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Biomedical subjects

Milivoj Boranić

Publications and source records attributed to Milivoj Boranić.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Leber's hereditary optic neuroretinopathy (LHON) associated with mitochondrial DNA point mutation G11778A in two Croatian families.

Leber's hereditary optic neuroretinopathy (LHON) is manifested as a bilateral acute or subacute loss of central vision due to optic atrophy. It is linked to point mutations of mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited maternally. The most common mitochondrial DNA point mutations associated with LHON are G3460A, G11778A and T14484C. These mutations are linked with the defects of subunits of the complex I (NADH-dehydrogenase-ubiquinone reductase) in mitochondria. The G11778A mitochondrial DNA point mutation is manifested by a severe visual impairment. In this paper two Croatian families with the LHON G11778A mutation are presented. Three LHON patients from two families were younger males which had the visual acuity of 0.1 or below, the ophthalmoscopy revealed telangiectatic microangiopathy and papilloedema, while Goldmann kinetic perimetry showed a central scotoma. The mothers and female relatives were LHON mutants without symptoms, whereas their sons suffered from a severe visual impairment. Molecular diagnosis helps to explain the cause of LHON disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Sources of infection in childhood tuberculosis in a region of east Croatia.

Possible sources of tuberculosis (TBC) infection in children have been assessed in a retrospective epidemiological study covering a north-east region of Croatia in which the incidence of childhood tuberculosis has been increasing since the war in 1991-1995. During the past decade (1993-2003), 271 children up to 18 years of age have been referred for hospital care because of known contacts with tuberculosis (142 children, group A) or because of indicative clinical signs and symptoms (129 children, group B). Possible sources of infection were identified on the basis of medical documentation and field investigations. Frequencies of source identification for different age groups were compared. In group A, the exposure took place most often within the family (parents, grandparents, siblings, 129 of 142 children, 90.87%). Relatives, neighbors, friends and schoolmates accounted for 9.2%. In group B, possible sources of infection were identified for 44 of 129 children (34.1%) and were within the family for 16 of those 44 (36.4%). Evidenced contact with tuberculosis was more usual among younger children (0-9 years of age, 65.5%) in group A than among the older ones (10-18 years of age, 34.5%). In group B, contacts with tuberculosis were equally distributed (50.0%) among younger and older children. High proportion of unrecognized contacts in children having clinical signs and symptoms indicative of tuberculosis (group B, 85 of 129, 65.9%) opens the possibility that extra-familial exposure to tuberculosis occurs more often than expected regardless of the age of children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Expression of CD13/aminopeptidase N and CD10/neutral endopeptidase on cultured human keratinocytes.

Keratinocytes actively participate in immune response and inflammation by secreting cytokines and chemokines. Membrane-bound peptidases serve as negative loop in controlling concentration of peptide signalling molecules. Recently, they have also been proposed as additional mechanism of cell-to-cell interaction and as signalling molecules. In this study, we examined expression of two membrane-bound peptidases: aminopeptidase N (APN; EC 3.4.11.2; CD13) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11; CD10) on nonstimulated cultured human keratinocytes obtained from healthy skin. Membrane expression of CD13 and CD10 was analysed by FACS and fluorescent microscope. Functional properties of CD13 and CD10 were examined by testing their enzymatic activity towards selective substrates. The data were compared to those obtained on cultured nonstimulated human skin fibroblasts expressing both CD13/APN and CD10/NEP. Approximately one-third (i.e. 31.7+/-2.8%; n=3) of cultured keratinocyte express CD13 as compared to fibroblasts which are 100% CD13(+) (n=3). Density of CD13 on keratinocytes is several times lower than on fibroblasts. Membrane CD13 expression on keratinocytes was associated with significant enzyme activity, which on the basis of substrate (L-Ala-betaNA) and inhibitor (bestatin, actinonin) selectivity could be ascribed to aminopeptidase N. Kinetic parameter V(max) revealed lower APN activity expressed on keratinocytes than on fibroblasts (V(max)=1.49+/-0.08 microM/60 min/5 x 10(4) cells for keratinocytes, n=3 versus V(max)=4.09+/-0.76 microM/60 min/5 x 10(4) cells for fibroblasts, n=3). Likewise, K(m) value of APN on keratinocytes was lower as compared to fibroblasts (K(m)=0.307+/-0.090 mM for keratinocytes, n=3 versus K(m)=0.766+/-0.065 mM for fibroblasts, n=3). CD13 demonstrated on cultured keratinocytes, is at least partly due to its constitutive expression since it was also found on freshly prepared epidermal skin cells. Inhibitors of APN, actinonin, bestatin and substance-P, as well as the APN blocking antibody WM-15, decreased keratinocytes growth. In contrast to membrane CD13 associated with APN enzyme activity, neither membrane CD10, nor its enzyme (NEP) activity could be found on the same keratinocyte samples. In conclusion, functional CD13, associated with APN activity, was found on about one third of cultured, non-stimulated keratinocytes, whereas no CD10/NEP was found on the same keratinocyte samples. Role of APN in regulation of keratinocyte growth is suggested, as its inhibition resulted in decreased keratinocyte growth.

