Heat-related biomarkers: Focus on the correlation of troponin I and 70 kDa heat shock protein.

Heat-related biomarkers: Focus on the correlation of troponin I and 70 kDa heat shock protein Abstract Introduction: There is intensive research related to the forensic importance of biomarkers that would be the standard for postmortem damage to cardiomyocytes and the mechanism of the resulting damage. The aim of the research was to examinate the forensic-medical significance of serum levels of biomarkers as detectors of terminal hyperthermic damage to the myocardium. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 40 laboratory animals were divided into groups: the first group was the control (n = 8) exposed to a physiological temperature of 37 °C, the second group was divided into two subgroups: antemortem (n = 8) and postmortem (n = 8), which included a exposure temperature of 41 °C and the third group was divided into two subgroups: antemortem (n = 8) and postmortem (n = 8), which included a exposure temperature of 44 °C. The concentration of cardiac TnI and Hsp70 was resoluted in serum by immunochemical enzyme-labeled immunoabsorption method. RESULTS: A positive correlation was found between the temperature measured at the time of death and the serum values of cTnI (p = 0.02), in G41, and Hsp70 values did not significantly correlate with the core temperature in this group, p > 0.005. A positive correlation was significant between the concentration of Hsp 70 and the body temperature of rats in the group of rats with a fatal outcome was determined, p = 0.03. CONCLUSION: Changes in the concentration of cTnI and Hsp70 in rat serum may indicate hyperthermic damage to the myocardium in the Wistar rat model of heat stroke.

CRP/HDL-C and Monocyte/HDL-C ratios as Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) denotes a cluster of co-occurring medical conditions associated with regulating hyperglycemia and acute cardiovascular events and complications. The escalating frequency of MetS among individuals afflicted with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) underscores its burgeoning significance as a critical public health concern and a complex clinical conundrum. Timely identification is imperative to avert the expedited progression of diabetic complications. Objective: To investigate the role of CRP/HDL-C and Monocyte/HDL ratios in predicting MetS in T2DM individuals. Methods: The study was designed as a two-year prospective study and included 80 T2DM patients divided into MetS and non-MetS groups based on MetS development over two years. The patients' serums were analyzed for complete blood count parameters, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Based on the laboratory test results, Monocyte/HDL-C and CRP/HDL-C ratios were calculated and analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and their corresponding areas under the curve (AUC) were used to determine prognostic accuracy. Results: Monocyte/HDL-C ratio and CRP/HDL-C ratio were significantly higher in MetS-T2DM2 than in nonMetS-T2DM (p=0.003 and p=0.029, respectively). The results of ROC curve analysis have shown that the CRP/HDL-C ratio (AUC of 0.695) and Monocytes/HDL-C ratio (AUC of 0.645) can serve as good predictors of MetS in T2DM patients. Conclusion: This study confirms the reliability of the Monocytes/HDL-C and CRP/HDL-C ratios as novel, simple, low-cost, and valuable predictors of MetS development in T2DM.

Could the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio serve as a marker in the diagnosis and prediction of acute appendicitis complications in children?

INTRODUCTION: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical condition of the abdomen in children. The aim of this study was to analyse the possible use of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the diagnosis and prediction of AA complications in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 170 AA patients under 15 years of age, who were divided into the following groups: Group 1 - non-operated patients with AA, and Group 2 - patients who underwent appendectomy. Based on pathologic grades of AA, Group 2 was subdivided into: Group A - phlegmonous, Group B - gangrenous, and Group C - perforated AA. NLR was calculated as the absolute neutrophil count divided by the absolute lymphocyte count. RESULTS: In Group 2 NLR was significantly higher than in Group 1 (5.5 (1.9-9.9) vs. 2.3 (1.2-3.7); p < 0.001). A significant difference in NLR was found between Group C and Group A (p < 0.001), and as well as between Group B and Group A (p = 0.001). The determined optimal cut-off value of NLR in differentiating Group 1 vs. Group 2 was ≥ 3.48 (p < 0.001). In differentiating Group A from Group C the optimal cut-off value of NLR was ≥ 5.61 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, optimal cut-off value of NLR in differentiating Group A from Group B was ≥ 5.45 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that NLR could be used as a simple and reliable test in the diagnosis and prediction of AA complications in children. However, to draw definite conclusions on the predictive power of NLR as a marker of AA large multicentric studies are required.

