Understanding the Roles of Selenium on Thyroid Hormone-Induced Thermogenesis in Adipose Tissue

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) are known to regulate lipid metabolism. A lower amount of BAT compared to WAT, along with adipose tissue dysfunction, can result in obesity. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation protects against adipocyte dysfunction, decreases WAT triglycerides, and increases BAT triiodothyronine (T3). In this review, we discuss the relationship between selenium and lipid metabolism regulation through selenoprotein deiodinases and the role of deiodinases and thyroid hormones in the induction of adipose tissue thermogenesis. Upon 22 studies included in our review, we found that studies investigating the relationship between selenium and deiodinases demonstrated that selenium supplementation affects the iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (DIO2) protein and the expression of its associated gene, DIO2, proportionally. However, its effect on DIO1 is inconsistent while its effect on DIO3 activity is not detected. Studies have shown that the activity of deiodinases especially DIO2 protein and DIO2 gene expression is increased along with other browning markers upon white adipose tissue browning induction. Studies showed that thermogenesis is stimulated by the thyroid hormone T3 as its activity is correlated to the expression of other thermogenesis markers. A proposed mechanism of thermogenesis induction in selenium supplementation is by autophagy control. However, more studies are needed to establish the role of T3 and autophagy in adipose tissue thermogenesis, especially, since some studies have shown that thermogenesis can function even when T3 activity is lacking and studies related to autophagy in adipose tissue thermogenesis have contradictory results.

Effect of Low Protein Diet on Bone Structure of Young Wistar Mice

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Malnutrition and stunting are major unresolved problems in Indonesia. Protein deficiency can cause stunted growth, as well as make physical and cognitive abilities cannot reach their maximum potential. During childhood the need for protein must be fulfilled so that the peak of bone formation during adolescence can be perfect. In malnourished children, a low protein diet will lead to thinning of the bone cortex. Due to the high rate of stunting and malnutrition in children due to protein deficiency, a study was conducted on the effects of feeding low protein diet on rat bones. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Male Wistar rats (n = 10) at 6-8 weeks old (body weight around 250 g), control groups were fed a normal chow diet and low protein diet groups were given low protein chow diet (protein 5%) for 18 weeks, then the rats were sacrificed and the femoral bones were isolated. Body weight, femur weight, femur length were checked and bone density was examined using X-ray. <b>Results:</b> The body proportions of the low protein group rats were smaller and thinner than those of the control group. This difference is supported by the significant weight loss starting from the sixth week after low protein feeding. There are significant differences in body weight and femur weight between the control and low protein diet groups. Bone density decreases significantly in low protein diet group. Macroscopically, the femur length of the low protein group was shorter than the control group, however the femur length did not show significant differences statistically between the two groups. <b>Conclusion:</b> A low protein diet decreased the body weight of the rats, also causing impaired bone growth characterized by decreasing femur weight. The low protein diet also caused osteoporosis in the bones.

The pharmacology activities of Angelica keiskei Koidzumi and its efficacy and safety in humans

Chronic exposure to elevated levels of pro-oxidant factors may cause structural failings at the mitochondrial DNA level and alteration of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase). Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the capacity of endogenous non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, uric acid, ferritin, metallothionein, melatonin, and bilirubin) and the occurrence of pro-oxidant factors which may lead to the pathogenesis of various diseases that affects the kidneys, pancreas, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Therefore, the utilization of medicinal plants with antioxidant activity, e.g., Angelica keiskei Koidzumi which contains chalcones, is interesting to be explored. Chalcones exhibit direct and indirect antioxidant activity and prevent oxidative stress by decreasing ROS, RNS, and superoxide production. In this review, we discuss the pharmacology activities of A. keiskei Koidzumi and its efficacy in humans. The articles were explored on PubMed and Google Scholar databases and based on the titles and abstracts related to the topic of interest, and 55 articles were selected. Two main chalcones of this plant, 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol, have been reported for their various pharmacology activities. The efficacy of A. keiskei was confirmed in anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetes mellitus, and increasing plasma antioxidants in patients with metabolic syndrome. A keiskei is safe as proven by only mild or no adverse events reported, thus it is prospective to be further developed as an antioxidant nutraceutical.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Fluorescent Probe BPN-01: A Model Molecule for Fluorescence Image-guided Surgery

