Browsing by Author "Stefanović, Aleksandra (15021458500)"

Background: Unfavorable lipid profile presents one of most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in renal pathology. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) as enzyme which oxidizes lipoproteins and paraoxonase1 (PON1) as anti-oxidative enzyme have been involved in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. In the present study we sought to assess oxidative stress status, lipoprotein subclasses distribution as well as functionality of high density lipoprotein (HDL) trough MPO/PON1 ratio in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and children after renal transplantation. Methods: PON1 activity and oxidative stress parameters were measured spectrophotometrically, while MPO concentration was determined using immunoassay. Separation of lipoprotein subclasses was performed by vertical gradient gel electrophoresis in 19 children with different stage of CKD and 19 post-transplantation patients (PT). Results: CKD patients had increased MPO/PON1 ratio and higher prevalence of smaller HDL subclasses when compared to PT subjects. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between MPO level and MPO/PON1 ratio with relative proportion of smaller HDL subclasses. Conclusion: Children with CKD have impaired HDL distribution that is improved after kidney transplantation. Since that measurement of HDL distribution and functionality are not routinely available, MPO/PON1 ratio may be useful marker that could provide necessary information. © by Aleksandra Stefanović 2017.

Background: Unfavorable lipid profile presents one of most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in renal pathology. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) as enzyme which oxidizes lipoproteins and paraoxonase1 (PON1) as anti-oxidative enzyme have been involved in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. In the present study we sought to assess oxidative stress status, lipoprotein subclasses distribution as well as functionality of high density lipoprotein (HDL) trough MPO/PON1 ratio in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and children after renal transplantation. Methods: PON1 activity and oxidative stress parameters were measured spectrophotometrically, while MPO concentration was determined using immunoassay. Separation of lipoprotein subclasses was performed by vertical gradient gel electrophoresis in 19 children with different stage of CKD and 19 post-transplantation patients (PT). Results: CKD patients had increased MPO/PON1 ratio and higher prevalence of smaller HDL subclasses when compared to PT subjects. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between MPO level and MPO/PON1 ratio with relative proportion of smaller HDL subclasses. Conclusion: Children with CKD have impaired HDL distribution that is improved after kidney transplantation. Since that measurement of HDL distribution and functionality are not routinely available, MPO/PON1 ratio may be useful marker that could provide necessary information. © by Aleksandra Stefanović 2017.

