Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge, disproportionately affecting women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV16 and HPV18, is the central cause of cervical carcinogenesis, driven by the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7, which disrupt the host tumor suppressors p53 and retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Advances in molecular understanding have catalyzed effective primary and secondary prevention strategies. Prophylactic HPV vaccination, especially the nonavalent formulation, has demonstrated high efficacy in reducing HPV infections and cervical precancer. Concurrently, HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing, self-sampling, and screen-and-treat protocols are transforming screening paradigms, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, global disparities in vaccine access, screening coverage, and health infrastructure persist, impeding progress toward the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90–70–90 elimination targets. By synthesizing recent advances in virology, prevention strategies, and implementation innovations, such as therapeutic vaccines, artificial-intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, and mobile health solutions, this review sheds light on their potential to narrow these equity gaps.

Oxidative stress, defined as the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several pregnancy complications, notably preeclampsia (PE), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). During normal pregnancy, low to moderate ROS levels support essential placental functions such as angiogenesis and trophoblast differentiation. However, excessive ROS production overwhelms antioxidant systems, leading to lipid peroxidation, protein and DNA damage, and impaired placental function. This review synthesizes current evidence linking oxidative stress to adverse pregnancy outcomes, highlighting key biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). While antioxidant therapies—particularly vitamins C and E, selenium, and folic acid—have shown promise in reducing oxidative markers, their impact on clinical outcomes remains inconsistent. The variability in results underscores the need for standardized biomarker protocols and personalized treatment strategies based on genetic predispositions and baseline oxidative status. Future research may better harness antioxidant interventions to improve maternal–fetal health by addressing these gaps.

Maternal obesity is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE). This prospective study histopathologically analyzes the placentas obtained from 34 pregnant obese women studied between October 2016 and May 2020. The 10 cases of term placentas from obese pregnancies with GDM and the 12 cases with PE were examined by the Hematoxylin–Eosin (HE), Masson’s trichrome (MT) and Periodic Acid–Schiff–Hematoxylin (PAS–H) classical stainings, and by the immunohistochemical evaluation and compared to placentae from uncomplicated term obese pregnancies (12 cases). We did not meet placental histopathological (HP) abnormalities that we could classify as characteristic only for the state of obese pregnancy, but we did find placental changes associated with PE and GDM, in the context of obese pregnancy. In the case of association with PE, there were common lesions, manifested by intra- and perivillous fibrinoid deposition, calcification, and placental infarction area, to which were added numerous syncytial knots. In the case of obese pregnancy associated with GDM, we found, in addition to common placental lesions of obesity, intravillositary vascular edema and in the terminal villi appearing chorangiosis. This study revealed a number of HP changes that occur in maternal obesity, even in uncomplicated obese pregnancies. A characteristic of obese pregnancies associated with PE was the presence of numerous syncytial knots, and in obese pregnancies associated with GDM, the most common HP lesion was placental chorangiosis. Certainly, we cannot conclude that these HP lesions are specific to a particular pathology, but they belong primarily to the status of maternal obesity.

