Entire Organism Research Articles

Microplastic exposure disturbs sleep structure, reduces lifespan, and decreases ovary size in Drosophila melanogaster.

The organ-specific toxicity resulting from microplastic (MP) exposure has been extensively explored, particularly concerning the gut, liver, testis, and lung. However, under natural conditions, these effects are not restricted to specific organs or tissues. Investigating whether MP exposure presents a systemic threat to an entire organism, impacting factors such as lifespan, sleep, and fecundity, is essential. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary exposure to two different doses of MPs (1-5 μm) using the terrestrial model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Results indicated that the particles caused gut damage and remained within the digestive system. Continuous MP exposure significantly shortened the lifespan of adult flies. Even short-term exposure disrupted sleep patterns, increasing the length of daytime sleep episodes. Additionally, one week of MP exposure reduced ovary size, with a trend towards decreased egg-laying in mated females. Although MPs did not penetrate the brain or ovaries, transcriptome analysis revealed altered gene expression in these tissues. In the ovary, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated genotoxic effects impacting inflammation, circadian regulation, and metabolic processes, with significant impacts on extracellular structure-related pathways. In the brain, GO analysis identified changes in pathways associated with proteolysis and carbohydrate metabolism. Overall, this study provides compelling evidence of the systemic negative effects of MP exposure, highlighting the urgent need to address and mitigate environmental MP pollution.

New Insights into the Link Between Melanoma and Obesity.

The significant increase in the incidence of obesity represents a global health crisis. Obesity is actually a multi-organ disease affecting the entire organism; hence, skin is no exception. As the functional alterations in the adipose tissue are contributing factors to many diseases, including cancer, recently, the link between the development of melanoma skin cancer and obesity gains increased attention. Besides several other factors, the increase of adipose stromal/stem cells (ASCs) impacts cancer progression. Moreover, increased production of cytokines and growth factors done by ASCs induces tumorigenesis and metastasis. The chronic inflammatory state that is sustained by this metabolic imbalance favors skin malignancies, melanoma included. Cutaneous melanoma, as an aggressive skin cancer, has both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors where sun exposure and lifestyles are the main environmental factors inducing this skin cancer. With the advent of recent targeted and immune-based therapies in melanoma, the link between obesity and the efficacy of these therapies in melanoma remains controversial. A recent molecular relationship between the melanocortin pathway appending to both melanin synthesis and obesity was established. The biology of adipokines, molecules secreted by the adipose tissue, is linked to inflammation, and their molecular pathways can be involved in angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and proliferation of melanoma cells. In melanoma cells, among the most noticeable metabolic reprogramming characteristics is an increased rate of lipid synthesis. Lipid mediators impact classical oncogenic pathways, affecting melanoma progression. The chapter will tackle also the practical implications for melanoma prevention and treatment, namely, how metabolic manipulation can be exploited to overcome immunosuppression and support immune checkpoint blockade efficacy.

Augmented reality-based software (Echo-QR) for guiding the echographic probe toward the acoustic window: a pilot study.

With current technology, ultrasound imaging in remote conditions, such as the International Space Station, is performed with vocal guidance or using a teleoperated echograph controlled by an expert. Both methods require real-time communications between the novice operator and expert to locate the probe over the appropriate acoustic windows (AW). The current study presents the development and testing of a new augmented reality software (Echo-QR) that would allow novice operators (with no medical imaging background) to correctly locate the ultrasound probe over the AW of interest without expert assistance. On the first day of the study, the positions of the probe over the AWs were identified for each organ by an expert sonographer and saved in the Echo-QR software. On the second day, the novices independently performed the ultrasound investigation using the Echo-QR software to correctly position the probe over each organ's AW. Using the Echo-QR software, novice operators found the AW in 73 (92%) of the 79 organs. The 2D images acquired by the novices "2D direct image" were acceptable for medical evaluation in 41% of the cases. However, when the "2D direct image" did not show the entire organ, a 3D capture of the volume below the probe was also performed, which allowed for the extraction of the appropriate 2D image "2D/3D image" for medical evaluation in 85% of the cases. Therefore, in the absence of real-time communication between an isolated participant and an expert sonographer, novel software (Echo-QR) and automated 3D volume capture can be used to obtain images usable for ultrasound diagnostics.

