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SKIN MICROBIOME IN SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS: PATHOGENESIS, THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MODULATION OF DYSBIOSIS
No full textSeborrheic dermatitis (SD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed inflammatory dermatoses. In recent years, the approach to the pathogenesis of SD has been expanded beyond the model describing the proliferation of fungi of the genus Malassezia as the main initiating factor. More recent studies have indicated that one of the key mechanisms is the loss of diversity of the skin microbiota, which enables the dominance of microorganisms promoting the exacerbation of disease lesions. Current reports emphasize the impact of disturbances in the composition of the skin microbiota, impairment of the epidermal barrier, and the host immune response as a complex pathomechanism. In parallel, the literature provides numerous lines of evidence indicating that environmental factors, such as pollution and lifestyle, may actively affect the skin microbiome, promoting its dysbiosis. Consequently, the environment may be considered as one of the factors actively modulating the disease and an important element in the context of personalized therapy aimed at maintaining microbiological balance.
The aim of this study is to present current research describing the impact of environmental factors on the development of skin dysbiosis and to discuss a perspective focused on restoring the balance of the skin microbiota and its protective mechanisms as a potential element positively influencing the clinical presentation in patients with seborrheic dermatitis. Disruption of the skin microbiome balance constitutes a key element in the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis, which justifies a therapeutic approach aimed at restoring microbiological homeostasis in order to achieve and maintain disease remission
DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT METHODS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN HEMATOLOGICAL PATIENTS
No full textResearch Objectives: To evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic methods for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hematological patients, focusing on both conventional antimicrobial therapy and alternative treatment strategies in this immunocompromised population.
Methods: Comprehensive literature review of diagnostic approaches including urine culture techniques, pathogen identification, and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Analysis of therapeutic strategies encompassing empirical and targeted antimicrobial therapy, alongside alternative modalities including cranberry supplementation, probiotics, urinary alkalinization, NSAIDs, and immunotherapy.
Results: Hematological patients face elevated UTI risk (34.39% prevalence) with predominant pathogens including E. coli (19.99%) and Klebsiella spp. (5.12%), frequently exhibiting multidrug resistance. Rapid microbiological diagnosis with susceptibility testing is critical for preventing progression to urosepsis. Alternative therapies demonstrate prophylactic potential but cannot replace antimicrobial treatment in established infections.
Conclusions: Effective UTI management in hematological patients requires rapid diagnostics, aggressive empirical therapy guided by local resistance patterns, and prompt de-escalation following susceptibility results. Alternative approaches serve valuable adjunctive roles but must not delay definitive antimicrobial therapy. Multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous protocol adaptation based on evolving resistance patterns optimize outcomes in this vulnerable population
RARE VASCULAR DISEASES OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE ETIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT OF UTERINE ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATIONS AND VULVAR ANEURYSMS
No full textVascular disorders of the female reproductive tract, including uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms of the uterine and pudendal arteries, represent extremely rare but potentially life-threatening conditions in gynecology. Due to their low incidence and nonspecific clinical presentation, these entities pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although uncommon, they may result in severe hemorrhage, particularly in the postpartum period or following intrauterine procedures.
The aim of this narrative review is to summarize current evidence regarding the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic imaging modalities, and treatment strategies for rare vascular abnormalities of the female reproductive system. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, including articles published between 2000 and 2025.
Available data indicate that color Doppler ultrasonography is the primary diagnostic tool, while magnetic resonance imaging and angiography play a crucial role in confirmation and treatment planning. Selective endovascular embolization has emerged as the gold-standard therapy, providing high efficacy in hemorrhage control while preserving uterine integrity and reproductive potential in most patients. Despite favorable outcomes, standardized diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms are lacking. Further multicenter studies and case registries are required to optimize management strategies for these rare but clinically significant conditions
THE EFFECTS OF TART CHERRY SUPPLEMENTATION ON SLEEP QUALITY, EXERCISE RECOVERY AND CARDIOMETABOLIC HEALTH - A LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textBackground: Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and melatonin, which have been shown to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circadian clock modulation effects. Recently, it has been considered in sports medicine and clinical nutrition as a functional food for regulating sleep, recovery, and metabolic health.
Aim: The aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate and summarize the most current scientific literature regarding to the clinical application of tart cherry supplementation within three major categories: sleep quality, exercise recovery, and cardiometabolic health.
Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted after an analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Studies were included based on the following criteria: high-quality evidence for studies investigating Prunus cerasus products (juice concentrate, powder) in relation to physiological markers including sleep efficiency, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), blood pressure, and inflammatory biomarkers.
Results: The review suggests that tart cherry supplements have a beneficial effect on sleep duration and quality, which may be due to the synergistic combination of melatonin and anti-inflammatory compounds. In sports, chronic supplementation protocols (loading phase) modulate strength decrement and muscle soreness more efficiently compared with an acute dosing strategy. In addition, regular consumption lowers systolic blood pressure (SBP) and enhances cognitive function in the elderly.
