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BACKGROUND: Cisplatin (CIS) is an important chemotherapy agent which is widely used for the treatment of many types of solid tumors, which can cause decreased ovarian function. Nigella sativa has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity that might protect the ovaries from damage due to CIS. AIM: This study aims to understand the benefits of N. sativa protecting the ovaries due to CIS chemotherapy. METHODS: Thirty-two female Rattus norvegicus aged 8 weeks weighing 160–200 g were divided into four groups: Negative control, Positive control, Treatment-1 (CIS 6 mg/KgBW and NS 500 mg/KgBW/day), and Treatment-2 (CIS 6 mg/KgBW and NS 1000 mg/kgBW/day) for 2 weeks. On the 14th day the rats were sacrificed, blood was drawn from the heart, followed by taking ovaries. RESULTS: There was lower mortality and morbidity in CIS + NS 1000 and CIS + NS 500 mg group (p = 0.01 and 0.001). The mean estradiol levels, follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and anti-mullerian hormone levels were not statistically significant among the four groups. The highest number of primary, secondary, tertiary follicles are seen at the CIS + NS 500 mg and CIS + NS 1000 mg groups (p = 0.05). The lowest number of atretic follicles is seen at the CIS + NS 1000 mg group, and the highest number of atretic follicles was in CIS only. CONCLUSION: There is a trend that N. sativa is beneficial in protecting the ovaries from damage caused by CIS.

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a combination of symptoms including urgency, frequency, and nocturia, with or without urinary incontinence. Overactive bladder has a high prevalence especially in those of an older age and women, with diagnosis depending on the patient’s symptoms. This study aims to assess brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) in urine as biomarkers in OAB. Methods: Studies were searched from Pubmed, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar. All studies assessing BDNF, NGF, and HSCRP in urine in OAB patients were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were then calculated. Results: A total of 85 studies were included with a total of 11,483 subjects (6,885 OAB patients and 4,598 controls). Based on data analysis results, urinary NGF/Creatinine (NGF/Cr) and NGF level in OAB patients were significantly higher than control (SMD = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.80-1.20, P<0.00001; and SMD = 1.11, 95%CI = 0.79-1.43, P<0.00001). NGF/Cr level was found higher in OAB with incontinence (OAB wet) compared with OAB without incontinence (OAB dry) (SMD = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.23-0.60, P<0.0001), and decreased after treatment (SMD = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.49-1.03, P<0.00001). Urinary BDNF/Cr level was significantly higher in OAB patients compared with controls (SMD = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.14-2.79, P<0.00001), and also decreased significantly after treatment (SMD = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.42-1.08, P<0.00001). The level of HSCRP was significantly higher in OAB patients when compared with controls (SMD = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.12-0.64, P<0.004). Conclusions: The level of BDNF/Cr, NGF/Cr, NGF, and HSCRP in urine were found higher in OAB compared with controls, which means they may be used as a biomarkers for OAB.

HIGHLIGHTS 1. Serum calcium concentration in pregnant women who took prenatal appointments in the general hospital and its satellite hospitals were evaluated.2. It was found that serum calcium concentration in those pregnant women who made the prenatal appointments were normal.   ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate serum calcium concentration in pregnant women who made prenatal appointments to Obstetric and Gynecologic Outpatient Clinics at Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, and its satellite hospitals. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive study with a case series approach. The case series of the study included 35 pregnant women in their second or third trimester chosen by consecutive sampling method. Results: The mean calcium serum level of pregnant women in the second and third trimester was 9.12±0.49 mg/dl and 8.97±0.26 mg/dl, respectively. The mean calcium level of pregnant women aged <20, 20-35, and >35 years old were 9.0±0.28 mg/dl, 9.07±0.44 mg/dl, and 8.96±0.06 mg/dl, respectively. Conclusion: This study found that the mean calcium serum level of pregnant women who took prenatal appointments in Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, was normal.

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