Translational Health Reports

Abstract Introduction: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common and debilitating condition that significantly impacts quality of life, productivity, and overall well-being. Muscle morphology, particularly in the deep cervical muscles, plays a critical role in the onset, development, and persistence of chronic neck pain. This review investigates the relationship between muscle changes, including atrophy, fat infiltration, and alterations in muscle fiber composition, and their contribution to cervical instability, pain, and functional limitations.

Methods: The review examines existing literature on muscle morphology in CNP, focusing on the role of deep cervical muscles in the pathophysiology of neck pain. It also highlights how factors such as disuse, changes in neural activation, and chronic inflammation exacerbate these muscle alterations. The role of advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI, in identifying these changes is also discussed.

Results: Alterations in muscle morphology, including atrophy and fat infiltration, contribute to weakness and reduced spinal stability, which are key factors in the development and persistence of chronic neck pain. Neural activation changes and chronic inflammation further exacerbate muscle degeneration. Advanced imaging techniques, particularly MRI, play a crucial role in assessing these morphological changes and enabling personalized treatment strategies.

Conclusion: Muscle degeneration, including atrophy and fat infiltration in the cervical spine, is a significant factor in chronic neck pain. Effective management requires a comprehensive approach, including rehabilitation programs focused on muscle strengthening, postural correction, and ergonomic adjustments. Fat infiltration in cervical muscles is a significant marker of structural and functional impairment in cervical spine disorders. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind muscle changes in CNP and to develop more targeted and effective interventions.

Abstract Introduction: Osteoporosis is a widespread bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), structural bone deterioration, and an increased risk of fractures. It primarily affects postmenopausal women and the elderly, representing a significant global health burden. The management of osteoporosis involves pharmacological treatments aimed at preventing fractures, alleviating symptoms, and improving overall quality of life.
Methods: This review analyzes the pharmacology of current osteoporosis treatments, including bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), monoclonal antibodies, and newer agents such as sclerostin inhibitors. It also examines pain management strategies, particularly those targeting fracture-related pain, and explores the intersection between bone therapies and analgesia.
Results: The current pharmacological treatments for osteoporosis have shown significant efficacy in reducing fracture risk. However, managing pain in osteoporosis, particularly post-fracture pain, remains a complex challenge. This review highlights the need for a multidimensional approach that integrates both bone-targeted therapies and effective pain management strategies.
Conclusion: While osteoporosis therapies have greatly reduced fracture risk, pain management in osteoporosis patients remains an area requiring further research. This review synthesizes current literature on osteoporosis treatments and pain management, offering insights into best practices and identifying future research directions to improve patient outcomes.

Abstract Brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) is a prevalent complication, affecting 25-60% of patients with primary or metastatic brain tumors, significantly impacting quality of life and complicating oncologic management. This narrative review examines factors influencing the effectiveness of levetiracetam (LEV), lamotrigine (LTG), and lacosamide (LCS) in BTRE. By analyzing epidemiological data, pathophysiological mechanisms, pharmacological profiles, and clinical evidence, we study how tumor characteristics (type, location, molecular profile), patient-specific factors (age, comorbidities), drug interactions, and pharmacodynamic properties modulate seizure control. LEV is often the first-line choice due to its favorable tolerability and minimal drug interactions, achieving seizure freedom in 65-80% of patients in some studies. LTG and LCS, effective as monotherapy or add-on therapies with response rates of 50-70%, vary in efficacy based on tumor histology and peritumoral microenvironment. Challenges include drug resistance linked to glutamate excitotoxicity, sodium channel dysregulation, and tumor-driven molecular changes. Research gaps, such as long-term comparative trials and personalized dosing strategies, highlight the need for further investigation. Optimizing AED selection in BTRE requires a multidisciplinary approach to balance seizure control, antitumor therapy efficacy, and adverse effect minimization, emphasizing personalized medicine.