Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with and without metabolic syndrome (MS) by determining serum levels of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). We also investigated correlation between levels of liver enzymes and some components of MS in both groups of patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 96 patients (age 47–83 years) with T2DM. All patients were divided according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in two groups: 50 patients with T2 DM and MS (T2DM-MS) and 46 patients with T2DM without MS (T2DM-Non MS). The analysis included blood pressure monitoring and laboratory tests: fasting blood glucose (FBG), total lipoprotein cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fibrinogen and liver enzymes: GGT, ALT and AST. T2DM-MS group included patients which had FBG ≥ 6,1 mmol/L, TG ≥ 1,7 mmol/L and blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mm Hg. Results: T2DM-MS patients had significant higher values of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and medium arterial pressure compared to T2DM-Non MS patients. Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and FBG were significantly higher in the T2DM-MS group compared to the T2DM-Non MS group. Serum fibrinogen level and GGT level were significantly higher in patients with T2DM-MS compared to the serum fibrinogen level and GGT level in T2DM-Non MS patients. Mean serum AST and ALT level were higher, but not significantly, in patients with T2DM and MS compared to the patients with T2DM without MS. Significant negative correlations were observed between TC and AST (r= -0,28, p<0,05), as well as between TC and ALT level (r= -0,29, p<0,05) in T2DM-MS group of patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that patients with T2DM and MS have markedly elevated liver enzymes. T2DM and MS probably play a role in increasing the risk of liver injury.

Objectives: Aim of the present study was to investigate serum concentration of leptin and its association with values of body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 HD patients (34 male, 26 female) and 30 age- and sex-matched (4 males, 26 females) apparently healthy subjects. Serum leptin concentration was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum CRP concentration was measured by means of particle-enhanced immunonephelometry. ESR value was determined by Western Green method. BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2). Results: Results have shown that median serum leptin concentration (30.65 ng/mL; 12.48-86.40 ng/mL) was statistically significantly higher in HD patients compared to median serum leptin concentration (15.75 ng/mL; 9.15-30.65 ng/mL) in the control group of healthy subjects (p<0.05). Likewise, median serum CRP concentration (5.5 mg/L; 1.93-8.9 mg/L) and median ESR value (57.5 mm/h; 40.5-77.0 mm/h) were significantly higher in HD patients compared to median serum CRP concentration (0.8 mg/L; 0.38-1.43 mg/L) (p<0.001) and median ESR value (10.0 mm/h; 6.5-14.0 mm/h) (p<0.001) determined in the control group. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between BMI values and serum leptin concentration in HD patients (rho=0.434; p<0.001). Positive, although not significant, correlation was observed between serum CRP and leptin levels in HD patients (rho=0.171; p>0.05). Negative correlation between ESR values and serum leptin concentrations in HD patients was determined but it was not statistically significant (rho= -0.029; p>0.05). Conclusions: Increased serum concentration of leptin as pro-inflammatory cytokine as well as elevated serum values of CRP and ESR indicate presence of systemic micro inflammation in HD patients. Results of the present study point to possible use of serum leptin concentration as an indicator of nutritional status in HD patients based on observed significant positive correlation between serum leptin concentrations and BMI values. However, absence of significant association between serum leptin and CRP levels as well as between serum leptin concentrations and ESR values in HD patients requires further investigation and clarification.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in patients with bladder cancer, as well as to determine its potential role as biomarker in the differentiation of different stages of the disease. Methods: The study included 90 patients with bladder carcinoma who were divided into 3 groups: 30 patients with non-invasive, superficial (Ta), 30 patients with superficial (T1), and 30 patients with invasive (T2-T4) bladder cancer. Serum CRP level was determined by laser nephelometry. Results: Serum CRP levels in T2-T4 group of patients was 8.65 (3.20-18.20) mg/dL and significantly higher compared to the serum CRP level in Ta group of patients (1.55 (0.67 - 3,35) mg/dL; p<0.005), T1 group (1.90 (1.27-7.20) mg/dL, p=0.006) and compared to the control group of patients (1.20 (0.90-2.10) mg/dL; p<0.005). Multiple linear regression revealed that serum CRP level was independently associated with the tumor size (β = 0.376; p<0.001). There was an independent positive association between CRP and high progressing potential of the bladder cancer. Conclusion: CRP might have a significant role as a biomarkerin the diagnosis of this disease, with special attention on its potential role in differentiating different stages of the disease. Keywords: C-reactive protein, bladder cancer, biomarker, inflammation

The study presents a case of endometrial cancer in a breast cancer patient treated with tamoxifen. The disease occured with elevated values of CA 125 and CA 15_3 tumour markers without any other signs. Additional diagnostic analyses were performed showing a "de novo" endometrial cancer rather than metastatic breast cancer. The patient underwent surgery and radiotherapy. Thereafter, the values of tumour markers were in the reference values.

