With each passing year, the number of people suffering from mental disorders grows at a disturbing speed. Neuroactive steroids are a new promising group of drugs with the potential for use in many diseases like postpartum depression, postnatal psychosis, major depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson’s tremor, due to their ability to modulate the activity of GABA_A receptor. Neurosteroids are progesterone metabolites that are synthesized from cholesterol or steroid hormones in various brain regions. They regulate neuronal development, regeneration, and neurotransmission. They are implicated in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, and impulsive aggression. Neurosteroids have been studied for their potential to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and HIV-associated dementia. They can promote neurogenesis, neuronal survival, myelination, and memory function. They can also affect the growth and sensitivity of hormone-dependent brain tumors such as gliomas. Zuranolone, a newly registered neurosteroid drug has shown huge flexibility in both clinical and ambulatory treatment thanks to its pharmacokinetic traits, especially the possibility for oral administration, unlike its predecessor Brexanolone. Zuranolone is a synthetic positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor that can be taken orally. The review aims to summarize the current knowledge on zuranolone as a novel neurosteroid drug for various mental disorders, especially for postpartum mental disorders for which this drug was meant originally. It covers studies indexed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases published since 2017. Keywords used in the search, as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria, are given in the aims and methodology section. The review explains the evidence for the role of neurosteroids, especially allopregnanolone, in the pathophysiology and treatment of postpartum depression. It discusses the mechanisms of neurosteroid action, the changes in neurosteroid levels during pregnancy and postpartum, and the clinical trials of brexanolone and zuranolone, two synthetic analogs of allopregnanolone, for postpartum depression. It provides an overview of the biosynthesis and metabolism of neurosteroids in the central and peripheral nervous system. Furthermore, it explains the different sources and pathways of neurosteroid production and the factors that influence their synthesis and regulation, such as stress, hormones, drugs, and genetic variations. The review also explores the potential relevance of neurosteroids for other psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Finally, it highlights the associations between neurosteroid levels and symptom severity and the effects of neurosteroid modulation on mood, cognition, and neuroplasticity.

Ovarian cancer (OC) has an unfavorable prognosis. Due to the lack of effective screening tests, new diagnostic methods are being sought to detect OC earlier. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration and diagnostic utility of selected matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as OC markers in comparison with HE4, CA125 and the ROMA algorithm. The study group consisted of 120 patients with OC; the comparison group consisted of 70 patients with benign lesions and 50 healthy women. MMPs were determined via the ELISA method, HE4 and CA125 by CMIA. Patients with OC had elevated levels of MMP-3 and MMP-11, similar to HE4, CA125 and ROMA values. The highest SE, SP, NPV and PPV values were found for MMP-26, CA125 and ROMA in OC patients. Performing combined analyses of ROMA with selected MMPs increased the values of diagnostic parameters. The topmost diagnostic power of the test was obtained for MMP-26, CA125, HE4 and ROMA and performing combined analyses of MMPs and ROMA enhanced the diagnostic power of the test. The obtained results indicate that the tested MMPs do not show potential as stand-alone OC biomarkers, but can be considered as additional tests to raise the diagnostic utility of the ROMA algorithm.

Background: Ovarian carcinoma (OC) has an unfavorable prognosis due to lack of screening and an asymptomatic course. New diagnostic methods are being sought to enable earlier diagnosis of this condition. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of collagenases (MMP-1, MMP-8 and MMP-13) in the diagnosis of OC compared to HE4 and CA125 and the ROMA. Methods: The study group consisted of 120 patients with OC, the control group: 70 patients with benign ovarian lesions (BLs) and 50 healthy women (HS). MMP-1, MMP-8 and MMP-13 were determined by ELISA and HE4 and CA125 by CMIA. Results: OC patients had higher levels of MMP-1 and MMP-13 compared to the BL and HS groups. MMP-1 (SE: 81.66%; SP: 94%; PPV: 97.02%; NPV: 68.11%; AUC: 0.9625) and MMP-13 (SE: 77.50%; SP: 94%; PPV: 96.875%; NPV: 63.51%; AUC: 0.917) showed similar or higher diagnostic values to routine markers (HE4: SE:85%; SP: 92%; PPV: 96.22%; NPV: 71.875%; AUC: 0.943; CA125: SE: 80%; SP: 98%; PPV: 98.96%; NPV: 67.12%; AUC: 0.909) and the ROMA (SE: 90.83%; SP: 94%; PPV: 97.32%; NPV: 81.03%; AUC: 0.955). Performing combined analyses of individual MMPs and MMPs with ROMA was associated with further increases in diagnostic parameters. Conclusions: MMP-1 and MMP-13 have shown preliminary potential as diagnostic markers and auxiliary markers to ROMA in biochemical diagnosis of OC.

This review explores an innovative, integrative therapeutic approach that combines probiotics, prebiotics, and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to target the dysregulation of the gut–brain axis in schizophrenia. The rationale for this combined strategy is rooted in the overlapping mechanisms by which both biological and psychosocial interventions influence neurophysiological processes. Probiotics and prebiotics are shown to rebalance the gut microbiota, thereby enhancing the synthesis of key neurotransmitters—such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine—and reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. In parallel, MBIs, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), promote improvements in emotional regulation, cognitive function, and neuroplasticity through the modulation of neurophysiological pathways, notably by attenuating amygdala reactivity and heightening prefrontal cortex engagement. Viewing these interventions through the unifying lens of the gut–brain axis presents a promising paradigm: both modalities may exert synergistic effects to support the management of persistent symptoms of schizophrenia and complement existing therapeutic approaches. By converging on shared biological and psychosocial pathways, this integrative model could offer a more comprehensive strategy for addressing the multifaceted challenges of schizophrenia. While preliminary evidence is encouraging, further controlled clinical studies are essential to determine optimal treatment protocols and to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which these therapies interact to enhance patient outcomes.

Objective:Music therapy (MT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for alleviating anxiety in cancer patients. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects remain unclear. This study aims to explore the influence of MT on the gut-brain axis, particularly its impact on gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokine regulation, and neurotransmitter levels. Materials and Methods:A literature review was conducted, analyzing studies on MT's effects on inflammation, gut microbiota composition, and neurochemical modulation in cancer patients and individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. Results:Research suggests that MT can reduce anxiety symptoms in cancer patients by lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8 while modulating mood-related neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, studies indicate that MT may influence gut microbiota composition, which plays a crucial role in the gut-brain axis. Findings from schizophrenia studies further highlight MT’s potential in reducing psychotic symptoms, improving social interaction, and enhancing cognitive flexibility, though effects are often transient. Conclusions:MT presents a safe and effective method for improving emotional well-being and immune function in cancer patients. Its impact on the gut-brain axis suggests a novel therapeutic pathway, warranting further investigation. Additionally, MT's benefits for neuropsychiatric disorders reinforce its potential as an adjunctive therapy for broader clinical applications.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder with a complex etiology involving both genetic and environmental factors. Despite advancements in antipsychotic treatments, many patients continue to experience chronic symptoms and medication side effects. As a result, there is growing interest in dietary supplements and bioactive substances to complement traditional therapies and improve patient quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, N-acetylcysteine, and ginkgo biloba have shown potential in supporting schizophrenia treatment. These substances may help regulate neuroinflammation, neurotransmission disturbances, oxidative stress, and improve cognitive function. This review examines the scientific evidence on their effects and explores the mechanisms behind their potential benefits in schizophrenia management.