Diabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoarthritis (OA) are prevalent chronic conditions with shared pathophysiological links, including inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. This study investigates the potential impact of insulin, metformin, and GLP-1-based therapies on OA progression. Methods involved a literature review of clinical trials and mechanistic studies exploring the effects of these medications on OA outcomes. Results indicate that insulin, beyond its role in glycemic control, may modulate inflammatory pathways relevant to OA, potentially influencing joint health. Metformin, recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties via AMPK activation, shows promise in mitigating OA progression by preserving cartilage integrity and reducing inflammatory markers. GLP-1-based therapies, known for enhancing insulin secretion and improving metabolic profiles in DM, also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit OA by suppressing cytokine-mediated joint inflammation and supporting cartilage repair mechanisms. Conclusions suggest that these medications, while primarily indicated for diabetes management, hold therapeutic potential in OA by targeting common underlying mechanisms. Further clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings and explore optimal therapeutic strategies for managing both DM and OA comorbidities effectively.

Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic medication, has emerged as a promising broad-spectrum antiviral agent due to its ability to modulate cellular pathways essential for viral replication. By activating AMPK, metformin depletes cellular energy reserves that viruses rely on, effectively limiting the replication of pathogens such as influenza, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, HBV, and HCV. Its role in inhibiting the mTOR pathway, crucial for viral protein synthesis and reactivation, is particularly significant in managing infections caused by HIV, CMV, and EBV. Furthermore, metformin reduces oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are critical for replicating arboviruses such as Zika and dengue. The drug also regulates immune responses, cellular differentiation, and inflammation, disrupting the life cycle of HPV and potentially other viruses. These diverse mechanisms suppress viral replication, enhance immune system functionality, and contribute to better clinical outcomes. This multifaceted approach highlights metformin’s potential as an adjunctive therapy in treating a wide range of viral infections.

Background/Objectives. The comorbidity of osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes mellitus poses a complex clinical challenge, complicating patient management due to overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms. This research aims to analyze the exacerbation of clinical symptoms and biochemical markers in patients with OA and T2DM compared to those with OA alone. Methods. We employed various assessment methods to evaluate inflammation, oxidative stress, and glycemic control in both cohorts. This study includes the administration of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) to patients with comorbid OA and T2DM, monitoring its effects on joint function, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress levels, and glycemic control. Results. The findings indicate that T2DM significantly worsens clinical symptoms and biochemical markers in OA patients. Those with both conditions exhibited elevated indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress compared to OA-only patients. Additionally, correlations among metabolic, psychological, and inflammatory factors were identified. Body mass index emerged as a potential predictor for the deterioration of evaluated parameters. The analysis revealed that ALA administration led to statistically significant improvements in WOMAC pain scores, the Lequesne Algofunctional Index, and the AIMS-P compared to the control group. Conclusions. Further research into ALA’s effects on OA progression in patients with comorbidities is essential for developing personalized treatment approaches.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a risk factor for severe COVID-19. This study explores the potential influence of gut hormone receptor and immune response gene expression on COVID-19 outcomes in MAFLD patients. Methods: We investigated gene expression levels of AHR, FFAR2, FXR, and TGR5 in patients with MAFLD and COVID-19 compared to controls. We examined associations between gene expression and clinical outcomes. Results: COVID-19 patients displayed altered AHR expression, potentially impacting immune response and recovery. Downregulated AHR in patients with MAFLD correlated with increased coagulation parameters. Elevated FFAR2 expression in patients with MAFLD was linked to specific immune cell populations and hospital stay duration. A significantly lower FXR expression was observed in both MAFLD and severe COVID-19. Conclusion: Our findings suggest potential modulatory roles for AHR, FFAR2, and FXR in COVID-19 and MAFLD.

Background Patients with OA require attention of specialists due to the high integrative risk of acute conditions caused by the use of drugs that successfully treat chronic pain, but lead to gastrointestinal complications . Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of...

Introduction: In this publication we analyzed the specific aspects of clinical course in case of combination of chronic pancreatitis and concomitant viral hepatitis C. The aim: Discover the clinical course of chronic pancreatitis with concomitant viral hepatitis C . Materials and methods: 57 patients with chronic pancreatitis and concomitant viral hepatitis c were examined. Diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and viral hepatitis c was verified based on disease history, clinical symptoms and the results of clinical-instrumental tests. Clinical and biochemical investigations in people with chronic pancreatitis were done in exacerbation and unstable remission phases and for people with viral hepatitis C - in stable remission phase. Results: In patients, who have chronic pancreatitis with concomitant hepatitis C, pain, dyspeptic syndromes and defecation disturbances take the major place in clinical course of the disease. These symptoms were more severe than in the control group (possible difference in numbers in the group of patents with isolate viral hepatitis C (p<0,05). Conclusions: According to the studies data-the negative influence of concomitant viral hepatitis C in clinical course of chronic pancreatitis was identified.