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RECENT ADVANCES IN THE UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGEMENT OF ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIDES
No full textBackground. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) constitute a group of systemic vasculitides, comprising granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). They primarily affect small vessels, resulting in a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations involving multiple organ systems, particularly those critical for sustaining vital functions. In recent years, substantial advances have been made in our understanding of these conditions.
Aim. The objective of this study was to collect, analyze and synthesize the most recent evidence regarding ANCA-associated vasculitides.
Material and methods. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed database was conducted focusing on ANCA-associated vasculitides. The analysis encompassed the most recent and relevant case–control studies, observational studies, meta-analyses, as well as the latest recommendations of rheumatology societies concerning the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of AAV.
Results and conclusion. ANCA-associated vasculitides are defined by the presence of specific autoantibodies directed against neutrophil antigens: proteinase 3 (PR3-ANCA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA). These autoantibodies activate neutrophils and the complement system, leading to vascular wall injury. The upper respiratory tract and kidneys are the most commonly affected sites. Current therapeutic strategies are based on glucocorticoids in combination with immunosuppressive agents, with an increasing role for biologics such as rituximab and mepolizumab, enabling reduction of glucocorticoid exposure. Advances in the understanding of disease pathogenesis have facilitated the development of novel agents, including avacopan. Ongoing research efforts are directed toward the identification of new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, as well as improving long-term outcomes and minimizing organ damage
THE BACTERICIDAL PROTEINS OF THE EPIDERMIS
No full textThe skin is the biggest human’s organ. It is concerned with plenty of functions, such as: providing protection against harmful factors of the external environment, both chemical and physical, or regulating temperature and the amount of evaporating water. It is responsible for receiving sensory stimuli and vitamin D3 synthesis. However, this review focuses on an underestimated role of the skin as a barrier against bacteria, maintained thanks to the human’s natural antibiotics – the antimicrobial proteins of the epidermis
DEFECATION POSTURE – SITTING VERSUS SQUATTING
No full textBackground: Despite emerging debates on what should constitute a recommended defecation posture the research in this area has been mostly non-conclusive. In the countries of Europe, America, Australia the sitting position forced by a design of water toilet prevails while in many Asia and Africa countries the squatting posture dominates. The postures have their distinctive impact on digestive, musculoskeletal, and overall body health. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages.
Aim: This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate previous research on the defecation posture. The comparison of changing the defecation position from squatting to sitting was performed and its effects analysed.
Material and methods: A search of relevant research databases was conducted as well as a hand search of selected journals to identify eligible papers.
Results: A total of 20 studies were reviewed and results indicated a mean prevalence rate of sitting posture between 10%–24%. Findings also indicated correlates such as the presence of health problems related to the defecation posture. Most studies showed poor external validity, with the majority of them scoring high on risk of bias.
Conclusions: Overall, the findings indicate inconsistencies in terms of methodology and diagnostic criteria of health problems related to defecation posture. Further research in this area using long-term clinical trials to avoid biases is recommended
GENETICS AND SPORT PERFORMANCE: ARE WE READY FOR GENOTYPE-BASED TRAINING?
No full textBackground: Sports genomics explores the genetic basis of athletic ability and trainability, gaining growing scientific and public interest. This has led to a surge in direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests claiming to offer personalized training programs based on individual genotypes. However, a gap remains between these marketing claims and solid scientific validation.
Purpose of Research: This systematic review evaluates the strength of association between specific genetic polymorphisms and athletic performance, and examines the scientific support for genotype-based training.
Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was sourced from the PubMed database using keywords such as “genetics”, “athletic performance”, “genotype”, and “personalized training”.
Results: Several studies reported associations between genetic variants and performance traits—most notably, ACTN3 with power and ACE with endurance. However, the predictive value for individuals remains limited. There is also a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing genotype-based training programs. Existing trials often yield conflicting or inconclusive results.
