[This review describes the function and tissuespecific expression of the 11- and 17-beta-hydroxysteroid- dehydrogenase enzyme families as well as the aromatase and 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzymes. Recently, in situ formation of active steroids by these enzymes at the sites of their actions from biologically inactive precursors in the circulation have been demonstrated to play an important role in sex steroid-dependent neoplasms (such as breast and prostate cancer), and in some metabolic diseases (such as obesity, osteoporosis and insulin resistance). Tissuespecific Cushing syndrome (local hypercortisolism) may contribute to the pathogenesis of the latter group of diseases, suggesting that obesity may be considered the Cushing-syndrome of the omentum and that osteoporosis is the obesity of bone. Intracrinology is the science of alterations in tissue hormone synthesis catalysed by enzymes such as those mentioned above, which cannot be detected by measuring circulating hormone levels. The effects of local hormone production differ from those of the well-described autocrine, paracrine and endocrine actions. Based on the hormonal changes within various tissues, the pathogenesis of a number of diseases may be interpreted in a novel way.]

[Modern teaching in the schools of the XXI century is marked by terms of flexibility, innovation and requires the introduction of numerous innovations. Schools are required to modernize the curriculum and education technologies, and to leave the traditional teaching methods. Modern educational systems and teaching methods reflect the relevant didactic assumptions to improve the effectiveness of teaching. Emphasis will be put the changes that are designed to create independent and creative personalities. The attention in education is no longer a person who learn, rather the individual who is critical thinking, this is extremely important in the nursing profession. The nurse is the only profile of health workers trained in health care. They are a standalone members of the health team, in the area of its work with the necessary cooperation with other members of the health team. This paper analyzes the characteristics of modern educational systems and teaching methods to improve nurse education, especially problem-based learning and cooperative work, as an important segment in the nurse education. Analysing the modern educational systems, we expect results which will serve as a guide, how to change traditional „ex cathedra” teaching, to interactive and modern education.]

[Aim of the study: The objective of my thesis was to examine the presence of metabolic syndrome with the disorder of glucose metabolism among patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Sample and methods: 98 female patients diagnosed with PCOS, aged 18-45, took part in the retrospective quantitative study, anthropometric data and laboratory parameters relevant to metabolic profile were analysed. We applied descriptive statistics with SPSS 17 software, as well as Chi2-test and regression analysis (p <0.05) Results: 46% of the study population were found to be overweight. There was a significant correlation between BMI index and blood pressure and lipid profile (p<0.05). Metabolic syndrome was confirmed by more than 40% of the patients Conclusion: The PCOS is an endocrine disease, which affects multiple organ systems. The patients should be screened towards metabolic syndrome to achieve a correct diagnosis, regardless of the BMI values. The findings of our research and the confirmed correlations highlight the need for a development in care protocols.]

[The prevalence of hyperuricemia is is increasing as it is related by several different mechanisms to obesity and metabolic syndrome spreading epidemically worldwide. Several beneficial cardiovascular and renorotective effects of the xanthin-oxydase inhibitor allopurinol, administered in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout, have been found out recently. The newest European EULAR guidelines for the treatment of gout recommended the treat-to target principle. A target value of ≤360 umol/l in patients with mild-to moderate gout and ≤300 umol/l in more serious cases has been suggested. The guidelines took an unequivocal commitment, that allopurinol is the first-line treatment. The hypouricemic therapy should be started as soon as possible after the diagnosis and should be continued lifelong in patients with gout.]