Icariin (ICA), one of the main active components of Herba Epimedii, is a natural prenylated flavonol glycoside that possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, antiosteoporotic, anti-aging, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and aphrodisiac effects, and prevents numerous health disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, cancer, sexual dysfunction, menstrual disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, asthma, chronic inflammation, and diabetes. In the reproductive system, it has been observed that ICA may play a role in preserving fertility by regulating different signalling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT, which improves ovarian function, and ERα/Nrf2, which enhances testicular function and prevents ROS generation. In contrast, regulating the NF/kB signalling pathway causes anti-inflammatory effects, reducing spontaneous abortions. In this study, we review and examine the relevant literature on the therapeutic potential of ICA in reproduction, highlight the various mechanisms of action and limitations for the therapeutic applications of ICA, and summarise and highlight the existing preclinical research on its effects on male and female reproduction.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases recognized for their involvement in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and their important role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. This chronic inflammatory condition causes the degradation of dental supporting tissues, resulting in bone loss. In patients with periodontitis, the expression and activation of MMPs, especially MMP-8 and MMP-9, significantly influence tissue degradation. In periodontitis treatment, various natural or synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) and antibiotics are used in sub-antimicrobial doses. However, while the evidence supports a role for MMPIs in reducing inflammation, preserving connective tissue, and improving the results of conventional periodontitis treatment, their clinical application is limited. In this review, we summarize MMPIs, their characteristics, and the mechanisms of action that may support their use in the treatment of periodontitis. In conclusion, MMPIs are a therapeutic alternative with great potential in the management of periodontitis, especially when combined with mechanical treatments, although further research is needed to optimize their clinical use.

Background: Dentofacial anomalies, including malocclusion, emerge from the interplay of genetic, clinical, and environmental determinants. Understanding the factors associated with these anomalies is crucial at the primary care level. Our study aimed to determine the possible associated factors with dentofacial anomalies in patients attended at the primary care level. Methods: A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to a primary care population, with the presence of dentofacial anomalies as the dependent variable. Independent variables included age and selected clinical conditions of dental and neurological origin. Results: Age was inversely associated with dentofacial anomalies (OR = 0.991; 95% CI 0.985–0.998; p = 0.013). Significant clinical factors included vertigo (OR = 2.59; 95% CI 1.42–4.71; p = 0.002), hearing loss (OR = 4.34; 95% CI 2.44–7.72; p < 0.001), trigeminal neuralgia (OR = 8.54; 95% CI 3.22–22.67; p < 0.001), Bell’s palsy (OR = 9.19; 95% CI 4.01–21.04; p < 0.001), caries limited to enamel (OR = 17.92; 95% CI 12.99–24.71; p < 0.001), and acute gingivitis (OR = 10.64; 95% CI 5.61–20.20; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both oral and neurological conditions showed strong associations with dentofacial anomalies. The model identified key factors that may facilitate early detection and guide the development of targeted preventive strategies in oral health practice and policy, supporting the integration of multidisciplinary approaches to patient care.

Among the most important species of Ficus L. genus are F. deltoidea, F. exasperata, F. sycomorus, F. religiosa, F. microcarpa, F. hirta Vahl., F. benghalensis, F. racemosa, F. elastica, and F. carica. The genus has more than 30 traditional ethnomedicinal uses, attributed to the combination of different bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, (flavanols, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, chalcones, anthocyanins), phenolic acids (hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids), terpenes (triterpenes, tetraterpenes, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes), phytosterols, coumarins, hydroxybenzoates, phenylpropanoids, chlorins, pheophytins, megastigmans, chitinases, organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids, alkaloids, and glycosides. With this in mind, the objective of this manuscript was to conduct a scientific search in the main electronic databases (PubMed, SciELO, Latindex, Redalyc, BiologyBrowser, ScienceResearch, ScienceDirect, World Wide Science, Web of Science, Academic Journals, Etnobotany, Scopus, and Google Scholar) to gather information on published research regarding the genoprotective potential of the Ficus L. genus. Unlike most scientific articles, which primarily describe the individual characteristics and properties of each species, this document compiles the largest number of studies (in vitro and in vivo) on Ficus plants described by different authors. Thus, we aim to promote more detailed scientific research and expand studies on the protective capacity of these angiosperm plants to the genetic material.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a very common disease in Mexican society; it is difficult to control due to poor dietary habits and a lack of adequate treatment. In this article, we will discuss whether the COVID-19 virus is a trigger for type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is known that in some people, a COVID-19 infection can affect blood glucose levels, but is it really a trigger for developing diabetes? Objective. To determine how type 2 diabetes mellitus might manifest as a post-COVID-19 condition. Methodology. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted using a questionnaire created in Google Forms, administered to individuals who had contracted COVID-19 and who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results. The results of the survey administered to 38 people indicate that 94.7% of our sample population has type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, we found that the most common age was 76 years, accounting for 15.8% of the sample, while the least common age was 22 years, accounting for 1.6%. Upon questioning our participants, we discovered that 82.9% had been diagnosed with diabetes before the COVID-19 pandemic and that 78.9% contracted COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022. Conclusions. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of death in our country; a large portion of the population suffers from this disease from an early age, making it difficult to establish a link between type 2 diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 as a complication.