Malondialdehid kao nezavisan prediktor indeksa telesne mase kod adolescentkinja

Background: Given the fact that the studies that examined oxidative stress in relation to obesity that included late adolescents are scarce and show inconclusive results we aimed to investigate a wide spectrum of nitro-oxidative stress biomarkers i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XO), xanthine oxidoreductase (XOD), xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and nitric oxide products (NOx), as well as an antioxidative enzyme, i.e., catalase (CAT) in relation with obesity in the cohort of adolescent girls ages between 16 and 19 years old. Methods: A total of 59 teenage girls were included in this cross-sectional study. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine possible associations between bio- chemical and nitro-oxidative stress markers and body mass index (BMI). Results: There were not significant differences between oxidative stress markers between normal weight and overweight/obese girls (i.e., AOPP, XOD, XO, XDH) and CAT, except for MDA (p<0.001) and NOx (p=0.010) concentrations which were significantly higher in overweight/obese adolescent girls. Positive associations were evident between BMI and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (OR=2.495), BMI and uric acid (OR=1.024) and BMI and MDA (OR=1.062). Multivariable binary regression analysis demonstrated sig- nificant independent associations of BMI and hsCRP (OR=2.150) and BMI and MDA (OR=1.105). Even 76.3% of the variation in BMI could be explained with this Model. Conclusions: Inflammation (as measured with hsCRP) and oxidative stress (as determined with MDA) independently correlated with BMI in teenage girls.Uvod: Imajući u vidu činjenicu da je malo studija koje su ispitivale povezanost oksidativnog stresa i gojaznosti kod adolescenata i da iste pokazuju oprečne rezultate, cilj istraživanja je bio da se ispita povezanost širokog spektra biomarkera nitro-oksidativnog stresa tj. malondialdehida (MDA), ksantin oksidaze (XO), ksantin oksidoreduktaze (XOD), ksantin dehidrogenaze (XDH), produkata uznapredovale oksidacije proteina (AOPP) i produkata azot-monoksida (NOx), kao i enzima antioksidativne zaštite, tj. katalaze (CAT) i gojaznosti u kohorti adolescentkinja starosne dobi izme|u 16 i 19 godina. Metode: Ukupno 59 tinejdžerki je uključeno u ovu studiju preseka. Binarna logistička regresija je primenjena u cilju ispitivanja potencijalne povezanosti između biohemijskih markera i markera nitro-oksidativnog stresa i indeksa telesne mase (ITM). Rezultati: Nije uočena razlika u biomarkerima oksidativnog stresa između normalno uhranjenih i predgojaznih/gojaznih adolescentkinja (odnosno AOPP, XOD, XO, XDH) i CAT, osim u vrednostima MDA (p<0,001) i NOx (p=0,010) koje su bile značajno veće kod predgojaznih/gojaznih adolescentkinja. Pozitivna korelacija je utvrđena izme|u ITM-a i visokosenzitivnog C-reaktivnog proteina (hsCRP) (OR=2,495), ITM-a i mokraćne kiseline (OR=1,024) i ITM-a i MDA (OR=1,062). Multivarijanta binarna regresija je pokazala nezavisnu povezanost ITM-a i hsCRP (OR=2,150), kao i ITM-a i MDA (OR=1,105). Čak 76,3% varijabiliteta ITM-a može biti objašnjeno ovim modelom. Zaključak: Inflamacija (merena hsCRP-om) i oksidativni stres (meren malondialdehidom) nezavisno koreliraju sa ITM kod adolescentkinja

Suočavanje sa stresom u djece s epilepsijom - evaluacija kognitivno-bihevioralne intervencije

