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THE ASSOCIATION OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PPARA AND PPARG GENE POLYMORPHISMS AND DIETARY HABITS WITH METABOLIC PARAMETERS AND SEVERITY OF SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA AND MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
No full textCilj istraživanja: Proteini PPAR važni su u regulaciji metabolizma glukoze i lipida, upalnog
odgovora, oksidacijskog stresa i mnogim drugim biološkim procesima te su, stoga, značajni u
zdravlju, ali i etiopatogenezi niza bolesti uključujući psihičke bolesti poput shizofrenije i velikog
depresivnog poremećaja (VDP). Sustav gena/ proteina PPAR ovisi o ligandima iz prehrane, a, također,
polimorfizmi gena PPARA/ PPARG utječu na gensku ekspresiju te posljedično funkcije proteina
PPAR. Glavni cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati da li interakcije polimorfizama gena PPARA (L162V) te
PPARG (P12A i C161T) i prehrane utječu na metaboličke parametre (vrijednosti glukoze i lipida u
serumu) i težinu simptoma ovih bolesti. Slične studije na ovim kliničkim populacijama do sada nisu
objavljene. Ispitanici i metode: Skupina od 211 ispitanika oba spola - 94 bolesnika s dijagnozom
shizofrenije ili shizoafektivnog poremećaja te 117 osoba s VDP-om - uključena je u istraživanje u
periodu od 2014. do 2017., tijekom bolničkog liječenja pri Klinici za psihijatriju Kliničkog bolničkog
centra Rijeka. Istraživanje je uključilo prikupljanje demografskih i kliničkih/ medicinskih te podataka
o prehrambenim navikama bolesnika, kao i procjenu težine simptoma bolesti, a analizirani su
metabolički parametri te je provedena genotipizacija. Dobiveni podaci obrađeni su deskriptivnom
statistikom, neparametrijskim testovima, faktorskom analizom te općim linearnim modelom.
Rezultati: Istraživani polimorfizmi gena PPARA/ PPARG nisu čimbenici podložnosti za shizofreniju
niti VDP te (samostalno) ne utječu na metaboličke niti parametre težine simptoma bolesti. Potvrđene
su loše prehrambene navike u bolesnika obje skupine, a između skupina opažene značajne razlike u
obrascima unosa namirnica zdrave, nezdrave prehrane te mesa (prehrambeni faktori 1, 2 i 3). Nadalje,
prehrana utječe na promatrana obilježja - mediteranska prehrana modulira vrijednosti lipida u obje
skupine bolesnika, a učestalost unosa nezdrave prehrane (prehrambeni faktor 2) prediktor je težine
negativnih simptoma shizofrenije. Analiza interakcija polimorfizama gena PPARA/ PPARG i prehrane
pokazala je značajan utjecaj na obje vrste kliničkih obilježja - pritom, u skupini oboljelih od
shizofrenije interakcije imaju veći utjecaj na težinu simptoma bolesti, dok je u bolesnika s VDP-om
dokazan njihov veći utjecaj na metaboličke parametre. U interakciji s PPAR genotipom/ haplotipom,
konzumacija namirnica mediteranske te nezdrave prehrane (prehrambeni faktori 1 i 4 te 2) moduliraju
vrijednosti lipida, dok konzumacija namirnica nezdrave prehrane i mesa (prehrambeni faktori 2 i 3)
utječu na težinu simptoma obje bolesti. Zaključak: Istraživanjem je potvrđen utjecaj polimorfizama
gena (i proteina) PPAR i njihovih interakcija s prehranom na više kliničkih obilježja u shizofreniji i
VDP-u što upućuje da bi prehrambena intervencija, odnosno, modifikacija prehrambenih navika,
usklađena prema PPAR genotipu osobe, mogla rezultirati poboljšanjem metaboličkog zdravlja
oboljelih, kao i liječenja shizofrenije i VDP-a.Objectives: PPAR proteins are important in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism,
inflammatory response, oxidative stress and many other biological processes, and therefore, they are
significant in health, but also in the etiopathogenesis of many illnesses including mental illnesses such
as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). PPAR gene/protein system depends on
ligands from the diet, and in addition, polymorphisms of the PPARA/ PPARG gene can change gene
expression and functions of PPAR proteins. Therefore, the main goal of the research was to examine
whether the interactions between polymorphisms of the gene PPARA (L162V) and gene PPARG
(P12A and C161T) and diet affect metabolic parameters (levels of glucose and lipids in serum) and
severity of symptoms. Similar studies on these clinical populations have not been conducted so far.
