Medical Laboratory Technology Journal

Infectıon of Hepatıtıs B Vırus and Hepatıtıs C Vırus in Thalassemıa

Doni Setiawan — 2025-12-09

Thalassemia disease remains incurable and causes many complications. People with thalassemia major require routine lifelong blood transfusions. A main risk of transfusion is infection with diseases transmitted through blood, which is among the most frequent causes of death in thalassemia patients. Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) include hepatitis B and hepatitis C. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in thalassemia patients in Ciamis Regency and examine the relationship between transfusion frequency and these infections. The method was a cross-sectional study on thalassemia patients who received blood transfusions. The study included 191 thalassemia patients at Ciamis Hospital from January to June 2023. Purposive sampling selected 89 patients as the sample. Hepatitis B and C tests used immunochromatography. The prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus infections in thalassemia patients in Ciamis Regency was 2.2% and 3.4%, respectively. The chi-square test showed a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between transfusion frequency and hepatitis B and C infection in thalassemia patients. This result suggests a risk of hepatitis B and C infection. Thalassemia patients are potentially susceptible to blood-borne Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus. These infections increase morbidity due to transfusion therapy. Routine inspection for Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus is essential for thalassemia patients. These results emphasize the need for strict screening protocols in blood transfusion processing.

Effect of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) Gel on PDGF and IL-6 Expression in UVB-Exposed Wistar Rats

Desy Elia Pratiwi — 2025-12-09

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure can trigger inflammation and inhibit skin regeneration by decreasing Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) and increasing Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effectiveness as a topical gel has not been widely studied. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea L) extract gel on IL-6 and PDGF expression in Wistar rats exposed to UVB. This study is an in vivo experimental study with a post-test-only control group design. A total of 20 Wistar rats (200–250 g) were divided into four groups consisting of 5 rats per group: K1 (healthy control), K2 (gel base + UV-B), K3 (5% Clitoria ternatea gel + UV-B), and K4 (10% Clitoria ternatea gel + UV-B). UV-B exposure was carried out for 20 minutes/day (160 mJ/cm²) for 7 days. PDGF and IL-6 expression were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Statistical tests using Shapiro-Wilk, Levene, Kruskal-Wallis for PDGF expression, and One-Way ANOVA for IL-6 expression. Studies have shown that PDGF expression did not show significant differences between groups (p=0.455), with an average expression of K1: 1.39±0.62, K2: 1.39±0.61, K3: 1.66±0.87, and K4: 1.52±1.88. IL-6 expression was also similar (p=0.663), an average of K1: 1.02±0.18, K2: 1.11±0.33, K3: 1.22±0.23, and K4: 1.16±0.26. Conclusion: Administration of Clitoria ternatea L. extract gel did not have a significant effect on PDGF and IL-6 expression in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to UVB light. Both 5% and 10% doses showed no significant difference in the expression of the two markers; further studies with larger sample sizes, longer treatment durations, and improved topical delivery systems are needed. are recommended to better evaluate its therapeutic potential.

The Effects of Sungkai Leaf and Cinnamon Bark Extracts on MDA and IL-10 in MSG Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Wistar Rats

Dina Afrianti — 2025-12-09

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is known to trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to kidney tissue damage. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of sungkai leaf extract (Peronema canescens Jack) and cinnamon bark extract (Cinnamomum burmannii) on kidney histology, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in male Wistar rats induced with excessive MSG. A total of 30 rats were divided into six groups: normal control, positive control (MSG only), and four treatment groups receiving MSG alongside sungkai leaf extract (28 mg or 56 mg) or cinnamon bark extract (4% or 8%) for 10 days. MDA and IL-10 levels were measured using ELISA, and kidney tissue was examined histologically. The results showed that both extracts significantly reduced MDA (P= 0,000) levels and increased IL-10 (P= 0,000) levels compared to the positive control. The most prominent protective effect was observed in the group treated with 56 mg of sungkai leaf extract, followed by the 8% cinnamon bark group. Histopathological analysis revealed notable improvements in kidney structure, approaching normal conditions in treated groups. These findings suggest that sungkai leaf and cinnamon bark extracts, particularly at higher doses, offer protective benefits against MSG-induced kidney damage through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

The Effect of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Extract Cream on VEGF and IL-10 in Xerotic Rats

