Non-systematic Review Research Articles

Overcoming Graft Rejection in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Inhibitory Interneurons for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.

Cell-based therapies for drug-resistant epilepsy using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived inhibitory interneurons are now in early-phase clinical trials, building on findings from trials in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). Graft rejection and the need for immunosuppressive therapy post-transplantation pose potential barriers to more epilepsy patients becoming potential candidates for inhibitory interneurons transplantation surgery. The present literature review weighs the evidence for and against human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mediated graft rejection in PD and HD and examines the potential advantages and drawbacks to five broad approaches to cell-based therapies, including autologous cell culture and transplantation, in vivo reprogramming of glial cells using viral vectors, allogeneic transplantation using off-the-shelf cell lines, transplantation using inhibitory interneurons cultured from HLA-matched cell lines, and the use of hypoimmunogenic-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived inhibitory interneurons. The impact of surgical technique and associated needle trauma on graft rejection is also discussed. Non-systematic literature review. While cell-based therapies have enjoyed early successes in treating a host of central nervous system disorders, the immunologic reaction against surgical procedures and implanted materials has remained a major obstacle. Adapting cell-based therapies using iPSC-derived inhibitory interneurons for epilepsy surgery will similarly require surmounting the challenge of immunogenicity.

Guidelines in Neurosurgery: a critical appraisal.

The process of grading and stratifying evidence in the extensive literature on neurosurgical guidelines has evolved significantly, ranging from high-quality standards to suggested options. However, the methodology for guideline development has become increasingly complex, leading to challenges in their application across various neurosurgical specialties and settings. This mini review aims to explore the practical implications of published suggestions for managing neurosurgical patients. A critical and focused collection of published literature concerning guidelines in different neurosurgical topics, from Pubmed and other sources formed the basis of this non-systematic narrative review. Only guidelines produced by neurosurgeons in the era of evidence based medicine (after 1996) were included. Neurosurgical guidelines often rely on a limited number of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Class I evidence, particularly in surgical and emergency contexts where randomization of patient treatments may conflict with established clinical practices. Challenges also include the timely update of guidelines, which sometimes lags behind rapid shifts in evidence, and varying methodologies in guideline production that can result in divergent recommendations. Geographical disparities in disease burden and literature production further influence guideline applicability, suggesting a need for greater inclusion of authors from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to enhance realism and global relevance. Consensus conferences and expert reviews may serve as viable alternatives to address these challenges. While Evidence-Based Medicine remains pivotal, critical appraisal and practical application of guidelines must consider these complexities to optimize patient care and outcomes.

Main Surgical Methods of Critical Tibial Bone Defects Replacement (Literature Review). Part II

Summary. This part of literature review is devoted to the main methods of critical bone defects replacement of the tibia, which cannot be repaired by using bone autoplasty. A search in the PubMed database for the period 2010 - 2023 was carried out, with preference given to the material from the last 5 years; the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular methods of treatment are shown. This article provides a descriptive, non-systematic review of the current literature on methods of tibial bone defect replacement and possible directions for future research. A thorough search in the PubMed database was performed using relevant search terms, with peer-reviewed articles in English identified and evaluated. No strict inclusion or exclusion criteria were used to select articles for a full-text review. Instead, a subjective assessment of the relevance of individual articles to the overall narrative and surgical techniques review was made, which ultimately resulted in 40 articles being referenced.

Barriers to Implementing a Quality Improvement Program in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Adequacy of Resources.

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) report disproportionally worse cancer mortality. Current global cancer control efforts focus predominantly on expanding access to multimodality treatment for patients, whereas less attention has been spent on implementing strategies to ensure sustained quality assessment and improvement across the cancer care continuum. The goal of this focused review was to examine specific resource barriers to the development and implementation of quality improvement programs in LMICs. In this article, we use a nonsystematic review process to discuss the existing literature on four resource barriers within the context of cancer care delivery in LMICs, focusing on staff, time allocated for quality improvement work, research infrastructure, and funding. We provide possible solutions to address these barriers and share examples of specific quality improvement initiatives implemented across different world regions. Possible solutions to address these resource barriers include investment in human resources by increasing recruitment and training of the workforce, engagement of medical trainees and patients in quality improvement work, establishment of cancer registries and electronic medical records, and prioritization by large international funding agencies to invest in quality improvement research in LMICs. This review highlights four prevalent resources barriers to quality improvement in LMICs. Using examples from Botswana, Colombia, India, and Rwanda, we demonstrate solutions that may help overcome these barriers.

