Effect of iron supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake in female athletes

Background/Aim. Iron is a vital constituent of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and some mitochondrial enzymes; therefore, body iron deficiency may result in reduced aerobic capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily oral iron supplementation on body iron status, and the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in female athletes with latent iron deficiency, as well as with irondeficiency anemia. Methods. A total of 37 female volleyball players were included in the study. Seventeen female athletes had latent iron deficiency, and 20 ones iron deficiency anemia. Both groups were divided into the experimental and the control group. The experimental groups received a daily oral iron supplement (200 mg ferrous sulfate), for a two-month training course. Iron status was determined by serum parameters as follows: red blood cells count, hemoglobin concentration, serum iron and ferritin levels, an unsaturated iron binding capacity, total iron binding capacity and transferrin saturation. VO2max was determined by an indirect test. Results. Statistical difference between the latent iron deficient group versus the iron deficient anemic group was found regarding VO2max (p < 0.001). There were correlations between hemoglobin concentration and VO2max in the latent iron deficient group, as well as in the iron deficient anaemic group (p < 0.05). After two months, there was a significant increase in VO2max in all groups (from 7.0% to 18.2%). Values of VO2max at the end of training period were significantly different (45.98 ± 1.76 vs 42.40 ± 1.22 mL/kg/min; p <0.001) between the experimental and the control group only in female athletes with iron deficiency anemia. After the supplementation, markers of iron status were significantly higher in supplemented groups than in the controls. Conclusion. VO2max was significantly lower in the iron deficient anemic group versus the latent iron deficient group. Iron supplementation during a two-month training period significantly improved body iron status in the iron deficient female athletes with or without anemia, and significantly increased VO2max only in the subjects with iron deficiency anemia

Odnos između parametara gojaznosti i vrednosti C-reaktivnog proteina kod predgojaznih i gojaznih žena

Background/Aim. Overweight/obesity has become important health problem in developed countries. It may be related to a presence of low-grade inflammation in white adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and its relation to anthropometric parameters in overweight and obese females. Methods. This study included 200 apparently healthy, overweight and obese women (18-45 years). Their standard and alternative anthropometric parameters [body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat (%F), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI)] were determined and correlated to serum CRP concentration. Results. Average CRP level was 5.56 ± 2.43 mg/L, and it significantly positively correlated to all investigated anthropometric parameters. There was significant difference between overweight and obese group in all investigated anthropometric parameters, as well as in CRP values. When investigated separately, according to BMI, values regarding obese females showed significant correlation between CRP and every investigated anthropometric parameter. In overweight subjects, no such correlation was recorded. In the obese group, all investigated parameters were significantly related to F. In overweight subjects, body weight (BW), BMI, WC and WHtR showed significant relation to F. Conclusion. The significant difference between the overweight and obese group in all parameters of central obesity was found as well as in the CRP levels. In the obese group, we found strong correlation between adiposity measured by fat percentage and parameters of central obesity, while in the overweight group WHR and BAI did not correlate to fat percentage. Our results confirmed that CRP is a valuable marker of metabolic risk in obese females, and BMI, although not so new, is still reliable parameter of adiposity.Uvod/Cilj. Prekomerna telesna masa i gojaznost postali su značajan zdravstveni problem u razvijenim zemljama, a mogu biti povezani sa prisustvom hronične inflamacije niskog intenziteta u belom masnom tkivu. Cilj rada bio je da se ispitaju nivoi markera inflamacije, C-reaktivnog proteina (CRP), i njegova povezanost sa standardnim antropometrijskim parametrima kod predgojaznih i gojaznih žena. Metode. Studijom je bilo obuhvaćeno 200 zdravih žena (18-45 god) kojima su određeni standardni i alternativni antropometrijski parametari [indeks telesne mase (BMI), procenat masti (%F), obim struka (WC), odnos obima struka i kukova (WHR), odnos obima struka i visine (WHtR), kao i indeks telesne masnoće (BAI)] koji su zatim korelisani sa koncentracijama CRP u serumu. Rezultati. Prosečna vrednost nivoa CRP u serumu u celoj grupi iznosila je 5,56 ± 2,43 mg/L i utvrđena je njegova značajna pozitivna korelacija sa svim ispitivanim antropometrijskim parametrima. Uočena je statistički značajna razlika između grupa predgojaznih i gojaznih žena u svim ispitivanim antropometrijskim parametrima, kao i u pogledu koncentracije CRP. U grupi gojaznih ispitanica utvrđena je značajna povezanost između CRP i svih antropometrijskih parametara, dok u predgojaznoj grupi nije zabeležena statistička značajnost. U grupi gojaznih, svi antropometrijski pokazatelji pokazali su značajnu korelaciju sa procentom telesne masti, a kod predgojaznih žena, korelacija je bila značajna samo za telesnu masu, BMI, WC i WHtR. Zaključak. Između predgojaznih i gojaznih ispitanica postoji značajna razlika u pogledu svih pokazatelja centralne gojaznosti, kao i u pogledu koncentacije CRP u serumu. U grupi gojaznih, pokazana je značajna korelacija između sadržaja masti, izraženog kao procenat masnoće, i svih pokazatelja visceralne distribucije masti, dok u grupi predgojaznih značajna povezanost nije urađena za WHR i BAI. Naši rezultati potvrđuju da CRP može predstavljati značajan marker metaboličkog rizika kod gojaznih žena, kao i da je BMI, iako spada u tradicionalne parametre, i dalje pouzdan pokazatelj sadržaja telesne masti

