Head and neck cancer (HNC) represents a significant global health challenge, with squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) accounting for approximately 90% of all HNC cases. These malignancies, collectively referred to as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), originate from the mucosal epithelium lining the larynx, pharynx, and oral cavity. The primary risk factors associated with HNSCC in economically disadvantaged nations have been chronic alcohol consumption and tobacco use. However, in more affluent countries, the landscape of HNSCC has shifted with the identification of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV-16, as a major risk factor, especially among nonsmokers. Understanding the evolving risk factors and the distinct biological behaviors of HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC is critical for developing targeted treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes in this complex and diverse group of cancers. Accurate diagnosis of HPV-positive HNSCC is essential for developing a comprehensive model that integrates the molecular characteristics, immune microenvironment, and clinical outcomes. The aim of this comprehensive review was to summarize the current knowledge and advances in the identification of DNA, RNA, and protein biomarkers in bodily fluids and tissues that have introduced new possibilities for minimally or non-invasive cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and assessment of therapeutic responses.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder that greatly influences patients’ quality of life and represents a growing public health concern. Characterized by typical and atypical symptoms, GERD encompasses a range of clinical phenotypes and is associated with complications such as erosive esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus. This review intends to provide a thorough overview of current scientific knowledge on the etiological factors, risk determinants, and pathophysiology of GERD, while exploring diagnostic challenges and therapeutic approaches. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain the mainstay of medical therapy; however, concerns regarding their long-term safety have encouraged interest in adjunctive and alternative strategies. Emerging pharmacological agents, plant-based treatments, and integrative approaches rooted in traditional medicine offer promising modalities for enhanced management. Additionally, dietary and lifestyle modifications such as weight control, meal timing, and avoidance of trigger foods, are essential components of effective care. A multidisciplinary framework incorporating pharmacological, nutritional, and behavioral strategies is emphasized as the most reliable path toward personalized and sustainable GERD management. This review further aims to synthesize current therapeutic modalities and evolving perspectives in the treatment of GERD.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), is an increasingly prevalent pathology worldwide, especially in developed countries. For diagnosing HPV in HNSCC, the combination of p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offers high sensitivity and specificity, with p16 IHC being a reliable initial screen and PCR confirming HPV presence. Advanced techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) and RNA-based assays provide detailed insights but are primarily used in research settings. Regardless of HPV status, standard oncological treatments currently include surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. This conventional approach does not account for the typically better prognosis of HPV-positive HNSCC patients, leading to increased chemo/radiation-induced secondary morbidities and reduced quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and detect HPV positivity and other molecular characteristics of HNSCC to personalize treatment strategies. This comprehensive review aims to summarize current knowledge on various HPV detection techniques and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages, with a focus on developing methodologies to identify new biomarkers in HPV-positive HNSCC. The review discusses direct and indirect HPV examination in tumor tissue, DNA- and RNA-based detection techniques, protein-based markers, liquid biopsy potentials, immune-related markers, epigenetic markers, novel biomarkers, and emerging technologies, providing an overall insight into the current state of knowledge.

Background: The aim of this study was to (i) determine IMP3 protein expression in benign and malignant laryngeal lesions, (ii) compare its expression to Ki-67, p53, cyclin D1, and (iii) finally, to examine the prognostic power of IMP3 in squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx (LSSC). Methods: IMP3 protein expression was evaluated in 145 patients, including 62 LSCC, 45 dysplasia (25 with low and 20 with high-grade dysplasia), and 38 benign lesions (vocal cord polyps and nodules). Results: IMP3 was significantly higher expressed in LSCC compared to dysplasia and benign lesions (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, higher expression patterns were observed for Ki-67 and p53, whereas cyclin D1 was equally distributed in all three lesions. IMP3 (p = 0.04) and Ki-67 (p = 0.02) expressions were significantly linked to neck node positivity, and IMP3 overexpression to worse disease-specific survival (p = 0.027). Conclusion: Since IMP3 showed significantly higher expression in laryngeal carcinomas, but not in high- or low-grade dysplasia, it serves as a useful marker to differentiate between invasive and noninvasive lesions. Higher IMP3 expression represented a significantly worse prognosticator for clinical outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in human physiology by influencing metabolism, immunity, and neuroendocrine communication. Growing evidence suggests that physical exercise modulates gut microbial composition; however, study findings remain inconsistent due to variations in design, training type, and population characteristics. This review summarizes current research on how different forms, intensities, and frequencies of exercise shape the gut microbiota and discusses their implications for athlete health and performance. Moderate and sustained physical activity generally promotes higher microbial diversity, increases short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, and enhances gut barrier integrity. Endurance training, particularly long-term, is most consistently associated with beneficial microbial shifts, including increases in Prevotella, Akkermansia, and Faecalibacterium. In contrast, excessive or high-intensity endurance exercise was shown to cause dysbiosis, inflammation, and greater intestinal permeability. Resistance training appears to induce milder changes but was shown to improve mucin synthesis and butyrate production, especially in older adults. Exercise frequency also plays a role, with regular daily training enriching metabolic pathways linked to gut and systemic health. Overall, the impact of exercise on the gut microbiota depends on the type, intensity, and duration of activity. Balanced, moderate exercise combined with a healthy diet emerges as the most effective strategy to enhance microbial diversity, reduce inflammation, and support overall performance and well-being in athletes.