Fluorescence image-guided surgery (FIGS) can serve as a tool to achieve successful resection of tumour tissues during surgery, serving as a surgical navigator for surgeons. FIGS relies on the use of fluorescent molecules that can specifically interact with cancer cells. In this work, we developed a new model of fluorescent probe based on benzothiazole-phenylamide moiety featuring the visible fluorophore nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD), namely BPN-01. This compound was designed and synthesised for potential applications in the tissue biopsy examination and ex-vivo imaging during FIGS of solid cancers. The probe BPN-01 exhibited favourable spectroscopic properties, particularly in nonpolar and alkaline solvents. Moreover, in vitro fluorescence imaging revealed that the probe appeared to recognise and be internalised in the prostate (DU-145) and melanoma (B16-F10) cancer cells, but not in the normal cells (myoblast C2C12). The cytotoxicity studies revealed that probe BPN-01 was not toxic to the B16 cells, suggesting excellent biocompatibility. Furthermore, the computational analysis showed that the calculated binding affinity of the probe to both translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was considerably high. Hence, probe BPN-01 displays promising properties and may be valuable for visualising cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, ligand 5 can potentially be labelled with NIR fluorophore and radionuclide, and serves as a dual imaging agent for in vivo applications.

Kajian Pustaka: Pemanfaatan Simplisia dan Sediaan Galenik Sebagai Bahan Fitofarmaka dan Herbal Terstandar untuk Kesehatan Promotif dan Preventif Kuda

Kuda telah lama dikenal sebagai hewan yang memiliki fungsi ekonomi dan nilai budaya. Saat ini, minat dan permintaan terhadap tanaman berkhasiat obat untuk pengobatan etnoveteriner pada kuda semakin meningkat. Penggunaan herbal berpotensi mengobati dan mengatasi masalah kesehatan pada kuda, namun khasiat dan keamanannya belum jelas karena tahapan penelitian yang panjang untuk dikenal sebagai obat standar yang spesifik. Dalam penelitian ini, kami mengumpulkan sejumlah informasi ilmiah dari tinjauan sistematis untuk mengeksplorasi potensi herbal untuk menunjang kesehatan kuda. Ditemukan sejumlah 16 jenis tanaman yang berasal dari beberapa lokasi di dunia yang memiliki khasiat obat pada kuda dengan peran preventif dan promotive. Berbagai bagian dari tanaman Ashwaganda, Kapuk Gurun, Devil’s claw, Ginseng, Jahe, Bawang Putih, Rami, Echinacea, Evening Primrose, Lavender, Rose Hip, Aloe Vera, Kranberi, Sea Buckthorn, Avocado-Soy, Bunga Matahari, dan Temulawak telah digunakan sebagai bahan komplementer dan alternative pengobatan untuk mengatasi beberapa masalah kesehatan pada kuda. Karena adanya keterbatasan dalam sumber informasi, penulis menduga bahwa upaya preventif dan promotif belum menjadi perhatian utama untuk kesehatan kuda. Maka dalam hal ini, penulis mencoba menyampaikan beberapa yang diperoleh terkait dengan pemanfaatan tanaman berkhasiat obat sebagai alternatif dan pelengkap kesehatan kuda secara promotif dan preventif.