Backgroun/Aim. Constant production of free radicals and antioxidants (AO) in cells is a part of normal cellular function. Their imbalance might take a part in pathophysiology of many diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Evaluation of the disease status, prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and antioxidants are being widely estimated. The aim of this study was to examine potential interaction between several AO variables: glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and PAB, and clinicopathologic features of patients with PD, particularly the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage. Methods. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to analyze mean differences between clinicopathologic characteristics (gender, age at examination, duration of the disease, and the H&Y stage) and AO variables of PD patients and those of age/sex matched healthy controls. The study included 91 patients with idiopatic PD patients and 20 healthy persons. Results. The multivariate effect size was estimated at 0.269 (p < 0.001), implying that 27.0% of the variance of the dependent variables was accounted for the H&Y stage. Univariate tests showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.001) across the H&Y stage of all AO variables. The H&Y stage remained significant predictor after controlling for the second variable, the disease duration (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.249), and there were still significant differences across the H&Y stage of all variables, with effect size (η2) ranging from 0.132 (p = 0.011) (lnGSH) to the still high values of 0.535 (lnPAB), 0.627 (lnSOD) and 0.964 (lnCAT). Conclusion. The results indicate that higher level of oxidative stress in blood of PD patients is possibly related to the PD stage. Along with reduction of SOD and GSH levels, CAT activity was elevated in comparison to these values in healthy subjects. Furthermore, PAB was shifted toward oxidative stress. © 2020 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore oxidative stress status, especially the enzyme myeloperoxidase in children with end-stage renal disease. Also, we investigated possible associations between the atherogenic index of plasma and these parameters. Methods: Lipid status parameters, oxidative stress status parameters, and myeloperoxidase concentration were measured in the sera of 20 children in the last stage of chronic renal disease (ESRD) and 35 healthy children of matching age and sex. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) was calculated according to the appropriate equation. Results: We did not find any significant differences in myeloperoxidase concentrations between the investigated groups (p=0.394). Oxidative stress parameters were, however, significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.001), as well as the atherogenic index of plasma (p<0.001). Myeloperoxidase concentration and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) concentration were independently associated with increased AIP in the patient group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Changes in AIP in children with ERSD are associated with the oxidative stress status and myeloperoxidase concentration. © 2017 Danijela Ristovski-Kornic et al., published by De Gruyter Open.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore oxidative stress status, especially the enzyme myeloperoxidase in children with end-stage renal disease. Also, we investigated possible associations between the atherogenic index of plasma and these parameters. Methods: Lipid status parameters, oxidative stress status parameters, and myeloperoxidase concentration were measured in the sera of 20 children in the last stage of chronic renal disease (ESRD) and 35 healthy children of matching age and sex. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) was calculated according to the appropriate equation. Results: We did not find any significant differences in myeloperoxidase concentrations between the investigated groups (p=0.394). Oxidative stress parameters were, however, significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.001), as well as the atherogenic index of plasma (p<0.001). Myeloperoxidase concentration and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) concentration were independently associated with increased AIP in the patient group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Changes in AIP in children with ERSD are associated with the oxidative stress status and myeloperoxidase concentration. © 2017 Danijela Ristovski-Kornic et al., published by De Gruyter Open.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) supplementation on oxidative stress markers in patients with schizophrenia. Subjects and methods: Eighteen (18) medicated patients with schizophrenia and 38 healthy controls received daily supplements of LA (500 mg/day) for three months. At baseline, 45th and 90th days of supplementation, venous blood collected for analysis of oxidative stress markers [superoxide anion (O2•-), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP)] and antioxidative defense markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), total sulfhydryl groups (-SH) and total antioxidant status (TAS)]. Results: Increased plasma TBARS, TAS, SH groups levels and SOD activity were found in schizophrenic patients compared to control group. LA supplementation significantly reduced TBARS, AOPP and improved TAS levels in healthy subjects, while there were no significant differences in patients group. SH groups increased after 45 days and decreased to baseline levels after 90 days of supplementation in the control group. SOD activity decreased significantly in patients group after 45 days and 90 days of supplementation. After initial rose SOD activity in control group, decreased to baseline levels found after 90 days. Conclusion: LA supplementation decreased lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of proteins and improved non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity in healthy controls. No significant changes were observed on oxidative damage in patients with schizophrenia. © Medicinska naklada.

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived plasma protein with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties and is suggested to be a biomarker of metabolic disturbances. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on plasma adiponectin and some metabolic risk factors in patients with schizophrenia. The plasma adipokine levels (adiponectin and leptin), routine biochemical and anthropometric parameters, markers of oxidative stress, and the serum phospholipid fatty acid profile in eighteen schizophrenic patients at baseline, in the middle, and at the end of a 3-month long supplementation period with ALA (500 mg daily) were determined. A significant increase in the plasma adiponectin concentrations, as well as a decrease in fasting glucose and aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST), was found. Baseline AST activity was independently correlated with the adiponectin concentrations. Our data show that ALA can improve plasma adiponectin levels and may play a potential role in the treatment of metabolic risk factor in patients with schizophrenia. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary investigations. © 2017, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. and Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition.

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived plasma protein with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties and is suggested to be a biomarker of metabolic disturbances. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on plasma adiponectin and some metabolic risk factors in patients with schizophrenia. The plasma adipokine levels (adiponectin and leptin), routine biochemical and anthropometric parameters, markers of oxidative stress, and the serum phospholipid fatty acid profile in eighteen schizophrenic patients at baseline, in the middle, and at the end of a 3-month long supplementation period with ALA (500 mg daily) were determined. A significant increase in the plasma adiponectin concentrations, as well as a decrease in fasting glucose and aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST), was found. Baseline AST activity was independently correlated with the adiponectin concentrations. Our data show that ALA can improve plasma adiponectin levels and may play a potential role in the treatment of metabolic risk factor in patients with schizophrenia. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary investigations. © 2017, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. and Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition.