Conclusions: Current scientific evidence does not support the widespread adoption of genotype-based training. Although certain genes influence physical potential, athletic performance is a complex, polygenic trait shaped significantly by environmental and lifestyle factors. DTC genetic tests currently lack the robust validation required to guide individualized training protocols
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF ADHERENCE TO DIETARY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS AMONG ADULTS WITH OBESITY - A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW (2010–2025)
No full textBackground: Adherence to dietary and physical activity recommendations is widely recognized as a cornerstone of effective obesity management. Nevertheless, despite extensive global efforts, adherence rates among adults remain persistently low. Recent evidence indicates that non-adherence is not solely the result of individual motivational or behavioral shortcomings but is deeply embedded within the broader framework of social determinants of health (SDH). Understanding how these determinants shape adherence is therefore essential for developing equitable and sustainable obesity interventions.
Objective: This evidence-based narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the impact of socioeconomic, cultural, psychosocial, healthcare, and digital factors on adherence to lifestyle recommendations among adults with obesity.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible publications included quantitative, qualitative, and conceptual studies examining social determinants influencing adherence to dietary and physical activity guidance. Extracted findings were thematically analyzed and assessed according to the hierarchy of evidence (Levels I–IV).
Results: Thirty peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Across diverse settings, socioeconomic disadvantage, lower educational attainment, and financial insecurity consistently predicted poor adherence. Cultural norms, obesogenic environments, and neighborhood safety were found to shape opportunities for engaging in healthy behaviors. Psychosocial determinants - particularly social support, mental health status, and exposure to weight stigma- emerged as significant moderators of adherence. Limited access to healthcare and low health literacy were identified as key mediating factors, while digital inequities further widened adherence gaps despite the increasing role of telehealth and mHealth interventions. Conversely, higher social capital, supportive community structures, and equitable access to healthcare and technology facilitated sustained adherence to lifestyle recommendations.
Conclusions: Adherence to dietary and physical activity recommendations among adults with obesity is fundamentally shaped by the social, environmental, and structural contexts in which individuals live. Addressing these determinants requires multilevel strategies that combine personalized behavioral counseling with broader policy initiatives aimed at promoting socioeconomic equity, supportive built environments, and digital inclusion. Sustainable obesity management depends not merely on changing individual behavior, but on transforming the social conditions that enable or constrain healthy living
OBESITY AND SOCIAL INEQUALITIES: HOW SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECT HEALTH
No full textBackground: Obesity represents one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Its prevalence is strongly linked to socioeconomic factors rather than being solely the result of individual dietary choices or lifestyle behaviors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is a consequence of excessive fat accumulation leading to metabolic disorders, an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and premature mortality. Over the past decades, the global prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically, increasingly affecting individuals with lower socioeconomic status. This highlights the need to analyze the social determinants underlying this phenomenon.
Objective: The aim of this paper was to present and analyze the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of socioeconomic factors, such as education level, income, place of residence, and access to healthcare, on the prevalence of obesity, as well as to discuss their health and social consequences.
Methods: A literature review was conducted using scientific databases including PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as reports from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The search focused on recent publications examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and obesity. The review included original studies, review papers, and reports analyzing the effects of education, income, place of residence, and healthcare accessibility on obesity risk and its health outcomes.
Results: The analysis revealed that individuals with lower socioeconomic status are significantly more likely to suffer from overweight and obesity. Contributing factors include limited access to healthy foods, infrastructure that promotes physical activity, preventive healthcare, and health education. Residents of areas with lower socioeconomic development are more exposed to phenomena such as “food deserts” and “food swamps,” which promote unhealthy eating habits. Furthermore, people living with obesity often experience stigma and discrimination, leading to reduced quality of life and lower treatment effectiveness.
