Dynamics of Serum Inflammatory Markers and Adipokines in Patients: Implications for Monitoring Abnormal Body Weight: Preliminary Research.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of abnormal body weight on inflammatory markers and adipokine levels across varied body mass index (BMI) categories. The cohort included 46 participants categorized into normal BMI (group I; n = 19), overweight (group II; n = 14), and obesity (group III; n = 13). Inflammatory markers (hsCRP and IL-6) and adipokines (Adiponectin, Leptin, Nesfatin-1, and Zinc-α2-glycoprotein) were assessed to discern effective indicators of inflammation in individuals with abnormal body weight. Additionally, the full lipid profile was also assessed (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C). The results indicated significant biochemical changes, particularly in IL-6 and Leptin levels, in participants with a BMI over 25. The levels of ZAG protein were negatively correlated with the HDL-C and LDC-L levels with statistical significance (Pearson: -0.57, p = 0.001, and Pearson: -0.41, p = 0.029, for HDL-C and LDL-C, respectively), suggesting that the level of ZAG is also inversely proportional to the amount of cholesterol. Statistical analyses revealed decreased Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) levels and increased Adiponectin, Leptin, and IL-6 levels in individuals with abnormal body weight. Correlation analyses demonstrated a statistically significant upward trend for IL-6 (p = 0.0008) and Leptin (p = 0.00001), with a similar trend observed for hsCRP without statistical significance (p = 0.113). IL-6 levels in the overweight group were 158.71% higher than in the normal-weight group, while the obese group exhibited a 229.55% increase compared to the normal-weight group. No notable changes have been recorded for the levels of Nesfatin-1. Based on our results, we propose IL-6, Leptin, and ZAG as potential biomarkers for monitoring interventions and assessing patient conditions in those with abnormal BMIs. Further research with a larger patient cohort is warranted to validate these correlations in overweight and obese individuals.

The Impact of Metabolic Memory on Immune Profile in Young Patients with Uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes.

Metabolic memory refers to the long-term effects of achieving early glycemic control and the adverse implications of high blood glucose levels, including the development and progression of diabetes complications. Our study aimed to investigate whether the phenomenon of metabolic memory plays a role in the immune profile of young patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes (T1D). The study group included 67 patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes with a mean age of 15.1 ± 2.3 years and a minimum disease duration of 1.2 years. The control group consisted of 27 healthy children and adolescents with a mean age of 15.1 ± 2.3 years. Patients were divided into three groups according to their HbA1c levels at the onset of T1D, and the average HbA1c levels after one and two years of disease duration. The subgroup A1 had the lowest initial HbA1c values, while the subgroup C had the highest initial HbA1c values. Cytokine levels (including TNF-α, IL-35, IL-4, IL-10, IL-18, and IL-12) were measured in all study participants. Our data analysis showed that subgroup A1 was characterized by significantly higher levels of IL-35 and IL-10 compared to all other groups, and significantly higher levels of IL-4 compared to group B. Additionally, a comparative analysis of cytokine levels between the groups of diabetic patients and healthy controls demonstrated that subgroup A1 had significantly higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The lipid profile was also significantly better in subgroup A1 compared to all other patient groups. Based on our findings, it appears that an inflammatory process, characterized by an imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, is associated with poor glycemic control at the onset of diabetes and during the first year of disease duration. These findings also suggest that both metabolic memory and inflammation contribute to the abnormal lipid profile in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Knee function and quality of life in adolescent soccer players with Osgood Shlatter disease history: a preliminary study.

