Akademicka Platforma Czasopism
Not a member yet
37874 research outputs found
Sort by
Epigenetic Shifts in Preterm Neonatal Microbiome
Full text linkIntroduction and Study Aim: Preterm birth (<37 weeks) causes ~15 million births yearly and is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality [1]. These infants face developmental challenges, including disrupted microbial colonization and immature regulatory systems. Epigenetic modifications—heritable changes in gene expression without DNA sequence alteration—mediate environmental influences during this critical period [2]. This paper explores how the preterm microbiome and epigenetic mechanisms interact and influence health outcomes.Brief Description of Current Knowledge: The preterm gut microbiome shows reduced diversity and more hospital-acquired bacteria [3]. Cesarean delivery, antibiotics, and lack of maternal microbes contribute to this dysbiosis. Beneficial colonizers (e.g., bifidobacteria) are reduced, while pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus, Enterobacteriaceae) increase, linked to NEC and sepsis. Epigenetic shifts also occur rapidly in response to inflammation and stress [3]. Microbial metabolites (e.g., butyrate, folate) can alter epigenetic programming [5], and prenatal epigenetic states may shape microbial colonization [2].Summary/Conclusions: Microbiome-epigenome interactions may shape immunity and development beyond infancy. Disruptions may imprint harmful epigenetic changes. More research is needed to clarify mechanisms and guide interventions like probiotics or epigenetic therapies
Application of Yoga in the Treatment of Chronic Headaches
Full text linkIntroductionHeadaches represent a significant public health problem, ranking sixth among the most common causes of disability worldwide. They negatively affect the quality of life, particularly during the working years, leading to high economic costs. Despite their widespread prevalence, headaches are often underdiagnosed and inadequately treated, which exacerbates their negative impact on society.
Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga in reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of headaches, as well as improving the quality of life in patients suffering from migraines and tension-type headaches. This review aims to explore the potential for incorporating yoga as a complementary method in headache therapy.
Materials and Methods
The review includes the results of clinical studies examining the effects of yoga on migraines and tension-type headaches. The effects of yoga were compared with conventional treatment methods, considering improvements in pain parameters, stress levels, and patients’ psychological well-being.
ConclusionsStudies have shown that yoga effectively reduces the frequency and intensity of headaches and improves patients' quality of life. It also reduces stress levels and enhances the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Combining yoga with pharmacological treatment yields better outcomes than conventional therapy alone. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of yoga and to determine the optimal therapeutic parameters
One Axis, Two Faces: The Shared Biology of PMS and Migraine
Full text linkPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and migraine are two clinically distinct but biologically intertwined conditions that disproportionately affect individuals of reproductive age. Both disorders are characterized by cyclical patterns tied to hormonal fluctuations—most notably the abrupt withdrawal of estrogen and changes in progesterone levels during the luteal phase. Recent research reveals a convergence of underlying mechanisms, including dysregulation of the serotonergic and GABAergic systems, neurovascular instability, and heightened inflammatory responses. This narrative review explores how a shared neuroendocrine axis may drive the manifestation of both PMS and migraine, resulting in overlapping physical and emotional symptoms. By examining these interconnected pathways, we aim to illuminate opportunities for integrated diagnostic strategies and multimodal therapeutic approaches that consider the full scope of hormonal, neurological, and immune interactions. Understanding the "one axis, two faces" framework could be the key to more effective and individualized care
Plant-based diet - influence on general health
Full text linkIntroduction
An increasing number of individuals worldwide are adopting a plant-based diet, which has been highlighted for its health benefits in various scientific studies. Nevertheless, research indicates that an improperly balanced plant-based diet, excluding animal products, may lead to nutrient deficiencies and disrupt the proper functioning of various bodily systems through multiple pathways
Aim
The aim of this review is to consolidate and summarize the existing research and literature regarding the effects of a plant-based diet on general health.
Review methods
The review was based on publicly available PubMed and Google Schola databases using the following phrases: plant-based diet, vegan diet, vegetarianism.
