The analysis of the role of probiotics in preventing and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis - literature review

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of large and medium-sized arteries underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular stroke and peripheral vascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is characterized by deposition of modified lipoproteins, accumulation of immune cells and formation of fibrous tissue in the vessel wall. The disease occurs in vessels throughout the body and affects the function of almost all organs, including the lymphatic system, bone marrow, heart, brain, pancreas, adipose tissue, liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Many clinical trials of anti-atherosclerotic drugs have not provided satisfactory results, and their use is associated with a significant residual risk of cardiovascular disease and various side effects.Probiotics have recently attracted considerable interest for their potential use to prevent atherosclerosis. This review will discuss the mechanisms of effect and impact of probiotics on atherosclerosis risk factors, as well as the potential use of probiotics in the prevention of atherosclerosis, based on a review of the available literature in the PubMed database from 2019 to 2023 using key words on studies related to this topic

The effect of uterine artery embolization on fertility preservation in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids

Introduction: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the uterus. Most often they are asymptomatic, but in their course there may be ailments such as: abnormal bleeding, anaemia, pain, constipation, problems with urination. These tumors are also one of the many causes of infertility. They are most often detected during a standard ultrasound examination. Pharmacological, minimally invasive and surgical treatment is currently available. Aim: The aim of our study was to review scientific articles in order to demonstrate whether the treatment of uterine fibroids with uterine artery embolization has an impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods: Review of the latest PubMed literature, Google Scholar in the period 2017 - 2023 and evaluation of available randomized controlled trials using uterine artery embolization in terms of fertility preservation by assessing ovarian reserve, number of pregnancies, miscarriages and perinatal complications. Conclusions: Uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective method in reducing symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. This procedure shortens hospitalization and recovery time compared to myomectomy or hysterectomy. Unfortunately, for women who want children, this method is not recommended due to the risk of reduced ovarian reserve and miscarriage, premature birth, placental abnormality, and severe postpartum hemorrhage. &nbsp

Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of anti-obesity drugs - an update on the current state of knowledge on available and investigational drugs

Introduction and purpose of the work: Disturbing epidemiological data indicate that obesity has become a global problem and has reached the size of a worldwide epidemic. The search for effective methods of combating obesity seems to be an important step in preventing cardiovascular diseases and numerous metabolic complications. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of available drugs used in the treatment of obesity in accordance with the current state of knowledge and to present new pharmacological options. State of knowledge: Pharmacotherapy provides overweight and obese adults with the opportunity to support weight reduction in the event of failure of lifestyle modifications. Currently registered drugs for the treatment of obesity are orlistat, lorcaserin, liraglutide and combination preparations: phentermine/topiramate and naltrexone SR/bupropion SR.   Summary: Among the currently available drugs for obesity, the most effective are phentermine/topiramate and liraglutide. Research is also underway on the use of new substances that promote weight loss. The latest data on semaglutide and tirzepatide have better efficacy results compared to currently available drugs with a similar safety profile. The latest data on semaglutide and tirzepatide improve the efficacy results of current drugs while maintaining a similar safety profile. It seems that the best way to lose excessive body weight should be an individualized approach to the treatment of obesity among patients, taking into account i.a. degree of obesity, comorbidities, contraindications, patient preferences, cost and availability of treatment. In clinical practice, when choosing a drug, we should pay attention to side effects and find a balance between effectiveness and safety. In addition to weight loss, the use of anti-obesity drugs has many additional benefits, including improvement of the cardiometabolic profile, reduction of glucose, insulin and lipids in the blood

The influence of the gut microbiome on polycystic ovary syndrome - literature review

The intestinal microbiome is an integral part of our body, and a normal intestinal microflora allows the body to maintain homeostasis. Dysbiosis can contribute to the development of many cardiovascular diseases, can affect the development of cancer, gynecological diseases. Polycystic ovary syndrome affects many women of reproductive age and leads to a decrease in the quality of life of patients facing this problem. The main symptoms of PCOS are: menstrual disorders, problems with getting pregnant, skin problems (acne, hirsutism), obesity. The mainstay of treatment is hormonal medication, metformin. There are reports of supplementing drug therapy with diet, a healthy lifestyle. In recent years, there have been a number of studies looking for a relationship between the state of the intestinal microflora and polycystic ovary syndrome. In our work, we reviewed the available literature in the PuBMed database from 2019 to 2023 with key words on the studies related to our topic

Obsessive - compulsive disorder - course during pregnancy, exacerbation factors - literature review

Introduction and purpose of the work:  The period of pregnancy and puerperium is the time of increased vulnerability for mother’s mental deterioration. While disorders such as perinatal depression have been detailed, an impact of pregnancy on the course of other mental disorders such as OCD is less investigated. The purpose of this work was to  draw attention to the factors that may influence exacerbation of obsessions and compulsions in pregnancy and during the postpartum period. The most common obsessions and compulsions of pregnant women and the influence of mother’s OCD on the newborn have also been described in this research.   State of knowledge: Factors such as mother’s age, duration of pregnancy, method of delivery may be predictors of aggravation of obsessions and compulsions. Gestational diabetes, thyroid hormones levels, personality disorders of the mother, stress, cultural beliefs also have an impact on mother’s OCD. Infant being infected or hurt are the most common obsession subjects while cleaning and checking the baby happen to be the most frequent compulsions.   Summary: It is important to disseminate knowledge about the course of OCD during pregnancy and postpartum period and pay attention to the inflammatory factors for earlier diagnosis and treatment. More research about factors worsening OCD through pregnancy are needed to be conducted

