Browsing by Author "Mirković, Duško (7003971431)"

Both methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) C677T genotype and levodopa treatment may give rise to elevated serum homocysteine levels in parkinsonian patients. We aimed to clarify the interplay of these factors in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD)-related hyperhomocysteinemia. Total serum levels of homocysteine (tHcy) and MTHFR C677T genotype were investigated in levodopa-treated and -untreated parkinsonian ("de novo") patients, as well as in control healthy subjects matched by age and gender (N = 83, 30 and 53, respectively). MTHFR C677T genotypes were equally distributed in PD patients and control subjects, the T allele homozygosity being observed in app. 12-17% cases. tHcy concentrations were significantly higher in both levodopa-treated and -untreated PD patients than in control subjects, and in TT homozygotes than in CT or CC genotype carriers. tHcy levels significantly correlated with the duration of the disease in PD treated patients only, reaching the maximum after 3-6 years. However, there was no correlation between tHcy levels and total daily intake of levodopa in the same group of PD patients. In conclusion, MTHFR C677T genotype is a significant factor for hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with PD, levodopa-untreated and probably even more in levodopa-treated PD patients. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Both methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) C677T genotype and levodopa treatment may give rise to elevated serum homocysteine levels in parkinsonian patients. We aimed to clarify the interplay of these factors in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD)-related hyperhomocysteinemia. Total serum levels of homocysteine (tHcy) and MTHFR C677T genotype were investigated in levodopa-treated and -untreated parkinsonian ("de novo") patients, as well as in control healthy subjects matched by age and gender (N = 83, 30 and 53, respectively). MTHFR C677T genotypes were equally distributed in PD patients and control subjects, the T allele homozygosity being observed in app. 12-17% cases. tHcy concentrations were significantly higher in both levodopa-treated and -untreated PD patients than in control subjects, and in TT homozygotes than in CT or CC genotype carriers. tHcy levels significantly correlated with the duration of the disease in PD treated patients only, reaching the maximum after 3-6 years. However, there was no correlation between tHcy levels and total daily intake of levodopa in the same group of PD patients. In conclusion, MTHFR C677T genotype is a significant factor for hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with PD, levodopa-untreated and probably even more in levodopa-treated PD patients. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is considered one of the factors related to premature atherothrombosis. Study compares incidences of HHcy, defined as homocysteinemia above 12 μmol/L, and medians of homocysteinemia between the groups of 212 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) younger than 45 years of age and 45 age-matched healthy persons. Homocysteine was determined by a HPLC method with fluorescent detection. Results were compared by chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Significant difference (p=0.001) was observed between incidence of HHcy in patients (44.8%) and incidence in controls (17.8%). Medians of homocysteinemia levels in patients (11.4 μmol/L) and controls (9.7 μmol/L) were significantly different (p=0.001). Gender-specific differences in incidence of HHcy and in median homocysteinemia value in patients were not significant. Incidences of HHcy in female patients (47.1%) and in healthy women (4.8%) were significantly different (p=0.001). Comparison of median homocysteinemia levels in women with AMI (10.9 μmol/L) and in female controls (9.0 μmol/L) revealed significant difference (p=0.025). Such differences were not observed in male subjects of our study. No significant difference was found when incidences of HHcy and medians of homocysteinemia were compared between defined age groups of patients. We conclude that young patients with AMI have higher incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia and higher level of homocysteinemia than healthy persons. Young women with AMI have higher incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia and higher level of homocysteine than healthy young women.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is considered one of the factors related to premature atherothrombosis. Study compares incidences of HHcy, defined as homocysteinemia above 12 μmol/L, and medians of homocysteinemia between the groups of 212 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) younger than 45 years of age and 45 age-matched healthy persons. Homocysteine was determined by a HPLC method with fluorescent detection. Results were compared by chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Significant difference (p=0.001) was observed between incidence of HHcy in patients (44.8%) and incidence in controls (17.8%). Medians of homocysteinemia levels in patients (11.4 μmol/L) and controls (9.7 μmol/L) were significantly different (p=0.001). Gender-specific differences in incidence of HHcy and in median homocysteinemia value in patients were not significant. Incidences of HHcy in female patients (47.1%) and in healthy women (4.8%) were significantly different (p=0.001). Comparison of median homocysteinemia levels in women with AMI (10.9 μmol/L) and in female controls (9.0 μmol/L) revealed significant difference (p=0.025). Such differences were not observed in male subjects of our study. No significant difference was found when incidences of HHcy and medians of homocysteinemia were compared between defined age groups of patients. We conclude that young patients with AMI have higher incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia and higher level of homocysteinemia than healthy persons. Young women with AMI have higher incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia and higher level of homocysteine than healthy young women.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered an independent risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease. Mutation MTHFR C677T reduces the activity of methylenetetra-hydrofolatereductase and may cause hyperhomocysteinemia. Incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia (homocysteine above 12 μmol/L), homocysteine level, and distribution of MTHFR C677T genotypes (C/C, C/T and T/T) are compared between young patients with acute myocardial infarction and healthy persons, matched by age. Study involved 86 patients younger than 45 years (77 men and 9 women) and 35 controls. Homocysteine was measured by an HPLC method and the MTHFR C677T genotype determined using PCR amplification and digestion with Hinf I. Statistical analyses included chisquare and Mann-Whitney U tests. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 32.6% patients and 14.3% controls, revealing a significant difference (P= 0.038). Median homocysteine levels in patients (10.4 μmol/L) and controls (9.6 μmol/L) were significantly different (P=0.035). Among patients, 50.0% had C/C, 41.9% C/T and 8.1% T/T genotype, and the genotype had no influence on hyperhomocysteinemia incidence and homocysteine level. Genotype distribution in patients was not significantly different from that observed in controls. The conclusion is that young patients with acute myocardial infarction have higher incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia and higher homocysteine levels than healthy young adults, while there is no significant difference in the distribution of MTHFR C677T genotypes.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered an independent risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease. Mutation MTHFR C677T reduces the activity of methylenetetra-hydrofolatereductase and may cause hyperhomocysteinemia. Incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia (homocysteine above 12 μmol/L), homocysteine level, and distribution of MTHFR C677T genotypes (C/C, C/T and T/T) are compared between young patients with acute myocardial infarction and healthy persons, matched by age. Study involved 86 patients younger than 45 years (77 men and 9 women) and 35 controls. Homocysteine was measured by an HPLC method and the MTHFR C677T genotype determined using PCR amplification and digestion with Hinf I. Statistical analyses included chisquare and Mann-Whitney U tests. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 32.6% patients and 14.3% controls, revealing a significant difference (P= 0.038). Median homocysteine levels in patients (10.4 μmol/L) and controls (9.6 μmol/L) were significantly different (P=0.035). Among patients, 50.0% had C/C, 41.9% C/T and 8.1% T/T genotype, and the genotype had no influence on hyperhomocysteinemia incidence and homocysteine level. Genotype distribution in patients was not significantly different from that observed in controls. The conclusion is that young patients with acute myocardial infarction have higher incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia and higher homocysteine levels than healthy young adults, while there is no significant difference in the distribution of MTHFR C677T genotypes.

