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Picheta N, Piekarz J, Burdan O, Satora M, Tarkowski R, Kułak K. Phytotherapy of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3796. [PMID: 38612606 PMCID: PMC11012191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a real gynecological problem among women of reproductive age from 15 to 49. A recent analysis showed that 75% of women will have an occurrence at least once per year, while 5% are observed to have recurrent vaginal mycosis-these patients may become unwell four or more times a year. This pathology is caused in 85-90% of cases by fungi of the Candida albicans species. It represents an intractable medical problem for female patients due to pain and pruritus. Due to the observation of an increasing number of strains resistant to standard preparations and an increase in the recurrence of this pathology when using local or oral preferential therapy, such as fluconazole, an analysis was launched to develop alternative methods of treating VVC using herbs such as dill, turmeric, and berberine. An in-depth analysis of databases that include scientific articles from recent years made it possible to draw satisfactory conclusions supporting the validity of herbal therapy for the pathology in question. Although phytotherapy has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it appears to be a promising therapeutic solution for strains that are resistant to existing treatments. There is research currently undergoing aimed at comparing classical pharmacotherapy and herbal therapy in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis for the purpose of increasing medical competence and knowledge for the care of the health and long-term comfort of gynecological patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Picheta
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (N.P.); (J.P.); (O.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Julia Piekarz
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (N.P.); (J.P.); (O.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Oliwia Burdan
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (N.P.); (J.P.); (O.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Małgorzata Satora
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (N.P.); (J.P.); (O.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Kułak
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
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Żak K, Satora M, Skrabalak I, Tarkowski R, Ostrowska-Leśko M, Bobiński M. The Potential Influence of Residual or Recurrent Disease on Bevacizumab Treatment Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1063. [PMID: 38473419 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
There were high hopes for the new antiangiogenic medicament, bevacizumab, which could inhibit the creation of new blood vessels through binding to isoform A of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, it is not only blood vessels that are responsible for tumor cell spread. During the process of tumor growth, lymphangiogenesis is mediated by other members of the VEGF family, specifically VEGF-C and VEGF-D, which act independent to bevacizumab. Therefore, based on the mechanism of bevacizumab action and the processes of angio- and lymphangiogenesis, we formed three hypotheses: (1) if the lymph nodes in primary ovarian cancers are metastatic, the outcome of bevacizumab treatment is worsened; (2) concerning the second-line treatment, bevacizumab will act in a weakened manner if recurrence occurs in lymph nodes as opposed to a local recurrence; (3) patients treated by bevacizumab are more likely to have recurrences in lymph nodes. These hypotheses raise the issue of the existing knowledge gap, which concerns the effect of bevacizumab on metastatic lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Żak
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Satora
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ilona Skrabalak
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Ostrowska-Leśko
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Bobiński
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
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Niebrzydowska-Tatus M, Pełech A, Rekowska AK, Satora M, Masiarz A, Kabała Z, Kimber-Trojnar Ż, Trojnar M. Recent Insights and Recommendations for Preventing Excessive Gestational Weight Gain. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1461. [PMID: 38592297 PMCID: PMC10932422 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy are based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Pregnancy is a risk factor for excessive weight gain and many endocrine problems, making it difficult to return to pre-pregnancy weight and increasing the risk of postpartum obesity and, consequently, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Both excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) and obesity are associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, cesarean section, shoulder dystocia, and neonatal macrosomia. In the long term, EGWG is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly from diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and some cancers. This study aims to present recommendations from various societies regarding weight gain during pregnancy, dietary guidance, and physical activity. In addition, we discuss the pathophysiology of this complication and the differential diagnosis in pregnant women with EGWG. According to our research, inadequate nutrition might contribute more significantly to the development of EGWG than insufficient physical activity levels in pregnant women. Telehealth systems seem to be a promising direction for future EGWG prevention by motivating women to exercise. Although the importance of adequate pre-pregnancy weight and weight gain during pregnancy is well known, an increasing number of women gain excessive weight during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleksandra Pełech
- Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.N.-T.); (A.P.)
| | - Anna K. Rekowska
- Student’s Scientific Association and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.R.); (M.S.); (A.M.); (Z.K.)
| | - Małgorzata Satora
- Student’s Scientific Association and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.R.); (M.S.); (A.M.); (Z.K.)
| | - Angelika Masiarz
- Student’s Scientific Association and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.R.); (M.S.); (A.M.); (Z.K.)
| | - Zuzanna Kabała
- Student’s Scientific Association and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.R.); (M.S.); (A.M.); (Z.K.)
| | - Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar
- Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (M.N.-T.); (A.P.)
| | - Marcin Trojnar
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
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Abramiuk M, Mertowska P, Frankowska K, Świechowska-Starek P, Satora M, Polak G, Dymanowska-Dyjak I, Grywalska E. How Can Selected Dietary Ingredients Influence the Development and Progression of Endometriosis? Nutrients 2024; 16:154. [PMID: 38201982 PMCID: PMC10781184 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic, hormone-dependent disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue in ectopic locations. Since the treatment options for this disease are still limited, and the cure rate is unsatisfactory, the search for ways to treat symptoms and modify the course of the disease is of key importance in improving the quality of life of patients with endometriosis. So far, the literature has shown that nutrition can influence endometriosis through hormonal modification and altering the inflammatory or oxidative response. Since the importance of nutrition in this disease is still a subject of scientific research, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the role of dietary modifications in endometriosis. Our review showed that nutrients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, including most vitamins and several trace elements, may influence the pathogenesis of endometriosis and can be considered as the nutrients preventing the development of endometriosis. However, despite the many discoveries described in this review, further interdisciplinary research on this topic seems to be extremely important, as in the future, it may result in the development of personalized therapies supporting the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Abramiuk
- Independent Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (G.P.); (I.D.-D.)
| | - Paulina Mertowska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (E.G.)
| | - Karolina Frankowska
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Students’ Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Paulina Świechowska-Starek
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Satora
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Students’ Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Grzegorz Polak
- Independent Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (G.P.); (I.D.-D.)
| | - Izabela Dymanowska-Dyjak
- Independent Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (G.P.); (I.D.-D.)
| | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (E.G.)