Patients and methods: The research included a total of 211 patients of both sexes: 94 patients with
schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 117 persons with MDD. Patients were recruited between
2014 and 2017, during hospitalization at the Clinic for Psychiatry of the Clinical Hospital Center
Rijeka. The research included collecting demographic and clinical/ medical data, data on dietary
habits, and assessment of symptoms severity, as well as analysis of metabolic parameters and
genotyping. The obtained data were processed using descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests, factor
analysis, and general linear model. Results: Polymorphisms L162V in the PPARA gene, P12A and
C161T in the PPARG gene were not susceptibility factors for schizophrenia or MDD and,
independently, did not affect metabolic parameters or symptoms severity. All patients showed poor
eating habits, and significant differences between groups were observed in the patterns of intake of
healthy and unhealthy food as well as meat (dietary factors 1, 2, and 3). Furthermore, diet affected
clinical features: the Mediterranean diet modulated levels of lipids in both groups, while the frequency
of unhealthy food intake (dietary factor 2) was a predictor of severity of negative symptoms in
schizophrenia. The analysis of interactions between PPARA/ PPARG gene polymorphisms and diet
revealed a significant influence on both types of clinical features - in the schizophrenia group
interactions had greater influence on symptoms severity, and in MDD group greater influence was
found on metabolic parameters. In interaction with PPAR genotype/ haplotype, consumption of
foodstuff of Mediterranean and unhealthy diet (dietary factors 1, 4, and 2) modulated lipid parameters,
while unhealthy food and meat consumption patterns (dietary factors 2 and 3) influenced symptom
severity in two illnesses. Conclusion: Interactions between PPAR gene polymorphisms and diet
affected several clinical features in schizophrenia and MDD suggesting that nutritional intervention or
modification of eating habits, coordinated according to the person's PPAR genotype/ haplotype, could
result in an improvement of metabolic health as well as treatment of schizophrenia and MDD
Updates in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Management: From Proton Pump Inhibitors to Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications
No full textGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder that greatly influences patients’ quality of life and represents a growing public health concern. Characterized by typical and atypical symptoms, GERD encompasses a range of clinical phenotypes and is associated with complications such as erosive esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus. This review intends to provide a thorough overview of current scientific knowledge on the etiological factors, risk determinants, and pathophysiology of GERD, while exploring diagnostic challenges and therapeutic approaches. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain the mainstay of medical therapy; however, concerns regarding their long-term safety have encouraged interest in adjunctive and alternative strategies. Emerging pharmacological agents, plant-based treatments, and integrative approaches rooted in traditional medicine offer promising modalities for enhanced management. Additionally, dietary and lifestyle modifications such as weight control, meal timing, and avoidance of trigger foods, are essential components of effective care. A multidisciplinary framework incorporating pharmacological, nutritional, and behavioral strategies is emphasized as the most reliable path toward personalized and sustainable GERD management. This review further aims to synthesize current therapeutic modalities and evolving perspectives in the treatment of GERD
Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Coronary Artery Disease: Narrative Review
No full textCoronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality despite advances in medical and interventional therapies. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has emerged as a promising regenerative approach for patients with refractory or non-revascularizable CAD. MSCs exhibit unique immunomodulatory, pro-angiogenic, and anti-fibrotic properties, primarily through paracrine mechanisms involving the secretion of cytokines, growth factors, and exosomal microRNAs. Clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated improvements in myocardial perfusion, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and functional capacity following MSC-based interventions, particularly in patients with low baseline LVEF and heightened inflammation. Various MSC sources—including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord—offer distinct advantages, while delivery strategies such as intracoronary, intramyocardial, intravenous, and subcutaneous administration impact cell retention and efficacy. Advances in genetic modification, hypoxic preconditioning, and exosome-based therapies aim to enhance MSC survival and therapeutic potency. However, challenges persist regarding cell engraftment, cryopreservation effects, and inter-patient variability. Moving toward precision cell therapy, future approaches may involve stratifying patients by inflammatory status, ischemic burden, and comorbidities to optimize treatment outcomes. MSCs may not yet replace conventional therapies but are increasingly positioned to complement them within a personalized, regenerative framework for CAD management
