The escalating global prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) over the past two decades has led to a persistent high incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), necessitating screening for early symptoms and proper treatment. Effective management of DR aims to decrease vision impairment by controlling modifiable risk factors including hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Moreover, systemic medications and plant-based therapy show promise in advancing DR treatment. One of the key mechanisms related to DR pathogenesis is the polyol pathway, through which aldose reductase (AR) catalyzes the conversion of glucose to sorbitol within various tissues, including the retina, lens, ciliary body and iris. Elevated glucose levels activate AR, leading to osmotic stress, advanced glycation end-product formation, and oxidative damage. This further implies chronic inflammation, vascular permeability, and angiogenesis. Our comprehensive narrative review describes the therapeutic potential of aldose reductase inhibitors in treating DR, where both synthetic and natural inhibitors have been studied in recent decades. Our synthesis aims to guide future research and clinical interventions in DR management.

Artificial intelligence as a noninvasive tool for pancreatic cancer prediction and diagnosis

The present study reports the successful synthesis of biocompatible magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) by an ecofriendly single step method, using two ethanolic extracts based on leaves of Camellia sinensis L. and Ocimum basilicum L. The effect of both green raw materials as reducing and capping agents was taken into account for the development of MNPs, as well as the reaction synthesis temperature (25 °C and 80 °C). The biological effect of the MNPs obtained from Camellia sinensis L. ethanolic extract (Cs 25, Cs 80) was compared with that of the MNPs obtained from Ocimum basilicum L. ethanolic extract (Ob 25, Ob 80), by using two morphologically different lung cancer cell lines (A549 and NCI-H460); the results showed that the higher cell viability impairment was manifested by A549 cells after exposure to MNPs obtained from Ocimum basilicum L. ethanolic extract (Ob 25, Ob 80). Regarding the biosafety profile of the MNPs, it was shown that the EpiAirway^TM models did not elicit important viability decrease or significant histopathological changes after treatment with none of the MNPs (Cs 25, Cs 80 and Ob 25, Ob 80), at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, action, or both, with a global prevalence that has tripled in recent decades. This condition poses significant public health challenges, affecting individuals, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide. Among its numerous complications, ocular surface disease (OSD) is a significant concern, yet understanding its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management remains challenging. This review aims to explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of diabetes-related OSD. The ocular surface, including the cornea, conjunctiva, and associated structures, is vital for maintaining eye health, with the lacrimal functional unit (LFU) playing a crucial role in tear film regulation. In DM, changes in glycosaminoglycan metabolism, collagen synthesis, oxygen consumption, and LFU dysfunction contribute to ocular complications. Persistent hyperglycemia leads to the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules, resulting in neuropathy, tear film abnormalities, and epithelial lesions. Recent advances in molecular research and therapeutic modalities, such as gene and stem cell therapies, show promise for managing diabetic ocular complications. Future research should focus on pathogenetically oriented therapies for diabetic neuropathy and keratopathy, transitioning from animal models to clinical trials to improve patient outcomes.

Salivary glands tumors are uncommon neoplasms with variable incidence, heterogenous histologies and unpredictable biological behaviour. Most tumors are located in the parotid gland. Benign salivary tumors represent 54–79% of cases and pleomorphic adenoma is frequently diagnosed in this group. Salivary glands malignant tumors that are more commonly diagnosed are adenoid cystic carcinomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Because of their diversity and overlapping features, these tumors require complex methods of evaluation. Diagnostic procedures include imaging techniques combined with clinical examination, fine needle aspiration and histopathological investigation of the excised specimens. This narrative review describes the advances in the diagnosis methods of these unusual tumors—from histomorphology to artificial intelligence algorithms.

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major global health burden, with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in regions with prevalent Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. While H. pylori has long been recognized as a primary carcinogenic agent, recent research has underscored the broader contribution of the gastric microbiota to gastric carcinogenesis. Alterations in the microbial community, or dysbiosis, contribute to chronic inflammation, immune modulation, and epithelial transformation through a range of mechanisms, including disruption of mucosal integrity, activation of oncogenic signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, STAT3), and epigenetic alterations. Furthermore, microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, and lactate, play dual roles in either promoting or suppressing tumorigenesis. Oral and gut-derived microbes, translocated to the gastric niche, have been implicated in reshaping the gastric microenvironment and exacerbating disease progression. The composition of the microbiota also influences responses to cancer immunotherapy, suggesting that microbial profiles can serve as both prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Emerging strategies, such as probiotics, dietary interventions, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), offer new avenues for restoring microbial balance and enhancing therapy response. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the complex interplay between microbiota and gastric cancer development and emphasizes the potential of microbiome modulation in both preventive and therapeutic frameworks.