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Mazur D, Satora M, Rekowska AK, Kabała Z, Łomża A, Kimber-Trojnar Ż, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B. Influence of Breastfeeding on the State of Meta-Inflammation in Obesity-A Narrative Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9003-9018. [PMID: 37998742 PMCID: PMC10670570 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity has become an emerging health issue worldwide that continues to grow in females of reproductive age as well. Obesity, as a multisystem and chronic disease, is associated with metabolic inflammation, which is defined as chronic low-grade systemic inflammation mediated by, i.a., adipose tissue macrophages. Lactation has been proven to have a beneficial influence on maternal health and could help restore metabolic balance, especially in the state of maternal obesity. In this review, we aimed to analyze the influence of breastfeeding on chronic low-grade meta-inflammation caused by obesity. We performed a comprehensive literature review using the PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar electronic databases. For this purpose, we searched for "metabolic inflammation"; "meta-inflammation"; "obesity"; "breastfeeding"; "fetal programming"; "energy metabolism"; "postpartum"; "immunity"; "immune system"; and "inflammation" keyword combinations. While the clinical impact of breastfeeding on maternal and offspring health is currently well known, we decided to gain insight into more specific metabolic effects of adiposity, lipid, and glucose homeostasis, and immunological effects caused by the activity of cytokines, macrophages, and other immune system cells. Further research on the immunological and metabolic effects of breastfeeding in obese patients is key to understanding and potentially developing obesity therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (D.M.); (M.S.); (A.K.R.); (Z.K.); (A.Ł.); (B.L.-G.)
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Satora M, Żak K, Frankowska K, Misiek M, Tarkowski R, Bobiński M. Perioperative Factors Affecting the Healing of Rectovaginal Fistula. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6421. [PMID: 37835064 PMCID: PMC10573987 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rectovaginal fistula is rare, but a severe complication in gynecology, which despite the effort of clinicians is still not treated successfully in many cases. According to statistics, the healing rates of surgery in patients with RVF range from 20 to 100%. The treatment effectiveness depends on the etiology of fistula, the age of the patients, the presence of comorbidities, the type of surgery and many other factors. Considering the low efficiency of treatment and the high risk of recurrence, the question of possible methods to improve the results occurs. In our review, we analyzed both modifiable and non-modifiable factors which may influence the treatment, healing rate and future fate of the patients. Taking into account all analyzed risk factors, including age, comorbidities, smoking status, microbiology, medications, stoma and stool features, we are aware that rectovaginal fistula's treatment must be individualized and holistic. In cases of poorly healing RVF, the drainage of feces, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis or the implementation of estrogen therapy may be useful. Moreover, microbiome research in women with RVF and towards estrogen therapy should be performed in order to create treatment algorithms in women with fistulae. Those interventions, in our opinion, may significantly improve the outcome of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Satora
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.S.); (K.Ż.); (K.F.)
| | - Klaudia Żak
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.S.); (K.Ż.); (K.F.)
| | - Karolina Frankowska
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Student Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (M.S.); (K.Ż.); (K.F.)
| | - Marcin Misiek
- Department of Gynecology, Holy Cross Cancer Center, 25-734 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Marcin Bobiński
- I Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
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Satora M, Grunwald A, Zaremba B, Frankowska K, Żak K, Tarkowski R, Kułak K. Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis-An Overview of Guidelines and the Latest Treatment Methods. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5376. [PMID: 37629418 PMCID: PMC10455317 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common condition associated with discomfort in affected women. Due to the presence of different forms of the disease, diverse treatment regimens are developed; the newest ones include oteseconazole and ibrexafungerp. Here, we focus on the most up-to-date recommendations regarding VVC treatment, as well as novel treatment options. Topical and oral azoles are the drugs of choice in uncomplicated mycosis. The efficacy of probiotics and substances such as TOL-463 and chlorhexidine is indicated as satisfactory; however, there are no relevant guidelines. Although the majority of researchers agree that the treatment of non-albicans VVC should be long-lasting, the recommendations are inconsistent. Another clinical problem is the treatment of VVC with azole intolerance or resistance, for which literature proposes the use of several drugs including oteseconazole, ibrexafungerp, and voriconazole. The treatment schedules for recurrent VVC include mainly fluconazole; however, alternative options such as immunotherapeutic vaccine (NDV-3A) or designed antimicrobial peptides (dAMPs) were also described. We also focused on VVC affecting pregnant women, which is a substantial challenge in clinical practice, also due to the heterogeneous relevant guidelines. Thus far, few precise recommendations are available in the literature. Future studies should focus on atypical VVC forms to elucidate the inconsistent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Satora
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Arkadiusz Grunwald
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Bartłomiej Zaremba
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Karolina Frankowska
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Klaudia Żak
- Student’s Scientific Association at the I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.G.); (B.Z.); (K.F.); (K.Ż.)
| | - Rafał Tarkowski
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (R.T.); (K.K.)
| | - Krzysztof Kułak
- I Chair and Department of Gynaecological Oncology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Str., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (R.T.); (K.K.)
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