15^th Asia-Pacific Biotechnology Congress

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is one of the most expensive health supplements in the market. EBN derives from the secretion of salivary

glands produced by male swiftlets (Aerodramus fuciphagus) during breeding season. In general, EBN consists of glycoproteins

such as; N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid), galactosamine and glucosamine. For centuries, EBN has been used as medicinal

remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with several medicinal properties, such as anti-cancer, immune enhancer, antioxidant,

energy and metabolism stimulant, anti-aging and anti-viral. However, limited number of research has been conducted to

support such claims. This research has been designed to investigate the role of EBN in cholesterol uptake and storage metabolism in

mammalian cell lines (Hep-G2). EBN extract was prepared by stewing method in water bath at 70°C for 5 hours. Supernatant consist

of EBN aqueous extract was collected and extracted via cold acetone technique before quantified. Cell viability of Hep-G2 against

EBN was determined by MTT assay. Hep-G2 cells were supplemented with EBN extracts at different concentrations together with

exogenous cholesterol for 24 hours. After overnight incubation, cells collected were analyzed to see the effect of EBN in cholesterol

uptake in Hep-G2 cells. Gene expression of LDL-R and enzymes (LCAT and DGAT2) were assessed using conventional PCR and

quantitative PCR (qPCR). Distribution of LDL-R associated membrane plasma was also observed via immunofluorescence staining

using specific antibody conjugated with immunofluorescence stain. This study provides an important explanation whether EBN can

be used as food supplements to reduce cholesterol or LDL in blood circulation hence reduce the possibilities of plaque formation that

eventually leads to atherosclerosis.