Lead and cadmium are non-essential and toxic heavy metals. Their presence and elevated levels can lead to many pathologies. They disrupt the antioxidant properties of many enzymes, consume the resources of antioxidant cells, and thus participate in the generation of oxidative stress, which may result in DNA damage. In addition, they have been found to be carcinogenic through their genotoxic properties. They have been shown to be present in various types of cancer, including cancer of the female reproductive system. Both metals have been recognized as metalloestrogens, which are important in hormone-related cancers. Participation in the oncogenesis of ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer was analysed in detail, using the available research in this field. We emphasize their role as potential biomarkers in cancer risk and diagnosis as well as advancement of gynaecological malignancies.

Anxiety is a subjective feeling of fear in response to stressful or threatening situations. Chronic diseases (such as chronic kidney disease) or the state after kidney transplantation are such situations and they may result in a decreased quality of life. The main aim of this research was to evaluate if the proteins IL-8, RANTES, MIG, MCP-1, IP-10, and IL-12p70 could be indicators of higher levels of anxiety or decreased quality of life in chronically ill women. The assessment was conducted using the STAI and SF-36 questionnaires and with the measurement of listed proteins from the patient’s blood sample. The study group consisted of 107 women—101 patients from the Nephrological Clinic and 6 from the Dialysis Center. Both of the facilities are part of University Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Szczecin. Statistical analysis was performed using JASP software (JASP 0.18.3 version). Anxiety levels and quality of life correlations between STAI and SF-36 scores and individual variables were assessed. Logistic regression models were performed for both questionnaire outcomes: SF-36 and STAI. Lower quality of life was found in the group with a higher IL-8 concentration compared to the group of women with a lower IL-8 concentration. A positive weak correlation was found between a decreased quality of life and IL-8 and RANTES. A higher RANTES level increases the odds of a lower quality of life. This study shows that special care should be provided for chronically ill women (especially with CKD or after KTx) with a higher RANTES or IL-8 concentration. They would highly benefit from close monitoring of their mental health.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are widely prescribed for erectile dysfunction; however, growing evidence indicates that their pharmacological effects extend beyond urological indications and involve multiple organ systems. This narrative review aims to synthesize and critically evaluate current evidence on the systemic effects of PDE5 inhibitors across cardiovascular, renal, neurological, and urological domains, as well as emerging therapeutic indications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published up to May 2024, including preclinical studies, clinical trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The reviewed evidence demonstrates that PDE5 inhibitors are associated with reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, improvements in cardiac and pulmonary hemodynamics, preservation of renal function in diabetic populations, potential neuroprotective effects against cognitive decline and ischemic stroke, and symptomatic improvement in benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms. Additional benefits have been reported in conditions characterized by vascular dysfunction, such as angina pectoris and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Overall, PDE5 inhibitors represent a pharmacologically versatile drug class with clinically relevant systemic effects beyond erectile dysfunction, supporting their potential role as adjunctive therapies in broader disease management, although further well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to inform clinical guidelines.

Background. The global prevalence of kidney failure is increasing, impacting millions. Dialysis patients face unique challenges, leading to a significant decline in their quality of life. Common issues such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue are prevalent in this population. While exercise is known to improve physical function of this group of patients, this review specifically explores the impact of sport and physical activity on the quality of life of dialysis patients. Aim. The aim of this review was to show the existing associations between exercise and quality of life in dialysed patients. Material and methods. To gather all currently recognized information on the topic, we performed a search of the literature, including studies up to June 2025. We used PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases. We assessed the information included in articles published in English and Polish. We used a combination of keywords related to exercise, quality of life, dialysis, chronic kidney disease, sleep, depression, anxiety and chronic fatigue. We searched for relevant articles and chose the applicable ones to accomplish the objective of our review. Results. Exercise demonstrably benefits the maintenance and enhancement of quality of life in dialysis patients. By alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), physical activity positively impacts patients' overall well-being. Conclusions. Our study definitively shows exercise training effectively alleviates a range of debilitating symptoms in hemodialysis patients. This underscores the critical need to integrate tailored exercise interventions to significantly improve the overall health-related quality of life for this vulnerable population.

Introduction: The root cause of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, is still not fully understood. HT has a multipronged influence on the general health condition, especially because the thyroid regulates the overall metabolism of an organism. Disruption of such a balance may result in weight gain and weakening of the muscles, and eventually resignation from any kind of physical activity. Objective: This work aims to review the current knowledge regarding the extent to which physical activity may play a role in the treatment of HT. Methods: Literature review of PubMed and Google Scholar. Conclusions: Although pharmacological treatment with levothyroxine remains the foundation of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) management, current evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) may play a supportive role in improving both thyroid function and overall quality of life. Regular and appropriately structured exercise appears to have beneficial effects on hormone levels, immune function, and common symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and reduced physical capacity. Findings indicate that not all forms of physical activity are equally effective. Voluntary, planned, and restorative exercise (RE) is associated with more favourable outcomes compared to occupational physical activity (OPA), which may exert additional stress on the body and worsen certain thyroid-related parameters. Future studies should focus on identifying the most effective exercise modalities and intensities, as well as their long-term impact on autoimmune activity and disease progression.

Introduction: Rhodiola rosea is a widely used adaptogenic herb known for its potential to enhance the body’s resistance to physical and psychological stress. Traditionally employed in various medical systems, it has recently gained scientific attention for its beneficial effects on mood regulation, stress reduction, and cognitive performance. The complex phytochemical composition of Rhodiola rosea underpins these effects, yet the precise mechanisms and clinical efficacy remain to be fully elucidated. This review aims to comprehensively summarize current knowledge regarding the phytochemistry, mechanisms of action, preclinical and clinical evidence of Rhodiola rosea’s adaptogenic properties, focusing on its impact on stress reduction, mood enhancement, and cognitive function. Mechanisms of action involving modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, neurotransmitter systems, and antioxidant pathways are discussed. Despite promising results, further high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to establish standardized protocols for clinical use. Material and methods: A systematic literature analysis was conducted, including in vitro, animal, and human studies investigating Rhodiola rosea extracts. Emphasis was placed on studies examining biochemical pathways, neurobehavioral outcomes, and clinical trials assessing stress-related parameters, mood states, and cognitive metrics. Results: Rhodiola rosea exhibits modulatory effects on monoaminergic neurotransmission, enhances antioxidant defenses by upregulating enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and improves mitochondrial function, leading to increased cellular energy production. Clinical studies demonstrate significant reductions in perceived stress and fatigue, improvements in mood disorders including mild to moderate depression, and enhanced psychomotor performance and cognitive processing speed. However, variability in extract standardization and study design influences the consistency of findings. Conclusions: Rhodiola rosea represents a promising natural adaptogen with multifaceted actions supporting stress resilience, mood stabilization, and cognitive enhancement. Standardized extracts with defined phytochemical profiles are essential to ensure reproducible therapeutic effects. Further rigorous clinical investigations are warranted to clarify optimal dosing regimens and long-term safety.