Conclusions: Obesity is not only a medical issue but also a social one, deeply rooted in socioeconomic structures. Effective prevention requires an integrated, systemic approach that combines actions in education, health policy, and urban planning. Key measures include improving access to healthy food, developing infrastructure that supports physical activity, enhancing the quality of healthcare, and reducing economic barriers. Reducing social inequalities can significantly contribute to lowering the prevalence of obesity and its long-term health consequences
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE: AN OVERLOOKED DIMENSION OF CARE
No full textVon Willebrand disease, the most common inherited bleeding disorder, is increasingly recognized to have significant psychological comorbidities, particularly depression and anxiety. This review synthesizes current evidence from observational, cohort, and qualitative studies to examine the relationship between von Willebrand disease and mental health outcomes. Across diverse methodologies, including validated symptom scales, diagnostic coding, and pharmacotherapy records, patients with VWD consistently exhibited higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with the general population. The association remained robust across age groups and von Willebrand disease subtypes, with adolescents and women demonstrating the greatest vulnerability. Factors such as chronic pain, joint complications, abnormal uterine bleeding, and diminished quality of life emerged as significant correlates of psychological distress. These findings highlight that psychiatric morbidity in von Willebrand disease is not merely secondary to bleeding symptoms but constitutes a central aspect of disease burden, contributing to increased healthcare utilization and reduced functional capacity. Integrating psychological screening and mental health support into routine hematologic care is therefore essential to optimize long-term outcomes. Recognition of the biopsychosocial dimensions of von Willebrand disease should inform clinical management strategies, ensuring that both physical and psychological components of the disorder are comprehensively addressed
EXPLORING THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF THE MEDICINAL MUSHROOM GANODERMA LUCIDUM (REISHI) - A LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textIntroduction: Ganoderma lucidum, also known as Reishi, is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine for its diverse health-promoting properties. Rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, G.lucidum exerts various effects such as modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and immune response.
Materials and methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted, using key words and phrases such as “Ganoderma lucidum”, “Reishi”, “properties”, “anticancer”, and “metabolic health”. A total of 22 high-quality, recent studies relevant to this review were selected for inclusion.
Results: This review summarizes evidence on the mushroom's hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antitumor, cardioprotective, and metabolic effects. Findings from both in vitro and in vivo studies point to its promising role in battling hepatopathies, neurodegenerative disorders, various types of cancer, and metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and hypoglycemia.
Conclusion: While favorable data from preclinical studies exists, there remains limited data from clinical trials. This review highlights the need for large-scale well-controlled clinical trials to be conducted in order to establish G. lucidum's efficacy, safety, dosing standards, and potential drug interactions
THE ROLE OF DIET IN THE PREVENTION OF LIFESTYLE DISEASES: A LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textLifestyle diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers are still on the rise globally due to poor diet and global adoption of the Western diet. The literature review is investigating how nutrition compounds with chronic disease, as well as both harmful dietary elements and safe diets. The article responds to the impacts of sugar-sweetened beverages, processed food, artificial food components, and red meat with attention to the preventative benefits of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fat. Proof for diets such as the Mediterranean, DASH, plant-based, and ketogenic diets is addressed, along with their metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective benefits. This review points out the value of public health programs in encouraging healthy dietary behavior as part of chronic disease prevention
REVOLUTIONIZING THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES IN CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY: A LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textIntroduction: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a prevalent, progressive vascular disorder that burdens patient health and quality of life. Current treatments: compression therapy, pharmacological agents, and surgery vary in efficacy and are often linked to poor symptom control, recurrence, or side effects. Thus, there is a need for novel therapies that improve outcomes. Recent advances in pharmacotherapy and minimally invasive methods offer promising options for enhancing venous function and symptom relief. This study critically assesses the efficacy, safety, and clinical relevance of emerging pharmacological and interventional treatments for CVI.
Material and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords: "chronic venous insufficiency", "venous disease", "novel treatment", "minimally invasive therapy", "pharmacological therapy". Selected studies were analyzed for therapeutic efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of proposed treatments.
Aim of the study To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, quality of life, and potential clinical use of novel therapies for chronic venous insufficiency.
Conclusion: Innovative drugs and minimally invasive procedures offer new alternatives for CVI, improving venous function and symptom relief. However, more high-quality clinical research is needed to confirm long-term safety, efficacy, and define optimal treatment protocols, enhancing care standards for venous disorders