Reply to Saleh, C. Comment on "Bažadona et al. The Interconnection between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Obesity: Anthropometric, Clinical and Biochemical Correlations. 2023, , 1512".

We would like to begin by expressing our gratitude for the interest shown in our research [...

The Interconnection between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Obesity: Anthropometric, Clinical and Biochemical Correlations.

: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and obesity are considered independent determinants of cardio- and cerebrovascular events. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of obesity on CIMT and to define which traditional cardiovascular risk factors correlate the most with CIMT values in patients with obesity. : Anthropometric measurements were collected for the whole study group, as well as body composition and blood pressure data, and biochemical blood analyses were also performed.

Gene Polymorphisms at the Crossroads of Metabolic Pathways of Obesity and Epigenetic Influences.

In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the fat mass and obesity-associated () gene and its role in obesity. The FTO-encoded protein is involved in multiple molecular pathways contributing to obesity as well as other metabolic complexities. This review emphasizes the epigenetic influence on the gene as a new approach in the treatment and management of obesity.

Combined Approach: FFQ, DII, Anthropometric, Biochemical and DNA Damage Parameters in Obese with BMI ≥ 35 kg m.

Although obesity with its comorbidities is linked with higher cancer risk, the data on genome stability in the obese/severely obese are scarce. This is the first study with three DNA damage assessment assays (Fpg-modified and alkaline comet assays and micronucleus assay) performed on a severely obese population (n = 53) where the results were compared with daily intake of food groups, nutrient intake, dietary inflammatory index (DII), and anthropometric and biochemical parameters usually measured in obese individuals. Results demonstrated the association between DNA damage levels and a decrease in cell proliferation with anthropometric measurements and the severity of obese status, together with elevated levels of urates, inorganic phosphates, chlorides, and hs troponin I levels.

Utility of Screening Questionnaires to Detect Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Obesity.

Background: Obesity is one of today's most concerning health problems due to increased cardiovascular risk, which is still the leading cause of death. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is certainly one of the important risk factors that links obesity and cardiovascular risk. There is a great need to evaluate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese patients.

Association of Vitamins D, B and B with Obesity-Related Diseases and Oral Microbiota Composition in Obese Women in Croatia.

Research Background: Oral microbiota has become an important factor in obesity, but its association with obesity-related diseases and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] and B complex amounts is still uncertain. The main aim of the paper is to determine the variation in oral microbiota composition as a response to the vitamin status and obesity-related diseases in obese females from Croatia. We hypothesized that the prevalence of probiotic or pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity of obese women in Croatia depends on the amounts of vitamin B (folic acid), B and 25(OH)D in serum and/or hypertension, diabetes and prediabetes diagnosis.

Sexual Dysfunction in Croatian Patients with Obesity.

Background: Patients with obesity may have symptoms of sexual dysfunction (SD). Little is known about these symptoms in obese patients in Croatia and the aim of this study was to explore them.

Subjects And Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in tertiary healthcare centre at the Croatian Obesity Treatment Referral Center in University Hospital Center of Zagreb.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Croatian Obese Patients.

Background: Patients with obesity may experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Little is known about these symptoms in obese patients in Croatia. The aim of this study was to asses LUTS in this group of patients.

Vitamin B12 Supplementation in Addition to Folic Acid and Iron Improves Hematological and Biochemical Markers in Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in cell division and is of vital importance during pregnancy. Iron and B12 deficiency increase the risk of neonatal morbidity and the outcome of the overall pregnancy. The aim of our study was to analyze whether the use of vitamin B12, with standard supplements of folic acid and iron among nonanemic pregnant women, will result in improvements of hemogram parameters in terms of hematological and biochemical markers.

Count Ivan VIII Drašković: a case of Graves' orbitopathy?

There is a possibility that Count Ivan VIII Drašković (1740-1787), a member of one of the oldest and most famous Croatian noble families, had Graves' disease and suffered from a thyroid disorder. Our suspicions were aroused by certain data, including his personal history, his lifestyle, including use of tobacco and iodine, as well as stress, and, finally, two portraits. If he was affected by Graves' disease and orbitopathy, his poor health might have been a consequence of thyroid disease, which was further worsened by injury and tobacco use.

Decrease in growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 release and amelioration of acromegaly features after rosiglitazone treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus a patient with acromegaly.

A 28-year-old woman with clinical features of acromegaly and diabetes mellitus was admitted to our Reference Center for Clinical Neuroendocrinology and Pituitary Diseases at Sisters of Mercy University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia. Magnetic resonance scan of the brain showed pituitary macroadenoma. After transsphenoidal resection, histological analysis confirmed it was a growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma.

Incidence of pituitary tumors in the human population of Croatia.

Pituitary tumors are rare tumors (less then 10%) of the central nervous system (CNS), which malignicity depends on their localization, meanwhile, their biological nature is benign. The diameter they have is mostly less then 10 mm (microadenomas), but sometimes could be 10 mm (macroadenomas) to 5 cm and more and then are usually nonfunctional (about 20% of all pituitary tumors). Clinical presence depends on their localisation and hormonal activity.