Diagnosis and treatment of abdominally inserted (sacrocolpopexy/sacrohysteropexy) mesh complications for vault/uterine prolapse

Background:Sacrohysteropexy and sacrocolpopexy are established treatments of uterine or vaginal vault prolapse respectively and involve insertion of mesh abdominally, often using permanent sutures and fixation devices. Complications following these procedures may be serious, and there is lack of evidence about long-term functional outcomes in terms of pain, dyspareunia and development of lower urinary tract and bowel symptoms. Objective:A non-systematic review of the available literature was performed and recommendations on assessment and management were developed by expert consensus. Conclusion:The current evidence is limited in quantity and quality, and recommendations on assessment management of mesh-related complications were made by experts in the field. Assessment and treatment of complications following abdominally placed mesh for pelvic organ prolapse will often require a multidisciplinary approach. Assessment may require EUA, and/or cystourethroscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and laparoscopy. MRI is the most useful imaging modality. Surgery to remove meshcarries a risk of urinary tract and bowel injury, as well as development of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse. A joint decision between the surgeon and the patient should be made before embarking on a partial removal of mesh; removal of all the mesh may be a better option albeit with higher risk of surgical complications. Complete removal of mesh and tacks or sutures from the sacral attachment may not be possible and is associated with risk of major haemorrhage.

Research progress on the correlation between obesity and the occurrence and development of kidney cancer: a narrative review.

Obesity is an important risk factor for the onset of kidney cancer, and the mechanism of obesity leading to the occurrence and development of kidney cancer has been further studied and confirmed in the past decade. The emergence of the "obesity paradox" phenomenon has made the correlation between obesity and the prognosis of kidney cancer survival controversial. This review summarizes the association between obesity and the occurrence and development of kidney cancer based on newly discovered evidence in the past 10 years, in order to provide reference for follow-up research. A comprehensive, non-systematic review of the latest literature was carried out in order to investigate the progress of the correlation between obesity and kidney cancer. PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were being examined and the last run was on July 15, 2024. The correlation between obesity and the occurrence and development of kidney cancer was discussed in this review, and the newly discovered evidence of epidemiology and related mechanisms in the past 10 years was summarized. The latest evidence suggests that obesity is an important risk factor for the development of kidney cancer. Perirenal fat plays an important role in promoting kidney cancer progression and prognosis. Epidemiology shows that the high rates of kidney cancer and obesity coincide in terms of region and ethnicity. The underlying mechanisms associated with obesity in promoting the occurrence and development of kidney cancer mainly include: abnormal expression of adipocytokines, abnormal lipid metabolism, abnormalities in the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis and hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance, hypoxia and inflammation. As adipose tissue is adjacent to the kidney, the effect of perirenal adipose tissue on the prognosis of kidney cancer is controversial, and some evidence supports the idea of the "obesity paradox".

Thyroxine Replacement Therapy during Ramadan Fasting: A Narrative Review

Abstract Introduction Ramadan fasting-induced changes in eating and sleeping patterns pose a risk of influencing thyroid hormone levels. There is a recognition of the potential impact of fasting and feasting on levothyroxine (L-T4) absorption. Materials and Methods A narrative, nonsystematic literature review from two major medical online databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) from their inception to the search day (February 22, 2024). A relevant combined search term was used. The retrieved literature is narrated in a concise account. Results There is a relationship between metabolism and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This relationship contributes to transient metabolic disturbances that influence the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of various drugs, adding complexity to the management of hypothyroidism during Ramadan fasting. Several observational studies have studied the changes in thyroid function levels during unmodified L-T4 regimens. Experimental trials explored the impact on body weight, well-being, and thyroid functions when the timing of L-T4 administration changes. Findings are far from homogeneous due to different study protocols. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated a significant post-Ramadan increase in TSH levels among euthyroid patients. L-T4 timing points, encompassing pre-Iftar, post-Iftar, and pre-Suhoor, are associated with elevated TSH levels after Ramadan fasting. The emphasis on individualized L-T4 regimens during Ramadan fasting is underscored, with recommendations for patients to refrain from food for at least 3 hours before and 30 minutes after L-T4 intake to ensure optimal compliance by most experts. The association between adherence to L-T4 during Ramadan fasting and maintaining euthyroid status is highlighted, encouraging patients to follow prescribed regimens diligently. Modified dosing frequencies, such as weekly regimens, exhibit promising results, especially in patients grappling with compliance issues. Proactive consultations with physicians before Ramadan are needed to review the latest thyroid function test and make possible dose adjustments. Conclusion Managing hypothyroidism during Ramadan necessitates an understanding of medication timing, food-drug interactions, and prior regimens. Adherence, facilitated by flexibility, plays a critical role in achieving euthyroid status.

