47 research outputs found
How do new therapeutic strategies for PCOS management influence the health of the affected individuals? The narrative review
Introduction and purpose: Management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is difficult since the exact pathogenic mechanism has not been established yet. Due to that fact, the substances registered to treat PCOS are still lacking efficacy and are associated with a number of adverse effects. The aim of this study is to review new possible treatment approaches.
State of knowledge: Inositol administered alone or combined with oral contraceptive drugs improves patients’ hormonal status and alleviates the weight increase in comparison to oral contraceptive drugs on their own. Berberine reduces insulin resistance, improves lipid metabolism, and reduces inflammatory reactions. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have a better weight loss effect and less severe adverse reactions than metformin. Thiazolidinediones combined with metformin improve ovulation rate, acne and increase SHGB levels. Thiazolidinediones have also less severe adverse reactions than metformin and can be useful in patients who are not able to tolerate metformin.
Summary: The review has shown that inositol, berberine, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists andthiazolidinediones have promising therapeutic effects in terms of PCOS treatment, however, more research is needed to establish safety and efficacy of those agents. Nonetheless, results of this study may be utilized in the education of health specialists in endocrinology departments
A nonsense mutation in PRNP associated with clinical Alzheimer's disease
AbstractHere, we describe a nonsense haplotype in PRNP associated with clinical Alzheimer's disease. The patient presented an early-onset of cognitive decline with memory loss as the primary cognitive problem. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a nonsense mutation in PRNP (NM_000311, c.C478T; p.Q160*; rs80356711) associated with homozygosity for the V allele at position 129 of the protein, further highlighting how very similar genotypes in PRNP result in strikingly different phenotypes
Beyond conventional therapies: exploring the role of Pilates in neurological physical therapy – a review of the latest research
Pilates exercise method, characterized by its holistic approach, underscores core stability, strength, and flexibility, coupled with meticulous muscle control, optimal posture, and focused attention on breathing. Widely embraced in both general and clinical fitness realms, this study aims to evaluate the integration of Pilates into physical therapy practices for patients with neurological disorders.
Existing studies indicate the potential efficacy of Pilates in diverse rehabilitation contexts. However, neurological disorders, specifically multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease (PD), have been the primary focus. While systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest Pilates as a plausible option in physiotherapy for PD and MS patients, a paucity of research on this subject necessitates a comprehensive review of recent original studies.
Analysis of gathered data suggests that Pilates, when incorporated, may yield benefits for patients with various neurological disorders. Consideration of Pilates as a supplementary element to physical activity for those with PD and MS emerges as a reasonable proposition. The study also encourages contemplation of Pilates in rehabilitation research across a broader spectrum of neurological disorders. Subsequent investigations, incorporating relevant considerations, will contribute to a nuanced understanding of Pilates' potential benefits and its comparative advantages over traditional interventions for neurological disorders
The Impact of E-Cigarettes on Oral Injuries and Bone Fractures
Introduction
The rising prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has prompted concerns regarding its potential health implications. While much attention has focused on respiratory and cardiovascular effects, injuries, oral trauma, and bone fractures linked to e-cigarette use have received less scrutiny. This paper aims to comprehensively review the landscape of injuries, oral trauma, and bone fractures induced by e-cigarettes, shedding light on this underexplored facet of e-cigarette-related harm.
Material and Methods
This literature review has analyzed 16 papers. Inclusion criteria: researches and case reports published after 2015. PubMed and Google Scholar has been searched to identify the papers.
Analysis of the Literature
Existing literature suggests a growing incidence of injuries, oral trauma, and bone fractures associated with e-cigarette use, albeit with limited systematic investigation. Mechanisms underlying these injuries range from device malfunctions to inadvertent impacts during use. Case reports highlight a spectrum of injuries, including oral burns, dental trauma, and skeletal fractures, often involving the face and mouth regions.
