Browsing by Author "Rašić-Marković, Aleksandra (23480382100)"

Over the last decade, huge achievements have been made in the fields of neurophysiology, molecular endocrinology, and biochemistry, as well as in the successful translation of clinical research into diseases into clinical practice. As regards female reproduction, most of the advances made in this area were achieved in gonadal axis regulation, regulation of behavior through sex steroids, reproductive genetics, preservation of ovarian reproductive function, steroid profiling, and metabolic and overall reproductive outcomes. The coming years are expected to bring further understanding of the relationships between nutrition, energy metabolism, and reproductive function and to succeed in identifying new genetic markers linked to adverse metabolic and unfavorable cardiovascular outcomes in women. From our perspective, future research in the field of female reproduction should be directed toward doing research into genetic reproductive abnormalities and neuroendocrine diseases, pathophysiology, long-term health outcomes for oligo/amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, and ovulatory dysfunction. It is additionally expected that a better understanding will be gained of the endocrinology of the placenta and of pregnancy, the role of the microbiome in female reproduction, the role of insulin sensitizers, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic drugs, and various advances in the prevention of ovarian damage caused by various oncology therapies, while new therapeutic options for the treatment of infertility, including kisspeptin, will be developed. © 2018, Hellenic Endocrine Society.

The aim of our study was to investigate the behavioral and electroencephalographic manifestations of thioaceta-mide-induced encephalopathy in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided among (i) control, saline-treated, and (ii) thioaceta-mide-treated groups (TAA300 (300 mg/kg body mass); TAA600 (600 mg/kg); and TAA900 (900 mg/kg)). The daily dose of thioacetamide (300 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once (TAA300), twice (TAA600), or 3 times (TAA900), on subsequent days. Behavioral manifestations were determined at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h, while electroencephalographic changes were recorded 22-24 h after the last dose. General motor activity and exploratory behavior, as well as head shake, auditory startle reflex, placement, and equlibrium tests were diminished in the TAA600 and TAA900 groups compared with the control, and were absent in the TAA900 group 24 h after treatment. Corneal, withdrawal, grasping, and righting reflexes were significantly diminished in the TAA900 group compared with the control. Mean electroencephalographic power spectra density was significantly higher in TAA300 and TAA600 and lower in the TAA900 group by comparison with the control. Only a score of 3 (mean dominant frequency ≤ 7.3 Hz and d relative power ≥ 45%) was observed in the TAA900 group. Thioacetamide induces encephalopathy in rats in a dose-dependent manner. A dose of 900 mg/kg TAA may be used as a suitable model of all stages of hepatic encephalopathy.

The aim of our study was to investigate the behavioral and electroencephalographic manifestations of thioaceta-mide-induced encephalopathy in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided among (i) control, saline-treated, and (ii) thioaceta-mide-treated groups (TAA300 (300 mg/kg body mass); TAA600 (600 mg/kg); and TAA900 (900 mg/kg)). The daily dose of thioacetamide (300 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once (TAA300), twice (TAA600), or 3 times (TAA900), on subsequent days. Behavioral manifestations were determined at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h, while electroencephalographic changes were recorded 22-24 h after the last dose. General motor activity and exploratory behavior, as well as head shake, auditory startle reflex, placement, and equlibrium tests were diminished in the TAA600 and TAA900 groups compared with the control, and were absent in the TAA900 group 24 h after treatment. Corneal, withdrawal, grasping, and righting reflexes were significantly diminished in the TAA900 group compared with the control. Mean electroencephalographic power spectra density was significantly higher in TAA300 and TAA600 and lower in the TAA900 group by comparison with the control. Only a score of 3 (mean dominant frequency ≤ 7.3 Hz and d relative power ≥ 45%) was observed in the TAA900 group. Thioacetamide induces encephalopathy in rats in a dose-dependent manner. A dose of 900 mg/kg TAA may be used as a suitable model of all stages of hepatic encephalopathy.