Point Cloud Registration in Laparoscopic Liver Surgery Using Keypoint Correspondence Registration Network.

Laparoscopic liver surgery is a newly developed minimally invasive technique and represents an inevitable trend in the future development of surgical methods. By using augmented reality (AR) technology to overlay preoperative CT models with intraoperative laparoscopic videos, surgeons can accurately locate blood vessels and tumors, significantly enhancing the safety and precision of surgeries. Point cloud registration technology is key to achieving this effect. However, there are two major challenges in registering the CT model with the point cloud surface reconstructed from intraoperative laparoscopy. First, the surface features of the organ are not prominent. Second, due to the limited field of view of the laparoscope, the reconstructed surface typically represents only a very small portion of the entire organ. To address these issues, this paper proposes the keypoint correspondence registration network (KCR-Net). This network first uses the neighborhood feature fusion module (NFFM) to aggregate and interact features from different regions and structures within a pair of point clouds to obtain comprehensive feature representations. Then, through correspondence generation, it directly generates keypoints and their corresponding weights, with keypoints located in the common structures of the point clouds to be registered, and corresponding weights learned automatically by the network. This approach enables accurate point cloud registration even under conditions of extremely low overlap. Experiments conducted on the ModelNet40, 3Dircadb, DePoLL demonstrate that our method achieves excellent registration accuracy and is capable of meeting the requirements of real-world scenarios.

Oral lesions after infection by SARS CoV 2: two case reports

Introduction: The SARS CoV 2 infection has resulted in several health, economic, and social crises in all areas. The disease shows a substantial biological diversity in humans causing a series of sequels in the trans- or post-infection period in the entire organism. Case Report: The manifestations that occur in the oral cavity and pharynx have not been evaluated. In this study, two clinical cases are reported. The first patient, a 67-year-old male, presents erosive lesions on the dorsal surface of his tongue after SARS CoV 2 infection. Results: Therapy consisting of reinforcing oral cleaning, use of antifungal solutions, mouthwashes containing superoxidation solution and B complex was given to the patient. The reported lesions improved satisfactorily. The second case, a 47-year-old male patient, presented vesiculobullous lesions on the lingual and labial mucosa accompanied by severe painful symptoms after SARS CoV 2 infection. An incisional biopsy was performed. The histopathological result was compatible with pemphigus vulgaris, and the treatment protocol was started with 0.1% topical mometasone and 2g miconazole gel, observing adequate involution of the lesions after 20 days. Conclusions: The aim of this study is to report on the lesions affecting the oral cavity and pharynx in post-COVID patients with the aim of carrying out a thorough intraoral examination, establishing a clinical or histopathological diagnosis to implement a specific treatment plan in each case to improve the health and quality of life of the patients. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; Oral manifestations; Oral ulcer; Pemphigus; Mouth; Mucous membrane.

Impact of plastic-related compounds on the gene expression signature of HepG2 cells transfected with CYP3A4

The presence of plastic and microplastic within the oceans as well as in marine flora and fauna have caused a multitude of problems that have been the topic of numerous investigations for many years. However, their impact on human health remains largely unknown. Such plastic and microplastic particles have been detected in blood and placenta, underlining their ability to enter the human body. Plastics also contain other compounds, such as plasticizers, antioxidants, or dyes, whose impact on human health is currently being studied. Critical enzymes within the metabolism of endogenous molecules, especially of xenobiotics, are the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs). Although their importance in maintaining cellular balance has been confirmed, their interactions with plastics and related products are poorly understood. In this study, the possible relationship between different plastic-related compounds and CYP3A4 as one of the most important CYPs was analyzed using hepatic cells overexpressing this enzyme. Beginning with virtual compound screening and molecular docking of more than 1000 plastic-related compounds, several candidates were identified to interact with CYP3A4. In a second step, RNA-sequencing was used to study in detail the transcriptome-wide gene expression levels affected by the selected compounds. Three candidate molecules ((2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 1,1-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, and 2,2′-methylenebis(6-cyclohexyl-4-methylphenol)) had an excellent binding affinity to CYP3A4 in-silico as well as cytotoxic effects and interactions with several metabolic pathways in-vitro. We identified common pathways influenced by all three selected plastic-related compounds. In particular, the suppression of pathways related to mitosis and ‘DNA-templated DNA replication’ which were confirmed by cell cycle analysis and single-cell gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, several mis-regulated metabolic and inflammation-related pathways were identified, suggesting the induction of hepatotoxicity at different levels. These findings imply that these compounds may cause liver problems subsequently affecting the entire organism.

