Impact of Triclosan on Female and Male Reproductive System and Its Consequences on Fertility: A Literature Review.

Objective: Triclosan is an aromatic organic compound with antibacterial and fungicidal properties, most often used in soaps, toothpaste and other cosmetics. The study aimed to analyze the influence of triclosan on the female and male reproductive systems and the consequences on fertility. Materials and methods: A review of the latest literature derived from PubMed and Google Scholar platforms has been made. After following the search strategy, applying inclusion criteria and analysis of the obtained results assessed by two independent analysts, 45 studies were included in the review. Results: Due to the similar structure of triclosan (TCS) to anthropogenic estrogens, TCS can interact with hormone receptors, affect hormone balance, and influence reproductive health and carcinogenesis. It has been noted that TCS might affect luteal cell progesterone production and disrupt ovarian function. Prenatal exposure to the chemical can have an impact on the reproductive system of newborns. TCS might be a risk factor for endometrial physiology and impair reproduction. TCS negatively affects the male reproductive system via interrupting steroidogenesis mediated miRNA (micro-ribonucleic acid) pathways. Negative effects of TCS on early development and embryogenesis in animals were evidenced. Moreover, TCS has the potential to promote carcinogenesis in human breast, ovarian, and prostate cells. Conclusion: Potential impact of TCS on the reproductive system raises concern about its safety, due to its similar structure to anthropogenic estrogens and detection in the environment. TCS-induced disruption of hormone levels in the female and male reproductive systems may be the cause of impaired reproductive health, resulting in subfertility. Further investigations are required to evaluate the mechanisms and effect of TCS on human reproductive health.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a promising modality for assessing ketogenic diet impact on the level of cerebral metabolites in the treatment of certain neurological disorders.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that is getting more and more widespread in medicine. This dietary intervention causes changes in cerebral metabolism, which are considered potentially beneficial in patients with neurological disorders, but its impact should be controlled and assessed individually. The aim of this review is to provide an update of existing evidence concerning the utility of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in monitoring shifts in the cerebral metabolism during ketogenic diet in patients with neurological disorders. REVIEW METHODS: The latest available literature was reviewed by May 13, 2021 using the PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. There were 13 papers selected for analysis after reading the title, abstracts and whole text, meeting the assumed criteria. ABBREVIATED DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: MRS is a non-invasive imaging method providing information about the metabolism of brain tissues and playing an increasingly important role in monitoring the concentrations of cerebral metabolites in the course of such neurological disorders as primary brain tumour, epilepsy during KD. Recent trials prove that inverse correlation between serum ß-hydroxybutyrate levels and N-acetylaspartate in brain tissue confirm antiepileptogenic properties of KD. Furthermore, ketone concentrations including ß-hydroxybutyrate and acetone in both lesional and contralateral brain are referred to as correlating with average ketonuria in patients with primary brain tumou. SUMMARY: MRS is a feasible tool for detecting cerebral metabolic shifts linked to a ketogenic diet. However, further studies confirming MR spectroscopy utility in monitoring ketogenic diet treatment in patients with neurological disorders are needed.

Current Challenges in Breast Implantation.

Breast implantation (BI) is the most common plastic surgery worldwide performed among women. Generally, BI is performed both in aesthetic and oncoplastic procedures. Recently, the prevalence of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) or breast implant illness (BII) has aroused concerns. As a result, several countries, like Australia, Korea or the United Kingdom, introduced national registries dedicated to the safety and quality of BI surgeries. This narrative review aimed to focus on the clinical challenges, management and the current state of knowledge of BI. Both short and long-term outcomes of BI are determined by various alternatives and differences, which surgeons must consider during the planning and performing breast augmentation along with further complications or risk of reoperation. Proper preoperative decisions and aspects of surgical technique emerged to be equally important. The number of performed breast reconstructions is increasing, providing the finest aesthetic results and improving patient's quality of life. Choice of prosthesis varies according to individual preferences and anatomical variables. A newly diagnosed cases of BIA-ALCL with lacking data on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are placing it as a compelling medical challenge. Similarly, BII remains one of the most controversial subjects in reconstructive breast surgery due to unspecified diagnostic procedures, and recommendations.

Effect of Spirulina Supplementation on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Spirulina is a microalga that presents various important pro-health properties, for instance lowering blood pressure in the research. The study aims to appraise the efficacy of Spirulina administration on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved by a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception to June 2021 according to a standardized protocol. The effect size of each study was counted from mean and standard deviation before and after the intervention and shown as Un-standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Meta-analysis on 5 RCTs with 230 subjects was eligible. The amount of Spirulina ranged from 1 to 8 g per day, and intervention durations ranged from 2 to 12 weeks. Data analysis indicated that Spirulina supplementation led to a significant lowering of SBP (Mean Difference (MD): -4.59 mmHg, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -8.20 to -0.99, I square statistic (I2) = 65%) and significant lowering of DBP (MD: -7.02 mmHg, CI: -8.86 to -5.18, I2 = 11%), particularly in a subgroup of hypertensive patients. Spirulina administration might have a supportive effect on the prevention and treatment of hypertension. More exact randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the effect of Spirulina supplementation on blood pressure.

Impact of level of vitamin D in the body on the severity of COVID-19 - review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge on the influence of vitamin D levels on the severity of the course of COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The latest available literature was reviewed until October 30, 2020 from the PubMed database. RESULTS: The literature reports that vitamin D has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces the expression of cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α and INF-γ, regulates the activity of T helper lymphocytes, and other elements of the immune system at the molecular level. The deficiency of this vitamin promotes the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, contributing to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The severity of the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on comorbidities, the development and course of which may also be affected by vitamin D levels (coagulopathies, pulmonary, cardiological, metabolic diseases). Most of the analyzed research studies from different countries indicated a relationship between insufficient vitamin D levels and a more severe course of COVID-19 and an increase in mortality due to it, especially among the elderly. Researchers agree that further analyzes are necessary concerning both the influence of the vitamin D blood serum levels on the morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 as well as the use of its supplementation in the struggle against SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are reports of possible beneficial interactions of vitamin D with other substances, such as quercetin, estradiol, some microelements, and other vitamins. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining an adequate level of vitamin D has a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system. At the moment, there is insufficient evidence to establish a clear relationship between vitamin D levels and the severity of COVID-19. It is necessary to conduct further research on a larger study group. The literature does not mention the use of vitamin D as a medication for COVID-19. People at risk of vitamin D deficiency should consider vitamin D supplementation at the current time of the pandemic.