👤 Mojan Imani

Intrinsic Capacity (IC) is defined as the composite of physical and mental abilities an individual possesses, encompassing five domains: cognition, psychological health, sensory function, vitality, and locomotion. This construct is central to the World Health Organization's framework for assessing functional ability in older adults. Growing evidence highlights the critical role of the musculoskeletal system in maintaining these domains, while conditions such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and their coexistence as osteosarcopenia (OS) are increasingly associated with IC decline. This narrative review compiles current evidence on the modulatory role of muscles and bones in IC and the impacts of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and OS. Most findings suggest that musculoskeletal tissues influence IC not only through biomechanical functions but also as secretory organs, releasing myokines and osteokines with endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine effects. Among the most studied are brain-derived neurotrophic factor, irisin, osteocalcin, and interleukin-6. Dysregulation of these pathways, along with biomechanical dysfunction and systemic inflammation, links sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and OS to IC impairment. Further research is needed to clarify the specific mechanisms involved, particularly in the sensory and vitality domains, to inform targeted interventions that promote healthy aging. Show less

Crocetin (CRT), one of the active ingredients in saffron, exerts health-promoting effects on body systems such as neuroprotective, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties. In the present study, the effects of CRT and lansoprazole (LAP), as a reference drug, were investigated on indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcer and related anxiety. Thirty rats were divided into five groups of six. Groups 1 and 2 received vehicle and groups 3, 4 and 5 received CRT (5 and 20 mg/kg) and LAP (30 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days. All groups were deprived of food on day 6. On day 7, group 1 was treated with vehicle and groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 received 50 mg/kg IND. Anxiety and locomotor activity were recorded, and then the animals were euthanized and stomach and hippocampus samples were taken. The effects of the aforementioned treatments were studied in 24 intact rats in four equal groups. CRT (20 mg/kg) and LAP restored IND-induced alterations in the gastric content volume and pH and ulcer index and protection and cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 and prostaglandin E2 and gastric mucosal and hippocampal superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β and caspase-3 and hippocampal brain derived neurotrophic factor. Histopathological alterations in the gastric mucosa and hippocampus were improved, and anxiety was suppressed. Intact rats were not influenced. CRT and LAP caused protective effects against IND-induced gastric ulcer and by antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and PGE Show less

The 808-nm wavelength laser has emerged as a promising non-invasive tool with significant therapeutic potential in various medical fields. This review highlights its biological mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects, tissue repair, and pain modulation. The laser inhibits the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6)) and increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory mediator that accelerates healing. The laser also activates the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway to stimulate collagen synthesis and fibroblast activity, enhancing tissue regeneration. Additionally, by promoting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and improves neovascularization and tissue oxygenation as well. The modulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels, increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways further support neuroprotection and cellular recovery. Importantly, recent insights suggest the laser's interaction with glial cells particularly astrocytes and microglia plays a critical role in managing neuro-inflammation and improving outcomes in neurological disorders such as hydrocephalus. The ability to influence cerebrospinal fluid regulation and enhance brain barrier permeability positions the 808-nm laser as a potential therapeutic option for improving life quality in affected individuals. Despite its potential, further clinical studies are required to validate and standardize its application across medical protocols. Show less