Obesity is a complex, chronic, relapsing, and progressive metabolic disease marked by abnormal or excessive adipose tissue accumulation that presents significant risks to health and longevity. Once underestimated, obesity has now reached epidemic proportions globally, with the World Health Organization estimating over 650 million adults affected. It is a major contributor to the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), certain cancers, and osteoarticular disorders, and is associated with increased all-cause mortality.

Background: Chronic insomnia affects up to 20% of the general population and is associated with significant impairment in quality of life and increased health risks. The limitations of traditional pharmacotherapy, including benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, have prompted interest in novel therapeutic agents with improved safety profiles. Aim: The aim of the authors of this study was to review the available treatments for chronic insomnia with a special focus on the most modern solutions, i.e. drugs from the dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) group, and to present their representative, daridorexant, as an effective and safe agent in the treatment of insomnia even in groups prone to side effects, i.e. seniors. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted with a focus on pharmacological treatments for chronic insomnia. Special attention was given to dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs), particularly daridorexant, as a recent development in this drug class. Results: Daridorexant has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of chronic insomnia with a favorable safety profile, including in older adults. Compared to traditional hypnotics, it exhibits a lower risk of residual next-day sedation, psychomotor impairment, and dependence. Conclusions: Daridorexant represents a promising alternative for managing chronic insomnia, especially in populations vulnerable to adverse effects from older hypnotics. Its mechanism of action and tolerability profile position it as a modern, evidence-based option for individualized treatment of sleep disorders.

Objective:Music therapy (MT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for alleviating anxiety in cancer patients. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects remain unclear. This study aims to explore the influence of MT on the gut-brain axis, particularly its impact on gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokine regulation, and neurotransmitter levels. Materials and Methods:A literature review was conducted, analyzing studies on MT's effects on inflammation, gut microbiota composition, and neurochemical modulation in cancer patients and individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. Results:Research suggests that MT can reduce anxiety symptoms in cancer patients by lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8 while modulating mood-related neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, studies indicate that MT may influence gut microbiota composition, which plays a crucial role in the gut-brain axis. Findings from schizophrenia studies further highlight MT’s potential in reducing psychotic symptoms, improving social interaction, and enhancing cognitive flexibility, though effects are often transient. Conclusions:MT presents a safe and effective method for improving emotional well-being and immune function in cancer patients. Its impact on the gut-brain axis suggests a novel therapeutic pathway, warranting further investigation. Additionally, MT's benefits for neuropsychiatric disorders reinforce its potential as an adjunctive therapy for broader clinical applications.

This review explores an innovative, integrative therapeutic approach that combines probiotics, prebiotics, and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to target the dysregulation of the gut–brain axis in schizophrenia. The rationale for this combined strategy is rooted in the overlapping mechanisms by which both biological and psychosocial interventions influence neurophysiological processes. Probiotics and prebiotics are shown to rebalance the gut microbiota, thereby enhancing the synthesis of key neurotransmitters—such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine—and reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. In parallel, MBIs, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), promote improvements in emotional regulation, cognitive function, and neuroplasticity through the modulation of neurophysiological pathways, notably by attenuating amygdala reactivity and heightening prefrontal cortex engagement. Viewing these interventions through the unifying lens of the gut–brain axis presents a promising paradigm: both modalities may exert synergistic effects to support the management of persistent symptoms of schizophrenia and complement existing therapeutic approaches. By converging on shared biological and psychosocial pathways, this integrative model could offer a more comprehensive strategy for addressing the multifaceted challenges of schizophrenia. While preliminary evidence is encouraging, further controlled clinical studies are essential to determine optimal treatment protocols and to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which these therapies interact to enhance patient outcomes.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder with a complex etiology involving both genetic and environmental factors. Despite advancements in antipsychotic treatments, many patients continue to experience chronic symptoms and medication side effects. As a result, there is growing interest in dietary supplements and bioactive substances to complement traditional therapies and improve patient quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, N-acetylcysteine, and ginkgo biloba have shown potential in supporting schizophrenia treatment. These substances may help regulate neuroinflammation, neurotransmission disturbances, oxidative stress, and improve cognitive function. This review examines the scientific evidence on their effects and explores the mechanisms behind their potential benefits in schizophrenia management.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects around 10–15% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by a combination of metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive abnormalities, including insulin resistance (IR) and hyperandrogenism. Recent research suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis is a major contributing factor, influencing insulin metabolism, inflammation, and hormonal regulation. Changes in the microbial community, especially an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria exacerbate IR and androgen imbalances. Interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, metformin, and lifestyle changes show potential in addressing these issues. However, more studies are needed to optimize microbiome-based treatments. Aim of the Study: This article explores the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in PCOS, with a focus on its impact on inflammation, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, and potential microbiome-centered therapeutic approaches. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline. The main search terms included “PCOS,” “gut microbiota,” “inflammation,” “insulin resistance,” “androgens,” and “microbial diversity.” Studies linking gut dysbiosis to PCOS were selected for inclusion. Results: Women with PCOS typically exhibit lower microbial diversity, with a higher abundance of pro-inflammatory species, which correlates with increased insulin resistance and elevated androgen levels. Specific bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Candida, have been identified as markers of dysbiosis. Therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring microbial balance, such as probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, and metformin, show promise in alleviating PCOS symptoms. Conclusions: Gut dysbiosis plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of PCOS by exacerbating inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances. Emerging microbiome-targeted therapies could complement current treatments, but further research is essential to refine these approaches and develop standardized clinical protocols.