Volume 35, Issue 3

The process-of-male reproduction is intricate, and various medical conditions-have the potential to disrupt spermatogenesis. Moreover, infertility in males can serve as an indicator of-potential future health issue. Numerous conditions with systemic implications have been identified, encompassing genetic factors (such as Klinefelter Syndrome), obesity, psychological stress, environmental factors, and others. Consequently, infertility assessment-presents an opportunity for comprehensive health counseling, extending-beyond discussions about reproductive goals. Furthermore, male infertility has been suggested as a harbinger of future health problems, as poor semen quality and a diagnosis of-male infertility are associated with an increased risk of hypogonadism, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and even mortality. This review explores the existing-literature on the relationship between systemic illnesses and male fertility, impacting both clinical-outcomes and semen parameters. The majority of the literature analyzed, which compared gonadal function with genetic, chronic, infectious or tumoral diseases, confirm the association between overall male health and infertility.

Hypoglycaemic syndromes are rare in apparently healthy individuals and their diagnosis can be a difficult challenge for clinicians as there are no shared guidelines that suggest how to approach patients with a suspect hypoglycaemic disorder. Since hypoglycaemia symptoms are common and nonspecific, it’s necessary to document the Whipple Triad (signs and/or symptoms compatible with hypoglycaemia; relief of symptoms following glucose administration; low plasma glucose levels) before starting any procedure. Once the triad is documented, a meticulous anamnesis and laboratory tests (blood glucose, insulin, proinsulin, C-peptide, β-hydroxybutyrate and anti-insulin antibodies) should be performed. Results can guide the physician towards further specific tests, concerning the suspected disease. In this review, we consider all current causes of hypoglycaemia, including rare diseases such as nesidioblastosis and Hirata’s syndrome, describe appropriate tests for diagnosis and suggest strategies to differentiate hypoglycaemia aetiology.

The complement is a crucial factor of the innate immune system. However, its activation can lead to various diseases, so it needs to be controlled. In mammals, surface-bound complement regulatory proteins safeguard cells from uncontrolled complement-mediated lysis. One of the human complement regulators is CD55, also known as the decay-accelerating factor (DAF), a single-chain, type I cell surface protein anchored to glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI). The genetic loss of the complement regulatory protein CD55 leads to a fatal illness known as CHAPLE disease. The complement and innate immunity become hyperactive in this disease, causing angiopathic thrombosis and protein-losing enteropathy. Patients with CHAPLE disease experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, impaired growth, and swelling. This genetic condition has no known cure, and managing its symptoms can be challenging. Pozelimab, a human monoclonal immunoglobulin IgG4 antibody, is a drug that targets the terminal complement protein C5. The drug has a high affinity for both wild-type and variant human C5. Pozelimab has received designations such as fast track, orphan drug, and rare pediatric disease, making it a significant medical breakthrough. It is currently the only available treatment for this disease. In this review, we have summarized the preclinical and clinical data on pozelimab.

Respiratory illnesses and its repercussions are becoming more prevalent worldwide. It is necessary to research both innovative treatment and preventative techniques. Millions of confirmed cases and fatalities from the COVID-19 epidemic occurred over the previous two years. According to the review research, cannabinoids are a class of medicines that should be considered for the treatment of respiratory conditions. Cannabinoids and inhibitors of endocannabinoid degradation have illustrated advantageous anti-inflammatory, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary artery hypotension in numerous studies ( in vitro and in vivo ). It has been also noted that CB2 receptors on macrophages and T-helper cells may be particularly triggered to lower inflammation in COVID-19 patients. Since the majority of lung tissue contains cannabinoid receptors, cannabis can be an effective medical tool for treating COVID-19 as well as pulmonary infections. Notably, CB2 and CB1 receptors play a major role in immune system modulation and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, we put forth the idea that cannabis might be helpful in treating pulmonary contagion brought on by viral integration, such as that caused by SARS-CoV-2, haemophilus influenza type b, Streptococcus pneumoniae , influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Also, a detailed overview of CB receptors, intricate mechanisms, is highlighted connecting link with COVID-19 viral structural modifications along with molecular basis of CB receptors in diminishing viral load in pulmonary disorders supported through evident literature studies. Further, futuristic evaluations on cannabis potency through novel formulation development focusing on in vivo/in vitro systems can produce promising results.

Tendons are vital components of the musculoskeletal system, facilitating movement and supporting mechanical loads. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D, beyond its well-established role in bone health, exerts significant effects on tendon physiology. The aim of this manuscript is to review the impact of vitamin D on tendons, focusing on its mechanisms of action, clinical implications, and therapeutic applications. A comprehensive search of scientific electronic databases was conducted to identify articles on the effects of vitamin D on tendon health. Fourteen studies were included in this review. Five studies were performed in vitro , and nine studies were conducted in vivo . Despite some conflicting results, the included studies showed that vitamin D regulates collagen synthesis, inflammation, and mineralization within tendons through its interaction with vitamin D receptors. Epidemiological studies link vitamin D deficiency with tendon disorders, including tendinopathy and impaired healing. Supplementation with vitamin D shows promise in improving tendon strength and function, particularly in at-risk populations such as athletes and the elderly. Future research should address optimal supplementation strategies and explore the interplay between vitamin D and other factors influencing tendon health. Integrating vitamin D optimization into clinical practice could enhance tendon integrity and reduce the burden of tendon-related pathologies.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a long-lasting endocrine disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia, which is often triggered by an entire or relative inadequacy of insulin production or insulin resistance. As a result of resistance to insulin (IR) and an overall lack of insulin in the body, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic illness that is characterized by hyperglycaemia. Notably, the occurrence of vascular complications of diabetes and the advancement of IR in T2DM are accompanied by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Due to the difficulties in managing the disease and the dangers of multiple accompanying complications, diabetes is a chronic, progressive immune-mediated condition that plays a significant clinical and health burden on patients. The frequency and incidence of diabetes among young people have been rising worldwide. The relationship between the gut microbiota composition and the physio-pathological characteristics of T2DM proposes a novel way to monitor the condition and enhance the effectiveness of therapies. Our knowledge of the microbiota of the gut and how it affects health and illness has changed over the last 20 years. Species of the genus Eubacterium, which make up a significant portion of the core animal gut microbiome, are some of the recently discovered ‘generation’ of possibly helpful bacteria. In this article, we have focused on pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches towards T2DM, with a special reference to gut bacteria from ancient times to the present day.

