Browsing by Author "Pekmezovic, Tatjana D. (7003989932)"

The aim of this study was to investigate the most frequent comorbid diseases occurring in patients with cluster headache (CH) and, for comparison, in migraine patients. Over a period of eight years 130 patients with CH and 982 patients with migraine were diagnosed according to ICHD-II criteria. In all patients the presence and type of different diseases were assessed from medical records and coded by the ICD, X revision. Odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated by logistic regression analyses. Comorbid disorders were present in 56.9% patients with CH and in 56.7% migraine patients. Chronic sinusitis (p = 0.001), malignancy (p = 0.012), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.021), glaucoma (p = 0.038), as well as another primary headache disorders were more frequently present in patients with cluster headache (p = 0.001), than in migraine patients. In the multivariate analysis, chronic sinusitis (OR = 7.6, p = 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.2, p = 0.035), adjusted by gender, age and duration of headache, are more frequently associated with CH than with migraine. Comorbid disorders in CH patients were frequent and similar to those noticed in migraine patients, except chronic sinusitis and diabetes mellitus.

Glutathione-S transferases (GSTs) are xenobiotic-conjugation enzymes involved in the detoxification process of heterocyclic aromatic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, widely recognized risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Polymorphism in GSTs often leads to alteration or complete lack of enzyme activity, which might have an effect on CRC carcinogenesis. Aim of this study was to investigate GST gene variants as risk factors in patients with CRC. A total of 523 CRC patients administered for surgical resection and 400 matched controls were included. Deletion polymorphism of GSTs M1 and T1 was investigated by polymerase chain reaction. Single nucleotide polymorphism of GST A1 and P1 was investigated by restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The association between GST genotype and risk of CRC development was found in carriers of GSTT1-null and GSTP1-variant genotypes individually (p = 0.050 and p = 0.016, respectively). Furthermore, statistically significant association was found when combination of GSTP1-variant genotype with any of other three common GST genotypes was analyzed with respect to CRC susceptibility. Additionally, patients with combined GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null/GSTA1 low-activity/GSTP1-variant genotype showed 2.71-fold increased risk of developing CRC (p = 0.037). This study supports hypothesis that GST polymorphisms might have an important role in the process of the CRC development. Additionally, GSTM1-null/ GSTT1-null/ GSTA1 low-activity/ GSTP1-variant genotype could be combination of GST genotypes whose carriers are more prone to CRC development. © 2019, Arányi Lajos Foundation.

Glutathione-S transferases (GSTs) are xenobiotic-conjugation enzymes involved in the detoxification process of heterocyclic aromatic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, widely recognized risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Polymorphism in GSTs often leads to alteration or complete lack of enzyme activity, which might have an effect on CRC carcinogenesis. Aim of this study was to investigate GST gene variants as risk factors in patients with CRC. A total of 523 CRC patients administered for surgical resection and 400 matched controls were included. Deletion polymorphism of GSTs M1 and T1 was investigated by polymerase chain reaction. Single nucleotide polymorphism of GST A1 and P1 was investigated by restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The association between GST genotype and risk of CRC development was found in carriers of GSTT1-null and GSTP1-variant genotypes individually (p = 0.050 and p = 0.016, respectively). Furthermore, statistically significant association was found when combination of GSTP1-variant genotype with any of other three common GST genotypes was analyzed with respect to CRC susceptibility. Additionally, patients with combined GSTM1-null/GSTT1-null/GSTA1 low-activity/GSTP1-variant genotype showed 2.71-fold increased risk of developing CRC (p = 0.037). This study supports hypothesis that GST polymorphisms might have an important role in the process of the CRC development. Additionally, GSTM1-null/ GSTT1-null/ GSTA1 low-activity/ GSTP1-variant genotype could be combination of GST genotypes whose carriers are more prone to CRC development. © 2019, Arányi Lajos Foundation.

