Exploring the Correlation Between Vitamin D Levels and Serological Markers in Liver Diseases: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study investigated the correlation between vitamin D levels and serological markers of liver diseases in two groups of patients: the control group (CG) and the study group (SG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analyzed data on vitamin D levels categorized as insufficient, sufficient, and optimal, along with serological markers, such as alpha2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, apolipoprotein A1, bilirubin total, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. RESULTS: The results indicate significant differences in vitamin D levels between the two groups, particularly in SG, where vitamin D levels varied according to its status and correlated with serological markers. Marker levels, including alpha2-macroglobulin, glucose, and total cholesterol, were notably higher in SG compared to CG, suggesting a potential association with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Further analysis using Pearson correlation revealed a strong, inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and FibroTest, NashTest, alpha2-globulin, and glucose. Additionally, increasing FibroTest and NashTest stages, as well as levels of alpha2-macroglobulin and glucose, were associated with lower vitamin D levels in SG. CONCLUSION: These findings under-score the complex interplay between vitamin D and serological markers in NAFLD, highlighting the potential significance of vitamin D levels in disease progression. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship and its clinical implications.

Study of Periodontal Bacteria in Diabetic Wistar Rats: Assessing the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Carvacrol and Magnolol Hydrogels.

Periodontal disease and diabetes often co-occur; both are characterized by chronic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of carvacrol and magnolol when incorporated into a periodontal hydrogel and topically applied to Wistar rats with diabetes-associated periodontal disease. Forty male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups: PD (induced diabetes and periodontitis), PDC (induced diabetes and periodontitis treated with carvacrol), PDM (induced diabetes and periodontitis treated with magnolol), and PDCM (induced diabetes and periodontitis treated with both carvacrol and magnolol). Post treatment, gingival tissue samples were collected to measure levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. The PDCM group exhibited significantly lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) compared to the PD group. The combined application of a periodontal hydrogel containing carvacrol and magnolol may significantly reduce gingival inflammation in rats with diabetes-associated periodontal disease.

Can Vitamin D Levels Alter the Effectiveness of Short-Term Facelift Interventions?

Facelifting is increasingly popular among the population. It exceeded the limits of post-traumatic facia-reconstruction. Both the demand and the methods available are getting increasingly diverse. The minimally invasive technique revolutionized the facelift, although it took some time to completely comprehend the mechanics. The roles of vitamin D in numerous physiological processes in which it is involved have mostly been elucidated in the last decade. Our hypothesis is based on one of these roles, that is, vitamin D intervenes in changing the type of collagen by changing its location; therefore, collagen will have a supporting role for the subcutaneous tissue. A group of 156 patients with different facelifting methods was followed: 93 minimally invasive (NC), 49 classical surgery (C) and 14 with the combined technique (NC + C). The change in the subcutaneous tissue was monitored by an elastograph. The level of vitamin D was monitored in order to assess the immediate and long-term effects of vitamin D on the progression of subcutaneous fibrosis. It was proven that an optimal level of vitamin D has a beneficial effect in maintaining the volume of subcutaneous tissue in patients from the NC and NC + C groups, the best results being in the NC + C group. An increase in the subcutaneous volume was recorded, which leads to a decrease in elasticity (statistical significance p < 0.05) and the lowering of the subcutaneous tissue, and an increased amount of lowering corresponds to a lowering of vitamin D levels.

Can the Correlation of Periodontopathies with Gastrointestinal Diseases Be Used as Indicators in Severe Colorectal Diseases?

Gastrointestinal problems are among the most common health problems which can acutely affect the healthy population and chronically involve health risks, seriously affecting the quality of life. Identifying the risk of gastrointestinal diseases in the early phase by indirect methods can increase the healing rate and the quality of life.: The proposal of this study is to verify a correlation between gastrointestinal and periodontal problems and the risk of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases (IBD). The study was conducted on 123 people who were observed to have gastrointestinal and psychological problems. The participants were divided into three groups, depending on each one's diagnosis. The control group (CG) was composed of 37 people who did not fit either irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) according to the ROME IV criteria, nor were inflammatory markers positive for IBD. Group 2 (IBS) was composed of 44 participants diagnosed with IBS according to the ROME IV criteria. Group 3 was composed of 42 participants who were diagnosed with IBD. All study participants underwent anthropometric, micro-Ident, and quality of life tests. A directly proportional relationship of the presence of bacteria with IBD patients with the exception of Capnocytophaga spp. and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was observed. These two bacteria correlated significantly with IBS. Follow-up of the study participants will help determine whether periodontal disease can be used as an indicator of severe colorectal disease. In addition, this study should be continued especially in the case of IBD more thoroughly to follow and reduce the risk of malignancy.

Variety of Serotonin Levels in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders.

(1) Serotonin primarily regulates our emotions. A complex process, which includes dysfunctions in gastrointestinal motility and deregulation of the gene responsible for serotonin reuptake (SERT), is implicated in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This also encompasses changes in intestinal microbiota, the response to stress, the intricate interplay between the brain and the digestive tract, heightened sensitivity to visceral stimuli, and low-grade inflammation. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of probiotic therapy in managing gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric symptoms related to serotonin levels, with a focus on individuals with serotonin deficiency and those with normal serotonin levels experiencing gastrointestinal disorders. (2) The study involved 135 pediatric patients aged 5-18 years with gastrointestinal disturbances, including constipation, diarrhea, and other symptoms, such as nausea, flatulence, feeling full, or gastrointestinal pain. (3) Serotonin testing was performed, and administering probiotics appeared to be effective in addressing serotonin deficiency and other gastrointestinal disorders. (4) Serotonin's pivotal role in regulating neurotransmitter secretion and its impact on neuropsychiatric health, coupled with gender differences and age-related declines, underscore the complexity of their influence on gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric conditions.