The influence of bipolar disorder medication on sexual performance

Sexual performance is one of the key aspects of good quality of life, both in healthy people and patients suffering from various mental disorders. Besides many reasons causing poor sexual performance, like mental condition itself, medication can alter one's ability to achieve satisfaction in sex. Sexual dysfunction is listed among one of side effects of psychotropic medications. Aim of this work is to determine an influence of pharmacotherapy on sexual function in patients with bipolar disorder.  Results: Pharmacotherapy in patients suffering from bipolar disorder can cause a multitude of side effects, including malfunction in sexual performance. Extent of severity in poor sexual life depends on many factors among which are: type of drug taken, whether there are one or more drugs taken at the same time. Seems to be observed that quetiapine shows the least negative effect on sexual performance. Additionally, highest risk of sexual malfunction is observed in patients with polytherapy.   Conclusion: Besides topics investigated in the following research, there are additional factors like duration and severity of the disease, gender and age. There are many variables needed to be taken into consideration, but there is potential of choosing proper medication for a patient with least possible side effects and to allow them to perform more successful sex life, which directly corresponds with better quality of life

The effect of antioxidants on the course and prevention of Alzheimer's disease on the example of vitamin E

Introduction and purpose of the workAlzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. A small proportion of cases have a genetic etiology. Other factors that influence the development of Alzheimer's disease include old age, family history of the disease, head trauma, hypertension in middle age, excessive body weight, diabetes, as well as elevated plasma cholesterol levels. In the course of this disease, there is accumulation of β-amyloid and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NETs) phosphorylated tau. Oxidative stress is a significant factor influencing induction in the course of Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of vitamin E on the course and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. State of the knowledgeCurrently, there is no known effective treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Given the properties of vitamin E, it seems reasonable to conduct research on its possible positive effects in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the role of vitamin E supplementation in the course of this disease. Many of them have shown a positive effect of eating a diet rich in vitamin E or taking this vitamin in the form of supplements on slowing the rate of progression of the disease and reducing the risk of its onset. However, there are also studies in which the role of vitamin E has not been confirmed.SummaryDue to its properties, vitamin E can be considered as a means to reduce the risk of developing and progressing Alzheimer’s disease, but studies conducted so far are ambiguous on this issue. Further analysis should be carried out to confirm the efficacy of vitamin E in Alzheimer’s disease

The influence of bipolar disorder medication on sexual performance

Sexual performance is one of the key aspects of good quality of life, both in healthy people and patients suffering from various mental disorders. Besides many reasons causing poor sexual performance, like mental condition itself, medication can alter one's ability to achieve satisfaction in sex. Sexual dysfunction is listed among one of side effects of psychotropic medications. Aim of this work is to determine an influence of pharmacotherapy on sexual function in patients with bipolar disorder.  Results: Pharmacotherapy in patients suffering from bipolar disorder can cause a multitude of side effects, including malfunction in sexual performance. Extent of severity in poor sexual life depends on many factors among which are: type of drug taken, whether there are one or more drugs taken at the same time. Seems to be observed that quetiapine shows the least negative effect on sexual performance. Additionally, highest risk of sexual malfunction is observed in patients with polytherapy.   Conclusion: Besides topics investigated in the following research, there are additional factors like duration and severity of the disease, gender and age. There are many variables needed to be taken into consideration, but there is potential of choosing proper medication for a patient with least possible side effects and to allow them to perform more successful sex life, which directly corresponds with better quality of life

Obsessive - compulsive disorder - course during pregnancy, exacerbation factors - literature review

Introduction and purpose of the work:  The period of pregnancy and puerperium is the time of increased vulnerability for mother’s mental deterioration. While disorders such as perinatal depression have been detailed, an impact of pregnancy on the course of other mental disorders such as OCD is less investigated. The purpose of this work was to  draw attention to the factors that may influence exacerbation of obsessions and compulsions in pregnancy and during the postpartum period. The most common obsessions and compulsions of pregnant women and the influence of mother’s OCD on the newborn have also been described in this research.   State of knowledge: Factors such as mother’s age, duration of pregnancy, method of delivery may be predictors of aggravation of obsessions and compulsions. Gestational diabetes, thyroid hormones levels, personality disorders of the mother, stress, cultural beliefs also have an impact on mother’s OCD. Infant being infected or hurt are the most common obsession subjects while cleaning and checking the baby happen to be the most frequent compulsions.   Summary: It is important to disseminate knowledge about the course of OCD during pregnancy and postpartum period and pay attention to the inflammatory factors for earlier diagnosis and treatment. More research about factors worsening OCD through pregnancy are needed to be conducted

Efficiency of Brick Dust and Powdered Ceramsite in the Phosphorus Removal from Wastewater

The biological methods of removing the phosphorus compounds from wastewater as applied currently at treatment plants may no longer be regarded as sufficient. They can therefore be augmented with physicochemical methods, raising the efficiency of the wastewater treatment system. Indeed, almost all large urban wastewater treatment plants practice precipitation of phosphorus using salts of iron and aluminum in the form of chemical coagulants. Nevertheless, the search for new ways of assisting with the removal of the biogenic element from wastewater, e.g. by dosing bentonites, fly ash and post-technological sludge from water treatment stations, or even unconventional organic sorbents such as rice husks, is ongoing. A further unconventional material in the P-removal from wastewater may take the form of powdered mineral materials. The work presented here shows the results of laboratory scale trials on the P-removal using brick dust and powdered ceramsite (expanded clay)