A pilot study was conducted to examine the efficiency and satisfaction of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention in youth with epilepsy regarding coping strategies. The CBT intervention was based on the main principles and empirically supported cognitive-behavioral techniques. The intervention consists of epilepsy education, stress education, and coping skill strategies. Seventeen children and adolescents aged 9-17 diagnosed with epilepsy for at least one year, with at least average intelligence and no history of serious mental illness completed the CBT intervention during summer camp, providing data on the efficiency of and satisfaction with CBT intervention. Upon completion of the CBT intervention, study subjects achieved significantly higher scores on the following Scale of Coping with Stress subscales: Problem solving; Seeking for social support from friends; Seeking for social support from family; and Cognitive restructuring, for both measures of usage frequency and effectiveness of each subscale. The participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the CBT intervention. This study provided explanation of research limitations and recommendations for future clinical trials.U ovom istraživanju ispitivala se učinkovitost i zadovoljstvo kognitivno-bihevioralnom terapijom (KBT) za strategije suočavanja sa stresom kod djece i adolescenata s epilepsijom. Provedena intervencija KBT temelji se na osnovnim postulatima znanstveno utemeljene KBT. Intervencija se sastojala od edukativnih radionica o epilepsiji kao bolesti, stresu te o strategijama suočavanja sa stresom. Sveukupno 17 djece i adolescenata u dobi 9-17 godina, prosječnih kognitivnih sposobnosti, s dijagnosticiranom epilepsijom najmanje godinu dana te bez komorbiditeta psihičkih bolesti bilo je uključeno u intervenciju KBT tijekom ljetnog kampa. Nakon završetka intervencije KBT na Ljestvici suočavanja sa stresom za djecu i adolescente ispitanici su postigli značajno bolje rezultate na sljedećim podljestvicama: Rješavanje problema, Traženje socijalne podrške od prijatelja, Traženje socijalne podrške od obitelji te Kognitivno restrukturiranje, i to za obje mjere: frekvencija i učinkovitost svake spomenute podljestvice. Ispitanici su potvrdili visoko zadovoljstvo provedenom kognitivno-bihevioralnom intervencijom. Konačno, provedeno istraživanje definiralo je ograničenja u provedenom istraživanju te dalo smjernice i preporuke za slična buduća klinička ispitivanja

Macular Thickness and Volume Parameters Measured Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for Evaluation of Glaucoma Patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate macular thickness parameters in glaucoma patients and to compare them to normal subjects using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This prospective, observational study included 20 primary open angle glaucoma patients (POAG) and 20 healthy subjects in control group. Exclusion criteria were diabetes and other macular pathology, like age-related macular degeneration, macular oedema, central serous retinopathy and high myopia >4.00 dsph. OCT imaging of peripapillar retina and macular area were performed using Cirrus HD OCT. In these two groups of patients we analyzed changes of macular thickness parameters (central subfield thickness, macular volume, and average macular thickness). The group of glaucoma patients had decreased values of the two macular thickness parameters: macular volume and average macular thickness, compared to control group. There was no difference in central macular thickness, presumably because of the absence of the ganglion cells in this layer. Macular imaging can be a useful additional method to determine glaucoma status and has a potential for tracking glaucoma progression

Malondialdehyde as an independent predictor of body mass index in adolescent girls

Background: Given the fact that the studies that examined oxidative stress in relation to obesity that included late adolescents are scarce and show inconclusive results we aimed to investigate a wide spectrum of nitro-oxidative stress biomarkers i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XO), xanthine oxidoreductase (XOD), xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and nitric oxide products (NOx), as well as an antioxidative enzyme, i.e., catalase (CAT) in relation with obesity in the cohort of adolescent girls ages between 16 and 19 years old. Methods: A total of 59 teenage girls were included in this cross-sectional study. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine possible associations between biochemical and nitro-oxidative stress markers and body mass index (BMI). Results: There were not significant differences between oxidative stress markers between normal weight and overweight/obese girls (i.e., AOPP, XOD, XO, XDH) and CAT, except for MDA (p<0.001) and NOx (p=0.010) concentrations which were significantly higher in overweight/obese adolescent girls. Positive associations were evident between BMI and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (OR=2.495), BMI and uric acid (OR=1.024) and BMI and MDA (OR=1.062). Multivariable binary regression analysis demonstrated significant independent associations of BMI and hsCRP (OR=2.150) and BMI and MDA (OR=1.105). Even 76.3% of the variation in BMI could be explained with this Model. Conclusions: Inflammation (as measured with hsCRP) and oxidative stress (as determined with MDA) independently correlated with BMI in teenage girls

