International Journal of Science and Society

The Absence of the World as Existential Terror in the Phenomenon of Digital Loneliness: The Perspective of Hannah Arendt

2026-05-20T02:07:11+00:00

This study aims to reconceptualize the phenomenon of digital loneliness as an existential terror of worldlessness through Hannah Arendt’s philosophical framework. The contemporary cyberspace architecture driven by surveillance capitalism, creates a paradox where the illusion of hyper-connectivity leads to mass alienation and ontological isolation. Employing qualitative library research and philosophical hermeneutics on Arendt’s major works, this research traces the structural impacts of digital algorithms on human capacity for plural existence. Findings indicate that social media platforms do not facilitate authentic connection, they operate as a contemporary iron band of terror that systematically destroys the space of appearance and the common world. This algorithmic mechanization isolates individuals within echo chambers, amputates representative thinking, and plunges society into unreflective digital banality. The study concludes that digital loneliness is a manifestation of algorithmic totalitarianism that radically reduces individual existence. Therefore, emancipation from this atomization terror demands an ontological recovery. Transforming radical loneliness into reflective solitude and practicing the courage to stop and think as an absolute prerequisite to restore human dignity as social beings in a shared world.

Constructing the Tourism Identity of East Flores Through the Fantastic East Flores Program

2026-05-20T02:07:09+00:00

Modern tourism competition requires destinations to develop clear and distinctive identities. East Flores Regency has long been recognized as a religious tourism destination, particularly through the annual Semana Santa celebration, which attracts large numbers of domestic and international visitors. This study adopts a constructivist qualitative approach using a case study design, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, field and social media observations, and document analysis. It examines the processes of formulation, production, institutionalization, and internalization of East Flores’ identity as a cultural center of the Lamaholot community, alongside its distinctive maritime attractions promoted through the Fantastic East Flores program. The findings show that “Fantastic East Flores” functions as an expansion rather than a replacement of the established religious identity. However, the branding strategy relies more on internal potential mapping than on systematic market analysis. As a result, the implementation of cultural and maritime identity remains inconsistent and continues to be dominated by religious narratives. Although the program has been incorporated into regional policy, its adoption across institutions remains non-binding. Consequently, the new identity has not yet been fully internalized in tourists’ perceptions.

Analysis of the Influence of Digital Leadership and Organizational Commitment on Employee Performance the Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction: A Case Study of the Regional Secretariat of the Sijunjung Regency

2026-05-20T02:07:07+00:00

This research seeks to examine the individual influence of digital leadership and organizational commitment on employee performance, while also considering job satisfaction as an intervening variable within the Regional Secretariat of Sijunjung Regency. The study applies a quantitative approach using an explanatory research design. The population comprises 76 respondents, all of whom were included through a saturated sampling technique. Primary data were obtained באמצעות questionnaires employing a Likert scale to assess the research indicators. The analytical method utilized is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that digital leadership has a significant effect on both employee performance and job satisfaction, and that job satisfaction also contributes to improving employee performance. In contrast, organizational commitment does not demonstrate a significant influence on either employee performance or job satisfaction. Furthermore, job satisfaction is found to mediate the relationship between digital leadership and employee performance, whereas it does not mediate the relationship between organizational commitment and employee performance within the Regional Secretariat of Sijunjung Regency. From these results, enhancing digital leadership emerges as a key strategic focus, as it effectively boosts job satisfaction and employee performance both directly and indirectly. Job satisfaction should therefore be managed in a structured manner as a critical factor in maximizing the impact of digital leadership on organizational outcomes. Meanwhile, organizational commitment requires a more adaptive strategy, given its lack of demonstrated effect and its inability to function as a mediating variable in improving employee performance.

