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Journal Article 2002; 23(Suppl 2): 17-22 PubMed PMID: 12163843 Citation  Keywords:  Breast Neoplasms:epidemiology, Circadian Rhythm:physiology, Female, Humans, Light, Melatonin:physiology, Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate:physiology, Risk Factors,.   

: The impact of breast cancer on women across the world has been extensive and severe. As prevalence of breast cancer is greatest in industrialized regions, exposure to light at night has been proposed as a potential risk factor. This theory is supported by the epidemiological observations of decreased breast cancer in blind women and increased breast cancer in women who do shift-work. In addition, human, animal and in vitro studies which have investigated the melatonin-cancer dynamic indicate an apparent relationship between light, melatonin and cancer, albeit complex. Recent developments in understanding melatonin regulation by light in humans are examined, with particular attention to factors that contribute to the sensitivity of the light-induced melatonin suppression response. Specifically, the role of spectral characteristics of light is addressed, and recent relevant action spectrum studies in humans and other mammalian species are discussed. Across five action spectra for circadian and other non-visual responses, a peak sensitivity between 446-484 nm was identified. Under highly controlled exposure circumstances, less than 1 lux of monochromatic light elicited a significant suppression of nocturnal melatonin. In view of the possible link between light exposure, melatonin suppression and cancer risk, it is important to continue to identify the basic related ocular physiology. Visual performance, rather than circadian function, has been the primary focus of architectural lighting systems. It is now necessary to reevaluate lighting strategies, with consideration of circadian influences, in an effort to maximize physiological homeostasis and health....

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Journal Article 2001; 22(1): 39-44 PubMed PMID: 11335878 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Aged, Antiviral Agents:adverse effects, Comorbidity, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Hepatitis C, Chronic:drug therapy, Humans, Incidence, Interferon-alpha:adverse effects, Male, Middle Aged, Prevalence, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, Sex Distribu.   

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the relationship between interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy and autoimmune thyroiditis in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we investigated a selected number of patients without basal thyroid dysfunctions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 130 patients (average age: 20-70), with chronic HCV infection and without basal clinical and laboratory signs of autoimmune thyroiditis were divided into two groups: IFN-alpha treated (A) and untreated (B) patients. Group A received IFN-alpha (three million U.I./3 times a week) for six months; group B was followed for the same period. Thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin autoantibodies were measured by radioimmunoassay; thyroid function was measured by radioimmunoassay (free thyroxine and triiodothyronine) and immunoradiometric assay (thyroid stimulating hormone).

RESULTS: After a 6-month period, thyroid autoantibodies positivity was documented in 21.1% of group A and in 10.3% of group B patients, both statistically relevant (p<0.001 and p<0.011, respectively). The comparison between the two groups was not statistically relevant (p=0.142).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a prevalence of de novo thyroid autoimmunity in chronic HCV patients treated with IFN-alpha, confirming previous data in literature. The lack of a significant difference between treated and untreated patients strongly suggests that the anti-thyroid autoimmune response is linked to the HCV infection itself. Moreover, IFN-alpha therapy probably does not represent a risk factor in renewing the autoimmune processes of the thyroid gland. Thyroid function and autoantibodies must be systematically monitored in patients with HCV infection, especially in female and IFN-alpha treated population, not only to verify the possible thyroid abnormalities but also to rule out concomitant autoimmune diseases....

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Journal Article 2018; 39(3): 219-225 PubMed PMID: 30431736 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Body Mass Index, Estradiol:blood, Female, Humans, Menstruation Disturbances:blood, Obesity:blood, Oligomenorrhea:blood, Overweight:blood, Risk Factors, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin:metabolism, Testosterone:blood, Vitamin D:analogs & der.   