Aspects of arterial hypertension in young adults with obesity

The global prevalence of hypertension and obesity continues to rise, affecting increasingly young people. Obesity causes hypertension through a variety of mechanisms, including sympathetic nervous system activation, renin angiotensin aldosterone system, fluid and electrolyte dysregulation, inflammation, and adipokine imbalance. In turn, arterial hypertension can exacerbate obesity by altering metabolic pathways and increasing appetite. The pathophysiological features of hypertension are different between young overweight women and men. We performed a non-systematic literature review to thoroughly investigate mechanisms of pathogenetic interaction and mutual aggravation of high blood pressure and body mass index. The literature was reviewed from 2004 to the present in Russian and English using the PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar platforms, as well as a search in the archives of the journals Circulation and Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention using the keywords listed below.

Artificial Intelligence Algorithms and Their Current Role in the Identification and Comparison of Gleason Patterns in Prostate Cancer Histopathology: A Comprehensive Review.

The development of the Gleason grading system has proven to be an irreplaceable tool in prostate cancer diagnostics within urology. Despite the advancements and developments in diagnostics, there remains a discrepancy in the grading process among even the most experienced pathologists. AI algorithms have demonstrated potential in detecting cancer and assigning Gleason grades, offering a solution to the issue of significant variability among pathologists' evaluations. Our paper explores the evolving role of AI in prostate cancer histopathology, with a key focus on outcomes and the reliability of various AI algorithms for Gleason pattern assessment. We conducted a non-systematic review of the published literature to examine the role of artificial intelligence in Gleason pattern diagnostics. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched to gather pertinent information about recent advancements in artificial intelligence and their impact on Gleason patterns. We found that AI algorithms are increasingly being used to identify Gleason patterns in prostate cancer, with recent studies showing promising advancements that surpass traditional diagnostic methods. These findings highlight AI's potential to be integrated into clinical practice, enhancing pathologists' workflows and improving patient outcomes. The inter-observer variability in Gleason grading has seen an improvement in efficiency with the implementation of AI. Pathologists using AI have reported successful outcomes, demonstrating its effectiveness as a supplementary tool. While some refinements are still needed before AI can be fully implemented in clinical practice, its positive impact is anticipated soon.

Promoting Mental Health of City Residents: Stress Management and The Role of Salutogenic Design

Introduction. Salutogenic, or health-promoting design, suggests that the designed environment should not only provide comfortable living space but also support the health and well-being of individuals. However, the rapid process of urbanization is accompanied by significant changes in people's lifestyles and negatively affects mental health. Thus, it is necessary to study the impact of urban environment on the citizens mental health, as well as to summarize and analyze technologies of health-promoting design in urban environment. Objective. To justify the problem of high prevalence of chronic stress among citizens and to summarize the best practices of applying the principles of salutogenic design in the urban environment to overcome stress and prevent psychological problems. Materials and methods. We conducted a non-systematic narrative literature review in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary.ru. Search request depth covered 20 years from 2003 to 2023. Results. Urban planning based on the principles of salutogenic design is one of the important tools for ensuring the health of citizens, extending beyond the scope of healthcare system. Moreover, addressing chronic stress, referred to as the «epidemic of the 21st century», can be considered a key direction in implementing salutogenic design in urban planning. The main focus areas of salutogenic design in the urban environment are regulating the density of urban development, creating public spaces, providing landscape design and greenery, offering convenient and safe urban navigation and using arts. Conclusions. Stress levels in cities are influenced by various factors. Effective urban planning that incorporates salutogenic design principles can contribute to improving public health and creating a supportive urban environment.