Uticaj različitih kalorijskih ograničenja u ishrani na antropometrijske i kardiometaboličke faktore rizika kod predgojaznih i gojaznih žena

Background/Aim. Obesity is an established risk factor for numerous chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of well-balanced different caloric restriction (CR) diets on anthropometric parameters and standard biochemical cardiovascular risk markers [lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] in overweight/obese females. Methods. Participants (age 20-40 years) were randomized into 3 different CR diet groups: the group I - restriction of 20% calories from baseline energy requirements, the group II - restriction of 50% calories from baseline energy requirements and the group III - alternating daily diets with 70%/30% restriction. The study lasted 42 weeks. Anthropometric parameters were measured at the start and after 4, 8, 20 and 42 weeks after dietary intervention beginning. Biochemical markers were determined at baseline and after 20 and 42 weeks from dietary restriction start. Results. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat (in %), in the different CR diet groups significantly decreased after 42 weeks. Body weight was less 11 kg in the group I and 12 kg in the groups II and III. WC was reduced by 11 cm in the groups I and III and by 10 cm in the group II. Different CR diets had the same effects on body fat (a reduction of 15% of body fat). Total cholesterol decreased by 7% in the group I and by 8% in the group III. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased by 14% in the group I and by 13% in group III. There were no significant changes in total and LDL-cholesterol levels in the group II. The atherogenic index presented as trigliceride/high density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio decreased by 0.22 in the group I, by 0.25 in the group II and by 0.32 in the group III. Various CR diets had the same effects on reducing the hs-CRP levels. Conclusion. Different CR diets with the same macronutrient content are equally effective in reducing body weight, WC and body fat, improve cardiometabolic risk factors and decrease level of proinflammatory hs-CRP in overweight/obese females.Uvod/Cilj. Gojaznost je faktor rizika od nastanka mnogih hroničnih bolesti. Cilj istraživanja bio je da se ispita efekat dobro izbalansirane ishrane različitih kalorijskih ograničenja na antropometrijske parametare i standardne biohemijske kardiovaskularne markere rizika [(lipidni profil, homeostazu glukoze, visoko senzitivni C-reaktivni protein - high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] kod predgojaznih/gojaznih žena. Metode. Ukupno 97 žena, između 20 i 40 godina starosti, konzumirale su uravnotežene, kalorijski različite restriktivne dijete, na sledeći način: I grupa (n = 37) - ograničenje 20% kalorija od osnovnih energetskih potreba; II grupa (n = 30) - ograničenje od 50% kalorija od osnovnih energetskih potreba i III grupa (n = 30) - naizmenična dnevna restrikcija od 70% i 30% kalorija od osnovnih energetskih potreba. Stepen uhranjenosti je određivan antropometrijskim merenjima na početku i nakon 4, 8, 20 i 42 nedelje od uvođenja dijeta. Biohemijski markeri analizirani su na početku i nakon 4, 8, 20 i 42 nedelje. Rezultati. Kalorijski različite restriktivne dijete dovele su do značajnog smanjena telesne mase, indeksa telesne mase (body mass index - BMI), obima struka (OS) i % telesne masti nakon tretmana od 42 nedelje. Telesna masa snižena je za 11 kg u grupi I, a za 12 kg u grupama II i III. Za 11 cm je smanjen OS u grupama I i III i za 10 cm u grupi II. Gubitak 15% ukupne telesne masti ostvaren je za sve vrste dijeta nezavisno od različitog kalorijskog unosa. Koncentracija ukupnog i (low density lipoprotein) holesterola (LDL-holesterola) snižena je za 7% i 14% u grupi I i za 8% i 13% u grupi III. Dijeta sa redukcijom kalorijskog unosa od 50% nije imala efekta na nivo ukupnog i lipoprotein niske gustine LDL-holesterola. Aterogeni indeks predstavljen kao odnos trigliceridi/lipoprotein visoke gustine (high density lipoprotein) - TG/HDL bio je manji za 0,22 u grupi I, za 0,25 u grupi II i za 0,32 u grupi III. Kalorijski različite restriktivne dijete dovele su do istog sniženja nivoa hs-CRP. Zaključak. Restriktivne vrste dijeta sa različitim kalorijskim unosom i sa istim procentom zastupljenosti makronutrijenata jednako su efikasne u smanjenju telesne mase, OS i % telesne masti, dovode do poboljšanja faktora kardiometaboličkog rizika i smanjenja proinflamatornog hs-CRP kod predgojaznih/gojaznih žena

