Vonoprazan - a new drug for inhibiting gastric acid secretion

Introduction and purpose  Vonoprazan is a potassium-competent acid blocker (P-CAB). It has the potential to be an alternative to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as it inhibits hydrochloric acid secretion. The mechanism of action is different than PPIs - vonoprazan reversibly inhibits gastric H+, K+-ATPase, while PPIs irreversibly. Vonoprazan is approved for use in Japan and the US. The aim of the study was to review articles on the use of vonoprazan instead of PPIs in the treatment of acid-related gastrological diseases and to present the results obtained.    A brief description of the state of knowledge  Vonoprazan is used in the treatment of acid-related gastrological diseases. The 20 mg dose is suitable for most diseases, such as treatment of ulcers during low-dose aspirin treatment, post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (post-ESD) ulcers, erosive esophagitis (EE) in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Helicobacter pylori eradication.    Summary  Researches suggest that the drug is an alternative for PPIs and can be used instead of them. The main advantage of this drug over PPIs is that it works faster, more potent and long-lasting. Studies suggest that vonoprazan can be use to treatment of the acid-related diseases and may be a better choice than PPIs. Vonoprazan may have a particular use in the treatment of PPI-refractory GERD. In post-ESD ulcers, a significant benefit in treatment effects of vonoprazan over PPIs cannot be clearly concluded.&nbsp

Impact of gut microbiota on severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - a short review

Introduction and purpose  Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has an unclear etiology. Genetic and environmental factors dominate among the etiologic factors. The disorder is characterized by the presence of obsessions (repetitive and persistent thoughts, images, impulses or urges) and compulsions (rituals; repetitive behaviours or mental acts that the individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession). This disorder has less than 4% of the population. Treatment is a long and difficult process, and the best results are with SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of the study was to review articles linking gut microbiota and obsessive-compulsive disorder issues.    A brief description of the state of knowledge  The gut microbiota-gut-brain axis perhaps has an impact on the etiology of psychiatric diseases. Its existence has been well researched in animals. Researches suggest that there possibly may be changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Quantitative and qualitative changes in the gut microbiota composition may worsen the patient's condition. The use of probiotics may help improve the patient's condition and reduce symptoms of the disorder.    Summary (conclusions)  More research is needed to explore the potential impact of the gut microbiota on obsessive-compulsive disorder. This could perhaps lead to future applications of probiotics, e.g., in the adjunctive treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Impact of physical activity on incidence of osteoporotic fractures - a review

Introduction and purpose: The purpose od this study is to describe influence of participating in sporting activities on health of the bones. Osteoporosis is a disease of elderly people in which bone mineral density lowers. Physical activity was reported to increase bone mineral density.A brief description of the state of knowledge: Better physical performance is a positive factor that lowers the possibility of fracturing the bones of the elderly. Another factor that plays protective role is lean body mass and development of muscles. Training in young age can help to increase the bone mineral density, but the effect ceases with the passing of time, being much lower after decades. Multiple genes have impact on bone mineral density of the individual. Professional athletes have usually higher bone mineral density, but accumulation of microdamage in their bones can result in stress fractures. Training in elderly age is proven to increase bone mineral density of an individual, especially performing weight-bearing sports.Conclusions: Physical activity has been proven to positively affect health in many ways. One of them is strengthening the bones by increasing bone mineral density. As it increases, the possibility to break the bone lowers, which makes it an effective way to support the fight against the osteoporosis. It is especially important for women, who are more susceptible to osteoporotic fractures in post-menopausal age