Conclusion:
When properly planned and supported by appropriate supplementation, a plant-based diet can positively influence both female and male reproductive health, improve sleep quality, enhance overall well-being, aid in weight management, and contribute to the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, as the number of dietary exclusions increases, so does the risk of deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Inadequate levels of these nutrients may lead to physiological abnormalities and adverse health outcomes, underscoring the critical importance of balanced dietary planning and monitoring
The Role of Physical Activity in the Aging Proces
Full text linkAging is associated with a decline in physiological and cellular functions, leading to increased susceptibility to various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and metabolic disorders. As life expectancy rises, so does the need for effective strategies to mitigate the health challenges faced by older adults. Physical activity has emerged as a critical intervention, offering a wide range of benefits that address the multifaceted impacts of aging. This review explores the role of regular physical activity in enhancing health, preventing disease, and improving the overall quality of life in older adults. It highlights how exercise mitigates age-related declines in muscle strength, bone density, and cardiovascular health, while also reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the integration of physical activity into daily routines is shown to lower the risk of chronic conditions, improve cognitive function, and promote functional independence. Despite its benefits, barriers such as mobility issues, chronic illnesses, and limited accessibility to exercise programs hinder widespread adoption among aging populations. This review underscores the importance of tailored and accessible exercise interventions, as well as the need for further research to optimize physical activity guidelines and strategies. By prioritizing physical activity, society can empower older adults to lead healthier, more independent lives, ultimately transforming the aging process
The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer's Disease: a narrative review
Full text linkAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder influenced by a range of factors, including chronic inflammation and microbial infections. Recent research highlights a potential link between AD and periodontal disease — a chronic inflammatory condition caused by dysbiotic oral bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. These pathogens may reach the brain via the bloodstream or trigeminal nerve, triggering neuroinflammation through microglial activation and promoting pathological changes, including amyloid-β accumulation and Tau hyperphosphorylation. P. gingivalis secretes virulence factors like gingipains and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which disrupt immune responses and contribute to neuronal damage. Genetic predispositions, such as mutations in microglia-regulating genes (e.g., TREM2, CD33, CLU), further impair immune function and exacerbate AD pathology. Aging, a common risk factor for both diseases, weakens immune defenses and the blood-brain barrier, facilitating bacterial entry into the brain. As no cure currently exists for AD, preventing and managing periodontal disease could be a promising strategy to reduce the risk and progression of AD. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches and further research into the oral-systemic connection to better understand, prevent, and treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
The Impact of Puberty Timing on Future Metabolic and Hormonal Disorder Risk
Full text linkIntroduction and Objectives:Puberty is occurring earlier across populations, raising concerns about long-term health effects. Early onset—marked by younger age at menarche in girls or early voice change in boys—has been linked to adverse metabolic outcomes, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [1]. This review explores how pubertal timing influences the risk of metabolic and hormonal disorders, focusing on T2DM.Brief Literature Review:Earlier puberty correlates with higher risks of obesity, insulin resistance, and T2DM [1]. Each one-year delay in menarche reduces T2DM risk by ~9%, independent of adult adiposity [2]. Girls with menarche ≤11 years and boys with early voice breaking show elevated T2DM odds [2]. Early puberty is also associated with higher adult BMI, gestational diabetes, and PCOS [1,13]. Mechanisms include childhood obesity, insulin resistance during puberty, and hormonal shifts [14]. Some effects persist beyond body weight influences [5,6].Conclusions:Early puberty is a marker—and possibly a mediator—of increased T2DM and hormonal disorder risk [1,2]. Pubertal timing may independently impact long-term health. Identifying at-risk youth could support early interventions. Further research should explore causal pathways and prevention strategies
Current guidelines for the management of adrenal incidentalomas in European countries
Full text linkIntroduction and purpose:
Adrenal incidentalomas are increasingly detected due to the widespread use of advanced imaging techniques, presenting a growing clinical challenge. These adrenal masses, often discovered unintentionally, necessitate careful evaluation to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, as well as hormonally active and inactive tumors. Despite a shared clinical concern, the management of adrenal incidentalomas varies across European countries, reflecting differences in healthcare systems, access to resources, and interpretation of evidence-based practices. This article aims to provide an overview of the current guidelines adopted by various European nations, highlighting areas of consensus and divergence, and exploring their implications for clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Materials and methods:
A literature search was conducted by analysing scientific articles published in Google Scholar, PubMed, and UpToDate using keywords included: incidentaloma, adrenal glands, hormonal activity, malignancy. We also searched current recommendations of The Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Description of the state of knowledge:
Adrenal incidentalomas are asymptomatic adrenal masses detected incidentally during imaging studies performed for unrelated reasons. The clinical importance of these lesions lies in their potential for hormonal activity and malignancy. This article aims to evaluate the current strategies and guidelines for hormonal assessment in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. A systematic hormonal workup is essential to identify subclinical hormone secretion, particularly autonomous cortisol secretion, pheochromocytoma, and primary aldosteronism.
