Regulation of nitric oxide production in hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that predominantly occurs in females. It is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but the molecular mechanism is not known. Disturbance in lipid metabolism, the regulation of oxidative stress, and inflammation characterize the progression of subclinical hypothyroidism.

The prevalence of polyvascular disease in patients with carotid artery disease and peripheral artery disease.

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the major cause of mortality in the Western World.

Aims: We aimed to assess the prevalence of polyvascular disease in patients with carotid artery disease and peripheral artery disease (PAD), and to determine the risk profile of patients with polyvascular disease.

Methods: The study included 1045 consecutive patients presenting to our department with carotid disease or PAD.

Awareness and knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors among medical students.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors as well as to assess the impact of medical education on their knowledge and recognition of the importance of implementation of preventive measures.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 514 students in the second year of studying at the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade, Serbia (younger students response rate 79.57%) and 511 students in the last year of education (older students response rate 90.

Technical strategy in a patient with symptomatic thoracic aneurysm near the origin of the left subclavian artery and left internal thoracic artery coronary graft.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a safe and reliable technique utilized in the treatment for aortic aneurysms. However, in up to 40% of patients, devices are typically placed over the left subclavian artery (LSA) origin. In this report, we present a case of a successful TEVAR procedure following the transposition of the LSA with protective carotico-axillary/carotid bypass in a patient with a patent left internal thoracic artery (LITA)-left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery bypass graft and right internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with carotid disease according to NHLBI/AHA and IDF criteria: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been related to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Different criteria for diagnosis of MetS have been recommended, but there is no agreement about which criteria are best to use. The aim of the present study was to investigate agreement between the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, American Heart Association (NHLBI/AHA) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions of MetS in patients with symptomatic carotid disease and to compare the frequency of cardiovascular risk factor in patients with MetS diagnosed by these two sets of criteria.

Quality of life in chronic venous disease patients measured by short Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) in Serbia.

Background: This was a psychometric validation of the short Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) as quality of life (QOL) instrument for chronic venous disease (CVD) patients.

Methods: Patients aged >18 years who had CVD in CEAP C stages C0s to C6 were included in the study. Diagnosis was made by general practitioners according to CVD symptoms and visual examination of the lower extremities.

Regulation of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) and its Potential Role in Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Heart Failure.

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are the enzymes responsible for nitric oxide (NO) generation. NO is a reactive oxygen species as well as a reactive nitrogen species. It is a free radical which mediates several biological effects.

Eversion carotid endarterectomy versus best medical treatment in symptomatic patients with near total internal carotid occlusion: a prospective nonrandomized trial.

Background: We sought to prospectively evaluate clinical effects of eversion carotid endarterectomy (ECEA) versus best medical treatment of symptomatic patients with near total internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion.

Methods: From January 2003 to December 2006, a total of 309 recently (within 12 months) symptomatic patients with near total ICA occlusion who were eligible for surgery were identified in our institution. Patients were nonrandomly divided into group A (259 patients), who underwent ECEA surgery, and group B (50 patients), who refused surgery.

Temporal trends in eversion carotid endarterectomy for carotid atherosclerosis: single-center experience with 5,034 patients.

The aim of this article is to review our experience in surgical treatment of carotid atherosclerosis using eversion carotid endarterectomy (ECEA) in 5,034 patients, with particular attention to temporal changes in patients' characteristics, diagnostic approach, surgical technique, medical therapy, and outcome in the early (group A, 1991-1997) versus late (group B 1998-2004) period of ECEA. From January 1991 to December 2004, 5,034 primary ECEAs were performed for high-grade carotid stenosis. Patients treated for restenosis after previous carotid surgery were excluded from the analysis.