Cystic Fibrosis and Reproductive Outcomes: The Latest Insights into Fertility and Pregnancy

Introduction and purpose: Due to improvement in treatment of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), the number of adult patients increases. CF patients are living longer, with better quality of life and a growing number of them are considering parenthood. Most people with CF are suffering because of reduced fertility, however the number of pregnant CF patients rises. The aim of this paper was to summarize the date available in the literature and recent reports about the fertility, pregnancy and treatment of pregnant CF patients.   Material and methods: The literature was reviewed in PubMed database, GoogleScholar and in European Cystic Fibrosis Society database with the use of keywords.   State of knowledge:78% of women with CF declare that they want to have a child in the future. Reduced fertility may be overcome with assisted reproduction technologies, which also gives an opportunity to do preimplantation genetic tests. CFTR modulators therapy during the pregnancy was described in a small number of studies, but the current experts statement declares that those drugs are probably safe for the infant, and discontinuing this therapy is connected with an increased risk of pulmonary exacerbation in mothers.   Summary: Women with CF nowadays have an opportunity to become parents. Despite fertility lower than in the general population, they are able to become pregnant. The decision about the conception should be planned before and consulted with the CF team. Planning the pregnancy gives time to prepare the mother, optimize her nutrition status and make sure medications she takes are safe for the fetus. Data about the use of CFTR modulators during pregnancy and breastfeeding are limited. In the future the MAYFLOWER study may determine the impact of CFTR modulators on pregnancy and breastfeeding

The Impact of Antibiotics on the Development of Colorectal Cancer – A Review of Current Insights and Directions for Future Research

Introduction and purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common neoplasms in the world. In Poland, CRC has a third place in incidence. There are numerous well-established risk factors for CRC, such as a western diet, low physical activity, alcohol consumption, and cigarettes smoking. Currently, the role of the colonic microbiome and the overuse of antibiotics is also highlighted in the pathogenesis of CRC. This review aims to assess the impact of antibiotic use on CRC risk, clinical characteristics, and pathological features.   Material and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted through the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials and observational studies were included if they were relevant and provided data on the influence of antibiotics on CRC.   State of knowledge: This review identified several key systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies indicating that antibiotics have an impact on the onset, time of development, and localisation of CRC. The classes and spectrum of antibiotics were found to differ in the risk of occurrence of CRC.   Summary: Recently, great progress has been made in understanding a variety of antibiotics-microbiota-cancer interactions. However, further research is needed to deepen our knowledge about the contribution of antibiotic use to CRC. Clinicians should carefully consider the benefits and risks of prescribing antibiotics, including possible long-term adverse events such as cancer onset

Eye Symptoms in Parathyroid Disorders: Clinical Presentation and Research Perspectives

Introduction and purpose: Endocrine disorders often affect multiple organs, frequently presenting with characteristic ophthalmic symptoms. Ocular abnormalities occur in both hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, potentially affecting nearly all parts of the eyeball and orbital structures. This study aims to summarize available literature and recent findings on ophthalmic manifestations linked to parathyroid disorders. Material and methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using keywords in the PubMed database, the Via Medica journal database, the Polish Society of Endocrinology guidelines, and the Polish Ophthalmological Society guidelines. State of knowledge: Ophthalmic manifestations are common in parathyroid disorders. Hypoparathyroidism often causes cataracts, periorbital tetany, blepharospasm, and optic nerve issues, while congenital cases may involve microphthalmia and corneal opacities. Hyperparathyroidism leads to calcium deposition, affecting retinal arterioles, sclera, eyelids, and cornea, with reports of scleritis and orbital brown tumors. Summary: Recognizing ocular signs of parathyroid diseases aids in diagnosing endocrine disorders and highlights the need for ophthalmological consultation to improve early detection and treatment

