Alicja Florczak

Tympanosclerosis is a chronic middle ear disorder characterized by fibrosis, hyalinization, and calcification of the tympanic membrane and ossicles, which often results in conductive hearing loss. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize current evidence on molecular pathways and genetic susceptibility factors contributing to the development of this condition. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to December 2024. Eligible studies were original peer-reviewed articles in English investigating gene expression, genetic polymorphisms, or molecular signaling pathways in human or animal models. Risk of bias was assessed using standardized tools, and results were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity. Twenty-five studies were included from 1815 screened records. Reported findings implicated inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, oxidative stress-related enzymes, including CAT, and iNOS, and bone remodeling pathways involving Wnt signaling, TGF-β1, and osteopontin. Polymorphisms in TLR4, NOS2 and NAT2 were associated with increased susceptibility or severity. Evidence remains limited but highlights potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Ovarian cancer (OC) represents a significant challenge in the realm of gynecological cancers, characterized by poor survival rates and complex etiology. In this review, we delve into the se-lected genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors underpinning OC development. We have reviewed scientific databases searching for ovarian cancer genetic and epigenetic factors. We have included studies based on their relevancy. As a result of exploring ovarian carcinogen-esis, this systematic review contains data collected from 126 various works. The role of prominent genetic players such as BRCA mutations, DNA repair mechanisms, un-derscores the intricate landscape of OC susceptibility. We explore Li-Fraumeni and Lynch syn-drome, which impart a heightened predisposition to OC development. Hormonal factors such as estrogen, progesterone, and androgens are also discussed. Environmental alterations, ranging from lifestyle influences on OC to microbiome dysbiosis and lifestyle factors such as obesity, al-cohol consumption, and physical activity intersect with genetic and epigenetic pathways, shaping the risk landscape for OC. Through a meticulous examination of current literature, this review provides a nuanced under-standing of the multifactorial nature of OC, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.