BACKGROUND Evidence on youth suicides from Southeastern Europe is scarce. We are not aware of previous reports from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which experienced war from 1992 to 1995. Durkheim's theory of suicide predicts decreased suicide rates in wartime and increased rates afterward. AIMS To compare child and adolescent suicides in Bosnia and Herzegovina before and after the war. METHODS Data on youth suicide for prewar (1986-90) and postwar (2002-06) periods were analyzed with respect to prevalence, sex and age differences, and suicide methods. Suicide data from 1991 through 2001 were not available. RESULTS Overall youth suicide rates were one-third lower in the postwar than in the prewar period. This effect was most pronounced for girls, whose postwar suicide rates almost halved, and for 15-19-year-old boys, whose rates decreased by about a one-fourth. Suicides increased among boys aged 14 or younger. Firearm suicides almost doubled proportionally and were the predominant postwar method, while the most common prewar method had been hanging. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study indicate the need for public education in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the role of firearm accessibility in youth suicide and for instructions on safe storage in households. Moreover, raising societal awareness about suicide risk factors and suicide prevention is needed.

AIM To confirm the efficiency and toxicity of two chemiotherapeutic protocols- Cisplatin Gemcitabin (CDDP, Gemcitabin) and Cisplatin, Vinorelbin (CDDP, Vinorelbin) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospectively were analyzed and treated a total of 60 patients (two groups with 30 patients) for advanced or metastatic NSCLC during the period from January 2005 to January 2007. The patients were treated with chemiotherapeutic protocols CDDP, Vinorelbin and CDDP, Gemcitabin for four weeks. The chemiotherapy was administered intravenously. RESULTS Although registered response rates were a bit lower than in previously published trials, they were not significantly different in two arms (26% vs. 15%) (p = 0.485). Statistically different were therapeutic responses in SD (CDDP, Vinorelbin 44% vs. CDDP, Gemcitabin 93,3%) (P < 0.001) and OS (CDDP, Vinorelbin 10.83% vs. CDDP, Gemcitabin 21.00%) (p < 0.05). Cisplatin, Vinorelbin regimen has shown a higher hematologic (9% vs. 7%), and total toxicities (p = 0.0029). CONCLUSION In this investigation of two groups of patients, Cisplatin, Gemcitabin regimen has shown better efficiency and toxicity profile. Preferred regimen could be Cisplatin, Gemcitabin.

The main goal of this study was to establish relationship between higher blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia for adolescents who were over-weight and physically inactive. All participants were divided into two groups: a) experimental group with over-weight participants whose BMI was over 25 and b) control group with participants with normal weight and BMI below 25. Also study did not establish statistic relationships among over-weight and physical activity, higher cholesterol level and triglyceride level in blood with hypertension associated with BMI and physical activity level of participants involved in this study.

The goal of this study was to determine the association between serum inflammatory parameters and diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2. Patients and methods: The study included 100 patients of both genders from 49 to 83 years old. Based on ATP III criteria, patients were divided into two groups: A) DM2, MS - diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome and group B) DM2, NMS - diabetic patients without metabolic syndrome. The results showed statistically significant and accelerated sedimentation in group A (41.85 ± 4.99mm) than in group B (26.4 ± 3.1mm) with statistical difference p

SUMMARY Objective: Aim of this project is to establish blood glucose level of workers who are by occupationally exposed to noise, to establish correlations between degree of damage of sense of hearing and blood glucose level of exposed workers and correlations between duration of exposure and levels of disturbances of glucose. Patients: Examination included 235 workers. After applying strict criteria for inclusion or exclusion, 81 workers (male and female) have been selected. In control group there were 50 clerks (male and female) who were not exposed to industrial noise. Methods: Audiometric examination was performed using apparatus AMPLAID 171. Examination of level of glucose was performed using apparatus DIMENSION POND PLUS by method glucoso-6-phosphat dehydrogenase (hexokinase). Body height and mass was determined by anthropometric measurement and BMI was calculated using standard formula. Results: This examination analyses effect of industrial noise on hearing and effects on level of blood glucose. The results were determined by correlation method and show that workers exposed to industrial noise for years, have higher damage of hearing sense and higher level of blood glucose than those workers who were not exposed to the noise.

