Background: Obesity, a global health crisis affecting over 890 million adults, requiring effective and safe management strategies. Lifestyle-based interventions, such as physical exercise and herbal supplementation, provide promising non-invasive alternatives. Slow Interval Training (SIT) improves fat metabolism with low injury risk, while lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) contains bioactive compounds with anti-obesity potential.Objective: This study investigates the combined effects of SIT and lemongrass ethanol extract on body weight and fat mass in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese male Wistar rat model.Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: healthy control, obese control, SIT only, lemongrass extract only, and SIT + lemongrass. Obesity was induced through a high-fat diet before intervention. Body weight was measured weekly, and fat mass was analyzed after eight weeks of treatment.Results: Obese controls showed significant weight gain (p<0.001). The lemongrass-only group showed a 12.7% weight reduction, while the combination group achieved the lowest final weight (200 g) and the lowest fat mass (2.39 g, p=0.048). Significant intergroup differences appeared from week 1 and persisted until week 13 (p<0.05). The combination group maintained stable weight after intervention, outperforming SIT or lemongrass alone.Conclusion: The combination of SIT and lemongrass ethanol extract significantly reduces body weight and fat mass in obese rats, demonstrating synergistic efficacy. Lemongrass inhibits fat absorption and enhances metabolic regulation, while SIT promotes fat oxidation. This dual approach offers a viable, non-invasive strategy for obesity management, warranting further clinical exploration.

Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency is ovarian aging that occurs before the age of 40, with a global prevalence of 1.1%. Premature ovarian insufficiency can be induced by environmental exposures, particularly through free radicals generated by cigarette smoke.Objective: The purpose of this study was to prove that the administration of ethanol extract of black soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) can inhibit the decrease in ovarian tertiary follicle count and serum estradiol levels in Wistar strain rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to cigarette smoke.Methods: This research is an experimental study with a post-test-only control group design involving 30 Wistar-strain rats (Rattus norvegicus) that met the inclusion criteria. The rats were divided into five groups: group N (normal), group K (control), and group P1-P3 which received black soybean seed extract (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) at doses of 375 mg/kgBW (P1), 750 mg/kgBW (P2), and 1500 mg/kgBW (P3) administered orally via gavage every day for 28 days. The control group and treatment groups were exposed to cigarette smoke, after the administration of the extract, for 2 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 28 days. Serum estradiol levels (ng/L) were measured using the ELISA method, and ovarian tissue samples were collected for counting the number of ovarian tertiary follicles.Results: There was a significant difference in serum estradiol levels (p < 0,001), with the highest serum estradiol level observed in Group P1 (564.4 ± 74.28) and the lowest in Group K (116,7 ± 38,01). There was no significant difference in the number of ovarian tertiary follicles (p=0,645).Conclusion: The ethanol extract of black soybean seeds (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) at a dose of 375 mg/kg BW significantly inhibits the decrease in estradiol levels but did not affect the number of ovarian tertiary follicles in Wistar strain rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to cigarette smoke.

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy and the leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Various studies have shown that Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) deficiency and increased Soluble endoglin (sEng) level are consistently associated with the incidence of preeclampsia. Several studies also show the role of MTHFR A1298C and C677T gene polymorphisms in preeclampsia.Objective: This study investigated association between blood GPx, sEng levels, MTHFR A1298C and C677T gene polymorphisms in Preeclampsia.Methods: This analytic observational case-control study was conducted on 70 cases of preeclampsia and 70 controls. Blood GPx and sEng levels were measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). MTHFR A1298C and C677T gene polymorphism was genotyped using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The data obtained were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and independent T-test.Results: There were no significant differences in GPx levels or MTHFR A1298C/C677T genotype distribution between groups. sEng levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group than controls (p=0.001). ROC analysis identified a cut-off of 7.75 ng/mL. Among preeclampsia patients, those with the MTHFR 1298AC/CC genotypes had lower sEng levels than wildtype (p=0.027), suggesting a potential protective effect. No association was found for C677T.Conclusion: We found no significant difference in GPx level, MTHFR A1298C and C677T gene polymorphism between preeclampsia and control group. Soluble endoglin (sEng) level in the preeclampsia group (mean: 11.0±5.22) were significantly different (p=0.001) compared to the control group (mean: 8.1±5.31). Increased level of sEng is associated with incidence of preeclampsia. A key finding in this study is the significantly lower sEng levels observed in preeclampsia patients carrying the MTHFR 1298AC and 1298CC alleles compared to the control group (p=0.027). This indicates a protective factor where in preeclampsia with MTHFR gene alleles 1298AC and 1298CC sEng levels are lower compared to wildtype.

