Effect of Nano Herbal Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) Fruits in NOTCH1 and Hes1 Expressions to Human Placental Trophoblasts.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Andaliman fruit (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) is a well-known spice antioxidant in Northern Sumatera (Indonesia). The cellular activity requires antioxidants in counteracting free radicals. The cellular proteins that play a role in development, proliferation, differentiation and embryonic processes in the human placenta are NOTCH1 and Hes1. The aim of this research was to analyze the expression of NOTCH1 and Hes1 genes after administering nano herbal andaliman to the trophoblast cells of the human placenta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HTR8 trophoblast cells were divided into two groups, namely, control and treatment (nano herbal andaliman). RNA isolation, reverse transcription and RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) were performed to analyze the NOTCH1 and Notch target gene (Hes1) expressions. The NOTCH1 and Hes1 gene expressions were quantified using the CT method (2-ΔΔCT) and normalized with Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene expressions. RESULTS: Nanoherbal andaliman reduced the expression of NOTCH1 genes in the human placental trophoblast. However, it increased the expression of Hes1 when the incubation time was 16 hrs. CONCLUSION: Nanoherbal andaliman decreases the expression of genes that are crucial in hypoxia and free radicals in the placenta, namely, NOTCH1 and Hes1 increased after incubation for 16 hrs. Therefore, this herb needs to be evaluated further.