Volume 29, Issue 161, July 2025

About the Cover

Nowadays, the misuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) is becoming a growing concern. People are using AASs and SARMs to enhance physical performance and muscle mass. Testosterone derivatives are particularly prevalent among bodybuilders and young male athletes. These substances are easy to buy, and some have been even found in over-the-counter dietary supplements. The wide availability has led to off-label use of AASs and SARMs. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the most recent studies on the hepatotoxic effects of AASs and SARMs including direct hepatocellular damage, acute cholestatic syndrome, peliosis hepatis, and development of benign and malignant liver tumors, predominantly hepatic adenomas and HCC.

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REVIEW

Hepatotoxicity Associated with Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: A Literature Review

Przemysław Kwiatka, Marta Borecka, Karolina Hanusz, Anna Bieda, Arkadiusz Zaremba, Karolina Stachyra, Julia Beata Krasnodębska, Mateusz Leśniewski, Michał Kluska, Maciej Wyskok

Nowadays, the misuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) is becoming a growing concern. People are using AASs and SARMs to enhance physical performance and muscle mass

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e100ms3584

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Obesity and male infertility: Systematic review

Arkadiusz Zaremba, Franciszek Cichur, Krzysztof Cieślak, Michał Widawski, Damian Zaremba, Aleksandra Górniak

Introduction: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Male infertility is a major global health problem, and numerous studies have been conducted to determine the factors that influence it.

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e101ms3594

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The Association of Vitamin D with Rheumatic Diseases: A Review

Kinga Erazmus, Karolina Jałocha, Kinga Świtała, Patrycja Pysz, Roksana Hrapkowicz, Maria Mroczka, Agnieszka Czernecka, Marek Borecki, Dominik Tomczak, Justyna Kuciel

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that exerts multidirectional effects due to the widespread expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) across various tissues. One of its most notable extra-skeletal roles is its ability to modulate immune system function.

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e102ms3586

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Hematological signs of early Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection

Agnieszka Radziwonka

Introduction: During early HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection many individuals develop nonspecific, flu-like symptoms, including fever, lymphadenopathy, rash, and malaise, although a significant proportion of the patients remain asymptomatic.

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e103ms3629

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Endometriosis and the Microbiome: A Hidden Link in the Female Reproductive Ecosystem

Sara Hassan, Szymon Bienia, Aisha Hassan, Kamil Hassan

Endometriosis involves the persistent presence of endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus. These lesions respond to hormones, break down, and cause inflammation

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e104ms3605

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ARTICLE

Awareness of medical staff about botulinum toxin and its use - pilot study

Izabella Prządo, Łukasz Karaś, Patrycja Patronik, Sabina Krupa-Nurcek

Background: Botulinum toxin, also known as botulinum or Botox, is a substance produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Although it is one of the most potent toxins known, it has been widely used in medicine

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e105ms3581

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REVIEW

The role of immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced cervical cancer: New guidelines and future perspectives

Sara Hassan, Szymon Bienia, Aisha Hassan, Kamil Hassan

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies globally, particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, and is the second most prevalent cancer-related cause of death

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e106ms3609

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The Association Between Kidney Stone Disease and the Incidence of Genitourinary Cancers

Szymon Bienia, Sara Hassan, Aisha Hassan, Kamil Hassan

Kidney stone disease (nephrolithiasis) is a common urological condition with rising global prevalence over the past three decades. Data support a correlation between kidney stones and genitourinary malignancies, particularly renal cell carcinoma (RCC), bladder cancer, and prostate cancer.

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e107ms3612

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Rethinking veganism: Challenging health misconceptions and disinformation in popular discourse

Dominika Tuzimek, Weronika Kozak, Katarzyna Cierpiszewska, Michalina Wiktoria Kryścińska, Dagmara Skowrońska

Context: The vegan diet, despite its widely recognized benefits, remains surrounded by numerous myths suggesting a potentially adverse impact on the health of specific population groups. Objective: This article addresses current and controversial topics related to plant-based nutrition.

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e108ms3598

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CASE REPORT

Lymphocytic colitis: diagnostic challenges in family doctor’s practice - a case report

Karol Miklusiak, Klaudia Miklusiak

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, that typically presents with chronic watery and non-bloody diarrhea. Histopathological examination is crucial to make a correct diagnosis

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e109ms3616

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REVIEW

Psilocybin-assisted treatment of depression

Barbara Anna Zapalska, Antonina Teresa Witkowska, Anna Cukrowska, Artur Galus

Depression, a common mental disorder, affects people at different stages of life. Classic antidepressant treatment is generally effective, however, it is prolonged.

