The role of gut microbiota and its association with the central nervous system via the microbiome-brain-gut axis has been widely discussed in the literature. The aim of this review is to investigate the impact of gut microbiota on the development of depression and underlying molecular mechanisms. There are two possible pathways in which this interaction might occur. The first one suggests that depressive disorder could lead to dysbiosis and one of the causes may be the influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The second one considers if changes in the composition of gut microbiota might cause depressive disorder. The mechanisms that could be responsible for this interaction include the secretion of neurotransmitters, gut peptides and the activation of the immune system. However, current knowledge on this topic does not allow for us to state an unambiguous conclusion, and future studies that take into consideration more precise stress-measurement methods are needed to further explore direct mechanisms of the interaction between gut microbiota and mental health.

Obesity is becoming the most dangerous lifestyle disease of our time, and its effects are already being observed in both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gut microbiota on the prevalence of obesity and associated morbidities, taking into consideration underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition to exploring the relationship between obesity and fecal microorganisms with their metabolites, the study also focused on the factors that would be able to stimulate growth and remodeling of microbiota. Assessed articles were carefully classified according to a predetermined criterion and were critically appraised and used as a basis for conclusions. The considered articles and reviews acknowledge that intestinal microbiota forms a multifunctional system that might significantly affect human homeostasis. It has been proved that alterations in the gut microbiota are found in obese and metabolically diseased patients. The imbalance of microbiome composition, such as changes in Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and presence of different species of genus Lactobacillus, might promote obesity and comorbidities (type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, depression, obstructive sleep apnea). However, there are also studies that contradict this theory. Therefore, further well-designed studies are needed to improve the knowledge about the influence of microbiota, its metabolites, and probiotics on obesity.

Background: Spices like capsaicin, turmeric, ginger, piperine, garlic, and cinnamon have been used in cooking and folk medicine for centuries. Modern research shows their ergogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, aiding athletic performance, muscle recovery, and overall health. Aim: This review analyzes effects of these spices on physically active individuals (mechanisms, benefits, limitations). Materials and methods: Studies from PubMed, MDPI, Quality in Sport, and Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International on ergogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of capsaicin, turmeric, ginger, piperine, garlic, and cinnamon in physically active people. Results: Capsaicin shows thermogenic effects and supports fat metabolism, boosting exercise performance, but GI effects need study. Turmeric, via curcumin, offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, reducing muscle damage and speeding recovery despite low bioavailability. Ginger modulates cellular metabolism to aid muscle recovery and ease post-exercise pain. Piperine enhances nutrient bioavailability, improves muscle strength, and optimizes energy metabolism with low-risk toxicity. Garlic reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, strengthens immunity, and relieves muscle fatigue. Cinnamon provides hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, improving glucose/lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health in athletes. Conclusions: These spices show promise as phytonutrients in sports medicine. Their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic effects enhance performance and recovery by increasing muscle strength, reducing DOMS, shortening recovery, and lowering inflammation. Synergies like piperine-curcumin amplify efficacy. Challenges like poor bioavailability (e.g., curcumin) and inconsistent evidence require rigorous studies for optimal dosages, formulations, and protocols.

Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder that affects up to 1% of the general population. Research suggests that the most effective therapeutic approach combines medication with non-pharmacological strategies. This review explores the impact of non-pharmacological treatment on the course of schizophrenia, including its effects on key symptoms, as well as patients' quality of life and overall life satisfaction. This article is a comprehensive review based on articles obtained from scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, with sources selected based on their relevance and significance to the subject matter. The findings indicate that non-pharmacological treatments, including lifestyle modifications, psychosocial interventions, and neuromodulation training play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia. There is evidence supporting the reduction of both negative and positive symptoms, as well as an increased likelihood of returning to everyday activities. Non-pharmacological strategies are integral to the comprehensive management of schizophrenia. While the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions is well-established, current clinical guidelines also highlight the complementary role of non-pharmacological treatments, which contribute meaningfully to therapeutic outcomes and overall patient well-being.

