Browsing by Author "Soldatovic, Ivan (35389846900)"

Background/aims: Obese and overweight women experience a lower probability for pregnancy after IVF. However, despite the increasing prevalence of obesity, the large majority of infertile women are non-obese. One of the most common indications for IVF is endometriosis. Thought-provoking inverse correlation has been established between BMI and endometriosis. Lower BMI is a risk factor for development of endometriosis and a predictive factor for severe endometriosis. Since severe endometriosis carries lower reproductive chances, even after IVF, we preliminary tested a hypothesis that higher BMI among non-obese endometriosis patients improves IVF outcomes. Methods: Preliminary retrospective observational cross-sectional study was performed in women with endometriosis as a sole infertility cause who underwent IVF. During analyzed period we performed 2782 IVF procedures. In order to achieve highly homogenous study sample and to eliminate almost all confound factors that could lead to bias, we implemented strict study criteria. The number of eligible subjects was 156 and they were divided into underweight, normal weight and overweight groups. Primary outcomes were number of retrieved oocytes, good quality oocytes, embryos, and the rates of biochemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancies. For group comparisons, we used parametric test, analysis of variance, and non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test). Logistic regression and General linear model was used to assess correlation between BMI and dependent variables (outcome and stimulation duration) when adjusted for age. Results: Endometriosis as a single infertility factor among IVF couples had prevalence of 5.61%. Underweight women accounted for 10.26%, normal weight 71.15% and overweight 18.59% of study population. Significant differences were not found in number of retrieved oocytes (p = 0.880), good quality oocytes (p = 0.476), obtained embryos (p = 0.706), and biochemical (p = 0.298), clinical (p = 0.770) and ongoing (p = 0.822) pregnancy rates between study groups. Conclusion: Although preliminary results do not support our hypothesis, increase in BMI did not adversely affect the outcome of IVF in non-obese endometriosis patients, which is in contrast to literature data as regards general population of infertile women undergoing IVF. Prospective studies with large number of patients with endometriosis or prospective case-control studies should address these issues and provide more comprehensive counseling of infertile endometriosis patients regarding achievement of optimal BMI prior to IVF with the intention of achievement higher pregnancy rates. © 2017 The Author(s).

The mechanism of maladaptive chronic stress response involves altered phosphorylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In this study, we investigated if important depressogenic vulnerability factors, such as neuroticism and self-reports of negative affective states, may be associated with alterations in levels of the GR and GR phosphoisoforms in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy adults. In 21 women and 16 men we evaluated PMBC levels of total GR (tGR), GR phosphorylated at serine 211 (pGR-S211) and serine 226 (pGR-S226) and correlated these data with personality traits and current reports of stress, anxiety and depression. Also, we assessed plasma cortisol levels in all tested subjects. Our results showed that in women nuclear pGR-S226 was positively correlated with neuroticism and current reports of depression, anxiety and stress, while the ratio of nuclear pGR-S211/pGR-S226 was negatively correlated with reports of depression. None of the aforementioned correlations were significant in men. No significant relations between cortisol levels and any of GR parameters were observed. These preliminary findings highlight the value of GR phosphorylation-related research in identifying molecular biomarkers of depressogenic vulnerability, at least in women. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

The mechanism of maladaptive chronic stress response involves altered phosphorylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In this study, we investigated if important depressogenic vulnerability factors, such as neuroticism and self-reports of negative affective states, may be associated with alterations in levels of the GR and GR phosphoisoforms in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy adults. In 21 women and 16 men we evaluated PMBC levels of total GR (tGR), GR phosphorylated at serine 211 (pGR-S211) and serine 226 (pGR-S226) and correlated these data with personality traits and current reports of stress, anxiety and depression. Also, we assessed plasma cortisol levels in all tested subjects. Our results showed that in women nuclear pGR-S226 was positively correlated with neuroticism and current reports of depression, anxiety and stress, while the ratio of nuclear pGR-S211/pGR-S226 was negatively correlated with reports of depression. None of the aforementioned correlations were significant in men. No significant relations between cortisol levels and any of GR parameters were observed. These preliminary findings highlight the value of GR phosphorylation-related research in identifying molecular biomarkers of depressogenic vulnerability, at least in women. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Objective: Degenerative aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease are considered to be the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases in industrialized countries. This study aims to determine the change over time in von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor activity, and factor VIII and where there is a correlation with total post-operative drainage. Methods: The single-center retrospective study included 203 consecutive patients (64.5% male), undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery between March 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 at the University Clinical Center of Serbia in the Clinic for Cardiac Surgery in Belgrade, Serbia. All patients 18 years or older who presented with isolated, hemodynamically significant aortic stenosis were included. The control group consisted of patients who presented with only coronary artery disease. Results: Between patients with only coronary artery disease and patients with coronary artery diseases and aortic stenosis, there was a statistically significant difference between pre-op and 1-month post-op fibrinogen, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor antigen, and von Willebrand factor (p < 0.001), post-op drainage, with overall lower drainage in coronary artery disease patients, and consistent increase in von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor activity, and Factor VIII post-operatively in patients with coronary artery diseases and aortic stenosis. Conclusion: This study has shown that there is a correlation between von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor activity and total drainage to the level of statistical significance in aortic stenosis patients and in the overall study population. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery 2024.