Metabolomic Profiling of the Secretome from Human Neural Stem Cells Flown into Space.

The change in gravitational force has a significant effect on biological tissues and the entire organism. As with any alteration in the environment, microgravity (µG) produces modifications in the system inducing adaptation to the new condition. In this study, we analyzed the effect of µG on neural stem cells (NSCs) following a space flight to the International Space Station (ISS). After 3 days in space, analysis of the metabolome in culture medium revealed increased glycolysis with augmented pyruvate and glycerate levels, and activated catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and glutamine. NSCs flown into space (SPC-NSCs) also showed increased synthesis of NADH and formation of polyamine spermidine when compared to ground controls (GC-NSCs). Overall, the space environment appears to increase energy demands in response to the µG setting.

Biological Aging Acceleration Due to Environmental Exposures: An Exciting New Direction in Toxicogenomics Research.

Biological clock technologies are designed to assess the acceleration of biological age (B-age) in diverse cell types, offering a distinctive opportunity in toxicogenomic research to explore the impact of environmental stressors, social challenges, and unhealthy lifestyles on health impairment. These clocks also play a role in identifying factors that can hinder aging and promote a healthy lifestyle. Over the past decade, researchers in epigenetics have developed testing methods that predict the chronological and biological age of organisms. These methods rely on assessing DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at specific CpG sites, RNA levels, and various biomolecules across multiple cell types, tissues, and entire organisms. Commonly known as 'biological clocks' (B-clocks), these estimators hold promise for gaining deeper insights into the pathways contributing to the development of age-related disorders. They also provide a foundation for devising biomedical or social interventions to prevent, reverse, or mitigate these disorders. This review article provides a concise overview of various epigenetic clocks and explores their susceptibility to environmental stressors.

Analysis of vascular disruption in zebrafish embryos as an endpoint to predict developmental toxicity

Inhibition of angiogenesis is an important mode of action for the teratogenic effect of chemicals and drugs. There is a gap in the availability of simple, experimental screening models for the detection of angiogenesis inhibition. The zebrafish embryo represents an alternative test system which offers the complexity of developmental differentiation of an entire organism while allowing for small-scale and high-throughput screening. Here we present a novel automated imaging-based method to detect the inhibition of angiogenesis in early life stage zebrafish. Video subtraction was used to identify the location and number of functional intersegmental vessels according to the detection of moving blood cells. By exposing embryos to multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors including SU4312, SU5416, Sorafenib, or PTK787, we confirmed that this method can detect concentration-dependent inhibition of angiogenesis. Parallel assessment of arterial and venal aorta ruled out a potential bias by impaired heart or blood cell development. In contrast, the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid did not affect ISV formation supporting the specificity of the angiogenic effects. The new test method showed higher sensitivity, i.e. lower effect concentrations, relative to a fluorescent reporter gene strain (Tg(KDR:EGFP)) exposed to the same tyrosine kinase inhibitors indicating that functional effects due to altered tubulogenesis or blood transport can be detected before structural changes of the endothelium are visible by fluorescence imaging. Comparison of exposure windows indicated higher specificity for angiogenesis when exposure started at later embryonic stages (24 h post-fertilization). One of the test compounds was showing particularly high specificity for angiogenesis effects (SU4312) and was, therefore, suggested as a model compound for the identification of molecular markers of angiogenic disruption. Our findings establish video imaging in wild-type strains as viable, non-invasive, high-throughput method for the detection of chemical-induced angiogenic disruption in zebrafish embryos.

