International Journal of Ecophysiology

Literature Study: Genetic Mutations in Antibacterial Resistance

Riska Wahyuni

This study aims to understand how molecular and genetic mechanisms contribute to the development of antibacterial resistance and its impact on public health. The method used is a literature review by analyzing various books and scientific journals. Antibacterial resistance occurs when microorganisms become resistant to drugs that should effectively eliminate them, making treatment less effective. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are the main causes of this issue. In Indonesia, easy access to antibiotics without a prescription worsens the situation. As a result, infections become more difficult to treat, prolonging illness and increasing the risk of death. Several bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, have shown high levels of resistance, particularly in hospitals. This resistance can develop through genetic mutations and the transfer of genetic material between bacteria. Therefore, antibacterial resistance is a serious threat that requires special attention in its control efforts.

SOD2 Cell Guard from Free Radicals in Humans and Fruit Flies

Sri Tati Rukiyani

Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene encodes the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) which plays a critical role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis by dismuting superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. Localized in mitochondria, this enzyme protects mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage caused by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which can trigger mutations and carcinogenesis. The expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase are critical for ROS detoxification and genome stability. The human SOD2 gene, located on chromosome 6q25.3, consists of five exons and four introns, and encodes a homo-tetrameric protein with Mn³⁺ cofactor. Genetic variations, such as Val9Ala and Val16Ala polymorphisms, affect the structure of the mitochondrial targeting sequence and potentially increase susceptibility to various diseases. The SOD2 protein structure includes two functional domains containing residues essential for enzymatic activity, allowing the enzyme to perform its function in cellular defense against oxidative stress.

Keywords: SOD2 , Mn-SOD, Reactive Oxygen Species , Mitochondria

Antibiotic Use in Acne vulgaris: Pharmacological Perspectives and Emerging Resistance - A Brief Review

Yunita Sari Pane, Nur Hasanah

Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that frequently affects adolescents and young adults. It is characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules. The primary etiological factors include hyperkeratinization, excessive sebum production, colonization of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), and an inflammatory immune response. Objective: This review discusses the pharmacological aspects and challenges associated with the use of antibiotics in AV treatment, particularly in the context of rising antibiotics resistance. Methods: This mini-review was conducted using data collected from online academic databases, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. From an initial pool of 60 articles related to AV treatment,antibiotic mechanism, and resistance patterns, 31 publications (1999 – 2024) were selected based on relevance and quality. Results: The pathophysiology of AV is multifactorial, involving sebaceous hyperactivity, follicular hyperkeratinization, microbial colonization, and immune-mediated inflammation. Topical drugs (e.q., tetracyclines) remain central in AV management. However, increased antibiotic resistance, especially by C. acnes has compromised their efficacy. Combining antibiotics with agents like benzoyl peroxide (BPO) or topical retinoids may help mitigate resistance. Alternative treatments, including isotretinoin, hormonal therapies, and physical modalities, provide additional therapeutic options. Conclusion: Antibiotic use in AV treatment requires careful pharmacological consideration, balancing efficacy, safety, cost, and resistance risk. To preserve long-term effectiveness, antibiotics should be combined with non-antibiotic agents and used for limited durations. Tailoring treatment based on disease severity, location, and patient preference is essential for optimal outcomes.

Potential of Pirdot Leaf (Saurauia vulcani Korth.) as Immunomodulator: JAK-STAT Pathway and Turandot A Gene Expression in Drosophila melanogaster Hyperglycemia Model

Enisantaria Br Manik

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health issue characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, immune system dysregulation, and increased mortality rates. Therapeutic approaches based on natural immunomodulators represent a potential strategy for managing this disease. Saurauia vulcani Korth. (pirdot), an endemic plant of Indonesia, is known to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenoids, which exhibit antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory activities. Drosophila melanogaster, which has a high level of genetic homology with humans, is used as a model for insulin resistance through the induction of a high-sugar diet. One of the key genes in the immune response of this organism is Turandot A (TotA), which is expressed in response to stress and regulated by the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

Modulation of Dilp2 and Dilp5 Gene Expression by Pirdot Leaf Extract (Saurauia vulcani Korth.) in Drosophila melanogaster Hyperglycemia Model: A Literature Review

Rizka Amini Simamora, Sry Suryani Widjaja, Rusdiana

Hyperglycemia is a pathological condition caused by impaired glucose metabolism that contributes significantly to the development of diabetes mellitus. The use of medicinal plants such as pirdot leaves (Saurauia vulcani Korth.) as an alternative therapy has become a focus due to their bioactive compounds with antihyperglycemic properties. This article presents a literature review on the potential of pirdot leaf ethanol extract in modulating the expression of Dilp2 and Dilp5 genes in the Drosophila melanogaster hyperglycemia model. Drosophila melanogaster was chosen as a model organism because it has insulin signaling pathways homologous to humans and produces insulin-like peptides (DILPs), including Dilp2 and Dilp5, which play a crucial role in glucose regulation and energy metabolism. A high-sugar diet in this organism has been shown to disrupt glucose homeostasis and affect the expression of Dilp2 and Dilp5 genes. Pirdot leaf extract has been shown in vivo in mouse models to lower blood glucose levels and exhibit regenerative activity toward pancreatic cells. Although no direct studies have been conducted on the effects of pirdot extract on gene expression in Drosophila, previous studies indicate that plant compounds can influence metabolic pathways at the molecular level. Therefore, further research using Drosophila melanogaster is important to evaluate the potential of pirdot extract in gene expression-based hyperglycemia therapy.

