Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Garlic has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various conditions, including hypertension. This narrative review examined the scientific evidence on the efficacy of garlic in lowering blood pressure. It explores the historical uses of garlic in different cultures for medicinal purposes and delves into the phytochemical composition of garlic, highlighting key components, like allicin and ajoene, that are believed to contribute to its potential health benefits. Clinical studies that investigated the effects of garlic and garlic-based supplements on blood pressure are presented, with the findings suggesting that garlic consumption may modestly reduce blood pressure, particularly in individuals with mild hypertension. Potential mechanisms of action include increased nitric oxide production, improved endothelial function, and antioxidant properties. While garlic may offer some benefits for blood pressure management, it should not be considered a substitute for conventional antihypertensive medications. Further large-scale, long-term clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy of garlic in managing hypertension, including the optimal dosage and formulation.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease. The sex hormones estrogen and testosterone may have an influence on the production of antibodies. In addition, the gut microbiota also shows an effect on the onset and progression of SLE. Hence, the molecular interplay between sex hormones in terms of gender difference, gut microbiota and SLE is being clarified day after day. The aim of this review is to investigate the dynamic relationship of the gut microbiota with sex hormones in systemic lupus erythematosus taking into account the bacterial strains shown to be affected, effects of antibiotics and other factors that affect the gut microbiome, which itself strong-ly affects the pathogenesis of SLE.

Background: Very few studies examined the safety and effectiveness of OAGB among adolescents. We undertook this task. Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive adolescents (N = 91, 11–21 years old) who underwent primary OAGB in Lebanon and Egypt (January 2013–January 2018). Data retrieved included anthropometric variables (weight, BMI, EWL%, TWL%), nutritional/metabolic outcomes (hemoglobin, protein, vitamin B12, albumin, Ca, HbA1c), and obesity-related conditions (T2DM, hypertension, depression, PCOS, OSA, and GERD). Data were retrieved preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. Results: Mean age was 16.6 years, weight 117.6 kg, BMI 42 kg/m², and 81.3% were females. By year 1, weight loss was large and significant, maintained through subsequent years (mean weight_{year 4} = 74.3 kg), mirrored by significant BMI reductions (mean BMI_{year 4=}28.9 kg/m²). At year 1, mean EWL% was 80.2 ± 18.6% and TWL% 31.2 ± 5.8%, reaching 35.48 ± 8.85% and 91.26 ± 21.85% at year 4. At year four, HbA1c levels significantly decreased from preoperative 5.82 to 5.02%. Mean Hb, vitamin B12, albumin, protein, and calcium levels were significantly reduced from baseline to year 4, although the reduced levels remained within the normal reference ranges. All T2DM, PCOS, and hypertension cases achieved remission at year 1, maintained thereafter, with very few recurrences. OSA showed 83.3% resolution by year 1, with the rest achieving resolution at year 2. GERD was halved by year 1 and maintained. Complications were low (2.2%), with no mortality. Conclusion: OAGB is a safe and effective long-term procedure for adolescents. Weight loss and BMI reduction were significant, and remissions of obesity-related conditions were achieved and maintained. Larger studies are required.

This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the use of complementary and alternative modalities for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, which pose a significant challenge in contemporary healthcare, often requiring long-term management with conventional therapies. It explores a diverse range of complementary and alternative therapies, including herbal remedies, dietary interventions, mind-body practices, and emerging therapies, in the context of the management of several autoimmune diseases, highlighting increased patient satisfaction, pain management and adaptation. The findings shed light on the evolving role of complementary and alternative me­dicine in addressing autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to patient care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a promising tool in obstetric and reproductive healthcare, offering new possibilities for patient-centered care delivery. This literature review explores its impact across key areas, including abortion, assisted reproduction, childbirth, contraception, gestational diabetes, mental health, opioid and smoking cessation, and perinatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured narrative approach was applied, with studies identified through PubMed and Scopus databases for screening, with selection based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and synthesized narratively with attention to clinical outcomes, access, satisfaction, and barriers to implementation. Perspectives on the acceptance of telemedicine among healthcare providers, technological advancements enhancing reproductive outcomes, and telemedicine’s pivotal role in maintaining continuity of care during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are examined. The review also addresses challenges and barriers, including technological proficiency and patient acceptance, while emphasizing telemedicine’s potential to improve accessibility, patient satisfaction, and healthcare outcomes across diverse reproductive health services.