Metabolic disorders in pregnancy, particularly gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), are associated with an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcome and long-term cardiometabolic health of mother and child. This study analyzed changes of serum cholesterol synthesis and absorption markers during the course of high-risk pregnancies, with respect to the development of GDM. Possible associations of maternal lipid biomarkers with neonatal characteristics were also investigated. The study included 63 women with high risk for development of pregnancy complications. Size and proportions of small low-density (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles were assessed across trimesters (T1–T3), as well as concentrations of cholesterol synthesis (lathosterol, desmosterol) and absorption markers (campesterol, β-sitosterol). During the study, 15 women developed GDM, while 48 had no complications (non-GDM). As compared to the non-GDM group, women with GDM had significantly higher triglycerides in each trimester, while having a lower HDL-C level in T3. In addition, they had significantly lower levels of β-sitosterol in T3 (p < 0.05). Cholesterol synthesis markers increased across trimesters in both groups. A decrease in serum β-sitosterol levels during the course of pregnancies affected by GDM was observed. The prevalence of small-sized HDL decreased in non-GDM, while in the GDM group remained unchanged across trimesters. Newborn’s size in the non-GDM group was significantly higher (p < 0.01) and inversely associated with proportions of both small, dense LDL and HDL particles (p < 0.05) in maternal plasma in T1. In conclusion, high-risk pregnancies affected by GDM are characterized by altered cholesterol absorption and HDL maturation. Advanced lipid testing may indicate disturbed lipid homeostasis in GDM. © 2022 by the authors.

Metabolic disorders in pregnancy, particularly gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), are associated with an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcome and long-term cardiometabolic health of mother and child. This study analyzed changes of serum cholesterol synthesis and absorption markers during the course of high-risk pregnancies, with respect to the development of GDM. Possible associations of maternal lipid biomarkers with neonatal characteristics were also investigated. The study included 63 women with high risk for development of pregnancy complications. Size and proportions of small low-density (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles were assessed across trimesters (T1–T3), as well as concentrations of cholesterol synthesis (lathosterol, desmosterol) and absorption markers (campesterol, β-sitosterol). During the study, 15 women developed GDM, while 48 had no complications (non-GDM). As compared to the non-GDM group, women with GDM had significantly higher triglycerides in each trimester, while having a lower HDL-C level in T3. In addition, they had significantly lower levels of β-sitosterol in T3 (p < 0.05). Cholesterol synthesis markers increased across trimesters in both groups. A decrease in serum β-sitosterol levels during the course of pregnancies affected by GDM was observed. The prevalence of small-sized HDL decreased in non-GDM, while in the GDM group remained unchanged across trimesters. Newborn’s size in the non-GDM group was significantly higher (p < 0.01) and inversely associated with proportions of both small, dense LDL and HDL particles (p < 0.05) in maternal plasma in T1. In conclusion, high-risk pregnancies affected by GDM are characterized by altered cholesterol absorption and HDL maturation. Advanced lipid testing may indicate disturbed lipid homeostasis in GDM. © 2022 by the authors.

Background: The roles of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in the early phases of atherosclerosis were tested in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Intima media thickness of common carotid arteries (cIMT) is used as a measure of early atherosclerosis. Methods: Fifty-two pediatric CKD patients were enrolled in the study (10 with chronic renal failure [CRF], 22 with a renal transplant [RT], 20 with chronic hemodialysis (cHD) patients, and 36 healthy children (control group, CG). Lipid status, oxidative stress, and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) status were assessed. cIMT was measured by ultrasound, adjusted for age and sex, and presented as standard deviation scores (SDS). Results: Children with CKD had disturbed lipid content, which was most pronounced in cHD children, with higher free cholesterol and triglycerides compared with healthy children. Oxidative stress was markedly increased (malodialdehyde [MDA, μmol/L]: CRF 1.50 ± 0.26, RT 1.55 ± 0.40, cHD 1.77 ± 0.34, CG 0.97 ± 0.33, p < 0.001) and antioxidative defense was compromised (superoxide dismutase [SOD, U/L]: CG 120 ± 21, CRF 84 ± 25, RT 93 ± 12, cHD 119 ± 37, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a model that included disease duration, blood pressure, urea, lipid, and oxidative status parameters accounted for more than 90% of the variability of cIMT-SDS. Conclusions: Early atherosclerosis in CKD children is caused, at least in part, by dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. Monitoring of vessel wall changes, along with assessment of oxidative stress status and high density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality is necessary to ensure better therapeutic strategies for delaying atherosclerotic changes in their asymptomatic phase. © 2012 IPNA.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common postoperative complication following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. New biomarkers to identify patients with early AKI (before increases in serum creatinine) are needed to facilitate appropriate treatment. This study aimed to test the role of urinary liver fatty-acid-binding protein (L-FABP) as an early biomarker for AKI in children undergoing CPB surgery. Methods: This is a case-control study of children undergoing CPB. AKI was defined as 50 % increase in serum creatinine at 48 h after surgery. For each patient, five serum and urine samples were obtained corresponding to time 0 h (presurgery) and 2, 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Results: Twenty-seven patients, median age 360 days, were enrolled. AKI developed in 11 patients (41 %); three needed renal replacement therapy (peritoneal dialysis); there were two deaths. There were significant differences between patients with and without AKI in L-FABP levels at 2, 6, and 48 h after surgery, length of hospital stay, and CPB time; there were no differences in gender, patient age, and body weight. L-FABP was normalized to urinary creatinine concentration at all time points, with area under the receiver operator curve (AUC ROC) 0.867 at 2 and 6 h postoperatively. Correlation coefficient between L-FABP and length of hospital stay after surgery was statistically significant (r = 0.722, p value = 0.000). Conclusions: Our results suggest that urinary L-FABP can be used to diagnose AKI earlier than rise in serum creatinine in children undergoing CPB. © 2013 IPNA.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate lipoprotein particle distributions and the likelihood of achieving cholesterol homeostasis in the remission phase of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in paediatric patients. We hypothesized that lipoprotein particle distributions moved toward less atherogenic profile and that cholesterol homeostasis was achieved. Materials and methods: Thirty-three children, 2 to 9 years old with NS were recruited. Blood sampling took place both in the acute phase and during remission. Serum low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL) were separated using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel (3-31%) electrophoresis. Serum non-cholesterols sterols (NCSs), desmosterol, lathosterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), campesterol and β-sitosterol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Results: All patients had desirable serum HDL cholesterol concentrations during remission. The dominant lipoprotein diameters and LDL subclass distribution did not change significantly during follow-up. In contrast, HDL lipoprotein particle distribution shifted towards larger particles. The absolute concentration of desmosterol was significantly lower during remission (P = 0.023). β-sitosterol concentration markedly increased during remission (P = 0.005). Desmosterol/β-sitosterol (P < 0.001) and 7-DHC/β-sitosterol (P = 0.005) ratios significantly declined during disease remission. Conclusions: Favourable changes in the serum lipid profiles, HDL particle subclass distribution and cholesterol metabolism in paediatric patients with NS during remission took place. For the first time, we found that cholesterol homeostasis changed in favour of increased cholesterol absorption during disease remission. Nevertheless, complete cholesterol homeostasis was not achieved during disease remission. © by Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate lipoprotein particle distributions and the likelihood of achieving cholesterol homeostasis in the remission phase of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in paediatric patients. We hypothesized that lipoprotein particle distributions moved toward less atherogenic profile and that cholesterol homeostasis was achieved. Materials and methods: Thirty-three children, 2 to 9 years old with NS were recruited. Blood sampling took place both in the acute phase and during remission. Serum low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL) were separated using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel (3-31%) electrophoresis. Serum non-cholesterols sterols (NCSs), desmosterol, lathosterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), campesterol and β-sitosterol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Results: All patients had desirable serum HDL cholesterol concentrations during remission. The dominant lipoprotein diameters and LDL subclass distribution did not change significantly during follow-up. In contrast, HDL lipoprotein particle distribution shifted towards larger particles. The absolute concentration of desmosterol was significantly lower during remission (P = 0.023). β-sitosterol concentration markedly increased during remission (P = 0.005). Desmosterol/β-sitosterol (P < 0.001) and 7-DHC/β-sitosterol (P = 0.005) ratios significantly declined during disease remission. Conclusions: Favourable changes in the serum lipid profiles, HDL particle subclass distribution and cholesterol metabolism in paediatric patients with NS during remission took place. For the first time, we found that cholesterol homeostasis changed in favour of increased cholesterol absorption during disease remission. Nevertheless, complete cholesterol homeostasis was not achieved during disease remission. © by Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