Islamic Community Empowerment Based on Piil Pesenggiri in Preserving Islamic Cultural Values in Teluk Betung, Bandar Lampung: A Study of the Marga Balak of Coastal Lampung in Negeri Olok Gading Subdistrict

2026-05-07T11:57:45+00:00

This study examines the integration of coastal Lampung customary values with Islamic teachings in fostering social harmony in Negeri Olok Gading Subdistrict, Bandar Lampung. Employing a qualitative approach, the findings reveal that traditional structures such as Kebandaran, title bestowal (Adok), as well as communal traditions like tahlilan and nughun, continue to be preserved without exhibiting a dichotomy between custom and religion. Instead, customary practices function as a cultural medium for the transmission of Islamic values. Traditional leaders, including Pangeran and Punyimbang, play a pivotal role in promoting religious moderation and maintaining a balance between tradition and Islamic law. This study proposes an integrative model through the concept of Islamic Community Development and Empowerment (ICDE), grounded in the principles of justice, participation, and mutual assistance. Guided by the framework of Maqasid al-Shari’ah, this empowerment model emphasizes the protection of five essential dimensions religion, life, intellect, wealth, and lineage through the hierarchical priorities of dharuriyyat, hajiyyat, and tahsiniyyat. The al-‘urf methodology is employed to legitimize established societal customs as a basis for normative guidance, while the indigenization of Islam ensures the contextual realization of Qur’anic values within local cultural frameworks, in accordance with the legal maxim al-‘adah muhakkamah. The findings further demonstrate that the philosophy of Piil Pesenggiri encompassing the values of Bejuluk Adok, Nemui Nyimah, Nengah Nyapur, and Sakai Sembaian is philosophically aligned with Islamic principles such as muru’ah (dignity), silaturahmi (social bonding), ukhuwah (brotherhood), and ta‘awun (mutual cooperation). The proposed empowerment strategy includes strengthening spiritual, intellectual, and cultural capacities, exemplified by the establishment of the Sanggar Kebandaran Marga Balak as an initiative to preserve local wisdom and foster a harmonious, contextual, and inclusive religious life within a pluralistic society.

Reconstruction of Multimodal-Based Listening Learning: A Literature Study in the Context of Language and Literature

2026-05-08T06:07:39+00:00

Listening is a language skill often considered lacking innovation in teaching practices. Increasingly advanced technology creates opportunities for reconstructing more innovative and adaptive learning by integrating multimodal approaches in audio, visual, and text. This study aims to analyze and reconstruct multimodal-based listening learning in the context of language and literature. The research method used is a literature study, examining various scientific sources that will be used in the research process. The results indicate that multimodal methods can strengthen cognitive engagement, understanding of meaning, and interpretive abilities of students during the listening process. Furthermore, the use of digital media such as podcasts, videos, and interactive platforms has proven effective in creating more relevant learning experiences. This study recommends a multimodal-based listening learning model that is adaptable to technological advances and student needs.

The Effectiveness of Several Sunscreen Products in Protecting Skin Exposed to Sun UV Rays

2026-05-20T02:07:03+00:00

Sunscreen is a skincare product that functions to protect the skin from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause skin damage such as premature aging and hyperpigmentation. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and satisfaction level of using three sunscreen products from beauty clinics in Medan City, namely clinic A, clinic B, and clinic C. This study uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design. The research was conducted at Tjut Nyak Dhien University, Medan, with a total sample of 50 people. Measurements were taken using a Skin Analyzer (Aramo®) device and analyzed using the Paired T-Test to analyze the differences before and after treatment, along with the distribution of questionnaires for respondent satisfaction using the R-Studio software program. The results of the Paired T-Test showed that the negative control group experienced significant changes in all parameters (p < 0.05). The sunscreens from clinic A, clinic B, and clinic C also showed varying effectiveness. The sunscreen from clinic C showed significant changes in all parameters (p < 0.05), while the sunscreens from clinic A and clinic B did not show significant changes in the sensitivity parameter (p = 0.131 and p = 0.216, respectively). However, the sunscreen from clinic A had the highest preference score (39.10%).

The Regional Language Revitalization Programme of the Balai Bahasa Provinsi Bali in Efforts to Maintain the Balinese Language at the Junior High School Level in Denpasar City

2026-05-20T02:07:00+00:00

This study aims to describe the implementation of the Regional Language Revitalization Program by the Bali Provincial Language Office in maintaining the Balinese language among junior high school students in Denpasar City. This study employed a qualitative approach with data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The results show that the implementation of the RBD program is carried out systematically through master teacher training, knowledge dissemination, and appreciative activities such as the Festival Tunas Bahasa Ibu (FTBI). The implementation contributes to the expansion of Balinese language use in both classroom learning and school activities. The program implementation also reveals several challenges, including limited instructional time, variations in teacher competence, and differences in institutional support across schools. Evaluation findings indicate that program effectiveness is determined by the integration of policies into the school curriculum and the consistency of stakeholder support. The RBD program demonstrates a transformative character, as reflected in changes in students’ attitudes and increased participation in using the Balinese language as part of their cultural identity. The sustainability of the program is influenced by the synergy between policy, institutional support, and learning practices that are internalized within school culture. This study confirms that maintaining the Balinese language through the RBD program requires a holistic, integrated, and sustainable approach to develop an adaptive linguistic ecosystem within the educational environment.

