Inflammation has been widely recognized as one of the major pathophysiological drivers of the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), which works in tandem with other risk factors of AF including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure (HF). Our current understanding of the role of inflammation in the natural history of AF remains elusive; however, several key players, including the NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome, have been acknowledged to be heavily influential on chronic inflammation in the atrial myocardium, which leads to fibrosis and eventual degradation of its electrical function. Nevertheless, our current methods of pharmacological modalities with reported immunomodulatory properties, including well-established classes of drugs e.g., drugs targeting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), statins, and vitamin D, have proven effective in reducing the overall risk of developing AF, the onset of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), and reducing overall mortality among patients with AF. This might bring hope for further progress in developing new treatment modalities targeting cellular checkpoints of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, or revisiting other well-known anti-inflammatory drugs e.g., colchicine, vitamin C, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticosteroids, and antimalarial drugs. In our review, we aim to find relevant upstream anti-inflammatory treatment methods for the management of AF and present the most current real-world evidence of their clinical utility.

In lung cancer patients, two complementary abnormalities were found that can cause disruption of the mitochondrial network: increased fusion and impaired fission, manifested by reduced levels of FIS1, a mitochondrial division regulator, and increased expression of MFN1, a mitochondrial fusion mediator. Immunoexpression studies of MFN1 and FIS1 proteins were performed in serum samples obtained from 47 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 21 controls. In the NSCLC patients, the immunoexpression of the MFN1 protein was significantly higher, and the FIS1 protein level was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; UMW test). Patients with early, operable lung cancer had significantly lower levels of MFN1 immunoexpression compared to patients with advanced, metastatic lung cancer (p < 0.05; UMW test). This suggests that early stages of the disease are characterized by greater fragmentation of damaged mitochondria and apoptosis. In contrast, lower FIS1 protein levels were associated with a worse prognosis. Increased mitochondrial fusion in the blood of lung cancer patients may suggest an increase in protective and repair mechanisms. This opens up questions about why these mechanisms fail in the context of existing advanced cancer disease and is a starting point for further research into why protective mechanisms fail in lung cancer patients.

Background: The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led to its transition from a theoretical concept in informatics to a functional clinical tool. This study evaluates the impact of AI-based consultants and Large Language Models (LLMs) on patient health literacy and the quality of medical education within the framework of contemporary healthcare standards. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for peer-reviewed publications from 2021 to 2025. Following a rigorous selection process based on Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) criteria, 31 key sources were identified and synthesized. Results: LLMs significantly improve the comprehensibility of clinical terminology by adapting medical content to a 9th-11th-grade literacy level. Digital feedback systems, such as the KidneyOnline platform, demonstrate superior efficacy in improving patient adherence compared with standard protocols. However, several critical limitations were identified, including hallucination bias (fabrication of clinical data), a “readability floor” phenomenon associated with up to 83% content reduction, and the risk of professional deskilling among clinicians. Furthermore, wearable devices such as the Apple Watch show high correlation (r=0.92) with medical-grade pulse oximetry, offering new perspectives for real-time health monitoring. Conclusions: AI represents a transformative yet socially consequential innovation in patient education and health literacy. Its responsible implementation requires a strict human-in-the-loop model to ensure clinical safety, ethical accountability, and equitable access. Systematic verification of AI-generated medical information by qualified healthcare professionals remains essential to maintain both high standards of care and public trust in digital health innovations.

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to joint destruction, chronic pain, and significant functional impairment. While pharmacological treatment remains the cornerstone of therapy, it is increasingly recognized that optimal patient outcomes require a holistic approach. Non-pharmacological interventions are essential to address the physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by patients. Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of various non-pharmacological strategies in the management of RA and to highlight the importance of a coordinated, multidisciplinary team in improving patient quality of life and functional status. Material and methods. A comprehensive review of current clinical guidelines and recent literature (from databases such as PubMed and Scopus) was conducted. The analysis focused on interventions including physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, psychological support, and patient education programs within a multidisciplinary framework. Results. The findings indicate that regular aerobic and resistance exercise, combined with joint protection techniques, significantly reduce pain and fatigue while improving joint mobility. Dietary interventions (e.g., Mediterranean diet) and psychological interventions (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) contribute to better disease control and mental well-being. A multidisciplinary approach, involving rheumatologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and psychologists, leads to higher treatment adherence and better functional outcomes compared to monodisciplinary care. Conclusions. Non-pharmacological management is a vital component of RA care that complements medical treatment. A well-structured, multidisciplinary approach ensures personalized care, targets diverse symptoms, and empowers patients to manage their condition effectively, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multidimensional condition associated not only with affective symptoms but also with reduced physical activity, impaired functional capacity, and increased cardiometabolic risk. Beyond mood disturbance, depression is frequently accompanied by decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, altered body composition, and autonomic dysregulation. While antidepressant pharmacotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment, structured physical activity has emerged as a clinically relevant intervention within sports and lifestyle medicine. Evidence from recent meta-analyses and network meta-analyses demonstrates moderate antidepressant effects of aerobic and resistance-based exercise interventions. Comparative analyses suggest similar efficacy of exercise and pharmacotherapy in mild-to-moderate depression, with structured training providing additional benefits for cardiovascular performance, metabolic regulation, and functional recovery. The bidirectional relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome further underscores the importance of addressing systemic risk factors alongside psychiatric symptoms. Antidepressant agents differ in their metabolic, autonomic, and endocrine profiles, with potential implications for weight regulation, insulin sensitivity, and exercise adherence. Overlapping biological mechanisms between pharmacotherapy and physical training include monoaminergic modulation, neuroplasticity enhancement through brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathways, and attenuation of systemic inflammation. However, direct randomized comparisons of combined pharmacotherapy and structured exercise remain limited. An individualized treatment model integrating pharmacological stabilization with progressive physical training may optimize both psychological recovery and longterm physiological resilience in patients with major depressive disorder.

Statins, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, represent one of the most extensively researched and frequently prescribed pharmacological agents, primarily utilized to reduce cardiovascular risk through the modulation of serum cholesterol levels. Although their efficacy in reducing global mortality and cardiovascular events is well-established, genetic variability persists among different populations which may predispose patients to dose-related adverse effects and reduced efficancy of statin therapy. This heterogeneity has driven a shift in the scientific landscape toward exploring common genetic polymorphisms within the genes encoding genes involved in pharmacodynamic pathways. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of clinically significant polymorphisms within the pharmacodynamic pathways of statins. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for peer-reviewed publications from 2021 to 2025. Following a rigorous selection process based on Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) criteria. Conclusions: Despite rapid progress in the field of pharmacogenomics, the role of genetic polymorphisms among genes involved in pharmacodynamic pathways of statin therapy still requires more research in order to establish robust evidence of their role in the overall lipid-lowering efficacy of statins.