Intercorrelation Molecular Pathway Active Substance of Lemongrass Extract (Cymbopogon citratus) on the Improvement of Hyperlipidemia and Inflamation: A Literature Review

Lisa Nabila Pratiwi, Dedi Ardinata, Yetty Machrina

Hyperlipidemia and chronic inflammation are interconnected pathological states that significantly contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Natural compounds, particularly those derived from medicinal plants, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. This literature review explores the molecular mechanisms and interrelated pathways through which the active substances in lemongrass extract (Cymbopogon citratus), such as citral, flavonoids, and polyphenols, exert lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. The analysis focuses on key signaling pathways, including AMPK activation, PPAR-α modulation, NF-κB inhibition, and antioxidant response elements, which collectively influence lipid metabolism, cytokine expression, and oxidative stress reduction. Findings from preclinical and in vitro studies suggest that the synergistic action of these bioactive compounds supports the improvement of hyperlipidemia profiles and inflammatory markers. Understanding these intercorrelated molecular pathways provides a scientific basis for the development of lemongrass-based adjunct therapies in managing metabolic syndrome and related inflammatory conditions.

The Effect Of Areca Nut (Areca catechu L.) Ethanol Extract On The Morphology and Histology Of Alloxan Induced Rat (Rattus norvegicus L.) Testis

Salomo Hutahaean, Christoper Arata Tambunan

Some people traditionally use the areca (Areca catechu) nut in Indonesia to cure diabetes; however, information regarding the safety of the areca nut, especially for the reproductive system, still needs to be studied. This study aimed to analyze the effect of administering areca nut ethanol extract on the morphology and histology of testes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-four diabetic rats were divided into six treatments: normal control, alloxan control, 3 treatments of areca nut ethanol extract (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg BW), and metformin 45 mg/kg BW. The treatment was given for 25 days, and on the 26th day, the rats were dissected, and histological preparations were made using the paraffin method and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE). The results showed that administration of areca nut ethanol extract up to a dose of 300 mg/kg BW was safe for the testis organs and could even increase testis weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, seminiferous tubule germinal epithelial thickness, number of Leydig cells, number of Sertoli cells, number of spermatogonium cells, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatogenesis index significantly (p<0.05).

Microplastic Content in Water and Fish Species in Simanindo Waters, Lake Toba, North Sumatera

Regita Siregar, Eri Yusni , Tengku Sabrina

With the activities in the waters of Lake Toba will affect the condition of the aquatic environment and also contribute to the presence of microplastics. One of the interesting waste problems in waters to discuss is the presence of microplastics in waters. Microplastics are certainly more than <5 mm in size, there are three processes of microplastic formation, namely biologically, chemically and physically. Microplastics can contaminate fish through fish organs such as gills and digestive tracts. The purpose of this study was to determine the form and abundance of microplastics in the respiratory tract and digestive tract of fish. This study was conducted from November to December 2024. The average abundance in water samples was 21-57 particles / gram while in digestive tract samples it was 37-42 particles / gr dry weight and the last respiratory tract sample was 9 159 particles / gr dry weight. The forms of microplastics found were film-shaped microplastics, fiber microplastics, fragment microplastics and pellet microplastics

Histological Analysis of Langerhans Islets and β-Cell Morphology in Diabetic Rats Treated with Bischofia javanica Nanoherbal

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia and β-cell damage. Standard therapies like metformin reduce blood glucose but rarely restore pancreatic structure. Bischofia javanica leaves, rich in flavonoids and phenolics, have traditional antidiabetic use with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This study evaluated the effects of nanoherbal B. javanica on pancreatic histopathology in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: negative control (KN), positive control (KP), metformin 150 mg/kg BW (KS), and nanoherbal B. javanica at 50 mg/kg BW (P1), 100 mg/kg BW (P2), and 200 mg/kg BW (P3). Pancreatic tissues were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining and analyzed with the Pancreatic Injury Severity Score (ISS). Results showed that KP developed severe damage with the highest ISS (2.86), characterized by islet shrinkage, β-cell degeneration, insulitis, fibrosis, and vascular abnormalities. KS showed moderate improvement (ISS 1.71), while nanoherbal treatment groups exhibited dose-dependent recovery. P3 (200 mg/kg BW) achieved near-normal morphology with the lowest ISS (0.71), demonstrating superior effects compared to KS. These findings suggest that nanoherbal B. javanica protects and regenerates pancreatic β-cells through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, while nanoformulation enhances bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of its active compounds.