Liver fibrosis is a common, progressive disease that affects millions of patients worldwide. In this study, it was aimed at investigating the effect of white tea on liver fibrosis in an in‐vivo environment by creating an experimental liver fibrosis model on rats. In this study, an experimental liver fibrosis model was created with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in Sprague–Dawley rats to investigate the effect of white tea on liver fibrosis. Rats are treated with CCl₄ (1 mL/kg) to constitute the liver fibrosis model. White tea was given ad libitum with drinking water. As a result of the study, liver tissue hydroxyproline levels were found to be significantly lower (p = .001) in the white tea group. Histopathologically, it was found that the liver tissue histopathological damage score (LHDS) and fibrosis scoring were significantly lower (p < .001) in the white tea group. However, although it was not statistically significant in the group given white tea, compared with the fibrosis group, it was found that the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver tissues was lower, the glutathione (GSH) level was higher, and the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were lower. The study explained the effect of white tea on liver fibrosis and suggested that white tea might be beneficial in reducing the progression of liver fibrosis.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants detected not only in water, soil, and air but also in human biological samples. To date, three main exposure routes have been identified. Currently, the principal exposure routes examined in scholarly works are oral, inhalational, and dermal. This paper explores iatrogenic microplastic exposure (IME) as an underrecognized healthcare-associated source of exposure and suggests that, in certain clinical contexts involving invasive, device-mediated, or direct systemic contact, IME may be considered a possible fourth route of exposure. IME is the introduction of microplastics into the human body through medical interventions. A literature-based conceptual review was conducted focusing on the materials and additives used in pharmaceutical formulations, intravenous systems, and medical devices. Particular attention was given to polymer-based excipients and plasticizers (e.g., phthalates, PEG, triacetin) found in enteric drug coatings and infusion packaging. Findings suggest that polymer-derived particles may enter systemic circulation via intravenous fluids, implantable devices, or oral medications, especially under conditions of heat, pressure, or prolonged contact. Such materials, though deemed biocompatible, may contribute to nanoplastic load and chronic exposure risks. Vulnerable groups such as neonates, oncology patients, and ICU populations may face disproportionate exposure. This calls for re-evaluation of plastic use in medical practice, improved regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical excipients, and innovation in plastic-free biomedical materials. Integrating this route into toxicological and epidemiological frameworks will enrich our understanding of microplastic-related health risks and broaden the scope of environmental health strategies.

Obesity is a major global health concern, being associated with insulin resistance and multiple metabolic disorders. Gremlin 1 (GREM1), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist, is increasingly recognized as a key regulator of adipose tissue dysfunction and impaired thermogenesis in obesity. Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that reduces dietary fat absorption, is one of the most commonly used pharmacological agents for obesity management. White tea has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-obesity properties in experimental models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of white tea on metabolic parameters (HOMA-IR, BMP4, Gremlin1) and GREM1 expression in rats made obese by a high-fat diet (HFD). A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups: a standard diet group (STD); a high-fat diet group (HFD); an HFD + orlistat group (ORL); an HFD + 50 mg/kg white tea group (WT50); and an HFD + 150 mg/kg white tea group (WT150). Obesity was induced by feeding the rats a 45% high-fat diet for 3 weeks. Serum insulin, glucose and HOMA-IR levels were measured. Levels of GREM1 and BMP4 in serum and retroperitoneal adipose tissue were assessed. White tea supplementation significantly reduced weight gain and HOMA-IR compared to the HFD group. GREM1 mRNA expression in visceral adipose tissue decreased markedly in the WT50 and WT150 groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.017, respectively). Serum GREM1 levels were significantly lower in the white tea-treated groups than in the HFD group (p = 0.011). Tissue BMP4 levels were only significantly reduced in the WT50 group (p = 0.005), indicating a non-linear dose–response pattern. There was a negative correlation between serum BMP4 levels and weight gain (rho = −0.440, p = 0.015). White tea was associated with improvements in metabolic parameters in an HFD-induced obesity model. These observations suggest a potential association between white tea bioactives and adipose tissue-related molecular pathways implicated in obesity. Given the short intervention duration and the exploratory design of this animal study, the findings should be interpreted with caution.

Background: Reference intervals for 25-hydroxyvitamin D are significantly influenced by seasonal variations and population-specific factors. This study aimed to establish local, population-specific Vitamin D reference intervals using the refineR algorithm and to compare these results with the conventional non-parametric method using a hospital database. Methods: A total of 127,220 laboratory results from 2022 to 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Data were filtered based on adult age, morning fasting specimens, outpatient status, and normal parathyroid hormone levels (14–72 ng/L). Following filtration, Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis tests were employed to evaluate differences between potential subgroups. Consequently, 24,036 eligible results were stratified by age (18–40, 41–65, and >65 years) and sex (female and male). Reference intervals were calculated using the refineR algorithm and the non-parametric percentile method. Results: The distribution of vitamin D levels was found to be right-skewed [Median: 12.92 ng/mL (4.21–149)]. The upper reference limits obtained via refineR were consistently lower than those derived from the non-parametric method. Both methods showed a linear increase in median values and upper reference limits with advancing age. Females in the 18–40 age group exhibited the lowest vitamin D profile. The summer concentrations were significantly higher than those of other seasons (p <0.05). Conclusions: The refineR algorithm managed outliers and pathological results more effectively than the non-parametric method. Our findings highlight the clinical necessity for age- and sex-specific subgroups, rather than relying on the manufacturer’s single reference range. Implementing these population-specific intervals can enhance diagnostic accuracy and prevent misclassification, facilitating earlier identification of vitamin D-related metabolic and skeletal disorders.

Purpose: The minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) was developed as abiocompatible alternative to conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (cCPB), intending to mitigate haemodilution, lessen the systemic inflammatory response, and enhance organ protection. AQ2 Although the evidence base has grown over the past 30 years, there has been no systematic mappingof the evolution of research activity and its results. Methods: The objectives are to perform a detailed analysis of the temporal, geographical, methodological, and clinical trends within MiECC research published between 1990 and 2025. Studies involving original human clinical data (randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, observational reports, methodological or protocol papers) that reported perioperative or clinical outcomes of MiECC were included. Exclusion criteria comprised reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, letters, guidelines, animal studies, and conference abstracts lacking full text. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was conducted up to September 2025 to gather evidence. Reference lists of included articles and relevant reviews were also screened. Data were extracted on publication year, country, sample size, study design, surgical procedure, and reported outcomes. Two reviewers independently charted the data, and discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Results: A total of 151 studies were identified, of which 128 met eligibility criteria. Publication activity increased substantially after 2002 and peaked in 2021, with major contributions from European centres (Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, and the Netherlands). Methodological/protocol papers and Randomize Controlled Trials (RCT) predominated (respectively, n = 37, n = 36). Most studies focused on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), while valve surgery and paediatric populations were underrepresented. Reported outcomes shifted over time: early studies emphasised transfusion and inflammatory markers, whereas more recent investigations increasingly examined renal function, neurological complications, and survival. Subgroup analyses suggested notable benefits in elderly patients, those with renal dysfunction, and individuals with low ejection fraction (EF). Conclusion: MiECC research has progressed from feasibility series to large multicentre trials, generating evidence for reduced transfusion requirements, attenuated inflammatory response, and better organ protection, though no clear mortality benefit has been demonstrated.