Julia Andrzejewska

Introduction and objective: Dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular, especially among physically active people, regardless of their level of experience. In Poland, as many as 90% of adults use such products, which highlights their importance in everyday life. The reasons for using supplements are varied, ranging from actual health needs to the influence of intensive marketing. Given the huge number of products available and insufficient market supervision, it is crucial to understand the principles of their use. The aim of this study is to assess the validity of supplementation among physically active people in the context of real health needs and the impact of marketing on consumer decisions. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge: Supplements are products that supplement the diet and contain concentrated ingredients with physiological effects. Unlike drugs, they do not undergo rigorous clinical trials. They are often used without consulting experts, and knowledge about them comes mainly from advertising and the media. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has divided supplements into four groups, A-D, according to their effectiveness and safety. Professional athletes usually seek the help of specialists, while amateurs often choose supplements on their own, which carries a risk of error. Products that support recovery, performance, and concentration are particularly popular. Social media, through influential celebrities, often promote unverified information. Summary: Supplements can support the health of physically active people, but their use should be informed and consulted with specialists. Excessive trust in advertising and a lack of knowledge increase the risk of misuse of these products. Education, legal regulations, and professional advice are key to safe supplementation.

Background. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) occurs in 69-90% of women with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and represents a critical diagnostic criterion and therapeutic challenge. Despite its high prevalence and clinical significance, the dynamic psychological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying NSSI remain incompletely understood, and a substantial gap persists between acute symptom reduction and long-term psychosocial recovery. Aim. This study reviews NSSI in BPD, focusing on: identification of proximal psychological mechanisms and developmental factors influencing NSSI risk, and assessment of specialized therapeutic approaches' effectiveness in reducing NSSI and achieving sustained psychosocial functioning. Materials and Methods. A literature review was conducted using databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) for articles up to November 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies examining NSSI in BPD populations using validated assessment tools. Results. Neuroimaging demonstrates that NSSI produces immediate amygdala deactivation, providing neurobiological reinforcement for this behavior. The Emotional Cascade Model identifies rumination instability and emotion differentiation deficits as key triggers for NSSI episodes. Childhood trauma dysregulates the HPA axis and correlates with functional deficits. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) shows a moderate effect size in reducing self-harm (Hedges' g = -0.622) and induces neuroplastic changes. Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) reduces suicide attempts, though social functioning often remains impaired even in long-term follow-up. Conclusions. Specialized psychotherapies effectively stabilize acute symptoms, but a clear gap persists between symptom control and functional recovery. Future research should adopt complex dynamic systems perspectives and prioritize outcomes reflecting social integration and quality of life.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting approximately 700 thousand Polish people. In Poland, insufficient vitamin D levels are highly prevalent and concern around 90% of the population. Except the established, modifiable risk factors of AF, new risk factors such as vitamin D deficiency are being described. Some potential mechanisms involving vitamin D in atrial fibrillation pathogenesis include: cardiac remodelling via the vitamin D receptor, modulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, influence on parathyroid hormone concentration, changes in action potential duration and left atrium contractility, and activation of proinflammatory pathway by low vitamin D levels. Aim of the study: This review aims to analyze the potential relationship between vitamin D concentration and the risk of developing atrial fibrillation based on the current state of knowledge (as of 2025). Moreover, we tried to examine how vitamin D concentration could influence the efficacy of atrial fibrillation treatment methods such as cardioversion or ablation. Material and Methods: This review is based on literature from 2011 to 2024, searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, mp.pl and ClinicalTrials.gov that was describing the results of vitamin D deficiency on atrial fibrillation development and the treatment outcomes. Conclusions: Serum vitamin D concentration may have an impact on both atrial fibrillation onset and its treatment. It is possible that there are several groups of patients among whom the sufficient vitamin D level would be particularly beneficial. Further studies, especially those focusing on vitamin D supplementation, are needed to clarify the role of vitamin D in atrial fibrillation pathogenesis and treatment.

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to permanent lack of insulin. In recent years, advances in insulin formulations and delivery methods have improved the ability to mimic natural insulin secretion and support better diabetes management. Aim: The aim of this article is to review the most commonly used forms of insulin therapy and modern technologies supporting the treatment of type 1 diabetes, with attention to their effectiveness, safety, and impact on patients’ quality of life. Methods: A search of PubMed and ScienceDirect was performed for publications from January 2008 to June 2025. The review included clinical trials and review articles about insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes. Titles and abstracts were screened, full texts were analysed, and reference lists of key papers were checked. Results: Modern insulin therapy is based on insulin analogues with different action profiles and on delivery systems such as insulin pens, pumps, and hybrid closed-loop devices. New basal and prandial analogues help improve glycaemic control and reduce complications. Automated Insulin Delivery systems increase time in range and improve daily functioning. However, problems such as variability of insulin absorption, lipodystrophy, and high costs still remain. Conclusions: Although progress in insulin therapy has improved diabetes care, further research, better access to modern technologies, and further patient education is essential.

Introduction: Endothelial function is crucial for maintaining vascular homeostasis by regulating vasomotor tone, inflammation, and immune responses. Impairment of endothelial function is an early indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given the increasing prevalence of CVD, identifying modifiable risk factors, including dietary patterns, is becoming increasingly important. Aim of the study: This review compares the effects of ketogenic and plant-based diets on endothelial function, highlighting molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. Methodology: Literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (June–September 2025) using the keywords endothelium, ketogenic diet, vegetarian diet, atherosclerosis, and oxidative stress. Studies published in English between 2010 and 2025 were analyzed. Results: Ketogenic diets, although effective for weight loss, can lead to dehydration, micronutrient deficiencies, and increased endothelial inflammation due to low antioxidant intake. In contrast, plant-based diets are rich in fiber and antioxidants and low in trans fats, supporting endothelial integrity and reducing inflammation, though they may lack adequate EPA and DHA.

Introduction and objective: While endurance training confers significant cardiovascular benefits, emerging evidence suggests that prolonged high-volume exercise may promote myocardial fibrosis in some athletes. The aim of the review is to examine the prevalence, underlying mechanisms, imaging...

Introduction:Pain is a complex clinical challenge, with opioids traditionally used despite the risks of dependency and overdose. The need for safer alternatives has led to growing interest in voltage-gated sodium channels, particularly NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9, as targets for non-opioid pain management. The recent FDA approval of suzetrigine, a selective NaV1.8 inhibitor, marks a significant step forward in opioid-free pain treatment. Aim of the Study:This review aims to explore the role of voltage-gated sodium channels in pain transmission and evaluate their potential as therapeutic targets, highlighting suzetrigine as a promising new analgesic. Material and Methods:This review, based on data from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov, focuses on the pathophysiological role of sodium channels in pain and the latest research on selective blockers. Results:NaV1.7, NaV1.8, NaV1.9 play critical roles in various pain states. While clinical trials targeting NaV1.7 have delivered disappointing results, selective inhibition of NaV1.8 has shown greater promise, with suzetrigine demonstrating significant efficacy in clinical trials. Conclusion:Targeting voltage-gated sodium channels, especially NaV1.8, offers a promising strategy for the development of effective and safer analgesics. Suzetrigine marks a milestone, paving the way for a new class of non-opioid pain therapies with broad clinical application.