Conclusions
Despite the lack of comprehensive epidemiological data emerging evidence underscores the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to mitigate e-cigarette-related injuries. Enhanced education, regulation of e-cigarette devices, and promotion of safer usage practices are crucial steps towards reducing the burden of e-cigarette-related harm on oral and skeletal health
Association between deficient levels of vitamin D and the occurrence of selected retinal diseases
Introduction and Purpose:
Vision originates in the eye's retina, a complex structure essential for processing visual information. The connection between nutritional inadequacy, particularly vitamin deficiencies, and overall health, including ocular health, has long been acknowledged. Recent studies highlight the potential impact of vitamin D, a crucial nutrient, on retinal health. The aim is to investigate the association between low levels of vitamin D and retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), and to evaluate the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation or lifestyle changes for at-risk patients.
Description of the State of Knowledge:
AMD, a significant cause of blindness in the elderly, involves factors like oxidative stress and inflammation. Various stages of AMD require different treatments, with limited options for advanced stages. DR, a complication of diabetes, leads to conditions such as retinal ischemia and neovascularization. Both conditions are potentially influenced by vitamin D levels. Studies show mixed results regarding the impact of vitamin D on these diseases. Some suggest lower levels may increase risk, while others report no significant effect or even contradictory findings.
Conclusions:
While some studies indicate a potential association between low vitamin D levels and the occurrence of retinal diseases, discrepancies exist in the findings. Lower vitamin D concentrations may be linked to a higher frequency of AMD and DR, but the evidence is not consistent across all studies. Therefore, a more in-depth exploration of this subject is warranted to draw conclusive insights. It is crucial to consider supplementation or dietary changes in cases of vitamin D deficiency, given its potential impact on systemic health
The association between body posture and malocclusion - a literature review
Effective body posture entails the correct alignment of body parts in relation to each other and is crucial for preserving balance, stability, and the efficient operation of muscles and joints. The major types of posture abnormalities such as lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis can lead to alterations in various areas of the body, such as stomatognatic system. The potential correlation between malocclusion and body posture remains a subject of controversy. The aim of this review is to investigate and evaluate the association between posture defects and malocclusion on the basis of literature. This literature review has analyzed 18 studies. Inclusion criteria: clinical researches published after 2010, regarding children and adults. PubMed and Google Scholar has been searched to identify the papers. In 18 analyzed studies, 2133 patients were enrolled (including 979 children aged 4-18). A positive correlation between scoliosis and different types of malocclusion has been proven by six papers. There are also other noteworthy dependencies, such as overjet and pelvic torsion, kyphosis and sagittal position of mandible, skeletal Class III and torticollis, cross bite and scapula plane. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis significantly affects the stomatognathic system, leading to issues like crossbite, crowding, increased overjet, overbite, partial open bite, and midline deviation. Orthopedists should collaborate with orthodontists for comprehensive treatment, particularly during developmental stages
Screened potential risk factors for autism and autistic behaviour in children. Literature review
Introduction and purpose: This publication is a review of research on potential risk factors for the development of autism and autistic behaviour in children. The purpose of this review is to spread knowledge and awareness of autism syndrome disorder.
Brief description of the state of knowledge: Autism syndrome disorder is a neurological and developmental brain disorder. It is characterized by problems with social relationships and communication as well as narrow and repetitive behaviours and interests. The causes of autism spectrum disorder are still not fully understood and pose a challenge to modern medicine. Numerous studies find causes in fetal life and the course of pregnancy, genetic conditions and mutations, environmental risk factors or vaccination. Many theories about the causes of autism require more extensive and thorough research, for which some beliefs have been overturned, such as the search for links between autism spectrum disorder and childhood vaccination. At this point, the role of genetic mutations in the occurrence of autism in children can be confirmed with certainty. Causes are particularly looked for in fetal life and prenatal factors. One theory relates to the activation of the mother's immune system, her production of cytokine and pro-inflammatory factors that affect the development of the fetal nervous system.
