Arterial hypertension is a chronic disease which is very prevalent contemporarily. The aim of this review was to investigate the impact of gut microbiota on the development and potential treatment of hypertension, taking into consideration underlying molecular mechanisms. The bacteria present in the intestines have the ability to secrete different metabolites, which might play a significant role in the regulation of blood pressure. The most important include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), vasoactive hormones, trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCS). Their action in regulating blood pressure is mainly based on their pro- or anti-inflammatory function. The use of specifically formulated probiotics to modify the composition of gut microbiota might be a beneficial way of supportive treatment of hypertension; however, further research on this topic is needed to choose the species of bacteria that could induce the hypotensive pattern.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health problem that can affect various systems in the human body. Renal failure promotes mechanisms of premature cellular aging and also features of generalized inflammation in the body, which translates into a close relationship between kidney dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD). As kidney function deteriorates, cardiovascular risk and mortality increase in this group of patients. Oxidative stress and inflammation are two closely related processes that initiate a vicious cycle by activating each other. Together with aging, they represent the key factors that cause and exacerbate CVD in CKD. Patients with CKD are particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of aging endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle and macrophages, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Several mechanisms are known that can lead to the progression of the aforementioned problems, such as the accumulation of uremic toxins, persistent inflammation, impaired lipid and electrolyte metabolism, nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and mitochondria. According to research, we can distinguish a group of drugs that effectively counteract the negative effects of CKD—statins. This is a group of drugs that inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA) reductase and affect a number of cellular processes and pathways, resulting in the overall slowing of atherosclerosis and cellular aging.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a very prevalent and insidious disease, particularly with initially poorly manifested symptoms that progressively culminate in the manifestation of an advanced stage of the condition. The gradual impairment of kidney function, particularly decreased filtration capacity, results in the retention of uremic toxins and affects numerous molecular mechanisms within the body. The dysbiotic intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in the accumulation of protein-bound uremic toxins such as p-cresol (pC), indoxyl sulfate (IS), and p-cresyl sulfate (p-CS) through the ongoing fermentation process. The described phenomenon leads to an elevated level of oxidative stress and inflammation, subsequently resulting in tissue damage and complications, particularly an increase in cardiovascular risk, representing the predominant cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, exploring methods to reduce uremic toxins is currently a pivotal therapeutic strategy aimed at reducing the risk of organ damage in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review aims to summarize recent discoveries on modifying the composition of the intestinal microbiota through the introduction of special probiotic and synbiotic supplements for CKD therapy. The potential to connect the gut microbiota with CKD opens the possibility for further extensive research in this area, which could lead to the incorporation of synbiotics and probiotics into the fundamental treatment and prevention of CKD.

Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus are currently among the diseases with the highest morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis and development of these diseases remain strongly connected, along with inflammation playing a major role. Therefore, the treatment possibilities showing a positive impact on both of these diseases could be especially beneficial for patients. SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists present this dual effect. Moreover, the hostile composition of the gut microbiota could influence the progression of these conditions. In this review, the authors present the latest knowledge on and innovations in diabetes mellitus and CVD—with the focus on the molecular mechanisms and the role of the microbiota.

Accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of cefiderocol remains a diagnostic challenge, especially in infections caused by metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. While disk diffusion offers a cost-effective alternative to broth microdilution, it is highly sensitive to factors such as media composition and the presence of atypical colony morphology. The objective of this study was to evaluate how different agar media and interpretations of isolated colonies affect the performance and reliability of cefiderocol AST by disk diffusion. A total of 50 clinical K. pneumoniae MBL isolates were tested using disk diffusion on Columbia with blood, MacConkey, and chromogenic agars from three manufacturers. Inhibition zones were compared with MICs from broth microdilution. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and Spearman correlation to assess media effects and zone morphology impact. Variability in inhibition zone diameters was observed between media, notably with chromogenic agar. The most consistent results were obtained using Graso Biotech and Thermo Fisher Columbia with blood agar. Isolated colonies were observed in over half the samples and, depending on how they were interpreted, led to major changes in classification accuracy. Up to 64% of results fell into the EUCAST area of technical uncertainty (ATU), and categorical agreement varied across media and interpretive criteria. Disk diffusion for cefiderocol may be used in resource-limited settings but only if rigorously standardized using validated media, consistent zone reading, and ATU-aware interpretive strategies. In borderline cases or when morphological anomalies are present, broth microdilution should be considered the sole reliable method. Clinical microbiologists are advised to exercise caution with ambiguous results and seek expert or confirmatory testing when needed.