Summary

This entry collection introduces those common diseases.

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Topic Review
Metabolic Dysfunction and Infertility: Mechanisms, Assessment, and Management
Metabolic infertility describes impaired reproductive potential associated with disturbances in energy balance, insulin action, adipose-tissue signaling, lipid and glucose metabolism, vascular function, inflammation, and redox homeostasis. It is not a separate diagnostic entity, but a clinically useful framework linking cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS; formerly polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS), type 2 diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and male hypogonadism with ovulatory dysfunction, reduced oocyte competence, impaired endometrial receptivity, abnormal semen parameters, sperm DNA damage, and adverse outcomes of assisted reproduction. Because many contributing factors are modifiable, metabolic assessment and optimization should be integrated into preconception and infertility care for both partners. This entry examines the relationship between metabolic dysfunction and infertility in women and men. It describes the roles of insulin resistance, obesity, adipokine imbalance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal disturbances in reproductive impairment. It also presents current approaches to metabolic assessment, lifestyle intervention, pharmacological treatment, preconception use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, and personalized fertility management.
  • 35
  • 10 Aug 2026
Topic Review
From Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome
This encyclopedia chapter examines the transition from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), emphasizing its multisystem nature. It highlights the role of family physicians in early recognition, cardiometabolic risk assessment, prevention, individualized treatment, and long-term multidisciplinary care.
  • 36
  • 04 Aug 2026
Topic Review
Nitric Oxide Synthase in Experimental Chronic Toxoplasmosis
The coccidian protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is among the most prevalent zoonotic parasites worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages is considered a critical microbicidal mechanism against various intracellular pathogens, including T. gondii. While the role of the inducible nitric oxide synthase isoenzyme (iNOS) has been widely investigated in both acute and chronic T. gondii infections, the specific functions of the neuronal (nNOS) isotype in the antiparasitic immune response, particularly during chronic toxoplasmosis, remain largely uncovered. Hence, this report seeks to bridge the gap regarding the potential participation of nNOS in experimental chronic T. gondii infection. Methods: The study included 56 Swiss albino mice, equally allocated into four experimental groups: (G1) negative control, (G2) infected control, (G3) infected-L-arginine-treated, and (G4) infected-7-Nitroindazole-treated. All groups except (G1) were orally infected with the avirulent (ME49) T. gondii strain. Nine weeks post-infection, all mice were euthanized for parasitological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses. Results: The NO donor, L-arginine, induced a significant reduction in the number of T. gondii cysts, together with strong nNOS immunoreactivity in the brain sections of the treated mice. Conversely, the highest parasitic burden was observed following selective nNOS inhibition with 7-Nitroindazole, exacerbating parasite-induced pathology. Conclusions: The neuronal isotype serves as a critical source of NO production during the chronic stage of T. gondii infection, thereby enhancing parasite elimination and contributing to host tissue protection.
  • 25
  • 06 Jul 2026
Topic Review
Wound Healing: Physiological Phases and Cellular Mechanisms
This perspective contains the current understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in wound healing (the articles taken into consideration relate to the three-year period 2023–2025). Nevertheless, these biological pathways remain inadequately characterized; this is seen by the modifications leading to pathological conditions, such as keloids, chronic wounds, or hypertrophic scars and diabetic wounds. Focus is also directed to novel therapy suggested for these types of conditions. Understanding these scientific issues is crucial for professionals across many fields who see such presentations often.
  • 33
  • 17 Jun 2026
Topic Review
Cosmetic Limb Lengthening
Cosmetic limb lengthening is a surgical intervention aimed at increasing height in individuals without medical indications such as deformity or discrepancy. Unlike reconstructive lengthening procedures performed for congenital or acquired conditions, cosmetic interventions are undertaken primarily to address dissatisfaction with stature, self-image, and psychosocial challenges.
