Browsing by Author "Djukic-Cosic, Danijela (57983607500)"

Introduction: Nickel (Ni) is one of the well-known toxic metals found in the environment. However, its influence on thyroid function is not explored enough. Hence, the aim of this study was to analyse the potential of Ni to disrupt thyroid function by exploring the relationship between blood Ni concentration and serum hormone levels (TSH, T4, T3, fT4 and fT3), as well as the parameters of thyroid homeostasis (SPINA-GT and SPINA-GD) by using correlation analysis and Benchmark (BMD) concept. Methods: Ni concentration was measured by ICP-MS method, while CLIA was used for serum hormone determination. SPINA Thyr software was used to calculate SPINA-GT and SPINA-GD parameters. BMD analysis was performed by PROAST software (70.1). The limitations of this study are the small sample size and the uneven distribution of healthy and unhealthy subjects, limited confounding factors, as well as the age of the subjects that could have influenced the obtained results. Results and discussion: The highest median value for blood Ni concentration was observed for the male population and amounted 8,278 µg/L. Accordingly, the statistically significant correlation was observed only in the male population, for Ni-fT4 and Ni-SPINA-GT pairs. The existence of a dose-response relationship was established between Ni and all the measured parameters of thyroid functions in entire population and in both sexes. However, the narrowest BMD intervals were obtained only in men, for Ni - SPINA-GT pair (1.36-60.9 µg/L) and Ni - fT3 pair (0.397-66.8 µg/L), indicating that even 78.68 and 83.25% of men in our study might be in 10% higher risk of Ni-induced SPINA-GT and fT3 alterations, respectively. Due to the relationship established between Ni and the SPINA-GT parameter, it can be concluded that Ni has an influence on the secretory function of the thyroid gland in men. Although the further research is required, these findings suggest possible role of Ni in thyroid function disturbances. Copyright © 2023 Maric, Baralic, Javorac, Mandic-Rajcevic, Zarkovic, Antonijevic, Djukic-Cosic, Bulat and Djordjevic.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are significant contributors to various detrimental conditions, mechanistically disrupting the endocrine system and causing adverse health effects. Mounting evidence suggests they can induce multigenerational and transgenerational effects, yet awareness among individuals remain insufficient. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and ways of informing mothers in Serbia about endocrine disruptors based on information from 190 women in Serbia. The research was conducted using a survey consisting of multiple-choice questions comprising: The first part aimed to collect sociodemographic data, the second part related to knowledge and attitudes about endocrine disruptors, and the third part focused on the sources of information about endocrine disruptors. Cronbach’s alpha was used to check for scale reliability, and Pearson correlation was used to test the relations between interval variables. ANOVA was employed to test for group differences. The results indicated that mothers in Serbia do not have adequate knowledge about endocrine disruptors (potential sources, categories of substances and alternatives) nor confidence in their ability to mitigate exposure to endocrine disruptors. Also, the estimation of the health risks of exposure to endocrine disruptors was perceived as high, and the mothers thought that they should get additional information about endocrine disruptors before pregnancy. Although with several limitations (i.e. mothers were recruited among those with higher education and mainly from urban areas), the study results highlight the necessity for enhanced maternal education in Serbia regarding endocrine disruptors. Health professionals are deemed most suitable for providing this education, given the respondents’ high level of trust in them. © 2025 the author(s)

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are significant contributors to various detrimental conditions, mechanistically disrupting the endocrine system and causing adverse health effects. Mounting evidence suggests they can induce multigenerational and transgenerational effects, yet awareness among individuals remain insufficient. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and ways of informing mothers in Serbia about endocrine disruptors based on information from 190 women in Serbia. The research was conducted using a survey consisting of multiple-choice questions comprising: The first part aimed to collect sociodemographic data, the second part related to knowledge and attitudes about endocrine disruptors, and the third part focused on the sources of information about endocrine disruptors. Cronbach’s alpha was used to check for scale reliability, and Pearson correlation was used to test the relations between interval variables. ANOVA was employed to test for group differences. The results indicated that mothers in Serbia do not have adequate knowledge about endocrine disruptors (potential sources, categories of substances and alternatives) nor confidence in their ability to mitigate exposure to endocrine disruptors. Also, the estimation of the health risks of exposure to endocrine disruptors was perceived as high, and the mothers thought that they should get additional information about endocrine disruptors before pregnancy. Although with several limitations (i.e. mothers were recruited among those with higher education and mainly from urban areas), the study results highlight the necessity for enhanced maternal education in Serbia regarding endocrine disruptors. Health professionals are deemed most suitable for providing this education, given the respondents’ high level of trust in them. © 2025 the author(s)