International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science

THE PHILOSOPHY OF CONFLICTS AND MODERN WARS

Boumediene Belgherras — 2025-09-30

The evolution of science, particularly weapons technology, has transformed traditional wars, commonly understood as wars between two states or between two regular armies, into guerrilla warfare, world wars, preventive or pre-emptive wars, and subsequently into a new mode of warfare, namely, asymmetric wars (Les Guerres Asymétriques). These arise in geographies that enable their continuity and effectiveness, which in turn lay the foundations for failed states (État défaillant, L’État en déliquescence). Within these contexts, parallel armies and terrorist organisations find fertile ground for asserting their existence and ideology, striving to dismantle the nation-state. With these developments in the security and military spheres, both locally and globally, geopolitics assumes a new trajectory in international relations and may even anticipate the redrawing of boundaries.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS – THE ROLE OF NUTRITIONAL, PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS

Barbara Teresińska — 2025-09-30

Endometriosis is a chronic, progressive gynecological disease characterized by the presence of active endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis impacts around 10% of women in their reproductive years, often leading to persistent pain, cycle disturbances, and challenges with conception. Conventional management, which includes medication and surgery, is often insufficient due to high recurrence rates and suboptimal outcomes, prompting increased focus on complementary treatment strategies.

The main aim of this work is to analyze the role of three key areas of supportive therapy: diet, physiotherapy and psychotherapy in relieving the symptoms of endometriosis and improving the quality of life of patients. This is a review-based study that analyzes scientific sources from 1997 to 2025. Analysis of current studies highlights the potential of an anti-inflammatory diet, regular pelvic-focused physiotherapy, and psychotherapy as effective complementary strategies alongside conventional treatment. An integrated therapeutic approach, taking into account the somatic and psychological needs of patients, seems to be crucial in the effective management of endometriosis.

METFORMIN VERSUS PHARMACOLOGIC AND NON-PHARMACOLOGIC INTERVENTIONS IN PCOS: A REVIEW OF METABOLIC AND ANTHROPOMETRIC OUTCOMES

Martyna Bukowiec — 2025-09-30

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder in reproductive age women, marked by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities, and increased cardiometabolic risk. This review synthesizes current evidence on the clinical effectiveness of metformin versus alternative strategies across anthropometric, glycemic, and lipid outcomes in women with PCOS.

This narrative review synthesizes secondary data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar, comparing metformin with other interventions in reproductive-age women with PCOS across anthropometric, glucose, or lipid outcomes.

Metformin showed modest benefits in reducing body mass index, body weight, and waist circumference, with greater effects in overweight and obese individuals. Combined therapies, especially with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, were more effective than metformin alone. In glucose metabolism, metformin outperformed placebo and oral contraceptives in reducing fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, especially in women with higher insulin resistance. Effects on lipid profiles were moderate; metformin lowered total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, particularly when combined with statins. Its effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was limited and sometimes less favorable than that of oral contraceptives.

Metformin remains a core treatment in PCOS, with consistent, modest benefits across metabolic and anthropometric domains. Its effectiveness improves when matched to patient profiles and combined with other agents or lifestyle changes.

TACKLING ANOREXIA: CURRENT TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS IN TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Martyna Bukowiec — 2025-09-30

Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent food restriction, distorted body image, and an intense fear of weight gain. It exhibits one of the highest mortality rates among mental illnesses, second only to opioid use disorder. This review synthesizes current evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, comorbidities, and treatment of anorexia nervosa. The multifactorial pathogenesis includes genetic, neurobiological, psychological, and sociocultural components. Diagnostic criteria according to ICD-11 emphasize low body weight and behavioral patterns of restrictive eating. anorexia nervosa frequently coexists with medical complications affecting cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and skeletal systems, which contribute to its high morbidity and mortality. The review evaluates established psychological treatments, and family-based therapy, and highlights the limited and effectiveness of pharmacotherapy, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. Emerging treatments ranging from intranasal oxytocin, cannabinoids, and ketamine to neuromodulatory methods like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and virtual reality therapy show promise, but require further validation. The paper also explores inpatient care, alternative therapies (acupuncture, electroconvulsive therapy), and interventions targeting complications such as bone density loss. Despite significant advancements, relapse rates remain high, and recovery is often incomplete, underscoring the urgent need for individualized, multidisciplinary treatment approaches and further research into mechanism-based and integrative therapies.

