Understanding of the gut microbiome’s role in human physiology developed rapidly in recent years. Moreover, any alteration of this microenvironment could lead to a pathophysiological reaction of numerous organs. It results from the bidirectional communication of the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system, called the gut–brain axis. The signals in the gut–brain axis are mediated by immunological, hormonal, and neural pathways. However, it is also influenced by microorganisms in the gut. The disturbances in the gut–brain axis are associated with gastrointestinal syndromes, but recently their role in the development of different types of pain was reported. The gut microbiome could be the factor in the central sensitization of chronic pain by regulating microglia, astrocytes, and immune cells. Dysbiosis could lead to incorrect immune responses, resulting in the development of inflammatory pain such as endometriosis. Furthermore, chronic visceral pain, associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, could result from a disruption in the gut microenvironment. Any alteration in the gut–brain axis could also trigger migraine attacks by affecting cytokine expression. Understanding the gut microbiome’s role in pain pathophysiology leads to the development of analgetic therapies targeting microorganisms. Probiotics, FODMAP diet, and fecal microbiota transplantation are reported to be beneficial in treating visceral pain.

Periodontitis is a common disorder affecting the bone and soft tissues of the periodontal complex. When untreated, it may lead to severe mobility or even loss of teeth. The pathogenesis of periodontitis is complex, with crucial factors being chronic inflammation in gingival and periodontal tissues and oral microbiome alterations. However, recent studies highlight the alleged role of vitamins, such as vitamin C (VitC) and vitamin D (VitD), in the development of the disease. VitC regulates numerous biochemical reactions, but foremost, it is involved in synthesizing collagen. It was reported that VitC deficiency could lead to damage to the periodontal ligaments. VitC supplementation improves postoperative outcomes in patients with periodontitis. VitD is a steroid derivative that can be produced in the skin under ultraviolet radiation and later transformed into an active form in other tissues, such as the kidneys. VitD was established to decrease the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in gingiva and regulate the proper mineral density of teeth. Moreover, the supplementation of VitD was associated with better results in the nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge on the role of vitamins C and D in the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontitis.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is the carbohydrate intolerance occurring during pregnancy. The risk factors of GDM include obesity, advanced maternal age, polycystic ovary syndrome, multigravidity, a sedentary lifestyle, and pre-existing hypertension. Additionally, complex genetic and epigenetic processes are also believed to play a crucial role in the development of GDM. In this narrative review, we discuss the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in gestational diabetes mellitus pathogenesis.

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a metabolic disorder with altered glucose levels diagnosed in pregnant women. The pathogenesis of GDM is not fully known, but it is thought to be caused by impaired insulin production and insulin resistance induced by diabetogenic factors. The placenta may play an important role in the development of GDM. Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are responsible for the delivery of glucose into the foetal circulation. Placental zinc transporters regulate insulin and glucagon secretion, as well as gluconeogenesis and glycolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the placental expression of GLUT3, GLUT4, GLUT7 and SLC30A8 in women with GDM. Furthermore, we evaluated whether the expression profiles of these transporters were correlated with clinical parameters. Methods: This study included 26 patients with GDM and 28 patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Results: The placental expression of GLUT3 was significantly reduced in the GDM group, while the placental expression of GLUT4, GLUT7 and SLC30A8 was significantly upregulated in the GDM group. GLUT3 expression correlated significantly with body mass index (BMI) increase during pregnancy and body mass increase during pregnancy, while GLUT4 expression correlated negatively with BMI at birth. Conclusions: These results suggest the involvement of GLUT3 and GLUT4, GLUT7 and SLC30A8 in the pathogenesis of GDM.

Since the end of 2019, the whole world has been struggling with the life-threatening pandemic amongst all age groups and geographic areas caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has led to more than 468 million cases and over 6 million deaths reported worldwide (as of 20 March 2022), is one of the greatest threats to human health in history. Meanwhile, the lack of specific and irresistible treatment modalities provoked concentrated efforts in scientists around the world. Various mechanisms of cell entry and cellular dysfunction were initially proclaimed. Especially, mitochondria and cell membrane are crucial for the course of infection. The SARS-CoV-2 invasion depends on angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), expressed on host cells. Moreover, in this narrative review, we aim to discuss other cell organelles targeted by SARS-CoV-2. Lastly, we briefly summarize the studies on various drugs.

(1) Background: Disorders of sexual life negatively impact self-esteem and social relationships. This problem affects patients after gynecological surgery. Providing access to specialist sexologist care constitutes an important aspect of support for this patient group. (2) Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the sexual life of women depending on the time since surgery, extent of gynecological surgery and postoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. (3) Methods: The study included 136 patients from gynecological outpatient clinics in Szczecin, Poland. The women answered questions from a special three-part questionnaire. Participation was anonymous and voluntary. The data obtained in the survey were subject to statistical analysis. (4) Results: Among patients with a sparing of the cervix, most have never or almost never experienced discomfort or pain during intercourse, and believe that the quality of their sex life has not deteriorated after surgery. It was found that cervical removal, despite the existence of other conditions, increases the chance of pain during sexual activity 11 times. We found that the removal of adnexa did not increase the risk of changing sexual activity. In patients who had not undergone postoperative chemo- and/or radiotherapy, sexual activity did not change after surgery, and they never or almost never experienced discomfort or pain during intercourse. On the other hand, it was shown, despite the smaller study group, that patients treated with postoperative chemo- and/or radiotherapy did not initiate sexual intercourse. (5) Conclusion: The more extended the gynecological surgery of the uterus, the greater the limitation of sexual life.