Speech Acts in Classroom Management during Indonesian Language Learning at SMP Negeri 3 Denpasar

2026-05-20T02:06:58+00:00

This research aims to describe speech act strategies in classroom management during Indonesian language learning at SMP Negeri 3 Denpasar and the meanings of locution, illocution, and perlocution in classroom management during Indonesian language learning at SMP Negeri 3 Denpasar. The design used in the research is qualitative descriptive. The subjects of the research are teachers and students, and the object of the research is speech acts in classroom management during Indonesian language learning, which includes speech act strategies and the meanings of locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts. There are two methods used in the research, namely observation and interview methods. The results of this study indicate that speech act strategies in classroom management during Indonesian language learning include direct literal speech acts and indirect literal speech acts. The meaning of locutionary acts in classroom management, namely commanding, forbidding, or requesting students to perform an action; asking or requesting information; and stating or announcing something; the meaning of illocutionary acts in classroom management, namely ordering, forbidding, urging or directing students; stating information/explanation; giving appreciation/praise; and expressing willingness or commitment; and the meaning of perlocutionary acts in classroom management, namely getting the hearer to do something (making the interlocutor do something). Additionally, there are utterances that have the perlocutionary meaning of bringing the hearer to learn that (making the interlocutor know something), getting the hearer to think about it (making the interlocutor think about something), encouraging, relieving tension, and impressing.

Evaluation of Standard Space Size of Residential Unit, Residential Unit Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta

2026-05-15T13:23:23+00:00

As part of the history of vertical housing development in Indonesia, the government began construction of the first flats in 1981 with the Kebon Kacang Flats project in Jakarta. These flats pioneered the concept of vertical settlements designed for the general public. Since then, flat construction has continued to develop. The government and private developers are increasingly aggressively developing flats across various areas, especially in urban centers and commercial areas where land availability is under high pressure. Therefore, a deep understanding of the concept, function, and development of flats is essential for formulating a comfortable and effective apartment policy for the future of cities in Indonesia. However, in reality, there are often problems with the amount of space in an apartment unit, so it does not meet the minimum requirements for survival. The research entitled Evaluation of the Standard Size of the Space Standard of the Kebon Kacang Flats Residential Unit, Central Jakarta was carried out to measure whether the size of the space of the Kebon Kacang Flats, Central Jakarta, is in accordance with the standard of the size of the Apartment Housing Unit and the living needs of the residents. This research was conducted through field observation and data collection at the Kebon Kacang Flats residential unit in Central Jakarta.

Discourse Practice of Nationalism in Anies Baswedan’s Sermon at the UII Campus Mosque: A Meso Dimensional Analysis of Norman Fairclough

2026-05-23T06:18:15+00:00

This study aims to analyze the discourse practice of nationalism in Anies Rasyid Baswedan’s sermon at the Ulil Albab Mosque of Univeritas Islam Indonesia (UII) during Ramadan 2025 using Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis approach at the meso dimension or discourse practice level. The study focuses on the processes of production, distribution, and consumption of discourse as discursive practices that construct nationalism within academic and religious public spaces. The research data consist of sermon transcripts, video documentation, event context, and audience responses analyzed qualitatively through descriptive methods. The findings reveal that Anies Baswedan’s sermon was produced through his identity as an intellectual-political figure who utilized the campus mosque as a space of moral and intellectual legitimacy. The discourse was distributed through digital media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and online media, expanding the reach of nationalist ideas to broader audiences, particularly young generation and academics. The consumption of discourse indicates that student audiences perceived the sermon not merely as a religious lecture, but also as a socio-political reflection on education, democracy, and Indonesia future issue. Therefore, the discourse practice in Anies Baswedan’s sermon constructs an inclusive form of nationalism centered on education, social justice, and youth participation.