The aim of this study was to identify the main contributors to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple system atrophy with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) and to determine the usefulness of SF-36 in capturing the HRQoL changes over 1-year follow-up. A total of 45 MSA-P and 150 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients were studied. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of the SF-36 total score. The magnitude of any change for the HRQoL over 1-year of follow-up, was calculated as an effect size. The average scores for each SF-36 domains, except for the bodily pain, were lower in MSA-P than in PD patients (p < 0.05). The most important predictors of HRQoL in MSA-P, were female gender, older age at onset, SCOPA-AUT score and UMSARS IV, which together with other selected clinical variables accounted for 84% of the variance in the total SF-36 score in the final model in hierarchical analyses. During the 1-year follow-up, the SF 36 was found capable of detecting changes in MSA-P. Our study provided some new insights into potential predictors of the HRQoL and its longitudinal changes in MSA-P, which should be considered when healthcare programs are developed. © 2018, Belgian Neurological Society.

The first population-based study in the central region of the Republic of Serbia (total population 283,103) was carried out to assess some epidemiological features of febrile convulsions among children of between 6 months and 5 years of age. During the 10-year period, 1986 to 1995, there were 570 cases of the first febrile convulsions (287 males and 283 females). The average annual incidence rate was 3/1000 (2.9/1000 in males and 3.0/1000 in females), with the highest in 1995. During the study period, a significantly increased linear regression trend was observed. During the follow-up period of 5 years for children who had their first febrile convulsions in 1989 and 1990 (total 154 cases), 27 (17.5%) had a recurrence of the disorder, and ten (6.5%) had one or more afebrile seizures, of whom seven children (4.5% of total sample) developed epilepsy (recurrent afebrile seizures).

The first population-based study in the central region of the Republic of Serbia (total population 283,103) was carried out to assess some epidemiological features of febrile convulsions among children of between 6 months and 5 years of age. During the 10-year period, 1986 to 1995, there were 570 cases of the first febrile convulsions (287 males and 283 females). The average annual incidence rate was 3/1000 (2.9/1000 in males and 3.0/1000 in females), with the highest in 1995. During the study period, a significantly increased linear regression trend was observed. During the follow-up period of 5 years for children who had their first febrile convulsions in 1989 and 1990 (total 154 cases), 27 (17.5%) had a recurrence of the disorder, and ten (6.5%) had one or more afebrile seizures, of whom seven children (4.5% of total sample) developed epilepsy (recurrent afebrile seizures).

Background: The aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear, but numerous studies suggest that different exogenous factors can lead to the development of the disease in genetically susceptible individuals. The objective of this case-control study was to determine the role of food and dietary patterns in patients with MS in the population of Belgrade (Serbia). Methods: In this matched case-control study, we included 110 cases with definite MS according to McDonald's criteria, in whom the onset symptoms occurred up to 2 years prior to the interview, who were followed-up at the Institute of Neurology, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade. The identical number of controls from the same institution, individually matched by sex, age and area of residence, was recruited from patients with various non-autoimmune neurological disorders. Dietary information was obtained by using a frequency history approach. Results: According to univariate conditional logistic regression analysis the following factors were significantly related to MS: body mass index (BMI) less than 25 (OR=2.2, p=0.009), frequent consumption of beef (OR=1.7, p=0.043), chicken (OR=2.0, p=0.045), meat of the lamb (OR=2.1, p=0.013), butter (OR=1.7, p=0.056) and ice-cream (OR=1.8, p=0.031), with dose-response relationship. Consumption of majority of various fruit was more frequently reported by controls. According to multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, BMI less than 25 (OR=2.3, p=0.008), consumption (weekly) of beef (OR=2.0, p=0.017) and butter (OR=1.9, p=0.027) was significantly related to MS, while regular consumption of cherry (OR=0.4, p=0.024) had protective role. Conclusions: This study might assist in potential defining of the dietary factors that could contribute to the risk of developing MS.