We report a study on the relation between open-field behavior and electroencephalographic (EEG) changes during lindane-induced seizures in 2-month-old adult male Wistar rats. For chronic EEG recordings and power spectra analysis, 3 electrodes were implanted into the skull. Three groups of animals, (i) saline-injected control (n = 6), (ii) DMSO-treated (n = 6), and (iii) lindane intraperitoneally administered: L4 (4 mg/kg,n = 10), L 6 (6 mg/kg, n = 11), and L8 (8 mg/kg, n = 11), were observed for 30 min for the occurrence of convulsive behavior. It was assessed by incidence of motor seizures, and seizure severity grade was determined by a descriptive rating scale (0, no response; 1, head nodding, lower jaw twitching; 2, myoclonic body jerks, bilateral forelimb clonus with full rearing; 3, progression to generalized clonic convulsions followed by tonic extension of fore and hind limbs and tail; 4, status epilepticus). EEG signal and spectral analyses were suitable to describe the dynamics of complex behavioral responses. Incidence and severity of epileptic manifestations, recorded as high voltage spike-wave complexes, polyspikes, sleep-like patterns in EEG, and power spectra changes, were greater in lindane-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner compared with control or DMSO-treated groups. Our results suggest good correlation between lindane-induced epileptiform activity and behavioral changes. © 2008 NRC.

We report a study on the relation between open-field behavior and electroencephalographic (EEG) changes during lindane-induced seizures in 2-month-old adult male Wistar rats. For chronic EEG recordings and power spectra analysis, 3 electrodes were implanted into the skull. Three groups of animals, (i) saline-injected control (n = 6), (ii) DMSO-treated (n = 6), and (iii) lindane intraperitoneally administered: L4 (4 mg/kg,n = 10), L 6 (6 mg/kg, n = 11), and L8 (8 mg/kg, n = 11), were observed for 30 min for the occurrence of convulsive behavior. It was assessed by incidence of motor seizures, and seizure severity grade was determined by a descriptive rating scale (0, no response; 1, head nodding, lower jaw twitching; 2, myoclonic body jerks, bilateral forelimb clonus with full rearing; 3, progression to generalized clonic convulsions followed by tonic extension of fore and hind limbs and tail; 4, status epilepticus). EEG signal and spectral analyses were suitable to describe the dynamics of complex behavioral responses. Incidence and severity of epileptic manifestations, recorded as high voltage spike-wave complexes, polyspikes, sleep-like patterns in EEG, and power spectra changes, were greater in lindane-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner compared with control or DMSO-treated groups. Our results suggest good correlation between lindane-induced epileptiform activity and behavioral changes. © 2008 NRC.

Chronic ethanol consumption is a major risk factor for epilepsy, and seizures frequently occur during the withdrawal period. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of ethanol on lindane-induced seizures in rats. Male Wistar rats were injected i.p. with one of the following 5 treatments: (i) saline, (ii) dimethylsulfoxide, (iii) lindane (8 mg/kg) (L), (iv) ethanol in doses of 0.5 g/kg (E0.5), 1 g/kg (E1), and 2 g/kg (E 2), and (v) groups that received ethanol 30 min before lindane (LE0.5, LE1, and LE2). Behavioral changes were described by using a descriptive scale as follows: 0, no response; 1, head nodding, lower jaw twitching; 2, myoclonic body jerks, bilateral forelimb clonus; 3, generalized tonic-clonic convulsions; 4, status epilepticus. The incidence of convulsions in the LE2 group was significantly lower than the incidence in the L (p < 0.01) and LE0.5 groups (p < 0.05). The median grade of convulsive behavior was significantly lower in the LE2 (p < 0.01) and LE1 groups (p < 0.05) compared with the L group. Latencies to the first seizure response were not significantly different among groups. ED50 of ethanol was 1.40 (1.19-1.65). Our findings suggest that ethanol decreased severity and incidence of lindane-induced seizures in a dose-dependent manner. © 2008 NRC Canada.

