What do we know about the connection between gut microbiota and pain?

Introduction and objective    The relationship between gut microbiota and pain is crucial. Several studies demonstrate the evidence that gut microbiota play a key role in visceral, neuropathic and inflammatory pain. The proper profile of microbiota is also important in patients after surgeries and injuries who suffer from postoperative pain. In the present review study we assessed a comprehensive range of relevant literature to present the role of gut microbiota as the key factor in maintaining the structural integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, pain perception and modulation of the immune system.    Review methods    We conducted a literature review in February, 2023 searching for terms “Gut microbiome and pain", “Probiotic supplementation”, “Fecal microbial transplantation in patients with pain”. This publication includes the analysis of several case reports, which describe patients who were successfully treated with modification of gut microbiota composition.    Brief description of the state of knowledge    The gut microbiota is a diversity of many different microorganisms. They inhabit our gut and are the key to many aspects of human health. To understand how important the gut microbiome is we have to be aware of a bidirectional connection between the gut and the brain. The gut microbiota has an impact on the nervous system via the microbiome-gut-brain axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.   Summary   We propose novel therapeutic methods like probiotics or prebiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation as the new strategy for the management of pain. To reach this goal we need more clinical evidence to implement our theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.

What do we know about the connection between gut microbiota and pain?

Introduction and objective    The relationship between gut microbiota and pain is crucial. Several studies demonstrate the evidence that gut microbiota play a key role in visceral, neuropathic and inflammatory pain. The proper profile of microbiota is also important in patients after surgeries and injuries who suffer from postoperative pain. In the present review study we assessed a comprehensive range of relevant literature to present the role of gut microbiota as the key factor in maintaining the structural integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, pain perception and modulation of the immune system.    Review methods    We conducted a literature review in February, 2023 searching for terms “Gut microbiome and pain", “Probiotic supplementation”, “Fecal microbial transplantation in patients with pain”. This publication includes the analysis of several case reports, which describe patients who were successfully treated with modification of gut microbiota composition.    Brief description of the state of knowledge    The gut microbiota is a diversity of many different microorganisms. They inhabit our gut and are the key to many aspects of human health. To understand how important the gut microbiome is we have to be aware of a bidirectional connection between the gut and the brain. The gut microbiota has an impact on the nervous system via the microbiome-gut-brain axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.   Summary   We propose novel therapeutic methods like probiotics or prebiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation as the new strategy for the management of pain. To reach this goal we need more clinical evidence to implement our theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.

Efficiency of mobile apps for monitoring and management of mental health - review article

Introduction and purpose Mobile health apps are becoming increasingly popular. Many of them deal with improving mental well-being. This work aims to determine the effectiveness of using self-help forms of mental health care using mobile phones. Material and Methods The literature on mobile applications for mental health was reviewed using the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar. State of knowledge Mental illness is a severe problem for a large part of society. There is often effective treatment for them, but access to health care resources is limited. There are many applications that offer users psychoeducation and elements of psychotherapy. Many studies have shown their effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety disorders and dealing with excessive stress. Some research papers show the usefulness of mobile services in coping with distorted body image in body dysmorphic disorder, as well as in controlling physical activity and sleep time in the case of insomnia. Some of the programs seem to be useful in the functioning of people suffering from bipolar affective disorder, but their effectiveness in this disease is limited and still being analyzed. Summary Mobile health applications for monitoring and improving mental health are a promising form of helping patients. Some of them have been proven to work, but more research is needed on specific programs. It is important to remember that apps are used to supplement treatment, and do not fully replace contact with psychiatrists and psychologists

Current state of knowledge on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in various medical conditions

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSECannabis sativa contains hundreds of compounds, referred to as cannabinoids. Two most prevalent are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is non-psychoactive substance that has recently gained attention in lay press and in medical research. Aim of this study is to review evidence-based data on safety, effectiveness and applicability of CBD in various medical conditions in order to provide healthcare professionals with information that may be useful in their practice.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn April 2023, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies that included phrases “CBD” or “cannabidiol”, and related phrases. In the review, only studies that used well-established research methods were included.RESULTSCBD is an effective novel treatment option in Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex and Dravet syndrome. Data supporting CBD’s applicability in anxiety, Parkinson’s Disease, schizophrenia, insomnia, pain, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis and as an anti-aging agent is promising, but more research on bigger groups of patients is needed to establish its role in modern medicine.CONCLUSIONSThe use of CBD is associated with risks of variable dosage, contamination and adulteration. At present, there is a need of more research to establish effective and safe doses of CBD. Clinicians need to monitor new data from ongoing CBD trials, but at present there is no hard evidence supporting effectiveness of CBD in various medical conditions, apart from epilepsy

A Systematic Review of the Influence of High-Intensity Interval Training on Body Composition and Synthesizing Evidence from Scientific Literature

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves performing a series of intense exercises interspersed with periods of passive or active rest. HIIT provides changes in body composition and physical fitness. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of HIIT on changes in body composition and compare the results of HIIT with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and resistance training (RT). REVIEW METHODS The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies examining the impact of HIIT on changes in body composition. Articles published up to 31.03.2023 were included, with a particular focus on the most recent publications. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE The classification of HIIT considers the intensity, duration and number of bouts during training session, as well as the length of the intervention period. Body composition describes qualitive and quantitative elements in the human body. Improving body composition benefits health and enables better training results. HIIT promotes weight loss, reduces BMI and decreases the content of adipose tissue, including visceral fat. HIIT is equally or more effective than MICT in burning fat tissue. Resistance exercises added to HIIT protocols have a favorable effect on changes in body composition. SUMMARY The assessment of HIIT effects on changes in body composition is complicated due to various interpretations of its definition. Further analyses are needed to systematize knowledge of the benefits of different HIIT protocols. Research optimizing them for reducing adipose tissue based on age, gender, body mass and presence of metabolic disorders are necessary

Potential clinical usage of ashwagandha root extract: A review

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Ashwagandha, an herb commonly used in traditional Indian medicine, has been gathering attention as a potential drug in various specialties such as psychiatry, neurology, or endocrinology and even as a possible cancer treatment. In this review we aim to summarize reports form recent years on potential clinical usage of Ashwagandha. REVIEW METHODS The literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar online databases. THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE Several studies evaluating potential pharmacological uses of Ashwagandha root extract has been published. There are clinical trials conducted in India using the plant in treatment of insomnia that resulted in improved sleep quality. Ashwagandha root extract has been successfully administered in stress-related disorders. There are reports of improvement in cognitive functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment and better symptom control in obsessive-compulsive disorder after Ashwagandha supplementation. Ashwagandha has been studied in endocrine diseases, showing potential in alleviating climacteric symptoms during perimenopause and in subclinical hypothyroidism. The study aimed to assess effect of Ashwagandha on vitality and hormonal changes in elderly men showed mixed results, with improvement in some hormonal levels and not statistically significant improvement in quality of life compared to placebo group. It has also been noted that ashwagandha root extract has positive effect on cardiovascular system, as well as enhancing muscle strength and recovery in otherwise healthy adults. SUMMARYAshwagandha root extract seems to possess beneficial properties that allow for its use in several branches of medicine. However as current findings are reported from small sample studies, further research on a larger scale is needed

L-carnitine supplementation in female infertility – is it working?

Introduction and objective: Infertility is estimated to affect around 15% of couples in reproductive age. Due to delayed decision about childbearing and unhealthy lifestyle it is increasing problem in many western countries. For that reason, people seek out supplements to enhance their fertility. L-carnitine is primarily known as a supplement often used by athletes to enhance exercise performance, but some reports suggest that L-carnitine may also have a positive effect on sperm and oocytes quality. The aim of this study was to summarize the published reports about L-carnitine impact on female fertility. Brief description of the state knowledge The primary mechanism of action of L-carnitine involves its role in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells, where they are then metabolized in a process called beta-oxidation to produce energy. L-carnitine also have antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress. It has also been suggested to play a role in modulating signaling pathways involved in metabolism, inflammation, and cellular growth and differentiation. Due to wide range of possible mechanisms of action L-carnitine is considered as a potential supplement for fertility. Summary The presented literature review suggests that L-carnitine has a promising effect on improving female fertility, especially when it comes to clomiphene citrate-resistant patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and in vitro fertilization. However, further studies are needed to confirm its role and exclude possible side effects of its use before it is routinely recommended for this indication

