The impact of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, N-acetylcysteine, and ginkgo biloba on the course and treatment of schizophrenia: A review of research and therapeutic perspectives

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder with a complex etiology involving both genetic and environmental factors. Despite advancements in antipsychotic treatments, many patients continue to experience chronic symptoms and medication side effects. As a result, there is growing interest in dietary supplements and bioactive substances to complement traditional therapies and improve patient quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, N-acetylcysteine, and ginkgo biloba have shown potential in supporting schizophrenia treatment. These substances may help regulate neuroinflammation, neurotransmission disturbances, oxidative stress, and improve cognitive function. This review examines the scientific evidence on their effects and explores the mechanisms behind their potential benefits in schizophrenia management.&nbsp

Music therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation - nonpharmacological interventions in schizophrenia

Objective:Music therapy (MT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for alleviating anxiety in cancer patients. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects remain unclear. This study aims to explore the influence of MT on the gut-brain axis, particularly its impact on gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokine regulation, and neurotransmitter levels. Materials and Methods:A literature review was conducted, analyzing studies on MT's effects on inflammation, gut microbiota composition, and neurochemical modulation in cancer patients and individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. Results:Research suggests that MT can reduce anxiety symptoms in cancer patients by lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8 while modulating mood-related neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, studies indicate that MT may influence gut microbiota composition, which plays a crucial role in the gut-brain axis. Findings from schizophrenia studies further highlight MT’s potential in reducing psychotic symptoms, improving social interaction, and enhancing cognitive flexibility, though effects are often transient. Conclusions:MT presents a safe and effective method for improving emotional well-being and immune function in cancer patients. Its impact on the gut-brain axis suggests a novel therapeutic pathway, warranting further investigation. Additionally, MT's benefits for neuropsychiatric disorders reinforce its potential as an adjunctive therapy for broader clinical applications

Synergistic modulation of gut microbiota and mindfulness-based interventions in schizophrenia: Integrating neurotransmitter regulation and multimodal therapeutic strategies

This review explores an innovative, integrative therapeutic approach that combines probiotics, prebiotics, and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to target the dysregulation of the gut–brain axis in schizophrenia. The rationale for this combined strategy is rooted in the overlapping mechanisms by which both biological and psychosocial interventions influence neurophysiological processes. Probiotics and prebiotics are shown to rebalance the gut microbiota, thereby enhancing the synthesis of key neurotransmitters—such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine—and reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. In parallel, MBIs, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), promote improvements in emotional regulation, cognitive function, and neuroplasticity through the modulation of neurophysiological pathways, notably by attenuating amygdala reactivity and heightening prefrontal cortex engagement. Viewing these interventions through the unifying lens of the gut–brain axis presents a promising paradigm: both modalities may exert synergistic effects to support the management of persistent symptoms of schizophrenia and complement existing therapeutic approaches. By converging on shared biological and psychosocial pathways, this integrative model could offer a more comprehensive strategy for addressing the multifaceted challenges of schizophrenia. While preliminary evidence is encouraging, further controlled clinical studies are essential to determine optimal treatment protocols and to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which these therapies interact to enhance patient outcomes

