The human oral microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining oral and systemic health. This diverse microbial community includes over 700 bacterial species, some of which are implicated in developing systemic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Research highlights a strong association between periodontal disease and increased cardiovascular risk, suggesting that good oral hygiene practices may reduce the incidence of CVDs. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum drive chronic inflammation in periodontal disease; these bacteria can extend beyond the mouth and contribute to systemic inflammatory responses. The inflammatory factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins (IL-1, IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), damage blood vessels, impair endothelial functions, and promote atherosclerosis, all key events in CVD progression. Additionally, oral pathogens may accelerate plaque formation in arteries, increasing the risk of ischemic heart and brain diseases. Studies show a 28% increased risk of heart disease in individuals with periodontal disease. Treating periodontal disease can improve endothelial function and reduce inflammatory markers, emphasizing oral health management as a potential preventive strategy for CVD. Public health initiatives that emphasize oral hygiene and early periodontal disease treatment are crucial for broader cardiovascular care.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the novel respiratory disease COVID-19, has reached pandemic status and presents a wide range of manifestations of diverse magnitude, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and damage to vital organs, such as the heart, lung, kidney, and brain. Normally, older individuals and those with underlying health issues are more at risk. However, about 40% of COVID-19 positive individuals are asymptomatic. This review aims to identify suggested mechanisms of diverse manifestations of COVID-19. Studies suggest that T cell-mediated immunity and specific and/or nonspecific immunity from other vaccines could protect against SARS-CoV-2. The potential role of cross-reacting antibodies to coronaviruses that cause the common cold, mumps virus, polio virus, and pneumococcal bacteria are also suggested to help protect against COVID-19. Decreased production of Type I interferons (IFN-α and IFN-β) could also be linked to COVID-19 manifestations. Several studies suggest that ACE2 cell membrane receptors are involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the relationship between an abundance of ACE2 receptors and the infectivity of the virus is unknown. Unlocking these manifestation mysteries could be crucial as this could help researchers better understand the virulence, pathology, and immune responses associated with SARS-CoV-2, leading to the development of effective therapies and treatment plans.

Background: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants from plastic degradation, leading to human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. While emerging evidence suggests potential health effects, comprehensive human-specific data remain limited. Objective: To systematically review evidence on MNP exposure and health impacts across human organ systems. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched Embase, Environment Complete, MEDLINE, and Scopus for peer-reviewed English-language studies published between 2020 and 2025 that reported MNP exposure in adult human populations and addressed at least one organ system. Thirty studies met inclusion criteria, and all clinical studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) Results: Clinical studies consistently detected MNPs in human blood, thrombi, feces, and respiratory and reproductive tissues. Higher MNP burdens correlated with increased disease severity across cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems. In vitro studies using human-derived cell lines demonstrated that MNPs penetrate cells and disrupt cellular processes, inducing oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Toxic effects were size-, polymer-, and concentration-dependent, with smaller particles exhibiting greater cellular uptake and toxicity. Conclusions: Human MNP exposure is widespread and associated with adverse biological effects across multiple organ systems. Further interdisciplinary research is needed to establish causal relationships and inform risk assessment and regulatory frameworks for plastic-associated contaminants. Other: This research received no external funding. The research protocol was registered with PROSPERO (Registration ID number CRD420261284559).

Mpox, a zoonotic viral disease, has emerged as a global concern due to outbreaks in both endemic and non-endemic regions in 2022. Rodents, including African squirrels and Gambian pouched rats, are suspected key reservoirs, with human infections occurring through direct contact with infected animals or bushmeat consumption. Previously confined to rural Africa, mpox has spread via international travel and the exotic pet trade. Human-to-human transmission occurs mainly via respiratory droplets and direct contact with bodily fluids or lesions. The virus has a double-stranded DNA genome within a lipid envelope. Despite lower mutation rates in DNA viruses, mpox has developed mutations, particularly in genes like F8L, G9R, and F13L, facilitating viral replication and immune evasion. The virus targets immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages, weakening host defenses and prolonging infection. Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe complications. Although generally self-limiting, severe cases may require antiviral treatment. This article briefly summarizes the therapeutic and preventive strategies, and public health measures to combat zoonotic threats.

Background and Objectives: Dengue fever, caused by four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV), is a global health threat, affecting millions of people annually, with a significant burden in Asian countries. Bangladesh, where dengue was first documented in the 1960s, has witnessed an escalation of cases in recent years. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on dengue covering dengue epidemiology in Bangladesh and neighboring countries, efficacy of available vaccines, diagnostic tests and preventive measures. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using the keywords such as dengue in Bangladesh, dengue in South and Southeast Asia, epidemiology, genomic structure, transmission, diagnosis, vaccines and prevention. The information and data of this article were drawn from extensively reviewed scientific journals and pertinent authoritative sources. The data search was limited from year 2000 to 2023. Results: Magnitude of dengue infection in Bangladesh and neighboring countries was assessed. The usefulness of diagnostic tests as well as the prospect of available vaccines was reviewed. Control and preventive measures to mitigate spread and transmission of the disease were also discussed. Conclusion: Effective prevention and control of dengue needs coordinated efforts in surveillance, research, control and preventive measures. This holistic approach is necessary to mitigate detrimental consequences of dengue on public health and economies worldwide. IMC J Med Sci. 2024; 18(1):012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.18.012 *Correspondence: M. S. Zaman, Department of Biological Sciences, Alcorn State University, Lorman, Mississippi, USA. Email: zaman@alcorn.edu; mzaman@southtexascollege.edu