. However, the suppression of NF-κB was not significant without adding C.

The Association of "First 1000 Days of Life" Training Program on Communication Skill and Empathy of Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: 1000 First Days of Life (1000FDL) training program is carried out for 2 years from the 3rd to 6th semester; in this program, students are asked to accompany pregnant women until their children are 2 years old. This study aimed to analyse undergraduate medical students' communication skills and empathy levels and determine the association between communication skills and empathy after the training program. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 176 undergraduate medical students in Hasanuddin University participated; they were enrolled in 1000FDL training program and selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using Modified Arabic Version of the ABIM's Patient Assessment (MAV-ABIM) and Jefferson Scale of Empathy - Student Version (JSE-S) questionnaires to assess their level of communication skills and empathy. In this study, demographic data were obtained using a semi-open-ended questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, and Spearman tests. Results: Communication skill was very good (83.5%), good (15.9%), and inadequate (0.6%), while the empathy level was high (9.1%), medium (25%), and low (65.9%). There was no significant difference between the level of communication skills (p-value 0.168) and empathy (p=0.145) based on gender, but there was a significant difference between <12 or >12 times interaction with the empathy level (p<0.001). The association between the level of communication showed that the level of empathy was significant (p<0.001, r=0.399). Conclusion: Undergraduate medical students had very good communication skills but low empathy levels. There was a positive association between communication skills and empathy level after the training program. The students' empathy level can be improved by increasing the frequency of interaction with patients in experiential learning through training programs.

Anti-inflammatory effects of banana (Musa balbisiana) peel extract on acne vulgaris: In vivo and in silico study.

Objective: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common problem with a relatively high incidence rate among Asian people. The potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of banana peels have been demonstrated in previous studies but have not been studied in cases of AV. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the protective effects of banana (Musa balbisiana) peel extract (MBPE) against AV. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups (n = 6 rats per group): an AV group, AV group treated with 0.15% MBPE, AV group administered 0.30% MBPE, AV group administered 0.60% MBPE, and AV group administered clindamycin (the standard drug treatment). We assessed nodule size, bacterial count, histopathology, and cytokine levels (IL-1α, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-8). Enzyme linked immunoassays were used to measure the cytokine levels. In addition, we performed molecular docking studies to determine the interactions between phytochemicals (trigonelline, vanillin, ferulic acid, isovanillic acid, rutin, and salsolinol) via the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. Results: All MBPE treatment groups, compared with the AV group, showed suppression of both bacterial growth and proinflammatory cytokine production, as well as resolved tissue inflammation. The nodule size was significantly suppressed in the groups receiving the two highest doses of MBPE, compared with the AV group. However, the pharmacological action of MBPE remained inferior to that of clindamycin. Docking studies demonstrated that rutin was the phytocompound with the most negative interaction energy with TLR2 or NF-κB. Conclusions: Our results indicated that MBPE has anti-inflammatory effects against AV, by suppressing nodule formation, inhibiting bacterial growth, and decreasing proinflammatory cytokine production.

Molecular identification of mycobacterial infections in nonsputum specimens.

Background: Mycobacterial infections can manifest in various anatomical sites, necessitating the analysis of nonsputum specimens for accurate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular cases of mycobacterial infections in nonsputum specimens using polymerase chain reaction based assays and gene sequencing methods. Methods: This observational study examined 161 nonsputum samples that have been stored in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Hasanuddin University Hospital. Samples were analyzed by microscopy and molecular detection methods according to the standard methods at the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Hasanuddin University. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize patient demographics, infection characteristics, and outcomes. Results: The samples were collected from patients with an average age of 39.82 years. The anatomical sites of specimen collection varied, with musculoskeletal organs and eyes being the most common. Microbiological analysis revealed a predominance of Gram positive bacteria, with polymicrobial morphology observed. Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently isolated organisms. Acid fast bacilli were detected in 8.1% of samples. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, revealed similarities between the samples and known mycobacterial species, including Mycobacterium parmense, Mycobacterium lacus, and Mycobacterium dioxanotrophicus. Conclusions: The findings highlight the microbial diversity observed in these infections. The study advocates for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and targeted testing strategies based on both clinical and laboratory findings. This knowledge can contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy and optimized treatment strategies for mycobacterial infections.