Erica Lidya Yanti — 2025-12-09

Xerosis cutis is a chronic dry skin condition aggravated by impaired skin barrier function and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Decreased levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contribute to prolonged inflammation and hinder tissue regeneration. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) contains flavonoids and vitamin C, which possess anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties, making it a promising candidate for natural topical therapy. This study aimed to determine the effect of cucumber extract cream on IL-10 and VEGF levels in the skin of female Wistar rats with grade II xerosis cutis induced by acetone and ethanol. This experimental research employed a post-test only control group design. A total of 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control, negative control, positive control (10% ceramide cream), and two treatment groups receiving cucumber extract cream at concentrations of 3% and 5%. Following the induction of xerosis, the respective creams were applied topically for 14 consecutive days. Results showed that administration of 5% cucumber extract cream significantly increased VEGF levels (715.75 ± 152.65 ng/L) and IL-10 levels (200.35 ± 43.49 pg/mL) compared to the negative control (VEGF 494.29 ± 95.05 ng/L; IL-10 120.62 ± 22.11 pg/mL, p<0.05). The 3% cucumber extract cream also elevated VEGF (522.96 ± 115.48 ng/L) and IL-10 (197.86 ± 31.32 pg/mL), though less effectively than the 5% formulation. Meanwhile, the group treated with ceramide 10% cream showed increases in VEGF (694.87 ± 180.52 ng/L) and IL-10 (140.85 ± 32.42 pg/mL), indicating that cucumber extract at 5% comparable to ceramide therapy. In conclusion, cucumber extract cream, particularly at 5% concentration, significantly enhances IL-10 and VEGF levels in the skin of xerosis cutis model rats. These findings indicate its potential as an effective natural topical therapy for reducing inflammation and promoting skin regeneration in xerosis cutis caused by chemical exposure.

Diagnostic Utility of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Correlation with Procalcitonin Levels among Neonates with Suspected Sepsis

Nurhidayanti Nurhidayanti — 2025-12-09

Neonatal sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in resource-limited settings. The gold standard blood culture is limited by delayed turnaround time and suboptimal sensitivity, necessitating rapid, reliable biomarkers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and procalcitonin (PCT). Objective: to investigate the correlation between NLR and PCT levels in neonates with suspected sepsis, and evaluate the feasibility of NLR as an early diagnostic tool alongside PCT. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhammadiyah Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia, from January to March 2024. Thirty neonates aged 0–28 days with clinical suspicion of sepsis were recruited by purposive sampling. NLR values were obtained from automated hematology analyzers, and PCT levels were measured using fluorescence immunoassay. Statistical analysis used Spearman’s correlation, with p < 0.05 considered significant. The mean NLR was 3.99 (range: 2.3–6.2), and the mean PCT level was 5.72 ng/mL (range: 2.9–9.2 ng/mL). A significant positive correlation was observed between NLR and PCT (r = 0.684, p < 0.001), indicating that higher NLR values corresponded with elevated PCT levels. The study concludes that NLR shows a strong, statistically significant correlation with PCT in neonates with suspected sepsis. As a cost-effective and widely available marker, NLR can serve as an early screening tool, with PCT providing confirmatory value. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and single-center study design, which may limit the generalizability of the results.

Interaction Between Agricultural Environmental Exposure and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Risk

Arrizqi Hafidh Abdussalam — 2025-12-09

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among women worldwide, and environmental exposures may contribute to breast carcinogenesis through inflammatory pathways such as NLR, PLR, and interferon-γ. This study aimed to examine the association between agricultural environmental exposure, represented by rice field area, and inflammatory biomarkers including the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Interferon-γ in breast cancer. A case–control method was applied to 128 histopathologically confirmed samples consisting of 100 malignant (Invasive Carcinoma NST) and 28 benign (Fibroadenoma Mammae) breast tumors; hematologic indices were derived from preoperative blood tests, IFN-γ expression was analyzed immunohistochemically, and rice field proportions near participants’ residences were obtained from national statistics, with data analyzed using Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression. The results showed that agricultural exposure (rice field ≥60%) was not significantly associated with breast cancer (p = 0.703), whereas elevated NLR (OR = 4.89, p = 0.014), PLR (OR = 12.13, p = 0.017), and IFN-γ expression ≥20% (aOR = 23.94, p = 0.049) were significantly associated with malignancy. In conclusion, although agricultural land area was not a direct risk factor, inflammatory and immune biomarkers—particularly IFN-γ—served as strong predictors of breast cancer, indicating their potential utility in risk stratification for agrarian populations.

Nutritional Content, Subchronic Toxicity, and Antidysmenorrhea Activity of Instant Herbal Medicine Mixture of Red Ginger and White Ginger

Vonny Khresna Dewi — 2025-12-09

Dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that occurs in 69.8% of women. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) contains various secondary metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to determine its characteristics, including nutritional value and stability, product safety through toxicity testing, and product efficacy. The research stages include research ethics testing and the production of instant powder from a mixture of red and white ginger. Nutritional content analysis included total fat, saturated fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Physical and chemical stability testing was carried out for three months. Subchronic toxicity testing used Wistar rats for 28 days by drawing blood before and after treatment, accompanied by liver delivery. Blood samples were analyzed for SGPT and SGOT levels. The test was conducted on 10 women aged 18-20, divided into two groups. The treatment group was given 20 grams of instant ginger in the morning and evening for 10 days, and compared with the control group without treatment. Pain was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the study. The study showed that instant ginger herbal medicine contained 0.83% total fat, 0.17% saturated fat, 3.73% total protein, and 35.42% total carbohydrates. The stability test results showed no changes in the physical and chemical parameters of the test. The results of the subchronic toxicity test showed that the body weight of mice, liver weight, SGOT levels, and SGPT levels of mice were normal. The activity test showed a decrease in pain from before to after administration of instant ginger, with an average VAS value of 7.8 to 4.2. This study concluded that instant ginger, a mixture of red and white ginger, has good nutritional content, is physically and chemically stable, is non-toxic, and is effective in reducing dysmenorrhea.

