The Indonesian Biomedical Journal

4-15

Authors: Anna Meiliana, Andi Wijaya

BACKGROUND: Human fat consist of white and brown adipose tissue (WAT and BAT). Though most fat is energy-storing WAT, the thermogenic capacity of even small amounts of BAT makes it an attractive therapeutic target for inducing weight loss through energy expenditure. CONTENT: Over the past year, several independent research teams used a combination of positron-emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging, immunohistochemistry and gene and protein expression assays to prove conclusively that adult humans have functional BAT. BAT is important for thermogenesis and energy balance in small mammals and its induction in mice promotes energy expenditure, reduces adiposity and protects mice from diet-induced obesity. The thermogenic capacity of BAT is impressive. In humans, it has been estimated that as little as 50g of BAT could utilize up to 20% of basal caloric needs if maximally stimulated. SUMMARY: The obesity pandemic requires new and novel treatments. The past few years have witnessed multiple studies conclusively showing that adult humans have functional BAT, a tissue that has a tremendous capacity for obesity-reducing thermogenesis. Novel therapies targeting BAT thermogenesis may be available in the near future as therapeutic options for obesity and diabetes. Thermogenic ingredients may be considered as functional agents that could help in preventing a positive energy balance and obesity.

33-9

Authors: Yani Lina, Gatot Susilo Lawrence, Andi Wijaya, Suryani As'ad

BACKGROUND: Obesity is commonly associated with a systemic low grade inflammation and insulin resistance state. Although it is still being debated, increased lipolysis is known as one of the risk factors for inflammation and insulin resistance. Two factors already known to affect lipolysis are Angptl3, known as prolipolytic factor, and FGF21, known as antilipolytic factor. The aim of this study was to observe the role of Angptl3 and FGF21 to lipolysis, inflammation and insulin resistance in non diabetic obese male. METHODS: This was an observational study with cross sectional design. One hundred and thirty male subjects aged 30-60 years with non diabetic abdominal obesity characterized by waist circumference 97.32±5.63 cm and fasting blood glucose 90.19±8.78 mg/dL. RESULTS: The results of this study showed a correlation between Angptl3-FFA (r=0.203; p=0.021; R square=0.041; p=0.021), Angptl3-FABP4 (r=0.330; p=0.000; R square=0.109; p=0.000) and Angptl3-TNFα (r=0.288; p=0.001; R square=0.049; p=0.011). There was a correlation between FGF21-FABP4 (r=0.218, p=0.013; R square=0.047, p=0.013) and FGF21 HOMA-IR (r=0.308, p=0.000; R square=0.046, p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that Angptl3 may affect lipolysis and inflammation while FGF21 may affect lipolysis and insulin resistance. The increased FGF21 concentration might occur as a compensation (negative feedback mechanism) to reduce lipolysis and increase insulin sensitivity in non diabetic obese males. Further studies might be needed to observe Angptl3 and FGF21 profile in more severe obese population in Indonesia.

46-52

Authors: Bambang Purwanto, A Guntur Hermawan

BACKGROUND: Use of doxorubicin (DXR) in the treatment of cancer has been increasing along with the increase in cancer morbidity. Nephrotoxic effects of DXR are still a problem. Pentoxyphylline (PTX) as an electron-donor material can be nephroprotective, so the combination of DXR and PTX might reduce the nephrotoxic effects of DXR. The aim of this study was to prove the nephroprotective effect of PTX and DXR nephrotoxicity through the improvement of TGF-β1, collage type-1, and renal interstitial fibrosis. METHODS: Twenty-four males Swiss strain mice, divided into three groups namely Control (C) injected with NaCl 0.9%; DXR induced nephrotoxicity (D); and effect of PTX on D (P/D) by intraperitoneally, respectively, each group consisted of 8 mice. Injections were given once a week for three consecutive weeks. At 8th week post-treatment, all eight mice of each group were sacrificed. Examination of TGF-β1 and collagen type-I expression was done by immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibody. Renal interstitial fibrosis examination was done by a histopathologist, using Verheoff van Giesen staining. The statistic analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: TGF-β1 expression increased from C to D and subsequently decreased in P/D (4.50±3.89 vs. 177.88±68.78 vs. 36.88±9.51). Collagen type-I expression increased from C to D and subsequently decreased in P/D (12.00±14.32 vs. 186.25±125.62 vs. 36.00±29.14). Renal interstitial fibrosis expression increased from C to D and subsequently decreased in P/D (16.75±6.14 vs. 85.00±7.33 vs. 60.50±11.40). The expression of TGF-β1, collagen type-1, and renal interstitial fibrosis were higher significantly in D group as compared to C group (p<0,001). The expression of TGF-β1, collagen type-1, and renal interstitial fibrosis were lower significantly in P/D group as compared to D group (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: PTX was proved to be nephroprotector inducing by DXR.