OTITIS MEDIA: CURRENT INSIGHTS INTO ACUTE, CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE, AND EFFUSIVE FORMS

Izabela Lekan — 2025-09-30

Otitis media, encompassing acute otitis media (AOM), chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), and otitis media with effusion (OME), is among the most prevalent pediatric disorders worldwide and a leading cause of medical consultations and surgical interventions in children. Acute otitis media is most common in infants and young children, with Streptococcus pneumoniae and non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae as the primary bacterial pathogens, often in association with viral infections. Management strategies vary according to disease type and severity, ranging from observation and antibiotic therapy to surgical approaches in complicated cases. Chronic suppurative otitis media represents a long-standing inflammatory condition characterized by persistent ear discharge and tympanic membrane perforation, frequently requiring surgical management such as tympanoplasty. Otitis media with effusion, in turn, is primarily associated with middle ear fluid accumulation and hearing impairment, often managed with tympanostomy tube insertion or adenoidectomy in recurrent or persistent cases. Preventive measures, especially pneumococcal vaccination, play an essential role in reducing the incidence of otitis media and its complications. Despite advances in diagnostics and treatment, the growing number of intratemporal and intracranial complications highlights the importance of early recognition, individualized therapeutic approaches, and interdisciplinary collaboration. In conclusion, effective management of otitis media requires integration of pharmacological, surgical, and preventive strategies, supported by evidence-based guidelines and further clinical research to optimize outcomes and reduce disease burden.

CUTANEOUS MELANOMA – DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Izabela Lekan — 2025-09-30

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, with its incidence steadily increasing worldwide. Although it accounts for a minority of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer–related deaths. This review discusses the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and histopathological features of the main melanoma subtypes, including superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), nodular melanoma (NM), lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), and acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). Particular attention is given to current diagnostic strategies, ranging from the gold standard of histopathological examination to emerging non-invasive techniques such as dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), and the novel tape stripping method. These approaches have improved early detection and the accurate assessment of tumor margins, supporting more personalized therapeutic planning. Treatment remains primarily surgical in early-stage melanoma, while advanced cases increasingly benefit from immunotherapy and targeted therapies, which have significantly improved survival outcomes. Additionally, this article explores the potential association between physical activity and melanoma risk, emphasizing that outdoor activity may increase susceptibility due to greater ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Prevention strategies, including public education and effective photoprotection, remain essential in mitigating disease burden. In conclusion, despite significant advances in diagnosis and therapy, malignant melanoma continues to pose major clinical and public health challenges, underscoring the importance of early detection, prevention, and ongoing research.

ADHD TREATMENT: FROM MEDICATION TO BEHAVIORAL THERAPIES- A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Barbara Madoń — 2025-09-30

Introduction: Nowadays, ADHD is one of the most common diagnoses in the mental health field. It presents a wide spectrum of clinical presentations that affect patients’ everyday life. Variety of symptoms make each patients’ needs individual, and because of that, treatment of ADHD must be adjusted to each person separately to achieve the best possible outcome.

Materials and methods: This article, based on a PubMed review of available research, examines ADHD treatment

Key findings and conclusions: Options in first line medications are limited, therefore formulation technologies are one of the few methods to modify the therapy. Alternative to that, especially for patients that cannot take stimulants, are non-stimulant medications generally used in other medical fields. Additionally, psychotherapy is inherent for patients to understand their disorder, which allows them to accept it. The aim of this article is to present the basis of a complex issue, as ADHD treatment is.

THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON METABOLIC SYNDROME AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

Mikołaj Asztabski — 2025-09-30

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most serious public-health challenges, affecting approximately 25 % of the adult population worldwide and more than doubling the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is characterised by the coexistence of abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension, which translates into markedly increased mortality risk. Physical activity (PA) has been identified as a key modifiable factor in the prevention and treatment of this cluster of disorders. The aim of this review is to discuss in detail the impact of various forms of PA on the components of MetS and on CVD risk.

Methods and Materials: A systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out, analysing randomised trials, meta-analyses and observational studies that assessed the effectiveness of aerobic, resistance and high-intensity interval training.

Conclusions: Regular PA exerts a multidirectional influence on all components of MetS, effectively reducing abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Aerobic training shows the greatest efficacy in improving metabolic parameters, whereas the combination of aerobic and resistance modalities provides the most favourable therapeutic outcomes. In secondary prevention of CVD, PA achieves effectiveness comparable to pharmacotherapy and significantly surpasses it in post-stroke patients. The underlying mechanisms include improvements in insulin sensitivity, enhanced glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, and beneficial modulation of adipokine and cytokine profiles. The review underlines the importance of regular PA as a public-health strategy and highlights the need for further research aimed at optimising intervention programs.

LESCH – NYHAN SYNDROME (LNS) - THE REVIEW

Daria Madycka — 2025-09-30

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is a rare X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the HPRT1 gene, which encodes an important enzyme in the purine salvage pathway. Symptoms of LNS include dystonia, gout, intellectual disability, and self-harm. Although the disease was described in 1964, it remains unclear how abnormalities in hypoxanthine and guanine recycling can lead to such significant neurological deficits. Several studies have proposed different hypotheses regarding the etiology of the disease and various treatment options have been proposed, but none have led to a satisfactory explanation of the pathophysiology of the disease. New technologies such as sequencing, optogenetics, genome editing, and induced pluripotent stem cells may provide a unique opportunity to map the precise sequential pathways from genotype to disease phenotype.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HEALTH EFFECTS OF WINTER SWIMMING: A COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL REVIEW

Kacper Gryboś — 2025-09-30

Winter swimming, defined as immersion in cold water, is gaining popularity as a form of physical activity and a natural health-enhancing intervention. This article provides a comprehensive medical review of the physiological and health effects associated with cold water exposure. Acute bodily responses to cold immersion are discussed, including activation of thermoregulatory mechanisms, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neuromuscular changes, as well as the risks of hypothermia and cold shock. Chronic adaptations observed in regular winter swimmers are also presented, encompassing hormonal, metabolic, and immunological modifications that enhance cold tolerance and support homeostasis. The health benefits of winter swimming are analyzed, highlighting improvements in cardiovascular performance, immune system modulation, mood enhancement, and metabolic regulation. Concurrently, potential risks are emphasized, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses, children, and the elderly. The article concludes with a comparative analysis of winter swimming and other cold therapies, noting differences in exposure intensity and therapeutic efficacy. This review underscores the need for further research to standardize protocols and better elucidate the long-term effects of winter swimming.

SWIMMING AGAINST THE CURRENT: ASTHMA AND UPPER AIRWAY DISORDERS IN COMPETITIVE SWIMMERS

Weronika Sepioło — 2025-09-30

Purpose of the research: This review aims to assess the frequency of asthma and upper airway disorders in competitive swimmers, as well as identify potential environmental and training factors that contribute to the development of these conditions.

Materials and methods: The review of research literature was conducted through databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, including studies from 2007 to 2025.

Results: Competitive swimmers have been shown to have a significantly higher incidence of exercise-induced asthma and chronic upper respiratory tract syndromes than in the general population. Particularly frequently observed cough, nasal congestion, wheezing, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. There was also a correlation between the length of exposure to the swimming pool environment and the severity of the symptoms.