Fasting state requirements for blood sampling: a survey of patients in Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Aim To explore patient's awareness and appliance of the fasting state requirements for blood sampling. Methods This observational survey was performed at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology Diagnostics, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, from June to July 2019. An anonymous questionnaire was conducted on 200 consecutive outpatients older than 18, who were admitted to the laboratory for routine blood testing. Results A total of 134 (67%) patients were informed that they needed to be at fasting to perform laboratory tests. Patients were mostly informed by a requesting physician or a nurse, 68 (50.8%), and by other patients, members of the family and friends, 58 (43.3%); only seven (5.2%) patients were informed in the laboratory. A total of 75 (37.5%) patients arrived to the laboratory properly prepared. Conclusion Most patients were not well informed about fasting state requirements for blood sampling and consequently they were not adequately prepared for laboratory tests. Laboratory should establish updated fasting recommendations available to patients and healthcare professionals, and conduct continuing education of patients and health care staff.

The importance of plasma ferritin values in blood donors for the evaluation of body iron store in a five-month period.

Aim To present haemoglobin and ferritin parameters in donors to highlight the importance of serum ferritin testing for the purpose of evaluating iron depots in order to make recommendations for preserving a population of blood donors. Method A prospective study was conducted on 80 blood donors divided in two groups: group I (regular donors, n =40) and group II (irregular donors, n=40). Haemoglobin and ferritin were measured twice every 45 days, before two consecutive blood donations. Results By measuring haemoglobin and ferritin values before donation in both groups, a decrease of initial ferritin value in Group I relative to Group II was observed (without statistical significance). A significant decrease was found between repeated measurements for both parameters in both groups, indicating equal intensity of the decline in value regardless of a donor status. Measurement of ferritin before and after donation revealed statistically significant loss of ferritin in all examinees (p=0.011). The decline in haemoglobin after donation, although significant, did not fall below the reference value for donation in either women or men. Conclusion Results indicate the need for periodic monitoring of the plasma value of ferritin in voluntary donors who donate blood more than twice a year and the possible oral supplementation with iron.

The Triglyceride/HDL Ratio and Triglyceride Glucose Index as Predictors of Glycemic Control in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

INTRODUCTION: Poor glycemic control, assessed by higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, is associated with greater risk of diabetic complications. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the association of triglyceride - to - HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and triglyceride glucose (TyG) index with HbA1c and to evaluate their potential role as predictors of glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Health Center Banovici and included a total of 113 patients with DM2 classified according to their HbA1c values in two groups: DM2 HbA1c <7% - DM2 patients with good glycemic control (n=39) and DM2 HbA1c ≥7% - DM2 patients with poor glycemic control (n=74). Anthropometric, biochemical parameters and blood pressure values were measured, while TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index were calculated. RESULTS: TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index were significantly higher in DM2 HbA1c≥7% compared to DM2 HbA1c<7% group (p=0.003 and p<0.001; respectively). Both TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index were positively associated with HbA1c levels (Rho=0.29; p=0.002; Rho=0.37; p<0.001; respectively). In linear regression analysis TG/HDL-C ratio and BMI, and also TyG index and BMI were significantly independently associated with HbA1c even after controlling for age, gender, diabetes duration and smoking. When we stratified patients according to BMI values, independent association between TG/HDL-C ratio and HbA1c remained significant only in normal weight subjects (OR 0.21; 95%CI: 0.05-0.37; ß=0.65; p=0.017), while independent association between TyG index and HbA1c remained significant only in overweight and obese subjects (OR 0.063; 95%CI: 0.01- 0.12; ß=0.24; p =0.027). CONCLUSION: TG/HDL-C ratio might be a useful predictor of glycemic control in normal weight, and TyG index in overweight and obese patients with DM2.

The prevalence of pre-analytical errors in the laboratory of the Cantonal Hospital Zenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Aim To identify rates of most common pre-analytical errors and to document possible (different) error rates between inpatients and outpatients. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology Diagnostics, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, from December 2016 until March 2017. Data on rejected blood samples in the laboratory information system were analysed. Results During the 3-month period 35,343 patient blood samples (25,545 inpatients and 9,798 outpatients) were received in the laboratory. The study identified 602 (1.70%) rejected samples because of pre-analytical errors, mostly due to haemolysis, 292 (48.50%), and clotted samples, 240 (39.87%). The remaining 70 (11.63%) samples were rejected because of inappropriate sample volume, inappropriate container and identification errors (7.81%, 2.16% and 1.66%, respectively). The proportion of inpatient rejected samples was 8.7-fold higher than in the outpatient samples. The proportion of inpatient rejected samples because of haemolysis, clotted samples, inappropriate sample volume and inappropriate containers were higher than in the outpatient samples (20.5-, 12.1-, 2.3- and 1.3-fold higher, respectively); proportion of rejected samples because of identification errors was 8.0-fold higher in the outpatient (collection sites outside the hospital) than in the inpatient samples. Conclusion Higher pre-analytical sample error rates were connected with inpatient samples, while higher identification error rates were connected with outpatient samples. Establishment of periodic stuff training and introduction of information technology could reduce pre-analytical errors.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein E and atherogenic index of plasma are associated with risk of chronic kidney disease.

