Biomedical subjects

Srdjan Djurovic

Publications and source records attributed to Srdjan Djurovic.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Circulating transforming growth factor-beta1, lipoprotein(a) and cellular adhesion molecules in angiographically assessed coronary artery disease.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is involved in different physiological and pathological processes, including atherogenesis. High plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentration is an established independent risk factor that may interfere with the plasmin-mediated TGF-beta1 activation. Both Lp(a) and TGF-beta1 are thought to influence the expression of cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs), also involved in the process of atherogenesis. Whereas many studies confirmed the association between high plasma Lp(a) levels and coronary artery disease (CAD), conflicting results were obtained in different studies in which the changes of TGF-beta1 and CAM concentrations in CAD patients were investigated. The aim of this case-control study was to explore the association of circulating TGF-beta1, Lp(a) and CAMs (intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin) levels with the occurrence and severity of angiographically assessed coronary artery disease. Plasma TGF-beta1, Lp(a), ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin concentrations were measured in 100 patients with angiographically assessed CAD and 100 healthy blood donors matched according to age and gender. Lp(a) and TGF-beta1 were significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), but no significant correlation between the TGF-beta1 and Lp(a) values was found. The CAM concentrations obtained in CAD patients did not differ significantly as compared with the corresponding values in the controls. None of the measured parameters were influenced by the severity of CAD.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Spontaneous atherosclerosis in the proximal aorta of LPA transgenic mice on a normal diet.

Serum levels of Lp(a) lipoprotein are under genetic control and a high level is a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. We have examined the aorta of LPA transgenic mice and their non-transgenic litter mates who had all been given a regular, not lipid fortified diet. When sacrificed, the animals had an average age of 66 weeks. Lipid lesions were observed in the aorta of 13 out of 18 LPA transgenic mice and in five out of 21 non-transgenic animals. The difference is statistically significant. We conclude that LPA transgenic mice develop lipid lesions in aorta more frequently than non-transgenic animals, even on a diet with a low fat content. LPA transgenic mice on a normal diet could be a useful animal model for the study of spontaneous human atherosclerosis, its treatment and prevention.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Absence of enhanced systemic inflammatory response at 18 weeks of gestation in women with subsequent pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare indicators of systemic inflammatory response in the second trimester in women who developed pre-eclampsia with normal pregnancies. DESIGN: Prospective nested case control study derived from a cohort of 2190 pregnant women. Blood samples were obtained at 18 weeks of gestation. The following inflammatory parameters were measured: tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, IL-10, microCRP and tissue factor (TF). SETTING: Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo, and Department of Medical Genetics, Ullevål University Hospital and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aker University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. SAMPLE: The cases were 71 women who subsequently developed pre-eclampsia. The controls were 71 healthy, pregnant women matched for age, parity and first trimester body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Venous blood was drawn from fasting subjects into 5 mL test tubes containing EDTA. Samples were analysed for inflammatory parameters: IL-1-beta, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, PAI-1, TF (ELISA-technique) and CRP (latex-enhanced immunonephelometric assay), strictly according to the manufacturer's recommendation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The matched case and control subjects were compared by the paired two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test. All P values were two-tailed and P < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: We found no differences in plasma concentrations of PAI-1, IL-1beta, IL-6,IL-10, microCRP, TNF-alpha or TF at 18 weeks of gestation between women who subsequently developed pre-eclampsia and matched control women. CONCLUSION: In contrast to findings from women with overt pre-eclampsia, the present study indicates that there are no indications of intensified systemic inflammatory response at 18 weeks of gestation in women who later develop pre-eclampsia.

C-Reactive Protein↗

PubMed2002

Hormone replacement therapy does not affect plasma homocysteine in postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease. Free tissue factor pathway inhibitor antigen, a circulating anticoagulant, is related to plasma homocysteine.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on plasma homocysteine levels in postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to investigate associations of homocysteine to other cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: The women in this single-center, controlled, and randomized study were examined at baseline, and after 3 and 12 months, after they had been recruited consecutively from patients referred for investigational coronary angiography. All analyses were performed examiner blind. They were randomized to HRT consisting of transdermal application of continuous 17beta-estradiol with cyclic medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) tablets for 14 days every 3rd month, or to a control group. RESULTS: After 3 months of unopposed 17beta-estradiol, no significant effect on homocysteine was observed compared to the control group. The absolute decrease of 5% in median plasma homocysteine levels after 12-month HRT did not reach statistical significance. Plasma homocysteine seemed slightly higher in women with three- or four-vessel disease, but the difference was not significant. With increasing homocysteine levels, free tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) antigen increased, whereas E-selectin decreased. In women with diabetes or elevated blood glucose >6.0 mmol/l, plasma homocysteine was correlated to body mass index, C-peptide and insulin as well as age. CONCLUSION: Transdermal application of 17beta-estradiol and sequential MPA do not affect plasma homocysteine in women with established CAD. Plasma homocysteine is stable in women with CAD over time, and unless special intervention is undertaken, repetitive measurements are not necessary in this particular group of high-risk individuals. The circulating anticoagulant TEPI is related to plasma homocysteine.

Administration, Cutaneous↗