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: Cancers remain a leading cause of mortality in a modern society, and their incidence is growing each year. The disease and its related therapies cause considerable side effects, functional deterioration, and reduce quality of life (QoL), all of which correlate with less favourable outcomes. Physical activity (PA) represents a cost-effective and non-invasive adjunct to the traditional therapy regimes, which can alleviate these negative effects and improve clinical outcomes Aim: The narrative review summarises current evidence about the role of PA in oncology. It provides a solid background in biochemical mechanisms involved in the modulation of cancer biology and evaluates its clinical significance by assessing psychological, physiological, cognitive, QoL and mortality rates Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the available literature on the role of physical activity in modulating physiological and functional parameters, as well as mortality, in cancer patients. We considered original studies, reviews, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: Evidence indicates that PA is an effective tool in both the prevention and management of cancers. Patients who engage in PA have improved metabolic, immune and oxidative stress parameters, which provide clinical outcomes such as improved QoL, cognitive, psychological and physiological performance. This consequently leads to a better prevention of cancers and provides benefits in terms of overall survival Conclusions: PA is an effective strategy for enhancing clinical outcomes in the cancer population and should be considered as an additional approach integrated into clinical guidelines.

Background: Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in athletes and is particularly prevalent in endurance disciplines. Even without anemia, reduced iron availability may impair aerobic performance, increase fatigue, and affect training adaptation. Objective: This scoping review aimed to evaluate the impact of iron deficiency, with or without anemia, on athletic performance and fatigue in endurance athletes. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2000 and 2026 were included. Eligible studies assessed iron status in endurance athletes in relation to performance, fatigue, or exercise-induced changes in iron metabolism. Studies involving non-athletic populations, children or adolescents, animal models, and case reports were excluded. Results: Iron deficiency was consistently reported as highly prevalent among endurance athletes, particularly females. Athletes with depleted iron stores frequently demonstrated reduced aerobic capacity, lower VO₂peak, and increased fatigue, even in the absence of anemia. Exercise-induced elevations in hepcidin were commonly observed, especially during periods of intensified training, potentially limiting iron absorption and availability. Iron supplementation was associated with improvements in aerobic performance and fatigue in iron-deficient athletes, particularly when baseline ferritin levels were low. Conclusion: Iron deficiency is a clinically relevant condition in endurance athletes and may impair performance and increase fatigue even without anemia. Regular monitoring of iron status and individualized management strategies are essential to support health and performance in endurance sports.

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) represents an increasing epidemiological challenge worldwide. In Europe, the fastest rise in T1D incidence is currently observed in the northern and central regions. Effective glycemic control remains crucial for preventing acute and chronic complications, particularly in physically active individuals. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the impact of modern technologies supporting intensive insulin therapy on glycemic regulation, with a special focus on their role during physical activity. Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted analyzing the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) via personal insulin pumps. Emphasis was placed on their effects on metabolic control and the reduction of severe hypoglycemia risk compared to conventional treatment. The function of advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) systems, such as the MiniMed 780G, was also examined in relation to exercise-induced glycemic fluctuations. Results: CGM systems enable predictive monitoring of glycemic trends, shortening the response time to imminent hypoglycemia by approximately 20 minutes during physical activity. The application of AHCL systems provides automated protection against intra- and post-exercise hypoglycemia through features such as the SmartGuard algorithm and temporary target adjustments. These technologies significantly improve metabolic stability, even under conditions of intensive training. Conclusion: The integration of advanced diabetes management technologies with regular physical activity offers a new standard in T1D care. This approach facilitates enhanced glycemic control and hypoglycemia prevention, supporting safer and more effective engagement in physical exercise.

Background: Improved cancer survival has increased the number of survivors at risk of cardiovascular disease due to therapy-related cardiotoxicity. Pharmacological treatment alone often fails to address cardiovascular and functional impairments. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE) combines structured exercise with comprehensive cardiovascular risk management. Aim: To summarize current evidence on the role of CORE in cardiovascular risk reduction and functional recovery in cancer survivors exposed to cardiotoxic therapies. Materials and methods: A narrative review of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed, including randomized trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, guidelines, and consensus documents focusing on adult cancer survivors. Results: Cancer survivors frequently exhibit elevated cardiovascular risk and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise-based CORE programs consistently improve fitness, functional capacity, fatigue, and quality of life, with emerging benefits for cardiometabolic risk factors and vascular function. Evidence for reduced major cardiovascular events remains limited, although higher physical activity is associated with improved survival. Digital and hybrid CORE models appear feasible. Conclusions: CORE represents an effective strategy to enhance cardiovascular health and functional recovery in cancer survivors, though large trials are needed to confirm long-term outcomes.

Adipose tissue expansion in obesity is accompanied by extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is metabolically more active than subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). However, depot-specific differences in proteolytic activity and protein glycooxidation remain incompletely characterized. In this case–control study, we assessed the activity of six matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2, -7, -9, -11, and -13) using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay and quantified advanced glycation- and glycooxidation-related markers in paired VAT, SAT, and plasma samples obtained from 40 patients with obesity and 21 non-obese controls. The activities of all assessed MMPs were greater in patients with obesity than in the control group (p < 0.01 for all MMPs). Direct tissue-compartment comparisons showed that MMP activity and glycooxidation-related markers were most pronounced in VAT, with markedly higher values in obese individuals compared with controls. In VAT of obese individuals, median MMP activity was approximately 50–60% higher compared with controls. Amyloid cross-β-structure, vesperlysine, and pentosidine were significantly elevated in VAT in obesity, whereas plasma levels were markedly lower and showed limited group differences. No significant differences were observed between obese participants with and without metabolic syndrome. Obesity is associated with a depot-specific molecular profile characterized by enhanced proteolytic and glycooxidative activity predominantly within visceral adipose tissue. These findings highlight the importance of tissue-compartment-specific assessment in obesity.