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Students: Associations with Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, and Sociodemographic Factors
No full textBackground/Objectives: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among youth is rising, and the increase is closely linked to unhealthy lifestyle patterns. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among University of Rijeka students and investigate its associations with dietary habits, physical activity, gender, and faculty type (health and non-health faculties). Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from September 2024 to March 2025 involved 217 randomly selected students from 16 faculties. The validated questionnaires Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), as well as a general data questionnaire, were used alongside anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference) and biochemical measurements (fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol). MetS was diagnosed using a combination of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and Polish Experts Consensus (2022) criteria. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Spearman’s correlation, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: MetS was identified in 5.5% of students. Significant risk factors included obesity (body mass index, BMI, p 0.05), indicating limited predictive power in this model. Conclusions: The 5.5% MetS prevalence underscores the need for targeted interventions promoting Mediterranean diet adherence and physical activity, particularly among non-health faculty students and females. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess intervention efficacy
Exploring the impact of SerpinA3n deficiency on prion strains propagation
No full textTransmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of devastating neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) into its misfolded, pathogenic form, PrPSc. Despite significant research, the exact molecular mechanisms driving PrPC to PrPSc conversion remain elusive and are thought to involve multiple molecules or cofactors. One protein of interest, SERPINA3 (murine SerpinA3n), is an acute-phase protein, a member of the serine protease inhibitor family. Intriguingly, SERPINA3 expression is notably upregulated in the brains of patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and in mice experimentally infected with prions, suggesting a potential role in prion disease pathology. In this study, we deepened the role of SerpinA3n in prion conversion and propagation by utilizing SerpinA3n-deficient (SerpinA3n-/-) mice intracerebrally injected with the RML, 139A, or ME7 prion strains. Our results showed that the specific absence of SerpinA3n did not significantly affect prion propagation, as evidenced by the lack of notable changes in clinical and neuropathological assessments. Compensatory mechanisms involving other serpins or molecules may mitigate the effects of the specific absence of SerpinA3n, thereby maintaining efficient prion propagation
SEPARACIJA I SVOJSTVA EGZOSOMA IZ CEREBROSPINALNE TEKUĆINE BOLESNIKA S TRAUMATSKOM OZLJEDOM MOZGA
No full textObjectives: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a complex, life-threatening
condition requiring emergent treatment with no known biomarkers to guide clinical
interventions. A promising source of such biomarkers are intracranial exosomes.
However, isolation of exosomes is still challenging with size exclusion chromatography
(SEC) emerging as a favourable tool to isolate total and intact exosomes. This study
aims to compare the efficiency of different SEC solutions for exosome isolation from
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of sTBI patients.
Patients and methods: Nine CSF samples from three patients requiring external CSF
drainage during the first three days post-sTBI were collected, pooled, and screened by
western blot for exosomal makers CD81 and CD9, lipoprotein markers apolipoprotein
AI (ApoAI) and E (ApoE), and albumin. The pooled sample was separated by four
gravity flow-based SECs with either a commercial prepacked column or an in-house
column packed with Sepharose CL-6B, Sephacryl S-400 or Superose 6 PG. A total of
46 fractions were collected per SEC and analysed by slot blot followed by Ponceau
staining. Immunodetection was performed on selected SEC fractions for albumin,
CD81, CD9, flotillin-1, ApoAI, and ApoE. Tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS) was
utilised for exosome size, concentration and surface charge measurement, while
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for exosome visualisation.
