Iva Bešlić

Dr. Iva Bešlić


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
20 June 2023 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Liborija Lugović-MihićLiborija Lugović-Mihić
Liborija Lugović-Mihić
JMJelena Meštrović-Štefekov
Jelena Meštrović-Štefekov
IPInes Potočnjak
Ines Potočnjak
TCTea Cindrić
Tea Cindrić
IIIvana Ilić
Ivana Ilić
NPNives Pondeljak
Nives Pondeljak
The latest findings regarding AD pathogenesis point to an impaired function of the epidermal barrier, changed immune response, colonization of the skin by microorganisms, and certain psychological factors among other causes/triggers. The inflammatory response of AD patients is mainly associated with the activation of T cells (Th2 cells predominate), dendritic cells, macrophages, keratinocytes, mast cells, and eosinophils. Therapy usually involves medical evaluations and adequate management including treatment of concomitant diseases (e.g., allergies and infections), patient education and nursing care, psychological support, and nutritional consultations, which are organized through specific programs and structured educational groups. Systemic AD therapy includes conventional systemic treatment (cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine) and new, specific drugs, interleukin inhibitors (e.g., dupilumab) and JAK inhibitors (baricitinib, abrocitinib, upadacitinib, etc.). Since many AD patients are affected by various psychological factors and comorbidities, they should be assessed and managed through a multidisciplinary approach, involving different professions (psychologists, ear–nose–throat specialists, pulmonologists, allergologists, immunologists, nutritionists, pediatricians, gastroenterologists, psychiatrists (when necessary), and others). A multidisciplinary approach provides better coping strategies and improves control over the disease, patient adherence to therapy, and quality of life. It also has a positive influence on family quality of life while at the same time making more efficient use of dermatology healthcare resources, reducing the economic burden on both patients and society.

13 October 2022 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMarija Delaš Aždajić
Marija Delaš Aždajić
IBIva Bešlić
Iva Bešlić
AGAna Gašić
Ana Gašić
NFNikola Ferara
Nikola Ferara
LPLovre Pedić
Lovre Pedić
Liborija Lugović-MihićLiborija Lugović-Mihić
Liborija Lugović-Mihić
Reports from various countries have described increasing numbers of scabies cases, especially in the past two decades. The epidemiological data for various world regions showed prevalence estimates ranging from 0.2% to 71%, with the highest prevalence in the Pacific region and Latin America. Therefore, geographically, scabies occurs more commonly in the developing world, tropical climates, and in areas with a lack of access to water. According to results from specific regions of the world, the greatest burdens from scabies were recorded for East Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, tropical Latin America, and South Asia. Among countries with the highest rates, the top 10 were Indonesia, China, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Fiji, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Seychelles. From Europe, available data shows an increasing trend in scabies infestation, particularly evident among populations with associated contributing factors, such as those who travel frequently, refugees, asylum seekers, those who regularly lack drinking water and appropriate hygiene and are of a younger age, etc. This increase in observed cases in the last 10–20 years has been evidenced by research conducted in Germany, France, Norway, and Croatia, among other countries. In addition, increased scabies transmission was also recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and may have been the result of increased sexual intercourse during that time. Despite all the available treatment options, scabies commonly goes unrecognized and is therefore not treated accordingly. This trend calls for a prompt and synergistic reaction from all healthcare professionals, governmental institutions, and non-governmental organizations, especially in settings where population migration is common and where living standards are low. Furthermore, the proper education of whole populations and accessible healthcare are cornerstones of outbreak prevention. Accurate national data and proper disease reporting should be a goal for every country worldwide when developing strategic plans for preventing and controlling the community spread of scabies.