Liver metastasis and resistance to immunotherapy in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. A literature review.

Microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains predominantly managed with chemotherapy. The use of immunotherapy, whether alone or in combination with other systemic or local treatments, displays limited success, especially in the context of active liver metastases (LM). The mechanisms responsible for this resistance are not fully understood. We conducted a comprehensive search across electronic databases such as Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. This search targeted translational studies evaluating the liver tumour immune microenvironment and immune tolerance mechanisms in CRC with LM and prospective studies that assessed immunotherapy either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other systemic or local therapies for patients diagnosed with MSS CRC. Our primary objectives included elucidating the mechanisms of resistance originating from LM in a non-systematic literature review and presenting a summary of the outcomes observed in prospective trials utilising immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), with a focus on the presence of LM. There were 16 prospective trials evaluating immunotherapy for metastatic CRC comprising 1,713 patients. Response rates to immunotherapy inpatients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) varied from 0% to 23%. Overall, reduced or null responses to immunotherapy in the presence of liver metastasis in comparison to patients without liver involvement were observed. Studies consistently show the resistance derived from classical ICI, both alone and in combination with other systemic treatments in patients with CRLM. The design of upcoming trials using immunotherapy should consider LM as a stratification factor or contemplate excluding patients with liver involvement.

Dragged fovea diplopia syndrome: A review article

Foveal displacement resulting from epiretinal membranes (ERMs) or other macular diseases leads to a condition known as dragged fovea diplopia syndrome. This syndrome causes central binocular diplopia, where individuals see double images. Its prevalence remains uncertain. Since the fovea is affected, traditional prismic therapy is ineffective in alleviating the "retinal diplopia." Currently, there is no known cure for this condition. However, there are available treatments to managed and alleviate the symptoms effectively. The study's goal is to discover the clinical traits of dragged-fovea diplopia syndrome, propose a straightforward test to help assess these patients, and suggest a simple treatment to alleviate double vision in some cases.We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane databases for English-language studies published and outlines the systematic procedure utilized for a comprehensive literature review spanning the period from 2005 to October 2020. In this nonsystematic review, performed from May 21, 2023, to September 1, 2023, we address a series of questions to explain the cause of Central-Peripheral Rivalry-Type Diplopia and complications associated to it and Clinical management and its challenges.In conclusion, central retinal rivalry is a rare and fascinating occurrence wherein peripheral retinal images blend together, yet central retinal images become misaligned, resulting in a clash between the central and peripheral fusion mechanisms. Understanding the condition has practical implications in the field of vision and neurological disorders. By delving into the mechanisms underlying central retinal rivalry, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how the brain processes visual information and resolves conflicts. This knowledge can be applied to the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions for various vision-related disorders. Moreover, the development of effective treatments underscores the importance of ongoing research in this field, offering hope and relief to those living with this intriguing yet challenging condition.

Health benefits and risks of fermented foods-the PIMENTO initiative.

Worldwide, fermented foods (FF) are recognized as healthy and safe. Despite the rapid increase of research papers, there is a lack of systematic evaluation of the health benefits and risks of FF. The COST Action CA20128 "Promoting innovation of fermented foods" (PIMENTO) aims to provide a comprehensive assessment on the available evidence by compiling a set of 16 reviews. Seven reviews will cover clinical and biological endpoints associated with major health indicators across several organ systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, immune, and skeletal systems. Nine reviews will address broader biological questions associated with FF including bioactive compounds and vitamin production, nutrient bioavailability and bioaccessibility, the role of FF in healthy diets and personalized nutrition, food safety, regulatory practices, and finally, the health properties of novel and ethnic FF. For each outcome assessed in the reviews, an innovative approach will be adopted based on EFSA's published guidance for health claim submissions. In particular, each review will be composed of three parts: (1) a systematic review of available human studies; (2) a non-systematic review of the mechanism of action related to the clinical endpoints measured by the human studies identified in part 1; and (3) a non-systematic review of the characterization of the FF investigated in the human studies identified in part 1. The evidence and research gaps derived from the reviews will be summarized and published in the form of a strategic road map that will pave the way for future research on FF.