Chronic ethanol consumption is a major risk factor for epilepsy, and seizures frequently occur during the withdrawal period. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of ethanol on lindane-induced seizures in rats. Male Wistar rats were injected i.p. with one of the following 5 treatments: (i) saline, (ii) dimethylsulfoxide, (iii) lindane (8 mg/kg) (L), (iv) ethanol in doses of 0.5 g/kg (E0.5), 1 g/kg (E1), and 2 g/kg (E 2), and (v) groups that received ethanol 30 min before lindane (LE0.5, LE1, and LE2). Behavioral changes were described by using a descriptive scale as follows: 0, no response; 1, head nodding, lower jaw twitching; 2, myoclonic body jerks, bilateral forelimb clonus; 3, generalized tonic-clonic convulsions; 4, status epilepticus. The incidence of convulsions in the LE2 group was significantly lower than the incidence in the L (p < 0.01) and LE0.5 groups (p < 0.05). The median grade of convulsive behavior was significantly lower in the LE2 (p < 0.01) and LE1 groups (p < 0.05) compared with the L group. Latencies to the first seizure response were not significantly different among groups. ED50 of ethanol was 1.40 (1.19-1.65). Our findings suggest that ethanol decreased severity and incidence of lindane-induced seizures in a dose-dependent manner. © 2008 NRC Canada.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease in women during reproductive age. It was shown that PCOS women are with high risk for dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. These factors are considered to represent traditional risk factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Observed increased risk for hypertension in PCOS women seems to be associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Both conditions interfere with the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation mechanisms causing vascular muscle wall hypertrophy. Obesity and insulin resistance are considered key factors for the alteration of blood pressure in PCOS women. Higher cardiovascular risk is implicated in PCOS with aging and its consequent association with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The elements of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) have an impact on endothelial dysfunction as a marker of cardiovascular damage that could be modified is women with PCOS. Androgens and components of RAAS are involved in the process of atherogenesis in PCOS women. Therefore, it is hypothesized that spironolactone treatment could ameliorate endothelial dysfunction in PCOS women. Recently it was shown that telmisartan, angiotensin II receptor antagonist poses insulin-sensitizing capacity to activate PPAR gamma and mediate favorable metabolic and reproductive effects in hypertensive PCOS women. © 2020 Bentham Science Publishers.

[No abstract available]

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of acute, single boost of physical activity on seizures induced by homocysteine thiolactone in rats, using treadmill for small experimental animals as a paradigm of physical activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After adaptation to the treadmill, Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into acute physical activity and sedentary group. Animals from the acute physical activity group ran at the speed of 25 m/min for 30 min, while the sedentary group spent the same time in the treadmill with the speed of 0 m/min. Immediately after completion of the training, all animals were administered with the D, L homocysteine thiolactone at a dose of 5.5 mmol/kg, i.p. Convulsive behavior (incidence, severity, seizure latency and number of seizure episodes per rat) was observed during the next 90 min. RESULTS: After acute administration of homocysteine, the latency to the first seizure in trained group wasn't significantly shortened, nor the number of convulsive episodes per rat, compared to the sedentary group of animals. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in the incidence and intensity of convulsive episodes. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study we can conclude that acute boost of physical activity does not potentiates seizures induced by homocysteine thiolactone in rat, what is a favorable conclusion for patients with epilepsy. © 2016 Act Nerv Super Rediviva.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of acute, single boost of physical activity on seizures induced by homocysteine thiolactone in rats, using treadmill for small experimental animals as a paradigm of physical activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After adaptation to the treadmill, Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into acute physical activity and sedentary group. Animals from the acute physical activity group ran at the speed of 25 m/min for 30 min, while the sedentary group spent the same time in the treadmill with the speed of 0 m/min. Immediately after completion of the training, all animals were administered with the D, L homocysteine thiolactone at a dose of 5.5 mmol/kg, i.p. Convulsive behavior (incidence, severity, seizure latency and number of seizure episodes per rat) was observed during the next 90 min. RESULTS: After acute administration of homocysteine, the latency to the first seizure in trained group wasn't significantly shortened, nor the number of convulsive episodes per rat, compared to the sedentary group of animals. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in the incidence and intensity of convulsive episodes. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study we can conclude that acute boost of physical activity does not potentiates seizures induced by homocysteine thiolactone in rat, what is a favorable conclusion for patients with epilepsy. © 2016 Act Nerv Super Rediviva.