DMBA-induced Modulate Estrogen Receptors α and β Breast Cancer’s Animal Model

The high incidence of breast cancer cases in the world requires the use of applicative methods. The 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced breast cancer animal model is a widely used chemical-induced animal models for research on breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanism related to DMBA induction remains unclear. Good understanding on DMBA-induced animal models is crucial for studies related to future breast cancer treatments as animal models will provide a deeper understanding of anticancer medication, specifically those aimed for treating breast cancer. The aim of this study was to develop an DMBA-induced animal model for breast cancer. This study used female Wistar rats injected subcutaneously with DMBA as a carcinogen-induced agent (20 mg/kg) to induce tumor. Rat tumors were then evaluated and breast appearance was observed weekly, starting from day 28th after DMBA injection. Breast cancer tissue was then sampled and stored at -80°C until it was used for western blot and histological study. This study indicated that DMBA induced cancer in female Wistar rat’s breasts, and cytoplastic cells and lung metastatic was identified macroscopically and histopathologically. The metabolic sign was observed in the lung and breast sections. Interestingly, the DMBA induction in this study does not only induce organ cancers but also induces estrogen receptors and stimulates signaling of estrogen receptors α (ERα), ERβ, and Akt.

Selenium Supplementation Alters IL-1β and IL-6 Protein Levels in Contusion Model Rats

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Contusion in skeletal muscles were common in athletes.&lt;sup&gt; &lt;/sup&gt;Contusions usually occur when the tissue is exposed to a rapid and strong compressive force, for example, a direct blow, which usually results in the formation of a hematoma within the muscle. Contusion injuries impair the physiological function of the muscle. Supplementation is needed to shorten the healing process. Alternative therapy is antioxidant supplementation. Therefore, we conducted a study on the administration of the antioxidant selenium in contusion rats. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The subject of this study were male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups, namely control group, contusion group and selenium group. Each group consisted of 5 rats. Selenium dose was 0.0513 mg kg&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; b.wt., dissolved into 2% PGA given once a day, for 3 consecutive days. After treatment periods, CK-MM level, IL-1β and IL-6 level were examined. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Protein expression of IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly lower in the selenium treatment group compared to the contusion group. These results were confirmed by improved step gait in the selenium group. But there was no significant decrease in serum CK-MM levels expression in the selenium treatment group when compared to the contusion group. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Selenium supplementation improved gait function after contusion by suppressing IL-1β and IL-6 expression. However, selenium administration did not alter CK-MM levels.

Determination of Quercetin and Flavonol Synthase in <i>Boesenbergia rotunda</i> Rhizome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Flavonols in plants are catalyzed by flavonol synthase (FLS) enzyme. FLS was reported expressed in flowers and fruits, i.e., Dianthus caryophyllus L. (Caryophyllaceae), Petunia hybrida Hort. (Solanaceae), Arabidopsis thaliana L. (Brassicaceae), Citrus unshiu Marc. (Rutaceae). However, none reported about FLS in medicinal plants, particularly those which possess anti-inflammatory activity. This study was aimed to extract and identify FLS in the rhizome of Boesenbergia rotunda (Zingiberaceae) and to determine quercetin in the ethanol extract of the rhizome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The protein extraction of the rhizome was carried out by employing Laing and Christeller's (2004) and Wang's (2014) methods. The extracted-proteins were separated by using SDS-PAGE, followed by the measurement of FLS intensity by using Gel Analyzer. The FLS-1 of recombinant A. thaliana was employed as the standard. The determination of quercetin in the rhizome was carried out using LC-MS.

RESULTS

The FLS occurred as a thick band at 38 kDa with intensity 116-158. The LC chromatogram of the extract indicated a small peak at 7.94 min similar to that of quercetin standard. The MS spectra at 7.94 min indicated that quercetin is present in the B. rotunda rhizome (m/z = 303.0549). The concentration of quercetin in the extract is 0.022% w/v.

CONCLUSION

The FLS, an enzyme which plays an important role in producing quercetin, was detected in B. rotunda rhizome planted in Indonesia. As a consequence, quercetin in a small amount, was also quantified in the rhizome of this plant. This report will add a scientific insight of B. rotunda for biological sciences.