Dietary treatment in adult diabetic patients

Główne cele leczenia cukrzycy dietą to: 1) uzyskanie i utrzymanie prawidłowego lub bliskiego prawidłowemu stężenia glukozy we krwi, optymalnego profilu lipidowego i pożądanych wartości ciśnienia tętniczego; 2) zapobieganie rozwojowi przewlekłych powikłań cukrzycy lub jego spowolnienie. U pacjentów z nadwagą należy zmniejszyć masę ciała co najmniej o 10% poprzez ograniczenie spożycia tłuszczów i węglowodanów. Spożycie białek powinno wynosić co najmniej 0,8 g/kg należnej masy ciała i powinno pokrywać 15-20% zapotrzebowania energetycznego. Spożycie węglowodanów powinno wynosić 45-50% energii. Preferowane powinny być produkty o niskim indeksie glikemicznym (< 50). Ogólne spożycie tłuszczów powinno wynosić 30-35% energii, nasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych co najwyżej 7% energii, a izomerów trans nienasyconych kwasów tłuszczowych - poniżej 1% energii. Wielonienasycone kwasy tłuszczowe powinny być spożywane w ilościach zalecanych zdrowym osobom. Należy ograniczać spożycie soli do 5 g dziennie. Posiłki powinny być spożywane regularnie 4-6 razy dziennie, o stałej porze. W niniejszej pracy podano zestawienie produktów spożywczych zalecanych, ograniczanych i przeciwwskazanych dla chorych na cukrzycę. Zaprezentowano graficzny podział zalecanych produktów spożywczych na grupy ułatwiający ułożenie dziennej racji pokarmowej, zgodnie z rekomendowanymi proporcjami składników odżywczych. Zamieszczono też przykładowe jadłospisy dziennych racji pokarmowych pokarmowych na 1200, 1500, 1800 i 2000 kcal. (Diabet. Prakt. 2008; 9: 18-27)The main goals of diabetes treatment is: 1. to achieve and maintain normal or close to normal blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and blood pressure values; 2. to prevent, or to slow, the rate of development of the chronic complications of diabetes. In overweight patients body mass should be reduced by at least 10% by decrease in fat and carbohydrate intake. Protein intake should amount to at least 0.8 g/kg of normal body mass, covering 15-20% of energy requirement. Carbohydrate intake should account for 45-50% energy. Products of low glycemic index (< 50) are preferred. Total fat intake should account for 30-35% energy, saturated fatty acids &#8804; 7% energy, and trans isomers of unsaturated fatty acids < 1% energy. Polyunsaturated fatty acids should be consumed in the amounts that are recommended for healthy people. Salt intake should be reduced to 5 g daily. Meals should be regular, consumed 4-6 times a day, at the same hours. The recommended, limited and contraindicated food products for diabetics are listed. We presented also the graphic illustration of groups of recommended food items, that facilitates composing the daily food ration consistent with the recommendations concerning nutrient proportions. Examples of daily menus of 1200, 1500, 1800 and 2000 kcal are presented. (Diabet. Prakt. 2008; 9: 18&#8211;27

