Search

Introduction and objective: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastroenterological disorder affecting 9% to 23% of the population worldwide. The disease causes recurrent abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements without visible anatomical or biochemical changes and diagnosis is often difficult. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current knowledge of the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of IBS. Review methods: The literature available in the PubMed database was reviewed using the following key words: "irritable bowel syndrome," "constipation," "diarrhea", "abdominal pain", "diagnostics", "treatment". 49 articles were included in the review and 80% were from 2016-2024. Current state of knowledge: The pathophysiology of IBS is not fully understood, but it is recognized that the disease is a disorder of the gut-brain axis. It can lead to abnormal secretion of serotonin and dopamine, which affects symptoms. The diagnosis of IBS is based on the Rome IV Criteria, defining the characteristics and severity of symptoms. Summary: IBS is a disorder that significantly affects quality of life. Diagnosis is based on the exclusion of organic diseases and meeting certain criteria. Treatment includes both dietary modification and pharmacotherapy aimed at relieving symptoms. Despite advances in research, the pathophysiology of IBS is still not fully understood, making it difficult to develop effective treatments.

Introduction and purpose: Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder, affecting significantly more women, especially during their childbearing years, due to its unique link to the menstrual cycle. Over 50% of women with migraines report a connection between their attacks and menstruation. This review aims to highlight the latest data on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment of menstrual migraines, emphasizing the need for increased attention to this condition. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, with search phrases including menstrual migraine, migraine, menstruation, migraine diagnosis, migraine treatment, and non-pharmacological migraine treatments. Current Knowledge: Misinterpretation of diagnostic criteria results in conflicting information about the incidence, clinical characteristics, and treatment response of menstrual migraines. Furthermore, clinical studies often do not differentiate perimenstrual attacks. The role of ovarian hormones, particularly estrogen, in the pathogenesis of menstrual migraines complicates treatment efforts. Summary: Due to the common and debilitating nature of the menstrual migraine, more detailed research is essential to expand our understanding of its pathophysiology and to develop more effective treatments. Understanding the mechanisms behind menstrual migraines may lead to new treatment options targeting this specific condition.

Introduction and purpose: Vitamin D is a micronutrient whose main role in the human body is to ensure proper calcium-phosphate balance and adequate bone metabolism, having an effect on the immune system, also exhibiting a number of other actions, in particular anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, so that its deficiency is reflected in a number of autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this study is to analyze the literature for the role of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. Materials and methods: a thorough analysis of the medical literature available in the PubMed database was performed. Current state of knowledge: The main role of vitamin D in the human body is to ensure calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and, influence adequate bone metabolism. Vitamin D receptors (VDR), are present in many tissues such as brain, prostate, pancreas, breast, colon and immune cells, suggesting that vitamin D also has extra-skeletal functions and a link to autoimmune diseases. Summary: Low serum vitamin D levels may increase the risk of immune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid diseases, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.