Successful pregnancy depends on precise molecular regulation of uterine physiology, especially during the menstrual cycle. Deregulated oxidative stress (OS), often influenced by inflammatory changes but also by environmental factors, represents a constant threat to this delicate balance. Oxidative stress induces a reciprocally regulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (Nrf2/PPARγ) pathway. However, increased PPARγ activity appears to be a double-edged sword in endometrial physiology. Activated PPARγ attenuates inflammation and attenuates OS to restore redox homeostasis. However, it also interferes with physiological processes during the menstrual cycle, such as hormonal signaling and angiogenesis. This review provides an elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that support the interplay between PPARγ and OS. Additionally, it offers fresh perspectives on the Nrf2/PPARγ pathway concerning endometrial receptivity and its potential implications for infertility.

Mixed-ligand complexes featuring a carboxylato ligand and bidentate chelate N,N′-donor ligands along with a single halogenido ligand are rarely subjected to studies despite their interesting physical, chemical and biological properties. A direct synthesis involving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs flufenamic acid and niflumic acid and sterically hindering N,N′-donor ligands (neocuproine and 2,2′-biquinoline) has been used to prepare mononuclear mixed-ligand zinc complexes with a composition of [ZnCl(flu)(neo)] (1A and 1B) and [ZnCl(nif)(biq)] (2). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data have shown that the carboxylate binding mode differs in the two polymorphs 1A and 1B, which form molecules of same composition, and the deviations in molecular geometry are further reflected in their supramolecular structures. The inter- and intramolecular interactions and their contributions to the stability of the crystal structures has been investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis. The spectral properties of the prepared complexes in solid-state and solution have been analyzed. Additionally, the interaction with the biomacromolecules (fish sperm DNA, human and bovine serum albumins), studied by fluorescence assays, showed a stronger binding of 1A and 1B in comparison with 2.

Endometriosis and endometrial cancer are closely related to oxidative stress. However, the direct relationship between copper and zinc levels and oxidative stress in the extracellular and intracellular space remains unclear. The presented study is focused on the determination of serum Zn and Cu levels, glutathione concentration and enzyme activity in three groups: patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC), patients diagnosed with endometriosis (EM), and a healthy control group. Spectrophotometric determination of trace elements revealed that levels of zinc and copper were lower in blood plasma of patients with endometriosis as compared with the other groups; however, there were no significant differences in the Cu/Zn ratio. Furthermore, significantly increased blood serum glutathione levels were detected in both EM and EC groups compared with the control group. While the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was similar across the studied groups, we observed differences in the activity of other enzymes associated with oxidative stress, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), between the control group and the EM and EC patients. Additionally, analysis of gene expression based on free circulating mRNA indicated significant differences in the expression of SOD isoenzymes between the patient groups and the control group; expression of GPx isoenzymes was also altered. Obtained results may have potential application in diagnostics as well as monitoring of endometriosis and endometrial cancer. Here, we analyzed serum levels of Zn and Cu, glutathione concentration, enzyme activity, and expression of specific genes for antioxidant enzymes based on free circulating mRNA in three groups: (a) patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer, (b) patients diagnosed with endometriosis, and (c) healthy controls.image