Ischemic stroke (IS) is associated with pronounced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, which contribute to secondary neuronal damage. This study explored the effects of a six-month intervention with a new formulation containing citicoline, vitamin C, and extracts from green tea and aronia (Cytodeox™) on arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, lipid peroxidation assessed by total 8-iso-prostaglandin F₂α (8-iso-PGF₂α), and Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) expression in healthy controls (n = 43) and patients with IS (n = 53), both with and without comorbidities. AA and 8-iso-PGF₂α were quantified in serum using UPLC–MS and ELISA, respectively, and the fold change in SIRT1 expression was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by RT-qPCR. In healthy controls, Cytodeox™ significantly lowered AA and 8-iso-PGF₂α levels. IS patients showed markedly increased baseline 8-iso-PGF₂α, indicating severe oxidative stress. Following supplementation, 8-iso-PGF₂α levels increased in patients with comorbidities, particularly diabetes mellitus (DM), whereas an exploratory analysis suggested a decreasing trend in patients without comorbidities. SIRT1 expression was significantly upregulated in IS patients, with the most pronounced increase observed in the DM subgroup, while remaining unchanged in controls. These findings suggest a protective, antioxidant, and membrane stabilising effect of Cytodeox™ under conditions of preserved or moderately impaired redox homeostasis, supporting its potential role as a preventive or early supportive intervention.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a new formulation combining citicoline, vitamin C, and extracts from green tea and aronia (Cytodeox™) on the lipid profile and redox status in healthy individuals following a six-month intervention. Additionally, we examined whether these effects depend on lifestyle factors such as body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, smoking and physical activity. Forty-three volunteers aged 40–65 (F31/M12) completed the study. Prior to the intervention, all participants filled out a questionnaire assessing their health status and lifestyle habits. At baseline and after supplementation, anthropometric and physical parameters were measured, and fasting blood samples were collected from all participants. Furthermore, all participants were grouped based on their gender and lifestyle habits. Cytodeox™ significantly reduced lipid profile parameters and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the overall group. The analysis of these effects in relation to lifestyle habits revealed that smoking, but not alcohol consumption, negatively influences the effects of the supplement. Surprisingly, the beneficial effects were observed in the overweight group and those leading a sedentary lifestyle. The results strongly suggest that six months of supplementation with Cytodeox™ can improve the lipid profile and redox status, even in individuals with some poor lifestyle habits.

INTRODUCTION: In the treatment of breast cancer, quality of life improvement and preservation of the function of the adjacent limb and its aesthetic appearance are natural necessities in the 21st century and depend on precise planning of the surgical intervention and rehabilitation following. AIM: The aim is to study the combined effect of oncorehabilitation and Cordyceps sinensis in patients with breast cancer, who have undergone a full course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy MARTERIALS AND METHODS: А 56-years old woman diagnosed with stage II–III breast carcinoma and a full course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Oncology Clinic of St. Marina University Hospital in Varna is presented. The methods used included structured interview, WHO-QOL-BREF questionnaire, functional tests, and laboratory tests. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The complex positive effects of the oncorehabilitation program and Cordyceps sinensis impact all QOL domains, and to the greatest extent the areas of Psychological Health and Social Relationships. A reduction of pain and numbness was also achieved, resulting in daily activities improvement. CONCLUSION: As there is deficiency in the number of medical institutions where complex oncological rehabilitation is applied, the implementation of methodology, combining conventional and complementary medicine in clinical practice is essential for the overall impact on the quality of life in breast cancer patients.

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, an essential component of the brain membrane phospholipids. It is released into the bloodstream in response to various pathological conditions. Its potential as a biomarker for oxidative membrane damage determines the importance of its reliable quantification. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to develop a simple and robust LC-MS method that is easy to implement for routine testing of free arachidonic acid (AA) in human serum. The method included a simple two-step sample preparation procedure based on liquid–liquid extraction and protein precipitation, followed by AA analysis by UPLC coupled with PDA and QDa detectors. The ICH M10 guideline was followed for validation studies. The method demonstrated high selectivity and linearity with R² = 0.9952 for solvent-based and R² = 0.9979 for matrix-matched calibration. The LODs and LOQs were 0.046 µg/mL and 0.133 µg/mL, respectively. The accuracy and precision were between 6 and 14% RSD. No carry-over and matrix interferences were observed. The method was successfully applied to real serum samples, where AA concentrations ranged from 0.82 to 2.69 µg/mL, consistent with data of other studies. This method provides a reliable, reproducible, and rapid alternative for AA quantification in research and routine practice.