The role of the gut microbiota in understanding functional gastrointestinal disorders

One of the most prevalent digestive diseases worldwide, functional gastrointestinal dysfunction (FGID) places a substantial strain on healthcare resources and causes significant morbidity. A study using Rome IV diagnostic criteria estimates the prevalence of FGID is about 40% worldwide. Most people with FGID exhibit symptoms from the realm of psychopathology, most often anxiety and depression, making patients' quality of life lower compared to even those with chronic organic diseases. By elucidating the causes and consequences of qualitative and quantitative changes between the microbiota of a healthy person and the microbiota of a person with FDIG, incredible progress has been made in understanding the role of the gut microbiota in FGID. However, the exact cellular and molecular pathogens of FGID that are directed by the gut microbiota remain unknown, and learning more about them will result in non-empirical, but targeted therapies

Is nicotine vaporization a better alternative to traditional cigarette smoking? E-cigarettes harmful effects summary and the management of EVALI based on the latest literature

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale vapor produced by heating a liquid (e-liquid) containing nicotine and other substances. The first such devices were introduced in China in 2003, and subsequently approved for use in the European Union in 2006 and the United States in 2007. The number of e-cigarette users is constantly growing, with the largest increases observed in the 18-24 age group. Various modifications led to the emergence of a new disease entity in 2019 called EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury). Aim of the study: To summarize the current state of knowledge about harmful substances contained in e-cigarettes and to systematize the latest methods of management in cases of suspected EVALI. Methods and materials: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, including publications from the last 8 years, using the following keywords: "E-cigarette," "Electronic cigarette," "EVALI," "THC," "Vitamin E." Results: Electronic cigarettes contain a number of substances harmful to health. E-cigarettes have not been approved as nicotine replacement therapy. The presence of vitamin E breakdown products in the respiratory tract of EVALI patients has been confirmed. Vitamin E was primarily used to increase the volume of e-liquids containing THC. Conclusions: Electronic cigarettes should not be used due to the numerous harmful substances they contain. When using e-cigarettes, both the devices and the e-liquids should be purchased from reputable sellers approved in the respective country. EVALI is a potentially fatal disease, and prompt diagnosis facilitates treatmen

Treatment of perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease - review of literature and current recommendations

Introduction: Crohn's disease is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, associated with genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. The incidence of this disease continues to rise in developed countries. In almost 25% of patients, perianal fistulas occur during the course of the disease, which are difficult to treat and significantly impair the patient's quality of life. Aim of the study: To summarize the current state of knowledge on the treatment of Crohn's disease with perianal fistulas, with a particular focus on biological therapies and stem cell treatments. Methods and Materials: A systemic review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases and it was limited to studies published in last 5 years. The search strategy was based on following terms: "Crohn's disease", "perianal fistula", "biological treatment", and "inflammatory bowel disease". Results: In recent years, there has been intensive research into new treatment options for perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease. Infliximab remains the first-line therapy, best controlled by monitoring the drug concentration in the serum. Alternatively, other drugs such as ustekinumab and vedolizumab may be considered. The combination of biological and surgical treatment is a recognized standard of care and modern, minimally invasive techniques that preserve sphincters, such as the FiLaC™ laser procedure, are increasingly being used. A novel and very promising therapeutic approach is based on mesenchymal stem cells, which may offer hope for patients who do not improve with standard treatment. Conclusion: Perianal disease in patients with Crohn's disease poses a significant therapeutic challenge and has a substantial negative impact on the physical and emotional well-being of patients. Despite the existence of various therapeutic options, a certain percentage of patients still fails to achieve clinical remission. Further research into new therapies is necessary

Neuropathy and neuroarthropathy as a complication of diabetes and other diseases, with particular emphasis on painless fractures - a review of the literature