The aim of the study was to assess psycho-physical deficits among young athletes with history of Osgood Shlatter Disease (OSD-H) compared to adolescents without history of knee pain (Control group). Eighteen participants were recruited from a group of 80 young (U14-U17) male soccer players. Medical records, and Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were performed from both groups. The tests were conducted to assess the anthropometric characteristics, knee and ankle range of motion (Ely's and Weight Bearing Lunge tests), and muscle power of the lower limbs (Leg Press, Single Leg Countermovement Jump, and Single Leg Hop for Distance). Results showed that overall patient-relevant outcomes following OSD (87%) were significantly lower than in the Control group (95%) (p < 0.05). Scores of the KOOS subscales revealed that Quality of Life and Function, Sports and recreational activities were significantly lower in the OSD-H group (p < 0.05). Although, there were no differences in subscale scores for Pain, Symptoms and Daily Activities. There were, also no difference between groups in range of motion angles and muscle power of the lower limbs values. The preliminary results support existing knowledge indicate that OSD may have a long-term influence on function, sports and recreational participation, and quality of life on young athletes.

The Relationship between TNF-a, IL-35, VEGF and Cutaneous Microvascular Dysfunction in Young Patients with Uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between immunological markers and the dysfunction of cutaneous microcirculation in young patients with type 1 diabetes. The study group consisted of 46 young patients with type 1 diabetes and no associated complications. Microvascular function was assessed with the use of nail fold capillaroscopy before and after implementing post-occlusive reactive hyperemia. This evaluation was then repeated after 12 months. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to their baseline median coverage (defined as the ratio of capillary surface area to surface area of the image area), which was established during the initial exam (coverageBASE). Additionally, the levels of several serum biomarkers, including VEGF, TNF-a and IL-35, were assessed at the time of the initial examination. HbA1c levels obtained at baseline and after a 12-month interval were also obtained. Mean HbA1c levels obtained during the first two years of the course of the disease were also analyzed. Patients with coverageBASE below 16.85% were found to have higher levels of VEGF and TNF-α, as well as higher levels of HbA1c during the first two years following diabetes diagnosis. Our results support the hypothesis that the development of diabetic complications is strongly influenced by metabolic memory and an imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, regardless of achieving adequate glycemic control.

Classification Maps: A New Mathematical Tool Supporting the Diagnosis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: A new diagnostic graphical tool-classification maps-supporting the detection of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) has been constructed. METHODS: The classification maps are constructed using the ordinal regression model. In the ordinal regression model, the ordinal variable (the dependent variable) is the degree of the advancement of AMD. The other variables, such as CRT (Central Retinal Thickness), GCC (Ganglion Cell Complex), MPOD (Macular Pigment Optical Density), ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study), Snellen and Age have also been used in the analysis and are represented on the axes of the maps. RESULTS: Here, 132 eyes were examined and classified to the AMD advancement level according to the four-point Age-Related Eye Disease Scale (AREDS): AREDS 1, AREDS 2, AREDS 3 and AREDS 4. These data were used for the creation of two-dimensional classification maps for each of the four stages of AMD. CONCLUSIONS: The maps allow us to perform the classification of the patient's eyes to particular stages of AMD. The pairs of the variables represented on the axes of the maps can be treated as diagnostic identifiers necessary for the classification to particular stages of AMD.

Prevention and Treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion: The Role of Diet-A Review.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal disorder. In comparison to diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, RVO is usually an unexpected event that carries a greater psychological impact. There is strong evidence to suggest that cardiovascular diseases are the most common risk factors in this pathology and it has long been known that a higher consumption of fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables has a protective effect against these types of conditions. In the last several years, interest in plant-based diets has grown in both the general population and in the scientific community, to the point to which it has become one of the main dietary patterns adopted in Western countries. The aim of this review is to investigate the potential impact of macro- and micronutrients on retinal vein occlusion.

A Mediterranean Diet May Be Protective in the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy.