Conclusion:
Timely and accurate hormonal evaluation is crucial for risk stratification and guiding management decisions, including surveillance or surgical intervention. This assessment is key to preventing potential complications and improving patient outcomes
The impact of physical activity during pregnancy on labour and postpartum period - review
Full text linkIntroduction and Aim: Physical activity significantly impacts quality of life and is recommended at all ages, including time of pregnancy. This study examines the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on the peripartum period, including the risk of labor complications, duration of labor and delivery, the necessity for epidural analgesia, and the incidence of postpartum depression.
Methods and Materials: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. The search included studies published between 2010 and 2025. The search strategy focused on identifying studies describing the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on peripartum outcomes. Keywords used in the search included: "physical activity," "labor and delivery," "exercise," "labor complications," "postnatal depression," and "epidural analgesia."
Results and Conclusion: No clear effect of physical activity during pregnancy on the risk of labor complications or the duration of labor was identified. Physical exercise during pregnancy does not reduce the need for epidural analgesia or the risk of postpartum depression. However, regular physical activity during pregnancy decreases the risk of obesity, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and gestational diabetes. Moderate-intensity of the physical activity should be recommended to all pregnant individuals, provided there are no contraindications
The influence of geomagnetic disturbances on parameters of acupuncture points, EEG, HRV, hormone, immunity and metabolism of a persons with hypertension
Full text linkBackground and aim. Back in 1990, Limansky YP hypothesized acupuncture points (AP) as polymodal receptors of the ecoceptive sensitivity system. In the process of hypothesis development in 2003 an existence of separate functional system of regulation of electromagnetic balance of organism has been substantiated. Recently, our research group found that disturbances of the geomagnetic field (GMF) cause a significant immediate modulating effects on the APs and parameters of neuro-endocrine immune complex. On the other hand, it was shown that the latter as well as metabolic parameters are closely related to the level of blood pressure. Based on the above, we hypothesized that individuals with hypertension, responders and non-responders to GMF changes, differ among themselves in the constellation of neural, endocrine, immune, metabolic and AP parameters. The purpose of this study is to test this hypothesis.
Methods. The object of the study was database of 19 men (37-69 y) and 17 women (33-76 y) with hypertension (Mean±SD: BPs 150±15 mmHg; BPd 87±10 mmHg). Retrospectively, was recorded the geomagnetic Ap-Index and Kp-Index, on the day of testing and during the previous 7 days, using a publicly available information resource https://www.spaceweatherlive.com. The object of the analyses was blood pressure (BP), acupuncture points (AP), EEG, HRV, endocrine, immune and metabolic parameters.
Results. Using the cluster analysis method, two groups of individuals with the same hypertension were identified, which manifested itself against the background of significantly different levels of Ap- and Kp-Indexes on the day of testing and during the previous two days, characteristic of a calm or slightly disturbed (for 14 men and 13 women) and significantly disturbed (for 5 men and 4 women) geomagnetic field (GMF), respectively. Screening revealed that significantly disturbed GMF is accompanied by left-sided asymmetry of AP MC(AVL) electrical conductivity as well as beta and alpha rhythms in contrast to their symmetry against the background of calm or slightly disturbed GMF. Regarding quantitative parameters, the first cluster is accompanied, firstly, by reduced levels of monocytes, triiodothyronine, testosterone, atherogenicity, heart rate, and Baevskiy’s Stress Index, in contrast to their normal or elevated levels in the second cluster; second, normal vs. decreased levels of rod-shaped neutrophils, frequency of alpha rhythm and SPD of beta rhythm in T4 locus; third, normal vs. increased levels of creatinine and Popovych’s Strain Index; fourth, increased vs. normal response of systolic BP to brachial artery compression and SPD of delta rhythm in O2 locus. In addition, in the first cluster 23 EEG parameters were found to be decreased or normal vs. normal or increased in the second cluster. Finally, significantly disturbed GMF is accompanied by an increase in the electrical conductivity of the left AP MC(AVL) to a greater extent than calm or slightly disturbed GMF.
Conclusion. In individuals with hypertension, regardless of sex and age, disturbances of the geomagnetic field, even without reaching the storm level, are accompanied by significant modulating, mainly downregulating, effects on recorded parameters of EEG, HRV, immunity and metabolism, apparently through acupuncture points as polymodal receptors of the ecoceptive sensitivity system