Background: Globally, stunting affected approximately 148 million children under five in 2022. Chronic infection contributes to stunting through immune hyperactivation and excessive cytokine release. Since anthropometric assessments are prone to errors and may not accurately reflect the underlying inflammatory status, common systemic inflammatory markers, such as the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), can serve as alternatives. These markers are simple, affordable, and accessible in every health center.Objective: To analyze the correlation of NLR, MLR, and PLR with stunting.Methods: A cross-sectional study involving pediatric patients aged 1-5 years from the Nutrition and Metabolic Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Soetomo Regional Hospital in Surabaya from 2022 to 2023. Forty-one samples met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on NLR, PLR, MLR, and other hematological variables were obtained from the patients' hematology profiles. Group differences, correlations, and diagnostic performance were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman, and ROC methods, respectively.Results: Forty-one subjects were obtained and divided into three groups: 21 (51.2%) normal, 10 (24.4%) stunted, and 10 (24.4%) severely stunted. RBC and lymphocytes significantly increased in normal patients, whereas neutrophils, platelets, NLR, MLR, and PLR significantly increased in severely stunted patients. NLR, MLR, and PLR differed significantly between normal and stunted children (p =<0.001; p =0.002; and p =<0.001, respectively) and showed positive correlations between the NLR (p =<0.001; r =0.687), MLR (p =<0.001; r =0.558), and PLR (p =<0.001; r =0.784) with stunting. At cutoff values of 0.844 (NLR), 88.527 (PLR), and 0.174 (MLR), their AUCs were 0.90, 0.95, and 0.82, with sensitivities of 75%, 80%, and 60%, respectively.Conclusion: NLR, MLR, and PLR significantly differ among normal, stunted, and severely stunted children, showing positive associations with stunting. These markers, particularly PLR, may serve as a practical screening tool, warranting further validation through larger studies.

Over the past five decades, the increasing incidence of obesity has sparked considerable interest in nutraceuticals as promising natural alternatives for effective weight management and metabolic health improvement. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate abundant in cruciferous vegetables, has gained attention for its potential in obesity management, particularly by promoting the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and transforming it into energy-burning fat. While its potential is significant, the underlying molecular mechanisms are complex and require a comprehensive synthesis. Therefore, this review explores sulforaphane (SFN) as a potential nutraceutical alternative by examining the scientific evidence of its anti obesity effects, focusing on its ability to activate multiple signalling pathways, including Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), as well as upregulation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). These are the key pathways in mitochondrial biogenesis, lipid metabolism, and thermogenesis. Additionally, SFN can mitigate oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory responses, further contributing to improved metabolic function and energy expenditure. While much of the research on SFN has focused on its effects on mature cruciferous vegetables, current research increasingly directs attention to microgreens, which contain significantly higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, including SFN. This review highlights SFN’s molecular mechanisms underlying its role in the context of obesity, specifically its effects on WAT browning, metabolic regulation, and thermogenesis. We also explored the potential of microgreen-derived SFN as a promising nutraceutical for obesity intervention and metabolic regulation, highlighting the novel bioactive chemical and biological properties of these plants.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder that is most commonly experienced by women. This condition can reduce the quality of life because it can affect physical, psychological, emotional, social, and financial. The first-line and safest therapy for PCOS is lifestyle changes. One of them is doing physical activity. Yoga as one of the low-intensity physical activities has the potential as a complementary therapy for PCOS. This study implements a systematic review with qualitative analysis method. A literature search was done using the search engines PubMed, Science Direct, and Proquest by setting inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. Yoga is a sport that can be done by everyone because it does not require fitness and flexibility at a certain level. Some of the mechanisms of yoga as complementary therapy for PCOS are the optimization of the autonomic nervous system, regulation of the endocrine system, reduction of stress levels, and balancing of neural hormones. Previous research has shown that yoga can improve various aspects in PCOS women such as anthropometric parameters, menstrual cycle, ovarian morphology, biochemical markers, hormones, cardiovascular, and psychiatric conditions. Yoga can improve various aspects including anthropometric parameters, menstrual cycle, ovarian morphology, biochemical markers, hormones, cardiovascular, and psychiatric conditions.

