Paweł Czubak

Background/Objectives: The most prevalent prolonged cardiac arrhythmia and a significant global health burden is atrial fibrillation (AF). Although its connection to AF is still unknown, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a genetically determined lipoprotein with pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic characteristics, has been linked to cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to measure and assess the relationship between circulating Lp(a) levels and AF. Methods: In compliance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out using a protocol that was preregistered in PROSPERO (CRD420251153244). Comprehensive searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up until September 2025 were used to find observational studies comparing circulating Lp(a) levels in adults with and without AF. Results: Circulating Lp(a) concentrations were significantly higher in AF patients than in controls across 10 studies (pooled MD = 2.81; 95%CI: 1.58–4.05; p < 0.0001). In the subgroup analysis by geographical setting, studies conducted in Asia and studies from Europe/USA exhibited a statistically significant effect. Despite the extreme heterogeneity (I² = 99%), sensitivity analyses verified that the overall effect was stable. Conclusions: Our pooled analysis revealed a statistically significant association between Lp(a) and AF; however, the certainty of the evidence was rated as very low according to the GRADE methodology. To elucidate causality, enhance risk stratification, and investigate whether Lp(a)-lowering tactics could alter AF risk, large, prospective, multi-ethnic studies with standardized biomarker assessment are needed.

Endometriosis is a complex gynecological condition affecting 10% of women globally, characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, reduced quality of life, and a risk of cancer. This review examines the multifaceted aspects of endometriosis, including its causes, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies. Genetic and environmental factors, hormonal influences, and immunological dysregulation are addressed as potential drivers of disease progression. Treatment options, including pharmacological interventions (hormone therapy, pain management) and surgical interventions, are assessed for their effectiveness in alleviating symptoms and improving outcomes. Emerging therapies, such as small-molecule inhibitors and anti-angiogenic agents, are also explored. Additionally, the psychological impact of endometriosis is addressed, emphasizing the need for holistic care. This review highlights the importance of continued research to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying endometriosis and to develop targeted therapies for improved patient care.

Endometriosis is a complex gynecological condition affecting 10% of women globally, characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, reduced quality of life, and a risk of cancer. This review examines the multifaceted aspects of endometriosis, including its causes, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies. Genetic and environmental factors, hormonal influences, and immunological dysregulation are addressed as potential drivers of disease progression. Treatment options, including pharmacological interventions (hormone therapy, pain management) and surgical interventions, are assessed for their effectiveness in alleviating symptoms and improving outcomes. Emerging therapies, such as small-molecule inhibitors and anti-angiogenic agents, are also explored. Additionally, the psychological impact of endometriosis is addressed, emphasizing the need for holistic care. This review highlights the importance of continued research to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying endometriosis and to develop targeted therapies for improved patient care.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a result of autoimmune destruction of pancreatic insulin producingβ-cells and so far it can be cured only by insulin injection, by pancreas transplantation, or by pancreatic islet cells’ transplantation. The methods are, however, imperfect and have a lot of disadvantages. Therefore new solutions are needed. The best one would be the use of differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In the present study, we investigated the potential of the bone marrow-derived MSCs line forin vitrodifferentiation into insulin producing cells (IPSs). We applied an 18-day protocol to differentiate MSCs. Differentiating cells formed cell clusters some of which resembled pancreatic islet-like cells. Using dithizone we confirmed the presence of insulin in the cells. What is more, the expression of proinsulin C-peptide in differentiated IPCs was analyzed by flow cytometry. For the first time, we investigated the influence of growth factors’ concentration on IPCs differentiation efficiency. We have found that an increase in the concentration of growth factors up to 60 ng/mL ofβ-FGF/EGF and 30 ng/mL of activin A/β-cellulin increases the percentage of IPCs. Further increase of growth factors does not show any increase of the percentage of differentiated cells. Our findings suggest that the presented protocol can be adapted for differentiation of insulin producing cells from stem cells.

Functional disorders of T lymphocytes play an essential role in abnormal immune response in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The aim of this study was to assess the profile of cytokines expressed by T cells derived from patients with CLL. We have demonstrated that the intracellular levels of IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in T cells of CLL patients than in healthy donors. Moreover, the percentages of CD4+/CD3+/TNF+, CD4+/CD3+/IFN-γ+, and CD4+/CD3+/IL-2+ cells were significantly higher in ZAP-70-positive patients compared with ZAP-70-negative ones. Likewise, significantly higher percentages of CD4+/CD3+/TNF+, CD4+/CD3+/IFN-γ+ cells were observed in CD38-positive than in CD38-negative cases. What is more, there was a significant difference in median percentage of CD3+/CD4+ cells expressing TNF, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-2 or IL-6 between patients carrying the 11q22.3 deletion and/or the 17p13.1 deletion and patients without these genetic aberrations. Our results confirm the functional disorders of T cells in CLL and their influence on the clinical course of the disease.