Comparison of tumor size, histopathological grade, and molecular subtype of breast cancer at a single center study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the second most frequent cancer-related death among women worldwide. Factors influencing BC patients' survival include histopathological grade, histopathological type, stage, hormonal receptors, and number of mitotic images. OBJECTIVE: To compare the tumor size, histopathological grade, and molecular type of BC patients. METHODS: This was an observational analytic retrospective study. The population was BC patients at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital from 2017 to 2021. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare statistically between tumor size, histopathological grade, and molecular subtype. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 784 patients. Most were aged 50-59 years (34.8%), with tumor size 4c (37.0%) and moderate grade (66.1%), and the most common molecular subtype was luminal A (34.2%). Bivariate analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test found no significant difference in molecular subtypes based on tumor size (p = 0.079), but significant differences existed in molecular subtype by histopathological grade (p = 0.005) and tumor size by histopathological grade (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences existed between histopathological grade by tumor size and molecular subtype. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of BC patients are important to prevent morbidity and mortality.

The level of ratio between matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) after prolotherapy intervention and the functional outcome in patient with frozen shoulder: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of prolotherapy on functional outcome changes, along with ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)/tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) as an indicator of tissue repair in the glenohumeral joint in frozen shoulder patients. DESIGN: Single-blinded randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: Participants with frozen shoulder. METHODS: The prolotherapy group is the study group, and the normal saline (NS) group is the control group. Each group was given injections at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6. Level of biomarker levels was measured at week 6 and week 12 after there. Functional outcomes were measured at weeks 0, 6, and 12. RESULTS: A significant difference in week 6 and week 12 was demonstrated in the ratio of MMP-1/TIMP-1 level between the prolotherapy group and the normal saline group (P value = .002). Both groups performed well regarding the Numerical Rating Scale score and functional outcome. Compared to the normal saline group, prolotherapy changed the mean range of motion in flexion and internal rotation. CONCLUSION: Prolotherapy is considered to play a role in repairing cartilage based on biomarker assessment, particularly the ratio of MMP-1/TIMP-1-prolotherapy effectiveness in improving functional outcome and Numerical Rating Scale score.

A Case Series: Effect of Comorbidities on the Outcomes of Prolotherapy Injection for Frozen Shoulder Patients.

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a disease caused by an inflammatory condition that causes severe pain and decreased range of motion by loss of glenohumeral mobility. Frozen Shoulder restricts daily life's functional aspect, increasing morbidity. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are risk factors that make an FS poor prognosis during treatment because of the diabetes glycation process and hypertension-enhanced vascularization. Prolotherapy injects an irritant solution into the tendon, joints, ligaments, and joint spaces to release growth factors and collagen deposition, reducing pain, restoring joint stability, and increasing the quality of life. We report 3 cases of patients with confirmed FS. Patient A with no comorbidity, patient B with diabetes mellitus, and patient C with hypertension, with all patient's chief complaints of shoulder pain and limited ROM, and symptoms affected the general quality of daily life. This patient was provided injection with Prolotherapy treatment combined with physical therapy intervention. Patient A had significantly improved ROM to maximum after 6 weeks with relieved pain and improved shoulder function. Patients B and C showed increased ROM, still tiny, decreased pain, and improved shoulder function. In conclusion, prolotherapy demonstrated a beneficial effect in a patient with FS with comorbidities, although not to the maximum extent in patients without comorbidity.

Effectiveness of Prolotherapy Combined with Physical Therapy Versus Physical Therapy Only for Frozen Shoulder: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common conditions that causes significant morbidity. It is characterized by restriction of both active and passive shoulder motion (ROM) of the glenohumeral joint. The etiology, pathology, and most efficacious treatments are unclear. The purpose of FS treatment is complete elimination of pain and recovery of shoulder joint function. Prolotherapy injects certain compounds into articular spaces, ligaments, and/or tendons to relieve pain and disability around joint spaces and to stimulate a proliferation cascade to enhance tissue repair and strength. This case report aims to describe functional outcome changes in 2 patients with FS, comparing prolotherapy combined with physical therapy vs physical therapy only. CASE REPORT We report the cases of 2 patients with confirmed FS. Patient A was 66-year-old man with chief concern of right shoulder pain and limited ROM in the past 3 months, which disrupted daily life, with a visual analog scale (VAS) of 6 out of 10. Patient B was 65-year-old man with chief concern of right shoulder pain and limited ROM in the past 2 months. The symptoms affected his general quality of life, with a VAS of 5 out of 10. Patient A underwent prolotherapy combined with physical therapy and had significantly improved ROM after 2 weeks, with relieved pain and improved shoulder function. Patient B underwent physical therapy only and showed similar ROM and no significant pain improvement. CONCLUSIONS Initial treatment with prolotherapy combined with physical therapy for patients with frozen shoulder achieved fast improvement of active and passive ROM, significantly decreased pain, and improved quality of life compared to physical therapy intervention only.

A high-fat, high-fructose diet induced hepatic steatosis, renal lesions, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia in non-obese rats.