Molecular genetic testing is part of modern medical practice. DNA tests are an essential part of diagnostics and genetic counseling in single gene diseases, while their application in polygenic disorders is still limited. Pharmacogenetics studies DNA variants associated with variations in drug efficacy and toxicity, and tests in this field are being developed rapidly. The main method for molecular genetic testing is the polymerase chain reaction, with a number of modifications. New methods, such as next generation sequencing and DNA microarray, should allow simultaneous analysis of a number of genes, even whole genome sequencing. Ethical concerns in molecular genetic testing are very important, along with legislation. After molecular genetic testing, interpretation of results and genetic counseling should be done by professionals. With the example of thrombophilia, we discuss questions about genetic testing, its possibilities and promises.

Molecular genetic testing is part of modern medical practice. DNA tests are an essential part of diagnostics and genetic counseling in single gene diseases, while their application in polygenic disorders is still limited. Pharmacogenetics studies DNA variants associated with variations in drug efficacy and toxicity, and tests in this field are being developed rapidly. The main method for molecular genetic testing is the polymerase chain reaction, with a number of modifications. New methods, such as next generation sequencing and DNA microarray, should allow simultaneous analysis of a number of genes, even whole genome sequencing. Ethical concerns in molecular genetic testing are very important, along with legislation. After molecular genetic testing, interpretation of results and genetic counseling should be done by professionals. With the example of thrombophilia, we discuss questions about genetic testing, its possibilities and promises.

Some observational studies indicate an association of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) insufficiency and atherogenic cholesterol concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate relationship between 25(OH)D concentrations and lipid parameters in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, separately for predialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. We have adjusted 25(OH)D concentrations for seasonal variability with cosinor analysis, and performed all further analysis using these corrected 25(OH)D concentrations. Concentrations of 25(OH)D and the lipid parameters were determined in 214 ESRD patients and 50 control group participants. The analysis included the measurement of 25(OH)D by HPLC, apolipoprotein (Apo) AI, ApoB and Lp(a) by nephelometry, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) by spectrophotometry and manually calculated ApoB/ApoAI and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. ESRD patients with adjusted 25(OH)D concentrations of ≤ 50 nmol/L had significantly higher TC (P = 0.005) and ApoAI (P = 0.049). Significantly higher HDL-C (P = 0.011) and ApoAI (P = 0.020) were found in hemodialysis patients with the 25(OH)D concentrations of ≤ 50 nmol/L. The other analyzed lipid parameters differed significantly between predialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients with 25(OH)D concentrations of < 50 nmol/L. Our study indicate the significant relationship between 25(OH)D repletion and optimal concentrations of lipid parameters in ESRD patients. Further research is necessary to explain whether joint evaluation of vitamin D status and lipid abnormalities could improve cardiovascular outcome in ESRD patients. © 2019 Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia and Montenegro.

