OXTR Gene mRNA Expression is Correlated to Prosocial Behavior of Children in the Golden Generation Program of Nusa Tenggara Barat

BACKGROUND: Cases of undernutrition, such as stunting and wasting, in Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB), Indonesia, was found to be relatively high. Therefore, local government launched a golden generation program called GEN NTB improve the quality human resources by achieving healthy, intelligent, devout, productive 2045. One genes known related with prosocial behavior is oxytocin transferase (OXTR) gene. This study conducted determine association between OXTR gene mRNA expression children.METHODS: an analytical observational case-control involving 25 children samples 26 controls. Blood were tested for protein level enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Prosocial characterized determined using rating method, which valued from 1 4 poor very good behavior.RESULTS: The average levels group 88.28 ng/mL, higher than control (2.41 ng/mL). According fold change analysis, also (10.91 vs. 6.40). Interestingly, observations on showed significantly rate values compared (17.3 8.0, p=0.034). Hence, these findings that correlated better behavior.CONCLUSION: Higher levels. might attributed interventions may elevate children's life since early childhood.KEYWORDS: NTB, protein, expression, behavior,