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Zoran Todorović

Publications and source records attributed to Zoran Todorović.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Single-dose intravenous simvastatin treatment attenuates renal injury in an experimental model of ischemia-reperfusion in the rat.

The effect of acute pretreatment with a single dose of simvastatin (1 mg/kg, i.v.; 30 min before ischemia) on renal dysfunction caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the rat was investigated. I/R injury was induced by clamping both renal vascular pedicles for 45 min, followed by 4 h of reperfusion with saline (2 ml/kg per hour). Simvastatin significantly improved both parameters of glomerular and tubular dysfunction (e.g., creatinine levels and fractional excretion of Na(+), respectively) and especially improved the histological score, compared to control I/R-injured rats treated with saline or 10% DMSO only.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Homocysteine serum levels and MTHFR C677T genotype in patients with Parkinson's disease, with and without levodopa therapy.

Both methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) C677T genotype and levodopa treatment may give rise to elevated serum homocysteine levels in parkinsonian patients. We aimed to clarify the interplay of these factors in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD)-related hyperhomocysteinemia. Total serum levels of homocysteine (tHcy) and MTHFR C677T genotype were investigated in levodopa-treated and -untreated parkinsonian ("de novo") patients, as well as in control healthy subjects matched by age and gender (N=83, 30 and 53, respectively). MTHFR C677T genotypes were equally distributed in PD patients and control subjects, the T allele homozygosity being observed in app. 12-17% cases. tHcy concentrations were significantly higher in both levodopa-treated and -untreated PD patients than in control subjects, and in TT homozygotes than in CT or CC genotype carriers. tHcy levels significantly correlated with the duration of the disease in PD treated patients only, reaching the maximum after 3-6 years. However, there was no correlation between tHcy levels and total daily intake of levodopa in the same group of PD patients. In conclusion, MTHFR C677T genotype is a significant factor for hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with PD, levodopa-untreated and probably even more in levodopa-treated PD patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-induced potentiaton of the effect of aminophylline on rat diaphragm: the role of extracellular calcium.

The role of extracellular calcium in the interaction between intracellular cAMP and nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP on the contractility of rat diaphragm pretreated with cumulative concentrations of aminophylline (0.36 - 3.60 mM) was investigated. In a Ca2+-free medium, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (1 and 3 mM) depressed tension developed (Td) and also aminophylline-induced potentiation of Td in a concentration-dependent manner. Verapamil (2.5 microM) or nicardipine (20 microM) significantly antagonized the potentiating effect of L-NAME on Td in a calcium-containing medium. However, in the presence of verapamil or nicardipine, L-NAME still produced statistically significant potentiation of the cumulative concentrations of aminophylline (0.36 - 3.60 mM), given in the second series.

Aminophylline↗
PubMed2003

NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester potentiates the effect of aminophylline on the isolated rat hemidiaphragm.

The effects of different concentrations of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (0.3, 1, 3, and 10 mM), a non-selective inhibitor of NOS, on the effect of aminophylline on the isometric contraction of the isolated rat hemidiaphragm were investigated. The muscle contractions were induced by direct subtetanic electrical stimulation. Aminophylline (0.36 - 3.60 mM) produced a typical concentration-dependent increase in both parameters of the isometric contraction: tension developed (Td) and the maximum rate of rise of tension (dT/dt max). The second series of additions of aminophylline produced a more pronounced effect. L-NAME (0.3, 1, 3, and 10 mM, 30 min of incubation without stimulation) itself did not change Td and dT/dt max. However, L-NAME (1, 3, and 10 mM) produced a statistically significant potentiation of the effect of aminophylline on Td and dT/dt max.

Aminophylline↗
PubMed2003

[Nitric oxide and lung diseases].

