[Are drugs necessary in the treatment of obesity?].

Introduction: The main principles of obesity treatment are dietetic nutrition, physical activity and psychotherapy. Drug therapy is adjuvant, time limited and can be applied only with the mentioned therapeutic measures. An ideal antiadipose agent induces a potent decrease of body mass on the account of fat depot, it can be administered for a prolonged time without developing resistance, it should not be accompanied by significant side effects, and it has no negative effects on the obesity-related diseases.

[Effect of smoking on lipoprotein metabolism].

Introduction: Recent aspects concerning effects of smoking on lipoprotein metabolism are presented as well as their harmful effects on blood vessels. It has been proved that smoking stimulates oxidation of LDL particles, producing a significant increase of triglycerides and a decrease of HDL-cholesterol, mostly due to HDL, subfraction diminution.

Lipid And Lipoprotein Disorders: Changes of other lipid and lipoprotein parameters are not significant and may even not be found in certain investigations.

[Specificity of lipid and lipoprotein status in healthy students at the University of Novi Sad].

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of hyperlipoproteinemias and normolipidemic dyslipoproteinemias, and distribution of desirable, borderline and high-risk values of certain lipid status parameters in healthy young individuals.

Material And Methods: In this investigation we examined 213 students of the University of Novi Sad of both genders, 20-30 years of age. Standard biochemical methods were used to determine values of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and lipoproteins by cellulose acetate electrophoresis.

[Obesity and respiratory tract disorders].

Introduction: Although in the shade of metabolic and cardiovascular complications, respiratory tract disorders are very frequent and are predominant in extremely obese subjects with body mass index (BMI > 4O kg/m2), most often of gynoid type.

Classification Of Disorders: These disorders can be classified into four groups: 1. Respiratory function disorders without alveolar hypovenitilation, 2.

[Hyperinsulinemia as a key factor in the development of many metabolic disorders].

Insulin resistance and consequent hyperinsulinemia present a frequent disorder and according to some investigations it is present in a quarter of whole population. Leaving aside numerous genetic syndromes caused by pronounced insulin resistance, this paper surveys the influence of specific arrangement of fat tissue in the development of this disorder, its role in insulin-independent form of diabetes, development of lipidic and lipoproteinic disorders, in the essential arterial hypertension, and finally, in the appearance of accelerated and premature atherosclerosis. Further intensive investigations of this problem will probably result in achieving a definite explanation of the importance of hyperinsulinemia as a marker of cardiovascular risk.

[The metabolic syndrome and hyper-Lp(a)-lipoproteinemia in peripheral obliterative atherosclerosis: 2 case reports].

One of the characteristics of peripheral vascular disease in diabetic patients is that it occurs at the time of detection of diabetes mellitus. As one of the possible pathogenic mechanisms, in non-smokers, is the sol-called metabolic syndrome (obesity, disorders in regard to metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates and hypertension). Lipoprotein Lp(a) is the most atherogenic among lipoproteins.

[Serum lipids in surgical and natural postmenopause].

Values of serum lipids in women of different estrogenic status were analyzed in this paper. A deficit of estrogen was established in groups of surgically induced and natural postmenopausal women, but a relatively preserved production of estrogenic hormones in the group of women with preserved ovaries and group of premenopausal women. Serum triglycerides, the total serum cholesterol and LDL fraction of cholesterol were highest in surgically induced premenopausal women, somewhat lower in natural postmenopausal women, while they were statistically significantly lower in premenopausal women and women with preserved ovaries.

[Determination of lipoprotein Lp(a) in clinical practice: personal experience].

The paper presents up-to-date knowledge on structure, origin, metabolic ways and physiologic role of lipoprotein Lp(a). Apart from discussing analytic actions, plasmatic distribution and conjunction with atherosclerosis, results of our own investigations which took several years performed in about 5000 patients are being reported as well as directives for rational diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

[Prolactin secretion in hyperthyroid individuals].

Several endocrine and metabolic changes occur in hyperthyroidism, among which also changes in prolactin secretion are present. Causes are numerous. However, a decreased content of prolactin in secretory granules of the lactotrophic cells in the adeno-hypophysis gland, e.

Red blood cell deformability in diabetes mellitus: effect of phytomenadione.

Decreased deformability of red blood cells (RBC) in diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered to be linked to microcirculatory complications in this condition. As we found that phytomenadione increased RBC deformability in experimental animals, the question was raised, whether phytomenadione had the same effect on the RBC of diabetic patients. The study was performed in 10 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, where the erythrocyte deformability was impaired.

[The role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of enlarged parathyroid glands].

