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Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is characterized by an irreversible and gradually progressive process. Recent research has highlighted the role of metabolites derived from the intestinal microbiota as important factors in the progression of this disease. Consequently, numerous studies have focused on the impact of the microbiota, its diagnostic potential, and its therapeutic applications. Aim of the study: This study highlights the role of specific gut microbiota in chronic kidney disease and its potential applications in diagnosis and therapy. Material and methods: An English-language literature review was conducted, analyzing studies from the PubMed database up to December 2024 regarding the correlation between specific gut microbiota and chronic kidney disease. The review was performed using the PubMed database, with 57 works used. Conclusion: Chronic kidney disease is characterized by a slow, progressive, and irreversible decline in kidney function. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of metabolites produced by the intestinal microbiota in the progression of this disease. Consequently, extensive research has been conducted on the impact of these metabolites for diagnostic purposes as well as their potential therapeutic applications. These metabolites can aid in both diagnosing the condition and predicting its progression. Emerging therapies that manipulate the microbiota—through approaches such as dietary changes, probiotics, modulation of bacterial metabolites, fecal microbiota transplantation, or the use of genetically modified bacteria—have shown promising results. However, further research is essential to fully develop and refine these therapeutic strategies.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality. Even though the prevalence of cigarette smoking has decreased over the last few decades, it is still one of the most important preventable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, recently, an increasing number of people have been transitioning to e-cigarettes, which also influence blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. Purpose of the study: The following review analyzes the association between cigarette smoking and both prevalence and development of cardiovascular diseases. It also suggests the management of tobacco addiction. Materials and methods: A literature review of English language papers was conducted to summarize the latest knowledge on the topic, focusing on the most recent papers. The review was conducted using the PubMed database, with 53 works used and accessed before December 2024. Conclusions: Tobacco significantly affects the cardiovascular system, with numerous studies highlighting the negative impacts of both active and passive smoking. Although extensive knowledge exists about tobacco smoke's impact on the cardiovascular system, further research is still needed. A better understanding of the link between smoking and the development of cardiovascular diseases, as well as methods for the management of the addiction, is crucial to developing successful treatment and prevention strategies.

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most prevalent cause of dementia. It is caused by the degeneration of brain cells due to the accumulation of intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau - containing neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular plaques of amyloid-beta peptide. While pharmacotherapy remains the main form of treatment (including cholinesterase inhibitors and antagonists to NMDA), various non-pharmacological therapy modalities have gained increasing attention as complementary treatment options, such as music therapy. Purpose of the study: This review examines the role of music therapy as an important complement to baseline therapy for AD patients, focusing on indications, methods, and the prospect of music therapy. Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing 48 studies from the PubMed database (English-language, up to November 2024) that assess the efficacy, methods, and prospect of music therapy as an adjunctive therapy in Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusions: Music therapy is an established and effective supportive treatment for AD patients. It has demonstrated clinical success over many years as a tool for engaging multiple motor and sensory areas, shaping emotions, and evoking memories. This may be due to activating limbic and paralimbic structures, enhancing neuroplasticity, and modulating neurotransmitter systems. Despite the observable benefits of music therapy, the methodological limitations of existing studies highlight the need for further long-term research to standardize treatment approaches.

Introduction: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an increasingly popular therapeutic tool across various medical specialties since its introduction in 1958. Defined as a concentrated solution of platelets and growth factors derived from autologous blood, PRP supports tissue repair and regeneration processes. PRP’s composition includes high concentrations of platelets and growth factors that facilitate angiogenesis, connective tissue remodeling, and cellular repair, making PRP a promising treatment option for complex urological conditions and beyond. Purpose of the study: This review aims to summarize the applications and efficacy of PRP in treating specific urological conditions such as erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, urethral stricture, hypospadias, interstitial cystitis and urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods: To provide a comprehensive summary of current knowledge on this topic, a literature review of English-language articles, with an emphasis on recent publications, was conducted. The review utilized the PubMed database and included 51 studies accessed prior to October 2024. Conclusions: PRP therapy appears to be a promising, safe, and minimally invasive treatment option for several urological conditions. Studies suggest that PRP may benefit erectile function, reduce symptoms in Peyronie's disease, and improve outcomes in conditions related to the urethra and bladder, with minimal reported adverse effects. However, the lack of standardized PRP preparation protocols and large placebo-controlled trials poses a challenge to fully establishing its efficacy. Further research is necessary to confirm PRP’s effectiveness, optimize preparation and administration methods, and develop guidelines for its clinical application in urology.