Aim To investigate the association of parameters of lipid profile and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) p<60 ml/min/1.73m2 calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) in non-dialysis kidney patients. Methods The observational, case-control study enrolled patients (n=117) recruited from the Nephrological Counselling Centre of the University Clinical Centre Sarajevo and divided into two groups: group 1 eGFR (15-59 mL/min/1.73 m2 ), and group 2 (control) eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Concentration of lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins was measured, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP; log(TG/HDLc)) was calculated. Results High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) concentrations in serum were reduced [(1.02 (0.94-1.29) vs 1.15 (1.1-1.4) mmol/L; p=0.009 and 0.035 (0.026-0.04) vs 0.041 (0.034-0.05) g/L; p=0.002, respectively)], while AIP was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (0.19±0.03 vs 0.09±0.04; p=0.013). Values less than 1.09 mmol/L and 0.038 g/L for HDLc and APOE, or higher than 0.165 for AIP (p< 0.05) were associated with the eGFR below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The age [OR = 1.1; 95% CI (1.05-1.17)] and AIP [OR = 8.7; 95% CI (1.18- 65.0)] were independent positive predictors, while APOE was a negative predictor of eGFR reduction rate (OR=0.01; 95% CI (0.001-0.033; p<0.001). Conclusion Changes in parameters such as HDLc, APOE and AIP are associated with CKD. The study results imply the need of the AIP calculation as routine laboratory work due to its role along with the age and APOE in the prediction of renal function decline.

Influence of C-reactive protein on the occurrence and assessing of albuminuria severity in diabetics.

Aim To asses relation of serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level with albumin concentration in daily urine in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). Methods The prospective study included 69 patients with T2DM, both sexes (24 males, 45 females), aged 30-82 years. They were divided into two groups: patients with T2DM and normoalbuminuria(T2DM-NA; n=40) and patients with T2DM and microalbuminuria (T2DM-MA; n=29). Patients were hospitalized at the Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, in the period January-April 2014. Immunonephelometry measurement of hsCRP was performed on the Nephelometer Analyzer BN II (Siemens, Germany). Results Frequency of patients in T2DM-NA and T2DM-MA groups was not significantly different in relation to sex and age. There was significant difference in relation to duration of diabetes ( p=0.001). Average glucose and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in T2DM-NA group comparing to T2DM-MA group (p=0.008 and p=0.047, respectively). Serum creatinine (p=0.011),urea (p=0.009) and hsCRP (p=0.005) were significantly higher in T2DM-MA group compared to T2DM-NA group. Urinary albumin showed significantly positive correlation with the hsCRP (rho=0.286; p=0.017), urea (rho=0.503) and creatinine (rho=0.438) (p < 0.0005). A one unit (mg/L) increase in hsCRP concentration was associated with 11.5% increase of odds of microalbuminuria OR=1.115; 95% CI 1.014-1.225; p=0.025). Conclusion Significantly higher values of serum hsCRP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and microalbuminuria in comparison to those with normoalbuminuria as well as the correlation of values of inflammatory marker with urinary albumin implicate a low grade inflammation in the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Serum Uric Acid Could Differentiate Acute Myocardial Infarction and Unstable Angina Pectoris in Hyperuricemic Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Serum uric acid (SUA) is the final product of purine metabolism in humans. AIM: The present study aimed to identify a potential association between serum UA and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels and to find out whether uric acid could differentiate patients presenting with the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP) in hyperuricemic and normouricemic acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. METHODS: Eighty ACS patients, aged 50-83 years, were enrolled in the study, 40 of them presenting with AMI and 40 with UAP. Frequency of patients with serum uric level over threshold for hyperuricemia was investigated and two groups of patients were formed such as hyperuricemic and normouricemic groups (A and B groups, respectively) independently of type of ACS. Those groups of patients were also subjected to cTnI measurement. RESULTS: Levels of SUA are associated with the type of ACS in the hyperuricemic ACS patients (AMI versus UAP, 499(458-590), 425(400-447) mmol/L, p=0.007, respectively). Uric acid correlated significantly with cTnI, moderate positively in the group A (rho=0.358, p=0.038) and moderate negatively in the group B (r=-0.309, p=0.037) of ACS patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that cTnI and age were independently associated with the SUA levels in the group A of ACS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid differentiates AIM and UAP patients in hyperuricemic group of acute coronary syndrome. Therefore it can be used as nonspecific parameter for evaluation of the myocardial lesion extent only in hyperuricemic ACS patients. This is supported by finding that cTnI along with age predicts SUA level in hyperuricemic ACS patients.

