Placenta derived human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC) are an attractive source of stem cells for the generation of hepatocyte-like cells (HLC) for therapeutic applications to treat liver diseases. During hAEC differentiation into HLC, they become increasingly immunogenic, which may result in immune cell-mediated rejection upon transplantation into allogeneic recipients. Placing cells within devices such as alginate microcapsules can prevent immune cell-mediated rejection. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of HLC generated from hAEC and to examine the effects of encapsulation on HLC viability, gene expression, and function. hAEC were differentiated for 4 weeks and evaluated for hepatocyte-specific gene expression and function. Differentiated cells were encapsulated in barium alginate microcapsules and cultured for 7 days and the effect of encapsulation on cell viability, function, and hepatocyte related gene expression was determined. Differentiated cells performed key functions of hepatocytes including urea synthesis, drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4 activity, indocyanine green (ICG) uptake, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake, and exhibited glutathione antioxidant capacity. A number of hepatocyte-related genes involved in fat, cholesterol, bile acid synthesis, and xenobiotic metabolism were also expressed showing that the hAEC had differentiated into HLC. Upon encapsulation, the HLC remained viable for at least 7 days in culture, continued to express genes involved in fat, cholesterol, bile acid, and xenobiotic metabolism and had glutathione antioxidant capacity. CYP3A4 activity and urea synthesis by the encapsulated HLC were higher than that of monolayer HLC cultures. Functional HLC can be derived from hAEC, and HLC can be encapsulated within alginate microcapsules without losing viability or function in vitro.

Background Chronic occupational exposure in textile workers lowers the pulmonary function and levels of sinonasal IgA. A Nephrolepis exaltata herbal mask can protect the respiratory tract. This study aims to understand the effect of this herbal mask on the IgA levels and pulmonary function in textile workers. Thirty employees were selected for this study. Methods The pre- and post-test randomized experimental control trials were conducted in a garment industry of Bawen, Semarang, Indonesia. The subjects that qualified to participate (n = 30) fulfilled the inclusion criteria i.e., 20–35 years old, healthy, and willing to be a research subject; and exclusion criteria i.e., having history of alcohol consumption, smoking, history of liver disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, pulmonary and heart disease and/or being pregnant. The subjects were then divided randomly into control group (n = 15), who used regular mask that was rewashed and changed every month for eight weeks, and treatment group (n = 15), who used Nephrolepis exaltata mask that was changed every two days for eight weeks. Pulmonary function tests were carried out using MIR Spirolab III before and after the experiment. IgA levels were measured by nasal wash method using ELISA. Results IgA levels of the treatment group before and after usage of mask were significantly different (p<0.001) compared to the control group. There were significant difference in FVC of the control group, but no significant difference was observed for FEV1 (p = 0.507) and PEF (p = 0.001). In the treatment group, all three parameters showed significant differences [FVC (p = 0.038), FEV1 (p = 0.004), and PEF (p = 0.001)]. The means of ΔFVC, ΔFEV1, and ΔPEF were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the treatment group with OR = 5.1 for higher IgA levels. Conclusions The herbal mask is better in increasing IgA and improving the pulmonary function compared to the regular mask.

Objective: Excessive use of MSG in everyday life can cause infertility to men. Exposure to MSG can cause cells to experience oxidative stress which subsequently triggers the generation of free radicals. Free radicals can be resisted with antioxidants. Material & Methods: This research was a laboratory experimental test with a post-test only control group design using male mice as the experimental object. The statistical test used the One Way ANOVA test. Results: In this research, 5 male mice were assigned into 4 groups and 1 control group. Using the One Way ANOVA test, it was found that there were significant differences in ≥ 2 treatment groups in the motility group of spermatozoa with active movement (p < 0.001) and the motility group of spermatozoa with weak movement (p = 0.036). The two groups showed significant differences. The Post hoc LSD test in the motility group with active movement showed significant differences between the control group with MSG treatment (p < 0.001) and the treatment group given Moringa leaves extract of 600 mg/kgW (p < 0.001) and 1200 mg/kgW (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Moringa leaves extract can effect the improvement of the motility of spermatozoa exposed to monosodium glutamate at a given dose of 300 mg/kgW and 600 mg/kgW.

Background: Macrophages, as the first defense mechanism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, play the important role in pulmonary TB pathogenesis. The increasing prevalence of pulmonary TB is followed by the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM). DM patients have 4,7 times higher risk to develop pulmonary TB compared to patients without DM, since DM can increase the frequency and severity of an infection, including pulmonary TB. Aim: To analyze macrophage activity (phagocytosis, intracellular killing, and IFN-γsynthesis) of TB-DM and TB non-DM patient. Method: This experimental study used a PBMC cultured sample from TB-DM and TB non-DM patient's which undergo observation of macrophage activity (phagocytic, intracellular killing and IFN-γsynthesis). The data were taken from microscopic observation of TB-DM and TB non-DM patients, colony growth of viable M. tuberculosis and the IFN-γlevel secreted by macrophages. Result: The result showed that macrophages of TB-DM patient's were less amount of phagocytosedM. tuberculosis, a little amount of formed vacuoles and giant cells, secrete low level of IFN-γ, and more viable M. tuberculosis(from subculture). Conclusions: Macrophages of TB-DM patients are reduced phagocytic activity toward M. tuberculosis which is this macrophages are less activated.