The Mediterranean diet is recognized as one of the healthiest available dietary patterns. This perception results from its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and, also, on hypertension, diabetes, and cancer compared with other diets. Its impact on the course of diabetes is assessed in the available scientific literature; however, little information is available about its impact on diabetic retinopathy. The MD is characterized mainly by the consumption of fish, seafood, foods of plant origin, and fresh fruit and vegetables. It is also recommended to consume legumes, which are a source of folic acid, magnesium, iron, and dietary fiber. High consumption of nuts and unrefined grains is also recommended in the MD. Marine fish provide polyunsaturated acids from the omega-3 group. Olive oil plays a very important role, especially olive oil obtained from mechanical pressing. Additionally, olive oil contains vitamins E, K, and polyphenols. Polyphenols, which are present in a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and seeds, have the ability to decrease oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Resveratrol is naturally found in grape skins and seeds, as well as in peanuts and berries, and is a constituent of red wine. Resveratrol can inhibit increased vascular leakage and loss of pericytes and regulate the level of VEGF protein in the retina, thus inhibiting the development of DR. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil may be correlated with a lower risk of diabetic retinopathy. This paper presents the definition of the Mediterranean diet and its influence on the course of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

Effect of Manual Lymphatic Drainage on the Concentrations of Selected Adipokines, Cytokines, C-Reactive Protein and Parameters of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Patients with Abnormal Body Mass Index: Focus on Markers of Obesity and Insulin Resistance.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on the parameters of carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and the level of selected adipokines and cytokines in people with abnormal body mass index (BMI). In addition, an attempt was made to assess the optimal cut-off values of serum concentrations of the biochemical parameters studied in identifying the risk of obesity and insulin resistance (IR). The study included 60 subjects who underwent 10 and 30 min long MLD sessions three times a week. The study group included 15 patients with a normal body mass index (group I; n = 15), overweight patients (group II; n = 15) and obese patients (group III; n = 10). The control group was IV; n = 20 subjects not undergoing MLD. Biochemical tests were carried out on all subjects at stage 0' (before MLD therapy) and at stage 1' (one month after MLD therapy). In the control group, the time between the sample collection at stage 0' and stage 1' was the same as in the study group. Our results showed that 10 MLD sessions may have a positive effect on the selected biochemical parameters, including insulin, 2h-PG, leptin and HOMA-IR values in normal weight and overweight patients. In addition, in the study group, the highest AUCROC values in identifying the risk of obesity were found for leptin (AUCROC = 82.79%; cut-off = 17.7 ng/mL; p = 0.00004), insulin (AUCROC = 81.51%; cut-off = 9.5 µIU/mL; p = 0.00009) and C-peptide (AUCROC = 80.68%; cut-off = 2.3 ng/mL; p = 0.0001) concentrations as well as for HOMA-IR values (AUCROC = 79.97%; cut-off = 1.8; p = 0.0002). When considering the risk of IR, we observed the highest diagnostic value for insulin (AUCROC = 93.05%; cut-off = 1.8 ng/mL; p = 0.053), which was followed by C-peptide (AUCROC = 89.35%; cut-off = 17.7 ng/mL; p = 0.000001), leptin (AUCROC = 79.76%; cut-off = 17.6 ng/mL; p = 0.0002) and total cholesterol (AUCROC = 77.31%; cut-off = 198 mg/dL; p = 0.0008). Our results indicate that MLD may have a positive effect on selected biochemical parameters, including insulin, 2h-PG, leptin and HOMA-IR, in normal weight and overweight patients. In addition, we successfully established optimal cut-off values for leptin in the assessment of obesity and insulin in the assessment of insulin resistance in patients with abnormal body mass index. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that MLD, when combined with caloric restriction and physical activity, may serve as an effective preventive intervention against the development of obesity and insulin resistance.

Current Approach to the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Cataracts.

Cataracts remain the first or second leading cause of blindness in all world regions. In the diabetic population, cataracts not only have a 3-5 times higher incidence than in the healthy population but also affect people at a younger age. In patients with type 1 diabetes, cataracts occur on average 20 years earlier than in the non-diabetic population. In addition, the risk of developing cataracts increases with the duration of diabetes and poor metabolic control. A better understanding of the mechanisms leading to the formation of diabetic cataracts enables more effective treatment and a holistic approach to the patient.