Congenital alacrima in a 17-month-old boy: a case report

Alakrima je rijedak poremećaj koji označava smanjenu ili odsutnu proizvodnju suza i to se većinom očituje od rođenja. Može se javiti izolirano zbog urođene aplazije/hipoplazije ili poremećaja inervacije suzne žlijezde i pridruženih struktura, ali može biti i dio rijetkih, pretežno genetičkih poremećaja. Prikazujemo slučaj dječaka s kongenitalnom alakrimom te razmatramo obradu i diferencijalnu dijagnozu suhog oka s naglaskom na poremećaje koji se javljaju u dječjoj dobi.Alacrima is a rare disorder defined as decreased or absent tear production that is mostly manifested from birth. It may occur as isolated due to congenital aplasia/hypoplasia or impaired innervation of the lacrimal gland and associated structures, but it may also be part of a rare, predominantly genetic disorder. We present a case of a boy with congenital alacrima, discuss diagnostic work-up and review differential diagnosis of dry eye with emphasis on disorders that occur in childhood

Interaction between Omeprazole and Gliclazide in Relation to CYP2C19 Phenotype

The antidiabetic drug gliclazide is partly metabolized by CYP2C19, the main enzyme involved in omeprazole metabolism. The aim of the study was to explore the interaction between omeprazole and gliclazide in relation to CYP2C19 phenotype using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling approach. Developed PBPK models were verified using in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles obtained from a clinical trial on omeprazole-gliclazide interaction in healthy volunteers, CYP2C19 normal/rapid/ultrarapid metabolizers (NM/RM/UM). In addition, the association of omeprazole cotreatment with gliclazide-induced hypoglycemia was explored in 267 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from the GoDARTS cohort, Scotland. The PBPK simulations predicted 1.4–1.6-fold higher gliclazide area under the curve (AUC) after 5-day treatment with 20 mg omeprazole in all CYP2C19 phenotype groups except in poor metabolizers. The predicted gliclazide AUC increased 2.1 and 2.5-fold in intermediate metabolizers, and 2.6-and 3.8-fold in NM/RM/UM group, after simulated 20-day dosing with 40 mg omeprazole once and twice daily, respectively. The predicted results were corroborated by findings in patients with T2D which demonstrated 3.3-fold higher odds of severe gliclazide-induced hypoglycemia in NM/RM/UM patients concomitantly treated with omeprazole. Our results indicate that omeprazole may increase exposure to gliclazide and thus increase the risk of gliclazide-associated hypoglycemia in the majority of patients

Glavna komponentna analiza uticaja oksidativnog stresa, inflamacije i dislipidemije kod pacijenata sa različitim nivoom glikoregulacije

Background: The aim of the study was to explore the mutual relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic biomarkers in subjects with prediabetes (PRE), newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients (NT2D) and overt type 2 diabetes (T2D) using principal component analysis (PCA) as a thorough statistical approach. Methods: Glycated hemoglobin, lipid parameters, inflammation (IL-6, CRP and fibrinogen) and oxidative stress markers pro-oxidants (AOPP, PAB, TOS) and antioxidants (PON1, tSHG, TAS) were measured. PCA was applied to explore the factors that the most strongly influenced glucoregulation. Results: A total of 278 subjects were (i.e., 37 PRE, 42 NT2D and 99 T2D) were compared with 100 healthy subjects as a control group (CG). PCA emphasized 4 different factors explaining 49% of the variance of the tested parameters: oxidative stress-dyslipidemia related factor (with positive loading of TG and tSHG, and with negative loading of HDL-c and TAS), dyslipidaemia related factor (i.e., total cholesterol and LDL-c, both with positive loading), Anthropometric related factor (i.e., waist and hip circumference, both with positive loading) and oxidative stress- Inflammation related factor (i.e., PAB, fibrinogen, and CRP, all with positive loading). Out of these 4 factors, only oxidative stress – dyslipidaemia related factor showed a significant predictive capability towards poor glucoregulation. An increase in this factor by one unit showed a 1.6 times higher probability for poor glucoregulation. Conclusions: Redox imbalance (determined with lower TAS and higher tSHG), in addition to higher TG and lower HDL- c was associated with poor glucoregulation.Uvod: Cilj istraživanja je bio da se ispita povezanost oksidativnog stresa, inflamacije i metaboličkih biomarkera kod pacijenata sa predijabetesom (PRE), de novo dijabetesom (NT2D) i ranije dijagnostikovanim dijabetesom (T2D) pomoću glavne komponentne analize (PCA). Metode: Glikozilirani hemoglobin, lipidni status, markeri inflamacije (IL-6, CRP i fibrinogen), parametri oksidativnog stresa pro-oksidanti (AOPP, PAB, TOS) i antioksidansi (PON1, tSHG, TAS) su mereni. PCA je primenjena da bi se ispitali faktori koji najviše utiču na glikoregulaciju. Rezultati: U istraživanje je uključeno 278 ispitanika: 37 PRE, 42 NT2D i 99 T2D, kao i 100 zdravih osoba koji su činili kontrolnu grupu (CG). PCA je izdvojila 4 različita faktora objašnjavajući 49% varijanse ispitivanih parametara: oksidativni stres-dislipidemija faktor (sa pozitivnim uticajem TG i tSHG, i negativnim uticajem HDL-c i TAS), dislipidemija faktor (tj, ukupni holesterol i LDL-c, oba sa pozitivnim uticajem), antropometrijski faktor (tj, obim struka i kukova, oba sa pozitivnim uticajem) i oksidativni stres-inflamacija faktor (tj, PAB, fibrinogen i CRP, svi sa pozitivnim uticajem). Od ova 4 faktora, jedino je oksidativni stres - dislipidemija faktor pokazao značajnu prediktivnu sposobnost za lošu glikoregulaciju. Porast ovog faktora za jednu jedinicu je pokazao 1,6 puta veću verovatnoću za lošu glikoregulaciju. Zaključak: Redoks disbalans (određen nižim vrednostima TAS i višim vrednostima tSHG), kao dodatak većim vrednostima TG i nižim vrednostima HDL-c su povezane sa lošijom glikoregulacijom