Cytogenetic Abnormalities Found in Patients with Reproductive Problems.

INTRODUCTION: One of the important causes of male infertility is aberration at the chromosomes. AIM: The main purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and types of chromosomal aberration in infertile/sterile men whose samples were analyzed in the Center for Cytogenetics of Faculty of Medicine University of Sarajevo in the last four years. METHODS: A total of 353 infertile/sterile men, between the ages of 22-55 years, referred for cytogenetic analysis to the Center for Genetics of Faculty of Medicine during the period 2013-2016. Karyotyping was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes by using the Giemsa trypsin banding (GTG) technique. RESULTS: The structural and numerical chromosomal aberration in infertility/ sterility of men found with the incidence of 6% (20/353). Out of the 20 patients with abnormal cytogenetic diagnosis, structural chromosome abnormalities were observed in 17 (85%) patients and 3 (15%) with numerical aberrations. The type of aberrations mostly found were Robertsonian and reciprocal translocations (35%, 35%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in infertile/sterile males suggests that the cytogenetics analysis is an important in male infertility, especially if it will be used for the purpose of assisted reproduction techniques.

Association of Parental Age and the Type of Down Syndrome on the Territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BACKGROUND: Advanced paternal and/or maternal age is a classic risk factor for Down syndrome. The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of Down syndrome types in children and its association with maternal and paternal age in Bosnia and Herzegovina. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The cross sectional, observational study included 127 children, 49 girls and 78 boys, aged 1-180 months suspected to have Down syndrome, admitted to the Centre for Genetics, Faculty of Medicine University of Sarajevo, for cytogenetic analysis and differential diagnosis of Down syndrome during the period from January 2010 to May 2015. Standard method of 72 hours cultivation of peripheral blood lymphocytes has been applied. The accepted level of statistical significance was p<0.05. STUDY RESULTS: The most common type of Down syndrome was standard trisomy (86.6%), comparing to translocation and mosaicism (7.1%; 6.3%, respectively). The highest frequency of Down syndrome cases was in mother and father's group from 30-39 years old (57; 57 children, respectively) compared to mother and father's groups with younger than 30 (44; 29, respectively) and 40 and older (26; 41, respectively). The significant difference was found in maternal age between translocation and mosaicism groups (p=0.036). Difference between parental years and type of Down syndrome was significant when Standard trisomy 21 and translocation (p=0.045), as well as mosaicism and translocation (p=0.036), were compared. CONCLUSION: The most common type of Down syndrome was standard trisomy 21, with highest occurrence in parents from 30 to 39 years old. Parents were the youngest in translocation group. Obtained results suggest that multidisciplinary approach to identifying the trigger for trisomy appearance and the influence of maternal age is required.

Renalase Gene rs2576178 Polymorphism in Hemodialysis Patients: Study in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

INTRODUCTION: Renalase is a protein secreted in kidneys and considered as a blood pressure modulator. High rates of hypertension and its regulation in patients on hemodialysis demands search for potential cause and treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the genotype and allele frequencies of renalase gene rs2576178 polymorphism in population from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also, the objective of present study was to find the possible association between renalase gene rs2576178 polymorphism and hypertension in patients on hemodialysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The genotype of renalase gene rs2576178 polymorphism was determined in 137 participants (100 patients on hemodialysis and 37 controls), using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent cleavage with MspI restriction endonuclease. Genotype and allele frequencies were assessed for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium using a Chi-squared test. The value of P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Comparison of genotype distribution and allele frequency in participants on hemodialysis with and without hypertension, and healthy control showed no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that renalase gene rs2576178 polymorphism is not a factor that influences blood pressure in patients on hemodialysis.

Mean platelet volume predicts the glycemic control deterioration in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients.

