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The rising demand for aesthetic interventions reflects a broader cultural trend toward enhancing physical appearance and rejuvenation, fueled by technological advancements and increased accessibility of invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Skin aging, driven by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, results in visible changes such as wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity. The growing availability of cosmetic procedures, including botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, and surgical options like rhinoplasty and liposuction, underscores a shift in public attitudes toward cosmetic enhancement and concealing of visible signs of aging. Social media platforms play a crucial role in influencing treatment decisions, changing perceptions and practices of cosmetic procedures. However, uncontrolled expansion of these procedures is associated with risks, including psychological distress and physical complications. Technological innovations, such as ultrasound-guided injections and 3D facial modelling, are improving procedural accuracy, patient safety, and satisfaction. This review examines the driving factors behind the surge in cosmetic procedures, addresses some issues in the field, and evaluates how emerging advanced technologies are enhancing outcomes and safety.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs, enriched by interdisciplinary approaches, play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of subjects with chronic respiratory conditions. Breathing techniques within these programs emerge as key components. Daily deep breathing exercises (DBE) and meditation practices stand out among these techniques. The role of these breathing techniques in addressing depression and anxiety among the elderly is particularly noteworthy, underscoring their potential as valuable non-pharmacological interventions. Employing a comprehensive search strategy, our research integrates evidence from diverse databases and delves into the benefits of breathing techniques in elderly populations, including those with multimorbidities. The findings reveal positive outcomes not only in pulmonary function but also in mental health. This underscores the critical role of such techniques in the holistic well-being of the elderly, shedding light on their potential as impactful elements in comprehensive healthcare strategies.

This article explores the crucial and frequently disregarded domain of men’s health as they age, specifically focusing on the consistently increased rates of mortality among males worldwide. Although men display increased cardiovascular risk factors and higher rates of injury, there persists an inequity in the focus given to men’s health in comparison to women’s health. Given the projected increase in the global population of individuals aged 60 and beyond, it is essential to emphasize healthcare for elderly males. Initially grounded in andrology and urology, the World Health Organization has broadened the definition of men’s health to include overall well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects. Given the increasing life expectancy and the corresponding increase in age-related conditions, adopting a multidisciplinary approach involving a range of healthcare providers is crucial. The review examines critical elements of health in aging men, including genitourinary infections, cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, stress-coping strategies, and the distinct challenges associated with urological issues and sexual health in elderly males.

Traditional practices like yoga are gaining importance as comprehensive solutions to diverse health concerns in an era where the complicated interplay between physical health, mental well-being, and immunity is widely recognized. With growing mental health concerns, yoga practices can be employed to lower stress, reduce inflammation, and restore neurotransmitter balance. Accumulating evidence suggests that yoga is effective in treating depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia. Some studies support the use of hatha yoga in the face of rising mood and anxiety disorders. This article overviews evidence-based studies of yoga pointing to its beneficial effects on stress reduction, immune responses, and mental health outcomes.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the molecular and cellular alterations linked to the aging process in males. It elucidates the physiological disruptions that give rise to different diseases and a decrease in functional ability. The inquiry explores the complex correlation between aging, sexual dysfunction, and infertility in males, with a focus on the physiological alterations in spermatogonial stem cells and the impact of oxidative stress on male reproductive capacity. The function of testosterone replacement therapy and its potential advantages in enhancing sexual activity, bone density, and overall health in older males are highlighted. Nevertheless, it is prudent to exercise caution as there is a correlation between testosterone replacement therapy and heightened cardiovascular risk. The article summarizes rehabilitation options for elderly men, specifically focusing on exercise regimens and cardiac rehabilitation, as means to tackle erectile dysfunction and mitigate mortality risks. The advantages of yoga in enhancing mental and physical well-being in males, particularly those grappling with prostate cancer or infertility are mentioned. The significance of adopting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary strategy towards men's health is emphasized, with particular attention given to the contributions of primary care physicians, urologists, and nurses. The significance of customized communication tactics for males and the necessity of periodic examinations for promoting healthier aging are emphasized.

Body image is a crucial part of subjective experience in daily life. Most women are concerned with their body transformations due to pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, menopause, weight gain and obesity, serious gynecological and other diseases. Body image perceptions may influence women’s health, sexuality, fertility, and social behavior. Popularized images of slim models and celebrities adversely affect women’s perceptions of beauty and attractiveness. The difference between the perceived body image and desired silhouette may result in body image dissatisfaction. Outlook comparisons may influence the quality of life and result in anxiety, loss of confidence, and sexual ill-health.

As COVID-19 morbidity rates continue to increase tremendously across the world, it has a profound effect on female health. The available data suggest that men demonstrate greater disease severity and/or mortality than women in the middle-aged group, however, these differences seem not to be preserved in the elderly patients. Clinicians should consider gender disparities in diagnostic and therapeutic management. The severity of COVID-19 viral infection is tightly linked with cytokine balance which is inevitably influenced by hormonal changes. Lack of estrogens during the ageing process in women poses a significant threat during the acute phase as well as in the sequel, which may result in autoimmunity or long-term complications. Research on female ageing amid the COVID-19 pandemic is urgently needed to alleviate immune dysfunction in these patients, define best practices, and develop health promotion strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still raging all over the world. New variants of the coronavirus emerge and infect recovered from previous infections, vaccinated, and unvaccinated subjects. One aspect remains unchanged that is the lungs are the main targets of the pandemic coronavirus. This challenging situation requires the search for reliable predictive markers of severe and complicated course of the disease. Serum surfactant proteins are known to correlate with pulmonary injury severity in numerous diseases. Measurement of such protein levels may help timely predict the risk. Surfactant proteins can also be helpful diagnostic purposes in COVID-19.