Objective: We made hypotheses that tinnitus will appear more likely in patients with sudden deafness with superior hearing in unaffected ear or with more severe acute hearing loss. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Five hundred forty-one patients were identified with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) from January 1995 to August 2006. The exclusion criteria for this study were as follows: bilateral sudden hearing loss and Meniere disease, previous tinnitus or bilateral tinnitus at initial evaluation, and onset of hearing loss less than 7 days. The cohort enrolled 454 patients. The enrolled patients were classified into two groups: patient with acute onset tinnitus in the affected ear and patients without tinnitus at initial visit. Main outcome measures were patient age, the presence or absence of vertigo and tinnitus, audiometric patterns, the severity of hearing loss, and hearing in the unaffected ear. Results: Better contralateral hearing (n = 220 versus n = 72, P < 0.001) and younger age (48 versus 55 years, P < 0.001) were independently associated with the acute onset of tinnitus in patients with ISSHL. The degree of asymmetry between the ears did not differ significantly between patients with and without tinnitus. The sex, presence of vertigo, shape of audiogram, and severity of hearing loss were not correlated with tinnitus occurrence. Conclusions: Tinnitus triggered by ISSHL was more frequent in patients with better contralateral hearing and of a younger age, irrespective of the severity of hearing loss on the affected side or the asymmetry between the ears. © 2021 Noise & Health | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.

Background: Acne vulgaris is recognized as the third most prevalent skin disease worldwide, with highest prevalence among adolescents. Beliefs and perceptions of adolescents about acne are incoherent in the literature. Objectives: To assess the most frequently reported acne-related beliefs in adolescents in order to focus on misconceptions and develop proper recommendations. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study on representative sample of 2516 schoolchildren was conducted in six randomly selected secondary schools in Belgrade, Serbia. Only schoolchildren with present or past acne history participated. Factors believed to aggravate or ameliorate acne were recorded and analyzed, and the comparisons between girls and boys were evaluated using Pearson's chi-squared test. Results: A total of 1452 schoolchildren with acne participated, aged 14–18 years, among them 801 (55.2%) girls and 651 (44.8%) boys. Boys significantly more frequently believed that sweating, exercise, and dairy foods aggravate acne, whereas girls significantly more frequently blamed emotional stress, sweets, fatty foods, sun, and lack of sleep. The top four amelioration factors were as follows: comedone extraction, healthy diet, sun exposure, and increased water consumption. Acne regression was more frequently perceived to be linked with cigarettes in boys, but with sun exposure and weight loss in girls. Study limitations: The narrow age span of adolescents (14–18 years) and exclusion of acne-free adolescents are limitations due to study design. Conclusion: This survey is part of the first epidemiological study on a representative sample in the Western Balkan region. The significance of the most frequent acne-related beliefs is discussed and myths about acne are highlighted. © 2019 Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia

Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes and factors associated with after-hours dental trauma. Methods. Study sample consisted of 1762 permanent teeth injuries in children, gender and age matched with office-hours injuries. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected from 4 university dental trauma centers. Results. During median follow-up time of 4.3 years, complications have occurred in 14.5% of injured teeth. Age, type, and degree of tissue injury and after-hours time of injury were significantly associated with complications. Unfavorable outcomes were 34% more likely in the after-hours group compared with office-hours. Urgent treatment was significantly delayed in after-hours group with a delay of more than 3 hours in 90.5% versus 38.9% in the office-hours group. Multivariate regression model showed that after-hours time of injury was significant predictor of complications. Conclusion. Delayed urgent treatment was one of the main factors associated with unfavorable outcome of after-hours injuries. © SAGE Publications.