Diabetes is now one of the most common chronic diseases. Its incidence is increasing, and thus the number of people suffering from its health complications is increasing. In 2015, 3 million people in Poland suffered from diabetes, and it is estimated that this number will increase to 4 million by 2040. Acute complications of diabetes include i.a. hypoglycemic or lactate and hypermolar comas. Chronic complications include, for example, microangiopathies (retinopathies, nephropathy) as well as macroangiopathies and neuropathies. Neuropathy is the result of too much glycemia and can affect as many as 2/3 of diabetic patients. Everyday pain sometimes makes it impossible to perform the simplest activities, and an optimal treatment plan is difficult to develop. At the same time, it can be prevented with regular exercise, regular glycemic control and a proper diet. In this paper, we present a literature review on neuropathy and neuroarthropathy as a complication of diabetes and other diseases, with particular emphasis on painless fractures

Diabetic Foot - treatment and prevention - literature review

Introduction: Diabetic foot is a serious condition affecting large percentage of long term diabetics .Proper diabetic foot treatment, education and prevention can greatly influence quality of life of many diabetics who are at risk of developing this condition. Aim of study: The purpose of the study was to review the latest literature on the most recent diabetic foot treatment, education and prevention. Matherials and methods: A systemic review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect databases and the search was limited to studies published between 2000 and 2023. The search strategy was based on following terms: diabetic foot, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic ulcer, diabetic foot treatment. Results: We found many different studies which show importance of gut microflora in various different ailments and diseases, we have also found many showing  factors that influence intestinal microbiota composition. Conclusions: diabetic foot is a severe complication of diabetes that requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Prevention is essential, and patients should be educated on the importance of foot care and blood sugar control.With proper treatment and management, diabetic foot can be prevented and effectively treated

Influence of obesity and other metabolic disorders on rosacea

Introduction:Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory disease, characterized by skin lesions or ocular symptoms. Skin lesions are located primarily on the central face. Thickening of the skin can occur in some people. There are four subtypes of rosacea and one variant. Rosacea significantly impairs the quality of life. The exact cause of rosacea is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Treatment starts with avoidance of triggering factors. Obesity leads to multiple negative health effects. It has been associated with some inflammatory dermatoses, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.As obesity disrupt cutaneous vasculature and temperature regulation, it may be also associated with increased risk for rosacea and worse course of this disease.  Aim of study:The purpose of the study was to review the literature on the influence of  obesity and other metabolic disorders on development of rosacea. Matherials and methods:A systemic review was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar databases. The search strategy was based on following terms: rosacea, BMI, obesity, overweight, metabolic changes, insulin resistance and rosacea Results and Conclusions:The complex relationship between obesity and other metabolic disorders and rosacea goes beyond obvious binary relationships. Chronic inflammation, genetic predisposition, common risk factors, and changes in metabolic and vascular function contribute to their complex interaction.Recognition and understanding of this relationship offers the potential for the development of new treatment strategies in the future that will prevent the occurrence of rosacea by modifying i.a. the risk factors we describe before they affect the patient's health and cause the disease described. Future research should continue to explore the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic intervention

The role of the gut microbiota in understanding functional gastrointestinal disorders

One of the most prevalent digestive diseases worldwide, functional gastrointestinal dysfunction (FGID) places a substantial strain on healthcare resources and causes significant morbidity. A study using Rome IV diagnostic criteria estimates the prevalence of FGID is about 40% worldwide. Most people with FGID exhibit symptoms from the realm of psychopathology, most often anxiety and depression, making patients' quality of life lower compared to even those with chronic organic diseases. By elucidating the causes and consequences of qualitative and quantitative changes between the microbiota of a healthy person and the microbiota of a person with FDIG, incredible progress has been made in understanding the role of the gut microbiota in FGID. However, the exact cellular and molecular pathogens of FGID that are directed by the gut microbiota remain unknown, and learning more about them will result in non-empirical, but targeted therapies

Is nicotine vaporization a better alternative to traditional cigarette smoking? E-cigarettes harmful effects summary and the management of EVALI based on the latest literature