Some observational studies indicate an association of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) insufficiency and atherogenic cholesterol concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate relationship between 25(OH)D concentrations and lipid parameters in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, separately for predialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. We have adjusted 25(OH)D concentrations for seasonal variability with cosinor analysis, and performed all further analysis using these corrected 25(OH)D concentrations. Concentrations of 25(OH)D and the lipid parameters were determined in 214 ESRD patients and 50 control group participants. The analysis included the measurement of 25(OH)D by HPLC, apolipoprotein (Apo) AI, ApoB and Lp(a) by nephelometry, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) by spectrophotometry and manually calculated ApoB/ApoAI and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. ESRD patients with adjusted 25(OH)D concentrations of ≤ 50 nmol/L had significantly higher TC (P = 0.005) and ApoAI (P = 0.049). Significantly higher HDL-C (P = 0.011) and ApoAI (P = 0.020) were found in hemodialysis patients with the 25(OH)D concentrations of ≤ 50 nmol/L. The other analyzed lipid parameters differed significantly between predialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients with 25(OH)D concentrations of < 50 nmol/L. Our study indicate the significant relationship between 25(OH)D repletion and optimal concentrations of lipid parameters in ESRD patients. Further research is necessary to explain whether joint evaluation of vitamin D status and lipid abnormalities could improve cardiovascular outcome in ESRD patients. © 2019 Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia and Montenegro.

Background: An increased homocysteine (Hcy) concentration may represent a metabolic marker of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency, both significant public health problems. For different reasons, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prone to these deficiencies. The study evaluates the reliability of Hcy concentration in predicting folate or vitamin B12 deficiency in these patients. Methods: A group of 50 COPD patients (28 males/22 females, age (x¯±SD=49.0±14.5) SD = 49.0 ± 14.5) years was enrolled. A chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was applied for homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 concentration. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests, Spearman's correlation and ROC analysis were included in the statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Average (SD) concentrations of folate and vitamin B12 were 4.13 (2.16) μg/L and 463.6 (271.0) ng/L, whereas only vitamin B12 correlated with the Hcy level (P=-0.310 (R=0.029)). Gender related differences were not significant and only a borderline significant correlation between age and folate was confirmed (R=0.279 (P=0.047)). The incidence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency differed significantly (P=0.000 and P<0.000 for folate and vitamin B12 respectively), depending on the cut-off used for classification (4.4, 6.6 and 8.0 μg/L-folate; 203 and 473 ng/L-vitamin B12). ROC analyses failed to show any significance of hyperhomocysteinemia as a predictor of folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusion: Reliability of the Hcy concentration as a biomarker of folate or vitamin B12 depletion in COPD patients is not satisfactory, so their deficiency cannot be predicted by the occurrence of HHcy.

Background: An increased homocysteine (Hcy) concentration may represent a metabolic marker of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency, both significant public health problems. For different reasons, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prone to these deficiencies. The study evaluates the reliability of Hcy concentration in predicting folate or vitamin B12 deficiency in these patients. Methods: A group of 50 COPD patients (28 males/22 females, age (x¯±SD=49.0±14.5) SD = 49.0 ± 14.5) years was enrolled. A chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was applied for homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 concentration. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests, Spearman's correlation and ROC analysis were included in the statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Average (SD) concentrations of folate and vitamin B12 were 4.13 (2.16) μg/L and 463.6 (271.0) ng/L, whereas only vitamin B12 correlated with the Hcy level (P=-0.310 (R=0.029)). Gender related differences were not significant and only a borderline significant correlation between age and folate was confirmed (R=0.279 (P=0.047)). The incidence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency differed significantly (P=0.000 and P<0.000 for folate and vitamin B12 respectively), depending on the cut-off used for classification (4.4, 6.6 and 8.0 μg/L-folate; 203 and 473 ng/L-vitamin B12). ROC analyses failed to show any significance of hyperhomocysteinemia as a predictor of folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusion: Reliability of the Hcy concentration as a biomarker of folate or vitamin B12 depletion in COPD patients is not satisfactory, so their deficiency cannot be predicted by the occurrence of HHcy.