AIM: To investigate association of mean platelet volume (MPV) and glycemic control markers, and whether MPV could be used as a predictor of deterioration of glucoregulation in Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) patients. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 106 DMT2 patients, treated at the Primary Health Care Centre in Zenica, distributed into groups according to glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values: A(n=44, HbA1c ≤7.0%) and B (n=62, HbA1c>7.0%). Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the relationships between MPV and glycemic control markers. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the relationship between glycemic control, as dichotomous outcome, and MPV as the main predictor. Diagnostic value of MPV as a marker for poor glucoregulation was estimated by using ROC analysis. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume was significantly higher in the group B compared to the group A (p<0.0005). Significant positive correlations of MPV with fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were found in the total sample (rho=0.382, p<0.0005; rho=0.430, p<0.0005, respectively). Mean platelet volume was positively associated with the risk of inadequate glycemic control, with 2 times increased odds of inadequate glycemic control per femtoliter greater MPV (Exp (ß) =2.195; 95% CI=1.468 - 3.282, p<0.0005). The area under ROC curve for MPV was 0.726 (95% CI: =0.628- 0.823, p <0.0005). At the best cut-off value 9.55 fL, MPV showed sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 54.5%. CONCLUSION: Mean platelet volume correlates with glycemic control markers in DMT2 patients. It could be used as a simple and cost-effective predictor of deterioration of glucoregulation.

Dilemma: Correlation Between Serum Level of Hepcidin and IL-6 in Anemic Myeloma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia occurs in 60% to 80 % of patients with newly diagnosed myeloma multiplex (MM). The cause of anemia in MM is probably multi factorial and involved among the others hepcidin and some cytokines, especially interleukine-6. Anemia in MM is one of the risk factor used in Durie-Salmon classification for staging and prognostic score. Treatment options are set according to this score with most significant impact on survival. AIM: To estimate baseline level of serum hepcidin, IL-6 and iron metabolism markers in anemic MM patients, possible role of hepcidin and its interaction with IL-6. METHODS: 27 patients with newly diagnosed MM were enrolled in this observational, prospective study and age, gender matched 60 healthy controls. Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, serum hepcidin, interleukin-6, iron, ferritin and transferrin were measured. RESULTS: Anemia was diagnosed in 70% of MM patients. Serum hepcidin was significantly higher in MM group (55.5 ng/mL) than in control 5.9 ng/mL (p=0000). In myeloma patients serum IL-6 was 3.59 pg/mL, anemic 3.80 pg/mL, non-anemic 0.33 pg/mL, without significant difference. It was not found significant correlation between hepcidin and IL-6 in anemic myeloma patients. CONCLUSION: High level of hepcidin probably causes anemia in MM but its high expression is not due only to IL-6.

Influence of Malondialdehyde and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Chronic Renal Disease with Cardiometabolic Syndrome.

Objective was to assess whether the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation and serum concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are involved in the process of atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients nondialysis-dependent and those on peritoneal dialysis (PD), both with signs of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). Thirty CKD and 22 PD patients were included in a study. All observed patients were divided into three subgroups depending on the degree of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries (CA). Severity of atherosclerotic changes in the CA was evaluated by ultrasonography. We confirmed significantly lower level of serum MDA throughout all the stages of atherosclerosis in PD patients compared with observed CKD patients (P < 0.05) and increased serum concentration of MDA and MMP-9 with the progression of severity atherosclerotic changes in both groups of patients. The multiple regression analysis revealed that MDA and MMP-9 are significant predictors of changes in IMT-CA CKD patients (P < 0.05) and plaque score on CA in these patients (P < 0.05). The results suggest that MDA and MMP-9 could be mediators of CKD-related vascular remodeling in CMS.

Effects of post-sampling analysis time, type of blood samples and collection tubes on values of blood gas testing.

AIM: To investigate effects of post-sampling analysis time, a type of blood samples and collection tubes on blood gas testing. METHODS: This study included 100 patients at the Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases, Clinical Centre Sarajevo. The partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and carbon dioxide (pCO2), and the oxygen saturation level of hemoglobin (sO2) were analyzed in the arterial blood samples (ABS) and capillary blood samples (CBS) by a potentiometric method using a blood gas analyzer ABL 555 (Radiometer, Copenhagen, Denmark). Paired measurements of ABS were performed within 15 minutes and after 60 minutes from sampling and compared. The results of CBS obtained within 15 minutes were compared with matching ABS results, as well as the results obtained from CBS within 15 minutes taken into glass and plastic tubes. RESULTS: pO2 and sO2 values were significantly lower after 60 minutes compared to those within 15 minutes in ABS (9.20±1.89 vs. 9.51±1.95 and 91.25±5.03 vs. 92.40±4.5; p<0.01, respectively). Values of pO2 and sO2 in CBS were significantly lower than values obtained in ABS (8.92±2.07 vs. 9.51±1.95 and 91.25±4.86 vs. 92.40±4.50; p<0.01, respectively). Obtained pO2 and sO2 values in CBS in the plastic tubes were higher than those in the glass tubes (8.50±1.98 vs. 7.89±2.0 and 89.66±11.04 vs. 88.23±11.22, p<0.01 respectively). pCO2 blood values were not influenced significantly (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The length of post-sampling analysis time, a type of blood samples and collection tubes have significant impact on blood oxygen parameters. Analysis within 15 minutes after blood sampling is considered as appropriate.

