Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology

doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2026-frontmatter3pmid: N/A

Fernicola, Agostino; Santangelo, Alfonso; Ricciardelli, Luigi; Benassai, Giacomo; Quarto, Gennaro

doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2026-0004pmid: 42136253

Fernicola, Agostino; Parmeggiani, Domenico; Crocetto, Felice; Shafeea, Murtaja Satea; Cece, Alessio; Calogero, Armando; Cicatiello, Annunziata Gaetana; Benassai, Giacomo; Quarto, Gennaro; Santangelo, Michele

doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2025-0184pmid: 41448125

AbstractIntroductionEsophageal achalasia is a rare motility disorder characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and absent peristalsis. Diagnostic tools such as high-resolution manometry (HRM) and functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) have improved disease recognition; however, interpretation remains complex and highly operator dependent. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising approach to automate data analysis and enhance diagnostic accuracy, but its specific role in achalasia is not yet clearly defined.ContentA narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, searching for studies published up to June 2025 that investigated AI applications in esophageal motility disorders, with particular attention to achalasia. Search terms included “artificial intelligence,” “machine learning,” “achalasia,” “esophageal motility,” and “high-resolution manometry.” Although no prospective or interventional studies directly evaluating AI in achalasia were identified, several retrospective proof-of-concept studies applied AI algorithms to HRM and FLIP data. These studies demonstrated the feasibility of automated classification of esophageal motility disorders, with high accuracy in differentiating motility subtypes potentially applicable to achalasia. Exploratory research on AI-assisted imaging and outcome prediction also showed encouraging results.SummaryCurrent evidence suggests that AI-based models can accurately analyze complex esophageal motility data and reduce interobserver variability. While direct clinical evidence in achalasia remains limited, existing studies provide a solid methodological foundation for AI-assisted diagnosis, classification, and clinical decision support in this condition.OutlookFuture research should focus on prospective validation, multicenter data collection, and multimodal integration of clinical, physiologic, and imaging data. With targeted development and ethical governance, AI has the potential to enhance diagnostic precision, support personalized treatment strategies, and advance precision motility care in patients with achalasia.

Das, Joy; Bhui, Utpal; Chakraborty, Gouri Shankar; Mazumder, Dipen; Shil, Sagar; Sah, Ashok Kumar; Akter, Borony; Hossain, Jahid; Nayak, Soumyadip; Basak, Souvik; Debnath, Biplab; Nath, Rajarshi; Belagodu Sridhar, Sathvik; Panigrahy, Uttam Prasad

Anjanappa, Pooja; Kularia, Sunita; Shrestha, Yogendra

doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2025-0222pmid: 41630422

AbstractConcerns regarding contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) remain significant due to the increasing use of iodinated contrast agents (ICM) in diagnostic and medical procedures. Although the frequency of CI-AKI has decreased over the decades, it continues to be a major cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney damage, thereby elevating the risk of mortality, morbidity, and prolonged hospital stays. The complex pathophysiology of CI-AKI involves vasoconstriction, oxidative stress, renal medullary hypoxia, inflammatory responses, and direct tubular toxicity. Recent discoveries have identified ferroptosis and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as additional mechanisms contributing to endothelial and tubular damage. Furthermore, microRNAs such as miR-30c, miR-21, and miR-141-3p have emerged as preliminary biomarkers and therapeutic targets due to their regulatory effects on cellular apoptosis and inflammatory pathways. Procedural controversies persist regarding the risk differences between intravenous and intra-arterial contrast administration; however, evidence suggests that patient comorbidities and procedural complexity, rather than the route of administration alone, determine the risk of CI-AKI. Risk stratification tools, such as the Mehran and ACEF scores, provide frameworks for identifying high-risk patients and guiding preventive strategies. This review integrates an understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of CI-AKI, clarifies procedural debates, and highlights emerging biomarkers and risk models.

Misra, Saurav; Deb, Tirthankar; Devi, Savita; Singh, Amandeep; Goel, Richa

doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2025-0201pmid: 41562503

AbstractObjectivesDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition marked by high blood sugar levels. As a primary treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), metformin has demonstrated positive effects on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in newly diagnosed patients.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study. Blood samples were collected three times to analyse biomarkers. The study involved newly diagnosed T2DM patients who provided written informed consent. The assessments included plasma lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Additionally, interleukin-6 (IL-6) was measured to evaluate inflammation.ResultsHbA1c levels significantly decreased at the 6-month follow-up. Analysis showed a reduction in SOD levels at each visit, with a statistically significant difference between the first and second follow-ups (p=0.03028). MDA levels also decreased at each visit, with a statistically significant difference between the first and second follow-ups (p<0.05). Catalase levels increased at each visit, but only between the first and second follow-ups (p=0.03124). IL-6 levels decreased at each visit, with a statistically significant difference between the first and second follow-ups (p<0.05).ConclusionsMetformin reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes, aiding in protecting cells and tissues.