Excessive consumption of fat and sugar is associated with various chronic diseases. However, the variation of fat and sugar content in the diet greatly affected the outcome. In this study, a high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFHFD) formula was made with a composition of 31.99% carbohydrate, 40.7% fat, 11.8% protein, and an additional 30% fructose drink to confirm the effects of HFHFD on metabolic health and pathological changes in organs, especially the liver, kidneys, pancreas, muscles, and spleen. A total of 24 male Wistar rats aged 8-12 weeks were divided into four groups: standard chow (SC), HFHFD, SC + carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and HFHFD + CCl4. After eight weeks of dietary intervention, body mass index, obesity index, lipid profiles, liver function tests, fasting blood glucose, serum uric acid and urea levels, and tissue histopathology were examined. HFHFD with the main unsaturated fatty acids of linoleic acid (14.57%) and palmitoleic acid (8.28%), the main saturated fatty acids of stearic acid (13.62%) and myristic acid (10.09%), and a low trans-fatty acids content, did not promote the rats to become obese. However, liver histology examination showed severe hepatic steatosis (78.33%), leading to steatohepatitis accompanied by an increase in serum ALP (p < 0.01), triglyceride (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.05), and uric acid (p < 0.001) levels. Other histological features showed moderate lesions (45%) of the kidney, slight vacuolization of the pancreas, and a mild increase of inflammatory cells in the spleen and muscle. So, this study found that although HFHFD did not promote obesity within 8 weeks of administration, it induced hepatic and renal lesions, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia as a metabolic consequence of excessive fatty acids and fructose.

A Streptococcus suis infection causing pneumonia in Indonesia: A case report.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes pneumonia, sepsis, endocarditis, and meningitis. S. suis is primarily found in the upper respiratory tract of pigs. To our knowledge, the first case of S. suis infection has resulted in pneumonia in Indonesia. A 40-year-old woman suffered from shortness of breath last month. The complaint worsened one week ago. She also complained of a productive cough with thick white phlegm. She has a history of late-stage cervical cancer. The patient's vital signs were normal, except for tachypnea. Vesicular breath sounds, no wheezing, and coarse lung crackles were discovered during a physical examination. A chest x-ray showed patchy airspace opacities and interstitial thickening throughout both lungs. The following results were obtained from routine laboratory leukocytosis. Gram stain of the sputum showed a few Gram-positive cocci, mostly in pairs. We confirmed this finding by performing the blood agar, and chocolate agar revealed small α-hemolytic and catalase-negative colonies. The strain was positive for penicillin and ceftriaxone in antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A combination of penicillin and ceftriaxone intravenous was utilized for definitive treatment. After completing a 14-day course of oral antibiotic medication, the patient was discharged. Her symptoms had subsided. This case should remind physicians about the possibility of cancer associated with S. suis infected patient and no clear history of exposure to pigs or other animals.

The role of exclusive breastfeeding on sIgA and lactoferrin levels in toddlers suffering from Acute Respiratory Infection: A cross-sectional study.

Secretion of Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and lactoferrin is a nutrient content in breast milk that can increase immunity in preventing infectious diseases such as Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI). This research aims to determine the role of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) on sIgA and Lactoferrin levels in toddlers suffering from ARI. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 124 toddlers under five from January-July 2021. Toddlers were selected using a purposive technique sampling from three Community Health Centers in Central Jakarta. Data were analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. The history of immunization, EBF, and frequency of ARI was significantly associated with levels of sIgA and lactoferrin. Parity only correlated with sIgA but not with lactoferrin levels. Maternal and toddlers' age, gender, and nutritional status were not significantly related to sIgA and lactoferrin levels. There is a significant (p-value <0.001) difference in the mean protein sIgA and lactoferrin levels in toddlers who were given EBF with ARI frequency <2 times and toddlers who were given EBF with ARI frequency ≥2 times. Toddlers who were exclusively breastfed with ARI frequency <2 times had higher levels of sIgA and lactoferrin (188901.77 pg/ml and 262.32 ng/ml, respectively) compared to infants given EBF with ARI frequency ≥2 times (136683.47 pg/ml and 181.49 ng/ml, respectively). History of immunization was also significantly (p-value <0.05) associated with levels of sIgA and lactoferrin in infants with ARI. The content of sIgA and lactoferrin in breast milk and immunization can increase the body's immune system in toddlers suffering from ARI.

Intestinal permeability before and after albendazole treatment in low and high socioeconomic status schoolchildren in Makassar, Indonesia.