Strength training program for an athlete with hemophilia A and an inhibitor while taking a new prophylactic drug treatment: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Currently, patients with hemophilia and inhibitor are being offered therapy, including a tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). The new prophylactic drug treatment may allow for new opportunities for other interventions and overall improvement in quality of life. This case report assessed the safety and effects of a strength training program in a patient with an inhibitor on a specific new study drug. DESCRIPTION: A 20-year-old patient with severe hemophilia A with an inhibitor participated in a 6-week strength training program. The strengthening program consisted of 7 exercises involving limb and trunk muscles. A qualitative assessment of movement patterns was performed using the Functional Movement Test. Dynamic balance was measured by the Y-Balance Test, whereby the power of lower extremities was measured by Counter Movement Jump. The Quality of Life Index was done by survey to assess the perceived overall quality of the patient's life. The exercise fatigue after each training was measured with the Borg scale. OUTCOMES: After the intervention during treatment with the new drug, the patient's quality of life increased, especially in terms of health and function (from 15.6 to 29.1 points), also, the power of the lower limbs increased. There were no bleeding episodes during the intervention and after a 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The proposed program during the application of the new prophylactic treatment seems to be effective in improving quality of life and increasing lower limb power in a hemophilic patient with an inhibitor. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the results.

Impact of hydration with beverages containing free sugars or xylitol on metabolic and acute kidney injury markers after physical exercise.

The proper fluid and carbohydrates intake is essential before and during physical exercise, and for this reason most athletes drink beverages containing a high amount of free sugars. Sweetened soft drinks are also commonly consumed by those not doing any sport, and this habit seems to be both unhealthy and also the cause of metabolic problems. Recently, several sweeteners have been proposed to replace sugars in popular beverages. To examine the impact of free sugars and the popular sweetener xylitol on metabolic profile and the markers of kidney function and injury after exercise the present study was conducted with semi-professional football players. All participants were healthy, with a mean age of 21.91 years. Their sports skills were on the level of the 4th-5th division of the league. The subjects took part in four football training sessions. During each session they drank a 7% solution of sugar (sucrose, fructose, glucose) or xylitol. The tolerability of these beverages and well-being during exercise was monitored. Before and after each training session, blood and urine were collected. The markers of kidney function and injury, uric acid, electrolytes, complete blood count, CRP, serum albumin, serum glucose and the lipid profile were analyzed. The main finding of this study was that the xylitol beverage is the least tolerated during exercise and 38.89% of participants experienced diarrhea after training and xylitol intake. Xylitol also led to unfavorable metabolic changes and a large increase in uric acid and creatinine levels. A mean increase of 1.8 mg/dl in the uric acid level was observed after xylitol intake. Increases in acute kidney injury markers were observed after all experiments, but changes in urine albumin and cystatin C were highest after xylitol. The other three beverages (containing "free sugars" - glucose, fructose and sucrose) had a similar impact on the variables studied, although the glucose solution seems to have some advantages over other beverages. The conclusion is that sweeteners are not a good alternative to sugars, especially during exercise. Pure water without sweeteners should be drunk by those who need to limit their calorie consumption. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, (NCT04310514).

Air Pollution, Oxidative Stress, and the Risk of Development of Type 1 Diabetes.

Despite multiple studies focusing on environmental factors conducive to the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), knowledge about the involvement of long-term exposure to air pollution seems insufficient. The main focus of epidemiological studies is placed on the relationship between exposure to various concentrations of particulate matter (PM): PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (O3), versus the risk of T1DM development. Although the specific molecular mechanism(s) behind the link between increased air pollution exposure and a higher risk of diabetes and metabolic dysfunction is yet unknown, available data indicate air pollution-induced inflammation and oxidative stress as a significant pathway. The purpose of this paper is to assess recent research examining the association between inhalation exposure to PM and associated metals and the increasing rates of T1DM worldwide. The development of modern and more adequate methods for air quality monitoring is also introduced. A particular emphasis on microsensors, mobile and autonomous measuring platforms, satellites, and innovative approaches of IoT, 5G connections, and Block chain technologies are also presented. Reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were used to search for relevant literature. Eligibility criteria involved recent publication years, particularly publications within the last five years (except for papers presenting a certain novelty or mechanism for the first time). Population, toxicological and epidemiological studies that focused particularly on fine and ultra-fine PM and associated ambient metals, were preferred, as well as full-text publications.

