The regulation of neurogenesis, the complex process of producing and differentiating new brain tissue cells, is influenced by a complex interaction of internal and external factors. Over the past decade, extensive research has been conducted on neurotrophins and their key role in adult neurogenesis, as well as their impact on diseases such as depression. Among neurotrophins, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been the subject of comprehensive studies on adult neurogenesis, and scientific evidence supports its necessity for neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of the hippocampus. A novel area of research is the emerging role of gut microbiota as a significant contributor to neurogenesis and neurotrophin production. Studies have shown that reduced BDNF levels can lead to mood disorders, which are observed in intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the composition and quantity of the intestinal microbiota. There is evidence in the literature that there is a link between brain function and gut microbiota. Physical activity, and especially the regularity and intensity of exercise, is important in relation to the level of BDNF and the intestinal microbiota. Probiotics, prebiotics and physical activity may have a positive effect on the intestinal microbiota, and therefore also on the level of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

The article raises important issues regarding the use of diet and probiotics in prevention and treatment of vaginitis. Vaginitis is defined as any condition with symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge. The most common causes of vaginitis are vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Vaginitis has been linked to itching, burning, pain, discharge, irritation and also adverse reproductive and obstetric health outcomes. Moreover, microorganisms that build vaginal flora in the state of bacterial vaginosis are a source of cervicitis and endometritis (often in subclinical forms) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) The proper diet and probiotics consumption may influence the composition of the gut microbiota, improve gut integrity, and have an impact on maintaining and recovering the normal vaginal microbiota. Future studies and reviews investigating the role of diet and probiotics in changes to gut and vaginal microbiome need to focus on deciphering the mechanismus of host bacteria interaction in vulvovaginal health. The article raises important issues regarding the use of diet and probiotics in prevention and treatment of vaginitis. Vaginitis is defined as any condition with symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge. The most common causes of vaginitis are vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Vaginitis has been linked to itching, burning, pain, discharge, irritation and also adverse reproductive and obstetric health outcomes. Moreover, microorganisms that build vaginal flora in the state of bacterial vaginosis are a source of cervicitis and endometritis (often in subclinical forms) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) The proper diet and probiotics consumption may influence the composition of the gut microbiota, improve gut integrity, and have an impact on maintaining and recovering the normal vaginal microbiota. Future studies and reviews investigating the role of diet and probiotics in changes to gut and vaginal microbiome need to focus on deciphering the mechanismus of host bacteria interaction in vulvovaginal health.

The role of inappropriate lifestyle in the etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its metabolic and reproductive complications has attracted much attention in recent years; however, most studies involve adult patients. Thus, the study aimed to compare dietary patterns, physical activity, metabolic, anthropometric and inflammatory markers of 14–18-year-old girls with and without PCOS (n = 61 and n = 35, respectively) as well as to assess correlations between concentrations of metabolic and inflammatory markers and macronutrient intake and to identify the independent predictors of PCOS, related to diet and physical activity (PA). Compared to the control group, PCOS girls consumed significantly more total fat (p = 0.0005), including both saturated (SFA) (p = 0.03), monounsaturated (MUFA) (p = 0.0003) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p = 0.01). A significantly higher percentage of PCOS patients consumed high and medium glycemic index (GI) foods (p = 0.03) and represented a low level of PA, both during school and in leisure time (41.67 vs. 6.06%; p = 0.0001 and 32.79 vs. 5.71%; p = 0.003, respectively). The PCOS group had also significantly higher waist circumference (WC), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.01), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.01), fasting insulin (p = 0.002) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.006) levels. There was an inverse correlation between fiber intake and fasting insulin, (p = 0.0002, r = −0.37), HOMA-IR (p = 0.0004, r = −0.35), WC (p = 0.029; r = −0.222) and a positive relationship between high and medium GI diet and insulin concentration (p = 0.003; r = 0.3). An increase of 10 g/day in total fat intake per day increases the probability of PCOS by 1.4 times. If the SFA or MUFA intakes increase by 10 g, the probability of PCOS increase 1.7-fold and 2.5-fold, respectively. The consumption of foods with a medium GI raises the probability of PCOS by more than 3 times, after adjusting for age. The odds ratio decreased for the moderate and high PA at school/work and in leisure time. Further research in girls with PCOS is needed to test whether low GI and dietary fatty acid reduction combined with increased PA is effective in the nonpharmacological treatment and prevention of PCOS complications. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT04738409.