The role of plant proteases in the response of plants to abiotic stress factors

The primary function of proteolytic enzymes is the hydrolysis of peptide bonds. Enzymes responsible for catalyzing this reaction are commonly referred to as proteases. The vast majority of these enzymes belong to the class of hydrolases and operate in aqueous environments. However, there is a distinct group of proteases known as intramembrane proteases, which are integral membrane proteins capable of cleaving peptide bonds in the hydrophobic environment of biological membranes. Proteolysis serves several essential functions in plant cells, ranging from the degradation of damaged and unnecessary proteins to the removal of non-functional protein aggregates. It plays a role in the quality control system for proteins and even releases transcription factors from membrane proteins. Proteolytic processes are indispensable at every stage of plant development and allow for the modification of the cell’s protein composition based on developmental needs and environmental requirements. Proteases are also enzymatic components of the cell that facilitate the efficient regeneration of many key metabolic pathways, such as photosynthesis and respiration. The response of plant cells and the entire plant organism to various biotic and abiotic stresses often requires the remodeling of metabolic pathways, the regeneration of key enzymatic complexes, or changes in the protein profile. By participating in all these processes, proteases constitute a crucial element of the cellular response to environmental stresses. The aim of this work is to review the role that individual proteases play in the response of plant cells to abiotic stress factors, such as drought, salinity, cold, temperature, and light.

Correlation Of Essential Micronutrient Metabolism In Adolescents With Neurocirculatory Dystonia Living In Conditions Of Iodine Deficiency

Reproduction of offspring is a complex biological process in which not only the reproductive apparatus, but the entire organism as a whole is involved. Therefore, the causes leading to reproductive dysfunction must be sought not only in the reproductive system, but throughout the entire body.

How to eliminate pathogen without killing oneself? Immunometabolism of encapsulation and melanization in Drosophila.

Cellular encapsulation associated with melanization is a crucial component of the immune response in insects, particularly against larger pathogens. The infection of a Drosophila larva by parasitoid wasps, like Leptopilina boulardi, is the most extensively studied example. In this case, the encapsulation and melanization of the parasitoid embryo is linked to the activation of plasmatocytes that attach to the surface of the parasitoid. Additionally, the differentiation of lamellocytes that encapsulate the parasitoid, along with crystal cells, is accountable for the melanization process. Encapsulation and melanization lead to the production of toxic molecules that are concentrated in the capsule around the parasitoid and, at the same time, protect the host from this toxic immune response. Thus, cellular encapsulation and melanization represent primarily a metabolic process involving the metabolism of immune cell activation and differentiation, the production of toxic radicals, but also the production of melanin and antioxidants. As such, it has significant implications for host physiology and systemic metabolism. Proper regulation of metabolism within immune cells, as well as at the level of the entire organism, is therefore essential for an efficient immune response and also impacts the health and overall fitness of the organism that survives. The purpose of this "perspective" article is to map what we know about the metabolism of this type of immune response, place it in the context of possible implications for host physiology, and highlight open questions related to the metabolism of this important insect immune response.

Effectiveness of Applying Anti-Aging Cream with Lemon Peel Extract (Citrus Limon) in Inhibiting the Skin Aging Process of Wistar Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Exposed to Ultra Violet-B Rays

Aging is a gradual physiological change in an organism that results in senescence or a reduction in biological function and the ability of the organism to respond to metabolic stress. Aging occurs in cells, organs, or the entire organism over time; the study of the aging process seeks to understand and regulate all elements that contribute to an individual's life constraints. The predominant acute consequence of UV radiation on normal human skin is sunburn-induced inflammation (erythema). The overall goal of this study is to examine and test the efficacy of applying an anti-aging cream containing lemon peel extract (Citrus limon) in preventing the aging process of mouse skin. Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to ultraviolet-B light. The specific goal of this study is to investigate the efficacy of applying lemon peel extract (Citrus limon) cream at 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations in preventing the aging process of rat skin exposed to UV-B radiation.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Metformin Hydrochloride Hydrogels Developed with Experimental Design in the Treatment of Burns.

