Gastric cancer constitutes one of the most prevalent malignancies in both sexes; it is currently the fourth major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The pathogenesis of gastric cancer is associated with the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, among which infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is of major importance. The invasion, survival, colonization, and stimulation of further inflammation within the gastric mucosa are possible due to several evasive mechanisms induced by the virulence factors that are expressed by the bacterium. The knowledge concerning the mechanisms of H. pylori pathogenicity is crucial to ameliorate eradication strategies preventing the possible induction of carcinogenesis. This review highlights the current state of knowledge and the most recent findings regarding H. pylori virulence factors and their relationship with gastric premalignant lesions and further carcinogenesis.

Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most lethal skin cancer. Despite a 4% reduction in mortality over the past few years, an increasing number of new diagnosed cases appear each year. Long-term therapy and the development of resistance to the drugs used drive the search for more and more new agents with anti-melanoma activity. This review focuses on the most recent synthesized anti-melanoma agents from 2020–2022. For selected agents, apart from the analysis of biological activity, the structure–activity relationship (SAR) is also discussed. To the best of our knowledge, the following literature review delivers the latest achievements in the field of new anti-melanoma agents.

Patients with Parkinson’s disease are prone to a higher incidence of melanoma. Amantadine (an anti-Parkinson drug) possesses the antiproliferative potential that can be favorable when combined with other chemotherapeutics. Cisplatin (CDDP) and mitoxantrone (MTO) are drugs used in melanoma chemotherapy, but they have many side effects. (1) Clinical observations revealed a high incidence of malignant melanoma in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Amantadine as an anti-Parkinson drug alleviates symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and theoretically, it should have anti-melanoma properties. (2) To characterize the interaction profile for combinations of amantadine with CDDP and MTO in four human melanoma cell lines (A375, SK-MEL 28, FM55P and FM55M2), type I isobolographic analysis was used in the MTT test. (3) Amantadine produces the anti-proliferative effects in various melanoma cell lines. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that amantadine induced apoptosis and G1/S phase cell cycle arrest. Western blotting analysis showed that amantadine markedly decreased cyclin-D1 protein levels and increased p21 levels. Additionally, amantadine significantly increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The combined application of amantadine with CDDP at the fixed-ratio of 1:1 exerted an additive interaction in the four studied cell lines in the MTT test. In contrast, the combination of amantadine with MTO (ratio of 1:1) produced synergistic interaction in the FM55M2 cell line in the MTT (* p < 0.05). The combination of amantadine with MTO was also additive in the remaining tested cell lines (A375, FM55P and SK-MEL28) in the MTT test. (4) Amantadine combined with MTO exerted the most desirable synergistic interaction, as assessed isobolographically. Additionally, the exposure of melanoma cell lines to amantadine in combination with CDDP or MTO augmented the induction of apoptosis mediated by amantadine alone.

All over the world there are more vegetarians than in previous years due to many reasons. One of them is positive influence on health what is shown in the latest research. The aim of the article is to review the influence of vegetarian diet on frequent diseases such as: hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis. An analysis of scientific papers from Pubmed and Google Scholar was performed, which most accurately described the issue of impact vegetarian diet on human health. The following keywords have been used in the search: Vegetarian, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis: vegetarian, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis. The researchers shown than vegetarians have lover systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure by 10 and 5 mm Hg, they also lower overall mortality by 10-15%, risk of heart failure and by~40%, stroke by~35% and coronary events by 20%. Vegetarians also have statistically lower body mass index. What's more in this diet is more energy efficient thanks too low food energy density and helps keeping leptin on adequate level. Research has shown than vegetarians have lower mineral bone density than non-vegetarian, although some studies has shown that risk of fractures in vegetarians and non-vegetarians was not affected by diet alternation. Based on the results of the studies above vegetarian diet contributes to lower blood pressure and preventing from cardiovascular diseases. It helps to avoid obesity and to get rid of weights also doesn't have negative impact on osteoporosis.

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have an increased risk of melanoma compared with the general population. Considering that Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers (NMSCs) share similar risk factors with melanoma, there is a need to understand a possible connection between PD and NMSCs. The aim of the study was the evaluation of NMSC risk among PD patients via meta-analysis and systematic review. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, including studies from January 2000 to April 2020. We identified 16 eligible studies including 140291 PD patients. Upon statistical analysis, a significantly higher risk of developing NMSCs in PD patients was found compared with the control group (odds ratio (OR) = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.17–1.33; p < 0.0001). Among all NMSCs, the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma in PD patients was significantly higher (OR = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–1.47; p < 0.0001), contrary to squamous cell carcinoma. Further analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of developing NMSCs in patients with previously diagnosed PD (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.19–1.33; p < 0.0001). Our data suggest the necessity for regular skin examination of PD patients, though further studies are required to explore the mechanisms forming this relationship.

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Introduction and purpose: Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common conditions in childbearing. It is estimated that 10-15% of mothers develop PPD. Oxytocin has recently been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric disorders including PPD. The aim of this study is to, on the base of recent studies, investigate whether oxytocin has an impact on PPD and if it can be used as a way of diagnostic indicator or treatment. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Studies indicate that there is a relationship between oxytocin and PPD. Depression and anxiety after delivery were observed more frequently among women with lower oxytocin plasma levels. Basing on the oxytocin plasma levels in the third semester of pregnancy, the risk of PPD can be predicted. This relationship was observed in women who were breastfeeding as well as in those who ceased. Some studies indicate that depression development may be inhibited thanks to oxytocin. Exogenous oxytocin has been proven to improve prosocial behaviour and reduce negative emotional responses in mother-children relations. It may also increase mother's attention to baby. Some studies have stated that intrapartum oxytocin administration decreases the rate of PPD symptoms but studies on treatment with oxytocin are not unanimous. Conclusions: Oxytocin plays an undeniable role in pathophysiology of postpartum depression and it may be regarded as a diagnostic indicator and therapeutic target. However, more studies are needed to clarify this intricate relationship.

Urine infections represent 40-50% of all infections in hospitalized patients. The most common uropathogens are E.coli, S.saprophitycus, and less commonly Enterobacteriaceae, such as Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The spectrum of microorganisms isolated in hospital conditions may be wider. Raoultella planticola is a rare cause of human infections, so far only few cases of ZUM with this etiology have been described.A 56-years-old patient, with a history of cardiac disease, with exacerbation of chronic kidney disease, was admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine. The reason for admission was general  deterioration. Many abnormalities in laboratory tests were detected. The doctors' attention was focused on the significant bacteriuria. Moreover, the patient reported dysuria symptoms. Material for urine microbiological culture was taken and empirical antibiotic therapy with ciprofloxacin started. The obtained result of urine culture allowed to identify the bacteria by R. planticola. As a result of the applied treatment, the patient's condition improved.An increasing number of infections with R. planticolla etiology is observed. The bacterium may lead to infections in many systems. The group of patients at risk of the disease includes people with renal dysfunction, who are immunosuppressed. Infections of R. planticolla etiology are usually characterized by good antibiotic response and positive prognosis.