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in higher-latitude regions and among older adults, and has been linked to depressive symptoms and cognitive decline, although the neurobiological link remains unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be a key modulator and mediator of vitamin D-related neuroprotection. Methods: Selected databases (2009–2025) were searched for specific studies reporting vitamin D exposure, BDNF, and mood or cognitive outcomes. Risk of bias was appraised with RoB 2, Newcastle–Ottawa Scale or SYRCLE. Results: Thirteen studies were included. High-dose vitamin D improves mood primarily when levels are low. Supplementation of at least 2000 IU/day for 12 weeks reduced BDI scores by 1.7–7.6 points and increased BDNF levels by ~7%. Each 1 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D levels decreased the likelihood of depressive symptoms, especially when BDNF levels were high. In animal studies vitamin D increases hippocampal BDNF and reverses stress-induced depressive behavioral deficits. Adequate vitamin D intake is associated with improved cognitive performance and a dose-dependent increase in BDNF. Each 10 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a 0.6-point increase in MMSE scores and a 15% increase in serum BDNF. Low vitamin D status in children may predict cognitive decline. Animal studies have shown that supplementation with 500–10,000 IU/kg for at least 3 weeks increased hippocampal BDNF and improved biochemical markers of aging. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation may support mood and cognition via BDNF modulation, especially in people with insufficient vitamin D levels (<30 ng/mL), but long-term, adequately powered studies with objective tools are required.

Purpose: All possible measures should be taken to prevent glucose tolerance disorders and limit their consequences. The aim of this study was to show the relationship between maternal eating habits and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and methods: The nutrition of 55 pregnant women was evaluated using a three-day food record and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and nutrition of 12 months before pregnancy was assessed only by means of the FFQ. The patients were divided into groups: H – with uncomplicated pregnancy (n = 42) and GDM – with gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 13), based on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results performed between 24 and 28 weeks. Results: Significant differences were found between groups H and GDM in terms of daily fat intake (32.1 versus 36.2%) and dietary reference values (standards) for total fat, monosaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polysaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In the GDM group, the coverage of standards for total fat, staturated fatty acids (SFA) and MUFA exceeded the recommended values. Moreover, patients from this group consumed products typical for the “Western model of nutrition” more often, which may contribute to GDM. Conclusions: A “Western diet” and higher intake of energy from total fat and saturated fatty acid in the first half of pregnancy and before pregnancy may contribute to an increased risk of developing GDM.

Objectives: The goal of the paper was to compare weight gain in pregnant women in relation to the week of gestation at birth, the delivery method, and the occurrence of macrosomia and low birth weights for patients with different durations of physical activity during pregnancy. Materials and methods: The full course of study was completed by 57 pregnant women enrolled in an 18-week physical activity programme during their second and third trimesters. The actual duration of their physical activity was monitored with the ActiGraph GT3X monitor. The patients were divided into two groups: L_MPA (n = 28) — pregnant women with daily physical activity of over 21.38 minutes and S_MPA (n = 29) — pregnant women who exercised less than 21.38 minutes a day. The study compared obstetric results in both groups. Results: Significantly more patients in the S_MPA group exhibited excess weight gain as compared with the L_MPA group (p = 0.01). There was found to be no significant impact from the duration of physical activity on the occurrence of macrosomia or low birth weight, the gestation age at birth or the delivery method. However, there were two times fewer cases of macrosomia in the L_MPA group. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that physical activity during pregnancy for at least 21 minutes per day in the second half of the pregnancy reduces the risk of excess weight gain during pregnancy. Objectives: The goal of the paper was to compare weight gain in pregnant women in relation to the week of gestation at birth, the delivery method, and the occurrence of macrosomia and low birth weights for patients with different durations of physical activity during pregnancy. Materials and methods: The full course of study was completed by 57 pregnant women enrolled in an 18-week physical activity programme during their second and third trimesters. The actual duration of their physical activity was monitored with the ActiGraph GT3X monitor. The patients were divided into two groups: L_MPA (n = 28) — pregnant women with daily physical activity of over 21.38 minutes and S_MPA (n = 29) — pregnant women who exercised less than 21.38 minutes a day. The study compared obstetric results in both groups. Results: Significantly more patients in the S_MPA group exhibited excess weight gain as compared with the L_MPA group (p = 0.01). There was found to be no significant impact from the duration of physical activity on the occurrence of macrosomia or low birth weight, the gestation age at birth or the delivery method. However, there were two times fewer cases of macrosomia in the L_MPA group. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that physical activity during pregnancy for at least 21 minutes per day in the second half of the pregnancy reduces the risk of excess weight gain during pregnancy.