Treatment of aggression in conduct disorders in children and adolescents

Introduction and purpose: Treatment of conduct disorders is complex, reflecting their combined etiology in organic developmental issues and improper environmental influences. Therefore therapy involves complex psychotherapeutic interventions, focusing not only on the individual, but also on his family system, and sometimes including drug treatment. The purpose of this work is to discuss the most effective treatment strategies for children with aggressive behavior.   Material and method: The literature was reviewed in the Pubmed database, GoogleScholar, the positions of the Polish gynecological society with the use of keywords.   State of knowledge: Interventions for children and adolescents prioritize education and psychotherapy, with limited risperidone use due to side effects. Alternatives include stimulants, alpha agonists, atomoxetine, and SSRIs. The article examines aggression in CD and ODD, comorbid disorders (ADHD, CU, DBDNS), and behavioral treatments, emphasizing differential diagnosis and management.   Summary: First-line treatment involves optimizing pharmacotherapy, such as stimulants for ADHD with aggression, with risperidone as a secondary option. Further research and individualized approaches are needed to improve therapy

Suicidal risk in patients diagnosed with central nervous system tumors – current state of knowledge: Comprehensive review

Introduction and objective: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors, particularly brain tumors, significantly impact mental health, leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and suicidality. This study examines the prevalence and risk factors for these disorders in CNS tumor patients, focusing on brain tumors. Material and methods: A comprehensive review was conducted to assess suicidality and prevalence of various mental diseases in patients with CNS tumors, focusing on brain tumors. Studies were identified through PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, including research on CNS tumors and associated mental health conditions. Key outcomes examined included depression, anxiety, and suicidality. State of knowledge: Gliomas and glioblastomas are strongly linked to mental health challenges, with depression and anxiety being most common. Suicidality is notably higher in CNS tumor patients, influenced by tumor-related neurological and functional impairments. Despite this, mental health care integration into neuro-oncology remains inadequate. Conclusions: CNS tumor patients are at high risk for mental health disorders and suicidality, highlighting the need for early intervention and multidisciplinary care. Better integration of mental health support can improve patient outcomes and quality of life

The role of overweight, obesity and exercise therapy on low-back pain

Introduction and purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of impairment worldwide and its occurrence is still growing. There are many modifiable risk factors contributing to developing LBP, especially obesity, smoking and physical work. In spite of a breakthrough in pharmacotherapy, lifestyle changes and exercise remain the primary prophylactic and treatment options. The aim of this paper was to summarize the data available in the literature and recent reports about the effect of obesity and overweight on LBP and the effectiveness of different exercise programs. Material and methods: The literature was reviewed in the PubMed database, GoogleScholar and the Embase database with the use of keywords. State of knowledge: Obesity and overweight measured by BMI and other indicators are associated with LBP. Waist circumference (WC), recommended by WHO to measure central obesity was found to increase the risk of chronic LBP by 30%, but a stronger correlation between obesity and LBP was found among the female population. Furthermore, there is low-to-moderate evidence that exercise therapy is superior to conservative treatment, when it comes to decreasing pain severity in low back pain. All in all, aerobic, Pilates, core strengthening and stabilization and flexibility exercises were effective in reducing pain with no significant differences between the particular types of training. Summary: The information gathered indicates that obesity and overweight are essential risk factors for LBP. Also, various forms of exercise therapy help patients decrease pain in chronic LBP, however, they should be prescribed individually including preference and fitness level to promote compliance

Metabolic Impacts of Oral Contraceptives A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence

Introduction and objective: Oral hormonal contraception (COC) is a highly popular, as well as extensive group of medications.  A significant impact of chronic COC therapy on parameters of lipid metabolism, carbohydrates, binding globulins, coagulation system and body weight of patients has been proven. Given the continuously increasing number of women using COC, initiating therapy at progressively younger ages it is reasonable to investigate the impact of individual medications on patients’ organisms completing knowledge with conclusions from newly conducted research, as well as the influence of new types of drugs on the studied indicators. Material and method: The literature was reviewed in the Pubmed database, GoogleScholar, the positions of the Polish gynecological society with the use of keywords. State of knowledge: The use of COC is widespread among women. According to the citied studies, over 80% of premenopausal women have declared using oral contraceptives. Typically, COCs consist of a combination of estrogen and progestin components, offering various possible combinations and dosing regimens. Despite their high efficacy in preventing pregnancy, their impact on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as consequences remains incompletely understood. Older generations of progestins, due to their similarity to testosterone, can cause negative androgenic effects, while more recent progestins are expected to be neutral. Summary: Each type of therapy is characterized by individual impact on the patients’ organism, however, the majority of progestins affect the increase of triglycerides, HDL and have ambiguous effect on LDL. COC has a limited influence on BMI, carbohydrate metabolism, coagulation system and glycemia

