From Conception to Birth: Embryonic Development and Disease

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Developmental and Reproductive Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2025) | Viewed by 3673

Special Issue Editors


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Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54655 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: histology; embryology; histopathology (surgical anatomy)
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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: histology; embryology; electron microscopy; cell cultures
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The intricate processes that occur during embryonic development are vital for the formation and functioning of organs, tissues, and systems in the human body. Any disruptions during this period can have lasting effects on an individual's health. Understanding these events is crucial not only for exploring the origins of life but also for gaining insights into various diseases and conditions that may emerge later in adulthood. This Special Issue delves into the timeline of fetal development, examining aspects of embryonic growth and its connection to health. Researchers are encouraged to submit articles exploring organogenesis, cell differentiation, genetic regulation, environmental influences, reproduction, sex determination, pregnancy, congenital anomalies, and the physiological basis of diseases. Studying this area may reveal links between early life events and disease onset, potentially informing new approaches to address health issues.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Medicina.

Dr. Paschalis Theotokis
Prof. Dr. Soultana Meditskou
Dr. Maria Eleni Manthou
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • embryology
  • organogenesis
  • cell differentiation
  • gametes
  • reproduction
  • sex ratio
  • birth defects
  • pathophysiology
  • disease

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 998 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological and Histopathological Characteristics of Fetuses with Congenital Disorders: A Study in Greece
by Despoina Nteli, Maria Nteli, Konstantinos Konstantinidis, Maria Ouzounidou, Paschalis Theotokis, Maria-Eleni Manthou, Iasonas Dermitzakis, Xeni Miliara, Chrysoula Gouta, Stamatia Angelidou, Dimosthenis Miliaras and Soultana Meditskou
Biology 2025, 14(6), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14060626 - 29 May 2025
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Abstract
Congenital malformations constitute a major public health issue. Nonetheless, Greece does not participate in the European network of congenital anomalies. To examine the epidemiology of congenital abnormalities and investigate possible factors associated with their development, autopsies were performed on 649 fetuses referred from [...] Read more.
Congenital malformations constitute a major public health issue. Nonetheless, Greece does not participate in the European network of congenital anomalies. To examine the epidemiology of congenital abnormalities and investigate possible factors associated with their development, autopsies were performed on 649 fetuses referred from three healthcare facilities in Thessaloniki during 1992–2008. Adequate statistical analysis methods were implemented. Birth defects were found in 256 fetuses (39.5%)—primarily related to the musculoskeletal (17.3%), nervous (14.5%), cardiovascular (12.5%) and urinary (10.4%) systems. A statistically significant positive correlation (p-values < 0.05) emerged between the presence of a congenital defect and intrauterine growth restriction, inability to identify the fetus’ sex, iatrogenic abortion, nuchal oedema and a single umbilical artery. An inverse association (p-values < 0.05) was deduced with the gestational age, twin pregnancy, stillbirth, chorioamnionitis, infarction and intervillous thrombus of the placenta and nuchal cord. In multivariable analysis, the relationship remained significant (p-values < 0.05) between the development of birth defects and iatrogenic abortion, nuchal oedema, presence of a single umbilical artery, chorioamnionitis, infarction of the placenta and nuchal cord. ROC curve analysis indicated area under the curve = 0.800, 95% confidence interval = 0.76–0.84, p-value = 0.000. Our study revealed the epidemiology of congenital anomalies in Greece, confirming the relationship between various factors and birth defect occurrence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Conception to Birth: Embryonic Development and Disease)
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Review

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24 pages, 2182 KiB  
Review
Genetic Insights into Congenital Cardiac Septal Defects—A Narrative Review
by Jorge L. Cervantes-Salazar, Nonanzit Pérez-Hernández, Juan Calderón-Colmenero, José Manuel Rodríguez-Pérez, María G. González-Pacheco, Clara Villamil-Castañeda, Angel A. Rosas-Tlaque and Diego B. Ortega-Zhindón
Biology 2024, 13(11), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13110911 - 7 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2870
Abstract
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are a group of complex diseases characterized by structural and functional malformations during development in the human heart; they represent an important problem for public health worldwide. Within these malformations, septal defects such as ventricular (VSD) and atrial septal [...] Read more.
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are a group of complex diseases characterized by structural and functional malformations during development in the human heart; they represent an important problem for public health worldwide. Within these malformations, septal defects such as ventricular (VSD) and atrial septal defects (ASD) are the most common forms of CHDs. Studies have reported that CHDs are the result of genetic and environmental factors. Here, we review and summarize the role of genetics involved in cardiogenesis and congenital cardiac septal defects. Moreover, treatment regarding these congenital cardiac septal defects is also addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Conception to Birth: Embryonic Development and Disease)
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