Background: Endometriosis is associated with lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species (ROS) which causes endometrial cell DNA damage. Vitamin D is known to have good antioxidant content, so it is thought to have the ability to inhibit proliferation, invasion and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in endometriosis.Objective: To analyze the differences in vitamin D levels between endometriosis cyst patients and normal women and the relationship between vitamin D levels and the size of endometriosis cysts.Methods: Analytical observational study with cross sectional design with 60 samples consisting of 30 endometriosis cyst patients and 30 normal women. Evaluation was carried out on vitamin 25 (OH) D serum levels using the ELISA method and endometriosis cyst size. Cyst size is evaluated by assessing the largest diameter of a single endometriosis cyst assessed through an ultrasound examination by a specialist doctor.Results: Vitamin D levels in the endometriosis group were significantly lower than normal women (13.23 ± 5.39 ng/mL vs 15.83 ± 5.30 ng/mL; p = 0.048). Subjects with vitamin D levels <13.45 had a 4.03x (OR 4.03; CI95% 1.37-11.83) higher risk of experiencing endometriosis compared to subjects with vitamin D levels > 13.45 ng/mL. There was no correlation between vitamin D levels and the size of endometriosis cysts (p=0.720).Conclusion: Endometriosis patients have significantly lower serum vitamin D levels than normal women (OR 4.03; CI95% 1.37-11.83). Serum vitamin D levels do not significantly correlate with endometriosis cyst size.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep. This sleep disorder is often ignored or undiagnosed because it is often underdiagnosed due to non-specific symptoms, even though it can cause health problems and interfere with the quality of life. The gold standard for diagnosing OSA is polysomnography (PSG), but PSG is not available in all healthcare facilities. The Friedman Tongue Position (FTP) examination is a simple method for estimating upper airway obstruction and is expected to serve as a screening tool for OSA risk.Objective: To determine the association between Friedman Tongue Position and the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) in obstructive sleep apnea. To determine the association between body mass index, age, and sex with the respiratory disturbance index in obstructive sleep apnea.Methods: The study was conducted from August to October 2024 at Dr. Kariadi Central General Hospital Semarang, with a total sample of 44 adults (>18 years), comprising 22 OSA and 22 non-OSA subjects. This was a cross-sectional study involving patients who had undergone PSG. The RDI values were obtained from PSG results. FTP was assessed through tongue examination. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test.Results: Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between BMI (p = 0.013) and FTP (p < 0.001) and RDI. Meanwhile, Fisher’s Exact test for age (p=0.697) and Chi-square test for sex (p=0.203) indicated no significant association with RDI.Conclusion: FTP and BMI showed significant associations with RDI, where higher FTP grades and obesity increased the likelihood of OSA. In contrast, age and sex were not significantly associated with RDI, indicating that they do not independently influence respiratory disturbance severity.

Background: Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for cancer growth and metastasis, including in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) regulates angiogenesis, and its elevated mRNA expression is linked to poor prognosis in cancer. Genetic variations, such as the rs699947 polymorphism in the VEGF gene, can affect VEGF expression and contribute to cancer progression.Objective: The primary aim of this study is to examine the distribution of the VEGF rs699947 polymorphism and its correlation with VEGF mRNA expression levels in patients with low-grade and high-grade EOC at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia.Methods: This research is a cross-sectional analysis involving 65 normal female whole blood samples and a total of 80 ovarian cancer biopsy samples, including 15 ovarian cysts as expression calibrators, along with 36 low-grade and 29 high-grade EOC samples. The distribution of genotypes and alleles of the VEGF rs699947 polymorphism was assessed through ARMS PCR analysis, while VEGF mRNA expression was quantified using real-time qPCR.Results: Significant differences were observed in both genotype (p<0,01) and allele (p=0,000) distributions between the normal and cases group. The relative mRNA expression of VEGF was significantly elevated in both low-grade and high-grade EOC. Individuals with the homozygous VEGF rs699947 AA genotype exhibited the highest mRNA expression compared to other genotypes. In contrast, individuals carrying the CC genotype showed the lowest correlation with VEGF mRNA expression in both low-grade and high-grade EOC.Conclusion: This study shows that the A allele of VEGF rs699947 is correlated with increased VEGF mRNA expression in EOC patients, particularly in those with the AA genotype. Conversely, the C allele may offer a protective effect against EOC, as the CC genotype is linked to lower VEGF mRNA expression. Genetic screening for VEGF rs699947 could facilitate early detection and inform targeted therapeutic strategies.