Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025)

This study investigated the response of human monocytes to co-culture with pegylated (linear or branched) graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles, specifically examing both small (P-GOs, 100 -200 nm) and larger (P-GOb, 1-5 μm) particles at concentrations of 5, 25, and 50 µg mL^–1. Human monocytes (CD14⁺ cells) were isolated and cultured with these nanoparticles for 72 hours. We measured cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and cytokine production. The findings showed that P-GO nanoparticles had little effect on  cytokine production, including MIF, GM-CSF, VEGF, IP-10, IL-8, HGF, and SCGF-beta in vitro. At a low concentration (5 μg mL^–1),  P-GO exhibited minimal influence on cytokines, except forthe LP-GOb variant, which increased M-CSF production. Conversely, 25 and 50 μg mL^–1 of P-GO nanoparticles enhanced the release of variouscytokines, including proinflammatory IL-6, IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-18, IL-17, IL-16, IFN-γ, TNF-β, TNF-α, anti-inflammatory IL-1ra, IL-13, IL-10, IL-4, regulatory  G-CSF, IL-2, IL-3, IL-5, IL-12 (p40), IL-12 (p70), M-CSF, GM-CSF and chemokines CTACK, Eotaxin, GRO-α, RANTES, MIP-1β, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MCP-3, MIG, SDF-1α, growth factors Basic FGF, PDGF-BB, SCF, and LIF and TRAIL. Although higher concentrations of P-GO nanoparticles resulted in significant cytokine production, monocyte viability remained largely unaffected . LDH release was elevated solely in samples treated with 50 μg mL^–1 of LP-GOb. BP-GOs showed minimal influence on cytokine profiles, raising M-CSF levels at the highest concentration. These results indicate that modifying graphene oxide nanoparticles may hold potential for creating graphene-based pharmacological agents.

Mindfulness therapy, a psychological approach emphasizing awareness of the present experience without judgment, has gained attention as a potential intervention for improving the quality of life of patients with autoimmune diseases in Indonesia. With the increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases and their associated physical and psychological symptoms, mindfulness therapy is highly relevant. This review explored the mechanisms of action, case studies, challenges, and recommendations for implementing mindfulness therapy in Indonesia. Mindfulness has been shown to modulate brain activity associated with emotional processing, reduce inflammation, improve pain management, enhance social relationships, and improve sleep quality. Case studies in Indonesia have demonstrated the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, with participants reporting significant improvements in their physical and mental symptoms. However, challenges such as insufficient understanding among medical personnel, societal stigma, limited availability of programs, cultural factors, and lack of comprehensive research need to be addressed. Recommendations include enhanced education and training for medical personnel, public awareness initiatives, the development of culturally appropriate programs, improved accessibility, and further research on the effectiveness of mindfulness therapy in Indonesia. By addressing these challenges and implementing recommendations, mindfulness therapy can be effectively integrated into the Indonesian healthcare system to improve patient's quality of life with autoimmune diseases.