Jaga Harapan as an Integrated Economic Empowerment Program of Laznas Salam Setara

2026-05-28T12:15:37+00:00

Empowerment is a process aimed at increasing the capacity and power of disadvantaged groups. Salam Setara Amil Zakat Institution has developed an integrated empowerment initiative called Jaga Harapan under the broader Zakat Plus program. Jaga Harapan is an integrated program that provides business capital assistance, entrepreneurship training, spiritual development, and social character building. The program aims to support business growth, improve the quality and consistency of religious practices, and foster stronger social character among beneficiaries. This study seeks to describe the empowerment efforts implemented through the Jaga Harapan program, which is distinctive due to its beneficiaries being spread across various regions of Indonesia and the program activities being conducted entirely online. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze the implementation of the Jaga Harapan program using the concepts of empowerment, training, and mentoring.

Teaching Strategies for Bangklung Art in School Extracurricular Activities at SDN 3 Cisero, Garut Regency

2026-05-30T10:42:26+00:00

This study examines teaching strategies for Bangklung art in extracurricular activities at SDN 3 Cisero, Garut Regency, in response to the declining interest of younger generations in traditional arts. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using an interactive model of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that Bangklung learning is structured through an integrated strategy combining demonstration-based instruction, structured repetition, and collaborative ensemble practice. These strategies are implemented through routine practice sessions, gradual instrumental familiarization, and performance-oriented activities. The instructor plays a central role not only as a technical guide but also as a cultural facilitator who fosters discipline, cooperation, and cultural awareness among students. The study indicates that practice-oriented and socially interactive learning strategies contribute to students’ engagement and appreciation of traditional arts while supporting character development. The findings also highlight the role of extracurricular activities as a bridge between community-based cultural practices and formal education. Despite challenges such as limited instruments and students’ unfamiliarity with traditional repertoire, the program demonstrates strong potential as a model for cultural preservation through school-based music education.

An Analysis of the Application of the Principle of Due Diligence in Corporate Criminal Liability in Indonesia

2026-06-03T14:39:29+00:00

The objective of this study is to analyze the legal status of the due diligence principle in determining corporate mens rea and to examine its application in the Indonesian criminal justice system. This study employs a normative legal research method using a legislative, conceptual, and case-based approach through the analysis of sectoral regulations and court decisions. The results of the study indicate that the principle of due diligence does not yet have an explicit legal standing in Indonesian positive law, although it is implicitly recognized in several sectoral regulations as a ground for exculpation or mitigation of liability. Its application by law enforcement officials is severely limited due to the absence of a normative framework, low technical capacity, and a judicial system oriented toward individual accountability. The conclusions of this study recommend legislative reform through implementing regulations of the Criminal Code, the development of technical guidelines for due diligence assessments, and the strengthening of institutional capacity among law enforcement officials.

The The Role Of Indonesia's G20 Presidency In Global Environmental Governance

2026-06-04T03:56:39+00:00

The buildup of global emissions in the Earth's atmosphere is making the problem of climate change more concerning. This has to do with how nations all over the globe are susceptible to the consequences of climate change brought on by greenhouse gas emissions. Countries are working together internationally to address these effects. During Indonesia's G20 Presidency in 2022, the G20 has made the energy transition a major topic of debate as a worldwide forum for the exchange of information and working together. Secondary sources provided the data for this study, which used qualitative research methodologies. In order to clarify Indonesia's G20 Presidency's significance in this domain, this paper also takes a global environmental governance stance. The study's findings show that the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM), two crucial agenda items for the advancement of global environmental governance in the energy sector, were produced in large part during the 2022 G20 meeting, of which Indonesia was either the host or the presidency.

Keywords: Climate Change, Global Environmental Governance, Energy Transition, G20

Buying and Selling Practices in the Malimit Customary Law as Examined by the Theory of Ba'i Muzayyadah: Case Study in Cubadak Timur Village, Duo Koto District, Pasaman Regency