Results and conclusions: In our review, we aim to present the risk factors that can most significantly influence the development of ASD. These factors include genetics, prenatal diet, smoking during pregnancy, maternal intake of antidepressants, infections during pregnancy, other pregnancy and maternal factors, parental age, various paternal risk factors, lack of breastfeeding, and environmental factors. Some factors need more research for a comprehensive understanding, while others, like breastfeeding and non-smoking during pregnancy, are well-studied and require promotion to reduce the risk of the disorder
Beyond conventional therapies: exploring the role of Pilates in neurological physical therapy – a review of the latest research
Pilates exercise method, characterized by its holistic approach, underscores core stability, strength, and flexibility, coupled with meticulous muscle control, optimal posture, and focused attention on breathing. Widely embraced in both general and clinical fitness realms, this study aims to evaluate the integration of Pilates into physical therapy practices for patients with neurological disorders.
Existing studies indicate the potential efficacy of Pilates in diverse rehabilitation contexts. However, neurological disorders, specifically multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease (PD), have been the primary focus. While systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest Pilates as a plausible option in physiotherapy for PD and MS patients, a paucity of research on this subject necessitates a comprehensive review of recent original studies.
Analysis of gathered data suggests that Pilates, when incorporated, may yield benefits for patients with various neurological disorders. Consideration of Pilates as a supplementary element to physical activity for those with PD and MS emerges as a reasonable proposition. The study also encourages contemplation of Pilates in rehabilitation research across a broader spectrum of neurological disorders. Subsequent investigations, incorporating relevant considerations, will contribute to a nuanced understanding of Pilates' potential benefits and its comparative advantages over traditional interventions for neurological disorders
Association between deficient levels of vitamin D and the occurrence of selected retinal diseases
Introduction and Purpose:
Vision originates in the eye's retina, a complex structure essential for processing visual information. The connection between nutritional inadequacy, particularly vitamin deficiencies, and overall health, including ocular health, has long been acknowledged. Recent studies highlight the potential impact of vitamin D, a crucial nutrient, on retinal health. The aim is to investigate the association between low levels of vitamin D and retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), and to evaluate the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation or lifestyle changes for at-risk patients.
Description of the State of Knowledge:
AMD, a significant cause of blindness in the elderly, involves factors like oxidative stress and inflammation. Various stages of AMD require different treatments, with limited options for advanced stages. DR, a complication of diabetes, leads to conditions such as retinal ischemia and neovascularization. Both conditions are potentially influenced by vitamin D levels. Studies show mixed results regarding the impact of vitamin D on these diseases. Some suggest lower levels may increase risk, while others report no significant effect or even contradictory findings.
Conclusions:
While some studies indicate a potential association between low vitamin D levels and the occurrence of retinal diseases, discrepancies exist in the findings. Lower vitamin D concentrations may be linked to a higher frequency of AMD and DR, but the evidence is not consistent across all studies. Therefore, a more in-depth exploration of this subject is warranted to draw conclusive insights. It is crucial to consider supplementation or dietary changes in cases of vitamin D deficiency, given its potential impact on systemic health
Prosaposin is a regulator of progranulin levels and oligomerization
Progranulin (GRN) loss-of-function mutations leading to progranulin protein (PGRN) haploinsufficiency are prevalent genetic causes of frontotemporal dementia. Reports also indicated PGRN-mediated neuroprotection in models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease; thus, increasing PGRN levels is a promising therapeutic for multiple disorders. To uncover novel PGRN regulators, we linked whole-genome sequence data from 920 individuals with plasma PGRN levels and identified the prosaposin (PSAP) locus as a new locus significantly associated with plasma PGRN levels. Here we show that both PSAP reduction and overexpression lead to significantly elevated extracellular PGRN levels. Intriguingly, PSAP knockdown increases PGRN monomers, whereas PSAP overexpression increases PGRN oligomers, partly through a protein–protein interaction. PSAP-induced changes in PGRN levels and oligomerization replicate in human-derived fibroblasts obtained from a GRN mutation carrier, further supporting PSAP as a potential PGRN-related therapeutic target. Future studies should focus on addressing the relevance and cellular mechanism by which PGRN oligomeric species provide neuroprotection