Purpose of the Review.To highlight the role of oxidative stress in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and metabolic disorders of pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus). Recent Findings. In both preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH), oxidative stress leads to inadequate placental perfusion thus resulting in a hypoxic placenta, which generally leads to the activation of maternal systemic inflammatory response. In PE, this causes inflammation in the kidneys and leads to proteinuria. A proteinuria marker known as urinary 8‐oxoGuo excretion is expressed in preeclampsia. In GDM, oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of the disease, as a result of over secretion of insulin during pregnancy. This uncontrolled secretion of insulin results in the production of lipid peroxidation factors that also mask the secretion of antioxidants. Therefore, ROS becomes abundant at cellular level and prevents the cells from transporting glucose to body tissues. Summary. There is a need for more research investigating the role of oxidative stress, especially in obstetrics‐related conditions. More studies are required in order to understand the difference between the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of PE versus GH since investigations on the differences in genetic aspects of each condition are lacking. Furthermore, research to improve diagnostic procedures for GDM in pregnancy is needed.

Controlling hyperglycemia and inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains an important approach to control diabetes. The use of phytochemicals found in natural herbs has been investigated widely, and there are inconsistent findings in clinical trials, likely associated with a small sample size. A meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed by conducting a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOHost, and Web of Sciences. The search terms included Curcumin longa, turmeric, curcumin, curcuma xanthorrhiza, diferuloylmethane, and type 2 diabetes. Data were analyzed using an online meta-analysis tool, Jamovi version 2.4.8 and IBM SPSS statistics version 29. The data were reported as either mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals. The evidence from 18 trials with 1382 T2D with a mean age of 55.9 years was analyzed. Supplementation with curcumin led to a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, MD = −11.48 mg/dL, 95%CI (−14.26, −8.70), p < 0.01 and glycated hemoglobin, MD = −0.54%, 95%CI (−0.73, −0.35), p < 0.01. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in C-Reactive Protein in curcumin compared to a placebo, SMD = −0.59, 95%CI (−1.11, −0.07), p = 0.03. The findings observed in this study suggest that curcumin can ameliorate hyperglycemia and inflammation in T2D compared to a placebo. While the potential benefits were observed, it is recommended that future trials focus on finding a suitable dose and duration of intervention and incorporate formulation in curcumin to enhance its absorption.

Purpose of the Review. Hypertension in pregnancy is the global health burden. Amongst the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are the world’s leading disorders that lead to both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Recent Findings. Dopamine inactive metabolites, namely, monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), have been reported to be associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy such preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. Summary. This review discusses the involvement of MAO and COMT in the pathophysiology of both conditions in order to have a better understanding on the pathogenesis of both conditions, suggesting promising therapeutic interventions and subsequently reducing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) is a measurement for subclinical atherosclerosis and has been associated with overall cardiovascular diseases, especially in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to assess the status of carotid health and lipid profile in T2DM. Design: This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised data published from clinical studies. Data sources: Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus were searched from inception to 18 January 2024. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: Studies conducted in patients with T2DM and those without T2DM were included. Studies conducted in T2DM adults evaluating carotid status and lipid profile were considered. Data extraction and synthesis: Two authors independently used standardised methods to comprehensively search, screen and extract data from all relevant studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa checklist. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager and metaHun through random effects models. The random effect model was used due to high heterogeneity. Results: Evidence was analysed from 57 studies with a sample size of 29 502 (8254 T2DM and 21 248 people without T2DM). There was a significantly higher CIMT, with a standardised mean difference (SMD) of 1.01 (95% CI 0.75, 1.26, p<0.00001). Additionally, there was an elevated triglyceride (TG) (SMD=1.12, 95% CI 0.82, 1.41, p<0.00001), total cholesterol (TC), (SMD=0.24, 95% CI 0.02, 0.46, p=0.03) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), (SMD=0.35, 95% CI 0.11, 0.59, p=0.004) in patients with T2DM compared with those without T2DM. Furthermore, a significant decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was observed in the T2DM compared with people without T2DM, SMD= − 0.79, 95% CI − 0.96, –0.62, p<0.00001). Age, body mass index and hypertension were associated with increased CIMT and TG and decreased HDL-C in T2DM. Additionally, age, gender and hypertension were associated with an increased LDL-C in T2DM. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that an increased CIMT is accompanied by increased TG, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C reduction in patients with T2DM. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023451731.