Abstract: Background: Carotenoids are bioactive tetraterpenoid C40 pigments that are
actively synthesized by plants, bacteria, and fungi. Compounds such as α-carotene, β-
carotene, lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, fucoxanthin, and zeaxanthin have
attracted increasing attention for their antiaging properties. They exhibit antioxidant, neuro-
protective, and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the prevention and treatment
of age-related diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze
the pharmacological potential and biological mechanisms of carotenoids associated with
age-related disorders and to evaluate their application in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals,
and cosmeceuticals. Methods: A systematic review of studies published over the past
two decades was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The
selection criteria included clinical, in silico, in vivo, and in vitro studies investigating the
pharmacological and therapeutic effects of carotenoids. Results: Carotenoids demonstrate
a variety of health benefits, including the prevention of age-related macular degeneration,
cancer, cognitive decline, metabolic disorders, and skin aging. Their role in nutraceuticals
is well supported by their ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways.
In pharmaceuticals, carotenoids show promising results in formulations targeting neurode-
generative diseases and metabolic disorders. In cosmeceuticals, they improve skin health
by protecting it against UV radiation and oxidative damage. However, bioavailability,
optimal dosages, toxicity, and interactions with other bioactive compounds remain critical
factors to maximize therapeutic efficacy and still require careful evaluation by scientists.
Conclusions: Carotenoids are promising bioactive compounds for antiaging interventions
with potential applications in a variety of fields. Further research is needed to optimize their
formulas, improve bioavailability, and confirm their long-term safety and effectiveness,
especially in the aging population.

Keywords: age-related disorders; α-carotene; β-carotene; lycopene; lutein; astaxanthin;
β-cryptoxanthin; fucoxanthin; zeaxanthin; pharmacological effects; antiaging properties;
possible toxic effects

Shanaida M., Mykhailenko O., Lysiuk R., Hudz N., Balwierz R., Shulhai A., Shapovalova N., Shanaida V., Bjorklund G. Carotenoids for Antiaging: Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmeceutical Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025; 18(3): 403. (Scopus Q1 SJR 1,019; IF=4,8) https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18030403

Differential diagnosis of patients with angina can be challenging. It is difficult to ascertain the presence of angina pectoris in a middle-aged woman, and a primary diagnosis of coronary heart disease is rarely considered. The purpose of the work is to discuss another cause of myocardial infarction in a patient without atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries.

Introduction. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a disease associated with a high risk of complications and mortality, which depends on various risk factors. Smoking is one such factor that contributes to an unfavorable prognosis
in various conditions.
Objectives. This study aimed to assess the impact of smoking status on the course of CAP and to explore the relationship between smoking, pneumonia severity, and lipid metabolism. A total of 255 patients with CAP were included and divided into two groups: those with moderately severe pneumonia (119 patients) and those with severe pneumonia (136 patients). Among the examined patients, men predominated, and the vast majority were young. The most common complications included pleurisy, myocarditis, and renal dysfunction.
Results. The incidence of complications and severe clinical course of CAP was similar in smokers and non-smokers. However, decreased body mass index (BMI) was slightly more common in smokers. Notably, low body mass was twice as frequent among smokers with severe pneumonia compared to non-smokers with severe disease. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were significantly lower in smokers. The number of peripheral blood leukocytes was significantly higher in smokers. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were elevated in both groups. While the average fibrinogen levels did not differ significantly between groups, hyperfibrinogenemia (>10 g/L) was more common in smokers with severe pneumonia. Cholesterol levels were significantly lower in smokers, especially in those with severe CAP.
Conclusions. The observed association between smoking and reduced cholesterol levels highlights a potential impact of smoking on lipid metabolism. Smoking cessation may improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of severe complications in pneumonia and other diseases.
Keywords: community-acquired pneumonia, smoking, lipids, lipid metabolism, complications.

Introduction. Acinetobacter lwoffii is a rare cause of bacterial meningitis, particularly in immunocompetent individuals without prior healthcare exposure. To date, only a very limited number of cases have been documented in the literature.

Case Report. A 17-year-old male patient presented with fever, severe headache, meningeal irritation, and neurological symptoms. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed neutrophilic pleocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers. Phenotypic analysis with the Vitek 2C system identified the cerebrospinal fluid isolate as A. lwoffii. Empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated and subsequently adjusted based on sensitivity testing, improving clinical and laboratory parameters.

Conclusions. This case highlights the pathogenic potential of A. lwoffii to cause severe central nervous system infections in healthy individuals. It emphasizes the importance of early microbiological diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy. The clinical picture, diagnostic approach, treatment strategy, and outcome are discussed in relation to the existing evidence.

УДК: 616. 832-004.2-036.864-06:616.833:616.831-073.8]-053.2

Розсіяний склероз (РС) із початком у дитячому віці є рідкісною, але суттєвою загрозою для здоров’я дітей. Він має специфічні клінічні та патофізіологічні особливості як порівняти із початком у дорослому віці. Якість життя (ЯЖ) є ключовим індикатором загального благополуччя хворих на РС дітей, проте її взаємозв’язок з об’єктивними нейробіологічними маркерами, як-от об’єм структур головного мозку, залишається недостатньо вивченим у педіатричній популяції. Метою цього дослідження було визначення кореляційних зв’язків між показниками волюметрії головного мозку та індексами ЯЖ, оціненими за опитувальником PEDSQL 4.0, у когорті дітей із РС. Дослідження охопило 39 хворих на РС дітей. Для аналізу зв’язків між суб’єктивною оцінкою ЯЖ та об’єктивними МРТ‐даними використаний коефіцієнт кореляції Спірмена (R).
Встановлено значущі кореляції між ЯЖ за самооцінкою дітей та об’ємами основних структур головного мозку. Зокрема, виявлено сильний прямий зв’язок з волюметрією таламуса (до R = 0,55). Оцінки ЯЖ за опитувальниками, надані батьками (проксі-оцінка), не виявили значущих кореляційних зв’язків з жодним із волюметричних показників. Ці результати підкреслюють важливість волюметрії таламуса як потенційного морфометричного біомаркера прогресування хвороби, який корелює із суб’єктивним сприйняттям пацієнтом з POMS свого стану. Незважаючи на виявлену розбіжність між самооцінкою дітей та оцінкою батьків, ми дотримуємося думки про важливість інтеграції обох точок зору, щоб забезпечити всебічну оцінку стану дитини в клінічній практиці та подальших дослідженнях.

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is a rare but significant neurological condition that poses a considerable threat to children’s health. Compared to adult-onset multiple sclerosis (AOMS), POMS is characterized by distinct clinical and pathophysiological features. Quality of life (QoL) is a crucial indicator of overall well-being in children with MS; however, its relationship with objective neurobiological markers — such as brain volumetric parameters — remains insufficiently explored in the pediatric population. This study aimed to examine the correlations between brain volumetric indices and QoL scores, as assessed by the PedsQL 4.0 questionnaire, in a cohort of children diagnosed with MS. The study included 39 pediatric MS patients. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (R)
was used to analyze the associations between subjective QoL assessments and objective MRI‐derived brain volumetric data. Significant correlations were observed between self-reported QoL scores and the volumes
of key brain structures. Notably, a strong positive correlation was found with thalamic volume (up to R = 0.55). In contrast, proxy-reported QoL scores provided by parents showed no significant correlations with any of the examined volumetric parameters. These findings highlight the potential role of thalamic volumetry as a morphometric biomarker of disease progression that aligns with the patient’s subjective experience of their condition. Despite the discrepancy between child and parent reports, we emphasize the importance of integrating both perspectives to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s status in clinical practice and future research.