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Ageing, in a natural way, leads to the gradual worsening of the functional capacity of all systems and, eventually, to death. This process is strongly associated with higher metabolic and oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, accumulation of DNA mutations and increased levels of related damage. Detrimental changes that accumulate in body cells and tissues with time raise the vulnerability to environmental challenges and enhance the risk of major chronic diseases and mortality. There are several theses concerning the mechanisms of ageing: genetic, free radical telomerase, mitochondrial decline, metabolic damage, cellular senescence, neuroendocrine theory, Hay-flick limit and membrane theories, cellular death as well as the accumulation of toxic and non-toxic garbage. Moreover, ageing is associated with structural changes within the myocardium, cardiac conduction system, the endocardium as well as the vasculature. With time, the cardiac structures lose elasticity, and fibrotic changes occur in the heart valves. Ageing is also associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis. The results of studies suggest that some natural compounds may slow down this process and protect against age-related diseases. Animal studies imply that some of them may prolong the lifespan; however, this trend is not so obvious in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) is a group of various malignant tumours of the renal cortex displaying distinct clinical, morphologic, and genetic features. Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (ccpRCC), belonging to this group, shares morphologic features with both clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) and therefore, more strict diagnostic criteria should be developed to avoid misdiagnosis. Despite overlapping features, ccpRCC has also distinct clinical behaviour, histologic characteristics (morphologic and immunohistochemical), and genomic features. The concepts concerning this tumour are constantly developing since its biological potential and molecular basis remains to be fully unravelled. First reports indicated the presence of ccpRCC in end-stage renal disease, and they underlined the enriched development in this group of patients; however, currently, it is known that such tumours can also occur spontaneously in the normal kidney. Numerous studies have demonstrated that clinical outcomes and prognosis of ccpRCC patients is highly favourable. Till now, no convincing evidence of metastatic ccpRCC or death caused by the disease has been found. Therefore, it is of high importance to correctly differentiate ccpRCC from other subtypes of RCC with a much worse prognosis and to introduce appropriate management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heart failure (HF) epidemic is one of the challenges that has been faced by the healthcare system worldwide for almost 25 years. With an ageing world population and a fast-paced lifestyle that promotes the development of cardiovascular disease, the number of people suffering from heart failure will continue to rise. To improve the treatment regimen and consequently the prognosis and quality of life of heart failure patients, new therapeutic solutions have been introduced, such as an inclusion of Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in a new treatment regimen as announced by the European Society of Cardiology in August 2021. This article focuses on the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin and its use in patients with heart failure. Empagliflozin is a drug originally intended for the treatment of diabetes due to its glycosuric properties, yet its beneficial effects extend beyond lowering glycemia. The pleiotropic effects of the drug include nephroprotection, improving endothelial function, lowering blood pressure and reducing body weight. In this review we discuss the cardioprotective mechanism of the drug in the context of the benefits of empagliflozin use in patients with chronic cardiac insufficiency. Numerous findings confirm that despite its potential limitations, the use of empagliflozin in HF treatment is advantageous and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is becoming the most dangerous lifestyle disease of our time, and its effects are already being observed in both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gut microbiota on the prevalence of obesity and associated morbidities, taking into consideration underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition to exploring the relationship between obesity and fecal microorganisms with their metabolites, the study also focused on the factors that would be able to stimulate growth and remodeling of microbiota. Assessed articles were carefully classified according to a predetermined criterion and were critically appraised and used as a basis for conclusions. The considered articles and reviews acknowledge that intestinal microbiota forms a multifunctional system that might significantly affect human homeostasis. It has been proved that alterations in the gut microbiota are found in obese and metabolically diseased patients. The imbalance of microbiome composition, such as changes in Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and presence of different species of genus Lactobacillus, might promote obesity and comorbidities (type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, depression, obstructive sleep apnea). However, there are also studies that contradict this theory. Therefore, further well-designed studies are needed to improve the knowledge about the influence of microbiota, its metabolites, and probiotics on obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), affecting over one-third of type 1 and nearly half of type 2 diabetes patients. As the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, DKD develops through a complex interplay of chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Early detection is crucial, with diagnosis based on persistent albuminuria and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Treatment strategies emphasize comprehensive management, including glycemic control, blood pressure regulation, and the use of nephroprotective agents such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Ongoing research explores novel therapies targeting molecular pathways and non-coding RNAs. Preventive measures focus on rigorous control of hyperglycemia and hypertension, aiming to mitigate disease progression. Despite therapeutic advances, DKD remains a leading cause of ESRD, highlighting the need for continued research to identify new biomarkers and innovative treatments.