[Dyslipidaemia is one of the known main risk factors of atherosclerosis by causing endothelial dysfunction that initiates and promotes vascular remodelling. Recent data from experimental and clinical studies suggest the existence of lipoprotein- neurohormonal interactions that may adversely affect vascular structure and function. Elevated lipid levels enhance the activation of the renin-angiotensin system, and, on the other hand, activation of the renin-angiotensin system leads to increased LDL cholesterol biosynthesis and oxidized-LDL uptake. These findings may explain the synergistic effect on cardiovascular risk observed in patients with coexisting hypertension and dyslipidaemia. The combined use of cholesterol-lowering drugs and inhibition of the tissue renin-angiotensin system may be more efficient in reducing cardiovascular risk.]

[Similarly to other acute inflammatory responses, the mortality curve of acute pancreatitis has two distinct peaks. The first one, which coincides with a hyperinflammatory phase, is due to the development of an overwhelming systemic inflammatory response syndrome and subsequent multi-organ failure. The second peak of mortality is detected much later, after 14 days from the onset of the disease, when the compensatory antiinflammatory phase results in the infection of the necrotising pancreatic glandular substance. Since no therapy has been shown to efficiently prevent the activation of inflammatory and proteolytic cascades that evoke and sustain the disease, the treatment of acute pancreatitis is basically symptomatic. Beside adequate fluid and volume replacement and pain relief, medical and mechanical support may become necessary if organ failure develops. Recent studies suggest that there are ways to decrease the incidence of infection in pancreatic necrosis, which is usually due to bacterial translocation from the gut. The results of attempts to decrease the frequency of septic complications are controversial. A number of studies support the need of antibiotic prophylaxis but the evidence is weak. Furthermore, the increasingly observed infections by multi-resistant strains of Gram-positive bacteria and Candida species are due to long-term antibiotic use, which strongly questions the grounds for prophylactic antibiotic treatment. Recently, various clinical studies aimed to decrease bacterial translocation in other ways, including probiotic use and enteral feeding. This paper provides a systematic review of the data available in the evidence-based literature on the use of antibiotics and the role of alternative and adjuvant therapy in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.]

[This paper reviews the current knowledge on the association of obesity and gastrointestinal disorders. While the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disorders has recently gained wide professional publicity, there are few data on the gastroenterological aspects of obesity. After a discussion on obesity as an epidemic, its international and national prevalence, and public health risks, the most common obesity-related gastrointestinal disorders, their incidence, pathomechanism and consequences are presented by the organ systems affected, including gastrooesophageal reflux disease, fatty liver, gallstone disease, diseases of the pancreas, and colorectal carcinoma. Finally, the means of prevention and treatment are summarized.]