Mariusz Krompiewski

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes/ENDS) are regarded by many as a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. This article will present a review of the current knowledge regarding the effects and impact of electronic cigarettes on health and the risk of addiction in adolescents. Methods: We selected articles with an unlimited search period in several databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and the websites of the Polish government. Only articles with free full text were included in the review. There were no restrictions based on article type. Conclusions: The increasing consumption of e-cigarettes (ENDS) among young people in Poland is emerging as a significant public health concern. The high addictive potential of nicotine, coupled with the toxicity of aerosols and the multitude of ways in which manufacturers make their products more appealing, gives rise to the risk of an increase in future patients with impaired performance in sports, and consequently with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as the necessity to combat addiction. Reducing and preventing the use of tobacco products by children and adolescents represents one of the most significant challenges currently facing the public health sector in Poland.

There are many factors influencing the condition of surgical patients. One undoubtedly important one is the nutritional status of the patient. Over the years, many guidelines have been developed to reduce malnutrition and improve the nutritional status of surgical patients. It has been proven in numerous studies that malnutrition worsens the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery. Numerous advances in many fields of medicine, such as better conservative treatment, development of surgical techniques or new surgical instruments, have contributed to improving the prognosis of patients in the postoperative period. Inadequate nutritional status is one of the main factors negatively affecting this process . Perioperative nutritional support, as part of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol, has proven to be crucial in improving surgical outcomes . By introducing a nutritional assessment even before planned procedures, we can improve the patient's condition with oral supplements and immunomodulatory preparations. This can reduce the length of patient hospitalization and mortality. In this review, we will focus on the latest developments and available research on these issues.

Ketamine, also known as 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)-cyclohexanone, is a dissociative anesthetic that has gained popularity as a recreational substance among young people, especially in nightclubs and at parties. It acts as a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, inducing a dissociative state that manifests as catalepsy, unconsciousness and amnesia. Recreational use of ketamine and the number of illicit seizures of ketamine have increased in recent years, prompting a review of current evidence on its toxicity. Recreational ketamine use is associated with a number of toxic effects, both acute and chronic. Predominant among the acute effects are psychotic symptoms, hallucinations and aggression, which can lead to serious injuries. Chronic ketamine use leads to intractable urological problems and neuropsychiatric problems, Long-term effects also include gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain and liver function abnormalities. This review summarizes current evidences on the acute and chronic ketamine toxicity associated with its recreational use.

The paper explores the diverse aspects of propolis, a resinous substance created by bees from botanical sources, presenting a comprehensive overview of its chemistry, applications, and efficacy in human health. Propolis, colloquially known as "bee glue," serves as a versatile material in hive construction and defense against diseases and predators. Its chemical composition, influenced by geographic origins, comprises a myriad of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and more. The study delves into the pharmacological activities of propolis, emphasizing its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Propolis exhibits a direct correlation between its biological activity and the quality of its chemical constituents. The antioxidant activity, attributed to flavonoids, plays a crucial role in mitigating oxidative stress and associated chronic inflammation. Furthermore, the paper discusses the therapeutic potential of propolis in various health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, COPD, and wound healing. In diabetes, propolis shows promise in reducing blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Its cardioprotective effects are linked to antioxidant compounds, addressing oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. Propolis demonstrates anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects in respiratory conditions, providing potential relief for asthma and COPD patients. Additionally, propolis accelerates wound healing through its immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. In conclusion, propolis emerges as a natural resource with significant potential for human health, presenting a diverse array of bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic efficacy across various medical conditions. The multifaceted nature of propolis makes it a subject of growing interest for further research and exploration in the field of medicine and healthcare.

Erythritol, a sugar alcohol derived from carbohydrate hydrolysis, is gaining attention for its unique properties and potential health benefits. While it occurs naturally in small quantities in certain foods, industrial production methods have made it a popular sugar substitute in various consumer products. Erythritol's sweetness coupled with its low or negligible calorie content, positions it as an attractive option for individuals seeking to manage weight or diabetes. Unlike some polyol sweeteners, erythritol's absorption in the small intestine does not lead to gastrointestinal distress, making it widely used in foods and beverages. Research indicates that erythritol's ingestion does not significantly impact serum glucose or insulin levels, making it suitable for individuals with diabetes or those managing carbohydrate intake. Moreover, erythritol shows promise in improving endothelial function and protecting against vascular complications associated with diabetes. Individuals with carbohydrate disorders or those who are overweight represent only a segment of the population that may benefit from erythritol. This sweetener also offers a spectrum of advantageous effects on oral and gastrointestinal health. However, while erythritol offers numerous potential benefits, further studies are needed to fully understand its long-term effects on the human body. This review compiles current data on erythritol's metabolism and underscores erythritol's multifaceted and beneficial potential role in health.

Obesity is a pandemic of the 21st century, and the prevalence of this metabolic condition has enormously increased over the past few decades. Obesity is associated with a number of comorbidities and complications, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which can be associated with severe and fatal outcomes. Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that secretes numerous molecules and proteins that are capable of modifying immune responses. The progression of obesity is associated with adipose tissue dysfunction, which is characterised by enhanced inflammation and apoptosis. Increased fat-tissue mass is associated with the dysregulated secretion of substances by adipocytes, which leads to metabolic alterations. Importantly, the adipose tissue contains immune cells, the profile of which changes with the progression of obesity. For instance, increasing fat mass enhances the presence of the pro-inflammatory variants of macrophages, major sources of tumour necrosis factor α and other inflammatory mediators that promote insulin resistance. The pathogenesis of obesity is complex, and understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms that are involved may provide novel treatment methods that could prevent the development of serious complications. The aim of this review is to discuss current evidence describing the involvement of various inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of obesity.

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world. There are several types of it with different etiologies. The most common type of diabetes is type 2. Every year, DM2 contributes to the deaths of millions of people worldwide. Its complications pose a huge health as well as economic problem. Nowadays, pharmaceutical companies are outdoing themselves in synthesizing new drugs, using newer and newer mechanisms of action. This meets with the approval of patients – It is easier to take a pill instead of changing your lifestyle. However, it is worth considering and rethinking the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. How to effectively reduce the risk of pre-diabetes or developing DM2? In this research study, we will try to give an insight into how important our body's muscle tissue is in the context of diabetes and why it is important to take care of its proper amount and condition. It is hoped that paying attention to this aspect in relation to diabetes will allow for a less invasive and more effective treatment of carbohydrate disorders and contribute to benefiting from the other health effects of developing proper skeletal muscle tissue in the human body.

Gallbladder disease is a common condition in the population that has a negative impact on quality of life. The development of gallstones is influenced by both non-modifiable factors such as genetics, age, gender and modifiable risk factors including physical activity, body weight, diet. Dietary factors affecting the occurrence of the disease are difficult to capture in clinical studies, but the effect of certain substances on the development of gallstones has been proven. Positive risk factors include a high-calorie diet, obesity, increased intake of carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, small amounts of fiber ingested. Moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of gallstones. Coffee may reduce the risk of the disease, but results are inconclusive. Inverse risk factors include consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, consumption of nuts, olive oil, n-3 PUFA found in fish oil, vitamin C supplementation. No clear effect of consuming large amounts of dietary cholesterol can be established. The type of protein consumed also matters - vegetable protein reduces the risk of gallstones, animal protein has no such effect. Better understanding of dietary risks of cholelithiasis may help in future disease prevention.