Background: Uterine leiomyomas are the most common pelvic tumors in women of reproductive age. There is no clear conclusion in the literature regarding the pathophysiology of these conditions. STAT proteins stimulate the transcription of target genes. STAT-3 leads to an increase in VEGF levels and plays a role in tumorigenesis. IL-26 and other cytokines are vital immune response mediators. Cytokine dysregulation affects the immune response of various organs and tissues, making them prone to various diseases, such as inflammation, infection, and tumors. Methods: In the present study, we aimed to determine whether STAT-3 and IL-26 play a role in the development of uterine leiomyoma. This case–control study included 38 patients who underwent hysterectomy due to uterine leiomyoma and 30 patients who underwent hysterectomy due to non-organic benign gynecological causes other than myoma. Sections from the myometrium of the control group and the leiomyoma tissue of the case group were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for STAT-3 and IL-26. Results: When the uterine tissue sections of the control group incubated with STAT-3 were examined under a light microscope, the smooth muscle and fibroblast cells in the myometrium were STAT-3-negative, while the number of smooth muscle and fibroblast cells showing strong STAT-3-staining in the leiomyoma sections was high. When the uterine tissue sections incubated with IL-26 were examined under a light microscope, the normal smooth muscle and fibroblast cells in the control group were IL-26-negative, while there was an increase in the number of cells showing strong IL-26-staining in the leiomyoma smooth muscle and fibroblast cells. Conclusions: Our findings show that STAT-3 and IL-26 levels are significantly increased in uterine leiomyomas, and this increase may play a role in the growth and progression of uterine fibroids. The current results may enable the development of innovative treatment options, as they demonstrate the role of novel pathways in the formation of uterine fibroids.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent proinflammatory condition. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid obtained through the diet, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to compare DHA concentrations in serum and cervical mucus between women with PCOS and healthy controls. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 42 women with PCOS and 42 healthy controls aged 18–40 years. Anthropometric measurements, fasting metabolic and hormonal profiles were obtained, and paired serum and cervical mucus samples collected on midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle were analyzed for DHA concentrations using ELISA. Results: Serum DHA levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared with controls (304.50 [167.75–593.00] vs. 168.50 [105.25–312.75] ng/L; median difference of 136.0 ng/L [95% CI: 18.46–284.50]; p = 0.015). Cervical mucus DHA levels tended to be lower in the PCOS group (189.50 [168.75–240.25] vs. 220.00 [189.50–241.75] ng/L; median difference of −30.50 ng/L [95% CI: −63.01 to −12.00]; p = 0.098). The serum-to-cervical mucus DHA ratio was significantly higher in the PCOS group (1.65 [0.85–2.83] vs. 0.80 [0.52–1.93]; median difference of 0.85 [95% CI: 0.10–1.60]; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Women with PCOS exhibited significantly elevated serum DHA levels and serum to cervical mucus DHA ratios compared to healthy controls, while cervical mucus DHA levels were similar between groups. The higher serum DHA and comparatively lower cervical mucus DHA in PCOS patients may indicate impaired DHA metabolism, slower metabolic processing, or reduced utilization of its active mediators. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine DHA levels in both serum and cervical mucus in PCOS, highlighting the need for further large-scale studies.

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Interleukin-39 (IL-39), a newly identified cytokine, has been implicated in immune regulation; however, its role in PCOS remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate serum IL-39 levels in patients with PCOS and its potential as an adjunctive inflammatory biomarker candidate. Methods: This case–control study included 44 patients with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria and 44 age-matched in the control group. Serum IL-39 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded. Group comparisons were performed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests. Correlation analysis was conducted using Spearman’s coefficient. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of PCOS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess discriminative performance. Results: Serum IL-39 levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to control group (p < 0.001). No significant correlations were observed between IL-39 and other clinical or laboratory parameters. In multivariable analysis, IL-39 was independently associated with PCOS. ROC analysis showed that IL-39 had moderate discriminative ability (AUC = 0.74), with 68% sensitivity and 70% specificity. The combined model including IL-39, body mass index (BMI), luteinizing hormone (LH), and age demonstrated improved performance (AUC = 0.78), with higher sensitivity (86%) and negative predictive value (81%). Conclusions: IL-39 levels are elevated in PCOS and may represent a potential adjunctive inflammatory biomarker candidate. Its diagnostic performance improves when combined with other clinical parameters, supporting a multivariable approach in PCOS evaluation.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the frequency of urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms and to assess the impact of these symptoms on quality of life in pregnant women. Methods: This observational comparative study was conducted between March 2024 and September 2025 and included 182 pregnant women between 24 and 40 weeks of gestation. The study group consisted of 91 pregnant women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, while 91 normotensive pregnant women served as controls. Demographic and obstetric characteristics were recorded. Urinary incontinence and selected lower urinary tract symptoms, as well as the impact of urinary symptoms on quality of life, were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form, Urinary Distress Inventory-6, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors associated with the presence of urinary incontinence. Results: Urinary incontinence was significantly more frequent in the hypertensive group compared with controls (65.9% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.001). Lower urinary tract symptoms were also more prevalent among hypertensive pregnant women (71.5% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.011). UDI-6, ICIQ-SF, and total IIQ-7 scores were significantly higher in the hypertensive group, indicating greater symptom severity and worse quality of life (all p < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis including the entire study population, hypertensive pregnancy was independently associated with urinary incontinence (OR: 8.33, 95% CI: 4.00–16.67, p < 0.001), whereas age, body mass index, smoking status, and gravida were not independently associated with UI. Conclusions: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are strongly and independently associated with an increased frequency of urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms, as well as a significant deterioration in quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of routine evaluation of urinary symptoms in hypertensive pregnancies and support a multidisciplinary approach to their management.