Results: Post-sTBI CSFs contain exosomes, along with lipoproteins and albumin, as
shown by western blot, confirming the complexity of clinical samples. All four tested
SECs provided separation of exosomes but differed in efficiency. Sepharose CL-6B
SEC yielded the highest quantity of exosomes in TRPS measurement and resulted in
clear separation from lipoproteins and free proteins, as shown by exosome
visualisation by TEM and immunodetection of exosomal (CD9, CD81 and flotillin-1),
lipoprotein (ApoA1 and ApoE) and free protein (albumin) markers.
Conclusion: Intracranial CSF after sTBI has a complex composition encompassing
exosomes, lipoproteins and free proteins, which can be separated by SEC. However,
SEC designs vary and impact the exosome isolation efficiency. Sepharose CL-6B
stands out as an effective SEC resin to isolate exosomes from clinical samples.Cilj istraživanja: Teška traumatska ozljeda mozga (tTOM) je kompleksno životno
ugrožavajuće stanje koje zahtjeva hitno liječenje, ali nema poznatih biomarkera koji bi
pomogli u odlučivanju o kliničkim intervencijama. Intrakranijalni egzosomi predstavljaju
obećavajući izvor takvih biomarkera. Međutim, izolacija egzosoma je i dalje izazovna,
a kromatografija isključenjem po veličini (eng. Size Exclusion Chromatography, SEC)
pojavljuje se kao prikladan alat za izolaciju ukupnih i intaktnih egzosoma. Cilj ovog
istraživanja je usporediti učinkovitost različitih rješenja SEC-a za izolaciju egzosoma iz
CSF-a pacijenata s TBI.
Ispitanici i metode: Devet uzoraka CST-a od triju pacijenata kojima je uspostavljena
vanjska drenaža CST-a tijekom prva tri dana nakon tTOM-a prikupljeno je, objedinjeno
i ispitano western blot metodom na egzosomalne markere CD81 i CD9, lipoproteinske
markere apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI) i E (ApoE) te albumin. Skupni uzorak CST-a
odvojen je pomoću četiri metode SEC-a temeljene na gravitacijskom protoku, pomoću
komercijalne kolone za izolaciju egzosoma ili interno pakiranim kolonama napunjenim
punilima Sepharose CL-6B, Sephacryl S-400 i Superose 6 PG. Prilikom svake
separacije prikupljeno je ukupno 46 frakcija, nakon čega je uslijedila slot blot analiza i
bojanje Ponceau S. Imunodetekcija na odabranim frakcijama SEC-a provedena je na
albumin, CD81, CD9, flotillin-1, ApoAI i ApoE. Za mjerenje veličine, koncentracije i
površinskog naboja egzosoma korištena je metoda opažanja pomoću podesivog
otpornog pulsa (eng. Tunable Resistive Pulse Sensing, TRPS), dok je transmisijska
elektronska mikroskopija (TEM) korištena za vizualizaciju egzosoma.
Rezultati: CST nakon tTOM sadrži egzosome, lipoproteine i albumin, kao što je
prikazano western blotom, što govori u prilog kompleksnosti kliničkih uzoraka. Sve
četiri SEC metode omogućile su odvajanje egzosoma, ali su pritom pokazale različitu
učinkovitost. Prema mjerenjima pomoću TRPS, razdvajanje punilom Sepharose-CL
6B dovelo je do najvećeg prinosa egzosoma i rezultiralo jasnim odvajanjem od
lipoproteina i slobodnih proteina, kao što je prikazano vizualizacijom egzosoma
pomoću TEM-a i imunodetekcijom egzosoma (CD9, CD81 i Flotillin-1), lipoproteina
(ApoA1 i ApoE) i markera slobodnih proteina (albumin).
