Nikola Bulj

Leptin/adiponectin ratio in overweight patients – gender differences:

OBJECTIVEnObesity-related atherosclerosis is a systemic disease with a background connected to multiple metabolic-neurohumoral pathways. The leptin/adiponectin ratio has been suggested as an atherosclerotic marker in obese patients. The aim of this study was to assess (1) the significance of the L/A ratio in overweight subjects, (2) the relation with anthropometric/metabolic parameters and (3) gender difference.nnnMETHODnThe study included 80 adult males and females, overweight, non-diabetic patients. Biochemical blood analysis and anthropometric and cardiovascular measurements were performed. Serum leptin levels were measured with a radioimmunoassay test and total adiponectin levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Leptin/adiponectin ratios were calculated as ratios between total serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin.nnnRESULTSnDifferences between leptin, adiponectin serum levels and leptin/adiponectin ratios are presented in overweight persons, where females have a significantly higher leptin/adiponectin ratio than men ( pu2009<u20090.001). In men, the leptin/adiponectin ratio showed a positive correlation with total cholesterol levels ( pu2009=u20090.011), low-density lipoprotein ( pu2009=u20090.013) and triglycerides ( pu2009=u20090.032). In females, the leptin/adiponectin ratio correlated with anthropometric parameters of visceral obesity: waist circumference ( pu2009=u20090.001) and waist-to-hip ratio ( pu2009=u20090.025).nnnCONCLUSIONnThe leptin/adiponectin ratio could represent an atherosclerotic risk marker of the early stage of obesity. Gender plays a significant role in pathophysiological changes, with different clinical manifestations, where sex hormones have a crucial effect on neurohumoral adipose tissue activity.Objective: Obesity-related atherosclerosis is a systemic disease with a background connected to multiple metabolic-neurohumoral pathways. The leptin/adiponectin ratio has been suggested as an atherosclerotic marker in obese patients. The aim of this study was to assess (1) the significance of the L/A ratio in overweight subjects, (2) the relation with anthropometric/metabolic parameters and (3) gender difference. Method: The study included 80 adult males and females, overweight, non-diabetic patients. Biochemical blood analysis and anthropometric and cardiovascular measurements were performed. Serum leptin levels were measured with a radioimmunoassay test and total adiponectin levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Leptin/adiponectin ratios were calculated as ratios between total serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin. Results: Differences between leptin, adiponectin serum levels and leptin/adiponectin ratios are presented in overweight persons, where females have a significantly higher leptin/adiponectin ratio than men (pu2009<u20090.001). In men, the leptin/adiponectin ratio showed a positive correlation with total cholesterol levels (pu2009=u20090.011), low-density lipoprotein (pu2009=u20090.013) and triglycerides (pu2009=u20090.032). In females, the leptin/adiponectin ratio correlated with anthropometric parameters of visceral obesity: waist circumference (pu2009=u20090.001) and waist-to-hip ratio (pu2009=u20090.025). Conclusion: The leptin/adiponectin ratio could represent an atherosclerotic risk marker of the early stage of obesity. Gender plays a significant role in pathophysiological changes, with different clinical manifestations, where sex hormones have a crucial effect on neurohumoral adipose tissue activity.

Timing of troponin T measurements in triage of pulmonary embolism patients

Aim To determine the appropriate timing of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) measurement for the early triage of pulmonary embolism (PE) patients. Methods In this single-center prospective study, PE was confirmed in all patients using computed tomography. 104 consecutive patients were divided into three groups (high-risk, intermediate, and low-risk) based on their hemodynamic status and echocardiographic signs of right ventricular dysfunction. cTnT levels were measured on admission and then after 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours with threshold values greater than 0.1 ng/mL. Results Intermediate-risk PE patients had higher cTnT levels than low-risk patients already in the first measurement (Pu2009=u20090.037). Elevated cTnT levels significantly correlated with disease severity after 6 hours (intermediate vs low risk patients, Pu2009=u20090.016, all three groups, Pu2009=u20090.009). Conclusion In hemodynamically stable patients, increased cTnT level on admission differentiated intermediate from low-risk patients and could be used as an important element for the appropriate triage of patients.

A rare case of Corynebacterium Spp. native mitral valve endocarditis – case report and review of literature

ORCID: Krešimir Kordić, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9707-6946 • Nikola Kos, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8829-2543 Nikola Bulj, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7859-3374 • Matias Trbušić, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9428-454X Ivo Darko Gabrić, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4719-4634 • Ozren Vinter, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4236-7594 Igor Rudež, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7735-6721 • Diana Delić-Brkljačić, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7116-2360

Echocardiography parameters before therapy cannot predict cardiotoxicity caused by Trastuzumab

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)is the primary diagnostic method for the assessment of cardiotoxicity and immunotherapy is canceled or suspended if the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is reduced more 15% from baseline or by 10-15% of normal values. In our study, 130 patients (pts) with breast cancer werw treated with trastuzumab adjuvantly for one year. According to guidelines, TTE was performed before the beginning and in 3 months periods during therapy. Pts were divided in two groups: 51 pts with proven cardiotoxicity listed in group A, and 79 pts without sings of cardiotoxicity listed in control group B. Results showed there were no difference in LVEF, end-diastolic size of the LV, wall thickness and diastolic function between two groups at the baseline TTE. In conclusion, our study showed that none of the echocardiography parameters given prior to the trastuzumab therapy was a significant risk factor for the development of cardiotoxicity.