Conclusions: The environment of indoor swimming pools, especially exposure to chlorination byproducts, may contribute to the development of asthma and chronic upper respiratory tract diseases in swimmers. There is a need for further research and implementation of preventive measures, such as improving swimming pool ventilation and monitoring the health of athletes.

DEMENTIA – DIFFERENTIATION AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Joanna Mazurek — 2025-09-30

Dementias are a complex group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive functions, significantly affecting patients' daily lives. Differentiating between types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, is essential for appropriate therapy planning, disease prognosis, and optimizing care.

Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive assessment of clinical symptoms, neuroimaging studies, and analysis of fluid biomarkers. Clinical symptoms, such as memory impairment, attention deficits, executive dysfunction, and behavioral changes, are the basis of diagnosis; however, differentiation requires support from brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), which allow the identification of characteristic structural and metabolic changes. Biomarkers, particularly tau and beta-amyloid proteins measured in cerebrospinal fluid and serum, are important tools for confirming the diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.

Early diagnosis of dementia is crucial for the effectiveness of therapy and improving patients’ quality of life. It enables the implementation of interventions that slow disease progression and provides appropriate psychosocial support for patients and their families.

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has played an increasing role in the diagnosis of dementia. Advanced algorithms analyzing clinical, neuroimaging, and biomarker data support more accurate and faster differentiation of dementia types and help identify at-risk individuals at early disease stages. The implementation of AI in clinical practice opens new opportunities for personalized treatment and patient care.

THE ROLE OF CREATINE IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Amin Omidi — 2025-09-30

Creatine, widely known as a performance-enhancing supplement for athletes and bodybuilders is increasingly recognized for its potential neuroprotective properties. Beyond its well-established role in energy metabolism and muscle physiology, creatine appears to influence brain function by supporting ATP homeostasis, reducing oxidative stress, and stabilizing neuronal membranes. Recent studies have suggested that creatine supplementation may benefit individuals with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, preliminary findings indicate a potential role for creatine in mitigating the effects of acute brain injuries and mood disorders, including major depressive disorder. Despite promising experimental data, the clinical efficacy of creatine in neurological settings remains under investigation, with inconsistent results across human trials. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the neuroprotective effects of creatine and critically assess the quality of available evidence.

THE ROLE OF COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTATION IN KNEE JOINT DISORDERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CLINICAL STUDIES

Bartłomiej Zarębski — 2025-09-30

Introduction and Purpose: Collagen is essential for maintaining the structure and function of the knee joint, making it a promising option for managing joint-related conditions. This review explores current clinical research on the impact of collagen supplements on knee pain, mobility, and overall joint health in individuals with osteoarthritis, early arthritis, meniscal injuries, and functional joint discomfort.

Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 2016 onward. Keywords included "collagen," "knee joint," "supplementation," and "osteoarthritis" to identify relevant clinical trials and studies.

Main Findings: The review indicates that collagen supplementation, particularly types I, II, and III, offers notable benefits for knee joint health. In patients with osteoarthritis and early joint degeneration, undenatured type II collagen and collagen peptides significantly reduced pain, stiffness, and improved mobility, as measured by standardized tools like WOMAC, KOOS, and VAS. Similar improvements were noted in athletes and active individuals experiencing activity-related knee discomfort, with reported reductions in joint pain and decreased reliance on additional treatment. Certain collagen formulations also improved range of motion and flexibility in both healthy subjects and those with minor joint issues. Additionally, recent studies show that collagen can help those with meniscal injuries by reducing pain, boosting leg strength, and enhancing quality of life.

Conclusion: Collagen supplements appear to be a safe and effective option for improving knee joint health, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis and functional joint discomfort. While outcomes vary depending on the collagen type and dosage, overall evidence supports their potential in reducing pain and enhancing joint function across a range of populations.