The continual propagation of SARS-CoV-2 has changed health care systems globally. Ranging degrees of clinical severity in COVID-19 patients have been noted in numerous literature sources. Cytokines play a crucial role in the development of key immunological processes in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 causes imbalance of the immune system and might culminate in cytokine storm and multiple organ involvement. The prevailing role of some special cytokines might serve as indicators of disease severity. Further stratification of patients in the context of specific cytokines can be beneficial for diagnosing disease stages. It can prevent critical states owing to timely diagnosis and targeted therapy. Targeting peculiar cytokines can markedly reduce complications. The aim of this article is to comprehensively overview the role of the main cytokines in COVID-19 pathogenesis and distinguish prognostic factors. Insights into specific cytokine involvement in COVID-19 pathogenesis may open new avenues for diagnosing hyperinflammatory COVID-19, predicting its outcomes and providing individualized cytokine-targeted therapeutic approaches.

Background. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, the prevalence and incidence of which have dramatically increased worldwide. Our research aimed to study the dynamics of changes in the components of the respiratory part of the lungs in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Materials and methods. The experiments were performed on 88 white male Wistar rats weighing 170-210 g. The animals were divided into three groups: 1 - intact (n=10); 2 - control (n=40); 3 - experimental (n=38) with a model of diabetes mellitus, which was reproduced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin company "Sigma" (USA), diluted in 0.1 M citrate buffer with pH 4.5, at a rate of 60 mg/kg body weight. The control group of animals received an intraperitoneal injection with an equivalent dose of 0.1 M citrate buffer solution with a pH of 4.5. Pulmonary tissue collection for electron microscopic examination was performed under thiopental anesthesia 14, 28, 42, and 70 days after streptozotocin injection. Pieces of lung tissue were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution, followed by fixation in 1% osmium tetroxide solution. After dehydration, the material was poured into epon-araldite. Sections obtained on an ultramicrotome "Tesla BS-490" were studied in an electron microscope «PEM-125K». All studies were performed under sodium thiopental anesthesia at the rate of 60 mg/kg of body weight. Results. Our research showed that 14 days after the modeling of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, mainly reactive changes were observed in the components of the respiratory part of the lungs. With an increase in the duration of the study (28-70 days), changes of a dystrophic-destructive nature were noted in alveolocytes of types I and II, and endotheliocytes of hemocapillaries. At the same time, cells with increased functional activity were determined in the components of the respiratory part of the lungs. Conclusion. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes leads to violations of the ultrastructural organization of components of the respiratory part of the lungs. The nature and severity of structural changes in type I, II alveolocytes, and endotheliocytes of hemocapillaries depend on the duration of diabetes.

Background. Nowadays, diabetes mellitus is defined as one of the global medical and social problems and shows a growing tendency. The purpose of the study was to analyze the dynamics of endogenous intoxication in experimental diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods. The experiments were performed on 88 white male Wistar rats weighing 170-210 g. Animals were divided into three groups: 1 - intact; 2 - control; 3 - experimental with a model of diabetes mellitus, which was reproduced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin by “Sigma" company (USA), diluted in 0.1 M citrate buffer with a pH of 4.5, at a rate of 60 mg/kg body weight. The control group of animals received an intraperitoneal injection with an equivalent dose of 0.1 M citrate buffer solution with a pH of 4.5. All studies were performed under thiopental-sodium anesthesia at a rate of 60 mg/kg body weight. To determine endogenous intoxication, blood sampling of middle mass molecules (MMM) was performed 14, 28, 42 and 70 days after the streptozotocin injection. Detection of MMM fractions was performed by spectrophotometer «SF46» at the wavelength of 254 nm (MMM254) and 280 nm (MMM280). The STATISTICA 10 program was used for statistical processing of the obtained results. Results. The conducted biochemical studies of blood serum showed that in animals with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus there was an increase in the content of both MMM fractions compared to the similar indicators of the control group of animals at all stages of the experiment: in the 14 days increased by 32,9% - MMM254, by 12.7%- MMM280, in the 28 days increased by 44,3 % MMM254, by 34,0 % MMM 280, in the 42 days increased by 62,8 % MMM254, by 64,8 % MMM280, in 70 days increased by 76,1 % MMM254, by 81,1% MMM280. Conclusions. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus is accompanied by an increase in the level of endogenous intoxication which is manifested by an increase of both MMM fractions content in serum. The severity of endogenous intoxication depends on the duration of the endogenous factor.

Background. Currently, diabetes mellitus is the most common of all endocrine diseases with increasing tendency. The purpose of our research was to study the dynamics of serum levels of proinflammatory cytokine-IL-1β in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Materials and methods. The experiments were performed on 88 white male Wistar rats weighing 170-210 g. Animals were divided into three groups: 1 - intact; 2 - control; 3 - experimental with a model of diabetes mellitus, which was reproduced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin by “Sigma" company (USA), diluted in 0.1 M citrate buffer with a pH of 4.5, at a rate of 60 mg/kg body weight. The control group of animals received an intraperitoneal injection with an equivalent dose of 0.1 M citrate buffer solution with a pH of 4.5. All studies were performed under thiopental-sodium anesthesia at a rate of 60 mg/kg body weight. Serum levels of IL-1β were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Elabscience, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions 14, 28, 42 and 70 days after streptozotocin injection. The STATISTICA 10 program was used for statistical processing of the obtained results. Results. Conducted biochemical analysis showed that in animals with streptozotocin-induced diabetes there was an increase in the content of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β compared with similar indicators in the control group of animals at all stages of the experiment: after 14 days by 22.5%, after 28 days by 40.2%, after 42 days by 72.8% and after 70 days by 107.2%. Conclusion. The obtained results suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β plays one of the leading roles in the pathogenesis of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, as indicated by a significant increase in serum of this cytokine at all stages of the experiment.