The tumor microenvironment is affected by reactive oxygen species and has been suggested to have an important role in ovarian cancer (OC) tumorigenesis. The role of glutathione transferases (GSTs) in the maintenance of redox balance is considered as an important contributing factor in cancer, including OC. Furthermore, GSTs are mostly encoded by highly polymorphic genes, which further highlights their potential role in OC, known to originate from accumulated genetic changes. Since the potential relevance of genetic variations in omega-class GSTs (GSTO1 and GSTO2), with somewhat different activities such as thioltransferase and dehydroascorbate reductase activity, has not been clarified as yet in terms of susceptibility to OC, we aimed to investigate whether the presence of different GSTO1 and GSTO2 genetic variants, individually or combined, might represent determinants of risk for OC development. Genotyping was performed in 110 OC patients and 129 matched controls using a PCR-based assay for genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms. The results of our study show that homozygous carriers of the GSTO2 variant G allele are at an increased risk of OC development in comparison to the carriers of the referent genotype (OR1 = 2.16, 95% CI: 0.88–5.26, p = 0.08; OR2 = 2.49, 95% CI: 0.93–6.61, p = 0.06). Furthermore, individuals with GST omega haplotype H2, meaning the concomitant presence of the GSTO1*A and GSTO2*G alleles, are more susceptible to OC development, while carriers of the H4 (*A*A) haplotype exhibited lower risk of OC when crude and adjusted haplotype analysis was performed (OR1 = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12–0.70; p = 0.007 and OR2 = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.11–0.67; p = 0.0054). Overall, our results suggest that GSTO locus variants may confer OC risk.

Background: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), particularly preeclampsia (PE), in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)-affected pregnancies, and to evaluate whether a HDP significantly alters the prognosis of PPCM, with specific reference to the recovery of left ventricular function (LVEF) and mortality. Methods: A total of 5468 potentially eligible studies were identified, and 104 were included in the meta-analysis. For pooling proportions, the inverse variance methods with logit transformation were used. Complete recovery of LVEF (>50%) and mortality were expressed by odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Peto OR (POR) was used in cases of rare events. Baseline LV function and baseline LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were summarized by the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The summary estimate of the prevalence of HDPs and PE in women with PPCM was 36% and 25%, respectively. Patients with HDPs and, more specifically, PE with PPCM had a higher chance of complete recovery (OR = 1.87; 95%CI = 1.64 to 2.13; p < 0.001 and OR = 1.98; 95%CI 1.69 to 2.32; p < 0.001, respectively), a higher baseline LVEF (MD, 1.42; 95% CI 0.16 to 2.67; p = 0.03 and MD, 1.69; 95% CI 0.21 to 3.18; p = 0.03, respectively), and a smaller baseline LVEDD (MD, −1.31; 95% CI −2.50 to −0.13; p = 0.03 and MD, −2.63; 95% CI −3.75 to −1.51; p < 0.001, respectively). These results, however, did not translate into a significant difference in 12-month mortality (POR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.57 to 1.13; p = 0.21 and POR = 1.56; 95% CI 0.90 to 2.73; p = 0.12, respectively). Conclusions: The findings of this study may contribute to evidence that can be utilized to aid in the risk stratification of patients with PPCM regarding their long-term prognoses.

Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) play a pivotal role in pregnancy. Both a deficiency and an excess of Cu, Zn, and Se have deleterious consequences for the outcome of pregnancy. Accordingly, maintaining optimal levels of circulating Cu, Zn, and Se is critical for proper fetal growth and development. However, to our knowledge, this is the first narrative global review that not only summarizes Cu, Zn, and Se levels in maternal and cord blood but also examines their associations with multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. Thus, this up-to-date review seeks to address these key questions. To achieve these goals, literature was collected from the past several decades from three relevant databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library), and rigorous exclusion and inclusion criteria were set for peer-reviewed studies that met the requirements for a final inclusion in the review analysis. In this study, data is presented on the levels of Cu, Zn, and Se in maternal and cord blood across the globe (herein used to suggest optimal maternal levels for Cu, Zn, and Se during a normal, healthy pregnancy), elemental differences between maternal and cord blood, and the fluctuations of their blood levels depending on the trimester of pregnancy. In addition, the review presents findings on the effects of Cu, Zn, and Se on birth weight and anthropometric parameters of newborns, as well as on preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, neural tube defects, and congenital heart defects.

