The aim of the study is the assessment of the intensity of the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) CD68⁺/iNOS⁻ and Tregs CD8⁺/FoxP3⁺ in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients as prognostic factors with respect to disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In this retrospective study, tissue samples were obtained from 89 patients undergoing resection for CRC (stage IIA, pT3N0M0 and stages IIIB and IIIC, pT3N1-2M0). Recurrence was observed in 45 patients at the time of the follow-up (10 local recurrences, 35 distant metastases). In patients with recurrence the following were present: a tendency to an older average age at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.07), higher nodal involvement (p = 0.002) and more advanced clinical disease (p = 0.01). The analysis of the clinical data and immunohistochemical studies were performed with the methodology of identification of TAM and Treg subsets in histological sections, with the aim to use it in routine clinical management. Both DSF and OS were the clinical parameters assessed in the study. The presence of intense infiltration of TAMs in the tumor stroma was related to shorter DFS (p = 0.005) and OS (p = 0.006). The opposite tendency was observed in the tumor front (p = 0.061). The relative risks of recurrence and cancer-related death were more than twice higher in the group of patients with intense infiltration of TAMs in the tumor stroma (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.33–3.14; p = 0.001 and RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.28–3.39; p = 0.003, respectively). Intense infiltration of Tregs in the tumor stroma was related to shorter DFS and OS (p < 0.0001). The relative risks of recurrence and death in a group of patients with intense infiltration of Tregs in the tumor stroma were more than 12 times higher than in patients with less intense infiltration (RR 12.3, 95% CI 5.44–27.9; p < 0.0001 and RR 12.5, 95% CI 4.9–32.4; p < 0.0001, respectively). Infiltration of TAMs CD68⁺/iNOS⁻ and Tregs CD8⁺/FoxP3⁺ in the tumor stroma are negative prognostic factors with a positive correlation between them. Tregs may constitute an independent prognostic factor in patients with CRC.

In developed countries, aging is often seen as typical, but it is made complicated by many disorders and co-morbidities. Insulin resistance seems to be an underlying pathomechanism in frailty and metabolic syndromes. The decline in insulin sensitivity leads to changes in the oxidant–antioxidant balance and an accelerated inflammatory response, especially by adipocytes and macrophages in adipose tissue, as well as muscle mass density. Thus, in the pathophysiology of syndemic disorders—the metabolic syndrome and frailty syndrome—an extremely important role may be played by increased oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory state. Papers included in this review explored available full texts and the reference lists of relevant studies from the last 20 years, before the end of 2022; we also investigated the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases. The online resources describing an elderly population (≥65 years old) published as full texts were searched for the following terms: “oxidative stress and/or inflammation”, “frailty and/or metabolic syndrome”. Then, all resources were analyzed and narratively described in the context of oxidative stress and/or inflammation markers which underlie pathomechanisms of frailty and/or metabolic syndromes in elderly patients. So far, different metabolic pathways discussed in this review show that a similar pathogenesis underlies the development of the metabolic as well as frailty syndromes in the context of increased oxidative stress and acceleration of inflammation. Thus, we argue that the syndemia of the syndromes represents two sides of the same coin.

Genes involved in the regulation of different types of autophagy and their participation in cancer pathogenesis Genes involved in the regulation of different types of autophagy and their participation in cancer pathogenesis

Some molds commonly occurring in the natural environment produce mycotoxins in the process of secondary metabolism. Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus are species of molds, which are responsible for the production of aflatoxins and are crucial in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Aspergillus species present in decaying plants, the soil and their spores are transferred via air currents and insects to crops and food storages. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, M1 and M2 are the most common derivatives of aflatoxins. Ingestion of contaminated food is the main source of exposure to aflatoxins, which adversely affect the health of both humans and animals. The compounds can cause acute or chronic toxic effects of a teratogenic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, immunotoxic or hepatotoxic character. Molecular aflatoxins affect DNA mutations, postranslation peptids chains modification, proteins and nucleic acids methylation and the formation of free radicals.Due to aflatoxins carcinogenic features and frequent occurrence in food and forages they are routinely examinated in some groceries and agricultural products.

Diabetes appears to be one of the most frequent noncommunicable diseases in the world. A permanent growth in the incidence of diabetes can be observed and according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) the year 2030 will mark the increase in the number of diabetics to 439 mln worldwide. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all diabetes incidence. Nutrition model modification not only features the basic element in type 2 diabetes treatment but also constitutes the fundamental factor influencing a morbidity rate decrease. Leguminous plants are a key factor in the diabetic diet; plants such as pulses or soybeans are nutritious products valued highly in nutrition. These legumes are high in the content of wholesome protein and contain large amounts of soluble alimentary fiber fractions, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and bioactive substances with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer activity. They are distinguished by the high amount of bioactive compounds that may interfere with the metabolism of glucose. The most significant bioactive compounds displaying antidiabetic activity in leguminous plants are as follows: genistein and daidzein, alpha‐amylase inhibitors, and alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors. In vitro research using leguminous plant extracts has confirmed their antidiabetic properties. Leguminous plants should be employed in the promotion of healthy lifestyles in terms of functional food.