Faculty of Medicine

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.ukim.mk/handle/20.500.12188/14

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Beyond Sodium: Inflammation as the Strongest Predictor of Mortality Among Non-Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients
    (Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 2026-06-01)
    Eftimovska-otovikj Natasha
    ;
    Poposka, Elizabeta
    ;
    Popovska, Bojana
    ;
    ;
    : Standard dialysate sodium concentration (sDNa) may not adequately reflect individual sodium requirements in each hemodialysis patient, potentially contributing to interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), hypertension and inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and biochemical outcomes between individualized and standard dialysate sodium prescriptions and to assess factors associated with mortality. : This was a prospective interventional study conducted in two phases. In the first phase, patients were treated with standard hemodialysis (HD) using a fixed dialysate sodium concentration of 138 mmol/L. In the second phase, dialysate sodium was individualized based on each patient's pre-dialysis serum sodium concentration. Each patient served as their own control. Outcomes included IDWG, blood pressure, thirst score, dialysis adequacy (Kt/V, URR), nutritional markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), electrolytes, and mortality. : Individualized dialysate sodium prescription was associated with a significant reduction in IDWG (1.93 ± 0.64 vs 2.17 ± 0.79 kg; p = 0.001) and improved dialysis adequacy (Kt/V: 1.50 ± 0.24 vs 1.36 ± 0.22; p < 0.001). Survivors had higher serum albumin levels and lower CRP values compared to non-survivors. Serum and dialysate sodium concentrations were not independently associated with mortality. In logistic regression analysis, CRP >10 mg/L showed the strongest observed association with mortality (OR 10.278; 95% CI 1.709-61.826; p = 0.011). : Individualized dialysate sodium prescription may improve fluid control and dialysis adequacy in selected patients. Inflammation was significantly associated with mortality in this cohort; however, results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of events.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    NGAL and HPV Subtypes in Cervical Carcinoma: Implications for Cancer Progression and Treatment Response
    (MDPI AG, 2026-02-23)
    Raci, Behar
    ;
    ;
    Hodolli, Gezim
    ;
    ;
    Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer is a prominent source of morbidity and mortality among women, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), a glycoprotein involved in cancer-related activities, has been proposed as a biomarker; however, its involvement in cervical cancer remains unknown. The study aim is to evaluate the prognostic significance of serum NGAL levels in cervical cancer patients in relation to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, operability, and HPV subtype distribution before and after treatment. Methods: The study involved 130 women, 100 with histologically proven cervical cancer and 30 healthy controls. The serum NGAL levels were determined before and after treatment using an ELISA test. HPV genotyping was carried out using real-time PCR on 21 high- and low-risk subtypes. Results: NGAL levels increased marginally during therapy (from 134 to 144 ng/mL; p = 0.28), but the rise was significant in inoperable patients (p = 0.02) and increased with advanced FIGO stage, although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.07). HPV 16 was the most common subtype (26.0%), while women aged 51–60 had the highest overall HPV positive rate (72.7%). There was no significant association between NGAL levels and HPV subtypes (p = 0.17). Conclusion: NGAL does not appear to be an accurate short-term indicator of therapy response. However, increased levels in advanced-stage and inoperable instances indicate prognostic significance. NGAL most likely represents tumor-associated inflammation rather than HPV subtype. These findings support its possible inclusion in future biomarker panels, subject to validation in bigger investigations. Persistent HPV infection in midlife women highlights the significance of ongoing screening.</jats:p>
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Linking inflammation and cardiovascular disease: the emerging role of lipoprotein-associated phosphoplipase A2
    (Ltd Chetverta Кhvylia, 2025-12)
    Kostovska, Irena
    ;
    ;