Background: We aimed to analyze the presence and clinical use of serum 8-iso-prostaglandin F2-alpha (8-iso-PGF2α) as an oxidative stress marker and some inflammatory status biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and pentraxin-3 (PTX3)) for patients with preeclampsia (PE). Methods: Sixty pregnant women, including thirty diagnosed with PE and thirty who were healthy (NP), were included in this study. For the assessment of serum levels of biomarkers, we used the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Results: Our preliminary study showed that the expression level of serum 8-iso-PGF2α in the PE group was higher than in the PE after delivery (PE-AD) group (742.00 vs. 324.00 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). Groups of preeclamptic patients (PE + PE-AD) expressed significantly elevated levels for all of the assessed inflammatory mediators as compared to NP. Significant strong positive correlations with 8-iso-PGF2α levels were found for systolic blood pressure (SBP), and TNF-α (Spearman’s rho = 0.622, p-value = 0.020 and rho = 0.645, p-value = 0.002, respectively). Our study demonstrates that 8-iso-PGF2α and PTX3 have the greatest diagnostic value for pregnant women with PE. Conclusions: 8-iso-PGF2α and PTX3 can be used as independent predictor factors, along with already-known cytokines, that could represent a prophylactic way to help clinicians identify or predict which pregnant women will develop PE.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic complications during pregnancy, affecting up to 14% of pregnancies globally. GDM is characterized by glucose intolerance that arises or is first identified during pregnancy and is linked to significant short- and long-term adverse outcomes for both mothers and their offspring. The pathophysiology of GDM involves more than maternal insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. It is influenced by complex interactions among placental hormones, adipokines, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress pathways. Additionally, placental-derived exosomes and metabolomic signatures have emerged as promising biomarkers for early prediction and monitoring of the disease. Despite advancements in clinical diagnosis and management, including lifestyle interventions and pharmacological treatments, current strategies are still inadequate to prevent complications for both mothers and newborns entirely. Recent molecular insights into GDM development have been explored, along with emerging biomarkers and potential therapies. This synthesis also considers prospects for precision medicine strategies that could significantly improve GDM management. The urgent need for improved prevention and treatment of GDM is evident. A deeper understanding of the molecular foundations of GDM is essential and urgent, as it may enhance clinical outcomes and provide opportunities for early prevention of intergenerational metabolic disease risk.

Early-onset sepsis (EOS) remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with significant differences in the incidence and outcome of the disease in Europe. Eastern European countries face particular challenges due to differences in access to healthcare, diagnostic facilities, and prevention strategies. This review summarizes the results of recent research to provide insights into maternal risk factors, regional inequalities in access to healthcare, diagnostic biomarkers, pathogen patterns, and treatment protocols for EOS. This review also examines how healthcare infrastructure and socioeconomic factors influence EOS outcomes in Eastern Europe. Introduction: Early-onset sepsis (EOS) presents a significant health challenge for newborns, characterized by sepsis occurring within the first 72 h of life, primarily caused by the vertical transmission of pathogens from mother to child. Despite advancements in medical care, EOS remains particularly burdensome in resource-poor settings, especially in Eastern Europe, where disparities in healthcare access and maternal health are pronounced. This systematic review aims to provide insights into maternal risk factors, regional inequalities in healthcare access, diagnostic biomarkers, pathogen patterns, and treatment protocols for EOS. Background/Objectives: EOS is increasingly recognized as a public health issue, with outcomes significantly influenced by maternal health, socioeconomic status, and healthcare infrastructure. The review seeks to summarize the existing literature on EOS, particularly focusing on differences between high-income Western and low-resource Eastern European countries. The influence of maternal access to antenatal care, pathogen prevalence, and antibiotic resistance on EOS outcomes across regions will also be examined. Methods: To achieve the review’s objectives, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, adhering to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies published within the last 20 years (January 2004–August 2024) that addressed EOS in late preterm or term infants, emphasizing maternal health, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and treatment protocols pertinent to European populations. Exclusion criteria included non-English publications and studies lacking a focus on maternal and neonatal health. A total of 29 peer-reviewed articles meeting the specified criteria were ultimately included in the analysis. Results: The findings highlight significant regional disparities in EOS management between Western and Eastern Europe. Key issues include maternal risk factors, socioeconomic barriers to healthcare, diagnostic biomarkers, and pathogen resistance trends. Limited access to prenatal screenings and healthcare infrastructure in Eastern European countries, especially in rural regions in Romania, exacerbate the challenges faced by expectant mothers. Financial burdens, such as high out-of-pocket expenses, were shown to further restrict access to necessary maternal care. Conclusions: This systematic review emphasizes the urgent need for targeted investments in maternal healthcare infrastructure in Eastern Europe to mitigate the impacts of EOS. Enhanced screening programs, standardized surveillance systems, and ensuring equitable health policies are essential to improving neonatal outcomes. Additionally, tailored education and awareness campaigns for disadvantaged groups and comprehensive health policy reforms, including universal antenatal care and Group B Streptococcus (GBS), are essential to bridging healthcare gaps.