Zaključak: Intrakranijalni CST nakon tTOM složenog je sastava te sadrži egzosome,
lipoproteine i slobodne proteine, koji se mogu razdvojiti SEC-om. Međutim, dizajn SEC-a može značajno varirati i utjecati na učinkovitost izolacije egzosoma. Sepharose
CL-6B ističe se kao učinkovito punilo za kromatografsku izolaciju egzosoma iz kliničkih
uzoraka
Oxidative Stress and Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review
No full textDown syndrome (DS), the most common human aneuploidy, is associated with oxidative stress, which contributes to morphological abnormalities, immune dysfunction, cognitive impairment and accelerated ageing. This article aims to provide an overview of the studies on oxidative stress in DS, in particular the investigation of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, with a focus on endogenous systems. A literature search in MEDLINE and Scopus based on the PRISMA 2020 criteria revealed 41 relevant studies that mainly analysed blood samples (plasma or serum) and occasionally saliva or urine. The findings suggest that oxidative stress in DS is multifactorial and results from an imbalance of superoxide dismutase activity, overexpression of genes on chromosome 21, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. Despite extensive studies over the decades, new sources and mechanisms for oxidative stress in DS continue to emerge, further highlighting the complexity of DS. The recognition that oxidative stress is a hallmark of DS emphasises the need to develop more sensitive and specific methods to detect it and to investigate the associated metabolic pathways in DS in more detail. The expansion of in vivo studies could facilitate the development of targeted interventions aimed at mitigating oxidative damage and ultimately improving outcomes for individuals with DS
Day case surgery during COVID-19 pandemic
No full textCilj rada je ustanoviti trend kirurškog liječenja djece kroz jednodnevnu kirurgiju (JDK) Klinike za dječje bolesti Zagreb tijekom pandemije COVID-19 uspoređujući podatke iz po dvije predpandemijske i pandemijske godine (2018. – 2021.). U ovu retrospektivnu studiju uključena su operirana djeca Klinike za dječje bolesti Zagreb u razdoblju od početka 2018. do kraja 2021. godine. Analizirana su djeca operirana kroz jednodnevnu kirurgiju u odnosu na one bolnički liječene (boravak preko 24 sata) po najčešćim operacijskim zahvatima specifičnim za dječju kirurgiju (preponske kile, varikokele, retencije testisa). Ukupno je 2018. godine na Klinici za kirurgiju operativno liječeno 4.188 djece, od čega po postulatima jednodnevne kirurgije njih 29%. U 2019. godini operirano je ukupno 4.370 djece, od čega je njih 31,6% operirano kroz JDK, a 2020. godine od 2.724 djece njih 40,6% kroz JDK. Tijekom 2021. operirano je ukupno 3.036 pacijenata, od čega kroz JDK njih 52,14%. Od operacija ingvinalne hernije u JDK načinjeno je 2018. 49%, 2019. 47,1%, 2020. 58,1%, a 2021. 76,8% od ukupnog broja djece liječene ovom metodom. Od operacija retencija testisa u JDK načinjeno je 2018. 1%, 2019. 9,4%, 2020. 53,2%, a 2021. 73,2%. U 2018. i 2019. godini sva su djeca s dijagnozom varikokele liječena bolnički, 2020. udio operiranih kroz JDK bio je 70,7%, a u 2021. 96,8%. Rezultati pokazuju kako u periodu 2018. – 2021. godine udio operacija djece kroz Odjel jednodnevne kirurgije raste. Neobična situacija 2020. godine u Gradu Zagrebu (pandemija i potresom reduciran posteljni bolnički kapacitet) prinudila je kirurge da izmijene tradicionalni pristup i prihvate jednodnevnu dječju kirurgiju kao siguran i učinkovit pristup liječenju.This study aimed to determine the trend of surgical treatment of patients through the Day Surgery Department (DSD) at the Children’s Hospital Zagreb during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing data from the pre-pandemic and the first two pandemic years. For this retrospective study, all patients of the Clinic for pediatric surgery operated on between the beginning of 2018 and the end of 2021 were taken into account. Patients operated through day surgery were compared to those who were treated as inpatients. We also compared the ratio of day surgery to inpatient care for patients who underwent common pediatric surgical procedures, including inguinal hernias, testicular retention, and varicocele. Furthermore, we investigated the percentage and causes of unplanned hospitalizations in patients treated through day surgery. In 