THE ROLE OF DIET AND MICRONUTRIENTS IN MIGRAINE PREVENTION

Patrycja Świercz — 2025-09-30

Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of throbbing headache, often unilateral, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. Dietary factors and deficiencies in micronutrients, such as magnesium, riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, play a significant role in modulating the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

This article analyzes the biological mechanisms linking diet to migraine, the effectiveness of supplementation with selected micronutrients, and the importance of eliminating potential trigger factors, such as tyramine, monosodium glutamate, or aspartame.

Based on a review of scientific literature, including Polish and English-language sources, it was demonstrated that a properly balanced diet, including the Mediterranean and ketogenic diets, and individually tailored supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of migraine attacks. The need for further research to optimize dietary strategies and personalize interventions to improve the quality of life of migraine patients was emphasized.

HOW VITAMIN D AFFECTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Sandra Khiralla-Gawlik — 2025-09-30

Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, modulating the immune response through the activation of vitamin D receptors (VDR) in various immune cells. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in protecting against infections, particularly respiratory infections, and its deficiency is associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Although the results of studies on vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of autoimmune diseases are mixed, there is growing interest in its potential impact on the course of these diseases. This review discusses the mechanisms of vitamin D action in the context of the immune system and its significance in preventing infections and autoimmune diseases. Research indicates the need for further analysis to establish optimal supplementation doses of vitamin D and its effectiveness in different patient groups.

THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF METFORMIN IN THE TREATMENT OF HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS: REVIEW

Gabriela Kapłon — 2025-09-30

Background: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, with a noticeable increase in incidence observed in recent years. Despite its high prevalence, current treatment options remain limited and primarily focus on managing the consequences rather than addressing the underlying causes of the condition. Metformin, although primarily prescribed for diabetes, has demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties in several autoimmune disease models.

Aim: This review aims to evaluate the potential role of metformin in the management of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, with a particular focus on its effects on immune regulation and thyroid function.

Methods: An electronic literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and Evidence‑Based Medicine Reviews. Search terms included ‘Metformin’, ‘Hashimoto disease’, ‘Thyroiditis’, ‘Thyroid’, ‘autoimmune disease’ as keywords. Only articles in English were considered.

Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest that metformin, through its anti-inflammatory properties and modulation of AMPK/mTOR pathways, may influence immune responses in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Despite promising preclinical findings, further clinical trials involving human participants are required to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy and safety in this context.

SLEEP AND MENTAL HEALTH: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SLEEP DISORDERS AND DEPRESSION

Aleksandra Anna Strzelecka — 2025-09-30

Sleep disturbances are a core feature of depressive disorders, occurring in most patients during both acute episodes and remission. Insomnia is the most prevalent form and significantly affects treatment response and relapse risk. The relationship between sleep and depression is bidirectional—sleep problems may precede, co-occur with, or result from depression. Non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) have proven effective in improving both sleep quality and depressive symptoms, especially when combined with antidepressants. Somatic interventions like chronotherapy, light therapy and sleep cycle manipulation also show promising outcomes. Recognizing and treating sleep disturbances as a primary therapeutic target can enhance the overall effectiveness of depression management and support long-term remission.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN SLEEP DISORDERS AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS AND OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW

Agnieszka Brzezińska — 2025-09-30

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is an autoimmune disease and is increasingly recognised for its bidirectional relationship with sleep disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that sleep disturbances not only exacerbate UC symptoms but may also influence disease activity and relapse rates. Sleep deprivation is increasingly recognized as a significant factor influencing the pathogenesis and progression of autoimmune diseases. This review also synthesizes current evidence on the bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and autoimmune conditions, focusing on underlying mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential therapeutic strategies.

THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Karolina Marrodán-Wojtczak — 2025-09-30

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue, leading to inflammation, chronic pelvic pain and reduced quality of life. While hormonal and surgical treatments remain standard, interest in non-pharmacological interventions, including physical activity, has grown due to its potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and psychosocial benefits.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of physical activity on the course of endometriosis

Material and Methods: Information was collected using the english language literature databases such as PubMed and GoogleScholar. The literature from 1985-2025 was reviewed to evaluate the pain management in endometriosis. Specific attention was paid to publications on the impact of physical activity and exercises on endometriosis associated pain and the quality of life.