14 September 2021 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IFIva Fercek
Iva Fercek
Liborija Lugović-MihićLiborija Lugović-Mihić
Liborija Lugović-Mihić
ATArjana Tambic
Arjana Tambic
DĆDiana Ćesić
Diana Ćesić
AGAna Gverić Grginić
Ana Gverić Grginić
Rok ČivljakRok Čivljak
Rok Čivljak
Many relatively common chronic inflammatory skin diseases manifest on the face (seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, acne, perioral/periorificial dermatitis, periocular dermatitis, etc.), thereby significantly impairing patient appearance and quality of life. Given the yet unexplained pathogenesis and numerous factors involved, these diseases often present therapeutic challenges. The term “microbiome” comprises the totality of microorganisms (microbiota), their genomes, and environmental factors in a particular environment. Changes in human skin microbiota composition and/or functionality are believed to trigger immune dysregulation, and consequently an inflammatory response, thereby playing a potentially significant role in the clinical manifestations and treatment of these diseases. Although cultivation methods have traditionally been used in studies of bacterial microbiome species, a large number of bacterial strains cannot be grown in the laboratory. Since standard culture-dependent methods detect fewer than 1% of all bacterial species, a metagenomic approach could be used to detect bacteria that cannot be cultivated. The skin microbiome exhibits spatial distribution associated with the microenvironment (sebaceous, moist, and dry areas). However, although disturbance of the skin microbiome can lead to a number of pathological conditions and diseases, it is still not clear whether skin diseases result from change in the microbiome or cause such a change. Thus far, the skin microbiome has been studied in atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea. Studies on the possible association between changes in the microbiome and their association with skin diseases have improved the understanding of disease development, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The identification of the bacterial markers associated with particular inflammatory skin diseases would significantly accelerate the diagnostics and reduce treatment costs. Microbiota research and determination could facilitate the identification of potential causes of skin diseases that cannot be detected by simpler methods, thereby contributing to the design and development of more effective therapies.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IBIva Bešlić
Iva Bešlić
Liborija Lugović-MihićLiborija Lugović-Mihić
Liborija Lugović-Mihić
AVAlen Vrtarić
Alen Vrtarić
ABAnte Bešlić
Ante Bešlić
ISIvana Skrinjar
Ivana Skrinjar
MAMarinko Artuković
Marinko Artuković
Melatonin is the main hormone that regulates the sleep cycle, and it is mostly produced by the pineal gland from the amino acid tryptophan. It has cytoprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Melatonin is also one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, directly acting on free radicals and the intracellular antioxidant enzyme system. Furthermore, it participates in antitumor activity, hypopigmentation processes in hyperpigmentary disorders, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating activity in inflammatory dermatoses, maintaining the integrity of the epidermal barrier and thermoregulation of the body. Due predominantly to its positive influence on sleep, melatonin can be used in the treatment of sleep disturbances for those with chronic allergic diseases accompanied by intensive itching (such as atopic dermatitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria). According to the literature data, there are also many proven uses for melatonin in photoprotection and skin aging (due to melatonin’s antioxidant effects and role in preventing damage due to DNA repair mechanisms), hyperpigmentary disorders (e.g., melasma) and scalp diseases (such as androgenic alopecia and telogen effluvium).

8 September 2022 in Oral Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
TBTadeja Blagec
Tadeja Blagec
Ana GlavinaAna Glavina
Ana Glavina
BŠBruno Špiljak
Bruno Špiljak
IBIva Bešlić
Iva Bešlić
VBVedrana Bulat
Vedrana Bulat
LLLiborija Lugović‐Mihić
Liborija Lugović‐Mihić

1 December 2021 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DĆDiana Ćesić
Diana Ćesić
Liborija Lugović-MihićLiborija Lugović-Mihić
Liborija Lugović-Mihić
IFIva Fercek
Iva Fercek
AGAna Gverić Grginić
Ana Gverić Grginić
MJMarko Jelić
Marko Jelić
ATArjana Tambic
Arjana Tambic
Background: Because of the important role in regulating the immune system, increasing evidence suggests a possible implication of gut microbiota in Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Although the oral cavity is the first site of contact between microbiota and the immune system, the association between salivary microbiota and CSU has not yet been reported. Objective: This case-control study aimed to compare differences in salivary microbiota between CSU patients and healthy controls (HC). Twenty-three participants—13 patients with CSU and 10 HC were enrolled; salivary microbiota was determined by molecular approach targeting 16S ribosomal RNA. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis was performed. Results: Alpha diversity of salivary microbiota in CSU patients was significantly reduced compared to HC, resulting in alteration of the community composition. Species richness determined via the Shannon index was significantly reduced in the CSU group. Conclusion: Dysbiosis of salivary microbiota may contribute to a dysregulated immune system in the development of CSU. To our knowledge, this was the first study that reported an alteration in salivary microbiota composition in CSU patients.