Salıva pH, Carıes and OHI-S Score in Stuntıng Pre-School Chıldren in The Swamp Area

Naning Kisworo Utami — 2025-12-09

Stunting remains a major global health issue and is associated with impaired physical and cognitive development, as well as increased susceptibility to oral diseases such as dental caries. Environmental factors, including acidic peatland water, may further aggravate oral health conditions among children living in swamp areas. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between salivary pH, dental caries severity (def-t index), and oral hygiene status (OHI-S) in preschool children with stunting living in peatland regions of South Kalimantan, Indonesia. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted involving 32 preschool children aged 2–5 years residing in the working area of the Martapura Timur Public Health Center. Data collection included clinical examination of caries using the WHO criteria, salivary pH measurement with a Krisbow digital pH meter, and assessment of oral hygiene using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation test. The results showed that salivary pH ranged from 5.5 to 7.0, def-t scores ranged from 2 to 8 (mean = 5.34 ± 1.78), and OHI-S scores were 0.00 in 22 children (68.7%) and >0.00 in 10 children (31.3%). A significant association was found between salivary pH and dental caries severity (p = 0.005; α = 0.05), indicating that lower salivary pH is associated with higher caries prevalence. In conclusion, stunted preschool children in peatland areas exhibited acidic salivary conditions and a high caries burden despite relatively good oral hygiene status. These findings highlight the importance of integrating nutritional rehabilitation and oral health education programs to reduce the risk of dental caries in children living in environmentally vulnerable swamp regions.

Hematological Effects of Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica in Anemic Mice: An Experimental Study

Wahdah Norsiah — 2025-12-09

Anemia is a global health problem that impairs cognitive function, physical performance, and maternal–child health. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological effects of Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica (Nagara Bean) as a potential functional food in sodium nitrite (NaNO₂)-induced anemic mice. Thirty-three male BALB/c mice (8–12 weeks, 25–30 g) were randomly assigned into six groups: normal control (K), negative control (K−, anemia-induced), positive control (K+, iron-supplemented), and three treatment groups (P1, P2, P3) that received Nagara Bean-based feed for 1, 2, and 3 weeks, respectively. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and red blood cell (RBC) levels were measured using Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) and manual cell counting. The results showed increases in Hb, Hct, and RBC across the treatment groups; however, statistical analysis indicated that these improvements were primarily associated with the duration of feed administration rather than treatment type. The greatest hematological improvement was observed after two weeks of feeding (P2). These findings indicate that Nagara Bean supplementation supports hematological recovery in anemic mice. The results suggest that Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica has potential as a natural, affordable, and locally available source of bioavailable iron for anemia prevention and dietary intervention programs.

Antithrombotic Activity and Hemolysis Pattern of Fibrinolytic Protease-Producing Bacterial Isolates from the Coast of Tanjung Dewa, South Kalimantan

Leka Lutpiatina — 2025-12-09

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, with thrombosis playing a key role in the pathological process. Conventional antithrombotic therapy often causes side effects, necessitating alternatives based on biological resources. Marine microorganisms are known to produce fibrinolytic protease enzymes that can degrade fibrin and prevent blood clot formation. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in antithrombotic activity and hemolysis patterns of fibrinolytic protease-producing bacterial isolates obtained from the coast of Tanjung Dewa Beach, South Kalimantan. A total of 15 isolates were obtained from seawater, beach sand, mollusks, crabs, and barnacles, and then subjected to colony morphology identification, Gram staining, and spore observation. Proteolytic activity testing using Skim Milk Agar media showed that all isolates had proteolytic activity with varying indices, with PSR1 showing the highest index (3.4). Furthermore, fibrinolytic testing using the fibrin plate assay method showed that 10 isolates were capable of degrading fibrin, with AL8 and SP2 showing the highest fibrinolytic indices (3.12 and 3.11, respectively). Antithrombotic testing using the clot lysis method revealed that AL7 and SP1 exhibited the highest lysis percentages (82.05% and 88.88%, respectively). Anticoagulant activity, as determined by the Lee-White method, showed that SP2 significantly prolonged the coagulation time (142 seconds, 49.65%). Hemolysis pattern testing revealed variations in activity, with AL8 and PSR1 classified as gamma-hemolytic and therefore potentially safer. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between isolates in terms of antithrombotic activity, anticoagulant activity, or hemolysis pattern (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that coastal bacterial isolates from Tanjung Dewa Beach, particularly AL8 and SP2, have the potential to serve as safe, natural antithrombotic agents, supporting the development of biomedical therapies for cardiovascular disease.