Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by a reduction in bone strength due to increased porosity and impaired mineralisation. In our study, we investigated whether muscle strength and mass exert a significant effect on bone mineral density in young adult women. We also tested whether sclerostin can be used as an indicator in the assessment of bone mineralisation. The study included 111 patients. All patients had their bone mineral density determined in the L1–L4 section of the lumbar spine and in the whole skeleton. The parameters of fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM) and visceral fat mass (VF) were also determined. Metabolic activity of osteocytes was assessed by measuring the serum sclerostin concentration. There was a statistically significant association of both hands’ muscle strength with all parameters expressing bone mineralisation. A statistically significant relationship was also obtained between BMD L1–L4 and the body mass components (FM, LBM). Sclerostin levels in the study did not differ between groups with normal and reduced bone mineral density. Muscle strength assessment may be a potential exponent of reduced bone mineral density, also used clinically in young adult women. The utility of sclerostin in the clinical assessment of bone mineralisation has not been demonstrated.

Osteoporosis is characterized by impaired bone mineralization and microarchitecture. An important protective factor is a high peak bone mass (PBM), attained in the second and third decade of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hormonal and metabolic parameters on bone mineralization in young adult female patients. A total of 111 participants qualified for the study. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and whole skeleton was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Hormonal parameters were determined: the concentrations of androstendione, dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate, testosterone, sex hormone binding protein, 17-OH-progesterone, folliculotropic hormone, estradiol, thyrotropic hormone, free thyroxine and cortisol. Metabolic parameters were also examined. The study showed a statistically significant correlation between bone mineral density and estradiol concentration and a negative relationship between cortisol concentration and the bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score of the lumbar spine. Sclerostin measurements taken during this study were not related to bone mineral density. It has been shown that the concentration of the hormones tested, even within the reference range, may affect bone mineralization. We suggest observing the follow-up of the menstrual cycles, as well as analyzing the results of test patients in an annual examination system. However, each clinical case should be considered individually. The sclerostin test is currently not useful in the clinical evaluation of bone mineralization in young adult women.

Introduction: Pain is one of the most common complaints associated with physical activity, both in professional and recreational sports. As a physiological and subjective phenomenon, pain serves a protective function, warning of potential injury or overuse. However, if left untreated, it may lead to chronic pain conditions, impaired motor function, or even permanent exclusion of the athlete from activity. Therefore, effective and safe pain management is essential to maintain training continuity, prevent complications, and support athletes’ optimal psychophysical performance. Standard therapeutic approaches in athletes typically involve the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and—in the case of more severe pain—opioid medications. However, increasing attention has been paid to coanalgesics, a group of drugs that are not classified as traditional analgesics but exhibit supportive or potentiating effects on pain relief. Coanalgesics—including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids, local anesthetics, and even certain dietary supplements—are especially useful in treating neuropathic, chronic, or multifactorial pain. In the context of sports, these agents may play a crucial role in reducing the required doses of standard analgesics, minimizing side effects, and facilitating return to full physical functionality. Given the unique characteristics of the sports environment—including time pressure, high physical demands, anti-doping regulations (e.g., WADA), and ethical considerations—appropriate analgesic selection must not only be effective but also safe, rational, and compliant with governing rules. When used appropriately, coanalgesics may serve as alternatives or adjuncts to classical pain management strategies. Aim: The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of coanalgesics in pain therapy among athletes, with reference to data from recent clinical trials, systematic reviews, and scientific society guidelines. Particular attention is given to the efficacy, safety, and limitations of selected substances in various pain types—acute, chronic, somatic, and neuropathic—with respect to sports disciplines and return-to-play protocols. Material and Methods: This narrative review was conducted to synthesize current evidence regarding the use of coanalgesics in the management of pain among athletes, with a particular focus on neuropathic, postoperative, and post-traumatic pain. A structured literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Conclusions: Co-analgesics offer a promising tool in pain management among athletes. Paracetamol and topical analgesics may reduce pain-related limitations without the long-term risks associated with systemic agents. However, the overuse of NSAIDs and the application of opioids carry serious health and ethical concerns. Further high-quality research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols and to promote education within sports communities.

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and remains a condition in which currently available treatments exert only limited influence on the underlying neurodegenerative process. Consequently, increasing attention has been directed toward factors that may modify disease progression, including lithium, a trace element with well-documented neurobiological properties. Objective: The aim of this review was to evaluate available preclinical evidence on the effects of lithium in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, with particular emphasis on cognitive impairment and molecular mechanisms related to amyloid-β and tau pathology. Materials and methods: Original experimental studies using human tissue, animal models, and in vitro systems were analysed. The review focused on investigations assessing the effects of low and subtherapeutic lithium doses on amyloid-β metabolism, tau phosphorylation, and cognitive performance. Results: Available data indicate a selective reduction of lithium levels in brain regions affected by Alzheimer-related pathology, accompanied by its sequestration within amyloid-β deposits. In animal models, lithium deficiency was associated with exacerbation of amyloid and tau pathology as well as deterioration of cognitive function. Restoration of physiological lithium levels, particularly through formulations with favourable bioavailability, was linked to attenuation of neurodegenerative changes. Conclusions: Lithium may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, and disturbances in its homeostasis may contribute to the progression of neurodegeneration. Restoring physiological lithium levels represents a promising direction for further research on both preventive and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.

Pharmacotherapy in Psychiatry and Neurology

Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, represent a major global health challenge and significantly affect quality of life and daily functioning (World Health Organization, 2023; Harvey et al., 2018). Increasing attention has been directed toward lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity, as potential strategies for improving psychological well-being (Firth et al., 2020; Ashdown-Franks et al., 2020). The aim of this narrative review is to summarize current evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity and mental health, with particular focus on depression and anxiety, and to highlight implications for public health and digital interventions. A narrative review methodology was applied based on literature retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published between 2010 and 2025. The available evidence consistently demonstrates that regular physical activity is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved overall psychological well-being (Singh et al., 2023; Schuch et al., 2018; Noetel et al., 2024). These effects are mediated through biological and psychological mechanisms (Kandola et al., 2019; Dishman et al., 2006). Furthermore, digital technologies such as wearable devices and mobile health applications are increasingly used to promote physical activity and support mental health outcomes (Patel et al., 2015; Wang et al., 2022). In conclusion, physical activity represents an effective and accessible complementary strategy in the prevention and management of mental health disorders.