Pregnancy outcome following various doses of antioxidants such as Vitamin E supplementation – current state of knowledge

Introduction and purpose: Vitamin E is an antioxidant substance. It has been noted that the pathomechanism of many diseases in pregnancy is rooted in oxidative stress. Much of them have an incompletely understood mechanism, and thus treatment is not as effective. Vitamin E is a readily available and important antioxidant. It is reasonable to investigate whether there are links between supplementation with this vitamin and improved outcomes of conditions in pregnant women. Conditions such as preeclampsia (also in a group of women with type 1 diabetes), preterm premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous preterm birth, respiratory diseases were considered. Material and method: The literature was reviewed in the Pubmed database, GoogleScholar, in the Via Medica journal database, the positions of the Polish gynecological society with the use of keywords. State of knowledge: According to the cited studies, routine use of vitamin E in combination with other supplements has no discernible benefit. No differences were found in groups taking antioxidants from placebo groups in the context of pregnancy diseases. There were side effects of supplementation and for this reason supplementation with this antioxidant should not be ordered without clear indications. Conclusions: The information gathered does not indicate the usefulness of vitamin E supplementation in pregnancy. The issue of the use of antioxidants in the fight against diseases that occur during pregnancy requires further research

The Natural ways of vitamin D supplementation – detailed evaluation of Cantharellus cibarius

Introduction and purpose: In the past, fungi were considered a very low-value meal, however in modern literature, they are increasingly more frequently studied for their nutritional and medical properties. They are being currently reconsidered as an abundant source of nutrients that may be incorporated in diets of individuals of special medical needs, such as obese and diabetic patients. The purpose of this review is to evaluate one of the most common edible mushroom species, Cantharellus cibarius (girolle, golden chanterelle) for its health promoting properties with particular emphasis on its vitamin D content. It was of considerable importance for us to analyse the amount of vitamin D in the mentioned mushroom, as this micronutrient deficiency is fairly common in the human population. Material and method: The available literature was reviewed as provided by PubMed database and Google Scholar, with the use of keywords. State of knowledge: Golden chanterelle mushroom is a valuable source of proteins, mineral ingredients like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium, while containing low amounts of sodium and fat. The mushroom is especially valuable for its rich content of vitamin D, ranging up to 63 μg/100g fresh weight. Conclusions: This paper may help other scientists expand their research on golden chanterelle properties. Moreover, girolle, as naturally containing many pro-health metabolites, may serve as natural supplementation of microelements

Cataract and genetic diseases

Despite the decreasing number of cases, cataract is still the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. The search for the causes of this disease, its risk factors and the relationship with systemic diseases is the subject of many studies and attracts the attention of scientists around the world.One of the most common cause of cataract and probably the most frequently reported in the literature, is aging. Other commonly described causes of cataracts are external factors and acquired diseases. Although genetic diseases are not the most common disorders associated with the occurrence and development of cataract, this review takes a broader look at this particular aspect, describing the relationship between cataracts and a group of genetic diseases. The links between cataracts and genetic diseases have been investigated. This review focuses on the diseases most frequently reported in the literature to be associated with cataracts, such as Down syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, neurofibromatosis type 2, Marfan syndrome, Wilson disease and Alport syndrome. The associations of cataracts with various genetic diseases, confirmed in previously published studies, were described. Despite the fact that it is difficult to distinguish individual factors influencing the development of cataract, the analyzed literature examples allowed to demonstrate that cataract in the course of the genetic disorders discussed in this review is not accidental