Background: The aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear, but numerous studies suggest that different exogenous factors can lead to the development of the disease in genetically susceptible individuals. The objective of this case-control study was to determine the role of food and dietary patterns in patients with MS in the population of Belgrade (Serbia). Methods: In this matched case-control study, we included 110 cases with definite MS according to McDonald's criteria, in whom the onset symptoms occurred up to 2 years prior to the interview, who were followed-up at the Institute of Neurology, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade. The identical number of controls from the same institution, individually matched by sex, age and area of residence, was recruited from patients with various non-autoimmune neurological disorders. Dietary information was obtained by using a frequency history approach. Results: According to univariate conditional logistic regression analysis the following factors were significantly related to MS: body mass index (BMI) less than 25 (OR=2.2, p=0.009), frequent consumption of beef (OR=1.7, p=0.043), chicken (OR=2.0, p=0.045), meat of the lamb (OR=2.1, p=0.013), butter (OR=1.7, p=0.056) and ice-cream (OR=1.8, p=0.031), with dose-response relationship. Consumption of majority of various fruit was more frequently reported by controls. According to multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, BMI less than 25 (OR=2.3, p=0.008), consumption (weekly) of beef (OR=2.0, p=0.017) and butter (OR=1.9, p=0.027) was significantly related to MS, while regular consumption of cherry (OR=0.4, p=0.024) had protective role. Conclusions: This study might assist in potential defining of the dietary factors that could contribute to the risk of developing MS.

Purpose Owing to dual functionality of cytosolic glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), they might affect both the development and the progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the data on the prognostic value of GST polymorphism in patients with RCC are scarce. Hence, we evaluated the effect of GST gene variants on both the risk of RCC development and the postoperative prognosis in patients with clear cell RCC (ccRCC). Methods GST genotypes were determined in 305 patients with RCC and 326 matched controls, whereas the overall survival was evaluated in patients with ccRCC only. The presence of GSTM1:ASK1 protein-protein interaction in ccRCC tissue samples was analyzed by methods of immunoprecipitation and immunoblot. Results We noted an increased risk of RCC development in carriers of GSTM1-null and GSTP1-variant genotype (P<0.05). On the contrary, survival analysis indicated shorter overall survival for patients with ccRCC with GSTM1-active genotype (P = 0.026). Furthermore, patients with ccRCC with GSTM1-active genotype had significantly higher hazard ratio (P<0.05), in analyzed regression models, compared with the carriers of GSTM1-null genotype. Finally, the presence of GSTM1:ASK1 protein-protein interaction was found in all RCC tissue samples studied. Conclusions Carriers of GSTM1-null and GSTP1-variant genotypes are in increased risk of RCC development. On the contrary, GSTM1-null genotype is associated with favorable postoperative prognosis in ccRCC. The possible molecular mechanism underlying the role of GSTM1 protein in RCC progression might be the presence of GSTM1:ASK1 protein-protein interaction. Hence, determination of GSTM1-genotype might serve as a valuable indicator in both RCC risk assessment and postoperative prognosis. © 2017 Elsevier Inc.