Conclusions: Tart cherry supplementation is a valid and efficacious evidence-based intervention to improve sleep quality and exercise recovery. However, efficacy is dose-dependent and requires consistent long-term supplementation
PSYCHIATRIC EFFECTS OF ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROIDS (AAS) ON ATHLETES - A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textBackground and Objectives: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone widely misused by athletes to enhance physical performance and appearance. Emerging evidence indicates substantial psychiatric morbidity associated with AAS use. This comprehensive literature review synthesizes empirical evidence from peer-reviewed research published between 2015 and 2025 examining psychiatric effects of AAS among athletic populations.
Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) was conducted using keywords related to AAS, psychiatric effects, mental health, and athletes. Studies published in English or Polish between January 2015 and December 2025 were included. Data extraction focused on prevalence, clinical manifestations, neurobiological mechanisms, and treatment implications.
Results: Recent epidemiological data indicate AAS prevalence of approximately 10–20% among elite athletes and over 25% among weightlifters, with rates exceeding 36% in some bodybuilding populations. Significant associations were identified between AAS use and depression (Beck Depression Inventory scores significantly elevated, p<0.001), anxiety disorders (Beck Anxiety Inventory scores p<0.001), aggression and violence (meta-analytic evidence of increased interpersonal violence risk), mania and psychosis (dose-dependent), muscle dysmorphia (prevalence 58% in some AAS-using samples vs. 2-6% general population), cognitive deficits (visuospatial memory p=0.004, executive function impairment), and dependence syndromes (affecting approximately 30% of users). Neuroimaging studies demonstrated structural brain changes including cortical thinning, altered amygdala volume, and reduced frontal connectivity. Withdrawal syndrome characterized by prolonged hypogonadism and severe depression may persist for months to years. Risk factors include body image disorders (r=0.24 with obsessive-compulsive traits), competitive pressure, and polysubstance use.
Conclusions: AAS use among athletes is associated with substantial psychiatric morbidity affecting mood, cognition, behavior, and brain structure. Evidence from 2015-2025 employing advanced methodologies (neuroimaging, network analysis, large-scale epidemiology) has substantially enhanced understanding. Integrated treatment approaches targeting substance use, psychiatric symptoms, and underlying body image pathology are essential. Future research priorities include longitudinal studies, gender-specific investigations, neurobiological mechanism elucidation, and evidence-based treatment trials
IMPAIRED OSTEOGENESIS AS A LINK IN THE CHAIN OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: PATHWAYS TO OVERCOMING IT
No full textCardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus exhibit a more aggressive course compared to those without this metabolic disorder. Concurrently, shared mechanisms exist between bone tissue development and atherosclerotic arterial calcification. The aim of this study was to establish potential associations between osteocalcin levels and cardiovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as the impact of additional glucose-lowering therapy using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is). Methods. A total of 99 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were examined, including 62 men and 37 women. The mean age of the participants was 59.18 ± 1.32 years (range: 46 to 67 years). Patients had no documented history of severe cardiovascular complications, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or stenting/bypass of coronary, carotid, or peripheral arteries. Among them, 34 patients received GLP-1 RAs in addition to baseline therapy with metformin and sulfonylurea derivatives for one year, while 25 received SGLT2is. Osteocalcin levels were measured, and echocardiographic examinations were performed. Results. Low serum osteocalcin levels were associated with the development of diastolic dysfunction characterized by impaired relaxation, left ventricular hypertrophy, and atherosclerotic aortic wall involvement in patients without clinical signs of cardiovascular disease. This was not observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had higher osteocalcin levels. Additional use of GLP-1 RAs with baseline glucose-lowering therapy significantly increased blood osteocalcin levels. Additional use of SGLT2is did not demonstrate changes in osteocalcin levels. Conclusion. Low serum osteocalcin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may be considered a marker for future severe cardiovascular diseases. Additional use of GLP-1 RAs with baseline glucose-lowering therapy increases blood osteocalcin levels, indicating a positive impact on the cardiovascular system
A REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GERD, 2015-2025
No full textBackground: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Between 2015 and 2025, advances in understanding its multifactorial pathophysiology have driven significant changes in pharmacological management.
Aim: This review summarizes key developments in GERD pathophysiology and evaluates significant pharmacological advances from 2015 to 2025, including comparative safety profiles, limitations of current therapies, and emerging treatment directions.
Methods: A structured search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and major open-access databases was performed using keywords related to GERD, pathophysiology, proton pump inhibitors, P-CABs, prokinetics, neuromodulators, and novel therapies.
