PCOS as a generational disease - risks to mother and children

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the dominant endocrine and metabolic disorder in young women. The incidence has increased significantly over the years and now affects approximately 6-20% of women of childbearing age. AIM: The aim of the work is to present the current state of knowledge about PCOS, to show what complications it brings and to present the disease as a multi-generational problem. TECHNICAL CONDITION. DESCRIPTION: It is widely accepted that hyperandrogenism plays a fundamental role in the development of most of the reproductive and metabolic disorders associated with PCOS. Excess androgens have a detrimental effect on the metabolic homeostasis of women with PCOS, acting on various metabolic tissues. PCOS is associated with reduced fertility or infertility. Women should be aware of factors affecting fertility, especially the effects of obesity and age. After pregnancy, women with PCOS have a significantly increased risk of pregnancy-related complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure disorders, preterm and caesarean delivery, and pre-eclampsia.The offspring of women with PCOS may have an increased risk of birth defects and hospitalization in childhood. According to the DOHaD theory, the unfavorable uterine environment caused by mothers with PCOS, consisting in changes in fetal metabolism, may increase the susceptibility of the offspring to diseases in adulthood, according to the DOHaD theory. In addition, the offspring of PCOS are prone to a range of metabolic diseases in early adulthood, which will also affect the health of their children. CONCLUSION: The effects of endocrine disorders affect women with PCOS as well as their offspring. Diet, weight maintenance, physical activity, anti-androgenic drugs and metformin are recommended to reduce symptoms in mothers and their children. Breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational transmission remains a huge challenge

The role of the gut microbiota and the use of new therapies in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with a multifactorial nature of the disease. IBS affects 11% of the population, with the gut microbiota playing an important role in the pathophysiology. Purpose: The aim of this article is to present the course of irritable bowel syndrome, the role of the gut microbiota in pathophysiology, and new therapeutic approaches, including probiotics, based on the current state of knowledge. Conclusions: IBS is a syndrome whose exact pathophysiology is not fully understood. The state of the gut microbiota has a huge impact on the course of the disease, but also on the functioning of the whole body. New therapies currently in use, i.e. probiotics, are showing promising results, but more research is needed to find the golden mean to treat the disease. Methods: Data for the article were retrieved using PubMed setting the time descriptors to 2013-2023. Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the more common functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It manifests as recurrent abdominal pain, discomfort and bloating accompanied by bowel movements without a direct underlying cause. From multicentre clinical studies, it is known that disorders of various mechanisms within the brain-gut axis, altered gastrointestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity are the underlying causes. In addition, many scholars are of the opinion that disturbances in the gut microbiota play a key role in the pathogenesis of IBS

Hashimoto's disease - the role of factors and diet in the course of the disease

Introduction: Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that develops as a result of a pathological reaction of the patient's immune system, which consequently destroys the body's own healthy cells and tissues. Genetic, environmental and immunological factors influence its development. The disease may initially be asymptomatic. The exact aetiology of the disease is unknown. The worldwide incidence is approximately 10-12%. Purpose: This paper aims to present the influence of genetic factors, environmental factors, trace elements, and diet on the development and course of Hashimoto's disease based on the current state of knowledge. Conclusions: Hashimoto's disease is a multifactorial disease, but the relevance of all factors presented in the development and progression has not yet been confirmed. To date, a special diet for patients has not been created. Further research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease in order to help patients control HT. Methods: Data for the article were retrieved using PubMed setting the time descriptors to 2013-2023

The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on the risk of developing preeclampsia

Introduction and purpose:    The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the health, life and quality of life of many people around the world. It caused huge changes in the daily functioning of entire societies. Pregnant women are a unique group of people who are particularly at risk. They are accompanied by fear for their health, but also fear of the impact of the disease on their offspring. The pandemic has also caused new challenges for mothers-to-be that have not occurred so far. In this paper, we would like to present the current state of knowledge on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.   State of knowledge:   We analyzed studies showing the impact of COVID-19 infection on the health of pregnant women, especially on the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Data from many studies are contradictory. Some studies do not indicate a significant impact of coronavirus infection on the development of pre-eclampsia. Some of them confirm a higher incidence of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 infection.   Conclusions:   Despite the experience gained, there are still many unknowns. Thanks to research, we have more and more knowledge about the course of COVID-19 in pregnant women and its impact on their lives. Many observations are still needed to formulate clear conclusions about the impact of COVID-19 on the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. It is also necessary to continue to educate women, encourage compliance with the recommendations of doctors and the World Health Organization to prevent the spread of coronavirus

