Obesity is an important condition affecting the quality of life of numerous patients and increasing their associated risk for multiple diseases, including tumors and immune-mediated disorders. Inflammation appears to play a major role in the development of obesity and represents a central point for the activity of cellular and humoral components in the adipose tissue. Macrophages play a key role as the main cellular component of the adipose tissue regulating the chronic inflammation and modulating the secretion and differentiation of various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation also involves a series of signaling pathways that might represent the focus for new therapies and interventions. Weight loss is essential in decreasing cardiometabolic risks and the degree of associated inflammation; however, the latter can persist for long after the excess weight is lost, and can involve changes in macrophage phenotypes that can ensure the metabolic adjustment. A clear understanding of the pathophysiological processes in the adipose tissue and the interplay between obesity and chronic inflammation can lead to a better understanding of the development of comorbidities and may ensure future targets for the treatment of obesity.

Capsaicin is a phytochemical derived from plants of the genus Capsicum and subject of intensive phytochemical research due to its numerous physiological and therapeutical effects, including its important antimicrobial properties. Depending on the concentration and the strain of the bacterium, capsaicin can exert either bacteriostatic or even bactericidal effects against a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while in certain cases it can reduce their pathogenicity by a variety of mechanisms such as mitigating the release of toxins or inhibiting biofilm formation. Likewise, capsaicin has been shown to be effective against fungal pathogens, particularly Candida spp., where it once again interferes with biofilm formation. The parasites Toxoplasma gondi and Trypanosoma cruzi have been found to be susceptible to the action of this compound too while there are also viruses whose invasiveness is significantly dampened by it. Among the most encouraging findings are the prospects for future development, especially using new formulations and drug delivery mechanisms. Finally, the influence of capsaicin in somatostatin and substance P secretion and action, offers an interesting array of possibilities given that these physiologically secreted compounds modulate inflammation and immune response to a significant extent.

Coronary arteries have a wide range of anatomical variability, and their spectrum ranges from asymptomatic cases to those predisposed to hemodynamic compromise or even sudden cardiac death. This paper aims to review the classification of coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) and illustrate their imaging characteristics by highlighting the important role of CT coronary angiography. Some of the coronary anomalies usually met in current practice are the high origin coronary artery, multiple ostia, aberrant origin from the opposite/non-coronary Valsalva sinus, single coronary artery, ALCAPA syndrome, duplications of the left anterior descending artery, coronary fistulas, and extracardiac terminations. CT coronary angiography is a non-invasive diagnostic modality for CAAs. The complex anatomy of these anomalies can be accurately described by employing 3D reconstructions and post-processing techniques. Knowledge of the imaging characteristics and potential functional impact of these anomalies is essential for accurate diagnosis and therapeutic planning of patients.