Lung cancer is a disease that in recent years has become one of the greatest threats to modern society. Every year there are more and more new cases and the percentage of deaths caused by this type of cancer increases. Despite many studies, scientists are still looking for answers regarding the mechanisms of lung cancer development and progression, with particular emphasis on the role of the immune system. The aim of this literature review was to present the importance of disorders of the immune system and the accompanying changes at the level of cell signaling in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. The collected results showed that in the process of immunopathogenesis of almost all subtypes of lung cancer, changes in the tumor microenvironment, deregulation of immune checkpoints and abnormalities in cell signaling pathways are involved, which contribute to the multistage and multifaceted carcinogenesis of this type of cancer. We, therefore, suggest that in future studies, researchers should focus on a detailed analysis of tumor microenvironmental immune checkpoints, and to validate their validity, perform genetic polymorphism analyses in a wide range of patients and healthy individuals to determine the genetic susceptibility to lung cancer development. In addition, further research related to the analysis of the tumor microenvironment; immune system disorders, with a particular emphasis on immunological checkpoints and genetic differences may contribute to the development of new personalized therapies that improve the prognosis of patients.

Periodontitis is a common oral condition that can have a significant impact on the overall health of the body. In recent years, attention has been paid to potential relationships between periodontitis and various hematological disorders. This publication aims to present information available in the literature on this relationship, focusing on examples of red blood cell disorders (such as aplastic anemia and sickle cell anemia) and white blood cell disorders (such as cyclic neutropenia, maladaptive trained immunity, clonal hematopoiesis, leukemia, and multiple myeloma). Understanding these associations can help physicians and dentists better diagnose, monitor, and treat patients associated with both groups of conditions, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary care for patients with oral disorders and hematologic diseases.

Introduction and objective: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, distinct from multiple sclerosis. Its pathogenesis is primarily associated with anti-AQP4-IgG antibodies, though some patients present with...

Pharmacotherapy of neuropathic pain (NP) remains challenging due to its heterogeneous etiology, lack of objective diagnostic tools, and the limited efficacy of currently available treatments, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and local anesthetics. Therefore, the search for novel therapies with improved analgesic efficacy and reduced adverse effects is of growing importance. In this context, natural alkaloids have emerged as promising candidates, demonstrating analgesic potential in both diabetes-induced neuropathy and various experimental models of NP. This review outlines NP pathophysiology, emphasizing maladaptive changes within the somatosensory nervous system, including peripheral and central sensitization, as well as glial cell activation. Furthermore, it discusses the mechanisms through which alkaloids may modulate NP-related pathways, with particular focus on their interactions with ion channels, signaling pathways, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. A literature search was conducted using the Scopus, Google Scholar and PubMed databases for papers published between 2015 and 2026, using the keywords “alkaloids” and “neuropathic pain”, and focused on recent findings regarding the antinociceptive effects of berbamine, tetrandrine, fangchinoline, and sinomenine, and their derivatives. The analysis indicates that, despite promising preclinical evidence, further rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to fully assess their therapeutic potential in the treatment of NP.

Background. Physical exercise is a major physiological stressor that affects the human endocrine system. Among the hormones responsive to physical exertion is prolactin (PRL), known primarily for its role in lactation but also involved in stress regulation, immune function, metabolism, and reproduction. Aim. This article aims to review current knowledge on the effects of intense physical activity on prolactin levels and the potential consequences for hormonal balance in athletes. Material and methods. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were English-language articles with full-text access, including original and review papers analyzing prolactin changes in response to exercise in humans. A total of 183 publications were screened, and those not meeting the methodological or thematic criteria were excluded. Results. Intense physical exercise, particularly above the anaerobic threshold (e.g., HIIT), causes a sharp and transient increase in prolactin levels, with the response magnitude influenced by exercise intensity, duration, and environmental factors. Regular training may modulate both baseline prolactin levels and acute hormonal responses. Differences based on sex, training status, and menstrual cycle phase were also observed. Prolactin’s rise post-exercise may contribute to metabolic adaptation, immune modulation, and recovery processes. However, chronically elevated PRL levels—common in overtrained individuals—can negatively affect reproductive and metabolic health. Conclusions. Prolactin plays a broader physiological role than previously appreciated. Its exercise-induced elevation reflects the integration of neuroendocrine and immune responses to physical stress. Understanding this hormonal response is essential in optimizing training protocols, supporting recovery, and preventing endocrine dysfunction in athletes.