Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia that still remains a significant health concern, especially due to its consequences, including stroke and heart failure. This review explores the intricate interplay between AF, lifestyle choices, and dietary habits. It is particularly focused on findings from diverse studies about non-pharmacological methods of managing AF. Moreover, its purpose is to elucidate the implementation of lifestyle changes such as physical activity or proper diet choices in the integrated treatment strategy of patients with AF.

Myocarditis is a non-ischemic condition with a heterogeneous etiology, clinical course and prognosis. The most common etiology of myocarditis are viral infections, whereas the most severe complications are acute and chronic heart failure and sudden cardiac death. The heterogeneous clinical course of the disease, as well as the availability and costs of diagnostic tools such as cardiac magnetic resonance and endomyocardial biopsy, hinder the diagnosis of myocarditis and its underlying cause. Non-coding RNAs such as micro-RNAs (miRNAs; miR) have been shown to be involved in the disease’s pathophysiology; however, their potential in disease diagnosis and treatment should also be considered. Non-coding RNAs are RNAs that are not translated into proteins, and they have the ability to regulate several intracellular pathways. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by binding with their targets and inhibiting protein synthesis by interfering with the translation of coding genes or causing the degradation of messenger RNA. Several miRNAs, such as miR-1, -133, -21, -15, -98, -126, -155, -148, -203, -208, -221, -222, -203 and -590, have been shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of viral myocarditis (VMC), and some of them have been shown to have diagnostic abilities. This article summarizes the available data on miRNAs and their associations with VMC.

Background. Obesity is a complex neuroendocrine disease requiring long-term management. The emergence of GLP-1 receptor agonists has revolutionized weight loss outcomes; however, pharmacological monotherapy often leads to significant lean body mass (LBM) loss and metabolic adaptation. Aim. To analyze the clinical synergy between incretin-based pharmacotherapy and sports medicine protocols, focusing on functional tissue preservation and long-term metabolic health. Material and methods. A comprehensive review of scientific literature (2021–2026) was conducted, incorporating data from phase III clinical trials (STEP, SURMOUNT, SELECT) and exercise physiology research during pharmacological weight loss. Results. GLP-1 RA monotherapy results in LBM loss comprising 20–40% of total weight reduction. Structured resistance and aerobic training mitigates this loss, enhances muscle quality, and preserves bone mineral density. Combined therapy achieves superior visceral fat reduction and attenuates systemic inflammation while maintaining a higher basal metabolic rate compared to pharmacotherapy alone. Conclusions. Integrating sports medicine with modern pharmacotherapy represents a new standard in obesity treatment. Physical activity serves as a "metabolic anchor," preventing weight regain and improving patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Background. Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. In athletes, clinical identification is difficult due to symptomatic overlap with mechanical overuse and specific behavioral patterns of professional competitors. Aim. This review evaluates diagnostic hurdles of axSpA in athletes and analyzes medical management quality based on evidence from 2021–2026. Material and methods. Following SANRA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed, focusing on peer-reviewed literature at the intersection of inflammatory diseases and sports medicine. Results. The athletic culture of enduring pain contributes to a diagnostic delay often exceeding seven years. Professional athletes frequently present with exercise-induced bone marrow edema on MRI, which can mimic active sacroiliitis. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach integrating modern pharmacotherapy with specialized physiotherapy, adhering to 2022 ASAS-EULAR recommendations and WADA regulations. Conclusions. A research gap exists regarding prospective studies in elite athletes. Improving care quality necessitates specialized screening protocols to differentiate physiological adaptations from systemic inflammation, ensuring career longevity and high quality of life.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Modifiable factors, primarily physical inactivity, account for 70% of cases. Physical activity (PA) reduces CRC risk by 20–25%, yet precise molecular pathways require synthesis to refine prevention. Aim: To synthesize biological mechanisms of PA in CRC mitigation and evaluate optimal intensity, dose, and sedentary behavior impact for targeted recommendations. Materials and Methods: A literature review (PubMed, Scopus; 2008–2024) was conducted, integrating meta-analyses and clinical guidelines on the insulin/IGF-1 axis, myokine signaling, and gut microbiota metagenomics. Results: Four pathways were identified: 1) Metabolic: modulation of insulin/IGF-1 axis and sensitivity, 2) Immunological: reduced visceral adiposity and inflammation via myokines and NK-cell surveillance, 3) Mechanical: accelerated transit and improved bile acid metabolism, 4) Microbial: increased butyrate-producing bacteria and mucosal integrity; Protection follows a dose-response relationship, peaking at >300 min/week, especially combining aerobic and resistance training. Interrupting sedentary behavior is a critical independent factor for colonic niche health. Conclusions: PA acts as a systemic biological intervention that inhibits the initiation of neoplastic transformation. Maximum risk reduction requires multimodal training (aerobic and resistance) and the mitigation of prolonged sedentary behavior. "Precision Exercise Oncology" should prioritize individualized prescriptions based on molecular and genetic profiles.

Introduction: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) commonly follows rapid ascent to altitude and can compromise safety, physical capacity, and expedition or sport-related goals. Aim: This narrative review summarizes evidence on pharmacological AMS prophylaxis, focusing on acetazolamide and dexamethasone, and discusses its relevance for mountaineers and high-altitude athletes. Materials and methods: PubMed was searched for English-language publications from January 1990 to May 2026. Selected earlier landmark studies were included when important for historical or mechanistic context. Randomized trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and recent clinical guidelines were prioritized, and the evidence was synthesized narratively. Results: Acetazolamide remains the best-supported first-line option because it reduces AMS risk and facilitates acclimatization through effects on ventilation and acid-base balance. Dexamethasone may be useful in selected high-risk situations or when acetazolamide is unsuitable, but it does not promote acclimatization and may mask deterioration. Evidence for ibuprofen and other alternatives is less consistent. In athletes, benefit must be balanced against hydration, acid-base, and performance concerns. Conclusions: Pharmacological prophylaxis is most appropriate when AMS risk is high, especially if rapid ascent is unavoidable or previous AMS suggests susceptibility. Medication should support, not replace, gradual ascent and adequate acclimatization.