Heart failure (HF) is a severe clinical syndrome accompanied by a number of comorbidities. Ischemic stroke occurs frequently in patients with HF as a complication of the disease. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the current state of research on the role of cardio–cerebral interactions in the prevalence, etiology, and prognosis of both diseases. The main pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of stroke in HF and vice versa are discussed. In addition, we reviewed the results of recent clinical trials investigating the prevalence and prevention of stroke in patients with HF.

Macrofungi (mushrooms) have been studied for their nutritional value and medicinal properties. However, progress in the biotechnological application of macrofungi in the cosmetic industry as cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics remains slow. Currently, the cosmetic industry is in a constant search for valuable natural ingredients or extracts with relevant bioactive properties (e.g., antiaging, anticollagenase, antielastase, antihyaluronidase, antipigmentation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antityrosinase) to design formulations. Edible medicinal mushrooms are an unlimited source of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. They can be used as a source of ingredients to develop organic cosmeceuticals, nutriceuticals, and nutracosmetics for topical and oral administration.

Purpose: Central autonomic dysfunction is common in acute stroke and is associated with cardiovascular complications and increased mortality. The aim of this review is to present novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the management of this disorder and the latest data on its impact on the clinical outcome after stroke. Methods: We performed a narrative review of recent literature, with a particular focus on articles related to underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac autonomic dysregulation, the role of cardiac autonomic dysregulation in the activation of neuroinflammatory response and the development of cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic complications in patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Results: The assessment of central autonomic dysfunction by non-invasive diagnostic techniques, including heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity, has gained wide practical application in recent years, and they may have a predictive role for evaluating disease prognosis. The emerging evidence derived from recent trials demonstrates that the presence of autonomic imbalance may lead to increased mortality and have an adverse effect on post-stroke rehabilitation. Conclusion: The early detection and treatment of central autonomic system dysfunction may lead to improved survival of patients with stroke. Among the available therapeutic approaches, neuromodulatory techniques and pharmacological interventions are promising strategies which may be implemented as part of standard acute stroke care to improve patient recovery. Future studies are warranted to address the long-term effects of potential therapeutic agents on the modulation of cardiovascular autonomic function in stroke survivors.

Introduction: Cardiotoxicity is an undesirable side effect of chemotherapy that limits the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Almost all cardiotoxic agents cause cardiovascular complications, leading to oxidative stress and other pathological conditions. The search for bioactive compounds that mitigate chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity is a priority in integrative cardiooncology. Content: The administration of anthracycline derivatives, particularly Doxorubicin (DOX) and Adriamycin, is limited due to the risk of development of heart failure. These drugs promote apoptosis and oxidative stress, decrease the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The combination of DOX and natural cardioprotective agents has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for improving the outcomes of cancer treatment. Mushrooms, as producers of pharmacologically active compounds with significant cardioprotective effects, have been shown to prevent DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity in in vivo models, restoring cell viability, reducing oxidative stress via mitochondria‐dependent apoptotic pathways, and improving myocardial function. Therefore, mushroom‐derived products may be effective against chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity. This review discusses progress in integrative cardiooncology aimed at elucidating the cardioprotective potential of mushrooms as a preventive strategy against cardiotoxicity associated with antitumor treatment. Outlook: Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to elucidate the antioxidant and antiinflammatory potential of mushrooms and their use as dietary supplements, given the synergistic effects of all bioactive molecules, supporting the prospect of developing clinically effective anticancer and cardioprotective agents.