Briefly, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) plays an essential role in embryogenesis and the course of intra- and postnatal periods and is crucially involved in the functioning of the mother–placenta–fetus system. The low quantity of 25(OH)D during pregnancy can lead to an elevated risk for preeclampsia occurrence. Despite the numerous studies on the association of 25(OH)D deficiency and preeclampsia development, the current research on this theme is contradictory. In this review, we summarize and analyze study data on the effects of 25(OH)D deficiency and supplementation on pregnancy, labor, and fetal and neonatal outcomes.

No abstract

One of the most significant factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) development is considered to be aging, the processes of which are closely associated with telomere shortening. The different forms, indicators of aggressiveness, and intensities of AMD can be observed in the same age group, confirming the need to find a biomarker for early diagnosis and be capable of monitoring the progression of the pathological process. Therefore, we investigated whether the relative telomere length (RTL) has any connection with the risk of development of disease and its progression. RTL was measured using RT-PCR in 166 people, including 96 patients with AMD. RTL was significantly lower in patients with AMD. Women were more likely to develop AMD than men (odds ratio (OR) = 9.53 × 106 vs. OR = 1.04 × 108, respectively). The decrease in RTL in patients reliably correlated with the progression of AMD, and the smallest RTL was observed in late-stage patients. RTL < 0.8 is a significant risk factor for disease progression. The results of our research showed that RTL may be considered as a potential biomarker and a promising predictor of disease progression in patients with early AMD.

Vitamin D plays an essential role in embryogenesis and the course of intra- and postnatal periods and is crucially involved in the functioning of the mother-placenta-fetus system. Low quantity of Vitamin D during pregnancy can lead to the elevated risk for preeclampsia occurence. Despite the numerous studies on the association of Vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia development, the current research on this theme is contradictory. In this review we summarize and analyze study data on the effects of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on pregnancy, labor, fetal and neonatal outcomes.