BACKGROUND: In our previous study, we found higher cytoglobin (Cygb) expression in keloid than normal tissue. Cytoglobin is a new globin family protein which function is still being studied to date. The purpose of this research is to elucidate the function of Cygb in human skin keloid fibroblasts (KFs), especially its role in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.METHODS: The study was conducted on human skin KFs obtained from primary culture. Inhibition of Cygb expression was achieved by using siRNA targeting Cygb. We compared the relative expression of Cygb between treatment and control group, and its effect on intracellular ROS levels. Gene expression was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) while the ROS level counted by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFHDA) assay.RESULTS: There was an increase in intracellular ROS levels in the small interfering RNA (siRNA) (+) Cygb group compared to control group (1.673 vs. 1.260; 1.773 vs. 1.393; 1.710 vs. 1.360; respectively). There is a negative correlation between Cygb expression and ROS level (p<0.05; r=-0.651).CONCLUSION: There is a negative correlation between Cygb expression and intracellular ROS levels, we suggest Cygb acts as a ROS scavenger in human skin KFs.KEYWORDS: skin keloid fibroblasts, cytoglobin, siRNA, ROS

The prevalence of bacteremia caused by carbapenem-non-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii (CNSAB) continues to increase, and it is associated with a high mortality rate. Early recognition of infection and mortality determinants risk factors is necessary for adequate antibiotic administration. We aimed to determine the risk factors and outcomes of CNSAB bacteremia in Indonesia. A multicenter case-control study was conducted in three referral hospitals in Indonesia. Data were collected retrospectively from January 2019 to December 2021. Cases were defined as patients with bacteremia where CNSAB was isolated from the blood, while the controls were patients with bacteremia caused by carbapenem-susceptible A. baumannii (CSAB). Risk factors for bacteremia and mortality associated with CNSAB bacteremia were determined using univariates analysis (chi-squared and Student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney test) and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 144 bacteremia patients were included, of whom 72 patients were for each case and control group. The final model of multivariate regression analysis revealed that bacteremia source from the lower respiratory tract (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.24; 95% CI: 1.58–6.63, p = 0.001) and the use of central venous catheter (aOR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.27–5.18; p = 0.009) were independent risk factors for CNSAB bacteremia. Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 4 (aOR: 28.56; 95% CI: 3.06–265.90, p = 0.003) and Pitt Bacteremia Score ≥ 4 (aOR: 6.44; 95% CI: 1.17–35.38; p = 0.032) were independent risk factors for mortality due to CNSAB bacteremia. Only high Pitt Bacteremia Score was an independent risk factor for mortality of CSAB bacteremia. In conclusion, we identified the risk factors for CNSAB-associated bacteremia and the risk factors for death, which are relevant for empiric therapy and infection control prevention, as well as prognosis evaluation of patients with bloodstream infections.

No abstract