Introduction: Dysfunctions of the immune system in allergic diseases and hematological malignancies are the subject of many studies due to the mechanisms that link them. Chronic inflammation created in the immune response in an allergic reaction has been associated with developing neoplastic diseases. Aim of the study: This review examines the potential correlation between Allergies and Hematologic Tumors: acute lymphoblastic leukemia, childhood leukemias, non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphomas. Material and methods: An English-language literature review was conducted, analyzing studies from the PubMed database up to October 2024 regarding the correlation between Allergies and Hematologic Tumors. The review was performed using the PubMed database, with 50 works used. Conclusions: The relationship between allergies and hematological tumors is unclear. According to some studies, this relationship does not exist; some state, however, that allergic diseases show correlations with hematological malignancies. The results of these studies do not provide a clear answer to whether this is a positive or negative relationship. Some studies suggest that allergies reduce the risk of hematological malignancies, while others contradict this, suggesting that allergies may increase the risk of hematological tumors. The results of studies showing an increased risk of hematological malignancies in people suffering from allergies can be due to the hypothesis of antigenic stimulation, which may explain the mechanism of correlation between those diseases. This hypothesis suggests that chronic immune stimulation predisposes to hematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and leukemia by promoting the development of randomly occurring pro-oncogenic mutations in actively dividing immune cells. Different results on this potential correlation showed that further studies are necessary.

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a diverse group of tumors that arise from neuroendocrine cells and can synthesize and secrete neuropeptides or hormones. Although NETs usually originate from the gastrointestinal tract or bronchopulmonary tree, they can affect various organs, including the eye. The majority of ocular association with neuroendocrine tumors results from metastasis that affects the orbit, however, primary ocular tumors have been reported. Purpose of the study: The article reviews the presentation of ocular manifestations in neuroendocrine tumors including pheochromocytoma, ocular paraganglioma, gastrointestinal and bronchial NETs, Merkel cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine metastasis. Materials and methods: In order to summarize the current knowledge on the topic, a literature review of English language papers with a focus on the most current literature was performed. The review was conducted with the PubMed database with 43 works used, accessed before September 2024. Conclusions: Instances of neuroendocrine tumors leading to ocular manifestations have become increasingly prevalent. These nonspecific symptoms can make it challenging to diagnose ocular NETs. Ocular manifestations are not typically the primary symptom, but patients with tumors located in the eye may experience symptoms such as eye pain, blepharitis or exophthalmos. Ocular motility and vision may also be affected. It is crucial to study the association between those symptoms and NETs, in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the matter.

Introductions: Vitamin D has gained recognition in recent decades not only as a key regulator of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and bone health but also as an important factor modulating the immune system. Research indicates that vitamin D influences both innate and adaptive immune responses, which is significant in the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases. Vitamin D has a beneficial effect on asthma exacerbations and may help reduce respiratory inflammation, as well as alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of food allergies, worsen symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and contribute to the transition from acute to chronic urticaria. Conversely, supplementation may help prevent allergies, reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis by supporting skin barrier function and antimicrobial peptide production, and relieve symptoms in patients with chronic urticaria. Purpose of the study: The review article aims to present the current state of knowledge on the role of vitamin D in the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and eczema. Material and methods: To summarize the current knowledge on the topic, a literature review of English language papers with a focus on the most current literature was performed. The review was conducted with the PubMed database with 64 works used, accessed before October 2024. Conclusions: Although the impact of blood vitamin D levels on the development and progression of allergic diseases has not yet been fully clarified, scientific studies suggest its significant role in modulating immune responses. Due to its immunoregulatory properties, vitamin D offers new hope for more effective treatment and prevention of allergic diseases.

Purpose of the Study: This review examines the role of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a therapeutic intervention for advanced PD, focusing on indications, patient selection criteria, and potential complications. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing 37 studies from the PubMed database (English-language, up to October 2024) that assess the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of DBS in managing advanced PD symptoms. Basic results: DBS has proven effective in enhancing motor function and quality of life in advanced PD cases. Although generally safe, DBS can present risks, including infections, dyskinesia, and psychiatric side effects. Conclusions: DBS is well known and constantly improving technology. Appropriate patient selection is essential; DBS is generally reserved for patients meeting specific criteria, including a confirmed PD diagnosis, disease duration of more than four years, a positive response to levodopa, and the absence of severe cognitive or unmanaged psychiatric disorders. Emerging research on genetic factors may enhance patient selection in the future.