Antiproliferative and genotoxic potential of xanthen-3-one derivatives

Twelve previously synthesized, biologically active 2,6,7-trihydroxyxanthen-3-one derivatives were evaluated in vitro for antiproliferative activity. Compounds were screened against HeLa, SW620, HepG2 and A549 tumor cell lines. Compound with the trifluormethyl group on C-4\u27 position of the phenyl ring showed the best inhibitory activity towards HeLa and A549 tumor cells with IC50 of 0.7 µmol L–1 4.1 µmol L–1, resp. Compound with chlorine and fluorine substituents on aryl ring showed the best antiproliferative activity against SW620 with IC50 of 4.1 µmol L–1 and against HepG2 tumor cell line with IC50 of 4.2 µmol L–1. Analyses of cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of the trifluormethyl derivative were performed with cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay in human lymphocyte culture and revealed no genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. The most potent compounds were subjected to molecular docking simulations in order to analyse bindings to molecular targets and, at the same time, further support the results of experimental cytotoxic tests. Docking studies showed sites of importance in forming hydrogen bonds of the most potent compounds with targets of interest

Synergistic potential of Juniperus communis and Helichrysum italicum essential oils against nontuberculous mycobacteria

Objective. The present study evaluated the possible synergistic antimycobacterial interactions of Juniperus communis (J. communis) and Helichrysum italicum (H. italicum) essential oils (EO). Methods. Antimycobacterial potential was tested against Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare using broth and water dilution method and checkerboard synergy method. Antiadhesion and antibiofilm effect of EOs was evaluated on biotic (HeLa cells) and abiotic surface (polystyrene). To evaluate the possible mechanisms of action, cellular leakage of proteins and DNA was tested and structural changes were visualized with a transmission electron microscope. Results. MIC, MBC and MEC were 1.6 mg/ml for J. communis EO and 3.2 mg/ml for H. italicum EO against both mycobacteria. All combinations of EOs in checkerboard synergy method produced fractional inhibitory concentration index values ranging from 0.501 to 1.5, corresponding to synergistic, additive or indifferent effects. Mycobacterium avium showed a greater tendency to create biofilm but these EO at subinhibitory concentrations (sMIC) effectively blocked the adhesion and the establishment of biofilm. The exposure of both mycobacteria to MICs and sMICs lead to significant morphological changes: acquired a swollen form, ghost-like cell, disorganized cytoplasm detached from the cell wall. OD value of supernatant for both mycobacteria exposed to EOs have confirmed that there is a leakage of cellular material. Conclusion. The leakage of the cellular material is noticeably higher in sMIC, which is probably due to cell wall damage. sMIC of both EOs have an additive or synergistic effect, reducing MICs, limiting adhesion and preventing the formation of biofilms

