Introduction and objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition characterized by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Left untreated, it leads to significant discomfort and loss of motor function in the hand. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and...

Cancers are characterized by rapid development of abnormal cells that multiply uncontrollably, leading to invasive tumors. By 2040, new cancer cases worldwide are expected to reach 30.2 million. In response, research focuses on the anti-cancer properties of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), used in traditional Indian medicine. Ashwagandha exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by modulating pathways like NF-kB, Nrf2/HO-1, JAK-STAT, MAPK, and NLRP3, reducing cancer-related inflammation. It also has strong antioxidant properties due to compounds like withanolides, increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing oxidative stress, potentially lowering cancer risk. Ashwagandha extract shows cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and arresting cells in the resting phase, leading to DNA damage in cancer cells. It inhibits angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels that supply tumors, through mechanisms such as VEGF inhibition and reduced macrophage infiltration. Additionally, ashwagandha modulates T lymphocytes and cytokine production, enhancing the immune response against cancer, and stimulates NK cell activity, crucial for controlling tumor growth and development. Supplementation with ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels and improves cognitive functions and quality of life in people experiencing stress, potentially lowering cancer risk. Research suggests ashwagandha may be a valuable addition to anti-cancer therapy, acting on various levels of cancer pathogenesis. However, further clinical studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to evaluate its efficacy and safety in cancer treatment.

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen production and progressive fibrosis. As the disease advances, vascular injury leads to fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, among which interstitial lung disease (ILD) carries the worst prognosis. Recent advances in biomarkers, imaging techniques, and innovative therapies offer hope for improving outcomes and quality of life in patients with SSc and ILD. To evaluate the usefulness of disease biomarkers and the efficacy and safety of immunomodulatory therapies in SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD), a literature review was conducted using the PubMed database for studies published mainly over the last 5 years. After applying inclusion criteria, 53 clinical studies were analyzed. Treating SSc-ILD remains challenging, with therapeutic strategies aiming to suppress inflammation and limit fibrosis progression. Clinical studies have demonstrated moderate to good efficacy of immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide (CYC) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), showing improvements in lung function parameters, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), and slowing disease progression. Additionally, biological agents such as nintedanib and tocilizumab have shown promising results—nintedanib in reducing the annual rate of FVC decline and tocilizumab in decreasing inflammatory biomarkers and stabilizing pulmonary function. However, despite these therapeutic advances, many studies had small sample sizes, heterogeneous patient populations, and varying inclusion criteria. Given the challenges in diagnostics and the critical need to evaluate the efficacy alongside the safety of immunomodulatory and anti-fibrotic therapies in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), there remains a strong demand for large, well-designed, multicenter trials with clearly defined patient cohorts to reliably assess the long-term outcomes of agents such as tocilizumab and nintedanib.

Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an adaptogen gaining popularity as a natural stress reducer. Stress is a common phenomenon caused by factors such as lifestyle, work pressure or social conflict, and has a negative impact on both mental and physical health. In response to these challenges, more and more people are looking for natural solutions, and adaptogens such as ashwagandha offer support in dealing with stress without significant side effects. Scientific research shows that ashwagandha can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improve results on tests assessing stress, anxiety and depression. Numerous studies conducted on both animals and humans confirm its beneficial effects on mental and physical health, including improvement of cognitive functions, sleep quality and emotional well-being. The mechanism of action of ashwagandha includes regulation of the HPA axis, reduction of glucocorticoids and modulation of the immune system. Despite promising results, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanism of action, assess long-term effects, and investigate possible interactions with other drugs. Ashwagandha seems to be a safe and effective agent in the fight against stress, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting supplementation.

Introduction and objective A person's health is influenced by various factors, one of which is diet, which can be altered to provide many needed ingredients. The early years of life are crucial for building immunity, starting with breast milk as the primary food. Breastfeeding offers unique benefits, including providing maternal antibodies, immunoglobulins and growth factors that lower the risk of many diseases. In the work presented here, we focus mainly on the components of maternal milk and the benefits of providing them. Review methods PubMed/MEDLINE databases were searched using the entry criteria “full text” and the exclusion criteria “systematic reviews,” “meta-analyses” and “review articles.” The phrases “breastfeeding,” “immunity” and “breast milk composition” were included. In the end, 40 publications were left out. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge This study describes the main components of breast milk that build a baby's immunity. The mechanisms of action of these components are key to understanding how food can affect long-term human health and immunity, especially that provided in the first days of life. Summary Breastfeeding affects the development and functioning of the baby's operating system. Due to the special composition of breast milk, breastfed children protect against infections and support for additional health. Mechanisms that cause side effects that cause effects not only in the aftermath of life, but also in the aftermath of health in the aftermath of life.

Introduction: Chronic pancreatitis is a growing health concern with an incidence of about 10 cases per 100,000 people per year. Alcohol-related CP is more common in men, typically appearing in their 40s or 50s, while idiopathic CP affects both sexes equally. CP is a persistent inflammatory condition of the pancreas, leading to irreversible structural damage, pain, and gradual loss of both exo- and endocrine function. Symptoms include epigastric pain, bloating, digestive issues, glucose intolerance or diabetes, and physical signs like epigastric tenderness, and abdominal mass and jaundice. Materials and methods: A review of 47 sources from publicly available databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted. Cited publications were published mainly in English. The main topic of these publications was focused on risk factors of CP. State of knowledge: In the following article we discuss the risk factors of CP which are described in acronym TIGAR-O. The main etiology factor of CP is alcohol consumption which is responsible for over a half the cases. Negative effect of ethanol is particularly significant in smokers. Tobacco is an inependent risk factor of CP but combined with alcohol use, risk of chronic pancreatitis is increasing. In the development of pancreatitis gene mutations play a significant role. Autoimmune pancreatitis has two subtypes and its patomechanism is complex. Acute pancreatitis and its recurrences may lead to repetitive inflammation of pancreas and its chronicisation. Obstructive chronic pancreatitis develops due to a mechanical blockage that hinders the flow of pancreatic juice. Conclusions: Expanding access to genetic and immunological testing will help identify groups especially vulnerable to CP, potentially leading to fewer complications, lower treatment costs, and improved treatment outcomes. Understanding how modifiable risk factors affect CP can enhance both primary and secondary prevention efforts.