Intestinal helminths are highly prevalent in low-SES children and could contribute to poor health outcomes either directly or via alteration of the gut microbiome and gut barrier function. We analysed parasitic infections and gut microbiota composition in 325 children attending high- and low-SES schools in Makassar, Indonesia before and after albendazole treatment. Lactulose/Mannitol Ratio (LMR, a marker of gut permeability); I-FABP (a surrogate marker of intestinal damage) as well as inflammatory markers (LBP) were measured. Helminth infections were highly prevalent (65.6%) in low-SES children. LMR and I-FABP levels were higher in low-SES children (geomean (95%CI): 4.03 (3.67-4.42) vs. 3.22 (2.91-3.57); p. adj < 0.001; and 1.57 (1.42-1.74) vs. 1.25 (1.13-1.38); p. adj = 0.02, respectively) while LBP levels were lower compared to the high-SES (19.39 (17.09-22.01) vs. 22.74 (20.07-26.12); p.adj = 0.01). Albendazole reduced helminth infections in low-SES and also decreased LMR with 11% reduction but only in helminth-uninfected children (estimated treatment effect: 0.89; p.adj = 0.01). Following treatment, I-FABP decreased in high- (0.91, p.adj < 0.001) but increased (1.12, p.adj = 0.004) in low-SES children. Albendazole did not alter the levels of LBP. Microbiota analysis showed no contribution from specific bacterial-taxa to the changes observed. Intestinal permeability and epithelial damage are higher while peripheral blood inflammatory marker is lower in children of low-SES in Indonesia. Furthermore, treatment decreased LMR in helminth-uninfected only.

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression is significantly correlated with HER2 expression in late-stage breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Molecular marker analysis has become important in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment and may reveal new mechanisms in breast cancer pathogenesis. Aside from the commonly used hormonal receptors and HER2, VEGF-A has been increasingly shown to be important in breast cancer diagnosis and pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationship between VEGF-A expression on ER and PR and HER2 hormonal status in patients with late-stage breast cancer (locally advanced or with distant metastases). METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study examined VEGF-A expression and molecule markers (ER, PR, and HER2) of breast cancer tissue using immunohistochemistry. The Chi-square test was used to determine whether two categorical variables were correlated. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: VEGF-A showed no significant correlation with demographic characteristics, TNM staging, pathological grading, luminal or non-luminal type, or hormonal receptor markers but showed a significant positive correlation with HER2 receptors (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: VEGF-A was positively correlated with HER2 expression in breast tumor tissue but showed no significant correlation with other breast cancer markers, including luminal typing or hormonal receptors. Further study is needed to understand the mechanistic interplay between VEGF and HER2 in breast cancer pathogenesis.

Malnutrition in children associated with low insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare serum levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in children with malnutrition and good nutritional status. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 41 participants consisting of 31 malnourished, 10 well-nourished children aged between 36 and 60 months. Demographic data of participants were obtained utilizing a questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by calculating the Z-score of body weight for age, height for age, and body weight for height indices using the WHO classification. IGFBP-3 levels were determined by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. RESULT: Median serum IGFBP-3 levels in malnourished children were found to be lower i.e. 0.35mcg/mL (minimum-maximum: 0.04-1.52mcg/mL) compared to well-nourished children 1.52ng/mL (minimum-maximum 0.47-3.17mcg/mL). CONCLUSION: Serum IGFBP-3 levels can be used as indicators to assess nutritional status.

Leptin levels in children with malnutrition.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at comparing serum levels of leptin in children with malnutrition and good nutritional status. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 41 participants consisting of 31 malnutrition, 10 well-nourished children aged between 36 and 60 months. Demographic data of participants were obtained utilizing a questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by calculating the Z-score of body weight for age, height for age, and body weight for height indices using the WHO classification. Leptin levels were determined by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method. RESULTS: Median serum leptin level for malnutrition children were found to be lower, i.e., 9.23 (6.02-197.2) ng/mL compared to well-nourished children 30.95 (6.02-89.36) ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Serum leptin levels can be used as indicators to assess nutritional status.

Malnutrition in children associated with low growth hormone (Gh) Levels.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare serum levels of Growth Hormone in children with malnutrition and good nutritional status. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 41 participants consisting of 31 malnourished, 10 well-nourished children aged between 36 and 60 months. Demographic data of participants were obtained utilizing a questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by calculating the Z-score of body weight for age, height for age, and body weight for height indices using the WHO classification. GH levels were determined by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. RESULT: Median serum GH levels in malnourished children were found to be lower i.e. 1.25ng/mL (minimum-maximum: 0.10-6.19ng/mL) compared to well-nourished children 11.01ng/mL (1.72-15.64ng/mL). CONCLUSION: Serum GH levels can be used as indicators to assess nutritional status.