Oxidative stress (OS), resulting from a disrupted balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protective antioxidants, is thought to play an important pathogenetic role in several diseases, including viral infections. Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) is one of the most-studied and used natural compounds, as it is endowed with a well-defined antioxidant and immunomodulatory profile. Owing to these properties, LA has been tested in several chronic immunoinflammatory conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy and metabolic syndrome. In addition, a pharmacological antiviral profile of LA is emerging, that has attracted attention on the possible use of this compound for the cotreatment of several viral infections. Here, we will review the emerging literature on the potential use of LA in viral infections, including COVID-19.

A decade of research on gluten-related disorders (GRDs) is reviewed in this study, with a particular emphasis on celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). GRDs are triggered by the ingestion of gluten and gluten-like proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. These proteins lead to intestinal damage in celiac disease, an autoimmune condition characterized by villous atrophy and a variety of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. More enigmatic and less understood, NCGS involves symptoms similar to CD but without the immunological reaction or intestinal damage. Recent years have seen advances in the understanding of GRDs, particularly in connection to how intestinal microbiota influences disease progression and patient outcomes. The gluten-free diet (GFD) is still the standard therapy recommended for GRDs despite significant challenges, as discussed in this article. Precise diagnostic methods, patient education and dietary counseling are critical for improving patients’ quality of life. The purpose of this review is to provide a more clear and up-to-date understanding of GRDs, and to help further research on this important topic.

Background/Objectives: A gluten-free diet (GFD) remains the only effective therapy for celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Strict adherence is essential, yet it can impose considerable psychological, social, and financial burdens. This study investigated factors influencing GFD adherence, explored the perceived burden of this therapy, and examined differences between individuals with CD and NCGS. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire was completed by 681 Romanian citizens living in Romania with either a medically confirmed or a self-reported diagnosis of CD or NCGS. The survey assessed GFD adherence and its potential predictors, including gender, family history, comorbidities, diagnostic confirmation, and food security and perceived availability, as well as various psychological, social, and financial factors. Results: Participants with CD showed significantly higher GFD adherence than those with NCGS. Self-diagnosis was more common among NCGS respondents and was associated with poorer adherence, whereas a medically confirmed diagnosis predicted stricter adherence. Longer time since diagnosis, a greater perceived importance of a GFD, consistent label reading, as well as weight gain after starting a GFD were also positively associated with adherence. Although gluten-free (GF) food security has improved over time, cost remains a major barrier. Social activities negatively influenced adherence, reflecting the isolating effects of dietary restrictions. Nearly 25% of respondents reported a family history of gluten-related disorders (GRDs). Women—although more frequently affected by GRDs—exhibited levels of adherence similar to men. Comorbidities were common (33.9%), predominantly autoimmune diseases (56.3%), with autoimmune thyroiditis (32%) and lactose intolerance (19.2%) being the most frequent comorbidities. Conclusions: Diagnostic certainty, motivation, and practical barriers influence GFD adherence. Enhanced public awareness, clear labeling, improved GF food security, and financial support could facilitate sustained adherence and reduce psychosocial burden. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first national study of its kind in Romania.

Alcohol misuse can lead to alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), a condition linked to long-term cognitive impairment and considerable disease burden. The pharmacological characteristics of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) make it a promising candidate for the treatment of ARBD. In this study, adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight experimental groups. Four groups received a 20% (v/v) ethanol–tap water solution ad libitum for 15 weeks to induce early-stage ARBD, while the remaining received only tap water. After 14 weeks, all groups were administered daily injections for one week with either ALA, rivastigmine, or memantine. Behavioral testing included the step-through passive avoidance and rotarod performance tests. Whole-brain biochemical analyses assessed acetylcholinesterase activity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Brain weight, relative brain weight, and brain histopathological changes were also evaluated. Results showed that, similar to memantine and rivastigmine, ALA improved STL at both 24 h and 8 days and reduced ethanol-induced Purkinje cell damage. It also decreased lipid peroxidation levels by 44%, unlike the reference drugs, and superoxide dismutase activity by 33%, similar to them. No other significant changes were detected. Albeit several limitations, this is the first study comparing ALA with rivastigmine and memantine in this experimental context.

Background/Objectives: A gluten-free diet (GFD) remains the only effective therapy for celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Strict adherence is essential, yet it can impose considerable psychological, social, and financial burdens. This study investigated factors influencing GFD adherence, explored the perceived burden of this therapy, and examined differences between individuals with CD and NCGS. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire was completed by 681 Romanian citizens living in Romania with either a medically confirmed or a self-reported diagnosis of CD or NCGS. The survey assessed GFD adherence and its potential predictors, including gender, family history, comorbidities, diagnostic con-firmation, and food security and perceived availability, as well as various psychologi-cal, social, and financial factors. Results: Participants with CD showed significantly higher GFD adherence than those with NCGS. Self-diagnosis was more common among NCGS respondents and was associated with poorer adherence, whereas a medically confirmed diagnosis predicted a stricter adherence. Longer time since diag-nosis, a greater perceived importance of a GFD, consistent label reading, as well as weight gain after starting a GFD were also positively associated with adherence. Alt-hough gluten-free (GF) food security has improved over time, cost remains a major barrier. Social activities negatively influenced adherence, reflecting the isolating ef-fects of dietary restrictions. Nearly 25% of respondents reported a family history of gluten-related disorders (GRDs). Women – although more frequently affected by GRDs – exhibited levels of adherence similar to men. Comorbidities were common (33.9%), predominantly autoimmune diseases (56.3%), with autoimmune thyroiditis (32%) and lactose intolerance (19.2%) being the most frequent comorbidities. Conclusions: Diag-nostic certainty, motivation, and practical barriers influence GFD adherence. En-hanced public awareness, clear labeling, improved GF food security, and financial support could facilitate sustained adherence and reduce psychosocial burden. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first national study of its kind in Romania.