Giulioni, Carlo; Maurizi, Valentina; Falsetti, Federico; Crocetto, Felice; Cafarelli, Angelo

doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2025-0200pmid: 41445007

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the efficacy and safety of Flower Pollen Extract with Vitamins (PEV) in improving urinary and sexual function in men diagnosed with chronic prostatitis (CP).MethodsA retrospective controlled study was conducted involving 145 men with CP. Participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group received PEV (n=71) and the control group received ibuprofen (n=74). Clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 3, and 12 months post-treatment.ResultsBoth groups exhibited comparable baseline characteristics. At 3 months, the PEV group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in IPSS (9.4 ± 2.7 vs. 10.3 ± 2.6, p=0.04), NIH-CPSI (11.5 ± 3.7 vs. 13.6 ± 4.2, p=0.002), and IIEF-5 (19.8 ± 3.6 vs. 17.7 ± 3.3, p<0.001). These benefits were maintained and further enhanced at 12 months, with mean IPSS 7.6 ± 2.1, NIH-CPSI 6.5 ± 2.4, and IIEF-5 21.6 ± 3.3 in the PEV group (all p<0.005). No significant differences were observed in Qmax.ConclusionsLong-term PEV therapy significantly improves urinary and sexual function in men with CP compared with ibuprofen treatment, demonstrating sustained, time-dependent efficacy and excellent safety.

Scafuri, Luca; Baio, Raffaele; Buonerba, Carlo; Crocetto, Felice; Verde, Antonio; Ferraioli, Antonella; Riccio, Vittorio; Rizzano, Serena; Rizzano, Sara; Pisapia, Armando; Montanaro, Vittorino; Ronga, Emily; Romeo, Giuseppe; Ruffo, Antonio; Ferro, Matteo;

Kottikollon, Faizal E.; Parihar, Ravi S.

doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2025-0142pmid: 41698035

AbstractObjectivesOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide, causing disability, reduced quality of life, and significant economic burden. Current clinical practices often fail to provide optimal symptom relief and functional improvement, necessitating evidence-based evaluation of integrated management strategies. This systematic literature review to identify effective integrated interventions for alleviating OA symptoms, enhancing functional outcomes, and improving patient adherence and satisfaction.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were retrieved from major scientific databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, and Google Scholar. Studies evaluating integrated or multidisciplinary approaches for OA management were included.ResultsIntegrated management strategies demonstrated superior outcomes compared with isolated interventions. Pain reduction was reported in 28 out of 32 studies, with significant improvements in joint function, mobility, and quality of life. Nonpharmacological components enhanced pharmacological treatments. Patient adherence increased by 30–45 % with integrated care. Key barriers implementation included fragmented health care systems, lack of provider training, and inconsistent insurance coverage.ConclusionsIntegrated approaches to OA management provide clinically meaningful improvements in pain, function, and patient-centered outcomes. These SLR actionable insights are for optimizing OA management through holistic, patient-centered strategies. Future research should prioritize cost-effectiveness analyses and long-term outcomes of integrated models.

Meyyazhagan, Praveena; Sundararaju, Sanjeev Kumar; Valluvan, Priyadharshini; Ramaswamy, Nagashree

doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2026-0003pmid: 42174758

AbstractObjectivesMale reproductive health is vital for societal stability, and lifestyle-related factors significantly influence fertility. Tobacco smoking is a major modifiable risk factor implicated in male infertility. This study aimed to assess differences in semen fluid dynamics and quality parameters between smokers and nonsmokers.MethodsThis observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at PSGIMS&R, Coimbatore. Seventy-four males aged 20–50 years were enrolled. A detailed clinical history was obtained, and semen analysis was performed according to WHO 2010 guidelines. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23.0, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsBaseline characteristics did not differ significantly between smokers and nonsmokers. Smokers showed a significantly higher rate of increased semen turbidity (29 vs. 1 %, p=0.002) and delayed liquefaction time (43 vs. 1 %, p=0.002). Mean sperm motility (49.90 vs. 59.45 %, p=0.01) and vitality (42.71 vs. 50.70 %, p=0.04) were significantly reduced among smokers. Regression analysis indicated that coffee consumption, reported by all smokers, did not act as a confounding variable.ConclusionsTobacco smoking has a deleterious effect on semen fluid dynamics, resulting in delayed liquefaction and increased turbidity, along with reduced sperm motility and vitality, thereby negatively impacting male fertility.