Dominika Prystacka-Szar

Introduction: Obesity is the excessive accumulation of fat tissue in the body, which has broad and serious health consequences. It has also become an increasingly significant issue in today's world. Aim: The aim of this article is to review the existing weight loss methods, their effectiveness, and the long-term maintenance of a healthy body weight. Review Methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted using the following search terms: obesity, obesity causes, obesity treatment, weight gain, weight loss, weight loss maintenance. Conclusion: Weight loss is a complex issue that requires an interdisciplinary and individualized approach for each case. Long-term weight maintenance mainly relies on lifestyle and habit changes.

Injuries in the spinal cord are responsible for disabling a great number of people each year. The primary and secondary damage varies in pathomechanisms, the latter one being heavily associated with excitotoxicity caused by excess extracellular glutamate. Riluzole, a drug used in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, lowers the amount of released glutamate, thus making it a possible candidate for treatment in spinal cord injuries. Several studies have been performed on animals and humans, although their results do not always align. In controlled environments, when injuries to the neural tissue in the spinal cord are mechanical or ischemic, the drug’s usage shows promising effects in treated rats. Tests on humans are much harder to conduct and so the research has focused on already ill individuals. Their conditions vary, however, and not all of the people could recover, even to a small degree. Further studies need to be performed in order to qualify riluzole as a remedium to injuries of the spinal cord.

Introduction: Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Northern Europe. It involves an overload of iron in the tissues due to a deficiency of the protein hepcidin. 85-90% of cases are associated with homozygous mutations of the C282Y gene in the HFE gene. Symptoms are nonspecific and include cardiac disorders, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, diabetes, hypogonadism and sexual dysfunction, and arthritis. The diagnosis of the disease is based on demonstrating elevated serum ferritin levels and transferrin saturation, as well as identifying the mutation responsible for hereditary hemochromatosis. Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing permanent organ complications. Treatment methods include phlebotomy, therapeutic erythrocytophoresis, and the use of iron chelating drugs. Early detected and properly treated hemochromatosis allows for a lifespan comparable to the general population. Aim: The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive summary of the etiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis with an emphasis on the importance of early detection and treatment of the disease. Review methods: A thorough analysis of several dozen research studies from recent years on hereditary hemochromatosis and its complications was conducted. Studies available in PUBMED were reviewed, the following keywords were used to search for sources: hemochromatosis; iron; hepcidin; phlebotomy; deferoxamine; therapeutic erythrocytapheresis. Conclusion: Hereditary hemochromatosis is a disease that in most patients runs a covert course. If unrecognized and untreated, it carries many life-threatening complications.

More than half of cancer patients experience chronic pain, especially those who have the disease in an advanced stage. Cancer is a complex illness that causes substantial morbidity and mortality. The mainstay of traditional pain care is opioids, which, although useful for some people, usually lead to insufficient pain relief and a host of negative side effects, such as opioid-refractory pain and reliance. A growing number of people are interested in alternative treatment choices, including cannabinoids made from the cannabis plant, as a result of these difficulties. This review centers on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a sophisticated network of cell signals that is essential for controlling a number of physiological and pathological functions, including the feeling of pain. Major cannabinoids including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are being investigated for their potential to lessen the negative effects of chemotherapy as well as their analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities. The promising role of cannabis in cancer pain management is highlighted in this review, which also discusses the need for more study to determine their safety, effectiveness, and incorporation into clinical practice. Methods A review of the literature was conducted using the WHO and PubMed databases. Keywords: oncology, chronic pain, pain, endocannabinoid system and cannaboids. A total of 33 papers or websites were included in the review.

Introduction: Depression contributes significantly to the overall global societal and personal burden of disease. Despite the developments in treatment strategies, the effectiveness of both medication and psychotherapy is not optimal. As theoretical knowledge expands, so does the need for other practical evidence-based interventions. Among them, physical activity (PA) shows a potential therapeutic role. Aim: The aim of this article is to explore the role of PA in the treatment of depression and establish whether it is reasonable to think of physical exercise as a therapeutic intervention in a clinical setting. Review methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed and Google Scholar was undertaken using the search terms encompassing the following keywords: depressive symptoms / depression / neuropsychiatry / physical activity / exercise / physical health / running therapy / treatment. Conclusion: Physical activity is known to help improve mental health. Exercise therapy is therefore a valuable option in mental health care, both in terms of mental and physical health, and should be considered standard practice for people with depression and/or anxiety disorders. All types of PA and exercise are beneficial. Putting an emphasis on this element of lifestyle when developing intervention plans, treatment programs, and health policy guidelines plays a key factor in providing a multi-dimensional approach to mental healthcare.