  • 351
  • 18 Aug 2025
Topic Review
A Test for Fibromyalgia? Saliva DNA Methylation
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome of unclear aetiology, and growing evidence suggests epigenetic modifications may contribute to its pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated genome-wide DNA methylation in saliva samples from fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls to identify potential epigenetic biomarkers of the disease. Salivary DNA from 53 fibromyalgia patients (78% female, mean age 43 ± 2 years) and 1619 controls without fibromyalgia or other diagnosed pathology (58% female, mean age 44 ± 2.3 years) was profiled using the Infinium Methylation EPIC array (~850,000 CpG sites). All X-chromosome CpG sites were excluded to avoid sex bias. A non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare methylation levels between groups. Five autosomal CpG sites exceeded a significance threshold of p < 0.0001 (with false discovery rate q ≈ 0.003–0.009). These top five CpGs – located in or near the genes AFAP1, UBE2Q2P1 (pseudogene of UBE2Q2), RNASEH2C, and two intergenic regions – all showed notably lower methylation in fibromyalgia patients compared to controls. By averaging the DNA methylation levels of these five CpG sites for each individual, we derived a composite epigenetic index that was dramatically different between the fibromyalgia and control groups (mean beta value 0.189 vs 0.241, p = 3.1×10^−9). Our findings demonstrate a distinct DNA methylation signature in fibromyalgia patients that can statistically distinguish them from healthy individuals. This five-CpG methylation panel, especially when combined into a mean metric, may serve as a potential biomarker to aid in the identification of fibromyalgia. Further research is warranted to validate these markers in independent cohorts and to investigate their functional relevance to fibromyalgia’s pathophysiology.
  • 509
  • 02 Sep 2025
Topic Review
Biological references for 17OHP, IRT, biotinidase in newborns
Neonatal deaths, which usually occur in the first week after delivery, account for nearly 75 percent of all deaths of children under 5 years of age. Prematurity, birth difficulties, infections, and birth defects are responsible for about 40 percent of these deaths. Although mortality rates have declined since 2000, access to quality healthcare remains a major problem for mothers and infants worldwide. In perspective, the present study aimed to establish clear biological reference intervals for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), and biotinidase in Indian neonates. The statistical analysis of data from up to 3200 dried blood spot (DBS) samples of Indian newborns provided valuable information for the new cut-off values in newborn screening (NBS) programs. We applied correlation analysis to fix the relationship for NBS parameters such as 17-OHP, IRT, and biotinidase. This study provided important information about the distribution and comparison of key cut-offs for biomarkers considering body weights and gestational age in the Indian newborn population for the first time, which can help healthcare experts make easier treatment decisions.
  • 527
  • 29 Apr 2025
Topic Review
Therapeutic Effects of Coumarins with Different Substitution Patterns
The use of derivatives of natural and synthetic origin has gained attention because of their therapeutic effects against human diseases. Coumarins are one of the most common organic molecules and are used in medicine for their pharmacological and biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective, among others.
  • 712
  • 03 Apr 2025
Topic Review
DPP4: A Multifunctional Enzyme Drug-Target for Diabetes II
The text describes the Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4 or CD26) emphasizing its multi-substrate and multi-functional role. As it is an established drug target for the treatment of Diabetes type II, it refers to the approved inhibitors of the enzyme, their mechanism and mode of inhibitory action and the mechanism underneath their side effects, when it is known. It also discusses the probable usefulness of uncompetitive, non-competitive or mixed inhibitors in addition to the approved competitive or covalent bond forming inhibitors because of the multi-substrate character of the enzyme.
  • 997
  • 14 Jan 2025
Topic Review
Innovative Therapies Targeting Drug Resistant in ccRCC
A thorough study of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) shows that com- bining tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) shows promising results in addressing the tumor-promoting influences of abnormal immunologi- cal and molecular biomarkers in metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC). These abnormal biomarkers enhance drug resistance, support tumor growth, and trigger cancer- related genes. Ongoing clinical trials are testing new treatment options that appear more effective than earlier ones. However, more research is needed to confirm their long-term safety use and potential side effects. This study highlights vital molecular and immunologi- cal biomarkers associated with drug resistance in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC). Furthermore, this study identifies a number of promising drug candidates and biomarkers that serve as significant contributors to the enhancement of the overall survival of ccRCC patients. Consequently, this article offers pertinent insights on both recently completed and ongoing clinical trials, recommending further toxicity study for the prolonged use of this treatment strategy for patients with metastatic ccRCC, while equipping researchers with invaluable information for the progression of current treatment strategies.
  • 656
  • 20 Jan 2025
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