Totok Utoro

Effect of nifedipine on the expression of bcl-2 protein in rat gingiva

Bcl-2 is a family of proteins involved in protecting the cell against death stimuli or in promoting cell death. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of nifedipine treatment on the expression of bcl-2 protein in rat gingival tissues. Rats were given gastric intubation with various concentrations and durations of nifedipine. Nifedipine-untreated and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-treated animals served as control groups. The gingival tissues were dissected and the expression of bcl-2 protein was determined immunohistochemically. The results showed that the numbers of bcl-2-positive cells in the gingiva of nifedipine-treated animals were significantly higher than in the control groups. These numbers increased parallel to increased concentration and duration of nifedipine treatment. The results suggest that nifedipine treatment may induce the expression of bcl-2 protein in rat gingival tissue in a dose- and duration-dependent fashion and that this proto-oncogenic protein may play a role in nifedipine-induced gingival hyperplasia.

Hepatitis E virus infection in two different regions of Indonesia with identification of swine HEV genotype 3

Hepatitis E is an emerging disease with a high incidence globally. Few data are available on hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Indonesia. To obtain molecular information on HEV infection in two regions of Indonesia with different customs and swine breeding conditions, serum samples from 137 swine farm workers, 100 blood donors and 100 swine (27 fecal samples also obtained) in Yogyakarta (Central Java) and from 12 and 64 swine farm workers, 42 and 135 local residents and 89 and 119 swine in Tulungagung (East Java) and Mengwi (Bali), respectively, from our previous study, were compared. Serological tests for anti‐HEV antibodies by ELISA, HEV‐RNA detection by RT‐PCR and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The total prevalence of anti‐HEV antibodies in humans was higher in Bali (11.6%) than in Java (5.1%; P = 0.015). No significant differences in anti‐HEV prevalence among swine farm workers and local residents in Java were found. The finding of swine HEV genotype 3 in specimens from Yogyakarta and genotype 4 from Tulungagung and Bali is somewhat different from other reports. We suggest other factors in addition to close contact with swine might play an important role in HEV transmission of non‐endemic/related custom groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on swine HEV genotype 3 in Indonesia.

Nestin expressions of exposed pulp after direct pulp capping by calcium hydroxide and platelet rich plasma.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate nestin expression of pulp tissue following direct pulp capping with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Materials and Methods: The thirty sound teeth from Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into two groups: Groups 1, teeth were capped with calcium hydroxide/Ca(OH)2(n = 15) and Group 2 with PRP (n = 15). After 1st, 7th, and 21st days, respectively, 5 teeth each group (American Dental Association 41) were processed for light microscopic examination. Expressions of nestin were assessed by immunohistochemical techniques. Results: Nestin expression of Ca(OH)2on the distance place of exposure at 1st and 7th days were 80% and at 21st day were 60%. Nestin expression of PRP on the distance place at 1st day was 80%, 7th 100%, and 21st day was 80%. At day 21 observation, Kruskal–Wallis test shows nestin expression was increased significantly in PRP groups (P < 0.05), but it was not increase significantly compare with Ca(OH)2. Conclusion: PRP had ability as a direct pulp capping material to induce nestin expression.

Pengaruh Propylthiuouracil terhadap Kadar Testosteron dan Estrogen pada Tikus Sprague Dawley Betina

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) was associated with female reproductive hormones disorders. Hypothyroidism inhibits follicular development which subsequently inhibited estrogen secretion. Biosynthesis of estrogen derived from testosterone through aromatization mechanism in ovarian granulose cells. This study aimed to determine changes in levels of serum testosterone and estrogen in hypothyroid rats induced by propylthiouracil. This study was an experimental post test only with controlled group design. Study used 11 Sprague dawley female rats aged 2.5 months with an average body weight 111.1 grams. Five rats given propylthiouracil in the drinking water with doses of 0.1 g/L for 30 days and six rats were used as controls. Hypothyroid rats were determined by measurements of free T4 levels. Data of free T4 levels, testosterone, and estrogen taken from blood serum and it were measured using ELISA technique. Data of testosterone, estrogen, and free T4 analysis using independent sample t test. Free T4 levels of treatment group were 4.0 ± 0.4 pmol/L and the controlled group were 8.1 ± 1.6 pmol/L, statistical analysis showed significant difference between the two groups with p values = 0.001. Testosterone levels of the treatment group were 0.72 ± 0.1 pg/dL and control group were 0.66 ± 0.1 pg/dL, statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups with p values = 0.20. Estrogen levels of the treatment group were 9.4 ± 6.2 pg/dL and control group were 12.6 ± 3.9 pg/dL, statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups with p values = 0.35. There was no significant change in the levels of testosterone and estrogen serum in Sprague dawley female hypothyroid rats induced by propylthiouracil.