Flight-intensive practices and wellbeing: current evidence and future research

This article draws on social practice theory and wellbeing perspectives to outline a research framework for the study of flight-intensive practices. The framework is then used to discuss, through a non-systematic review, the social science air travel literature and to propose avenues for future research. We study both the work and leisure domains, with sub-cases for travel in academia and visiting family and friends. We find insights of a complex relationship between flight-intensive practices and wellbeing. On one hand, currently flight-intensive practices are linked to human need fulfilment, particularly in the family and social domains. Leisure-related air travel often enhances subjective wellbeing, as it contributes to positive moods and life satisfaction, but may not be sustained in the long term. On the other hand, flying, particularly frequent flying, hinders wellbeing by increasing levels of stress and health-related issues, and by straining work/life balance. Overall, the study suggests that policies to reduce the demand for air travel may not significantly compromise wellbeing if accompanied by infrastructural and sociocultural changes that support specific groups to still meet their needs for relatedness, participation, or understanding through low carbon transport, videoconferencing, or reducing the total amount of travel. We identify avenues for future research, both to consolidate our understanding of the practice elements that will support a shift away from flight-intensive practices, and to understand their direct effects on wellbeing.

Artificial urinary sphincter for neurogenic urinary incontinence: a narrative review.

The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is most known for its use in the treatment of moderate to severe post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence. However, another lesser-known indication includes stress incontinence related to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in the neurogenic bladder population. The purpose of this review is to discuss specific technical considerations related to device implantation in this population, efficacy, durability, and complications. We performed a non-systematic literature review using the PubMed Database to identify articles specifically related to treatment of neurogenic urinary incontinence using an artificial urinary sphincter. More proximal placement of the cuff at the bladder neck is preferred in the neurogenic population due to higher rates of erosion and complications related to frequent clean intermittent catheterization or cystoscopic procedures when placed along the bulbar urethra. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic cuff placement has emerged as a safe and effective alternative to open surgery in select patients. Although continence rates are highly variable due the subjectivity of the term, functional continence (≤1 pad, ± nighttime incontinence) is reported to be between 75-90%. The need for secondary surgery for explanation with or without revision/replacement is higher in neurogenic patients compared to non-neurogenic patients. Neurogenic urinary incontinence is a complex condition due to the interplay of urethral resistance and bladder function/compliance. While there are a variety of strategies to treat neurogenic incontinence, high quality data from direct comparisons are lacking. Although AUS comes with a high revision rate, functional outcomes for continence with bladder neck placement are promising in this population.

Integrated Approach to Chronic Pain-The Role of Psychosocial Factors and Multidisciplinary Treatment: A Narrative Review.

Chronic non-malignant pain represents a growing global public health priority. Chronic pain is multifactorial, with numerous biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to this pain syndrome. It affects not only the patients, impairing their quality of life, but also their family and social environment. Chronic pain is a diagnosis and requires effective and sustainable treatment strategies. Our aim was to critically review the available evidence on the importance of different approaches in treating patients with chronic non-malignant pain, emphasizing the effectiveness of integrating psychological and social factors within a multidisciplinary framework. This was a non-systematic narrative review of the basic and recent literature analyzing approaches to the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain. The inclusion criteria for the papers were chronic non-malignant pain, treatment approach, review, and original research papers published in English in the last five years (PubMed search), and the basic literature was selected from the references of new papers according to the knowledge and experience of the authors. This literature review included 120 papers, of which 83 were basic, and 37 were new, published in the last 5 years (2018-2023). The results show that both the basic and newly published literature advocate for a biopsychosocial approach to treating chronic pain. New findings, compared to the earlier literature, indicate a new classification of chronic pain into primary and secondary. Chronic pain should be approached with a biopsychosocial model within a multidisciplinary treatment framework. This model addresses the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, offering a holistic strategy for effective pain management.

Taste and Appetite at Altitude: A Comprehensive Review of Sensory and Hunger Modulation in High-Altitude Environments.

Introduction: Individuals living or working at high altitudes typically experience altered taste perceptions and reduced appetite. These changes can lead to nutritional deficiencies, affecting the energy balance and body composition. Methods: We conducted a nonsystematic review of PubMed to explore these phenomena and expound on their findings to offer additional insights. Results: Changes in taste and perception are common and typically lead to loss of mass. There are limited practical solutions to mitigate these challenges. Discussion: Gradual acclimatization and tailored nutritional strategies are required to enhance health and performance in high-altitude environments. This review provides critical insights into the intersection of altitude, nutrition, and health.

The Expansion of Artificial Intelligence in Modifying and Enhancing the Current Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Literature Review.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA) is a pathological dilation that is 3cm or greater resulting in a bulging or balloon appearance. To meet a personalized therapeutic approach for patients, artificial intelligence (AI) can exhibit an array of applications ranging from decoding patterns from large data sets to predicting new data. The review aims to discuss how AI can assist and improve the standard of care and management plans for these patients. A comprehensive non-systematic literature review was carried out for published material on the use of AI relating to AAAs. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to scout for articles relating to the title of this review. The review included 54 literature papers in this study. AI is involved on a genomic level, which assists in screening, diagnosing, and identifying individual risk factors of a patient. Personalized management plans can be created with AI predictions using patient data to reduce the risk of in-hospital mortality following a repair or due to complications. AI represents a promising group of programs aimed at improving patient management and assisting surgeons in making beneficial decisions to improve the patient's prognosis.

Salvage treatments after focal therapy for prostate cancer - a comprehensive review.

To review the literature on salvage treatments after focal therapy (FT) for prostate cancer (PCa). A non-systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 15, 2024, for studies that assessed salvage treatment outcomes in patients with recurrent PCa after primary FT. Original prospective and retrospective studies with more than 10 patients were included. Reviews, editorial comments, conference abstracts, and studies focusing solely on whole-gland treatments were excluded. Twenty-one studies with a total of 1012 patients were included. The most reported salvage treatments were salvage radical prostatectomy followed by re-do ablation therapy. Only one study evaluated salvage radiation therapy. Except for one prospective study, all studies were retrospective. Oncological outcomes showed acceptable biochemical recurrence rates. Functional outcomes varied, with significant impacts observed on erectile function across modalities, though continence rates were less impacted. Complications were generally low across all treatment options. Salvage treatment post-primary FT is feasible, safe, and has reasonable oncologic outcomes. However, significant declines in sexual function are common, while continence is comparatively less affected. The literature primarily consists of retrospective studies; hence, future research should focus on large-scale prospective evaluations to better define treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms in andrology-a narrative review.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme involved in folate metabolism and one-carbon metabolism. MTHFR gene polymorphism affects enzyme activity. MTHFR gene polymorphism is closely related to many human diseases, such as cardiocerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, neural tube defects (NTDs), tumors, and so on. In the field of Andrology, MTHFR gene polymorphism may be associated with male infertility and erectile dysfunction (ED), and there is a possibility of treating male infertility and ED by supplementing with folic acid. However, its exact pathophysiologic mechanism is not fully understood. We sought to obtain a robust understanding of the interactions between MTHFR gene polymorphism, oxidative stress, DNA methylation, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), male infertility, and ED. We performed a non-systematic literature review using the PubMed database to identify articles specifically related to MTHFR, male infertility and ED. Our literature review on MTHFR gene polymorphism in male infertility patients indicates a significant association between C677T gene polymorphism and male infertility. There is limited literature on the correlation between ED and MTHFR gene polymorphism, and there are two different conclusions, related and unrelated. More clinical data are needed to clarify the conclusion. There is a possibility of using folic acid supplementation to treat male infertility and ED, especially for patients with thymine-thymine (TT) genotype. Future research is necessary to further understand the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphism and male infertility and ED. Our literature review on MTHFR gene polymorphism in male infertility patients indicates a significant association between C677T gene polymorphism and male infertility. Folic acid supplementation can improve sperm quality. The correlation between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and ED is questionable and needs to be confirmed by more clinical data. MTHFR gene polymorphisms are associated with homocysteine (Hcy) levels, which affects vascular endothelial function and may be related to the development of vascular ED (VED). Folic acid supplementation improves International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire scores in ED patients in whom phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) alone is ineffective.