Possibilities of Using UAVs in Pre-Hospital Security for Medical Emergencies.

The term unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was post-applied in the 1980s to describe remotely piloted multi-purpose, unmanned, autonomous aircraft. The terms unmanned aircraft systems with data terminal connectivity (UAS) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPV, RPAS-military systems) are also used. This review aims to analyze the feasibility of using UAVs to support emergency medical systems in the supply and urgent care ranges. The implementation of drones in the medical security system requires proper planning of service cooperation, division of the area into sectors, assessment of potential risks and opportunities, and legal framework for the application. A systematic literature search was conducted to assess the applicability based on published scientific papers on possible medical drone applications in the field of urgent mode. The widespread applications of UAVs in healthcare are concerned with logistics, scope, and transportability, with framework legal constraints to effectively exploit opportunities for improving population health, particularly for costly critical situations.

Biological Maturation Predicts Dynamic Balance and Lower Limb Power in Young Football Players.

Biological maturation has an increasingly important role in youth sports. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between dynamic balance and lower limb power and biological maturation in young football players. Seventy-two healthy, young male elite football players (age: 10 ± 2) participated in the study. Dynamic balance was assessed using a modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Power of the lower limbs was examined by a Countermovement Jump test (CMJ) and Single Leg Hop for Distance (SLHD). Furthermore, anthropometry and biological maturation (age, peak height velocity, and maturity offset) were assessed. There was a strong positive correlation between vertical jump (r = 0.75), distance long jump (r = 0.84), and biological maturation. A moderate positive correlation was found between dynamic balance (mSEBT COM, PL, and PM) and maturity offset. There was a significant association between mSEBT, CMJ, and SLHD (p < 0.05). Moreover, maturity offset explained 75% of vertical jump and 74% of distance long jump performance, respectively, and 12% of dynamic balance. Biological maturation should be considered when assessing athletic performance, establishing rehabilitation, and sports training in youth football players.

The Role of Resveratrol in Eye Diseases-A Review of the Literature.

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trans-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin belonging to the stilbene family. It is commonly found in grape skins and seeds, as well as other plant-based foods. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the initiation and progression of age-related eye disorders (glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration) that lead to a progressive loss of vision and blindness. Even though the way resveratrol affects the human body and the course of many diseases is still the subject of ongoing scientific research, it has been shown that the broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of resveratrol has a beneficial effect on eye tissues. In our research, we decided to analyze the current scientific literature on resveratrol, its possible mechanisms of action, and its therapeutic application in order to assess its effectiveness in eye diseases.

Significant Decrease in Glycated Hemoglobin, 2h-Post-Load Glucose and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients with Abnormal Body Mass Index after Therapy with Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on the insulin resistance parameter (HOMA-IR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2h-post-loadglucose (2h-PG) and the concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with abnormal body mass index. The study involved 30 patients, including patients with normal body weight (as a control group; group I; n = 14), overweight patients (group II; n = 9) and obese patients (group III; n = 7). Each patient underwent 10 sessions of MLD therapy, 3 times a week for 30 min. In addition, we measured body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and performed body composition analysis as well as biochemical tests before MLD therapy (stage 0') and after MLD therapy (stage 1'). A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the concentration of C-peptide, BMI, the amount of visceral adipose tissue (r = 0.87, p = 0.003; r = 0.76, p = 0.003, respectively), and the HOMA-IR index, BMI and the amount of visceral adipose tissue (r = 0.86, p = 0.005; r = 0.84, p = 0.042, respectively), before and after MLD therapy. In overweight patients (group II), a statistically significant (p = 0.041) decrease in the hsCRP level by 2.9 mg/L and a significant (p = 0.050) decrease in the 2h-PG level by 12 mg/dL after the MLD therapy was detected. Moreover, in the group of obese patients (group III), a statistically significant (p = 0.013) decrease in HbA1c level by 0.2% after MLD therapy was demonstrated. Our results indicate that MLD may have a positive effect on selected biochemical parameters, with the most favorable changes in overweight patients. Further studies in a larger number of patients are warranted to confirm our findings, to test in-depth their mechanism, and to investigate clinical benefits of this alternative therapy in patients with abnormal body mass index.

