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Introduction and purpose Aesthetic medicine is one of the youngest fields of medicine. Initially, it focused on improving the quality of life of patients by using various treatments aimed at stopping the aging process. Over time, this branch of medicine has developed dynamically, and nowadays the treatments focus not only on improving the appearance of the skin and its defects, but are also used to treat many dermatological problems. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentrate of platelets in a small volume of plasma. having numerous applications in many fields of medicine. The aim of this work is to present the method, focusing on its positive effects in the problems of aesthetic and regenerative medicine, as well as in some dermatological diseases. Material and methods The review was baised on the articles obtained from Pubmed and Google Scholar scientific databases from recent years using the keywords: aesthetic medicine, platelet-rich plasma, dermatology. Results The presence of numerous growth factors and other active ingredients makes the action of PRP comprehensive and based on several mechanisms. Studies show a positive effect, especially in skin rejuvenation and anti-aging prevention, hair reconstruction, wound healing and reconstruction of scars of various etiologies, as well as in pigmentation disorders. Moreover, combining PRP with other methods such as laser therapy or microneedling produces a synergistic effect, improving overall treatment results. Conclusions Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous preparation obtained after centrifugation of blood collected from the patient. The properties of PRP make it widely used in many clinical situations. is used both in aesthetic medicine and in dermatological problems. It should be emphasized that further multi-center studies are needed to standardize treatment protocols and adapt them to specific problems. Keywords: aesthetic medicine, platelet-rich plasma, dermatology.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss among women and men. AGA is caused by a combination of genetic factors resulting in sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which binds to the androgen receptor (AR), mediating a series of biomolecular changes that lead to changes in the hair. There are many mechanisms that can lead to AGA, some of which remain undiscovered. Treatment of AGA is also important for psychological reasons, as it constitutes a significant psychosocial stressor in the lives of people affected by this disease and worsens the quality of life. The only medications approved for the treatment of AGA are oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. These drugs may be associated with side effects, hence the need to look for other treatment methods, especially for patients who cannot tolerate approved methods. The current review focuses on the latest reports on the pathogenesis and treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Introduction and purpose Diabetes is a disease resulting from impaired action or secretion of insulin. The number of patients currently amounts to approximately 422 million, and approximately 1.5 million deaths per year are directly attributed to this disease. Diabetes significantly reduces the quality of life and, if poorly controlled, can lead to serious complications. Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent cells capable of differentiation. They have the ability to self-renew and have a modulating function. There are reports that they can be used in the treatment of this disease. The aim of the review was to present a new method of therapy and their possible effects. Material and methods The review was based on articles obtained from PubMed scientific database in the years 2015-2023, using the following keywords: diabetes mellitus, stem cells, diabetes complications. Results Implanted stem cells are able to transform into cells that produce and secrete insulin, and also enable better glycemic control. They can alleviate chronic inflammation and reduce fibrosis. Taking into account the complications that occur during long-term diabetes, the use of stem cells may be associated with improving the function of specific organs and tissues such as the kidneys, heart, eyes and nerves. Studies also report a positive effect of these cells on the healing process of wounds and ulcers. Conclusions Stem cells are a promising object of analysis. They can control glycemia and have a positive effect on the functioning of the kidneys, heart, eyes and nerves, and accelerate wound healing, but further, extensive research is needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of this therapy.

Introduction and purpose Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a modern diagnostic method that uses ultrasound waves in combination with intravenous administration of a contrast agent. It enables obtaining high resolution and assessing microcirculation in real time, thanks to which the researcher is able to analyze the enhancement and its features, which may help in diagnosing a specific pathology. Contrast agents, similar to CT and MRI, show specific phases of enhancement after administration - arterial, venous, delayed. Their additional advantage is safety, especially for patients with impaired kidney and thyroid function, and causing fewer allergic reactions. The aim of this review is to present the CEUS examination technique and the latest reports in the field of diagnosis of renal lesions. Material and methods This review was prepared based on the literature available from recent years in the PubMed and Google Scholar scientific databases using the keywords: ultrasonography, contrast enhanced ultrasonography, kidney, renal masses. Results Studies show that CEUS can be an effective method for imaging both cystic and solid lesions in the kidney. When using a contrast agent, the lesions show characteristic features that can guide the investigator to the diagnosis. Moreover, in comparative analyses, CEUS achieved comparable or better results than other diagnostic imaging methods. Conclusions CEUS is a modern and promising diagnostic method that can successfully compete with CT and MRI. Moreover, the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of contrast agents and their safety mean that CEUS can be used for the diagnosis of unclear pathologies in elderly patients, as well as for the control and supervision of changes that require frequent imaging. Keywords: ultrasonography, contrast enhanced ultrasonography, kidneys, renal masses

Introduction: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child for at least 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse and may affect up to 15% of couples of reproductive age. Reduced semen quality may be caused by trauma, inflammation, or an inappropriate lifestyle. Research suggests that diet may be a factor in influencing sperm parameters. Material and methods: The literature of the PubMed scientific base was searched in 2015-2022 using the following keywords: semen, diet, infertility. Results: Analyzes of eating patterns showed that eating a diet high in red meat, high-fat dairy, sweet energy drinks, and snacks could negatively affect semen, and a pattern based on the consumption of fish, chicken, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains was associated with with an increased concentration of sperm. A high-fat diet (HFD) leads to obesity, endocrine disorders, dysbiosis of the intestinal microflora, and may be a factor that activates autophagy, which results in reduced sperm quality. A ketogenic diet can positively affect the semen of obese, infertile men. Studies analyzing the Mediterranean diet suggest that higher compliance rates are associated with a higher percentage of mobility as well as a reduced risk of low sperm concentration. The way you prepare your meals can also play a role as glycation end products are produced when grilling, baking and frying, which can damage sperm DNA. Conclusions: Diet may be an important factor influencing the quality of sperm in men, however, there is a need for further extensive, multi-center studies that will systematize this knowledge, which will enable the creation of specific nutritional recommendations for this group of people.

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder most common in women in reproductive age. The global incidence varies from 6% to 20% depending on the diagnostic criteria used, and is also the most common cause of infertility. This disease is related to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Berberine is a compound that affects the cardiovascular system and carbohydrate metabolism, which is why there are attempts to introduce it into the therapy of patients with PCOS. Material and methods: The literature was reviewed in the PubMed scientific base in the years 2012-2022 using the following keywords: berberine, polycystic ovary syndrome. Results: Research show that the use of berberine may have a positive effect on the waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, improve lipid parameters, lower the concentration of androgens, and reduce insulin resistance. In addition, a promising effect is the stabilization of the menstrual cycle and improvement of ovulation. There are reports that this drug may also restore the normal composition of the intestinal microflora disrupted in PCOS. Side effects are rare and mild, which confirms the safety of this substance. Conclusions: Polycystic ovary syndrome affects many women, leading to numerous and serious side effects, so it is important to develop an effective treatment with as few side effects as possible. Berberine is a promising prospect, but more studies are needed on larger groups of patients to confirm these reports and develop an effective treatment regimen. Keywords: berberine, polycystic ovary syndrome.