Positive correlation between uric acid and C-reactive protein serum level in healthy individuals and patients with acute coronary syndromes.

AIM: To assess serum levels and correlation between uric acid (UA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and apparently healthy individuals. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 116 examinees of age 44 to 83 years, distributed in two groups: 80 ACS patients including 40 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and 40 with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and 36 apparently healthy (control group) individuals. Patients with ACS were hospitalized at the Cardiology Clinic, Clinical Centre Sarajevo in the period October- December 2012. Laboratory analyses were conducted by standard methods. The accepted statistical significance level was p<0.05. RESULTS: Serum levels of CRP and UA were higher in patients with ACS as compared to control group (p<0.01). The median serum UA was insignificantly lower, and CRP was significantly higher in patients with AMI compared to UAP (p=0.118 and p=0.001, respectively). CRP and UA correlated positively in both ACS and control groups (rho=0.246; p=0.028 and rho=0.374; p=0.027). A positive correlation between serum CRP and UA was noted in patients with AMI, but negative in patients with UAP (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The correlation between CRP and UA in the patients with ACS indicates the association of oxidative stress and inflammation intensity in damaged cardiomyocytes. Correlation between UA and CRP in apparently healthy individuals indicates a possible role of UA as a marker of low-grade inflammation and its potential in risk assessment in cardiovascular diseases.

An assessment of correlation between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine and glycated haemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Studies that investigated an association between asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have given discordant results. The aim of this study was to determine and compare serum ADMA concentration in patients with T2DM and healthy controls, and to assess correlation between ADMA and HbA1c in patients with T2DM. Serum ADMA concentration was determined by ELISA method with the use of ADMA ® - ELISA kit (DLD Diagnostics, Hamburg, Germany) and HbA1c levels were determined by an immunoturbidimetric method in 60 patients with T2DM and 60 healthy individuals matched for age and sex. Results have shown that mean serum ADMA concentration was significantly higher in T2DM patients (1.54±0.06 µmol/L) compared to mean serum ADMA concentration (0.62±0.02 µmol/L; p<0.0001) in healthy subjects. A significant, positive, correlation between serum ADMA concentration and HbA1c levels was observed (r=0.494; p<0.01) in T2DM patients. Our results suggest that there is an association between endothelial dysfunction and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Possible explanation for obtained results may be oxidative stress that is increased in conditions of hyperglycaemia and it also promotes endothelial dysfunction. Larger, longitudinal studies are required that will evaluate relation between metabolic abnormalities and increased ADMA levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Association of mannose-binding lectin 2 (mbl2) gene heterogeneity and its serum concentration with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

The aim of the study was to detect prevalence of MBL2 exon 1 (codons 52, 54 and 57) genetic polymorphism in postmenopausal women in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its possible role as genetic risk factor for susceptibility to occurrence of osteoporosis in this study group. Also, we investigated association between MBL serum concentrations and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Genetic codons' variations were determined by PCR-RFLP and MBL in serum was measured by ELISA method in 75 postmenopausal women (37 with osteoporosis and 38 apparently healthy, non-osteoporotic women serving as a control). Serum MBL levels were not significantly different between osteoporosis and control group (492 (37-565.1) and 522.6 (477-559.4) ng/mL respectively, p=0.206). Genotype frequencies were not significantly different (p=0.997) between the studied groups of postmenopausal women. Genotype frequencies A/A, A/0 and 0/0 in osteoporosis group were 0.576; 0.405; 0.018 and in control group 0.562; 0.412; 0.026, respectively. Frequencies of A and 0 allele were 0.78 and 0.22 in osteoporosis and 0.77 and 0.23 in control group. The results do not suggest association of functional polymorphism of MBL2 gene and MBL serum concentration with osteoporosis in postmenopausal females.