The aim of this study is to evaluate influence of allogeneic blood transfusion on prognosis in patients in Dukes B stage of colorectal cancer. All patients with colorectal cancer who were admitted at our Department of Surgery between January 2000 and December 2004 were analyzed. One hundred fifty-one patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria were enrolled in further evaluation. B stage according to Dukes classification and curative resection were inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria were polyposis syndromes, nonpolyposis syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disease and previous blood transfusion. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 received ≤3 units of allogeneic blood transfusion and group 2 received >3 units of allogeneic blood transfusion. "Cutoff" value of 3 units of blood was defined according to our results and literature data. Follow-up was 5 year. There was no statistical difference between these groups in local recurrence (χ2 = 0.009, P > 0.05) and distant metastasis (χ2 = 0.44, P > 0.05). Also, the Kaplan-Meier survival curves were calculated, and long-rank test did not show a survival difference between these two groups (log rank = 0.075, P > 0.05). Postoperative complications are significantly more frequent in Group 2 (χ2 = 4.67, P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that intraoperative blood transfusion more than three units had independent influence on local recurrence. Postoperative transfusion more than 3 units was statistically independent prognostic factor for metastasis and mortality. Overall transfusion less than 3 units of allogeneic blood does not influence the outcome of patients in Dukes B stage of colorectal cancer. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

The aim of this study is to evaluate influence of allogeneic blood transfusion on prognosis in patients in Dukes B stage of colorectal cancer. All patients with colorectal cancer who were admitted at our Department of Surgery between January 2000 and December 2004 were analyzed. One hundred fifty-one patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria were enrolled in further evaluation. B stage according to Dukes classification and curative resection were inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria were polyposis syndromes, nonpolyposis syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disease and previous blood transfusion. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 received ≤3 units of allogeneic blood transfusion and group 2 received >3 units of allogeneic blood transfusion. "Cutoff" value of 3 units of blood was defined according to our results and literature data. Follow-up was 5 year. There was no statistical difference between these groups in local recurrence (χ2 = 0.009, P > 0.05) and distant metastasis (χ2 = 0.44, P > 0.05). Also, the Kaplan-Meier survival curves were calculated, and long-rank test did not show a survival difference between these two groups (log rank = 0.075, P > 0.05). Postoperative complications are significantly more frequent in Group 2 (χ2 = 4.67, P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that intraoperative blood transfusion more than three units had independent influence on local recurrence. Postoperative transfusion more than 3 units was statistically independent prognostic factor for metastasis and mortality. Overall transfusion less than 3 units of allogeneic blood does not influence the outcome of patients in Dukes B stage of colorectal cancer. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of "décollement," traumatic lesions of subcutaneous soft tissue, among victims fatally injured because of falls from different heights. Three hundred seventy-five cases of fatalities due to injuries acquired when falling from various heights onto a solid, flat surface, in which the complete forensic autopsy was performed, were analyzed. Décollement was noted in 125 (33%) of the cases. Comparative analysis of groups with and without décollement and observed factors has shown that the height of fall and the manner of death have statistically significant influence on décollement appearance. With regard to suicidal, accidental, or undefined origin of death décollement is statistically more common in accidental deaths. Décollement provides important clues for forensic reconstruction and could be a significant indicator of the body's position at primary impact and the height from which the victim has either jumped or fallen. © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Background This study offers objective dimensions of the gastrocnemius muscle and analyzes correlations between dimensional variables, with a view to providing guidance on the proportions of a healthy gastrocnemius muscle for both genders. Methods This anatomical study was conducted at the Institute of Forensic Medicine Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade, Serbia, from May until November 2014. We included 47 fresh cadavers (up to 12-h postmortem interval) both male and female. The inclusion criteria were absence of any trauma or degenerative findings in lower limbs, normally weighed, and age between 18 and 60 years. The exclusion criteria were significant difference in dimensions between legs and overweighed cadavers. Results After statistical analysis of gathered data, we were able to define the exact shape and average measures of the medial and lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle in male and female. Factors affecting muscle dimensions are also defined in this study. Conclusion The method of dissection that we applied could be recommended for exploration of different anatomical structures of calf region. The reported dimensions and correlations are useful guide in planning cosmetic and reconstructive procedures with high accuracy. © 2016 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons

The aim of the present study was to analyze the distribution of genotypes and haplotypes of functional eNOS gene polymorphisms in the promoter (−786 T/C), intron 4 (VNTR4b/a) and exon 7 (894 G/T), in Serbian population of pregnant women, and establish a possible association between these polymorphisms and preeclampsia development. DNA was isolated from venous blood samples of 50 heathy pregnant women and 50 preeclampsia patients. Polymerase Chain Reaction/Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) technique, with appropriate sets of primers and specific restriction enzymes, was used to determine polymorphisms in eNOS gene. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS and HAPLOVIEW software packages. eNOS −786 T/C polymorphism was significantly associated with preeclampsia (P = 0.006). Homozygotes for the VNTR polymorphism had also an elevated risk of developing preeclampsia (OR=7.68, 95%CI (0.89–65.98)), especially the mild (OR=9.33, 95%CI (0.98–88.57)) and late form (OR=8.52, 95%CI (0.90–80.58)). The 894 G/T polymorphism was not associated with preeclampsia. “G-C-b” and “T-4a-T” haplotypes were more frequent in preeclampsia, though without reaching statistical significance. −786 T/C and VNTR 4b/a eNOS gene polymorphisms were associated with preeclampsia risk in Serbian patients. © 2021, Society for Reproductive Investigation.

Background: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies on the clinical and laboratory manifestations, disease activity and outcomes of the disease in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Methods: We conducted a 10-year cross-sectional study with a retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters and outcome of the disease (kidney, nervous system involvement, thrombosis). For the purpose of the study, patients were divided into cohort groups based on the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLA), named the aPLA positive group, or their absence, named the aPLA negative group. Values of aPLA were defined in reference laboratories. The disease activity was measured by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score, whereas tissue damage degree was measured by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology-Damage Index (SLICC/ACR DI; SDI; DI). Results: Research in our center showed that patients with cSLE often had hematological, cutaneous, and non-thrombotic neurological manifestations. Antiphospholipid antibodies may be present transiently or permanently. A significant change in the titer value was observed in the IgG isotype of aCLA. The presence of higher values of IgM β2GP1 at the beginning indicates that higher disease activity can be expected. Higher disease activity correlates with greater tissue damage. Additionally, it has been shown that aPLA positive patients have two and a half times higher risk of tissue damage than aPLA negative ones. Conclusion: Our study shows that the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus may indicate a higher risk of tissue damage, but since it is a rare disease in childhood, prospective and multicenter studies are necessary to assess the importance of the presence of these antibodies. © 2023 by the authors.

Introduction: Psychological characteristics of patients, depression, stress and anxiety are recognized as important confounding risk factors for ischemic heart disease. However, the impact of psychological characteristics on coronary ischemia and vice versa remain poorly understood. Aim: To demonstrate the interplay of psychological characteristics, depression, stress and anxiety with coronary ischemia estimated with fractional flow reserve (FFR). Material and methods: From 2014 to 2016, 147 patients who were planned for FFR measurement were included in this study. Psychological characteristics of patients were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 items (DASS 21) self-report questionnaire. Results: Comparing the FFR ischemic vs. FFR non-ischemic groups, a significant difference was observed regarding results achieved for the depression, anxiety and stress scales. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to model the correlation between FFR and the DAS scale. It was clear, when controlling for previous myocardial infarction, that FFR was significant in all analyses. However, when the Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading of angina pectoris (CCS) class was entered in the model, FFR was not a significant predictor of anxiety, but was significant in other analysis. Conclusions: Higher degrees of the psychological characteristics depression, stress and anxiety were observed in the group of patients with coronary ischemia, corresponding to lower fractional flow values.