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D (VD) plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism as well as immunological and endocrine homeostasis. Previous studies revealed strong inverse correlation between VD levels and insulin resistance, parathyroid dysfunctions and autoimmune thyroid disease. Insufficient evidence concerns its dependency of ovarian hormones. Malfunctioning of the ovaries results in menstrual disorders that are one of the most common endocrine impairments in young women of reproductive age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was aimed to evaluate the correlation between 25(OH)D serum concentration and estradiol, testosterone as well as body mass index (BMI) in women with oligomenorrhea. 134 women of reproductive age with oligomenorrhea were eligible for the study. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], estradiol, testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Free androgen index (FAI) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. RESULTS: Critical 25(OH)D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) was found in 13.4% of women, the risk of deficiency (<30 mg/dl) was diagnosed in 69.4%, while sufficient level of VD (>30 mg/ml) in 17.2% of them. Significant negative correlation was detected between 25(OH)D and estradiol serum concentrations (r=-0.2; p=0.049), as well as BMI levels (r=-0.22; p=0.01). However, no significant correlation was found between 25(OH)D and testosterone (r=-017; p=0.055), SHBG (r=0.08; p=0.4) and FAI (r=-0.1; p=0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Thorough assessment of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is required among patients with menstrual disorders, especially those overweighed and obese. Early screening and VD supplementation in women with estrogen-dependent disorders may become a part of routine management in order to optimize endocrine health....

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Journal Article 2018; 39(4): 321-324 PubMed PMID: 30531707 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Female, Gestational Age, Humans, Laser Coagulation, Myopia:epidemiology, Ophthalmoscopy, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications:diagnosis, Puerperal Disorders:diagnosis, Retinal Degeneration:diagnosis, Retinal Diseases:diagnosis, Risk Factors, Young Ad.   

OBJECTIVES: Myopia is associated with increased frequency of retinal degenerative changes which are the risk factors of intra- and postpartal ophthalmological complications. Aim of this study was to analyze the degenerative lesions detected in opthalmological examination (including peripheral retinal lesions) as a potential risk factors for eyes' status in terms of delivery in myopic women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 254 pregnant women affected with myopia underwent opthalmological examination as a screening method to examine retina. In case of any degenerative lesions, the qualification for laser photocoagulation treatment was performed. Furthermore, study group was divided into two subgroups due to presence or absence of the retinal lesions and opthalmological outcomes compared. Follow up examination was performed in every patient from the study group between 3 and 6 months after the delivery. RESULTS: Among 508 eyes, retinal lesions were revealed in 69 women (121 eyes) what constituted for 23.8%. In remaining 185 patients results of the opthalmological examination were normal. Average maternal age was higher in group affected with degenerative lesions (p<0.001). Myopia in women with retinal lesions ranged between -0.25 and -12 dioptries (D), while in 43 cases of degenerative lesions qualified for laser photocoagulation this value ranged between -0.5 and -12.0 D (p=ns). Postpartal follow-up examination did not reveal any abnormalities in this group, as well. CONCLUSION: Degenerative retinal lesions are present in one fourth of pregnant women. Both the severity and type of the lesions are not associated with severity of myopia. Among pregnant patients, retinal lesions occur in patients with more advanced maternal age. opthalmological examination remains an important prophylactic modality in retinal disorders, especially in primary retinal detachment due degenerative disorders....

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Journal Article 2019; 39(7): 481-488 PubMed PMID: 30860679 Citation  Keywords:  Accidental Falls:statistics & numerical data, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Case-Control Studies, Czech Republic:epidemiology, Female, Hospitals:statistics & numerical data, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Young Adult,.   

THEORY: Patients falls have a multifactorial character and typically have multiple causalities. GOAL: The goal of the study was to identify risk factors for falls of hospitalized patients. METHODOLOGY: This was a case-control study. The study included 222 patients who experienced a fall during their hospitalization (cases) and 1,076 patients who did not fall during their hospitalization (controls). The study involved four hospitals in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. The study took place during the 2017 calendar year. RESULTS: The average age of patients who experienced a fall was 77.9 years. The group of cases included 5-times more patients with a history of falls than the controls. Patients who fell were in higher risk of falls than patients in the control group at hospital admission. The group of cases also had a higher prevalence of confused and restless patients; however, the group did not include a statistically significantly higher number of incontinent patients, patients with eating and drinking disorders, or patients with intravenous therapy than the control group. CONCLUSION: Interventions aimed at prevention of falls should be included in care plans, especially for older patients, patients who have fallen in the past, patients who have movement restriction, patients with cognitive dysfunction, and patients with increased need of assistance with basic daily activities....

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