Very important conclusions for the early detection of lung cancer have been included in the recent publication summarizing the U.S. National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). This is the first study in which through the use of appropriate diagnostic methods managed to reduce mortality of patients with cancer of the lung. In this analysis supremacy of repeatedly performed low dose computed tomography (LDCT) over the standard chest x-ray was demonstrated. It is the first step, which in the future might allow the introduction of an effective screening program for lung cancer. Read full text »

A number of physical illnesses is caused by the body’s inability to cope with chronic stress conditions. A continuous stimulation of the immune system leads to resource depletion and thus diseases such as hypertension or heart attack. An early detection of chronic stress is extremely problematic, due to a lack of a typical biomarker. It turns out that hair analysis may solve more problems than originally expected. Read full text »

Malignant neoplasms change the rheological properties of the blood, leading to a higher risk of thrombosis. Treatment of a cancer also affects the haemostasis. Recent studies carried out in the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (Heidelberg) showed that not only the cancer is causing the thrombosis, but the prothrombotic trend may increase the risk of malignant neoplasm occurrence. Read full text »

Nowadays, especially in industrial countries it is more common to hear about psychiatric disorders. There are more and more described neuro-psychatric diseases. An interesting disease is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), first described in 1956 in England, and in the year 1988 it was recognized as individual syndrome by Center for Disease Control (CDC). Read full text »

The issue of aging and the mechanisms directing it has always attracted great interest. This subject is connected with the eternal human desire to prolong life and improve its quality. In May 2011, a team of researchers from the Mayo Clinic of Medicine under the leadership of Darren J. Baker published an article which shows the relationship between the elimination of aging cells from the body and the delay of processes associated with progression of age. Read full text »

Recent years’ studies have been focused on the effects of natural polyphenols in the context of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It turns out that these inconspicuous substances that can be found in common herbs and spices, may help to prevent and fight against many diseases. The basic function of polyphenols in the nature is to combat reactive oxygen species formed in plants during the process of photosynthesis. So far over 8000 compounds had been identified and have been treated with ever-growing fascination. Read full text »