2026-06-04T12:23:18+00:00

Looking at Pasaman Regency, specifically in Nagari Cubadak Timur, a traditional buying and selling practice was found, which is commonly referred to by the community as maliit. This practice clearly contradicts the auction buying and selling in Islam, which is commonly referred to as Ba'i muzayyadah, where in malimit each bid price is taken to belong to the malimit committee. This study aims to analyze the implementation of auction buying and selling practices in the malimit tradition carried out by the community in Nagari Cubadak Timur, examine the differences between the malimit practice and the concept of ba'i muzayyadah in Islamic law, and review the malimit practice based on sharia principles in buying and selling, especially from the perspective of ba'i muzayyadah. As for answering these questions, the researcher conducted field research by going directly to the field to collect data and information from the community directly involved in this malimit practice. The data obtained were then analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods. The research results indicate that the practice of malimit is carried out through a tiered bidding system by participants, where only the final bidder acquires the auctioned item, while previous bidders contribute a percentage of the price to the malimit committee as a form of community cooperation. This research also found a difference between the practice of malimit and the concept of ba'i muzayyadah in Islamic law. In ba'i muzayyadah, the transaction is conducted purely based on a sale and purchase agreement, so only the highest bidder is obligated to pay and is entitled to the item, while other participants who lose the bid have no obligations. Meanwhile, in the practice of malimit, the auctioned items come from voluntary community donations, and the proceeds are used for the benefit of the mosque and social activities. Furthermore, the practice of malimit essentially fulfills important elements of Sharia principles, such as clarity of the goods, price, and acceptance of the contract during the auction process.

Multi-Stakeholder Partnership in the Implementation of Stunting Reduction Acceleration Policies: A Synthesis of Systematic Literature Review

2026-06-04T12:29:38+00:00

Stunting remains a complex public health problem in many developing countries, including Indonesia, requiring integrated policy approaches involving multiple sectors and actors. This study aims to synthesize existing literature on the implementation of stunting reduction policies through a multi-stakeholder partnership approach using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The study follows the PRISMA framework to ensure a systematic, transparent, and replicable selection process. Literature was retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and other indexed databases using predefined search strings related to stunting, government policy, policy implementation, and collaborative governance. A total of 1,690 records were initially identified, of which 52 studies met the inclusion criteria after screening, eligibility assessment, and full-text review. The selected studies were analyzed using thematic synthesis and bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer to identify key themes and research trends. The synthesis results indicate that stunting reduction policies are predominantly implemented through integrated health and nutrition interventions. However, their effectiveness is strongly influenced by policy implementation capacity, cross-sector coordination, and governance structures. The multi-stakeholder partnership approach plays an important role in facilitating collaboration among government institutions, health workers, non-governmental organizations, academics, the private sector, and communities. Despite this, implementation challenges remain, including fragmented governance, limited resources, and disparities in institutional capacity across regions. Bibliometric analysis also shows that governance-related concepts are less dominant compared to health-oriented studies. This study concludes that stunting should be understood not only as a health issue but also as a policy implementation and governance challenge requiring stronger multi-actor collaboration. The study contributes to the literature by synthesizing fragmented evidence on policy implementation and multi-stakeholder partnerships in stunting reduction.

Metabolomics-Driven LC-HRMS Identification and Multi-Target Computational Pharmacology of Shzygium polyanthum Bioactives for Mechanism-Based Precision Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

2026-06-04T12:43:51+00:00

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) continues to be a major cause of mortality and metabolic complications in developing nations, highlighting the urgent need for safer and more accessible therapies. Herbal bioactives from Syzygium polyanthum (SYPOL) have gained attention due to their traditional use in managing blood glucose levels. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying their antidiabetic effects remain poorly understood. This study employed an integrative in silico approach to evaluate the interactions between SYPOL-derived compounds and ten key protein targets involved in T2DM pathogenesis, including HK2, AKT1, PYGL, INSR, PYGM, IGF1R, PPARG, SLC2A1, MAPK3, and GCK. Ethanolic leaf extracts of SYPOL were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography–High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) for phytochemical profiling. Detected compounds were screened for structural availability, toxicity, ADME properties, and compliance with Lipinski's Rule of Five prior to molecular docking. From 9.834 detected phytochemical features, 31 compounds met the selection criteria and were docked against the ten diabetes-related targets. The simulations revealed stable interactions within active site regions, primarily driven by hydrogen bonding and favorable binding energies, suggesting potential modulation of glucose metabolism and insulin signaling pathways. ADME profiling indicated acceptable pharmacokinetic properties, with most compounds satisfying Lipinski's parameters. Toxicity prediction showed a 54.83% probability of nephrotoxicity, emphasizing the importance of safety validation in future studies SYPOL contains multi-target bioactive compounds with potential to regulate glucose homeostasis. This computational analysis provides a mechanistic basis for subsequent experimental research and supports the development of SYPOL-based phytotherapeutics for T2DM management.