Background: The pathophysiological mechanisms crucial in the development of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in the pediatric population are still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension, oxidative stress, and inflammation in pediatric patients during the acute phase of the disease. Methods: The study included 33 children, aged 2 to 9 years, with nephrotic syndrome. Blood samples were collected during the acute phase and remission. Parameters of oxidative status were determined, including total oxidative status (TOS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), sulfhydryl groups (- SH), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum, measured spectrophotometrically. Inflammatory parameters such as pentraxin 3 (PTX3), leptin, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and E-cadherin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Patients with nephrotic syndrome and hypertension had significantly higher levels of advanced oxidation protein products and total antioxidant status (p=0.029 and p=0.003, respectively). During the acute phase of the disease, lower activity of sulfhydryl groups and paraoxonase 1 was observed compared to remission (p<0.001, for both). Pentraxin 3 levels were higher, while leptin levels were lower during the acute phase (p<0.001, for both). Pentraxin 3 correlated with advanced oxidation protein products and total antioxidant status during the acute phase but not in remission (rs=0.42, p=0.027 and rs=0.43, p=0.025, respectively). A negative correlation between Advanced oxidation protein products and leptin was observed during the acute phase, which disappeared in remission (rs=-0.42, p=0.028). Conclusions: Results of this study show that hypertension influences oxidative stress markers, and decreased antioxidant capacity may contribute to nephrotic syndrome development. Pentraxin 3 appears as a potential disease activity marker, indicating a dynamic connection between inflammation and oxidative stress. Leptin may also play a role in oxidative stress in nephrotic syndrome. © 2024 Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia. All rights reserved.

Background: The pathophysiological mechanisms crucial in the development of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in the pediatric population are still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension, oxidative stress, and inflammation in pediatric patients during the acute phase of the disease. Methods: The study included 33 children, aged 2 to 9 years, with nephrotic syndrome. Blood samples were collected during the acute phase and remission. Parameters of oxidative status were determined, including total oxidative status (TOS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), sulfhydryl groups (- SH), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum, measured spectrophotometrically. Inflammatory parameters such as pentraxin 3 (PTX3), leptin, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and E-cadherin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Patients with nephrotic syndrome and hypertension had significantly higher levels of advanced oxidation protein products and total antioxidant status (p=0.029 and p=0.003, respectively). During the acute phase of the disease, lower activity of sulfhydryl groups and paraoxonase 1 was observed compared to remission (p<0.001, for both). Pentraxin 3 levels were higher, while leptin levels were lower during the acute phase (p<0.001, for both). Pentraxin 3 correlated with advanced oxidation protein products and total antioxidant status during the acute phase but not in remission (rs=0.42, p=0.027 and rs=0.43, p=0.025, respectively). A negative correlation between Advanced oxidation protein products and leptin was observed during the acute phase, which disappeared in remission (rs=-0.42, p=0.028). Conclusions: Results of this study show that hypertension influences oxidative stress markers, and decreased antioxidant capacity may contribute to nephrotic syndrome development. Pentraxin 3 appears as a potential disease activity marker, indicating a dynamic connection between inflammation and oxidative stress. Leptin may also play a role in oxidative stress in nephrotic syndrome. © 2024 Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia. All rights reserved.