INTRODUCTION: All three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) are identified within various tissues of the respiratory system. ISOFORMS OF NOS: Under physiological conditions, small amounts of NO, produced by constitutive isoforms of NOS, appear to be important in regulation of basal pulmonary vascular tone and in mediating transition from fetal to neonatal circulation; also, NO exerts antiinflammatory actions, and modulates the respiratory smooth muscle tone. NO AND RESPIRATORY TRACT DISEASES: Under pathological conditions, inducible NOS-derived NO may produce lung damage. In addition, increased or decreased production of NO is found in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, asthma and related inflammatory disorders, and exhaled NO level measurement is a useful tool in diagnostics of respiratory disorders. CONCLUSION: It has been shown that NO modulates contractility of the isolated diaphragm, and there are important interactions between NOS inhibitors and drugs for respiratory disorders (e.g. aminophylline).

Humans↗
PubMed2003

[Antibiotic resistance].

INTRODUCTION: After six decades of antibiotic use, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is increasing, and organisms resistant to almost all antibiotics have been identified. ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: It is important to understand why antibiotic resistance develops, in order to design strategies for its prevention. Factors that promote antibiotic resistance in community and hospital settings are: antibiotic selective pressure, prolonged antibiotic treatment, inadequate doses, prior use of a less effective drug of the same antibiotic class, protected sites or foreign bodies, and poor infection control practice. The best available ways to decrease and control antibiotic resistance are: rational use of antibiotics (e.g. appropriate selection of drug, dose, duration of treatment), good infection control procedures (hygienic practice and isolation), as well as local, national and global surveillance networks for monitoring dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and detection of new resistance mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Clinical guidelines, direct education, and regular reports on antibiograms may contribute to more prudent use of antibiotics. Overall, the problem of antibiotic resistance is global. However, measures need to be taken at an individual, institutional, and ultimately at national healthcare level.

Drug Resistance, Bacterial↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Pseudomembranous colitis during antibiotic therapy].

INTRODUCTION: The use of antibiotics is commonly accompanied by diarrhea: idiopathic diarrhea with a benign process and diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile and pseudomembranous colitis. Clostridium difficile colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and produces a toxin in cases when normal flora is suppressed by antibiotics. Pseudomembranous colitis most frequently appears after application of clindamycin, lincomycin, ampicillin, cephalosporins and other antibiotics. Diagnosis is established after rectoscopic findings of adherent pseudomembrane and pathohistological verification. The diagnosis is confirmed if there is evidence of Cl. difficile toxin in feces. CASE REPORT: We report about the clinical course of two patients with antibiotic-associated colitis. The diagnosis were made by clinical examinations, rectoscopy and pathohistologic verification of biopsy specimen of the intestinal mucosa. Neutralization test was not done due to technical reasons. Patients were treated with metronidazole. Unwanted side-effects of metronidazole therapy were not observed. DISCUSSION: Both our patients confirmed that they previously used different antibiotics. In the first case, diarrhea appeared during the antibiotic therapy, and in the second case, after finishing it. After antibiotic use, diarrhea appears in 5.30% cases, but fortunately pseudomembranous colitis is rare. However, taking into consideration that pseudomembranous colitis has a severe course and requires urgent treatment, one has to consider the possibility of pseudomembranous colitis when diarrhea appears during and after antibiotic use in order to initiate adequate therapy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection].

