MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that do not have coding functions but play essential roles in various biological processes. In lung cancer, miRNAs affect the processes of tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment by regulating gene expression. Tumor-suppressive miRNAs inhibit oncogenic pathways, while oncogenic miRNAs, known as oncomiRs, promote malignant transformation and tumor growth. These dual roles position miRNAs as critical players in lung cancer biology. Studies in recent years have shown the significant potential of miRNAs as both prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. Circulating miRNAs in plasma or sputum demonstrate specificity and sensitivity in detecting early-stage lung cancer. Liquid biopsy-based miRNA panels distinguish malignant from benign lesions, and specific miRNA expression patterns correlate with disease progression, response to treatment, and overall survival. Therapeutically, miRNAs hold promise for targeted interventions. Strategies such as miRNA replacement therapy using mimics for tumor-suppressive miRNAs and inhibition of oncomiRs with antagomiRs or miRNA sponges have shown preclinical success. Key miRNAs, including the let-7 family, miR-34a, and miR-21, are under investigation for their therapeutic potential. It should be emphasized that delivery difficulties, side effects, and limited stability of therapeutic miRNA molecules remain obstacles to their clinical use. This article examines the roles of miRNAs in lung cancer by indicating their mechanisms of action, diagnostic significance, and therapeutic potential. By addressing current limitations, miRNA-based approaches could revolutionize lung cancer management, offering precise, personalized, and minimally invasive solutions for diagnosis and treatment.

Ion channels are proteins that regulate the flow of ions across cell membranes, playing a vital role in cervical cancer development and progression. These channels serve as both potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, offering new opportunities for cancer treatment. Moreover, ion channels are crucial molecular indicators and possible therapeutic targets due to their role in the development of cervical cancer. Our review focuses on the various types of ion channels which are associated with cervical cancer (CCa), including sodium, calcium, and potassium channels. In our review, we clarify their diagnostic and prognostic value, as well as their relationship to the prognosis and stage of the disease. We also examine how ion channels contribute to the metastasis of cervical cancer, specifically in relation to their influence on cell motility, invasion, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment. By examining preclinical and clinical research involving ion channel blockers and modulators, we also highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting ion channels. We have demonstrated the available assays and imaging methods based on ion channel activity as examples of emerging diagnostic breakthroughs that show promise for enhancing the early detection of cervical cancer. Additionally, the possibility that ion channel modulator-based combination therapy could improve the efficacy of traditional treatments is investigated. To demonstrate the potential of ion channels in cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment, our review highlights the current challenges and the promising role in cervical cancer diagnostics and therapy.

Male infertility represents a growing global health concern, accounting for more than half of all infertility cases, while its environmental determinants remain insufficiently explored. Over recent decades, a marked decline in semen quality has coincided with the rapid expansion of plastic production and the widespread presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the impact of micro- and nanoplastic exposure on the male reproductive system, identify key mechanisms of reproductive toxicity, and highlight gaps requiring further investigation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on experimental, epidemiological, and review studies addressing microplastics, male fertility, and reproductive toxicity. Available data indicate that microplastics can accumulate in testicular tissue and adversely affect spermatogenesis through multiple pathways, including disruption of the blood–testis barrier, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endocrine dysregulation, and structural damage to Sertoli and Leydig cells. These alterations are consistently associated with impaired sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and hormonal balance in experimental models. Although human data remain limited, emerging evidence suggests that lifelong, low-dose exposure may contribute to declining male reproductive potential. The review also discusses preventive strategies and emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating microplastic-induced reproductive damage. Collectively, current findings support microplastics as a relevant and potentially modifiable environmental risk factor for male infertility.

Background: Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs), primarily caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), pose a major global burden. Rising antimicrobial resistance creates an urgent need for non-antibiotic prophylactic strategies, accelerating interest in immunotherapeutics and vaccines. Aim: To evaluate the clinical standing of E. coli immunoprophylaxis in rUTI management under updated 2026 global guidelines, synthesize trial data on historical bacterial extracts, address methodological challenges, and explore emerging target-specific vaccines. Methods: A narrative literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar for English- and Polish-language studies published up to May 2026, targeting keywords such as "OM-89", "Uro-Vaxom", "E. coli immunotherapy", and "recurrent UTI". Eligible literature included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, preclinical models, and clinical guidelines. Results: UPEC relies on type 1 fimbrial adhesin (FimH) to adhere to bladder uroepithelium and form intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs). Clinically, the oral extract Uro-Vaxom (OM-89) has historically reduced rUTI frequency and dysuria. However, study heterogeneity and inconsistent outcomes led the European Association of Urology (EAU) to downgrade OM-89's recommendation from strong to weak in 2026. Concurrently, novel subunit vaccines targeting FimH (e.g., adjuvanted FimCH) show promising safety and immunogenicity in early trials, paving the way for Phase 2 evaluation. Conclusions: While OM-89 remains a key non-antibiotic option, updated guidelines highlight the need for standardized, high-quality trials to confirm its efficacy. Next-generation FimH subunit vaccines offer a targeted immunotherapeutic strategy to break the rUTI cycle without driving antimicrobial resistance.

Background. Despite the proven positive effects of physical activity on the cardiovascular system, an increasing number of veteran athletes are being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). Over the past few decades, a growing body of evidence suggests that prolonged endurance training may contribute to the development of AF in certain groups of athletes. The recognition of this link has sparked a debate among researchers regarding the determination of the amount of training at which the risk of AF significantly increases. However, current research findings are inconsistent regarding this relationship; therefore, the relationship between training volume, the type of sport practiced, and the risk of arrhythmia remains not fully understood. Aim. This literature review aims to review the mechanisms involved in the development of atrial fibrillation in athletes and to evaluate the association between exercise volume and the risk of atrial fibrillation. Material and methods. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized control trials, systematic and literature reviews from past 20 years were analyzed. Results. The strongest available evidence suggests that athletes have approximately 2.5 times the risk of AF compared to the general population. The available data suggest a U-shaped or J-shaped relationship between exercise and the risk of AF. Moderate physical activity still remains cardioprotective. Studies involving the population of female athletes remain limited. Conclusions. The relationship between the risk of AF and physical activity is complex and seems paradoxical. Moderate physical activity has a protective effect, while excessive training increases the risk of AF.

Migraine is a neurological disorder that involves trigeminal and vascular mechanisms. Pain associated with it is not the only issue. Migraine comes with a significant socioeconomic burden – reduced daily functioning, work productivity and general quality of life. Treatment options for migraine include acute and preventive treatment. Conventional preventive treatments are not always the best option, considering adverse effects, contraindications, quite late benefits and poor long-term adherence. The pathophysiology of migraine led us to the current main therapeutic target – calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Gepants, including atogepant, are CGRP signaling antagonists. This narrative review analyzes atogepant’s pharmacological profile, currently available evidence about clinical efficacy, tolerability and place of atogepant in migraine management.