Miejsce SPECT w kardiologii w roku 2013

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is one of the noninvasive cardiac imaging technique for ischemic heart disease. It is currently appropriate for assessment of myocardial perfusion and viability. SPECT is recommended as an imaging in symptomatic patients, whose pretested likehood of coronary obstructive heart disease based on age, gender and risk factors is calculated as intermediate according to European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines concerning stable coronary artery disease. SPECT is also recommended for patients with resting ECG abnormalities such as left bundle branch block or stimulator rhythm which prevent accurate interpretation of ECG changes in stress. SPECT should be also considered in patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD) prior revascularization to confirm ischemia or viability of myocardium in specimen segments of left ventricle. It is particularly important in patients with ischemic heart failure to find segments with hemodynamic significant ischemia which are viable. Despite knowledge of high sensitivity and specificity of SPECT in patients with pretested intermediate risk of CAD or in patients with known CAD as well as low cost of the study, this imaging test is still rarely used. It should be especially considered when stress echocardiography is hard to interpret and other recommended methods such as magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography are unavailable.Komputerowa tomografia emisyjna pojedynczego fotonu (SPECT) zalicza się do grupy nieinwazyjnych badań obrazowych, których zadaniem jest ocena perfuzji i żywotności mięśnia sercowego. Zgodnie z wytycznymi Europejskiego Towarzystwa Kardiologicznego (ESC) dotyczącymi rewaskularyzacji mięśnia sercowego badanie SPECT zaleca się u pacjentów objawowych, u których ryzyko wystąpienia choroby wieńcowej (CAD), oceniane na podstawie wieku, płci i innych czynników ryzyka, jest określane jako pośrednie. Wykonywanie badania SPECT zaleca się również u chorych, u których ze względu na zmiany w spoczynkowym elektrokardiogramie (EKG), tj. blok lewej odnogi pęczka Hisa, rytm ze stymulatora, zespół preekscytacji, przerost lewej komory lub zmiany repolaryzacji, interpretacja testu wysiłkowego byłaby utrudniona. Kolejną grupą chorych, którzy mogą być kierowani na badanie SPECT, są osoby z już rozpoznaną CAD. Zwężenie tętnicy wieńcowej zobrazowane w koronarografii może powodować różny skutek hemodynamiczny. Rekomendowanym badaniem do weryfikacji wpływu stopnia zwężenia w tętnicy wieńcowej na ukrwienie mięśnia sercowego, a tym samym określenie wskazań do rewaskularyzacji naczynia, są wysiłkowe badania obrazowe, w tym SPECT. Badanie to może być zatem pomocne w podjęciu decyzji o słuszności rewaskularyzacji mięśnia sercowego w wybranym obszarze miokardium. Mimo udokumentowanej roli i pozycji określonej w wytycznych europejskich oraz stosunkowo niskich kosztów badania, SPECT jest nadal niedoceniana i rzadko stosowana w diagnostyce kardiologicznej. Jest to badanie zarezerwowane dla wybranej grupy chorych z podejrzeniem CAD obciążonych pośrednim ryzykiem jej wystąpienia oraz dla pacjentów z rozpoznaną CAD, u których niezbędne jest potwierdzenie/wykluczenie niedokrwienia w wybranym obszarze miokardium wraz z potwierdzeniem jego żywotności. Badanie SPECT jest równoważne z echokardiograficzną obciążeniową oceną serca w diagnostyce chorych z podejrzeniem CAD, a także komplementarne, obok wyżej wymienionego oraz rezonansu magnetycznego i pozytonowej tomografii emisyjnej, w ocenie chorego z niewydolnością serca, która rozwinęła się na podłożu CAD, przed jego ostateczną kwalifikacją do rewaskularyzacji

Choroby zastawki mitralnej w zespole Marfana

Marfan’s syndrome (MFS) is a disease caused by heterozygous mutation in the fibrillin 1 gene. Tissues affected by this mutation show improper transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signalling. Fibrillin 1 deficiency and excess activation of TGF-β cause changes in collagen tissue structure, leading to alterations in heart valves architecture. Although precise pathogenetic mechanisms of mitral valve (MV) diseases in MFS remain unclear, recent studies on mice have helped us to understand the mechanisms of phenotype changes occurring in patients with MFS. In this article we present the prevalence of MV pathologies observed in MFS, basic pathogenetic mechanisms of MV dysfunction as well as currently available options for pharmacological and surgical treatment. The article also provides an overview of currently available literature on MFS.Zespół Marfana (MFS) to choroba spowodowana heterozygotycznymi mutacjami genu fibryliny 1 (FBN1). W tkankach dotkniętych mutacją dochodzi do nieprawidłowej aktywności czynnika transformującego wzrostu beta (TGF-β). Niedobór FBN1 i nadmierna aktywność TGF-β prowadzą do zaburzeń struktury tkanki łącznej, co skutkuje między innymi zmianami w budowie zastawek serca. Mimo że podstaw genetycznych i patogenezy chorób zastawki mitralnej (MV) w MFS do tej pory nie wyjaśniono, ostatnie badania na myszach pozwoliły zrozumieć mechanizmy leżące u podstawy zmian fenotypowych występujących w tym zespole. W artykule omówiono częstość występowania i patologie MV obserwowane w MFS. Przedstawiono również podstawy patogenezy zmian w obrębie MV oraz aktualne możliwości leczenia farmakologicznego i chirurgicznego. Poniższa praca stanowi również przegląd piśmiennictwa na temat tego zagadnienia

Ionic Liquids as Mobile Phase Additives for Feasible Assay of Naphazoline in Pharmaceutical Formulation by HPTLC–UV–Densitometric Method