Sleep duration and cardiovascular outcomes

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, causing approximately 17.9 deaths annually. Their risk factors are mainly related to an inappropriate lifestyle and include, among others, low physical activity, obesity, hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Nowadays, there is an increase in the incidence of CVD as well as sleeping disorders, so many studies have focused on finding the connection between these phenomena. The impact of sleep duration on the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors was analyzed based on a systematic analysis of the literature. The review was carried out using keywords, based on data contained in the Google Scholar search engine database, in the PubMed scientific database and medical electronic journals. The analyzed studies indicate that sleep duration, its both excessive shortening and lengthening, as well as poor quality, may be associated with CVD, their risk factors and increased overall mortality. Researchers point to the connection between sleep duration and development of hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes, with short sleep identified as a stronger risk factor. In addition long sleep was associated with poor health and overall worse results of the subjects more often than short sleep. This suggests that long sleep may not be the cause, but a consequence of yet undiagnosed, coexisting chronic diseases. The results indicate the need to assess sleep disorders as a goal for primary and secondary prevention of CVD and reduction of their risk factors. The importance of long sleep remains ambiguous, whether it is the reason for health deterioration or results from it and requires further research. Large intervention studies are also still needed to assess whether improvements in sleep duration and its quality can reduce cardiovascular risk and improve long-term health outcomes

The influence of physical activity on reducing ADHD symptoms – a systematic review

Introduction and objective Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disease affecting children and adults. Quality of life of patients suffering from ADHD is often significantly reduced. The most common treatment includes medication and psychotherapy. Although the treatment is often efficient there is still a necessity of exploring other types of therapy due to the material reasons and side effects of the medications. The aim of the study was to asses the state of the knowledge about the influence of physical activity on the occurrence of symptoms in patients suffering from ADHD. State of knowledge The most common ADHD therapy is based on pharmacological agents. Mechanism of action of the drugs is often based on the inhibition of the reuptake of noradrenaline and dopamine. It leads to the enhancement in their transmission and causes the alleviation in ADHD symptoms. Many studies indicate  that physical activity increases the level of catecholamines as well. The effects of physical activity on ADHD symptoms could be similar to those invoked by stimulants then. In comparison to drug therapy, physical activity is devoid of side effects and less expensive. Methods and materials We conducted a literature review in march 2023 using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We used the terms “Physical activity in ADHD treatment”, “ ADHD in adults”, “ ADHD in children”, “ADHD symptoms”, “ADHD treatment”. Summary According to many studies physical activity seems to be efficient in reducing ADHD symptoms. The benefits are more reliable in children due to the bigger amount of conducted studies. Further clinical, randomized trials especially in a group of adults are needed to access the efficiency of physical activity as a ADHD treatment

Analysis of the effects of platelet-rich plasma injection on the human body depending on the site of administration – review article

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous material. It is created by drawing the patient's blood and preparing it properly. In that, a several-fold increase in platelets and growth factors is achieved. By applying the PRP prepared this way to the appropriate tissue, it is possible to improve the clinical condition of many disorders. Purpose: Analysis of the effects of platelet-rich plasma injection on the human body depending on the site of administration. Review of literature. Material and methods: We have selected, in our opinion, the most important information from articles about the use of PRP in: androgenetic alopecia, hair regrowth, wound healing, atrophic acne scars, erectile dysfunction, gynecology and improving women's sexual satisfaction, osteoarthritis and skin rejuvenation. Summary (conclusion): Thanks to its properties, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can stimulate the human body to regenerate. Androgenetic alopecia, hair regrowth, acceleration of wound healing, acne scars, erectile dysfunction and osteoarthritis are just some of the disorders in which the use of platelet-rich plasma proves to be promising. From the studies above it can be concluded that the effects of local PRP injections can be complementary to the therapy of many other diseases. However, more adequate research is needed to register the application of local platelet-rich plasma as a form of treatment for these diseases