Browsing by Author "Petronijevic, Milan (6602635159)"

Introduction: Methotrexate (MTX) reduces rheumatoid arthritis activity and ameliorates the long-term functional status in these patients. To achieve this aim, patients need to take their medication regularly. Nevertheless, non-adherence to MTX still remains a considerable issue in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the adherence to methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to identify specific non-adherence risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 111 patients (mean age 56.2 ± 10.6 years, 78.4% female, and mean disease duration 6 years (3–13)). Three adherence self-assessment questionnaires were used: the Compliance-Questionnaire-Rheumatology (CQR19), the Medication Adherence Reports Scale (MARS-5), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). We also collected demographic data, disease and treatment characteristics, and anxiety/depression estimation results (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Results: Adherence was identified in 48.6% of patients (COR19), 70.3% of patients (MARS-5), and 82.9% of patients (VAS questionnaire). All three questionnaires displayed a significant positive mutual correlation: CQR19 with MARS-5 and VAS (r = 0.364, r = 0.329, respectively, p < 0.001 for both) and between the VAS and MARS-5 scores (r = 0.496, p < 0.001). A significant positive prediction was shown for urban residence (0.347 (0.134–0.901), p = 0.030) using the MARS-5, female sex (0.264 (0.095–0.730), p = 0.010) according to the CQR19, and for a dose of methotrexate (0.881 (0.783–0.992), p = 0.036) using the VAS, while negative predictions were shown for comorbidity number (3.062 (1.057–8.874), p = 0.039) and depression (1.142 (1.010–1.293), p = 0.035) using the MARS-5 and for older age (1.041 (1.003–1.081), p = 0.034) according to the CQR19. The use of steroids was a significant positive predictor in all three questionnaires and remained an independent predictor for methotrexate adherence in the multivariate logistic regression. Conclusions: We showed non-adherence to methotrexate in a significant number of patients using all three questionnaires. Concomitant steroid therapy emerged as an independent positive predictor for adherence. © 2023 by the authors.

Menopause is characterized by deep metabolic disturbances, including decreased insulin sensitivity, adiposity, and changes in lipid profiles. Estrogen replacement therapy can partially reverse these changes, and while it is safe in most healthy postmenopausal women, there are still existing concerns regarding an increased risk for breast and endometrial cancer as well as a risk for cardiovascular and thromboembolic disease. Therefore, certain natural compounds with positive metabolic effects may be considered as a possible alternative or adjunctive treatment in patients not willing to take estrogens or patients with contraindications for estrogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Sideritis scardica (mountain tea) extract on metabolic disturbances induced by ovariectomy in rats. The study included 24 rats divided into three groups: ovariectomized rats treated with 200 mg/kg S. scardica extract for 24 weeks (n = 8), ovariectomized non-treated (n = 8), and Sham-operated (n = 8) rats. Food intake, weight gain, body composition, fasting glucose levels, response to oral glucose challenge, liver glycogen content, catalase activity, thiol groups, and malondialdehyde concentrations as well as AMP-activated protein kinase activity in liver cells were studied. Ovariectomized rats treated with S. scardica extract had lower blood triglycerides, reduced fasting glucose levels, as well lower glucose peaks after oral glucose challenge, increased liver glycogen content, and significantly higher catalase activity and thiol group concentration than non-treated ovariectomized rats. The ability of S. scardica extract to attenuate metabolic disturbances associated with ovariectomy was associated with the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in liver cells. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.

Menopause is characterized by deep metabolic disturbances, including decreased insulin sensitivity, adiposity, and changes in lipid profiles. Estrogen replacement therapy can partially reverse these changes, and while it is safe in most healthy postmenopausal women, there are still existing concerns regarding an increased risk for breast and endometrial cancer as well as a risk for cardiovascular and thromboembolic disease. Therefore, certain natural compounds with positive metabolic effects may be considered as a possible alternative or adjunctive treatment in patients not willing to take estrogens or patients with contraindications for estrogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Sideritis scardica (mountain tea) extract on metabolic disturbances induced by ovariectomy in rats. The study included 24 rats divided into three groups: ovariectomized rats treated with 200 mg/kg S. scardica extract for 24 weeks (n = 8), ovariectomized non-treated (n = 8), and Sham-operated (n = 8) rats. Food intake, weight gain, body composition, fasting glucose levels, response to oral glucose challenge, liver glycogen content, catalase activity, thiol groups, and malondialdehyde concentrations as well as AMP-activated protein kinase activity in liver cells were studied. Ovariectomized rats treated with S. scardica extract had lower blood triglycerides, reduced fasting glucose levels, as well lower glucose peaks after oral glucose challenge, increased liver glycogen content, and significantly higher catalase activity and thiol group concentration than non-treated ovariectomized rats. The ability of S. scardica extract to attenuate metabolic disturbances associated with ovariectomy was associated with the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in liver cells. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.