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale vapor produced by heating a liquid (e-liquid) containing nicotine and other substances. The first such devices were introduced in China in 2003, and subsequently approved for use in the European Union in 2006 and the United States in 2007. The number of e-cigarette users is constantly growing, with the largest increases observed in the 18-24 age group. Various modifications led to the emergence of a new disease entity in 2019 called EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury). Aim of the study: To summarize the current state of knowledge about harmful substances contained in e-cigarettes and to systematize the latest methods of management in cases of suspected EVALI. Methods and materials: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, including publications from the last 8 years, using the following keywords: "E-cigarette," "Electronic cigarette," "EVALI," "THC," "Vitamin E." Results: Electronic cigarettes contain a number of substances harmful to health. E-cigarettes have not been approved as nicotine replacement therapy. The presence of vitamin E breakdown products in the respiratory tract of EVALI patients has been confirmed. Vitamin E was primarily used to increase the volume of e-liquids containing THC. Conclusions: Electronic cigarettes should not be used due to the numerous harmful substances they contain. When using e-cigarettes, both the devices and the e-liquids should be purchased from reputable sellers approved in the respective country. EVALI is a potentially fatal disease, and prompt diagnosis facilitates treatmen

Treatment of perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease - review of literature and current recommendations

Introduction: Crohn's disease is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, associated with genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. The incidence of this disease continues to rise in developed countries. In almost 25% of patients, perianal fistulas occur during the course of the disease, which are difficult to treat and significantly impair the patient's quality of life. Aim of the study: To summarize the current state of knowledge on the treatment of Crohn's disease with perianal fistulas, with a particular focus on biological therapies and stem cell treatments. Methods and Materials: A systemic review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases and it was limited to studies published in last 5 years. The search strategy was based on following terms: "Crohn's disease", "perianal fistula", "biological treatment", and "inflammatory bowel disease". Results: In recent years, there has been intensive research into new treatment options for perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease. Infliximab remains the first-line therapy, best controlled by monitoring the drug concentration in the serum. Alternatively, other drugs such as ustekinumab and vedolizumab may be considered. The combination of biological and surgical treatment is a recognized standard of care and modern, minimally invasive techniques that preserve sphincters, such as the FiLaC™ laser procedure, are increasingly being used. A novel and very promising therapeutic approach is based on mesenchymal stem cells, which may offer hope for patients who do not improve with standard treatment. Conclusion: Perianal disease in patients with Crohn's disease poses a significant therapeutic challenge and has a substantial negative impact on the physical and emotional well-being of patients. Despite the existence of various therapeutic options, a certain percentage of patients still fails to achieve clinical remission. Further research into new therapies is necessary

Colorectal Cancer—The Worst Enemy Is the One We Do Not Know

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in humans. It is the third most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasm and is the second highest cause of cancer mortality in the world. Every year, more and more people die of colorectal cancer because the diagnosis is conducted too late. This shows how important a role screening tests and the awareness of the population about the symptoms play in this aspect. This article aimed to determine the knowledge of the Polish population about morbidity, symptoms, prevention, and subjective feelings about the level of availability of knowledge about colorectal cancer. Methods: In 2020, a study was conducted using an online questionnaire assessing the awareness of the Polish population about colorectal cancer. A self-authored questionnaire including questions about socio-demographic characteristics, and 18 questions related to substantive issues, was used. A research group was selected (n = 633). The substantive part of the questionnaire included questions examining the respondents’ knowledge about morbidity, symptoms, prevention, and subjective feelings about the level of availability of knowledge about colorectal cancer. Results: The respondents’ awareness level was influenced by demographic factors, such as gender: (p < 0.05) and age (p < 0.05) and social factors, such as: level of education (p < 0.05) or professional situation (p < 0.05). Compared to thematic articles from other countries, the research group was divided into smaller subgroups due to the abovementioned factors, due to which it was possible to stratify and analyze the significance of differences between them