Regulation of Na+/K+-ATPase by Estradiol and IGF-1 in Cardio-Metabolic Diseases.

Background: The sodium/potassium- adenosine- triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase) is an important mediator in vasculature tone and contractility, and its abnormal regulation has been implicated in many diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hypertension. Decreased Na+/K+-ATPase abundance and its altered isoform expression induce cardiomyocytes death and cardiac dysfunction, possibly leading to the development of myocardial dilation and heart failure. Therefore, the regulation of Na+/K+-ATPase activity/expression could be important in treatment and possible prevention of cardio-metabolic diseases.

Hormonal Regulation of Nitric Oxide (NO) in Cardio-metabolic Diseases.

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is a potential biochemical, cardio-metabolic risk marker. The production of NO is catalyzed by different isoforms of enzymes, NO synthases (NOS). An altered NO level is associated with obesity, insulin resistance (IR), diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Should We be Concerned About the Inflammatory Response to Endovascular Procedures?

Endovascular surgery represents a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of occlusive and aneurysmal arterial disease. However, it is followed by inflammatory response, with a rise in specific inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A and fibrinogen. Shear stress during balloon inflation and vascular injury represents triggering events for the inflammatory process, stimulating the production of proinflammatory molecules and activation of circulating monocytes.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein as a biomarker of cardiovascular diseases.

Atherosclerosis is a life-long illness that begins with risk factors, which in turn contribute to the development of subclinical disease, followed by the establishment of overt cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thrombotic-occlusive complications of atherosclerosis are among the most widespread and costly health problems. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) plays an important role in atherogenesis by promoting an inflammatory environment and lipid deposition in the arterial wall.

Environmental lead pollution and its possible influence on tooth loss and hard dental tissue lesions.

Background/aim: Environmental lead (Pb) pollution is a global problem. Hard dental tissue is capable of accumulating lead and other hard metals from the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate any correlation between the concentration of lead in teeth extracted from inhabitants of Pancevo and Belgrade, Serbia, belonging to different age groups and occurrence of tooth loss, caries and non-carious lesions.