Burns alter the normal skin barrier and affect various host defense processes that help prevent infections. An ineffective repair process can lead to serious damage, such as the onset of an infection or skin loss, which can then harm the surrounding tissues and ultimately the entire organism. This study aims to prepare in situ gels containing metformin hydrochloride, a compound known for its wound healing properties. To achieve this, in situ gels were prepared using three different gelling agents (Poloxamer 407®, Carbopol 934®, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC)) and three different concentrations of metformin hydrochloride (4 mg/g, 6 mg/g, and 8 mg/g), which were optimized through experimental design. Metformin concentration and gelling agent type were independent variables, and the loaded amount and the percentage of metformin released after 150 min were chosen as dependent variables in the optimization process. After determining the optimum values of the dependent variables according to the ANOVA analysis results, in vivo studies were conducted with optimized hydrogel formulations. Two groups, each consisting of seven Wistar rats with a burn model, were treated with metformin-poloxamer 407® gels at doses of 4 mg/g and 8 mg/g for 29 days. The results were then compared to untreated and placebo gel groups. Rats treated with in situ Poloxamer 407® hydrogels containing metformin hydrochloride showed a significant reduction in the size of the burned area after 29 days of treatment. However, for a comprehensive understanding of the wound healing mechanism, further studies such as immuno-histochemical and cell culture studies are needed.

The Ethanolic Extract of Lycium ruthenicum Ameliorates Age-Related Physiological Damage in Mice.

Aging and age-related diseases are important study topics due to their associations with progressive physiological damage to genes, cells, tissues, and the entire organism, which ultimately affects the functional efficiency of organs. Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is a functional food that is known for its high contents of anthocyanins and spermidines, both of which have been demonstrated to have positive effects on anti-aging activity and anti-oxidation. In this study, we used HPLC-MS to analyze the constituents of L. ruthenicum Murr. Extract (LRM) and investigated their potential mechanism for exerting antioxidative effects in D-galactose (D-Gal) aging model mice. LRM (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) improved cognitive function in D-Gal-treated mice, as shown by reduced escape latencies and increased platform crossings in behavioral tests. We measured the contents of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the enzyme activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mice serum and brain after 6 weeks of D-Gal treatment. LRM decreased the contents of LPO and MDA and increased the enzyme activities of SOD and GSH-Px, indicating the protection effect of LRM against D-Gal-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, LRM can inhibit oxidative stress in cells by reducing intracellular ROS levels and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby inhibiting paraquat (PQ)-induced cellular senescence and delaying cell aging. Therefore, LRM has the potential to be a healthcare product for the treatment of age-related diseases.

Multi-omics analysis of alcohol effects on the liver in young and aged mice.

Excessive alcohol consumption has detrimental effects on the entire organism, especially on the liver. The toxicity is partly dependent on age, as older individuals metabolize alcohol more slowly leading to increased cellular injury. This study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate binge drinking on the liver of young and aged mice in a genome-wide multi-omics approach. We determined DNA methylation (DNAm) using the Illumina MouseMethylation array and gene expression by RNA sequencing in 18 female Balb/c mice in a 2 × 2 design. The animals underwent three moderate binge drinking cycles (ethanol vs. vehicle) and liver tissue was harvested at 4 or 19 months of age. We tested differential gene expression (DE) and DNAm associated with ethanol intake in linear models separately in young and aged mice, performed enrichment analyses for pathways and GWAS signatures of problematic alcohol use, and analysed the overlap of DNAm and gene expression. We observed DE in young and aged animals and substantial overlap in genes such as Bhlhe40, Klf10, and Frmd8. DE genes in aged animals were enriched for biological processes related to alcohol metabolism, inflammation, liver fibrosis, and GWAS signatures of problematic alcohol use. We identified overlapping signatures from DNAm and gene expression, for example, Frmd8 in aged and St6galnac4 in young mice. This study offers converging evidence of novel age-related targets in a moderate alcohol consumption model highlighting dysregulations in genes related to alcohol metabolism, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. Future studies are needed to confirm these results and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

STUDY OF THE PSYCHOMOTOR ABILITIES AND QUALITIES OF THE STUDENTS CONDITIONED BY BIORYTHMS AND THEIR PERSONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

