Pineal Gland—A Spiritual Third Eye: An Odyssey of Antiquity to Modern Chronomedicine

Pineal gland or “spiritual third eye” is regarded as the gateway of spiritual life as per ancient concepts about the soul. Recently, modern neuroscience has proven that pineal gland is not only the melatonin-secreting neuroendocrine organ which controls the circardian rhythm, but it also has mystical and energetic associations with spirituality. It acts as a tremendous coordinator between molecular, hormonal, physiological, and chemical rhythmic orchestra. Thus, in this article, by highlighting the relation between ancient Indian methodology and modern chronomedicine, the author describes the odyssey of antiquity to modern science.

KAJIAN TERHADAP KADAR IMUNOGLOBULIN A (IgA) SERUM YANG DIINDUKSI OLAHRAGA PADA PAGI HARI Penelitian pada Rattus novergicus (Sprague Dawley)

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a glycoprotein molecule which is produced by plasma cells. It functions as an antibody and the first line defender towards assorted pathogens that get into the body. Physical exercise is influenced by circardian rhythm. This circardian rhythm causes physiological changes in the body including the immune system. Doing physical exercise in the morning decreases the level of IgA serum due to the increase of cortisol hormone. IgA secretion is influenced by physical exercise which depends on the intensity, time of duration, and type of physical exercise. The physical exercise of medium intensity increases glutamine production due to glutaminase enzyme causing proliferation of T and B lymphocytes. These B lymphocytes secrete IgA resulting in the increase of immune system. However, the physical exercise of heavy intensity degrades the production of glutamine, therefore, lymphocyte proliferation decreases resulting in the decrease of IgA secretion. This decrease of IgA secretion is caused by the existence of stress, cortisol hormone, and oxidative stress. Conclusion: Regular physical exercise of medium intensity can prevent the decrease of IgA serum level in Rattus Novergicus (Sprague Dawley) rats in the morning.Keywords: physical exercise, IgAAbstrak: Imunoglobulin A (IgA) adalah molekul glikoprotein yang dihasilkan oleh sel plasma yang berfungsi sebagai antibodi dan garis pertahanan pertama terhadap berbagai macam patogen yang masuk ke dalam tubuh. Olahraga dipengaruhi oleh irama sirkardian. Irama sirkardian ini menyebabkan perubahan dalam tubuh termasuk sistem kekebalan. Olahraga pada pagi hari menurunkan kadar IgA serum karena adanya peningkatan hormon korisol. Sekresi IgA dipengaruhi oleh olahraga yang tergantung dari intensitas, durasi dan jenis olahraga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan gambaran kadar IgA setelah olahraga intensitas sedang dan berat. Penelitian ini bersifat eksperimental murni dengan pre post control group design. Sampel yang digunakan ialah 15 ekor Rattus novergicus (Sprague Dawley) berjenis kelamin jantan, usia 12 minggu, dan berat badan 200-300g. Sampel dibagi atas 3 kelompok: kelompok kontrol (K1), kelompok olahraga intensitas sedang (K2), dan kelompok olahraga intensitas berat (K3). Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan selisih kadar IgA (%) setelah olahraga terbesar pada K1 (-15,8±6,3), diikuti oleh K3 (-12,5±18,7), dan K2 (-2,2±26,2). Simpulan: Olahraga teratur intensitas sedang dapat mengurangi penurunan kadar IgA serum tikus Rattus novergicus (Sprague Dawley) pada pagi hari.Kata kunci: olahraga, IgA