Michał Robak

Background: Recurrent urinary tract infections remain a significant clinical and public health concern due to their high prevalence, considerable recurrence rates, and the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. In light of the limitations associated with long-term antibiotic use, non-antibiotic prophylactic strategies have garnered increasing interest. This review synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy of various non-antibiotic interventions, including behavioral and dietary modifications, probiotics, cranberry products, D-mannose, methenamine hippurate, topical vaginal estrogen, and immunoprophylaxis. Aim: This study aims to introduce non-antibiotic approaches to the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections and to highlight how their integration into clinical practice may decrease reliance on antibiotics and improve long-term patient outcomes. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes current research findings on the topic. The literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar database, focusing on recent studies relevant to non-antibiotic strategies for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's homeostasis, and its imbalance—referred to as dysbiosis—is increasingly associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatic disorders. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and the immune system, which may influence the development and progression of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) The aim of this paper is to analyze the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between the gut microbiota and rheumatic diseases, with particular emphasis on the immunological mechanisms involved. The work presents examples of alterations in gut microbial composition in patients with selected rheumatic conditions and explores the possible consequences of these changes for immune system function. Furthermore, the paper discusses potential therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the gut microbiota, including the use of probiotics, prebiotics, dietary interventions, and the innovative approach of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). By reviewing available studies, the paper evaluates the efficacy and safety of these methods and outlines directions for future research in the context of microbiota-targeted therapies as supportive treatment options for rheumatic diseases.

Background: Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based approach that helps prevent and treat chronic diseases through modifications in daily habits. It includes key pillars: nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, avoidance of harmful substances, stress management, and social relationships. These interconnected domains play a critical role in promoting long-term health and well-being.Aim: To introduce the core principles of Lifestyle Medicine and present practical, evidence-based strategies for integrating them into routine patient care.Methods: This narrative review synthesizes current research findings and official guidelines from leading health organizations, such as World Health Organization and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Literature review was conducted using PubMed database.

Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most frequent and malignant brain tumors in children. The prognosis depends on the advancement of the disease and the patient’s age. Current therapies, which include surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation, despite being quite effective, cause significant side effects that influence the central nervous system’s function and cause neurocognitive deficits. Therefore, they substantially lower the quality of life, which is especially severe in a developing organism. Thus, there is a need for new therapies that are less toxic and even more effective. Recently, knowledge about the epigenetic mechanisms that are responsible for medulloblastoma development has increased. Epigenetics is a phenomenon that influences gene expression but can be easily modified by external factors. The best known epigenetic mechanisms are histone modifications, DNA methylation, or noncoding RNAs actions. Epigenetic mechanisms comprehensively explain the complex phenomena of carcinogenesis. At the same time, they seem to be a potential key to treating medulloblastoma with fewer complications than past therapies. This review presents the currently known epigenetic mechanisms that are involved in medulloblastoma pathogenesis and the potential therapies that use epigenetic traits to cure medulloblastoma while maintaining a good quality of life and ensuring a higher median overall survival rate.