2018, a total of 4,188 children were surgically treated at the Surgery Clinic, 29% of whom underwent surgery according to the principles of day surgery. In 2019, a total of 4,370 children were operated on, with 31.6% of them undergoing day surgery. In 2020, there were 2,724 patients, of which 40.6% underwent day surgery. During 2021, a total of 3,036 patients were operated on, 52.1% of whom underwent day surgery. In 2018 and 2019, inguinal hernia operations were primarily performed as inpatient procedures, with 49% and 47.1% respectively carried out through DSD. By 2020, this shifted, with 58.1% of hernioplasties performed through DSD, and by 2021, this figure increased to 76.%. In 2019, only 9.4% of the testicular retention operations were performed through DSD, while the percentage of those operated through DSD increased significantly in 2020 to 53.2% and to 73.2% in 2021. All patients diagnosed with varicocele in 2018 and 2019 were treated as inpatients. In 2020, 70.7% were operated on through day surgery, and in 2021, this percentage rose to 96.8%. Despite the expected decrease in the number of patients during the first year of the pandemic, the proportion of patients operated on through the Department of Day Surgery is increasing throughout the years. The difficult situation forced surgeons to change their traditional mindset and accept day surgery as a safe and effective approach to treating elective surgical patients
EVALUATION OF EFFECTS OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO AEROSOL ON ORAL CAVITY STRUCTURE AND COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL TOBACCO PRODUCTS
No full textCiljevi: Procijeniti i usporediti morfološki izgled oralne sluznice, prevalenciju kandidijaze,
prisutnost neugodnog zadaha, olfaktornu i gustatornu funkciju, specifične karakteristike sline
(količina, biomarkeri upale i oksidativnog stresa - IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, TNF-α, 8-OHdG) i
psihološke simptome depresivnosti, stresa i anksioznosti u skupinama pušača novih duhanskih
preparata bez izgaranja (Tobacco Heating System, THS), pušača konvencionalnih cigareta i
nepušača.
Ispitanici i metode: U istraživanje je uključeno 30 pušača THS-a, 30 pušača konvencionalnih
cigareta i 30 nepušača. Ispunili su anamnestički upitnik, upitnik o pušenju i psihološke upitnike
za procjenu stresa, depresivnosti i anksioznosti. Napravljeni su klinički oralni pregled i testovi
(test lučenja sline, obrisak oralne sluznice, organoleptička procjena halitoze, testiranje okusne
i mirisne funkcije). Sakupljeni uzorci sline su korišteni za imunoenzimsku analizu
koncentracija salivarnih biomarkera upale i biomarkera oksidativnog stresa.
Rezultati: U obje skupine pušača zabilježena je viša prevalencija morfoloških promjena
sluznice (P < 0,001), smanjena količina nestimulirane sline (P < 0,001) i prisutnost neugodnog
zadaha (P < 0,001) u odnosu na nepušače. Nije pronađena značajna razlika u prevalenciji
kandidijaze. Pušači konvencionalnih cigareta pokazali su smanjenu mirisnu funkciju u
usporedbi s nepušačima (P = 0,001), dok se pušači THS-a nisu razlikovali od pušača
konvencionalnih cigareta niti nepušača. U obje skupine pušača smanjena je sveukupna okusna
funkcija, te identifikacija gorkog, kiselog i slanog okusa (P < 0,001). Koncentracija 8-OHdG-a
je značajno viša u skupini nepušača u odnosu na obje skupine pušača (P < 0,001). Nije
zabilježena razlika u koncentraciji salivarnih citokina. Pušači konvencionalnih cigareta niže
percipiraju stres u usporedbi s nepušačima i pušačima THS-a (P = 0,012). Nije bilo linearne
povezanosti između biomarkera oksidativnog stresa i promatranih psiholoških simptoma.
Zaključak: Pušenje ima negativan učinak na morfološki izgled sluznice, količinu sline,
prisutnost neugodnog zadaha, mirisnu i okusnu funkciju, pri čemu je osjet mirisa značajno više
narušen u skupini pušača konvencionalnih cigareta.Objective: To assess and compare the morphological appearance of the mucosa, prevalence of
candidiasis, presence of halitosis, olfactory and gustatory function, specific saliva attributes
(amount, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress - IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, TNF-α, 8-OHdG)
and psychological symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety in groups of smokers of new
tobacco products without combustion (Tobacco Heating System, THS), conventional cigarette
smokers and non-smokers.