The ultrasonographic diagnosis of parathyroid glands was introduced by the Japanese in 1975. Only after more perfect machines have been introduced, first of all by advancement of "real-time" technique, this method started being used as a routine. The paper shows results of ultrasonographic investigation in 200 patients separated into two groups.

[The metabolic X syndrome--4 case reports].

The study reviews current knowledge about metabolic X syndrome characterized by android obesity, arterial hypertension, insulin resistance with hyperinsulinemia and disturbed carbohydrate tolerance, a decrease of HDL cholesterol and an increase of the triglyceride rich VLDL particle level. The study describes 4 female patients having been diagnosed for this syndrome. Only an ontime and vigorous reduction of overweight, along with intensified physical activity can prevent later development of serious complications, first of all, in cardiovascular system.

[Psychological characteristics of obese persons with special reference to periods of modified fasting].

It is well known fact that the results of modified fasting can be improved if the basic therapeutic method is combined with psychotherapeutic procedures. We have analyzed the data taken by a poll from 55 extremely obese women treated by modified fasting regimen. The results absolutely justify the above mentioned remark that radical reduction cures may cause critical moments most frequently recognized in hunger crisis when patients feel a need for conversion with medical staff.

[Hypophyseal pseudomacroadenoma in primary hypothyroidism--2 case reports].

Primary hypothyroidism is often accompanied with hyperprolactinemia and if the untreated disease persists longer hypophyseal adenoma consisting of thyreotropic cells might develop. On the other hand, although rarely, simultaneous occurrence of primary hypothyroidism and hypophyseal prolactin adenoma might be encountered. If substitutional therapy, after the establishment of euthyroid status, does not eliminate clinical signs of hyperprolactinemia and normalize prolactin levels, a decision can be made in favor of hyperprolactinemia within primary hypothyroidism.

[The importance of intact parathyroid hormone determination in the evaluation of parathyroid gland function].

The study investigates the importance of determining the intact parathormone in the evaluation of parathyroid gland function in different conditions of change in their function and the alteration of parathormone metabolism: primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The role and place of intact parathormone determination in routine diagnostic schemes of calcium homeostasis disorders was reviewed by the simultaneous determination of the indicators of calcium and bone metabolism and other calcium homeostasis hormone regulators, as well as the C- and N-terminal parathormone fragments and by establishing their mutual links with the values of the intact parathormone.

[Multicenter study of the efficacy and tolerance of gemfibrozil and fenofibrate in the treatment of primary hyperlipoproteinemia].

In the primary prevention of atherosclerosis and risk of lipoproteinemia, is of primordial importance. Therefore, adequate food and physical activities are necessary. If no good result is evident thereafter medicinal treatment should be prescribed.

[Drug therapy of obesity--results of treatment with dexfenfluramine].

The paper presents the results of treatment in 22 obese persons with hypoenergetical nutrition of 4200 kJ with the simultaneous application of dexfenfluoramine in the daily dose of 30 mg in the course of three months. During this period of time an average weight loss of 7.5 kg was achieved, and a loss of 10 kg and more in one third of the patients.

[The significance of the determination of apoproteins in the diagnosis of lipoprotein metabolism disorders].

The study, in the first place, describes the basic physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the most important apoprotein classes and their role in the metabolism of certain lipoprotein fractions. Special regard is given to the significance of determining particular apoproteins in the serum and in some lipoprotein fractions for the detection of particular disorders in lipoprotein metabolism.

[Case report of pheochromocytoma with an atypical localization].

One of the endocrine causes of arterial hypertension is pheochromocytoma, usually located in the adrenal gland medulla. Extra-adrenal tumor locations are seldom encountered, and this can considerably complicate the diagnostic procedure. If a distinct clinical manifestation exists, supported by the finding of elevated catecholamine values, it is essential to persistently and carefully search for the place of their increased production.

[Multicenter study of the therapeutic efficiency of glycvidone (Beglynor)].

Results of the multicentric investigation of therapeutic efficacy of glycvidon were presented in this paper. The investigation was performed in 15 centres and comprised 768 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A considerable improvement in metabolic regulation was attained which led to the reduction in glycemia level on an empty stomach and after the meal, to the reduction or elimination of glycosuria and to the significant decrease in glycolized hemoglobin.

[Lipid peroxides and their importance in an organism].

The paper reviews recently obtained data on the origin and role of lipid peroxides and their secondary decomposed products in the organism. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are the basic substrate of lipid peroxidation caused either by the insufficiency of the defense mechanisms or by their influx exceeding the requirements of the organism. The increased formation of lipid peroxides is associated with a number of disorders, specially with the onset of atherosclerosis.