The World Health Organization in 2021 ranked Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as the seventh leading cause of death globally. Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive, intractable, and often fatal diseases. Early diagnosis may allow patients to enjoy prolonged survival with attenuated symptomatology because of early intervention. Hence, further research on finding non-invasive biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases is warranted. Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is a glycoprotein involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress regulation, and inflammation. It is expressed in various body fluids and regions of the central nervous system. ApoD’s roles in neuroprotection, lipid transport, and anti-inflammatory processes are crucial as far as the prevention of neurodegenerative pathologies is concerned. This review aims to summarize the background knowledge on ApoD, and it covers studies indexed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. It discusses the evidence for the multifaceted roles of ApoD in the mechanisms and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. ApoD may be a specific, sensitive, easily obtained, cost-effective biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases and its applications in diagnostic practices, treatment strategies, and advancing neurodegenerative disorders’ management.

Background. The microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA) is a key pathway in the pathophysiology of depression, integrating neural, immune, and metabolic mechanisms and influencing processes relevant to mood regulation. Aim. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the role of the MGBA in depression, including microbial composition, functional pathways, biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions. Material and methods. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and PMC (2018–March 2026, including key earlier studies). The review focused on microbial alterations, metagenomic functions, intestinal barrier and immune biomarkers, microbial metabolites, and clinical trials. Results. Cohort studies show associations between depressive symptoms and gut microbial taxa involved in neuroactive pathways; however, findings are heterogeneous and of limited diagnostic value. Experimental studies support causality, as microbiota from patients with major depressive disorder induce depression-like behaviors in rodents. Vagal nerve integrity appears necessary for some microbiota-mediated effects, and stress-related dysbiosis may contribute to microglial activation and impaired neurogenesis. Biomarker studies indicate increased intestinal permeability and elevated markers of microbial translocation (e.g., zonulin, LPS-binding protein, sCD14), though their clinical utility remains unclear. Clinical trials suggest probiotics may reduce depressive symptoms as adjunctive therapy, while evidence for prebiotics is inconsistent and fecal microbiota transplantation remains experimental. Conclusions. The MGBA plays an important role in depression, but further standardized and longitudinal studies are needed to clarify mechanisms and support clinical applications, particularly for personalized therapies.

Data on redox homeostasis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in parathyroid adenoma are limited, although chronic inflammation and oxidative stress may contribute to the pathophysiology of primary hyperparathyroidism. In this prospective pre–post study, we assessed systemic redox status, nitrosative stress markers, and circulating MMP activity in 52 patients with parathyroid adenoma before and six months after parathyroidectomy and in 52 age- and sex-matched controls. Before surgery, patients had lower total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and higher total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) compared to the controls. Six months after surgery, TAC returned to control levels, whereas TOS and OSI remained elevated. Nitric oxide (NO) levels decreased after parathyroidectomy, and peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) levels at follow-up were higher than in controls. Postoperatively, the plasma activity of all six investigated MMPs (MMP-1, -2, -7, -9, -11, and -13) was lower than in the controls, whereas significant pre- to postoperative decreases were observed only for MMP-7 and MMP-11. Thus, six months after parathyroidectomy, several systemic redox, nitrosative, and MMP parameters still differed from those in the controls. Longer follow-up is required to determine whether these abnormalities normalize and to establish their clinical significance.

Introduction:Hypertension is considered one of the most common chronic diseases affecting over 30 % of the population of adults in the world. Also is the most important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease(CVD). Heatwaves, defined as periods of extremely high temperatures lasting at least 2–3 days, pose a growing threat to public health amid climate change. The climate is changing, and simultaneously leading to a higher frequency of extreme weather events, including heatwaves. The impacts of heatwaves on human health and their underlying mechanisms, particularly regarding the cardiovascular system, are well-known. Heatwaves can impact blood pressure and control of hypertension through many different mechanisms. This paper aims to review the relationship between heatwaves and hypertension, including incidence, blood pressure variability, and cardiovascular outcomes.Materials and methods: A review of selected literature in the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for studies published between 1990 and 2026.Conclusions:The rise of heatwaves as an increasingly concerning environmental issue, that can affect cardiovascular health will contribute to blood pressure regulation. Heat causes vasodilation initially, but there are compensatory mechanisms like dehydration, activation of the sympathetic nervous system, hormonal response which will result in transiently elevated blood pressure, and increased risk for cardiovascular events. Despite mounting research evidence, the link between heatwaves and the development of hypertension is poorly understood, current literature contains limited heterogeneous data on this topic. Additional research is needed to evaluate whether heatwaves act as a causal or triggering agent to cause dysregulation of blood pressure in order to develop effective public health interventions.

Introduction. Creatine monohydrate is among the most extensively researched dietary supplements, yet it remains widely perceived as a tool of athletic performance enhancement. Its fundamental role in cellular energy homeostasis across metabolically demanding tissues — including skeletal muscle, brain, and myocardium — suggests a broader clinical relevance that has not been systematically addressed in recent literature. Materials and Methods. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on peer-reviewed original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and position statements published up to April 2025. Search terms included combinations of "creatine," "creatine monohydrate," "phosphocreatine," and condition-specific terms covering skeletal muscle diseases, neurodegenerative disease, depression, sarcopenia, type 2 diabetes, cancer cachexia, traumatic brain injury, pregnancy, and renal safety. A total of 98 sources were included. Conclusions. Creatine supplementation demonstrates well-established ergogenic efficacy in sport and clinically meaningful benefits in skeletal muscle diseases, sarcopenia, and cognitive ageing. Promising evidence supports its adjunctive role in depression and type 2 diabetes, while data in traumatic brain injury remain largely paediatric. Evidence in cancer cachexia is predominantly negative. The safety profile of creatine monohydrate is reassuring across age groups; the observed rise in serum creatinine represents a pharmacokinetic artefact. Pregnant women and patients with advanced chronic kidney disease require individualised assessment. Across clinical areas, mechanistic evidence is often compelling but large trials with standardised dosing and clinically meaningful endpoints remain scarce. Creatine is not only for athletes — its accessibility, tolerability, and growing clinical evidence base make it a strong candidate for broader integration into clinical practice.

Background. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide and remains an important public health concern. The disorder is characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impair functioning across multiple domains. Purpose: This narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the effects of physical activity and structured exercise interventions on cognitive performance, behavioral symptoms, and neurobiological mechanisms in individuals with ADHD. Materials and methods: Peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Studies evaluating exercise interventions in people with ADHD and reporting cognitive, behavioral, or neuropsychological outcomes were included. Results: Available evidence suggests that physical exercise may reduce ADHD symptom severity and improve executive functions, especially working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. These effects are likely mediated by neurobiological adaptations involving catecholamines, neurotrophic factors, and enhanced neural efficiency. Conclusions. Physical exercise appears to be a promising adjunctive intervention in ADHD management. Although it should not replace pharmacotherapy when indicated, regular physical activity may strengthen therapeutic outcomes and support cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning.