Recent years have seen an increased interest in the role of oxidative stress (OS) in pregnancy. Pregnancy inherently heightens susceptibility to OS, a condition fueled by a systemic inflammatory response that culminates in an elevated presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the circulatory system. The amplified OS in pregnancy can trigger a series of detrimental outcomes such as underdevelopment, abnormal placental function, and a host of pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, embryonic resorption, recurrent pregnancy loss, fetal developmental anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, and, in extreme instances, fetal death. The body’s response to mitigate the uncontrolled increase in RNS/ROS levels requires trace elements that take part in non-enzymatic and enzymatic defense processes, namely, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se). Determination of ROS concentrations poses a challenge due to their short half-lives, prompting the use of marker proteins, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). These markers, indicative of oxidative stress intensity, can offer indirect assessments of pregnancy complications. Given the limitations of conducting experimental studies on pregnant women, animal models serve as valuable substitutes for in-depth research. This review of such models delves into the mechanism of OS in pregnancy and underscores the pivotal role of OS markers in their evaluation.

Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) are microelements essential for the proper functioning of living organisms. These elements participatein many processes, including cellular metabolism and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses, and also influence enzyme activity, regulate gene expression, and take part in protein synthesis. Fe, Cu, and Zn have a significant impact on the health of pregnant women and in the development of the fetus, as well as on the health of the newborn. A proper concentration of these elements in the body of women during pregnancy reduces the risk of complications such as anemia, induced hypertension, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and postnatal complications. The interactions between Fe, Cu, and Zn influence their availability due to their similar physicochemical properties. This most often occurs during intestinal absorption, where metal ions compete for binding sites with transport compounds. Additionally, the relationships between these ions have a great influence on the course of reactions in the tissues, as well as on their excretion, which can be stimulated or delayed. This review aims to summarize reports on the influence of Fe, Cu, and Zn on the course of single and multiple pregnancies, and to discuss the interdependencies and mechanisms occurring between Fe, Cu, and Zn.

Recent years have seen an increased interest in the role of oxidative stress (OS) in pregnancy. Pregnancy inherently heightens susceptibility to OS, a condition fueled by a systemic inflam-matory response which culminates in an elevated presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the circulatory system. The amplified OS in pregnancy can trigger a series of detrimental outcomes such as underdevelopment, abnormal placental function, and a host of pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, embryonic resorp-tion, recurrent pregnancy loss, fetal developmental anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, and in extreme instances, fetal death. The body’s response to mitigate the uncontrolled increase in RNS/ROS levels involves trace elements that take part in non-enzymatic and enzymatic defense mechanisms, namely, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se). Determination of ROS concentrations poses a challenge due to their short lifespan, prompting the use of marker proteins, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dis-mutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). These markers, indicative of redox stress intensity, can offer indirect assessments of pregnancy complications. Given the limitations in conducting experimental studies on pregnant women, animal models serve as valuable substitutes for in-depth research. This review delves into the mechanism of OS in pregnancy and underscores the pivotal role of markers in its evaluation.

Blastocystis spp. has been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms, yet its pathogenicity remains uncertain. In addition, the roles of virulence factors, pathogenic potential, and host-specific traits associated with symptomatic infections are still not well understood. The growing number of immunocompromised patients has contributed to an increasing prevalence of Blastocystis spp. infections, which may be implicated in the development of various inflammatory diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal cancer, and autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s disease and ulcerative colitis. However, the presence of nonspecific symptoms often complicates diagnosis. This study aimed to present current data on the impact of Blastocystis spp. on the development and progression of gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases, as well as to explore potential treatment options for Blastocystis spp. infections. A literature review was conducted to analyze the role of Blastocystis spp. in the pathogenesis of specific diseases and to investigate potential mechanisms of its interaction with the host organism. Advances in diagnostic techniques, particularly PCR, allow not only for the detection of Blastocystis spp. but also for the identification of specific subtypes, improving treatment precision. Beyond conventional therapies like metronidazole, there is a growing emphasis on alternative treatments, including the use of medicinal plants and probiotics.

Calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and magnesium (Mg) are the elements responsible for the fundamental metabolic and biochemical processes in the cells of the body. The demand for these elements increases significantly during pregnancy, where an adequate supply protects women from the hypertension common in pre-eclampsia and preterm labor. This study aimed to evaluate the association between macro-elements (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) in the placenta, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord and the morphometric parameters of newborns from multiple pregnancies. The study involved 57 pregnant European women with healthy uncomplicated twin pregnancies (n = 52) and triple pregnancies (n = 5); 40 pairs of dichorionic diamniotic twins, 11 pairs of monochorionic diamniotic twins, 1 pair of monochorionic monoamniotic twins, 3 trichorionic triamniotic triplets, and 2 dichorionic triamniotic triplets. Placentas (n = 107), umbilical cords (n = 114), and fetal membranes (n = 112) were collected immediately following delivery, and then weighed and measured. The levels of Ca, K, Na, and Mg were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) in a Thermo Scientific ICAP 7400 Duo (Waltham, MA, USA). The respective mean concentrations of Ca, K, Na, and Mg (mg/kg⁻¹ dry mass) were: 2466, 8873, 9323, and 436 in the placenta; 957, 6173, 26,757, and 326 in the umbilical cord, and 1252, 7460, 13,562, and 370 in the fetal membrane. In the studied materials from northwestern Poland, we found strong positive correlations between Ca and Mg concentrations in both the umbilical cord (r = 0.81, p = 0.00) and the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between K and Mg concentrations in the umbilical cord (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between Ca and K concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00), and we found moderately positive correlations between placental Ca concentration and placental weight (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00) and between umbilical cord Mg concentrations and the length of the pregnancy (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00). Negative correlations were found between Na and Ca concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = −0.40, p = 0.00) and Na concentrations in the fetal membrane and Mg concentrations in the placenta (r = −0.16, p = 0.02). Negative correlations were confirmed between the length of pregnancy and head circumference (ρ = −0.42; p = 0.00), infant weight (ρ = −0.42; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = −0.49; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = −0.49; p = 0.00); and between the infant weight and head circumference (ρ = −0.62; p = 0.00), weight before delivery (ρ = −0.36; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = −0.45; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = −0.63; p = 0.00), and weight gain during pregnancy (ρ = −0.31; p = 0.01). We found statistically significant correlations between cigarette smoking before pregnancy and the women’s weight before delivery (ρ = 0.32, p = 0.00), and a negative correlation between the women’s ages and infant head circumference (ρ = −0.20, p = 0.02). This is probably the first study to evaluate Ca, Na, K, and Mg concentrations in the afterbirth tissues of multiple pregnancies. It adds to the knowledge of elemental concentrations in multiple pregnancies and their possible effects on fetal morphometric parameters.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity of oxidative stress by measuring the concentrations of lipid peroxidation products (LPO) in fetal membrane, umbilical cord, and placenta samples obtained from women with multiple pregnancies. Additionally, the effectiveness of protection against oxidative stress was assessed by measuring the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR). Due to the role of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) as cofactors for antioxidant enzymes, the concentrations of these elements were also analyzed in the studied afterbirths. The obtained data were compared with newborn parameters, selected environmental factors, and the health status of women during pregnancy to determine the relationship between oxidative stress and the health of women and their offspring during pregnancy. The study involved women (n = 22) with multiple pregnancies and their newborns (n = 45). The Fe, Zn, and Cu levels in the placenta, umbilical cord, and fetal membrane were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) using an ICAP 7400 Duo system. Commercial assays were used to determine SOD, GPx, GR, CAT, and LPO activity levels. The determinations were made spectrophotometrically. The present study also investigated the relationships between trace element concentrations in fetal membrane, placenta, and umbilical cord samples and various maternal and infant parameters in women. Notably, a strong positive correlation was observed between Cu and Zn concentrations in the fetal membrane (p = 0.66) and between Zn and Fe concentrations in the placenta (p = 0.61). The fetal membrane Zn concentration exhibited a negative correlation with shoulder width (p = −0.35), while the placenta Cu concentration was positively correlated with placenta weight (p = 0.46) and shoulder width (p = 0.36). The umbilical cord Cu level was positively correlated with head circumference (p = 0.36) and birth weight (p = 0.35), while the placenta Fe concentration was positively correlated with placenta weight (p = 0.33). Furthermore, correlations were determined between the parameters of antioxidative stress (GPx, GR, CAT, SOD) and oxidative stress (LPO) and the parameters of infants and maternal characteristics. A negative correlation was observed between Fe and LPO product concentrations in the fetal membrane (p = −0.50) and placenta (p = −0.58), while the Cu concentration positively correlated with SOD activity in the umbilical cord (p = 0.55). Given that multiple pregnancies are associated with various complications, such as preterm birth, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and placental and umbilical cord abnormalities, research in this area is crucial for preventing obstetric failures. Our results could serve as comparative data for future studies. However, we advise caution when interpreting our results, despite achieving statistical significance.