GOAL OF THE STUDY To determine the changes of the electroencephalogram and the changes of the quantity in percentage terms of alpha, beta, theta and delta waves in the electroencephalogram in migraine patients after a carbamazepine treatment. Analyze pain characteristics after the carbamazepine treatment of these patients and the efficiency of the carbamazepine treatment in the prevention of new attacks. PATIENTS, METHODS, RESULTS A retrospective-prospective study has been conducted on 40 persons of approximately 42,9 years of age, with normal cranium CT finding, craniogram and fundus. They were divided in two groups: Group A--21 person who prophylactically took a daily dosage of 400 mg Carbamezepin and during acute pain attacks Naproksen; and group B--19 persons who prophylactically took daily dosage of 400 mg Carbamezepin. EEG test was done twice--before and after the medication, in order to check the concentration of different waves in the EEG in percentages. The T-test doesn't show a statistically significant difference between the alpha (p 0,719), beta 1 (p 0,865), beta 2 (p 0,710), theta (p 0,867) and delta (p 0,272) waves for the group A and for the group B alpha (p 0,996), beta 1 (p 0,920), beta 2 (p 0,826), theta (p 0,324) and delta (p 0,820) waves, on the significance level p 0,05 in the EEG at the beginning and the EEG at the end of the examination. The t-test does show a statistically significant difference between the intensity, frequency, duration and relief of pain at the beginning and at the end of the examination for both test groups. CONCLUSION Carbamazepin and Paracetamol do not cause changes in the EEG nor in the quantity in percentage terms of concentration of different waves in the control EEG in patients with vascular headaches. Statistically Carbamazepin and Paracetamol significantly change characteristics of pain and can be used for migraine treatment and prophylaxis.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of factors which increase the risk for development of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and includes insulin resistance, abdominal adiposity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and other disorders. Changes in prothrombotic and proinflammatory markers have been observed. Aim of this study was to asses the concentration of fibrinogen and other humoral markers of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients. 77 patients both sexes, age 46-83 years have been included. Based on ATP III criteria patients were divided in two groups. Group I - diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome and Group II - diabetic patients without metabolic syndrome. Each group was divided in two subgroups, males and females. The plasma concentration of fibrinogen and humoral markers of metabolic syndrome (triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose) have been evaluated. There were 49.4% patients out of total who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Patients in Group I weight in average more then the patients in Group II. Average systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were in all groups and subgroups higher than recommended. Humoral markers of metabolic syndrome were significantly higher (p<0.05) in Group I (triglycerides 2.7+/-0,2 mmol/L, total cholesterol 6.0+/-0.2 mmol/L) compared to Group II (triglycerides up to 1,7 mmol/L, total cholesterol in serum up to 5,2 mmol/L ). Concentration of glucose in both groups was significantly higher compared to referral values. Average plasma fibrinogen concentration was 4.0+/-0.1 g/Lwithout significant differences between Group I and II. Females from Group I had significantly higher fibrinogen concentration (p=0.003) then the males from the same group (females 4.4+/-0.2 g/L vs. males 3.7+/-0.1 g/L). There was no difference in fibrinogen concentration between female and male patients in Group II. Fibrinogen plasma concentration is elevated in all type 2 diabetic patients without significant differences between subjects with or without metabolic syndrome.

Studies indicate that inflammatory mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). C-reactive protein (CRP), marker and mediator of inflammation, has been detected in lesions typical for the affected areas of AD brain. There have been conflicting reports on serum CRP concentration in AD. Scarce data exist on association of CRP and measures of adiposity in AD patients. Thus, we investigated serum CRP concentration in fifteen overweight institutionalized patients with probable AD and fifteen age-matched control subjects. Body mass index (BMI) and waist/hip ratio (WHR) were calculated for each subject included in the study. Age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI and WHR did not differ significantly between the two groups. Serum CRP concentration was significantly higher in patients with AD compared to controls (p<0.0001). Although not significant, positive correlations between serum levels of CRP and BMI and WHR were found. Obtained results support the notion that low-grade inflammation is present in patients with AD. Absence of significant association between CRP and measures of total and central adiposity in overweight AD patients needs further investigation and explanation.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of factors which increase the risk for development of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and includes insulin resistance, abdominal adiposity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and other disorders. Changes in prothrombotic and proinflammatory markers have been observed. Aim of this study was to asses the concentration of fibrinogen and other humoral markers of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients. 77 patients both sexes, age 46-83 years have been included. Based on ATP III criteria patients were divided in two groups. Group I - diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome and Group II - diabetic patients without metabolic syndrome. Each group was divided in two subgroups, males and females. The plasma concentration of fibrinogen and humoral markers of metabolic syndrome (triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose) have been evaluated. There were 49.4% patients out of total who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Patients in Group I weight in average more then the patients in Group II. Average systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were in all groups and subgroups higher than recommended. Humoral markers of metabolic syndrome were significantly higher (p<0.05) in Group I (triglycerides 2.7+/-0,2 mmol/L, total cholesterol 6.0+/-0.2 mmol/L) compared to Group II (triglycerides up to 1,7 mmol/L, total cholesterol in serum up to 5,2 mmol/L ). Concentration of glucose in both groups was significantly higher compared to referral values. Average plasma fibrinogen concentration was 4.0+/-0.1 g/Lwithout significant differences between Group I and II. Females from Group I had significantly higher fibrinogen concentration (p=0.003) then the males from the same group (females 4.4+/-0.2 g/L vs. males 3.7+/-0.1 g/L). There was no difference in fibrinogen concentration between female and male patients in Group II. Fibrinogen plasma concentration is elevated in all type 2 diabetic patients without significant differences between subjects with or without metabolic syndrome.