Background: Immune dysregulation and associated inefficient anti-viral immunity during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause tissue and organ damage which shares many similarities with pathogenetic processes in systemic autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigate wide range autoimmune and immunoserological markers in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: Study included 51 patients with confirmed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection and hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Wide spectrum autoantibodies associated with different autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases were analyzed and correlated with clinical and laboratory features and pneumonia severity. Results: Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity was found in 19.6%, anti-cardiolipin IgG antibodies (aCL IgG) in 15.7%, and anti-cardiolipin IgM antibodies (aCL IgM) in 7.8% of patients. Positive atypical x anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (xANCA) were detected in 10.0% (all negative for Proteinase 3 and Myeloperoxidase) and rheumatoid factor was found in 8.2% of patients. None of tested autoantibodies were associated with disease or pneumonia severity, except for aCL IgG being significantly associated with higher pneumonia severity index (p = 0.036). Patients with reduced total serum IgG were more likely to require non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) (p < 0.0001). Serum concentrations of IgG (p = 0.003) and IgA (p = 0.032) were significantly lower in this group of patients. Higher total serum IgA (p = 0.009) was associated with mortality, with no difference in serum IgG (p = 0.115) or IgM (p = 0.175). Lethal outcome was associated with lower complement C4 (p = 0.013), while there was no difference in complement C3 concentration (p = 0.135). Conclusion: Increased autoimmune responses are present in moderate and severe COVID-19. Severe pneumonia is associated with the presence of aCL IgG, suggesting their role in disease pathogenesis. Evaluation of serum immunoglobulins and complement concentration could help assess the risk of non-invasive mechanical ventilation NIMV and poor outcome. Copyright © 2022 Stjepanovic, Stojanovic, Stankovic, Cvejic, Dimic-Janjic, Popevic, Buha, Belic, Djurdjevic, Stjepanovic, Jovanovic, Stojkovic-Laloševic, Soldatovic, Bonaci-Nikolic and Miskovic.

Introduction: Previous studies have examined the correlation between hyperandrogenemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in women and showed contradictory results. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between testosterone level and Fatty Liver Index (FLI), as a surrogate marker for NAFLD, in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Material and methods: A total of 150 postmenopausal women were included in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well as blood pressure, were obtained. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is assessed by FLI, an algorithm based on body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides and γ-glutamyl transferase, as a simple and accurate predictor of hepatic steatosis. Women were divided into three groups (FLI < 30, n = 80; 30 ≤ FLI < 60, n = 44; FLI ≥ 60, n = 26). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance was calculated. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the best model consisted of 4 parameters (e.g., bioavailable testosterone (β = 0.288, p = 0.001), log HOMA-IR (β = 0.227, p = 0.005), log high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (β = 0.322, p < 0.001), and retinol-binding protein 4 (β = 0.226, p < 0.001)). Adjusted R2 for the best model was 0.550, which means that as much as 55.0% of variation in FLI could be explained with this model. Conclusions: Bioavailable testosterone is independently associated with FLI in postmenopausal women. © 2016 Termedia & Banach.

As acute alcohol intake can trigger suicidal ideas and attempts in people already at risk, and self-aggression is more intense after alcohol consumption, the aim of this study is to assess the relationship between blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the lethality of suicide methods. A number of different socio-demographic and clinical predictors related to selection of high lethality methods were evaluated. This retrospective autopsy study covers an 11-year period of autopsies performed in the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Belgrade. It included 308 subjects with confirmed BAC above 0‰ who committed suicide. The suicide methods were dichotomized in terms of lethality–low lethality methods (LLM–drug/chemical overdose or use of a sharp object, n = 20) and high lethality methods (HLM–hanging, firearms and explosives, drowning, jumping from a height and immolation, n = 288). Our study did not reveal a statistically significant relationship between alcohol concentration and HLM. There is an obvious trend of HLM in rising BAC categories, but without any statistical significance. Of all tested predictors, only the male gender has significant correlation with HLM (p = 0.036). Despite the absence of correlation between BAC and HLM, the rising trend in BAC in our study showed, along with opposing literature data, that we can conclude this interconnection is highly complex. © 2020 Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences.