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in a sample of schoolchildren in the district of Vozdovac (Belgrade). Methods This study included 780 pupils from I, III, V and VII classes of a primary school and I and III classes of a high school in the district of Vozdovac (Belgrade). The anthropometric data were obtained from medical records of a regular health survey in 2014-2015. Blood pressure (BP) was measured three times using a mercury sphygmomanometer with a cuff of appropriate size at a 5 min interval. BP values at or above the 95th percentile for age, sex, and height were considered indicative of hypertension. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, χ 2 -test, t-test, and correlation analysis. Results Of the participating students, 15.0% were overweight and 6.7% were obese. A significant negative correlation was observed between BMI categories and age (ρ=-0.126; P<0.01). The average systolic blood pressure values in boys and girls were 105.0±14.1 (range 80.0-150.0) and 102.5±12.3 (range 80-155) mmHg, respectively. The average diastolic blood pressure values in boys and girls were 67.6±8.8 (range 50-100) and 66.2±7.7 (range 50-95) mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 10.5%. A significant positive association was found between the presence of hypertension and age (ρ=0.150, P<0.01) and higher BMI level (ρ=0.115, P<0.01). Conclusion In our sample of schoolchildren, a high prevalence of hypertension was found. Moreover, elevated BP values correlated strongly with age and BMI. © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in a sample of schoolchildren in the district of Vozdovac (Belgrade). Methods This study included 780 pupils from I, III, V and VII classes of a primary school and I and III classes of a high school in the district of Vozdovac (Belgrade). The anthropometric data were obtained from medical records of a regular health survey in 2014-2015. Blood pressure (BP) was measured three times using a mercury sphygmomanometer with a cuff of appropriate size at a 5 min interval. BP values at or above the 95th percentile for age, sex, and height were considered indicative of hypertension. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, χ 2 -test, t-test, and correlation analysis. Results Of the participating students, 15.0% were overweight and 6.7% were obese. A significant negative correlation was observed between BMI categories and age (ρ=-0.126; P<0.01). The average systolic blood pressure values in boys and girls were 105.0±14.1 (range 80.0-150.0) and 102.5±12.3 (range 80-155) mmHg, respectively. The average diastolic blood pressure values in boys and girls were 67.6±8.8 (range 50-100) and 66.2±7.7 (range 50-95) mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 10.5%. A significant positive association was found between the presence of hypertension and age (ρ=0.150, P<0.01) and higher BMI level (ρ=0.115, P<0.01). Conclusion In our sample of schoolchildren, a high prevalence of hypertension was found. Moreover, elevated BP values correlated strongly with age and BMI. © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is frequently associated with poor mental health and impaired quality of life (QoL), due to discomfort, pain, fatigue, inability to rest, sleep disturbances, and consequently, anxiety and depression. The aim of this study is to address this issue in a community-based cohort of patients with RLS. The present study is a sub-analysis of the community-based prevalence study. In this door-to-door survey, we identified according to four essential IRLSSG diagnostic criteria 107 people with RLS. Clinical characteristics of RLS, including QoL, were obtained from 94 subjects (88 %), who completed the Serbian translation of SF-36. The main finding of our study was that the severity of RLS, in particular frequency of symptoms, negatively influenced majority of the SF-36 domains. The severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms was negatively associated with all domains of SF-36. Age of participants significantly correlated with both physical and mental composite scores. In multivariate linear regression model, higher scores of Hamilton depression (p = 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.003) Rating scales were the most significant negative contributors of the total SF-36 score in persons with RLS. Suggesting particular role of comorbid depression and anxiety, our results may have a practical implication in terms of different psychosocial treatment and support in addition to the regular therapeutic protocols in RLS patients. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Italia.

Background: Comorbidities occur frequently in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of the most common comorbidities in the population of MS patients in Belgrade, Serbia. Material and methods: Data on diagnosed and fully documented comorbidities were taken from the Belgrade MS population registry. The list of explored comorbidities included cardiovascular, malignant, and autoimmune diseases; psychiatric disorders; epilepsy; and type 2 diabetes. In the data analysis, crude, age- and gender-specific, and age-adjusted prevalence was calculated. Additionally, comorbidities were analyzed in patients with various MS phenotypes. Results: The most prevalent group of comorbidities were psychiatric (prevalence (Prev) = 20.59%, 95% CI 19.10–22.17) and cardiovascular comorbidities (Prev = 15.23%, 95% CI 13.93–16.63). The most prevalent single comorbidities were depression (Prev = 11.82%, 95% CI 10.64–13.11) and hypertension (Prev = 11.41%, 95% CI 10.25–12.68). Type 2 diabetes was significantly more prevalent in patients with primary progressive MS compared with the patients with relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive MS (p < 0.001). We found statistically significant positive correlation between number of comorbidities and progression index (p < 0.001). Patients treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) had significantly higher risk of developing comorbidity, after treatment initiation, compared with those who were untreated (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated high prevalence of comorbidities in persons with MS, with psychiatric and cardiovascular diseases being the most common. Furthermore, our findings confirmed the association of comorbidities with progression of disability and emphasized their role in treatment decision-making in MS. © 2020, Fondazione Società Italiana di Neurologia.