Triterpenes are compounds of natural origin, which have numerously biological activities: anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. These substances can be isolated from plants, animals or fungi. Nowadays, when neoplasms are main cause of death, triterpenes can become an alternative method for treating cancer because of their cytotoxic properties and chemopreventive activities.

Individuals suffering from non-communicable NCDs often experience chronic pain, which can directly contribute to the development of kinesiophobia and fear of movement, significantly impacting the quality of life and physical activity (PA) of chronically ill patients. This review aims to examine the impact of kinesiophobia on PA, quality of life, and the rehabilitation process in patients with diabetes, cancer, and chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The research methodology is based on a systematic literature review using six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar), conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The review included 81 articles (comprising experimental studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews). The prevalence of kinesiophobia and fear of movement among patients with chronic diseases ranged from 42.85% to 93%, depending on the type of condition. The average prevalence rate of kinesiophobia in the entire analyzed group was 63.6%, which highlights the significance of the problem in relation to the chronic diseases discussed. The presence of movement-related fear in individuals with chronic illnesses represents a significant barrier to engaging in PA, which can directly impact their quality of life. Future research is recommended to focus on identifying risk factors and the influence of kinesiophobia on various aspects of life, allowing for clearer understanding and coherence.

According to many experts in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, the destabilization resulting from the coronavirus pandemic may not be as noticeable now as it will be after the pandemic period is over. Undoubtedly, the fact that the surrounding reality is standardized and normalized by many at present contributes to this. In the opinion of many researchers, the scale and degree of trauma experienced by society will only be noticed by many once the pandemic is over. Many also suggest that we will experience post-pandemic stress disorder. This literature review aims to bring together in one place the information that speaks to the nature of the problem, which is post-pandemic stress disorder. The main sections of the paper deal with exposure to the disorder in the general population and a review of the current literature on the subject. The second section deals with a group of medical personnel who are on the direct frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; it is assumed here that they are those who are at much higher risk of developing post-pandemic stress disorder.

There is little published data on the association of platelet function and 25(OH)D concentration. We investigated the associations between mean platelet volume (MPV) and 25(OH)D concentration in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Study population was divided into three groups: group 1—25(OH)D < 10 ng/mL (N = 22), group 2—25(OH)D 10–20 ng/mL (N = 42), and group 3—25(OH)D > 20 ng/mL (N = 14). Study groups shared similar demographics. MPV values were the highest in group 1, moderate in group 2, and the lowest in group 3 (11.1 vs 10.4 vs 9.8 fL P < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between MPV and 25(OH)D (R = − 0.38, P = 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated a moderate predictive value (AUC 0.70) in identifying the discrimination thresholds of MPV (> 10.5 fL) for vitamin D deficiency and a weak predictive value (AUC 0.65) in identifying the discrimination thresholds of 25(OH)D concentration (≤ 15.5 ng/mL) for the presence of large platelets (MPV over the upper limit of normal). In conclusion, even though the effect of vitamin D on platelet size and function is probably multifactorial, our study provides further evidence linking vitamin D to thrombosis and hemostasis. Platelets are another potential element through which vitamin D deficiency could exert adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Expression level of Tumor Necrosis Factor—related apoptosis—inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors is one of the most important factors of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. We here report for the first time data concerning TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 receptor expression on RAW264.7 macrophages. Three substances belonging to flavones: chrysin, apigenin and acacetin which differ from their substituents at the 4' position in the phenyl ring were used in assays because of the variety of biological activities (e.g., anticancer activity) of the polyphenol compounds. The expression of TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 death receptors on non-stimulated and LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated macrophages was determined using flow cytometry. We demonstrate that RAW264.7 macrophages exhibit TRAIL-R1 surface expression and that the tested compounds: chrysin, apigenin and acacetin can inhibit TRAIL-R1 death receptor expression level on macrophages.

Activation of cell-mediated immunity by soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Ralpha) release is well documented. The aim of this study was to measure serum concentrations of sIL-2Ralpha in patients with autoimmune and non-autoimmune thyroid disorders in different stages of thyroid function, before and after administration of l-thyroxine (l-T4) and its discontinuation as well as before and during methimazole administration. The study included 80 females: 16 with Graves' disease, 15 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism, 14 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis with fibrosis and clinical hypothyroidism, 20 after subtotal thyroidectomy following nodular non-toxic goitre and 15 healthy controls. Patients were examined at two different time points. Serum concentrations of sIL-2Ralpha were measured with the use of enzyme immunoassay technique. Souble IL-2Ralpha serum concentration increased in patients with untreated Graves' disease and decreased after methimazole treatment. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the sIL-2Ralpha level was within the normal range, in Hashimoto's thyroiditis with clinical hypothyreosis it was low and after l-T4 administration it increased in both patient groups. After thyroidectomy, patients treated with l-T4, had increased levels of sIL-2Ralpha which decreased after discontinuation of therapy. There were a significant positive correlation between sIL-2Ralpha and free thyroxine in patients with (i). Graves' disease both before and after methimazole administration, (ii). Hashimoto's thyroiditis (with subclinical hypothyroidism) both before and after l-T4 therapy, (iii). Hashimoto's thyroiditis with fibrosis and (iv). overt hypothyroidism before l-T4 administration and in individuals during long-term l-T4 treatment (after subtotal thyroidectomy). Serum sIL-2Ralpha concentration in autoimmune thyroid diseases depends on thyroid function. In both autoimmune and non-autoimmune thyroid diseases, thyroxine stimulates the release of sIL-2Ralpha.