Introduction: Autoimmune diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by dysregulated immune responses against self-antigens, leading to chronic inflammation and progressive organ damage. Despite advances in immunosuppressive and biologic therapies improving outcomes in conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS), a subset of patients exhibit suboptimal responses or experience significant adverse effects. Additionally, access to certain biologic treatments may be limited by strict eligibility criteria. Metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes are prevalent in patients with autoimmune diseases and can exacerbate inflammation, accelerate organ damage, and diminish therapeutic efficacy. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), a class of drugs originally developed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, have demonstrated pleiotropic effects extending beyond glycemic control, including modulation of immune cell function, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and improvement of endothelial function. These immunometabolic properties suggest that GLP-1RA could serve as promising adjunctive agents in managing autoimmune diseases, particularly in patients with coexisting metabolic disturbances. Materials and Methods: The article was written based on scientific papers available on PubMed and Google Scholar Key findings: Evidence gathered indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists exert significant immunomodulatory and metabolic effects that may translate into clinical benefits across multiple autoimmune diseases. In psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, where chronic Th1/Th17-driven inflammation often coexists with obesity and insulin resistance, GLP-1RA therapy has been associated with improvements in inflammatory markers and disease severity indices (such as PASI for skin lesions and DAPSA for joint disease), alongside substantial weight reduction and better glycemic control. Multiple sclerosis models and preliminary clinical observations suggest that GLP-1RA can attenuate neuroinflammation and promote neuroprotection: these agents reduce pathogenic Th1/Th17 cell activity, inhibit microglial activation, and may enhance remyelination processes, thereby potentially decreasing relapse rates and neurological damage. In systemic lupus erythematosus, a small retrospective analysis indicated that adjunctive GLP-1RA use led to significant weight loss and improved metabolic profiles without provoking new organ involvement or severe flares; notably, no acceleration of lupus disease activity was seen over short-term follow-up, aligning with GLP-1RA’s known cardiovascular and renal protective effects. (An isolated case of GLP-1RA–induced lupus has been reported, underscoring the need for vigilance.) In rheumatoid arthritis, in vitro studies on fibroblast-like synoviocytes demonstrated that GLP-1RA (e.g., lixisenatide, dulaglutide) can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and matrix-degrading enzymes (MMP-1, -3, -13) by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, thereby potentially protecting joint cartilage and bone. Early clinical studies and case series in RA patients (especially those with coexisting type 2 diabetes or obesity) reported reduced disease activity scores (DAS28), lower C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels, fewer swollen joints, and diminished morning stiffness during GLP-1RA treatment, along with the expected weight reduction and improved insulin sensitivity. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, which involves autoimmune β-cell destruction, adjunctive therapy with GLP-1RA (such as exenatide, liraglutide, or semaglutide) has shown promise in patients with residual β-cell function. These agents consistently reduced exogenous insulin requirements and facilitated modest improvements in glycemic control (including lower HbA1c and increased time-in-range on continuous glucose monitoring) while promoting weight loss. In honeymoon-phase or early type 1 diabetes mellitus GLP-1RA addition even enabled temporary insulin independence in a few cases. However, across these studies, gastrointestinal side effects were common, and a few instances of euglycemic ketosis were noted, indicating that careful patient selection and monitoring are necessary. Overall, the integration of GLP-1RA into the treatment of autoimmune diseases has yielded partial improvements in disease control and significant benefits in managing metabolic comorbidities, though these benefits are often contingent on disease severity and the presence of a metabolic-inflammatory phenotype. No evidence to date suggests that GLP-1RA can replace standard immunotherapies; rather, they function as complementary agents that address an often overlooked metabolic component of autoimmunity. Conclusions: Autoimmune diseases remain a therapeutic challenge, as many patients achieve only incomplete remission and continue to endure disease-related damage and comorbidities under current treatment paradigms. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists offer a novel, multidimensional approach that simultaneously targets metabolic dysregulation and immune aberrations. The current body of evidence indicates that GLP-1RA can confer additional clinical benefits – such as reducing systemic inflammation, improving disease activity metrics, aiding weight loss, and lowering cardiovascular risk – especially in patients whose autoimmune disease is compounded by obesity or insulin resistance. These agents represent a promising adjunct to existing therapies, potentially bridging a gap between metabolic syndrome management and immunomodulation in autoimmune care. However, their therapeutic impact appears to be partial and disease-specific, often providing symptomatic relief or slowing disease activity rather than inducing full...

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by disturbances in intestinal motility, alterations in gut microbiota, visceral hypersensitivity, and dysregulation of the gut-brain axis. In recent years, interest has increased in the potential role of physical activity as a supportive, non-pharmacological intervention for symptom management, particularly in individuals who engage in recreational exercise. This review aims to summarize current evidence on the association between physical activity and IBS symptoms, with a focus on physiological mechanisms, stress-related pathways, and the integration of wearable health technologies. Relevant publications, including clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2016 and 2025, were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies examining gastrointestinal physiology, neuroendocrine responses to exercise, and digital monitoring tools were included. Findings suggest that regular exercise promotes intestinal peristalsis, supports microbial diversity, and reduces low-grade inflammation through immune modulation. Physical activity also contributes to lowering cortisol levels and balancing neurotransmitter activity within the gut–brain axis. Moderate-intensity activities, such as walking or cycling, appear particularly beneficial in alleviating gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms. Furthermore, wearable devices-including fitness trackers, smartwatches, and HRV monitors-offer opportunities to personalize exercise regimens by capturing real-time physiological data and correlating it with symptom fluctuations. In conclusion, moderate and consistent physical activity shows promise as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in IBS management. The incorporation of wearable technologies facilitates individualized treatment strategies and underscores the need for continued interdisciplinary research in this rapidly evolving field.