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e110ms3657

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CASE REPORT

Gastric Trichobezoar in a 9-Year- Old: A Case Report

Shahad M Alkhonezan, Reema M Alkhonezan, Ashraf Abdulrahim

A 9-year-old girl presented with a one-year history of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Examination revealed abdominal distention and hair thinning

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e111ms3611

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Multifactorial thrombocytosis directing the diagnostic process - extreme thrombocytosis unveiling pheochromocytoma: case report

Michał Kluska, Anna Bieda, Arkadiusz Zaremba, Maciej Wyskok, Karolina Stachyra, Julia Beata Krasnodębska, Mateusz Leśniewski, Marta Borecka, Karolina Hanusz, Przemysław Kwiatka, Sylwester Stawowski

Thrombocytosis is a common incidental finding observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. It can pose a significant diagnostic challenge

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e112ms3617

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REVIEW

The Role of Nutritional Factors and Age in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Tinnitus

Eliza Mędrek, Natalia Kawczyńska, Paulina Zegarska

Introduction: Tinnitus is a common and frequently debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving hearing procedure dysfunction and neuroplastic changes

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e113ms3602

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Finnish Sauna Bathing in Cardiovascular Health: Mechanistic Insights, Mortality Benefits, and Safety Considerations for At-Risk Populations

Wiktor Szymajda, Tomasz Czapiewski, Maksymilian Szymczak, Lidia Żyła, Aleksandra Trojańska

Finnish sauna bathing, a traditional practice involving dry heat exposure, is associated with significant cardiovascular benefits, especially in lowering the risk of hypertension and reducing cardiovascular disease mortality

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e114ms3604

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The Potential Role of Curcumin in Cardiovascular Risk and Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Scientific Evidence

Karolina Jońska, Jakub Joński, Ali Kraziński, Natalia Sak, Oskar Kołdej, Julia Lińska-Kołodziej, Kamil Kraziński, Julia Kałużna, Łukasz Elantkowski

Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa), has caught the attention of researchers because it seems to offer many health benefits and unusual drug-like effects.

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e115ms3601

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Supplements in Breast Cancer Care: Managing Side Effects and Navigating Drug–Supplement Interactions: A Narrative Review

Roksana Hrapkowicz, Agnieszka Czernecka, Kinga Świtała, Maria Mroczka, Dominik Tomczak, Kinga Erazmus, Justyna Kuciel, Karolina Jałocha, Marek Borecki, Patrycja Pysz

Background: Women diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely than other cancer patients to use supplements. Despite potential benefits, there is still a lack of clear data regarding their safety

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e116ms3588

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The Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Prevention and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders - a review

Maria Mroczka, Kinga Świtała, Patrycja Pysz, Roksana Hrapkowicz, Agnieszka Czernecka, Kinga Erazmus, Justyna Kuciel, Dominik Tomczak, Karolina Jałocha, Marek Borecki

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been extensively studied because of their therapeutic potential in mental health disorders

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e117ms3595

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The Impact of Tirzepatide on Cancer Development: a literature review

Anna Klasa, Filip Maj, Justyna Gręda, Karol Mateusz Wojnarowski, Bartosz Zieliński

Background: Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, concerns persist about its potential association with cancer.

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e118ms3627

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The impact of health-promoting behaviors on cardiovascular diseases - a review of the literature

Justyna Kopala, Błażej Gajęcki, Weronika Kotnis, Jan Siemianowski, Sandra Prolejko, Tomasz Kucharski, Weronika Buczek, Greta Steć, Agata Brzyska, Magdalena Pawlak

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Despite known risk factors, improved treatment, and advances in medical technology,

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e119ms3607

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Melatonin as a prophylactic treatment for migraine - A systematic review of literature

Julia Sztubińska, Marta Tortyna, Marta Urszula Marciniak, Danuta Borowska, Julia Urbańska, Paula Szarek, Olga Samsel, Natalia Sioch, Julia Krotofil, Maciej Trzciński, Kamil Nieczaj

Migraine is one of the most common widespread neurological conditions. Even though we have access to a variety of treatment options

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e120ms3621

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Impact of Opioid Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Cancer Pain

Bartosz Zieliński, Karol Mateusz Wojnarowski, Justyna Gręda

Introduction: Opioids work to lessen pain intensity, but they do affect the overall quality of life (QoL) because of their good points and side effects, and they include sedation and constipation

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e121ms3631

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The Role of Hypotonic and Isotonic Drinks in Supporting Hydration and Recovery in Team Sport Athletes – A Literature Review

Aleksandra Górniak, Natalia Gizińska, Aleksandra Kubas, Michał Widawski, Aleksander Sobczyk, Paulina Lewandowska, Amelia Rusiecka, Arkadiusz Zaremba, Franciszek Cichur

Introduction: Correct hydration is essential for athletes engaged in high-intensity activities that involve frequent changes in pace and limited opportunities to drink

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e122ms3636

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