    Over the past decades, inflammation has been recognized as a key contributor to the development of atherosclerosis, prompting extensive research. Numerous inflammatory markers have demonstrated predictive value for both initial and recurrent coronary events in individuals with or without established coronary vascular disease (CVD). Among these, lipo protein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp PLA2) has garnered significant attention. Lp PLA2 may be involved in the athero sclerotic process and contribute to plaque destabilization through its inflammatory activity within atherosclerotic lesions. Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp PLA2), a recently identified cardiovascular specific inflammatory mediator, is closely associated with the onset and progression of cardiovascular events. This review explores the potential of Lp PLA2 as both a risk marker and a therapeutic target in CVD. Elevated levels of Lp PLA2 mass and activity have been linked to an increased risk of CVD in both the general population and patients with pre existing disease. However, it remains uncer tain whether incorporating Lp PLA2 measurements into risk prediction models significantly enhances risk stratification beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, the failure of darapladib, a potent and selective Lp PLA2 inhibitor, to reduce CVD events in major randomized, placebo controlled trials suggests the importance of ongoing research to fully understand its functions and develop effective strategies for CVD prevention and treatment.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    BIOMARKERS IN OBESITY-RELATED METABOLIC SYNDROME: FROM PATHOPHYSIOLOGY TO CLINICAL APPLICATION
    (Macedonian Association of Anatomists and Morphologists, 2025-11-25)
    Kostovska, Irena
    ;
    Obesity-related metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a complex, multifactorial disorder characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Its rising global prevalence underscores the urgent need for comprehensive understanding and early detection strategies. While traditional clinical and biochemical parameters provide insight into overt metabolic dysfunction, they often fail to capture upstream molecular disturbances. Recent research has identified a spectrum of novel biomarkers that reflect the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MetS, including inflammatory mediators (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1), adipokines and hormonal regulators (adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin, ghrelin, glucagonlike peptide-1), oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction markers (malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane, oxidized LDL, asymmetric dimethylarginine, paraoxonase-1), thyroid function indicators (TSH, free thyroxine, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies), vitamin D, and genetic/epigenetic modulators (microRNAs and DNA methylation patterns). This review summarizes current evidence on these biomarkers, highlighting their roles in elucidating disease mechanisms, enabling early risk assessment, guiding therapeutic interventions, and supporting precision medicine approaches. Future research directions are proposed to standardize assays, validate findings across diverse populations, and develop integrated multi-marker panels to optimize the management of obesity-related MetS.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Transforming Diabetes Care: The Molecular Pathways through Which GLP1-RAs Impact the Kidneys in Diabetic Kidney Disease
    (MDPI AG, 2024-03-14)
    Rroji, Merita
    ;
    Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a substantial complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D), presenting challenges in chronic kidney disease (CKD) management. In addition to traditional and recent therapies, including angiotensin, converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, the evolution of antihyperglycemic treatments has introduced a promising agent, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) for the management of DKD. GLP-1RAs enhance insulin release and reduce glucagon release, offering a novel approach to DKD management. This review analyzes the molecular pathways through which GLP1-RAs confer renal protection in T2D and DKD, which are complex and multifaceted. They include modulation of renal hemodynamics, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions, metabolic regulation, and direct cellular effects. These mechanisms highlight GLP1-RA's potential as a therapeutic option for glycemic control and direct or indirect renal function protection in diabetic patients, emphasizing the potentiality of GLP-1RAs for dual therapy, with cardiovascular and renal protection as a holistic approach. Clinical evidence supports GLP-1RAs in reducing albuminuria and enhancing kidney outcomes, highlighting their value in a comprehensive DKD management strategy.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Plasma levels of C-reactive protein and Interleukin-6 as markers of inflammation in patients with operative treated fractures
    (Macedonian Pharmaceutical Association, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Pharmacy, 2024-11)
    ;
