Maja Petrovic

Dr. Maja Petrovic


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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18 March 2025 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MVMarija Veselinović
Marija Veselinović
MTMarija Trenkic
Marija Trenkic
VČVladimir Čanadanović
Vladimir Čanadanović
PJPredrag Jovanović
Predrag Jovanović
AVAleksandar Veselinović
Aleksandar Veselinović
ABAida Kasumovic Becirevic
Aida Kasumovic Becirevic
Background and Objectives: This study explores the relationship between retinal structure, vascular densities (VD), and the progression of myopia, aiming to identify novel biomarkers for assessing myopia severity. Materials and Methods: A total of 260 eyes were divided into four groups: Emmetropia (EM) (n = 74), Low Myopia (LM) (n = 68), Moderate Myopia (MM) (n = 64), and High Myopia (HM) (n = 54). VD and retinal thickness (RT) in the macular and peripheral quadrants were measured using optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCTA). SVD and DVD were analyzed across the paranasal, peritemporal, perisuperior, and peri-inferior quadrants. Results: Significant differences in superficial vessel density (SVD) were found in the paranasal (EM vs. MM, p = 0.017; EM vs. HM, p = 0.001), peritemporal (EM vs. MM, p = 0.006; EM vs. HM, p = 0.001; LM vs. HM, p = 0.004; MM vs. HM, p = 0.032), perisuperior (EM vs. MM, p = 0.005; EM vs. HM, p = 0.001; LM vs. HM, p = 0.027), and perifoveal quadrants (EM vs. MM, p = 0.003; EM vs. HM, p = 0.008; LM vs. HM, p = 0.004; MM vs. HM, p = 0.012). Deep vessel density (DVD) showed significant differences in the paranasal (p = 0.012–0.022), peritemporal (p = 0.002–0.026), perisuperior (p = 0.003–0.034), perifoveal (p = 0.002–0.017), and peri-inferior (p = 0.002–0.022) quadrants. Retinal thickness was significantly reduced in HM eyes, with the most pronounced reduction in the peritemporal quadrant (mean difference: 16.7 ± 3.2 µm; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Structural and vascular changes in the retina become more pronounced as myopia progresses from moderate to high. The strong correlation between DVD, RT, and myopia severity highlights their potential as reliable biomarkers for monitoring myopia progression through OCTA imaging. These findings provide new insights into the vascular and structural changes underlying myopia and their diagnostic significance.

25 June 2025 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MPMaja Petrovic
Maja Petrovic
MTMarija Trenkic
Marija Trenkic
MVMarija Veselinović
Marija Veselinović
ASAleksandra Smiljković
Aleksandra Smiljković
DSDušan Sokolović
Dušan Sokolović
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern, with diabetic retinopathy (DR) representing a major microvascular complication that contributes significantly to vision impairment. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of DR, which is associated with changes in vascularization-associated molecules, such as iNOS, VEGF, and MMP-9. The present study investigates the therapeutic potential of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract—rich in anthocyanins—applied for 14 days on blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and retinal oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and advanced oxidized protein products (AOPPs)) in a streptozotocin/nicotinamide (STZ/NA)-induced diabetes rat model. Results showed a significant reduction in non-fasting blood glucose, retinal TBARS, and AOPP levels, and normalization of VEGF and MMP-9 expression in bilberry-treated diabetic rats. Bilberry extract also partially improved lipid profile by lowering LDL levels. However, no significant effects on fasting glucose or serum insulin were observed. These findings suggest that bilberry extract may offer protective effects against oxidative retinal damage and could serve as a complementary approach in managing early diabetic retinopathy.