Infertility in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): a challenge to overcome

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic digestive disorders that affects an increasing number of people. As the peak incidence of IBD occurs during the reproductive age and affects young people, it is worth examining the impact of IBD on the fertility of patients. In view of the growing problem of infertility in society and the probable relationship between decreased reproductive function and the occurrence of chronic diseases, it is reasonable to examine this phenomenon in detail. Objective: The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on the association between IBD and infertility based on available literature. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases with the following search terms: IBD, infertility, infertility diagnosis, the relationship between IBD and infertility, drugs and infertility, psychological aspects of infertility in IBD. State of knowledge: There are few meta-analyses on the association between IBD and infertility in the literature, and this is due to the small number of studies on this topic. Conclusions: Infertility is becoming an increasingly common problem in people with IBD. Stress and anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on the course of the disease, and thus limit reproductive opportunities. Taking medications to control the course of the disease is crucial for patients to remain in remission, however, patients should be informed about the impact of some medications on reproduction and adjust their conception plans according to their current therapy. Treatment of the underlying disease, reducing anxiety levels, regular physical activity, and a healthy and balanced diet are all components of appropriate management in people with IBD who are trying to conceive. Without these pillars, it is difficult to guarantee successful pregnancy outcomes

The role of B lymphocytes in selected rheumatological and neurological diseases

Introduction: B lymphocytes are responsible for humoral immune response. They play a crucial role in the development of the immune response and are essential in preventing infections as well as autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. They also constitute an important therapeutic target and are used in genetic and immunological therapies. In some cases, B cells can contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases. Aim of study: The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on the diverse role of B lymphocytes in selected rheumatic and neurological diseases using available scientific literature. Materials and Methods: This  review was conducted using  Pubmed and Google Scholar databases from 2009-2023. The research strategy was based on the following terms: B lymphocytes, monoclonal antibodies, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, central nervous system damage, optic neuritis, Devic's syndrome. Conclusion: B lymphocytes play a significant role in the pathogenesis of many rheumatic and neurological diseases, therefore they represent a target for modern therapies. Their role and potential use are complex and differ depending on the specific disease entity. Further research will allow for the development of new targeted therapies, giving hope for improving the effectiveness of patient treatment

Infertility in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): a challenge to overcome

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic digestive disorders that affects an increasing number of people. As the peak incidence of IBD occurs during the reproductive age and affects young people, it is worth examining the impact of IBD on the fertility of patients. In view of the growing problem of infertility in society and the probable relationship between decreased reproductive function and the occurrence of chronic diseases, it is reasonable to examine this phenomenon in detail. Objective: The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on the association between IBD and infertility based on available literature. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases with the following search terms: IBD, infertility, infertility diagnosis, the relationship between IBD and infertility, drugs and infertility, psychological aspects of infertility in IBD. State of knowledge: There are few meta-analyses on the association between IBD and infertility in the literature, and this is due to the small number of studies on this topic. Conclusions: Infertility is becoming an increasingly common problem in people with IBD. Stress and anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on the course of the disease, and thus limit reproductive opportunities. Taking medications to control the course of the disease is crucial for patients to remain in remission, however, patients should be informed about the impact of some medications on reproduction and adjust their conception plans according to their current therapy. Treatment of the underlying disease, reducing anxiety levels, regular physical activity, and a healthy and balanced diet are all components of appropriate management in people with IBD who are trying to conceive. Without these pillars, it is difficult to guarantee successful pregnancy outcomes

Immuno-architecture of human fetal lymphoid tissues

Spleen, thymus and lymph node of human fetuses from the 12th to the 38rd week (spleen from 9 weeks) were investigated in an immunohistological study on B5-fixed paraffin embedded tissues, employing a panel of recently developed monoclonal antibodies, reactive with antigens resistant against fixation and paraffin embedment. The monoclonal antibodies included were MT1, MT2, MB1, MB2, MB3, LN1, LN2, LN3, LeuM1, Leu7, VIE-G4, together with polyclonal antibodies reactive with immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, and with lysozyme and S100-protein. The preservation of morphological detail together with immunoperoxidase staining of cellular subsets, allowed an accurate determination of the ontogenic development of the different cell types in situ, in relation to their micro-environment. The use of paraffin tissue reactive (monoclonal) antibodies gives an extra dimension to the study of fetal lymphoid tissues. This is of particular advantage in studies on very fragile tissues as in early embryonal and fetal ontogeny