Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by neuroinflammation, formation of Lewy bodies, and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain. In this review, we summarize evidence obtained by animal studies demonstrating neuroinflammation as one of the central pathogenetic mechanisms of PD. We also focus on the protein factors that initiate the development of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Our targeted literature search identified 40 pre-clinicalin vivoandin vitrostudies written in English. Nuclear factorkappaB (NF-kB) pathway is demonstrated as a common mechanism engaged by neurotoxins such as 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), as well as the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The α-synuclein protein, which plays a prominent role in PD neuropathology, may also contribute to neuroinflammation by activating mast cells. Meanwhile, 6-OHDA models of PD identify microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) as one of the contributors to neuroinflammatory processes in this model. Immune responses are used by the central nervous system to fight and remove pathogens; however, hyperactivated and prolonged immune responses can lead to a harmful neuroinflammatory state, which is one of the key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PD.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major global health burden with high relapse rates and limited treatment uptake. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), developed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may also reduce alcohol consumption by modulating central reward pathways. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD420251009075). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies were included if they assessed the effect of GLP-1 RAs on alcohol-related outcomes in adults with hazardous drinking or AUD. The search covered all databases from inception to June 1, 2025. The primary outcome was change in Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores (range 0–40), a validated screening tool assessing hazardous use, dependence, and alcohol-related harm. Alcohol use was defined as self-reported consumption (drinks or units per week, grams per day), with thresholds for risky drinking determined by study-specific definitions (e.g., ≥14 drinks/week for men, ≥7 for women). Secondary outcomes included relapses, abstinence, alcohol-related diagnoses, intoxication or hospitalization, biomarkers (e.g., phosphatidylethanol [PEth], γ-GT), and neuroimaging measures of craving, reward, and cue-reactivity. Fourteen studies (four RCTs, ten observational; n = 5,262,268) were included. GLP-1 RAs studied were Semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, and tripeptide. Pooled analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in AUDIT scores (mean difference −7.81 points; 95% CI −9.02 to −6.60; I² = 87.5%). RCTs also reported reduced drinking days, units per drinking day, and cravings particularly with Semaglutide. GLP-1 RA use was associated with reduced alcohol intake, relapse rates, and incidence of alcohol-related diagnoses, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity prescribed Semaglutide or liraglutide. Population-based studies showed lower risks of incident and recurrent AUD, intoxication, and hospitalization. Biomarker analyses (PEth, γ-GT) demonstrated reductions with GLP-1 RA use, and neuroimaging studies reported attenuated alcohol cue reactivity and dopaminergic signaling. Weight loss and metabolic improvements reinforced abstinence and treatment adherence. GLP-1 RAs, particularly Semaglutide and liraglutide, reduce alcohol use as measured by AUDIT scores and show beneficial effects on consumption, relapse, and alcohol-related morbidity. Mechanistic evidence supports modulation of craving and reward pathways. These findings suggest that GLP-1 RAs are promising candidates for repurposing in AUD management, especially for patients with comorbid diabetes or obesity. Large, dedicated RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy and define optimal therapeutic strategies. No funding was received for this study.

Background: COVID-19 is a viral infectious disease leading to a spectrum of clinical complications, especially cardiovascular. Evidence shows that this infection can potentially accompany a worse outcome in pregnant women. Cardiovascular complications in mothers and their fetuses are reported by previous studies. Objective: In this systematic review, we aim to investigate the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 during pregnancy in the mothers and fetus, according to the published literature. Method: We systematically searched the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using relevant keywords up to April 2022. We included all observational studies reporting cardiovascular complications among COVID-19-affected pregnant women and their fetuses. Results: We included 74 studies containing 47582 pregnant COVID-19 cases. Pre-eclampsia, hypertensive disorders, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, myocardial infarction, thrombosis formation, alterations in maternal–fetal Doppler patterns, and maternal and fetal arrhythmia were reported as cardiovascular complications. The highest incidences of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia among COVID-19 pregnant cases, reported by studies, were 69% and 62%, and the lowest were 0.5% and 3%. The highest and lowest incidences of fetal bradycardia were 20% and 3%, and regarding fetal tachycardia, 5.4% and 1%, respectively. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can potentially be associated with cardiovascular complications in the mother, particularly pre-eclampsia and heart failure. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can potentially cause cardiovascular complications in the fetus, particularly arrhythmia.

Glycemic variability (GV) reflects glucose fluctuations, and increased GV is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We systematically evaluated t

Background and objectives: Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is a standard imaging technique employed for the detection of pulmonary embolism (PE). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine the prevalence of PE among the trauma patients undergoing CTPA. Methods: A comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science yielded 13 studies encompassing 5,570 individuals conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline. Studies that used CTPA for the detection of PE among the trauma patients were selected. This resulted in an evaluation of prevalence, trauma types, clinical manifestations, radiological findings, and mortality rates of PE among traumatic patients undergoing CTPA. Results: The overall prevalence of PE among trauma patients undergoing CTPA was 18% (95% CI = 13-24%). After pooling the existing data, femur fractures were determined to be the most prevalent trauma type (12%). The most prevalent clinical manifestations of PE among trauma patients included shortness of breath, chest pain, and altered vital signs. Radiological findings encompassed various pulmonary abnormalities, such as opacity, ground-glass opacities, and pleural effusions. Mortality rates of PE among the trauma patients ranged from 0% to 29.4% across the included studies. Conclusion: This study provides comprehensive insights into the prevalence, clinical manifestations, radiological findings and mortality of PE among trauma patients undergoing CTPA. According to our findings, lower threshold for CTPA is recommended in patients with lower extremity or spine fractures.