The Feasibility and Practicality of a Digital Enrichment Book for News Text Listening Comprehension Oriented toward The Pancasila Student Profile Supported by an AI-Powered Help Page

2026-06-05T09:39:25+00:00

Teaching news text listening comprehension in junior high school requires supplementary teaching materials that provide targeted practice, adequate listening materials, and analytical activities that support the strengthening of students’ character. This study aims to describe the feasibility and practicality of a digital enrichment book for news text listening comprehension oriented toward the Pancasila Student Profile, supported by an AI-powered help page. This study employs the Research and Development (R&D) method based on Sugiyono’s model up to the seventh stage, namely product revision following a limited pilot test. Data were collected through media expert validation, content expert validation, student response questionnaires, and product usage observations. Data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative descriptive methods with percentage calculations. The results indicate that the product achieved a feasibility percentage of 97% from media experts and 97.5% from content experts, placing it in the “highly feasible” category. The practicality results showed a percentage of 90% based on student responses and 89.71% based on product usage observations, placing it in the “highly practical” category. Revisions to the product were made regarding the user guide, internet connection instructions, notes for teachers, content reinforcement, and clarification on the use of the AI-powered Help Page. Thus, the product is suitable and practical for use as supplementary teaching material for learning to listen to news texts and supports the dimensions of critical thinking, independence, and creativity.

Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Kratom Leaves (Mitragyna speciosa) In Vivo and In Silico

2026-06-05T13:04:07+00:00

Obesity and hyperlipidemia are metabolic problems that can trigger various comorbid diseases. Kratom leaves (Mitragyna speciosa) are one of the herbal-based medicines containing alkaloid compounds that have the potential to improve lipid profiles. This study aims to analyze the antihyperlipidemic activity of kratom leaves in vivo and in silico. Extraction of kratom leaves was carried out by maceration using 96% ethanol (1:10 w/v) for 3 days, then concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Compound identification was performed using LC-MS/MS. The in vivo study was conducted on rats (n=6 per group) for 14 days, including a negative control, positive control, and three treatment groups with doses of kratom leaf extract of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg BW. The parameters assessed included body weight, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, as well as molecular docking using PyRx. The results showed that kratom leaf extract at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg BW exhibited significant antihyperlipidemic activity compared to the negative control (p<0.05), characterized by reductions in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL levels, as well as an increase in HDL and a decrease in body weight. The 500 mg/kg BW dose showed the best pharmacological effect compared to the 100 mg/kg BW and 300 mg/kg BW doses (p<0.05). The docking results confirmed strong binding affinities between kratom leaf alkaloids and the therapeutic target HMG-CoA. Thus, kratom leaf alkaloids have the potential to be developed as antihyperlipidemic agents through inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme.

Integration of Molecular Factors Influencing VCAM-1 Expression in Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis: A Narrative Review

2026-06-05T13:10:36+00:00

Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a vascular adhesion molecule that plays a crucial role in vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and the development of atherosclerosis. Increased VCAM-1 expression occurs in response to various inflammatory stimuli and cellular stressors that involve the activation of specific molecular signaling pathways. Various factors such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, activation of the Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, the Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, obesity, leptin resistance, genetic factors, and changes in vascular hemodynamics are known to contribute to increased VCAM-1 expression. This study aims to analyze various factors that influence VCAM-1 changes molecularly using a narrative review method. Article searches were conducted through the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using the keywords "VCAM-1", "NF-κB", "oxidative stress", "LEPR", "leptin resistance", "endothelial dysfunction", and "atherosclerosis". The articles used were published between 2020 and 2026, relevant to the research topic, and available in full text. The review results indicate that NF-κB activation is the primary mechanism of VCAM-1 elevation triggered by pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), leptin resistance, and LEPR activation via the JAK-STAT pathway. Furthermore, genetic factors such as LEPR polymorphisms and epigenetic mechanisms also contribute to increased vascular inflammation and VCAM-1 expression. Thus, VCAM-1 has great potential as a biomarker of vascular inflammation and a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis.