Depression is a multifactorial psychiatric condition with complex pathophysiology, increasingly linked to neuroinflammatory processes. The present review explores the role of neuroinflammation in depression, focusing on glial cell activation, cytokine signaling, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, and disruptions in neurotransmitter systems. The article highlights how inflammatory mediators influence brain regions implicated in mood regulation, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. The review further discusses the involvement of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, oxidative stress, and the kynurenine pathway, providing mechanistic insights into how chronic inflammation may underlie emotional and cognitive symptoms of depression. The bidirectional relationship between inflammation and depressive symptoms is emphasized, along with the role of peripheral immune responses and systemic stress. By integrating molecular, cellular, and neuroendocrine perspectives, this review supports the growing field of immunopsychiatry and lays the foundation for novel diagnostic biomarkers and anti-inflammatory treatment approaches in depression. Further research in this field holds promise for developing more effective and personalized interventions for individuals suffering from depression.

The relationship between neuroinflammation and depression is a complex area of research that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Neuroinflammation, characterized by the activation of glial cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. The relationship between neuroinflammation and depression is bidirectional; not only can inflammation contribute to the onset of depressive symptoms, but depression itself can also exacerbate inflammatory responses, creating a vicious cycle that complicates treatment and recovery. The present comprehensive review aimed to explore the current findings on the interplay between neuroinflammation and depression, as well as the mechanisms, risk factors, and therapeutic implications. The mechanisms by which neuroinflammation induces depressive-like behaviors are diverse. Neuroinflammation can increase pro-inflammatory cytokines, activate the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and impair serotonin synthesis, all of which contribute to depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the activation of microglia has been linked to the release of inflammatory mediators that can disrupt neuronal function and contribute to mood disorders. Stress-induced neuroinflammatory responses can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that not only affect brain function but also influence behavior and mood. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies that can mitigate the effects of neuroinflammation on mood disorders.

The present review provides an up-to-date overview of chairside CAD/CAM materials used in restorative dentistry, focusing on their classification, properties, and clinical applications. If CAD/CAM technology was only an aspiration in the past, a higher proportion of clinics are employing it nowadays. The market is overflowing with biomaterials, and these materials are constantly evolving, making it challenging for practitioners to choose the most appropriate one, especially in correlation with patients’ medical diseases. The evolution of CAD/CAM technology has revolutionized dental practice, enabling the efficient fabrication of high-quality restorations in a single appointment. The main categories of chairside CAD/CAM materials include feldspathic ceramics, leucite-reinforced ceramics, lithium disilicate, zirconia, hybrid ceramics, and acrylic resins. The mechanical, physical, and aesthetic properties of these materials are discussed, along with their advantages and limitations for different clinical scenarios. Factors influencing material selection, such as strength, aesthetics, and ease of use, are also assessed. Ultimately, the guiding principle of dentistry is minimally invasive treatment following the particularity of the clinical case to obtain the envisioned result. Correlating all these factors, a simple, up-to-date classification is required to begin an individualized treatment. By synthesizing current evidence, this comprehensive review aims to guide clinicians in selecting appropriate chairside CAD/CAM materials to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes in restorative procedures. The integration of digital workflows and continued development of novel materials promise to further enhance the capabilities of chairside CAD/CAM systems in modern dental practice.

Gold nanoparticles are currently investigated as theranostics tools in cancer therapy due to their proper biocompatibility and increased efficacy related to the ease to customize the surface properties and to conjugate other molecules. Betulin, [lup-20(29)-ene-3β, 28-diol], is a pentacyclic triterpene that has raised scientific interest due to its antiproliferative effect on several cancer types. Herein we described the synthesis of surface modified betulin-conjugated gold nanoparticles using a slightly modified Turkevich method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used for the characterization of obtained gold nanoparticles. Cytotoxic activity and apoptosis assessment were carried out using the MTT and Annexin V/PI apoptosis assays. The in vitro results showed that betulin coated gold nanoparticles presented a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect and induced apoptosis in all tested cell lines.

Dental pathology remains a global health problem affecting both children and adults. The most important dental diseases are dental caries and periodontal pathologies. The main cause of oral health problems is overpopulation with pathogenic bacteria and for this reason, conventional therapy can often be ineffective due to bacterial resistance or may have unpleasant side effects. For that reason, studies in the field have focused on finding new therapeutic alternatives. Special attention is paid to the plant kingdom, which offers a wide range of plants and active compounds in various pathologies. This review focused on the most used plants in the dental field, especially on active phytocompounds, both in terms of chemical structure and in terms of mechanism of action. It also approached the in vitro study of active compounds and the main types of cell lines used to elucidate the effect and mechanism of action. Thus, medicinal plants and their compounds represent a promising and interesting alternative to conventional therapy.

Adolescence represents a critical developmental stage where diet, gut microorganisms, and mental health are strongly interconnected. The current literature evidences the bidirectional role between dietary habits and psychological well-being, which is mediated by the gut–brain axis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of dietary habits in adolescence period and the impact of different food choices on microbiota and secondary on mental health. Gut microbiota plays a vital role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The disruption in the composition of microbiota is called dysbiosis, which has been associated with a systemic inflammation state and chronic stress. They contribute to the onset of psychiatric disorders including MDD, anxiety, ADHD, and autism. Diets with a high quantity of sugar and low fiber contribute to alteration of microbiota and poor mental health. Additionally, early-life stress, antibiotic usage, and chronic inflammation may alter bacterial communities, with long-term implications for adolescents mental health. Dietary interventions, including the intake of prebiotics, probiotics, SCFAs, and micronutrients could restore microbial balance and improve psychiatric symptoms. This literature review highlights the critical role of diet and gut microbiota for adolescent mental health and emphasizes the need for integrative strategies to promote psychological resilience through microbiome regulation.