Objective – To examine renal functional reserve (RFR) and blood pressure (BP) in children with a solitary functioning kidney (SFK) and stage 1-3 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Method – RFR was measured in 48 children with SFK and in 10 healthy children, as the difference between un-stimulated and stimulated clearance of endogenous cre-atinine by a meat-free oral protein load (OPL). Cimetidine was given 48 h prior to the measurement when the study subjects were on a diet free of meat, fish and poultry. Serum cystatin C and urinary protein (UPRT)/urinary creatinine (UCr) were examined before and 2 hours after OPL. BP was determined by office and by 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Results – The majority of the patients (79.6%) had congenital SFK, while the remaining had acquired SFK due to unilateral nephrectomy. Sixteen patients had CKD1, 19 patients had CKD2 and 13 had CKD3. The patients and controls did not differ in terms of age, gender, body size, office and 24-h blood pressure read-ings and basal GFR. Kidney size was greater and serum cystatin C was higher in patients than in controls. Increased proteinuria and arterial hypertension were found in 24.3% and 18.9% of the patients, respec-tively. Nocturnal hypertension was more common than that during the daytime. After OPL, GFR significantly increased, more in controls than in patients. Among the patients, the RFR was the highest in the CKD3 group. Conclusion – OPL induced an increase in GFR above its basal value. This response was higher in healthy children than in those with SFK. The positive relationship between RFR and CKD stage and the highest RFR in CKD3 patients suggests well preserved renal functional reserve in patients with moderate renal failure. ABPM is necessary for BP evaluation in children with SFK. © 2017 by the University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The aim of this study was to determine the plasma selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels and to evaluate their possible association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in patients with schizophrenia. The study group consisted of 60 patients with schizophrenia and 60 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis of fasting blood were performed in all subjects. Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher plasma Cu concentrations compared with controls (0.97 ± 0.31 vs. 0.77 ± 0.32 mg/L, p = 0.001). The plasma Cu concentration showed a positive correlation with plasma glucose and diastolic blood pressure in the patient groups (r s = 0.263, p < 0.05 and r s = 0.272, p < 0.05, respectively). The plasma Se level correlated positive with MetS score (r s = 0.385, p < 0.01), waist circumference (r s = 0.344, p < 0.05), plasma glucose (r s = 0.319, p < 0.05), and triglyceride concentrations (r s = 0.462, p < 0.001) in patients with schizophrenia. Plasma Zn did not correlate with any of the MetS components. These results suggest that alterations in plasma Cu and Se levels in medicated patients with schizophrenia could be associated with metabolic risk factors. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

The aim of this study was to determine the plasma selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels and to evaluate their possible association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in patients with schizophrenia. The study group consisted of 60 patients with schizophrenia and 60 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis of fasting blood were performed in all subjects. Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher plasma Cu concentrations compared with controls (0.97 ± 0.31 vs. 0.77 ± 0.32 mg/L, p = 0.001). The plasma Cu concentration showed a positive correlation with plasma glucose and diastolic blood pressure in the patient groups (r s = 0.263, p < 0.05 and r s = 0.272, p < 0.05, respectively). The plasma Se level correlated positive with MetS score (r s = 0.385, p < 0.01), waist circumference (r s = 0.344, p < 0.05), plasma glucose (r s = 0.319, p < 0.05), and triglyceride concentrations (r s = 0.462, p < 0.001) in patients with schizophrenia. Plasma Zn did not correlate with any of the MetS components. These results suggest that alterations in plasma Cu and Se levels in medicated patients with schizophrenia could be associated with metabolic risk factors. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Introduction: Sphingolipids, essential to trophoblast and endothelial function, may impact inflammation in preeclampsia. However, their specific role in late-onset preeclampsia remains unclear. To address this research gap, we analyzed sphingolipid profiles in pregnancies at high risk for preeclampsia development to identify potential biomarkers and clarify their role in disease pathogenesis. Materials and methods: We monitored 90 pregnant women at high risk for preeclampsia development across four gestational points. These women were later categorized into the group of women with high risk who did not develop preeclampsia (HRG) (70 women) or the preeclampsia group (PG) (20 women). Sphingolipids (sphingosine, sphinganine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), ceramides C16:0/C24:0, and sphingomyelin C16:0) were quantified via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Sphingolipid profiles revealed distinct patterns between groups. Concentrations of S1P in the HRG increased from the 1st trimester to delivery (P < 0.001). We did not notice significant changes in S1P during pregnancy in the PG but compared with the HRG we found significantly lower concentrations at each test point from the 2nd trimester until delivery (P = 0.020, P = 0.013, P = 0.011, respectively). Ceramides C16:0 and C24:0 demonstrated significant increases over time in HRG (P < 0.001, both). Sphingomyelin C16:0 increased significantly across pregnancy in both groups (P < 0.001 in HRG and P = 0.006 in PG), with no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: We identified S1P as a potential biomarker for late-onset preeclampsia, with lower concentrations observed in PG compared to HRG. Rising sphingomyelin concentrations in both cohorts might serve as a relevant cardiovascular risk indicator in pregnancies at high risk for preeclampsia. © by Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.