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C viral infection represents a major health problem in the world. The estimated global incidence is about 3%, whereas the number of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers worldwide is estimated to be between 150-300 million people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 82 patients whose diagnosis of viral hepatitis C infection was based upon the following criteria: case history, physical examination, laboratory and abdominal ultrasound examination, histological examination of the liver, radiological examination, serological analysis and viral analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe general data on patients of the study group, risk factor analysis and follow-up results. RESULTS: The most prominent risk factor in our study group was intravenous use of drugs in 37 patients (37%), and blood transfusion in 13 patients (13%). Less important risk factors of viral hepatitis C infection included: promiscuity (8%), sexual contact with hepatitis C carriers (5%), surgical intervention (5%), hemodialysis (3%), intranasal use of cocaine (2%). DISCUSSION: Hepatitis C viral infection has become the illness of young and middle-aged population. This is due to the epidemic profile of this illness, due to intravenous use of drugs as the most prominent risk factor. CONCLUSION: Due to the number of infected, numerous risk factors and complications of viral hepatitis C, hepatitis C virus has become the most prominent hepatotrophic virus.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Psychiatric adverse effects induced by recombinant interferon alfa in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus infection is a slowly progressive chronic disease and the most common cause of chronic liver disease. Presently, interferon alfa based therapies, with or without ribavirin, are standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The most troublesome psychiatric side effects of interferon therapy in our patients are: insomnia, irritability, anxiety, mood changes, short temper, emotional and affective lability, impaired cognitive function, apathy, loss of motivation and the most serious depression with or without suicidal ideas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our study we treated 82 patients chronically infected with HCV divided into 3 groups: the first group of 31 patients (20 male and 11 female) received IFN-alfa in standard doses of 3 MU three times a week (t.i.w) during 24 weeks; the second group of 36 patients (25 male and 11 female) received IFN-alfa, 3 MU t.i.w plus ribavirin 1000-1200 mg per day during 24 weeks; the third group of 15 patients (11 male and 4 female) received IFN-alfa, 3 MU t.i.w plus ribavirin 1000-1200 mg per day during 48 weeks. The follow-up period after therapy in all groups lasted 24 weeks. RESULTS: During treatment, we observed at least one psychiatric side effect in 21 (26%) patients: insomnia in 11 (13%), emotional and affective lability in 9 (11%), anxiety, irritability and short temper in 8 (10%), impaired cognitive function in 7 (8%) apathia and loss of motivation in 6 (7%) treated patients. Depression, the most serious side effect, was established in 8 (10%) patients. All of these side effects were observed during later stages of treatment (between 5th and 22nd weeks of treatment). The incidence of all psychiatric side effects was significantly higher in women than in men (p < 0.01). We observed higher prevalence of depression among patients with history of alcohol and drug abuse. Treatment was temporarily discontinued (from 2 to 4 weeks) in all patients with depression, but it was not permanently discontinuated in any patient due to psychiatric side effects. CONCLUSION: Interferon causes psychiatric disorders that are usually mild and reversible. They disappear either spontaneously, while patients are still receiving therapy or after temporary cessation of interferon alfa therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis associated with icterus--a case report].

INTRODUCTION: Primary Epstein-Barr virus infection (EBVI) in children is usually asymptomatic with seroconversion. If primary infection occurs in adolescents or in adulthood, the most common manifestation is acute infectious mononucleosis. The diagnosis of acute infectious mononucleosis is made by virus and serologic tests. The most important evidence of primary EBV infection includes IgM class antibodies detected by using EBV virus-capsid-antigen (EBV VCA) which appears at the beginning of illness and usually lasts 1 to 2 months. Paul Bunnell Davidson test, although non-specific, is still in use today in diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis and for detection of heterophile antibodies. CASE REPORT: Acute hepatitis with icterus is a rare clinical manifestation in primary EBV infection. However, sometimes it is the only manifestation of the disease. This is a case report of a patient with EBV hepatitis and icterus associated with long-lasting fever without pharyngitis and lymphadenopathy, which are characteristics of infectious mononucleosis. The etiologic diagnosis was confirmed by positive Paul Bunnell Davidson test and by detection of specific antibodies (class IgM) to EBV VCA in patient's serum. DISCUSSION: The pathogenetic mechanism which causes destruction of hepatic cells and provokes cholestasis during EBV infection, has not been cleared yet. It is supposed that EBV has no direct cytocide effects on hepatic cells, yet destruction of these cells is caused by toxic action of free radicals through lipid peroxidation. Patients with infectious mononucleosis have autoantibodies directed against enzyme superoxide-dismutase which neutralizes enzyme's antioxidant action. As a result of this action, free radicals accumulate in hepatic cells and cause their damage. CONCLUSION: Icteric forms of EBV infection are rare. In differential diagnosis of icterus caused by infectious agents, one should not forget EBV.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Opioid analgesics].

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Analgesics, Opioid↗