Association between Selected Screening Tests and Knee Alignment in Single-Leg Tasks among Young Football Players.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between knee valgus in the frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) during single-leg squat (SLS), single-leg landing (SLL), and other selected clinical tests in young athletes. Forty-three young healthy elite football players (age: 13.2 (1.7) years) that were regularly training in a local sports club participated in the study. The FPPA was assessed using 2D video analysis. The screening tests included the passive single-leg raise (PSLR), hip external and internal rotation (hip ER and IR), sit and reach test, weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT), modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg hop for distance (SLHD), and age peak height velocity (APHV). There was a significant positive relationship between the knee valgus angles in the SLS test and the sit and reach test (r = 0.34) and a negative relationship with the hip ER ROM (r = −0.34) (p < 0.05). The knee valgus angles in the SLL were negatively associated with the hip IR (r = −0.32) and ER ROM (r = −0.34) and positive associated with the WBLT (r = 0.35) and sit and reach test (r = 0.33) (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that the results of the hip ER ROM and sit and reach tests were independent predictors of the FPPA in the SLS test (r2 = 0.11, p = 0.03 and r2 = 0.12, p = 0.02, respectively). The conducted study showed that individuals with more hip range of motion, more spine flexion extensibility, and less ankle dorsiflexion ROM may be more likely to experience high degrees of knee valgus in FPPA.

Effect of Manual Therapy Compared to Ibuprofen on Primary Dysmenorrhea in Young Women-Concentration Assessment of C-Reactive Protein, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Prostaglandins and Sex Hormones.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess if manual therapy, compared to ibuprofen, impacts the concentration of inflammatory factors, sex hormones, and dysmenorrhea in young women Methods: Thirty-five women, clinically diagnosed with dysmenorrhea, were included in the study. They were divided into group A-manual therapy (n = 20) and group B-ibuprofen therapy (n = 15). Inflammatory factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), C-reactive protein (CRP), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), E2 (PGE2) and sex hormones levels were measured. Dysmenorrhea assessed with the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), myofascial trigger points, and muscle flexibility were examined before and after the interventions. RESULTS: The difference in the level of 17-ß-estradiol after manual and ibuprofen therapy was significant, as compared to baseline (p = 0.036). Progesterone levels decreased in group A (p = 0.002) and B (p = 0.028). The level of CRP was negatively correlated with sex hormones. Decrease in dysmenorrhea was significant in both groups (group A p = 0.016, group B p = 0.028). Non-significant differences were reported in prostaglandins, VEGF and CRP levels, in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in CRP, prostaglandins and VEGF factors after manual or ibuprofen therapy. It has been shown that both manual therapy and ibuprofen can decrease progesterone levels. Manual therapy had a similar effect on the severity of dysmenorrhea as ibuprofen, but after manual therapy, unlike after ibuprofen, less muscles with dysfunction were detected in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.

The Effect of Hyperlipidemia on the Course of Diabetic Retinopathy-Literature Review.

Diabetes mellitus is a very important social issue, and its retinal complications continue to be one of the major causes of blindness worldwide. The effect of glucose level on the development of retinal retinopathy has been the subject of numerous studies and is well understood. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia have been known to be important risk factors in the development of diabetes complications. However, the mechanisms of this effect have not been fully explained and raise a good deal of controversy. The latest research results suggest that some lipoproteins are closely correlated with the incidence of diabetic retinopathy and that by exerting an impact on their level the disease course can be modulated. Moreover, pharmacotherapy which reduces the level of lipids, particularly by means of statins and fibrate, has been shown to alleviate diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, we have decided to review the latest literature on diabetic retinopathy with respect to the impact of hyperlipidemia and possible preventive measures.