One of the most important problems of modern science is the search for new reserves aimed at increasing the efficiency of educational, work and training activities by using biological rhythms. The temporal sequence of interaction of various functional systems of the body with the environment, developed in the course of evolution, contributes to the harmonious coordination of various biological processes and ensures the normal functioning of the entire organism. This reveals the important adaptive value of biorhythms for the body's vital functions. However, certain principles and provisions of biorhythms in sports are insufficiently highlighted and scientifically justified, but without a doubt, scientific research in this direction brings the expected practical result. We also mention the problems of psychophysiology, the solution of which largely depends on the success of using biorhythms to improve the efficiency of sports and students learning activities [1]. The dynamics of the circadian rhythmicity of the psychophysiological functions is reflected in the volume and intensity of the applied training and competition tasks, as well as in the performance recovery after performing them. Three biorhythms are known that significantly influence human performance: physical, emotional and intellectual ones.

The Heart-Brain Relationship :Cardio-Cerebral Axis

Cardiovascular and cerebral systems are integral components of the human body, each performing vital functions to ensure optimal physiological functioning. Recent advancements in medical research have shed light on the intricate interplay between the heart and the brain, revealing a complex web of interactions that go beyond traditional perspectives. Cardio-cerebral interactions refer to the dynamic and complex relationship between the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The intricate interplay between the heart and the brain plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and ensuring optimal functioning of the entire organism. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, plays a pivotal role in coordinating cardiovascular and cerebral activities. Sympathetic activation stimulates the release of norepinephrine, increasing heart rate and cardiac output. This response is closely linked to changes in cerebral blood flow, influencing cognitive functions such as attention and memory.The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS play a crucial role in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output. Additionally, Neurotransmitters and hormones released by the cardiovascular and nervous systems further contribute to the intricate interplay.The interruption of blood flow to the brain not only results in acute neuronal injury but also triggers secondary mechanisms that may impact the heart, creating a cycle of cardio-cerebral dysfunction. Conversely, neurological disorders can influence cardiac function. Conditions such as autonomic dysregulation, epilepsy, and certain neurodegenerative diseases can impact the autonomic control of the heart, leading to arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and other cardiovascular complications.This essay aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between the cardiovascular and cerebral systems, emphasizing the bidirectional communication, shared regulatory mechanisms, and implications for overall health. The discussion delves into neuro-cardiology and brain science, offering insights into the underlying physiological processes and potential clinical applications. As research progresses, further insights into these mechanisms will undoubtedly pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that address both cardiovascular and neurological aspects of human health.Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, encompassing regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, emerges as a key preventive strategy. These interventions not only promote cardiovascular health but also positively influence neuroplasticity and cognitive function.

HOUSING IN TRANSIT. Which transition for the industrialised public housing?

The paper reflects possible “transition” strategies for the industrialised residential building stock considering its systemic nature and current technological availability, with particular reference to digital technologies. Screening of some research on housing in the context of ecological and digital transition is proposed, starting from a critical review of interventions over the past decades, which reveal a fragmented framework of punctual solutions that cannot be codified as organic and replicable strategies. This highlights the research world’s focus on broader holistic approaches that look at energy transition as closely related to the transition of the entire building organism and the inhabiting community.

Pain in Colorectal Surgery: How Does It Occur and What Tools Do We Have for Treatment?

Pain is a complex entity with deleterious effects on the entire organism. Poorly controlled postoperative pain impacts the patient outcome, being associated with increased morbidity, inadequate quality of life and functional recovery. In the current surgical environment with less invasive surgical procedures increasingly being used and a trend towards rapid discharge home after surgery, we need to continuously re-evaluate analgesic strategies. We have performed a narrative review consisting of a description of the acute surgical pain anatomic pathways and the connection between pain and the surgical stress response followed by reviewing methods of multimodal analgesia in colorectal surgery found in recent literature data. We have described various regional analgesia techniques and drugs effective in pain treatment, emphasizing their advantages and concerns. We have also tried to identify present knowledge gaps requiring future research. Our review concludes that surgical pain has peculiarities that make its management complex, implying a consistent, multimodal approach aiming to block both peripheral and central pain pathways.