    Conditions that affect plasma concentrations of acute-phase proteins include infections, trauma, surgical treatment, burns, tissue ischemia (infarctions), various immunological inflammatory conditions and cancer. The cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the main stimulator for the production of numerous acute-phase proteins. It has been established that the induction of C-reactive protein (CRP) and production of serum amyloid A is caused by the cytokines IL-6 and IL-1 or TNF-alpha. Elevated levels of IL-6 during acute injuries or stress are often used as an indicator of systemic inflammation and are predictors of preoperative morbidity. We undertook this prospective randomized study in 90 patients undergoing surgery procedure after high-energy trauma, low-energy trauma and open fracture to define plasma levels of IL-6 and CRP over a 2-week period. We presented our results at seven time points, namely 6 hours pre-operatively and post-operatively in 2, 4, 5, 7 and 14 days respectively. We have attempted to find out whether IL-6 and CRP levels returned to baseline during this study period. In our study, we determined the influence of the examined parameters CRP and IL-6 in plasma on the early detection of surgical postoperative inflammation in operatively treated fractures. With the obtained results of our examined parameters, we can state that is provided a place for the routine procedure of CRP and IL-6 as predictors of possible postoperative inflammation.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Correlation of serum levels of inflammatory cytokines with severe form of cholecystitis
    (Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2022)
    Spasovski, Zharko
    ;
    ;
    Novevska Petrovska, Biljana
    ;
    Stojanoski, Sashko
    ;
    Introduction: Cholecystitis is an inflammatory response of the body triggered by a number of mutually supporting biological mechanisms, which by creating and releasing inflammatory mediators - cytokines activate the innate or acquired immune system, which leads to neutralization of the harmful stimulus and initiation of the process of repair and regeneration of damaged tissue or its continuation as a long-term chronic process with simultaneous tissue destruction and reparation. Material and methods: The study was conducted at the General City Hospital (GCH) "8th September" in Skopje and the Institute of Immunology and Human Genetics in Skopje, in the period of 2020-2022. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with the statistical package SPSS for Windows 26.0. Results: The study included 165 subjects with gallbladder inflammation divided into 3 groups: mild, moderate and severe inflammation grade. Patients with mild, moderate, and severe inflammatory processes differed significantly in IgG levels (p = 0.049), IgA (p = 0.021), and IgM (p = 0.016) and insignificantly in IgE1 levels (p = 0.16). Patients with a severe inflammatory process had a higher prevalence of IL-2R and IL-8 than patients with a mild grade (p = 0.035; p = 0.26, respectively). The intensity of inflammatory process had a nonsignificant effect on the levels of TNF-alpha (p = 0.078), and a significant effect on the levels of fibrinogen (p = 0.001), with significantly higher levels of fibrinogen in the group of patients with severe inflammatory process compared to the group with mild grade (p = 0.0009). Conclusion: The intensity of inflammatory process affects the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines with presence of strong correlation between the severe form of cholecystitis and elevated serum levels of certain inflammatory cytokines.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Cardiovascular disease and COVID-19: a consensus paper from the ESC Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology & Microcirculation, ESC Working Group on Thrombosis and the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC), in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)
    (Oxford University Press (OUP), 2021-09-16)
    Cenko, Edina
    ;
    Badimon, Lina
    ;
    Bugiardini, Raffaele
    ;
    Claeys, Marc J
    ;
    De Luca, Giuseppe
    The cardiovascular system is significantly affected in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Microvascular injury, endothelial dysfunction and thrombosis resulting from viral infection or indirectly related to the intense systemic inflammatory and immune responses are characteristic features of severe COVID-19. Pre-existing cardiovascular disease and viral load are linked to myocardial injury and worse outcomes. The vascular response to cytokine production and the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor may lead to a significant reduction in cardiac contractility and subsequent myocardial dysfunction. In addition, a considerable proportion of patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not fully recover and continue to experience a large number of symptoms and post-acute complications in the absence of a detectable viral infection. This conditions often referred to as "post-acute COVID-19" may have multiple causes. Viral reservoirs or lingering fragments of viral RNA or proteins contribute to the condition. Systemic inflammatory response to COVID-19 has the potential to increase myocardial fibrosis which in turn may impair cardiac remodelling. Here we summarize the current knowledge of cardiovascular injury and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues and new variants emerge, we can advance our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms only by integrating our understanding of the pathophysiology with the corresponding clinical findings. Identification of new biomarkers of cardiovascular complications, and development of effective treatments for COVID-19 infection are of crucial importance.