Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are proteins essential for neuronal survival and implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathophysiology. Although reduced levels of these neurotrophins have been observed in PD, their relationship with disease progression remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review by independently searching four databases using predefined keywords: Parkinson AND (GDNF OR BDNF OR neurotroph) AND (serum OR blood OR cerebrospinal fluid). After screening 2132 records, 35 studies qualified for inclusion. Changes in neurotrophic factors’ levels were evaluated in relation to disease severity and duration. Many studies reported a decline in BDNF levels associated with more severe motor symptoms. Some studies noted increased BDNF levels in advanced PD. This pattern may be affected by levodopa treatment, suggesting that elevated BDNF levels in advanced PD could reflect a treatment-related effect rather than disease progression itself. Reduced levels of both GDNF and BDNF were linked to cognitive decline, with BDNF also decreased in PD patients with depression. Serum BDNF levels were associated with motor severity and neuropsychiatric symptoms. BDNF levels in PD may increase with longer disease duration, likely due to levodopa treatment effects. However, lower BDNF levels are seen in cognitive decline and depression, frequent non-motor symptoms of PD. Further research is required to clarify BDNF dynamics and to determine GDNF’s role in motor progression and cognitive decline.

Sleep disturbances are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and contribute to increased symptom burden. Behavioral sleep hygiene practices are potentially modifiable factors influencing sleep and related symptoms, yet their role in MS remains insufficiently explored. This cross-sectional study comprised 175 MS patients. Sleep hygiene was assessed using a behavioral checklist covering a regular sleep schedule, avoidance of daytime naps, limitation of evening caffeine intake, reduced evening screen exposure, and optimization of the sleep environment. The instruments included the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Higher sleep hygiene adherence was associated with lower daytime sleepiness (ESS: r = −0.18, p = 0.020), anxiety (HADS-A: r = −0.16, p = 0.034), and depression (HADS-D: r = −0.15, p = 0.047). Patients with higher adherence (score ≥ 3) demonstrated significantly lower MFIS, AIS, ESS, and HADS-D scores compared with those with lower adherence (all p < 0.05). Multivariate regression showed that sleep hygiene adherence was independently associated with lower MFIS (β = −3.24, 95% CI: −6.06 to −0.41, p = 0.025), ESS (β = −0.85, 95% CI: −6.06 to −0.41, p = 0.016), HADS-A (β = −0.67, 95% CI: −1.23 to −0.11, p = 0.019), and HADS-D scores (β = −0.62, 95% CI: −1.17; −0.08, p = 0.026). Better adherence to sleep hygiene practices may be associated with a lower symptom burden in MS.

Introduction and Purpose This review explores physical activity's role in managing urological health, focusing on prostate cancer and overactive bladder (OAB). These conditions significantly affect quality of life globally. The review synthesizes research to identify gaps and propose future directions for clinical practice. Materials and Methods A literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases (2010-2023). The focus was on randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews. Key terms included "physical activity," "prostate cancer," "overactive bladder," and "urological health." Studies were selected based on relevance to exercise interventions in urological conditions. Results High-intensity exercise reduces prostate cancer risk by 10–30% and improves outcomes by enhancing cardiovascular fitness and quality of life. For OAB, low-impact aerobic exercises alleviate symptoms by improving neuromuscular control and reducing inflammation. Mechanisms include hormonal regulation, improved metabolic health, and reduced inflammation. Structured prehabilitation programs with pelvic floor muscle training optimize continence outcomes post-surgery. Conclusions Physical activity is a cost-effective intervention for managing urological health. Despite strong evidence supporting its benefits, gaps remain in understanding optimal exercise prescriptions and long-term effects across diverse populations. Future research should focus on tailoring interventions to patient needs, exploring innovative modalities like high-intensity interval training, and integrating exercise with other treatments to improve outcomes.

Aim of the studyThis study examines the impact of physical activity on neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on Parkinson’s Disease (PD). It evaluates neuroprotective mechanisms, analyzes physical activity’s role in PD progression, assesses various exercise forms’ effectiveness on PD symptoms, and identifies research challenges and future directions. Materials and methodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases, prioritizing studies from the past 15 years, particularly longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials. The review critically evaluated neuroprotective mechanisms, exercise specificity, and effects on PD symptoms. State of knowledgeRegular physical activity enhances neuroplasticity, regulates neurotrophic factors, reduces oxidative stress, and mitigates inflammation in PD patients. Various exercise forms show effectiveness in managing PD symptoms and potentially slowing disease progression. Challenges remain in optimizing interventions for individual patients and integrating physical activity into comprehensive PD management strategies. ConclusionsThe review highlights physical activity’s significant neuroprotective effects in PD, demonstrating its potential to manage symptoms and slow progression. Research gaps persist regarding long-term effects and personalized interventions. Future research should focus on optimizing exercise protocols, investigating synergistic effects with pharmacological treatments, and developing personalized interventions. This review supports physical activity as a valuable adjunctive therapy in PD, potentially influencing treatment paradigms in neurodegenerative disorders.

Aim of the StudyThis review investigates the relationship between physical activity and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on inflammatory markers, gut microbiota composition, and disease activity. The objective is to examine how exercise intensities influence inflammation, microbial diversity, and patient outcomes for IBD management. Materials and MethodsA literature review synthesized peer-reviewed studies from 2010-2024 using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, examining physical activity effects on inflammatory markers, gut microbiota, and clinical outcomes in IBD patients. Inclusion criteria emphasized human studies, excluding research unrelated to IBD or focused on animal models. State of KnowledgeModerate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercises reduce systemic inflammatory markers, (CRP and cytokines) and enhance gut microbiota diversity, increasing anti-inflammatory species. Low-to-moderate intensity activities improve quality of life in IBD patients. Exercise supports intestinal barrier integrity through mucin production and fatty acid synthesis. High-intensity exercise can worsen inflammation, necessitating tailored protocols. ConclusionsPhysical activity is a promising adjunctive therapy in IBD management. Moderate-intensity programs effectively maintain remission and enhance outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, advanced omics technologies, and combined approaches with dietary and pharmacological therapies.

Identifying risk factors for rapid progression of multiple sclerosis and initiating effective treatment are crucial for preventing disability, particularly in patients with relapsing remitting disease who develop a severe, rapidly progressive form. A 21 year old man presented with progressive lower limb weakness and gait disturbance, preceded by transient symptoms. Physical examination revealed pyramidal weakness, sensory impairment, and dysmetria (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS 6.0). Magnetic resonance imaging showed more than 20 contrast enhancing T2/FLAIR lesions located cortically, periventricularly, in the corpus callosum, infratentorially, and within the spinal cord. Oligoclonal bands were present in cerebrospinal fluid. Steroid therapy led to improvement, but a relapse occurred one week later (EDSS 4.0), accompanied by new magnetic resonance imaging lesions. After initiation of natalizumab, remission was achieved at 12 months (EDSS 2.0). Risk factors for rapid progression include male sex, high early disease activity, motor or cerebellar symptoms, and extensive spinal cord involvement. Early recognition of a severe, rapidly progressive form of multiple sclerosis and timely initiation of high efficacy disease modifying therapy are essential to prevent disability.