Patients and methods: 30 THS smokers, 30 conventional cigarette smokers, and 30 non
smokers were included in the study. All subjects completed the anamnestic and smoking
questionnaire, and psychological questionnaires to assess stress, depression and anxiety. Oral
examination and tests were performed (saliva secretion test, swab test, organoleptic assessment
of halitosis, olfactory and gustatory testing). The saliva samples were used for immunoenzyme
analysis of the concentrations of biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Results: In both groups of smokers, a higher prevalence of morphological changes (P < 0.001),
a reduction of unstimulated saliva (P < 0.001), and the presence of halitosis (P < 0.001) were
observed. No difference was found in the prevalence of candidiasis. Conventional cigarette
smokers showed reduced olfactory function when compared to non-smokers (P = 0.001), while
THS smokers did not differ from conventional cigarette smokers or non-smokers. Gustatory
function and identification of bitter, sour and salty tastes were reduced in both smokers groups
(P < 0.001). The concentration of 8-OHdG was higher in non-smokers (P < 0.001). No
differences were observed in the concentration of cytokines. Conventional cigarette smokers
reported lower levels of perceived stress compared to non-smokers and THS smokers (P =
0.012). No association was observed between oxidative stress biomarker and psychological
symptoms.
Conclusion: Smoking adversely affects the morphological appearance of the mucosa, saliva
production, the presence of halitosis, olfactory and gustatory function, with the olfactory
function being more impaired in conventional cigarette smokers
Streptococcus pneumoniae - microbiology and pathogenesis of infection
No full textInfekcije uzrokovane bakterijom S. pneumoniae predstavljaju prijetnju ljudskom zdravlju.
Polisaharidna kapsula pneumokoka je glavni čimbenik virulencije, omogućavajući bakteriji
izbjegavanje imunološkog odgovora. Do sada je opisano više od 100 različitih kapsularnih
serotipova. Kapsula utječe na sposobnost pojedinog soja da uzrokuje bolest. Iako pneumokoki
uzrokuju teške invazivne infekcije s ponekad smrtonosnim ishodom, često samo koloniziraju
sluznice gornjih dišnih putova zdrave djece, odakle se mogu proširiti na osjetljive osobe putem
respiratornih kapljica. Pneumokoki najčešće uzrokuju infekcije gornjih dišnih putova, poput
otitisa i sinusitisa, te teže bolesti, uključujući upalu pluća (s ili bez bakterijemije) i meningitis.
Uvođenje pneumokoknih konjugiranih cjepiva u program cijepljenja djece u mnogim zemljama
dovelo je do značajnog smanjenja teških invazivnih pneumokoknih bolesti kod djece. Međutim,
u necijepljenoj populaciji starijih osoba se povećao broj invazivnih infekcija uzrokovanih
serotipovima koji nisu uključeni u cijepiva. Rastuća otpornost pneumokoka na antibiotike,
osobito na penicilin, dodatno ugrožava učinkovito liječenje.Infections caused by S. pneumoniae pose a serious threat to human health. The polysaccharide
capsule is a major virulence factor, mediating pneumococcal evasion of immune responses. To
date, more than 100 different capsular serotypes have been identified. The capsule influences a
strain’s ability to cause disease. Although these bacteria can cause severe invasive infections
with potentially lethal outcome, they are also common colonizers of the upper respiratory tract
in healthy children, from where they may spread to susceptible persons via respiratory droplets.
Pneumococci most commonly cause mild respiratory tract infections, such as otitis media and
sinusitis, but can also lead to more serious diseases, including pneumonia (with or without
bacteremia) and meningitis. The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines into
childhood immunization programs in many countries has led to a significant reduction in severe
invasive pneumococcal disease in children. However, infections caused by non-vaccine
serotypes have increased, resulting in invasive pneumococcal disease in unvaccinated
populations, such as older adults. Additionally, emerging resistance to penicillin threatens the
effectiveness of current therapies