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.
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality, and its global reach places it as an object of interest for many researchers worldwide. Steps are being actively taken to combat this disease. Current trends focus on non-invasive prevention, specifically dietary interventions of a relatively easily accessible, modifiable therapeutic option. The most promising seems to be the MD, used in both primary and secondary prevention, as reflected in current research. The bioactive components and mechanisms of this dietary pattern confirm its validity. For now, it is at the forefront of other diets available but needs to be improved in terms of precise guidelines for its application to the individual patient.
Background: Osteoporosis is a global public health challenge linked to population aging and sedentary lifestyles. Non-pharmacological prevention is essential. Aim: The aim of this study was to review current scientific literature on the impact of regular sport participation on bone health, with emphasis on its role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Material and Methods: A review of publications (2021–2026) from PubMed was conducted, including meta-analyses and clinical trials on the relationship between mechanical loading and bone mineral density (BMD). Results: High-impact and multi-directional sports (volleyball, basketball) provide the most potent osteogenic stimuli. In postmenopausal women, high-intensity resistance training (80-85% 1RM) mitigates bone loss and improves Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Sport also reduces fall risk in the elderly by enhancing postural stability. Conclusions: Regular sport participation is the "gold standard" for osteoporosis prevention. Optimizing peak bone mass in youth and maintaining skeletal integrity in old age are vital. Interdisciplinary collaboration is necessary to implement these findings into public health practice.
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.