A specific and reliable High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) with densitometry detection method has been developed for determination of naphazoline nitrate in nasal drops. The best separation of basic analyte, without spot tailing, was achieved using the mobile phase composed of acetonitrile:water (60:40,v/v) with 1.5 % (v/v) imidazolium-class ionic liquid added and the plates covered with stationary phase based on the RP-18 with F254S (10cm x 20cm). The presented results confirm that imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquids are efficient suppressors of free silanols, which are considered to be responsible for troublesome and irreproducible chromatographic determinations of basic compounds. The developed chromatographic system was found to be convenient in use and at the same time providing a repeatable assay of naphazoline nitrate in nasal drops, which could not be obtained with the use of standard silanol suppressing mobile phase additives, like triethylamine (TEA) or dimethyloctylamine (DMOA)

Atopic dermatitis - the review

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by a disrupted epidermal barrier, immune dysregulation, and genetic predisposition. Affecting individuals across all age groups, AD presents with recurrent flare-ups and varying clinical patterns depending on age. The pathophysiology involves key elements such as loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene, overproduction of cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, and skin colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. Management strategies include patient education, topical therapies (e.g., corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, crisaborole, and tapinarof), systemic treatments like dupilumab and methotrexate, and phototherapy for refractory cases. Preventive measures, including breastfeeding and probiotic supplementation, offer limited benefits, emphasizing the need for individualized approaches. Innovative therapies and further research into AD pathogenesis hold promise for more effective disease control and improved quality of life for patients

Rosacea pathogenesis and topical treatment options – a review

Introduction: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the central facial areas and eyes, with subtypes including erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular rosacea. While not life-threatening, rosacea significantly impacts quality of life, contributing to psychological distress. Materials and methods: This article reviews the pathogenesis and treatment of rosacea, incorporating data from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using keywords such as “rosacea,” “Demodex,” “topical treatment,” and “pathogenesis.”&nbsp; Summary: Rosacea is driven by multifactorial mechanisms, including neurovascular hyperreactivity, immune system dysregulation, sebaceous gland dysfunction, microbial imbalances, and genetic predisposition. Triggers like UV radiation, stress, and certain foods exacerbate symptoms by activating pathways such as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and inflammatory mediators like IL-6 and TNF-α. Effective treatments focus on symptom management and include topical agents like ivermectin, metronidazole, azelaic acid, calcineurin inhibitors, retinoids, alpha-adrenergic receptor agonists and sodium sulfacetamide. These therapies target inflammation, erythema, and microbial factors, with clinical trials demonstrating improvements in erythema, papules, and pustules. Conclusions: While current treatments offer significant relief, the article emphasizes the importance of further research into the underlying mechanisms to develop more advanced therapeutic options

PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS AND CANCER PROGRESSION

Background: Psychological stress, particularly in its chronic form, is increasingly recognized as a factor influencing cancer progression through complex neuroendocrine, immunological, and molecular mechanisms. Chronic activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) leads to dysregulated cortisol and catecholamine levels, which suppress anti-tumour immunity, promote angiogenesis, and enhance tumour cell invasiveness and metastasis. Aim: To synthesise current evidence on the biological mechanisms linking psychological stress to cancer progression and to highlight the therapeutic potential of psychosocial interventions in oncology. Material and methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed database. Relevant preclinical and clinical studies published between 2000 and 2024 were selected to examine the influence of psychological stress on cancer biology and disease progression. Results: Chronic stress contributes to cancer growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance through hormonal imbalance, immune suppression, and chronic inflammation. Disruption of the tumour microenvironment further facilitates malignant progression. Studies particularly emphasize these effects in breast and ovarian cancers. Psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) have demonstrated benefits in both psychological well-being and biological markers of disease activity. Conclusions: Psychological stress significantly impacts cancer progression through multiple biological pathways. Integrating stress-reducing interventions into standard oncological care may enhance patient outcomes and offer a complementary strategy in cancer management