CD13 Antigens↗
PubMed2004

Low levels of immunoglobulin A in children with intrinsic asthma: a possible protection against atopy.

Immunoglobulin A and G (IgA, IgG) serum concentrations were detected in children with nonallergic/intrinsic (36 children) or allergic/extrinsic asthma (43 children) and in age-matching control children (40 children). Asthmatic children with allergic asthma had lower IgA (1.36+/-0.54 g/L) and higher IgG (10.48+/-2.77 g/L) levels than the age-matching control children group (1.63+/-0.69 vs. 9.01+/-2.32 g/L). Children with nonallergic/intrinsic asthma had lower IgA (1.03+/-0.41 g/L) ( p = 0.004) and IgG (8.38+/-1.93 g/L) (p = 0.001) levels than the allergic/extrinsic asthma group (1.36+/-0.54 vs. 10.48+/-2.77 g/L). Low IgA levels were found in children with nonallergic/intrinsic asthma and high IgG levels were found in those children with allergic/extrinsic childhood asthma. The hypothesis is that the increased incidence of asthma in the population may be caused by a decrease in childhood infections (hygiene hypothesis). Frequent infections in early life boost the immune system, stimulating Th1-type response in young children and reducing the risk of atopic diseases. Our hypothesis is that low IgA (and/or IgG) levels in our patients might be responsible for infection development among those children with nonallergic/intrinsic asthma. These infections stimulate the normal development of immune system in young children, reducing risk of atopy, so that those children do not get allergic/extrinsic childhood asthma. Intrinsic childhood asthma=nonallergic (nonatopic) childhood asthma. Extrinsic childhood asthma=allergic (atopic) childhood asthma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Breastfeeding practices in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: cross-sectional self-report study.

AIM: To investigate breastfeeding practices among mothers of infants in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: The cross-sectional self-report study was conducted among 326 mothers of infants visiting the Advisory Center for Infants at the Medical Center in Mostar and at the Children's Department of Mostar University Hospital between January and May 2003. The data were collected from mothers by trained interviewers using a structured interview. In addition to demographic data, mothers were inquired about the frequency of breastfeeding, use of commercial infant food products, and the reasons for the termination of breastfeeding. RESULTS: According to mothers' statements, 85%, 70%, 44%, and 8% infants were breastfed at the age of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Significantly more infants aged < or =3 months were breast feed than not. Infant formula was given to 31%, 43%, 85%, and 62% of infants aged 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Cow milk was given to 19% of 6-month-old infants, and the proportion of infants fed with cow milk increased with age. Tea and water were often added to the infant diet. The most frequently stated reason for the termination of breastfeeding was the lack of breast milk. Decision whether to breast feed or not was made by the mothers themselves, in 85% of cases before the delivery. Only 27% of mothers received advice on breastfeeding from the medical personnel. CONCLUSION: The number of breastfed infants decreased with their age, especially after 3 months of age. Infant formulas and cow milk were introduced into infant diet very early. The reasons stated for the termination of breastfeeding reflected unawareness of the indications for ablactation and advantages of breastfeeding. Young mothers should be better educated on breastfeeding.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Diagnostic value of a peroral sucrose permeability test in children with recurrent upper abdominal pain.