Antimikobakterijski potencijal eteričnog ulja plodova borovice (Juniperus communis) u pitkoj vodi

Mycobacterium avium complex-related diseases are often associated with poorly maintained hot water systems. This calls for the development of new control strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of essential oils (EOs) from the Mediterranean plants, common juniper, immortelle, sage, lavandin, laurel, and white cedar against Mycobacterium avium ssp. avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, and Mycobacterium gordonae in culturing broth and freshwater as their most common habitat. To do that, we developed a new method of water microdilution to determine their minimal effective concentrations (MEC). The most active EO was the one from the common juniper with the MEC of 1.6 mg mL-1. Gas chromatography / mass spectrometry the juniper EO identified monoterpenes (70.54 %) and sesquiterpenes (25.9 %) as dominant component groups. The main monoterpene hydrocarbons were α-pinene, sabinene, and β-pinene. The juniper EO significantly reduced the cell viability of M. intracellulare and M. gordonae at MEC, and of M. avium at 2xMEC. Microscopic analysis confirmed its inhibitory effect by revealing significant morphological changes in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of all three bacteria. The mode of action of the juniper EO on the cell membrane was confirmed by a marked leakage of intracellular material. Juniper EO has a great practical potential as a complementary or alternative water disinfectant in hot water systems such as baths, swimming pools, spa pools, hot tubs, or even foot baths/whirlpools.Ispitali smo aktivnost eteričnih ulja borovice [Juniperus communis (J. communis)], smilja (Helichrysum italicum), kadulje (Salvia officinalis), lavandina (Lavandula hybrida), lovora (Laurus nobilis) i tuje (Thuja occidentalis) prema sojevima Mycobacterium avium ssp. avium (M. avium), Mycobacterium intracellulare (M. intracellulare) i Mycobacterium gordonae (M. gordonae). Za određivanje minimalnih inhibicijskih koncentracija (MIK) i minimalnih baktericidnih koncentracija (MBK) testiranih eteričnih ulja koristili smo se metodom mikrodiluacije u tekućem bujonu (Middlebrook 7H9), a za određivanje minimalne efektivne koncentracije (MEK) umjesto bujona korištena je sterilna voda iz slavine kojoj je dodano 0,05 % Tweena 80. Dvostruka serijska razrjeđenja eteričnih ulja, počevši od 0,1 do 51,2 mg mL-1, u tekućem bujonu ili u sterilnoj vodi iz slavine inokulirana su s mikobakterijskom suspenzijom uz dodatak resazurina. Najučinkovitije eterično ulje prema svim ispitivanim sojevima mikobakterija bilo je eterično ulje J. communis s MBK / MIK / MEK vrijednošću od 1,6 mg mL-1. Metodom plinske kromatografije i masene spektrometrije analizirano je eterično ulje J. communis. Udio monoterpena iznosio je 70,54 %, a seskviterpena 25,9 %. Glavni monoterpenski ugljikovodici bili su α-pinen, sabinen i β-pinen. Eterično ulje J. communis pokazalo je značajan inhibicijski učinak na M. intracellulare i M. gordonae pri MEK i na M. avium pri dvostrukim MEK. Elektronskom mikroskopijom kod svih triju sojeva mikobakterija nakon izlaganja djelovanju eteričnog ulja J. communis otkrivene su značajne morfološke promjene stanične membrane i citoplazme. Učinak eteričnog ulja J. communis na destrukciju stanične membrane mikobakterija potvrđen je značajnim otpuštanjem unutarstaničnog materijala mjerenjem apsorbancije supernatanta pri 260 nm i 280 nm. Zaključno, u našem smo radu razvili novu metodu za ispitivanje antimikrobnog učinka eteričnih ulja ili drugih prirodnih tvari na netuberkulozne mikobakterije koja oponaša uvjete kao u vodenim sustavima. Prirodni proizvodi, osobito eterična ulja, imaju ne samo velik potencijal kao antimikrobni agensi nego i moguću praktičnu primjenu kao alternativni dezinficijensi