Objectives Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological condition affecting aging men worldwide. Among the treatment options available for BPH, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold-standard invasive intervention. To reduce the TURP-related non-negligible morbidity, loss-of-ejaculation rate, hospitalization, blood loss and catheterization time several laser techniques have been developed, such as the Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP). To investigate the efficacy outcomes of the ThuLEP as a treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) we performed a retrospective observational study at Moriggia Pelascini Hospital (Como, Italy) between January 2015 and September 2018. Methods We included 265 patients who underwent ThuLEP at a specific hospital between defined dates. Data on various parameters, including post-void residue volume, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for urinary symptoms, IPSS Quality of Life (QoL) score, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score for erectile dysfunction, were collected at baseline and follow-up. Results The analysis revealed significant improvements in voiding efficiency, urinary flow, urinary symptoms, quality of life, and erectile function following ThuLEP. Furthermore, certain baseline characteristics, such as post-void residue, peak urinary flow rate, age, prostate volume, and aspirin usage, were found to influence treatment outcomes. Conclusions Despite the study’s limitations, these findings contribute to understanding ThuLEP’s effectiveness in managing BPH and can aid in making informed clinical decisions for patient care. Prospective studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended to validate and extend these results.

Objectives Majhool date ( Phoenix dactylifera ), renowned for its premium taste and texture, is extensively consumed in the Islamic world, particularly during Ramadan. Despite its popularity, concerns persist regarding its potential to induce diabetes in non-patients. This study aims to explore the diabetogenic effects of prolonged Majhool date ( Phoenix dactylifera ) consumption, the widely used fruit in the Islamic world, through animal experiments and human clinical data. Methods Medjool dates were processed into an ethanolic extract for the animal experiment. Then, 21 Balb/c mice received varying doses of the extract for one month. The fasting blood glucose levels were analyzed at the beginning and after one month of consumption of the Majhool date extract. For the clinical study, 387 healthy participants were recruited, with fasting blood glucose levels assessed before and after Ramadan, a period of heightened Majhool date consumption. Results all groups of the experimental animals exhibited a significant (p<0.05) weight increase after Majhool date consumption, while no significant (p>0.05) alteration in fasting blood glucose levels among groups. In addition, it was found that fasting blood glucose levels remained statistically unchanged (p>0.05) after heightened Majhool date consumption among humans. Conclusions The study challenges the belief that Majhool date induces diabetes, supported by both animal and human data. Findings suggest that Majhool date consumption, even at higher doses, does not induce diabetes. Further investigations could explore the impact of other date varieties on the fasting blood glucose levels.

Objectives Genetic disorders involved in skeleton system arise due to the disturbance in skeletal development, growth and homeostasis. Filamin B is an actin binding protein which is large dimeric protein which cross link actin cytoskeleton filaments into dynamic structure. A single nucleotide changes in the FLNB gene causes spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome, a rare bone disorder due to which the fusion of carpels and tarsals synostosis occurred along with fused vertebrae. In the current study we investigated a family residing in north-western areas of Pakistan. Methods The whole exome sequencing of proband was performed followed by Sanger sequencing of all family members of the subject to validate the variant segregation within the family. Bioinformatics tools were utilized to assess the pathogenicity of the variant. Results Whole Exome Sequencing revealed a novel variant (NM_001457: c.209C>T and p.Pro70Leu) in the FLNB gene which was homozygous missense mutation in the FLNB gene. The variant was further validated and visualized by Sanger sequencing and protein structure studies respectively as mentioned before. Conclusions The findings have highlighted the importance of the molecular diagnosis in SCT (spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome) for genetic risk counselling in consanguineous families.

Objectives The main objective of the current study was to find the association between oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and electrophysiological profile with symptom severity in patients of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods Thirty-two carpal tunnel syndrome patients and 32 controls were included in the study. Boston CTS questionnaire along with plasma oxidative stress markers including superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide and inflammatory markers including IL-6 and TNF-α were compared with the electrophysiological parameters derived from nerve conduction studies. Statistical significance of the levels between groups was calculated using unpaired-t test after checking for normality with D’Agostino & Pearson omnibus normality test. Results We found that the median nerve conduction velocity was prolonged, amplitude was decreased, while the levels of oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) were increased in CTS patients compared to controls. Inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were also increased in CTS patients. We found that plasma SOD and TNF-α correlated well with the median motor amplitude. There was no other significant correlation between oxidative stress markers and inflammatory markers with nerve conduction studies or disease severity. Patients with mild disease also showed lesser levels of SOD, NO, IL-6, and TNF-α markers than patients with severe disease. Conclusions CTS is probably a disease of sterile inflammation and disbalance of oxidative stress, with higher inflammatory and oxidative stress markers pointing to a more severe disease.