An increase in reactive oxygen species has been implicated in the pathologies of hypertension. This study was designed to evaluate antioxidant activity in hypertensive patients and to assess the relationship between oxidative stress and exercise tolerance in hypertensive patients with mild left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). A total of 42 patients, aged 51±9 years, with a long history of hypertension and mild LVDD (mitral flow velocities-E/A 1, deceleration time of E >220 ms, and preserved ejection fraction-EF >50%), and 30 controls without cardiovascular disease, aged 50±7 years, underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2 ), oxygen pulse (VO2/heart rate (HR)) and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) were obtained during CPET. Antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase in the blood was measured before and after exercise. Reduced peak VO2 (1715±426 vs. 2083±465 ml min -1, P(0.001), VO 2/HR (12.0±2.8 vs. 14.6±3.3 ml per beat, P(0.001) and percentage of peak VO2 at VAT (55.5±15.8% vs. 64.5±14.7%, P 0.007) were observed in hypertensive patients, compared with controls. Antioxidant protection was significantly attenuated in hypertensive patients, compared with controls, before (945 vs. 1006, P=0.012) and after exercise (954 vs. 1051, P=0.001). The level of SOD before and after exercise was significantly associated with LVDD in hypertensive patients (P=0.012 and 0.02, respectively). In addition, the degree of LVDD before exercise (E/A) influenced the degree of exercise capability (peak VO2 ) (P0.016). Asymptomatic hypertensive patients with mild LVDD had reduced cardiopulmonary capacity, accurately identified by CPET. The redox state in hypertensive patients was significantly related to LVDD and exercise tolerance. Attenuated antioxidant protection was associated with long-term hypertension. © 2012 The Japanese Society of Hypertension All rights reserved.

An increase in reactive oxygen species has been implicated in the pathologies of hypertension. This study was designed to evaluate antioxidant activity in hypertensive patients and to assess the relationship between oxidative stress and exercise tolerance in hypertensive patients with mild left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). A total of 42 patients, aged 51±9 years, with a long history of hypertension and mild LVDD (mitral flow velocities-E/A 1, deceleration time of E >220 ms, and preserved ejection fraction-EF >50%), and 30 controls without cardiovascular disease, aged 50±7 years, underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2 ), oxygen pulse (VO2/heart rate (HR)) and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) were obtained during CPET. Antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase in the blood was measured before and after exercise. Reduced peak VO2 (1715±426 vs. 2083±465 ml min -1, P(0.001), VO 2/HR (12.0±2.8 vs. 14.6±3.3 ml per beat, P(0.001) and percentage of peak VO2 at VAT (55.5±15.8% vs. 64.5±14.7%, P 0.007) were observed in hypertensive patients, compared with controls. Antioxidant protection was significantly attenuated in hypertensive patients, compared with controls, before (945 vs. 1006, P=0.012) and after exercise (954 vs. 1051, P=0.001). The level of SOD before and after exercise was significantly associated with LVDD in hypertensive patients (P=0.012 and 0.02, respectively). In addition, the degree of LVDD before exercise (E/A) influenced the degree of exercise capability (peak VO2 ) (P0.016). Asymptomatic hypertensive patients with mild LVDD had reduced cardiopulmonary capacity, accurately identified by CPET. The redox state in hypertensive patients was significantly related to LVDD and exercise tolerance. Attenuated antioxidant protection was associated with long-term hypertension. © 2012 The Japanese Society of Hypertension All rights reserved.

Background: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) is evolutionarily conserved and expressed widely throughout the organism. Loss-of-function AIP mutations predispose to young-onset pituitary adenomas. AIP co-localizes with growth hormone in normal and tumorous somatotroph secretory vesicles. AIP protein is detectable in circulation. We aimed to investigate possible AIP and GH co-secretion, by studying serum AIP and GH levels at baseline and after GH stimulation or suppression, in GH deficiency (GHD) and in acromegaly patients. Subjects and methods: Insulin tolerance test (ITT) was performed in GHD patients (n = 13) and age-BMI-matched normal GH axis control patients (n = 31). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in active acromegaly patients (n = 26) and age-BMI-matched normal GH axis control patients (n = 18). In-house immunometric assay was developed for measuring circulating AIP. Results: Serum AIP levels were in the 0.1 ng/mL range independently of gender, age or BMI. Baseline AIP did not differ between GHD and non-GHD or between acromegaly and patients with no acromegaly. There was no change in peak, trough or area under the curve during OGTT or ITT. Serum AIP did not correlate with GH during ITT or OGTT. Conclusions: Human circulating serum AIP in vivo was assessed by a novel immunometric assay. AIP levels were independent of age, sex or BMI and unaffected by hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. Despite co-localization in secretory vesicles, AIP and GH did not correlate at baseline or during GH stimulation or suppression tests. A platform of reliable serum AIP measurement is established for further research of its circulatory source, role and impact. © 2019 The authors