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex and chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, often accompanied by mood disturbances and cognitive difficulties. The pathophysiology of FM involves heightened pain sensitivity, altered neurotransmitter levels, and neurochemical imbalances, including elevated substance P and glutamate. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), has demonstrated efficacy in managing FM symptoms, particularly pain, functional impairment, and quality of life. Pregabalin, another widely used FM medication, reduces pain by modulating calcium channels and neurotransmitter release, improving sleep and reducing fatigue. Comparative studies indicate that duloxetine may offer broader benefits, including reduced healthcare utilization, due to its dual role in pain relief and mood stabilization. While pregabalin may be preferred in patients with specific comorbidities like functional dyspepsia, duloxetine’s antidepressant effects make it a compelling option for individuals with depression-related FM symptoms. Aim of the study: The study aimed to analyze the current treatment of Fibromyalgia and compare two main treatment methods, duloxetine and pregabalin. Review method: The following keywords, such as fibromyalgia treatment, duloxetine, and pregabalin, have been included in the search phrases used to thoroughly examine research publications available on Pubmed. Conclusion: This review highlights the importance of personalized treatment strategies for FM, integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches within a biopsychosocial framework. By tailoring therapies to individual needs, clinicians can optimize outcomes and improve patient quality of life.

Introduction: Acute intermittent porphyria is a disease inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, occurring with a frequency of 1:75,000 people. The main symptom of the disease is paroxysmal, colicky abdominal pain, which is accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms. For some patients, psychiatric symptoms are the only symptom of the disease. In this paper, the case of a 43-year-old patient struggling with recurrent colicky abdominal pain and depressive and anxiety disorders, which intensify during exacerbation periods, is presented, featuring an ambiguous diagnosis of porphyria in previous laboratory tests. In the treatment, glucose infusions, morphine, psychiatric and psychological therapy were used - saline solution was administered as a placebo. Aim: The aim of this paper is to highlight the difficulties in diagnosing psychiatric symptoms during an acute attack of porphyria, which significantly complicate its treatment, and to consider the possibility of using placebo as one of the elements in the diagnostic and therapeutic plan in order to optimize treatment and avoid complications by using smaller doses of narcotic drugs. Review methods: A thorough analysis of research studies available on PUBMED was conducted using the following keywords: acute intermittent porphyria; porphobilinogen; depression; anxiety disorders; psychiatry; placebo. The medical history of a 43-year-old female patient, suspected of having acute intermittent porphyria due to recurrent abdominal pain and psychiatric symptoms, was also analyzed. Conclusion: Our case illustrates how psychiatric symptoms can complicate the diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria. Failing to recognize acute porphyria also carries the risk of life-threatening complications and may lead to unnecessary pharmacotherapy and stigmatization as a mental illness. This case demonstrates that placebo can be one of the components of a diagnostic and therapeutic plan of acute intermittent porphyria.

Introduction:Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, affects around 1% to 3% of the population, causing pain and functional limitations, yet its exact causes and degenerative mechanisms are still not fully understood. Research indicates that tendinopathy primarily arises from new blood vessel formation and collagen fiber disruptions, while tennis elbow complicates diagnosis and treatment due to a mix of biomechanics, occupational factors, and individual variations. Despite various treatments available for tennis elbow, no single option is universally recognized as superior, with the primary recommendation being to rest from activities that worsen the condition. To alleviate pain after exercising, options include applying ice, using oral or topical NSAIDs, or exploring corticosteroid therapy, with more invasive treatments like dry needling being effective for managing myofascial pain and trigger points when basic methods fall short. Aim: The aim of this article is to explore the underlying mechanisms of tennis elbow and assess the effectiveness of treating it through dry needling. Review methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed and Google Scholar was undertaken using the searchterms encompassing the following keywords: tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis, dry needling, tennis elbow pathophysiology. Conclusion: Dry needling has shown success in relieving symptoms of chronic lateral epicondylosis that haven't improved with standard therapies. This method is safe, cost-effective, and can be carried out by practitioners skilled in upper extremity anatomy and rehabilitation, but further extensive research with larger sample sizes, randomization, and control groups is needed to more accurately assess the effectiveness of dry needling for treating tendinopathies.

Introduction and objective: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of sedentary work on lumbar spine strain in office workers, taking into account anthropometric characteristics, health status, physical activity levels, and knowledge about workplace ergonomics. Material and methods:...

Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a form of neuropathic pain that targets the fifth cranial nerve, leading to intense facial pain that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. This condition typically manifests as recurring episodes of sharp, unilateral pain along one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve.The exact mechanism of trigeminal neuralgia remains largely unknown. Most pain attacks are triggered by certain stimuli in the areas served by the trigeminal nerve. One possible treatment approach for trigeminal neuralgia is radiofrequency thermocoagulation. Aim: The aim of this article is to explore the underlying mechanisms of trigeminal neuralgia and assess the effectiveness of treating it through radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion. Review methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed and Google Scholar was undertaken using the searchterms encompassing the following keywords: trigeminal neuralgia / Gasserian ganglion radiofrequency thermal therapy/ radiofrequency thermal coagulation/ radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy/ trigeminal neuralgia mechanism. Conclusion: The exact mechanisms behind trigeminal neuralgia are still unclear, but several theories suggest that factors such as inflammation, ion channel dysfunction, neuroinflammatory conditions, or bioresonance issues may be involved. Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation (RFT) has proven to be an effective option for easing pain in individuals suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia. Research indicates that RFT not only significantly reduces pain initially but also provides a prolonged period of relief post-procedure. The temperature achieved during radiofrequency treatments is a key factor in determining the effectiveness of RFT.