The access of ingested sucrose into blood and urine indicates the presence of mucosal lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The study involved 42 children, aged 5-15, having recurrent upper abdominal pain and 43 peers with minor extra-abdominal complaints. Sucrose in urine was determined by thin layer chromatography. The test was positive in 27 out of 42 children having recurrent abdominal pain (64.3%) and in none of the control children (chi2 = 37.6, p < 0.0001). When correlated with endoscopic findings it was falsely negative in 12 out of 38 patients with endoscopically verified lesions of the stomach or duodenum and falsely positive in 1 out of 4 without lesions. Sensitivity of the test was 68.4%, specificity 97.9%, positive predictive value 96.3%. The test cannot be used as an alternative to endoscopy, but may serve for screening of candidates for it.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2003

Methionine enkephalin suppresses metabolic activity of a leukemic cell line (NALM-1) and enhances CD10 expression.

NALM-1 cells (a cell line derived from human pre-B leukemia) were exposed to the opioid pentapeptide methionine-enkephalin (Met-enkephalin) and/or to thiorphan, an inhibitor of the enzyme that degrades the enkephalins (membrane endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.11, CALLA, the CD10 marker). Metabolic and proliferative activity was assessed after 6, 24 and 48 h in microplates using a colorimetric assay with vital dye MTT. CD10 expression was determined by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Exposure to the Met-enkephalin at concentrations of 10(-8)-10(-6) M for 6 h reduced the MTT-activity, and after 24 and 48 h the suppression waned. Thiorphan (5 x 10(-6) M) abrogated the suppressive effect of the enkephalin, and after 6 h converted suppression into stimulation. Met-enkephalin (10(-6) M) increased and thiorphan (2.5 x 10(-6)-10(-6) M) decreased expression of CD10 at the RNA level. Suppression of the MTT uptake was attributed to the products of Met-enkephalin degradation caused by the enzymatic activity of CD10.

Cell Line, Tumor↗
PubMed2003

Chronic tension-type headache in school-aged children--personality traits and behavior.

Basic personality traits and specific behavior characteristics were assess in 39 patients (12 to 15 years old) having chronic tension-type headache. Patients were referred for clinical examination to the Neural-pediatrics Ward of the Department of Pediatrics, Osijek, Croatia. Eysenck Personality Questionnaire--Juniors (EPQ-J), a new Croatian personality Questionnaire of domination, aggression, introversion and ambition (DAIA), were applied for the testing. The scores obtained by patients in personality questionnaires were compared with averages scores normal sample of healthy pupil same ages. Our patients were found to have no signs of emotional instability. Their behavior is prosocial, nonaggressive, and ambitious, aimed at the achievement of superior results at school and life although already quite successful in their studies. Tensions arising from the school setting seem to be important factors triggering tension-type headaches.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Incidence of major congenital malformations in a region of Bosnia and Herzegovina allegedly polluted with depleted uranium.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of major congenital malformations in West Herzegovina, a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, immediately and five years after 1991-1995 military activities, which allegedly included the use of weapons with depleted uranium. METHODS: The study included all live-born and stillborn neonates and excluded all aborted fetuses in two one-year cohorts (1995 and 2000) of neonates in the Maternity Ward of the Mostar University Hospital. Malformations were recorded according to the recommendations of the EUROCAT protocol. RESULTS: Major malformations were found in 40 (2.16%) out of 1,853 neonates in 1995 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-2.82%) and in 33 (2.26%) out of 1,463 neonates five years later (95% CI, 1.50-3.01%), ie, at comparable prevalence. In both cohorts, anomalies of the musculoskeletal system were the most common, followed by anomalies of the digestive system (in 1995) and the cardiovascular system (in 2000). The prevalence of malformations and the organ systems involved were essentially comparable with those in other populations not affected by military activities. CONCLUSION: Despite alleged environmental pollution in some regions of the former Yugoslavia, which was attributed to military activities and the presence of depleted uranium (the "Balkan syndrome"), there was no significant postwar increase in the prevalence of congenital malformations.

Bosnia and Herzegovina↗
PubMed2002

Spinal dysraphism associated with congenital heart disorder in a girl with MELAS syndrome and point mutation at mitochondrial DNA nucleotide 3271.

We describe a case of mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactacidosis, and stroke-like episode (MELAS syndrome) associated with ventricular septal defect and meningocele at the L3 level in a 5-year-old girl. Mitochondrial DNA analysis showed point mutation at nucleotide 3271--> TC. The occurrence of heart and neural tube defects in association with usual features of the MELAS syndrome might be explained by either defective high-energy metabolism during early embryogenesis or a common genetic cause.

Child↗