Diet in the prevention and treatment of depression - systematic review

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It affects, according to WHO, nearly 300 million people worldwide, a number close to 3,8 % of the world’s population. Depression is not exclusively a mental disorder limited to psychiatry, nowadays it is present in all medical fields. It has a significant association with many comorbidities, as an example cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Additionally, depression often is manifested with psychosomatic symptoms. Both aspects lead clinicians to major diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Each one of dietary element: omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, creatine was found to correspond with mental health in patients and the level of mentioned diet components is negatively correlated with depression risk of individuals. Each of the dietary aspect considered in the article has a significant correlation with depression disorder and might support the new multidisciplinary attitude toward it in mental health.&nbsp

The impact of indoor air pollution on the lung cancer – literature review

Introduction: Lung cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer and the leading cause of death around the world. The most important risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco smoking. However, there are a lot of other lung cancer risk factors, which include: second-hand smoke exposure, environmental exposures (indoor and outdoor air pollution), occupational exposures, genetic predisposition, and previous lung disease. In this study, we would like to present the actual state of knowledge about the influence of radon as well as other indoor air pollutants on the prevalence of lung cancer. State of knowledge: We analyzed nineteen studies in terms of the impact of indoor air pollution on morbidity and mortality caused by lung cancer. The authors of the included studies agree that both radon and other household air pollution (HAP) increase risk of the lung cancer. HAPs are formed during the combustion of solid fuels (i.e. charcoal, wood). Indoor air pollution can cause in the lungs chronic inflammation, cells damage and their proliferation, depletion of antioxidants, impairment of defense mechanisms, production of reactive oxygen species as well as genetic mutations. Radon, on the other hand, emits alpha radiation, which can affect the respiratory epithelium and produce various cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, which promote carcinogenesis. The risk of lung cancer rises by approximately 6-16% per 100 Bq/m3 increase in long-time average residential radon concentration.  Conclusions: Radon and other indoor air pollutants are crucial lung cancer risk factors. It is essential to reduce HAPs production, especially in rural areas, where many people still use coal, wood, or straw for household heating and cooking. Moreover, there are regions where is a need to improve ventilation as well as to switch to clean fuel sources, such as gas and electricity. These activities will contribute to reducing the concentration of HAPs in buildings and decreasing the risk of lung cancer

Morphological, anatomical, and phytochemical studies of Carlina acaulis L. cypsela

Carlina acaulis L. has a long tradition of use in folk medicine. The chemical composition of the roots and green parts of the plant is quite well known. There is the lowest amount of data on the cypsela (fruit) of this plant. In this study, the microscopic structures and the chemical composition of the cypsela were investigated. Preliminary cytochemical studies of the structure of the Carlina acaulis L. cypsela showed the presence of substantial amounts of protein and lipophilic substances. The chemical composition of the cypsela was investigated using spectrophotometry, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric and fluorescence detection. The cypsela has been shown to be a rich source of macro- and microelements, vegetable oil (25%), α-tocopherol (approx. 2 g/kg of oil), protein (approx. 36% seed weight), and chlorogenic acids (approx. 22 g/kg seed weight). It also contains a complex set of volatile compounds. The C. acaulis cypsela is, therefore, a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive substances

The role of the gut microbiota and the use of new therapies in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with a multifactorial nature of the disease. IBS affects 11% of the population, with the gut microbiota playing an important role in the pathophysiology. Purpose: The aim of this article is to present the course of irritable bowel syndrome, the role of the gut microbiota in pathophysiology, and new therapeutic approaches, including probiotics, based on the current state of knowledge. Conclusions: IBS is a syndrome whose exact pathophysiology is not fully understood. The state of the gut microbiota has a huge impact on the course of the disease, but also on the functioning of the whole body. New therapies currently in use, i.e. probiotics, are showing promising results, but more research is needed to find the golden mean to treat the disease. Methods: Data for the article were retrieved using PubMed setting the time descriptors to 2013-2023. Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the more common functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It manifests as recurrent abdominal pain, discomfort and bloating accompanied by bowel movements without a direct underlying cause. From multicentre clinical studies, it is known that disorders of various mechanisms within the brain-gut axis, altered gastrointestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity are the underlying causes. In addition, many scholars are of the opinion that disturbances in the gut microbiota play a key role in the pathogenesis of IBS

Hashimoto's disease - the role of factors and diet in the course of the disease

Introduction: Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that develops as a result of a pathological reaction of the patient's immune system, which consequently destroys the body's own healthy cells and tissues. Genetic, environmental and immunological factors influence its development. The disease may initially be asymptomatic. The exact aetiology of the disease is unknown. The worldwide incidence is approximately 10-12%. Purpose: This paper aims to present the influence of genetic factors, environmental factors, trace elements, and diet on the development and course of Hashimoto's disease based on the current state of knowledge. Conclusions: Hashimoto's disease is a multifactorial disease, but the relevance of all factors presented in the development and progression has not yet been confirmed. To date, a special diet for patients has not been created. Further research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease in order to help patients control HT. Methods: Data for the article were retrieved using PubMed setting the time descriptors to 2013-2023