Background/Objectives: The signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be similar to those of various other illnesses and conditions. To facilitate the detection and categorization of PMS symptoms, specific questionnaires have been developed. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) for the Serbian-speaking population and assess its validity and reliability. Material and Methods: Our convenience sample included 350 Serbian-speaking female health sciences students from one of the Serbian universities who had PMS symptoms at least once during the past 12 months. They completed a general socio-epidemiologic questionnaire, the PSST, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The PSST was translated according to the recommended methodology, and its psychometric characteristics (internal consistency, construct, discriminant validity and convergent validity) were tested. Results: There were no major changes in the items during the process of translation or validation. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the whole scale was 0.927, whereas if an item was deleted, it was >0.8 for all the items. The McDonald’s omega coefficient was 0.896, indicating good internal consistency. The CI–TC coefficients were greater than 0.40 for all the items, indicating that all items were significant elements of the PSST. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three factors. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed adequate values for all model fit estimators. The PSST significantly correlated with the DASS-21, which confirmed its adequate convergent validity. Conclusions: The Serbian version of the PSST showed good validity and therefore can be used as a screening tool for PMS in Serbian-speaking young women.

Background: Infertility is a growing global public health concern associated with reduced quality of life and increased anxiety and depressive symptoms across diverse populations. However, factors influencing mental health in women undergoing infertility treatment remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to assess psychological distress and identify factors associated with anxiety and depression in women receiving infertility treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a leading regional infertility referral center. Women with confirmed infertility were consecutively recruited during routine visits. Psychological distress was assessed using the validated Patient Health Questionnaire-4. Demographic, reproductive, and clinical data were collected from self-report and medical records. Associations of infertility duration and age with comorbidities and other demographic variables were evaluated using appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests, and correlations were examined using Spearman’s rank coefficient. Results: The mean age was 34.9 ± 5.9 years and the median duration of infertility was 3 years. Nearly half of participants had mild psychological distress (49.3%), while 16.7% and 2.7% had moderate and severe distress, respectively; 32% screened positive for anxiety and 17.3% for depression. Longer infertility duration was significantly associated with higher depressive symptom scores, whereas other demographic and clinical variables showed no significant associations. Conclusions: Psychological distress is highly prevalent among women with infertility, with depressive symptoms increasing with longer infertility duration. These findings highlight the need for routine psychological screening and integration of mental health support into infertility care in clinical practice and long-term treatment planning, emphasizing a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to reproductive medicine.

Background: This up-to-date narrative review examines the associations of low environmental exposure to toxic trace elements—arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg)—on pregnancy. While high levels are known to be harmful, the impact of low levels has not been fully analyzed. The aim was to summarize global data on As, Cd, Pb, and Hg levels in maternal and cord blood of healthy pregnant women, compare their distribution, and assess associations with demographic factors, lifestyle, and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for studies published between 1 January 1990 and 14 May 2025. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A total of 824 records were assessed for eligibility, and 656 were excluded based on predefined criteria. Exclusion criteria encompassed in vivo or in vitro studies, non-English written publications, treatment-based studies, and studies involving occupationally exposed pregnant women. Inclusion criteria included original full-length research papers with cross-sectional, prospective cohort, or case–control designs; studies measuring As, Cd, Pb, and/or Hg in maternal and/or cord blood; and studies examining associations with demographic, lifestyle, and pregnancy outcomes. The review was not registered, and no external funding was received. Given the narrative synthesis approach of the review, a formal risk-of-bias assessment was not undertaken. Results: A total of 168 studies were included: 32 reported findings on As, 55 on Cd, 78 on Pb, and 64 on Hg, with 26 addressing all four elements. No meta-analysis was performed; results were summarized narratively. Results show that As and Cd levels are higher in maternal blood, whereas Pb and Hg, including methylmercury, are higher in cord blood. Key factors include smoking, rural residence, and fish or seafood consumption, linked to higher Cd, Pb, and Hg levels, respectively. Interpretation: Low Pb levels show the strongest associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes, while As shows the weakest. Pb’s effects may relate to passive placental diffusion, unlike other elements. Further studies are needed.