Results: Proton pump inhibitors remain first-line therapy but show variable efficacy in non-erosive disease and refractory symptoms. Newer agents such as potassium-competitive acid blockers, modern prokinetics, alginate-based formulations, neuromodulators, and mucosal protectants offer therapeutic benefits in selected phenotypes. Comparative analyses highlight the importance of optimizing long-term PPI use and monitoring potential adverse effects. Advances in diagnostics and improved understanding of sensory and functional mechanisms have enabled more individualized treatment strategies.
Conclusions: Pharmacological management of GERD has evolved substantially over the past decade, shifting toward mechanism-based and patient-specific therapy. Future progress will depend on integrating high-resolution diagnostics, refining reflux phenotypes, and developing novel treatments that target mucosal integrity, hypersensitivity, and non-acid reflux
LITHIUM AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: NEUROBIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS, ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS, AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES ON COGNITIVE AGING
No full textAlzheimer’s disease is a progressive, idiopathic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and synaptic degeneration. Its global prevalence continues to rise, posing significant challenges for healthcare systems and aging societies. Despite recent advances in disease-modifying treatment, such as monoclonal antibodies (donanemab, lecanemab, aducanumab), their high cost, limited efficacy, and risk of adverse effects underline the urgent need for therapies that are safe, effective, and economically accessible.
This review evaluates the role of lithium a long-established mood stabilizer in the prevention and modulation of Alzheimer’s disease. Drawing from preclinical studies, observational data, and early-phase clinical trials published between 2017 and 2025, it examines how lithium influences key pathological mechanisms including amyloid precursor protein processing, tau phosphorylation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and synaptic plasticity. Chronic exposure to low or trace doses has been associated with delayed cognitive decline and reduced disease incidence in several populations. However, evidence from randomized trials remains inconclusive, warranting further rigorous investigation.
In addition to biological mechanisms, this review explores ethical and social dimensions of lithium use in older adults, including questions of informed consent, adherence, age-related pharmacokinetics, and the stigma of psychiatric medication.
Lithium emerges as a biologically plausible, cost-effective, and potentially scalable strategy for addressing cognitive aging. Future directions require ethically sound, large-scale clinical trials and a broader public health dialogue on the integration of preventive pharmacotherapy into neurodegenerative disease management
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE MANAGEMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC AI, VIRTUAL REALITY INTERVENTIONS, AND WEARABLE MONITORING SYSTEMS
No full textAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) constitutes one of the most critical public health challenges of the 21st century, imposing an immense socioeconomic burden on global healthcare systems. As pharmacological treatments remain limited, there is a paradigm shift towards integrating digital health solutions into the continuum of care. This review article synthesizes recent advancements (2019–2025) across the full spectrum of assistive technologies: from Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms for early diagnosis and predictive analytics, through Virtual Reality (VR) and Socially Assistive Robotics (SAR) for non-pharmacological therapy, to Wearable IoT ecosystems for patient safety. Furthermore, the review expands the scope to the macro-level, analyzing the economic impact of these innovations and the role of Smart Cities in creating dementia-friendly environments. The findings indicate that while digital phenotypes and remote monitoring offer superior precision and can significantly reduce caregiver burden, their widespread adoption is hindered by the "digital divide," ethical concerns regarding privacy, and reimbursement gaps. The paper concludes that the future of AD management lies in a hybrid "High-Tech, High-Touch" model that balances technological efficiency with human empathy
CHRONIC STRESS AS A MODULATOR OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: NEUROENDOCRINE MECHANISMS, IMMUNOLOGICAL PATHWAYS AND CLINICAL CONSEQUENCES - A LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textChronic stress is a significant factor influencing human immune system functioning. Prolonged activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system leads to hormonal and immunological dysregulation (Glaser & Kiecolt-Glaser, 2005; Segerstrom & Miller, 2004). Consequently, immune cells become less sensitive to glucocorticoids, cytokine balance is disrupted, and the organism remains in a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. These changes increase susceptibility to infections, delay wound healing, weaken vaccine responses, and may exacerbate the course of chronic diseases, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (Segerstrom & Miller, 2004; Alotiby, 2024).
This review presents current data from clinical and immunological studies published between 2000 and 2025. Molecular and cellular mechanisms are discussed, including HPA axis dysfunction, excessive sympathetic activity, cytokine profile alterations, and changes in innate and adaptive immunity. Attention is given to populations particularly vulnerable to chronic stress and the clinical consequences of these dysregulations (Katz et al., 2025; Chan et al., 2023; Bolton, 2024).
The review also considers strategies to mitigate stress-related immune impairment, such as mindfulness and meditation, regular physical activity, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and sleep hygiene improvement (Black & Slavich, 2016; Creswell et al., 2012; Carlson et al., 2007; Nieman & Wentz, 2019). Understanding these mechanisms may support clinical practice by enabling better identification of high-risk patients and the implementation of effective interventions