Some traits of Verotoxin-producing strains of Escherichia coli isolated from cattle

Verotoxin-producing Esherichia coli (VTEC) is one of six pathogenicity groups of Eschericha coli. The reservoir for VTEC is the intestinal tract of domestic animals, primarily ruminants. Investigations in our geographic region have also demonstrated that domestic animals are a significant VTEC reservoir. In spite of this, sporadic diseases in humans caused by these agents are rare, and no epidemics have been registered so far. The question is, therefore, what percentage of VTEC isolated in our region have the characteristics of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) which cause intestinal diseases in humans. The aim of this study was to test the isolated bovine strains for some phenotypic and genotypic traits and to determine the percent of strains that belong to EHEC. A total of 105 VTEC strains isolated from cattle were tested for the presence of verotoxin (vtx) genes by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method. All of them possessed one or more vtx genes. In accordance with our investigations, only four (3.8%) strains, of a total of 105 VTEC strains belong to groups of EHEC. It may be concluded that the majority of strains isolated from cattle in this part of the world do not have phenotypic traits typical for EHEC. Therefore human VTEC associated diseases in Serbia are rare, despite the fact that domestic animals frequently harbor VTEC

Ispitivanja fiziološke podobnosti filtrosorpcione zaštitne odeće u laboratorijskim uslovima / Investigation of physiological suitability of filtrosorption protective clothing under laboratory conditions

Jedno od najznačajnijih sredstava za hemijsku zaštitu u uslovima visokotoksične kontaminacije predstavlja zaštitno filtrirajuće odelo koje svojom konstrukcijom omogućava bolju fiziološku podobnost od izolirajućih zaštitnih sredstava. U radu su prikazane metode i rezultati ispitivanja fiziološke podobnosti nekoliko različitih modela filtrirajući zaštitnih odela kojima je predviđeno opremanje Vojske Srbije i jedinica civilne zaštite. Ispitivana je tolerancija na nekompenzovani toplotni stres ispitanika pri korišćenju četiri modela ovog odela, a u toku simulacije vršenja osnovnih namenskih zadataka u toploj sredini, koje je obuhvatilo ispitivanje u klimatskoj komori i terenskim uslovima pri realizaciji namenskih zadataka. Upoređeni su parametri tolerancije na toplotni stres i donet zaključak o uticaju nošenja određenog odela na intenzitet toplotnog stresa i neuropsihološke funkcije. / One of the most important devices for chemical protection in a highly toxic environment is chemical protective overgarment (CPO). This suit is designated for protection against highly toxic materials. The suit construction offers better physiological suitability than protective equipment based on insulation materials. This work explains methods and results of experimental validity of physiological suitability of a few different protective clothing models that should be used to equip the Army of Serbia and Civil Protection units. The investigation of tolerance to uncompensated stress of volunteers during wearing four different CPO models was carried out. The investigation simulated performance of main military tasks under high temperatures - at a climatic chamber and in all-terrain conditions (based on telemetry observing). The parameters of heat stress were compared and the conclusions about the CPO effects on heat stress intensity and neurophysiological functions were drawn

Pathophysiological aspects of severe acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process which occurs in severe form in 20% of all patients, out of whom 1596-25% will die. The incidence of severe acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury (APALI) varies from 15% to 55% and its severity varies from mild hypoxemia to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Acute lung injury (ALI) and ARDS are the most significant manifestations of extra abdominal dysfunctions in severe acute pancreatitis with mortality rate as high as 60% in the first week of the onset of illness. Different pathophysiological mechanisms of severe acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury have been described. The role of enzymes, adhesion molecules, neutrophils, fibronectin and various inflammatory mediators has been emphasized. Mechanism of the acute lung injury associated with the acute pancreatitis is very complex and has not been clear yet. There is no specific therapeutic procedure and mortality rate is very high. Therefore, further studies are necessary to address this acute and growing problem in intensive medicine

New strategies in multiple organ dysfunction syndrometherapy for sepsis

Despite more than 20 years of extensive research, sepsis and/or trauma induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) remain the chief cause of death in intensive care units, with mortality rates between 30% and 80%. Early goal-directed therapy (EGDT), use of drotrecogin alfa (activated), tight control of hyperglycaemia, and adrenal replacement therapy (low doses of corticosteroids)all constitute new treatment strategies. In future, a combination of therapies should be individually adjusted for each patient