Results: The reviewed literature consistently indicated that physical activity contributed to a reduction in endometriosis-related symptoms, most notably chronic pelvic pain. Despite methodological heterogeneity, all studies reported either clinical or statistically significant benefits of PA in endometriosis symptom management. However, several authors emphasized the need for further standardized, large-scale trials to determine optimal exercise type, duration, and intensity.

Conclusions: Physical activity appears to be a promising complementary therapy for managing endometriosis symptoms, particularly pain and fatigue, by modulating inflammation, stress responses, and hormonal balance. While current data are encouraging, further high-quality, longitudinal studies are required to establish standardized exercise protocols and confirm long-term benefits.

FOOD, MICROBES, AND THE MIND: INTERVENTIONS AND TECH-FOR-HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Wojciech Pabis — 2025-09-30

Research objectives: To synthesise recent evidence on microbiome-brain relationships across Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, depression and schizophrenia; to summarise therapeutic strategies (diet, probiotics/prebiotics, psychobiotics, faecal microbiota transplantation) and biological mechanisms; and to outline translational considerations relevant to technology and society.

Methods: Structured narrative review with a PRISMA-style workflow.

Sources: PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science (Core Collection), plus handsearch/citation chasing (English/Polish; 1 Jan 2013–31 Mar 2025). Ten authors performed duplicate screening and data charting. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Included n=21 studies after databases identified n=1,500 records, duplicates n=540, screened n=960, and full texts assessed n=252 (databases) and n=48 from other sources; the reference list also cites background/methodological works not counted in PRISMA.

Key findings: Across conditions, a consistent signal is loss of short-chain-fatty-acid (SCFA)–producing taxa, increased intestinal permeability and immune activation. High-fibre/polyphenol diets and multi-strain probiotics/prebiotics show the

clearest-though modest-improvements in inflammatory markers and selected mood/quality-of-life outcomes; cognitive effects are mixed. Psychobiotics show preliminary benefits; faecal microbiota transplantation remains experimental in neurology. Mechanistic strands include SCFAs, tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism, vagal signalling and HPA-axis modulation.

Conclusions: The gut microbiome is a modifiable contributor to brain health. Low-risk dietary optimisation is warranted, and probiotic use should be strain-specific. Priorities include adequately powered, preregistered trials with harmonised microbiome pipelines and mechanistic endpoints, plus evaluation of precision-nutrition and data-driven decision support under robust privacy governance.

ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Jakub Zajączkowski — 2025-09-30

Introduction and purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms, such as bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity and instability of the posture. Millions of people suffer from the disease around the world, affecting not only the patients, but also public health systems. Pharmacological interventions exist, although aside from reducing symptoms, no drugs that stop the progression of PD have been developed.

That is why interventions from outside the realm of pharmacology have garnered increased focus of the academics, one of them being physical activity. In recent years, an extensive research was done to prove or disprove a link between exercise and PD’s prevention and management.

What this study aims to do, is to comprehensively gather and review current state of literature in the field of physical activity’s role in prevention and management of Parkinson’s disease.

Material and methods: Our method of research was to scan the databases of academic articles easily accessible on the Internet, such as PubMed, Google Scholar and others. Our team searched for “Parkinson’s disease” together with various terms, such as “physical activity”, “exercise”, “prevention”, “management”, “symptoms” and “treatment”. Following that, the obtained data were manually analysed.

Conclusions: This review, based on quoted research, points to physical activity as a valuable addition to the standard pharmacological treatments, with its potentially beneficial effects all across the PD’s development timeline. From disease prevention and modification, to management of the symptoms, both motor and non-motor alike.

Additional research ought to be conducted in the field to explain the mechanisms and to maximize the effect of the interventions. Nevertheless, contemporary state of knowledge heavily suggests incorporating physical activity into standard treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease.