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Pregnancy Health and Complications: Molecular Processes and Mechanisms
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Pregnancy Health and Complications: Molecular Processes and Mechanisms

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 22718

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Shibin Cheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA
Interests: preeclampsia; inflammation; oxidative stress; ER stress, autophagy-lysosomal machinery; mitochondria; cell death; protein aggregation; neurodegenerative diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pregnancy is a complex and fascinating biological process involving a series of molecular events and intricate mechanisms. The understanding of these processes and mechanisms is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes and addressing the challenges associated with pregnancy-related complications. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers and experts to explore the molecular aspects of pregnancy health and complications, shedding light on the underlying processes and mechanisms.

The primary objective of this Special Issue is to bring together cutting-edge research and expert perspectives to advance our understanding of the molecular processes and mechanisms involved in pregnancy health and complications. This Special Issue seeks to:

  • Provide an overview of the latest research findings related to molecular processes during normal pregnancy;
  • Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying common pregnancy complications;
  • Explore the emerging technologies and methodologies used to study pregnancy at the molecular level;
  • Identify potential biomarkers, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic targets for the personalized management of pregnancy complications.

Suggested themes:

Molecular Adaptations in Normal Pregnancy:

  • Hormonal, immunological, and metabolic changes during pregnancy;
  • Maternal–fetal communication and signaling pathways;
  • Epigenetic modifications and their impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Molecular Mechanisms of Pregnancy Complications:

  • Preeclampsia: genetic predispositions, altered angiogenesis, and endothelial dysfunction;
  • Gestational diabetes: insulin signaling, metabolic alterations, and inflammation;
  • Preterm birth: inflammatory responses, cervical remodeling, and uterine contractility;
  • Fetal growth restriction: placental insufficiency, nutrient transport, and fetal programming.

Emerging Technologies and Methodologies:

  • Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in pregnancy research;
  • Single-cell analysis to unravel cellular heterogeneity and lineage specification;
  • Computational modeling and systems biology approaches for understanding complex interactions.

Translation to Clinical Practice:

  • Development of molecular biomarkers for early detection and risk prediction;
  • Therapeutic targets and interventions based on molecular insights.

This Special Issue welcomes the submission of original research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and perspectives. Original research articles should present novel findings with a clear focus on molecular processes and mechanisms relevant to pregnancy health and complications. Reviews should provide comprehensive and critical assessments of the current state of knowledge in specific areas. Perspectives can offer expert opinions, highlight emerging trends, or propose future directions for research and clinical practice.

In conclusion, this Special Issue on "Pregnancy Health and Complications: Molecular Processes and Mechanisms" aims to assemble a diverse collection of articles that explore the intricate molecular landscape of pregnancy. By focusing on both normal pregnancy and complications, as well as the latest technologies and translational aspects, this Special Issue aims to foster collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and ultimately contribute to improved maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Dr. Shibin Cheng
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • placenta
  • uterine
  • fetus
  • adverse pregnancy outcome
  • preterm birth
  • preeclampsia
  • gestational diabetes
  • maternal–fetal interface
  • immune tolerance
  • inflammation

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 14922 KiB  
Article
Morphological and Redox/Glycative Alterations in the PCOS Oviducts: Modulating Effects of Carnitines in PCOS Mice
by Mariacarla De Rubeis, Ilaria Antenisca Mascitti, Domenica Cocciolone, Martina Placidi, Teresa Vergara, Giovanna Di Emidio, Guido Macchiarelli, Carla Tatone, Stefania Annarita Nottola and Maria Grazia Palmerini
Biology 2024, 13(12), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13120964 - 23 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1166
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by hyperandrogenism (HA), polycystic ovaries, and dysfunctional ovulation, and it is associated with metabolic problems such as insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. After having investigated the morphological and antioxidant/antiglycative alterations on mouse ovaries and [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by hyperandrogenism (HA), polycystic ovaries, and dysfunctional ovulation, and it is associated with metabolic problems such as insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. After having investigated the morphological and antioxidant/antiglycative alterations on mouse ovaries and uteri, we here focus on PCOS oviducts, a tract of the reproductive system essential for the nourishment and transport of gametes and embryos. The modulating effects of L-carnitine (LC) and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) were also assessed. CD1 mice were administered or not with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, 6 mg/100 g body weight) for 20 days, alone or with 0.40 mg of L-carnitine (LC) and 0.20 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC). Oviducts were then subjected to histology and immunohistochemistry to evaluate their morphology and collagen deposition, and steroidogenesis. Oxidative, mitochondrial, and methylglyoxal (MG)-dependent damage was also investigated. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect ultrastructural alterations. The PCOS oviducts were affected by hyperfibrosis, hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and altered steroidogenesis, with oxidative alterations associated with MethylGlyoxal-Advanced Glycation End product (MG-AGE) accumulation. A reduced ciliary coverage and numerous dilated intercellular spaces were found in the epithelium. LC-ALC administration mitigated PCOS oviductal alterations. These results provide evidence for the detrimental action of oxidative and glycative stress in PCOS oviducts, confirming a protective role of carnitines on the PCOS phenotype. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pregnancy Health and Complications: Molecular Processes and Mechanisms)
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35 pages, 914 KiB  
Article
Probiotics Supplementation during Pregnancy: Can They Exert Potential Beneficial Effects against Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes beyond Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?
by Efthymios Poulios, Eleni Pavlidou, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Kalliopi Rempetsioti, Athanasios Migdanis, Maria Mentzelou, Maria Chatzidimitriou, Ioannis Migdanis, Odysseas Androutsos and Constantinos Giaginis
Biology 2024, 13(3), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13030158 - 28 Feb 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3936
Abstract
Background: Probiotics, as supplements or food ingredients, are considered to exert promising healthy effects when administered in adequate quantity. Probiotics’ healthy effects are related with the prevention of many diseases, as well as decreasing symptom severity. Currently, the most available data concerning their [...] Read more.
Background: Probiotics, as supplements or food ingredients, are considered to exert promising healthy effects when administered in adequate quantity. Probiotics’ healthy effects are related with the prevention of many diseases, as well as decreasing symptom severity. Currently, the most available data concerning their potential health effects are associated with metabolic disorders, including gestational diabetes mellitus. There is also clinical evidence supporting that they may exert beneficial effects against diverse adverse pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of the current narrative study is to extensively review and analyze the current existing clinical studies concerning the probable positive impacts of probiotics supplementation during pregnancy as a protective agent against adverse pregnancy outcomes beyond gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: a comprehensive and thorough literature search was conducted in the most precise scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences, utilizing efficient, representative, and appropriate keywords. Results: in the last few years, recent research has been conducted concerning the potential beneficial effects against several adverse pregnancy outcomes such as lipid metabolism dysregulation, gestational hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, excessive gestational weight gain, caesarean risk section, vaginal microbiota impairment, mental health disturbances, and others. Conclusion: up to the present day, there is only preliminary clinical data and not conclusive results for probiotics’ healthy effects during pregnancy, and it remains questionable whether they could be used as supplementary treatment against adverse pregnancy outcomes beyond gestational diabetes mellitus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pregnancy Health and Complications: Molecular Processes and Mechanisms)
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Review

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14 pages, 505 KiB  
Review
The “Bad Father”: Paternal Role in Biology of Pregnancy and in Birth Outcome
by Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo, Daniela Marzioni, Giovanni Tossetta, Ramona Montironi, Maria Liberata Meccariello and Andrea Ciavattini
Biology 2024, 13(3), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13030165 - 3 Mar 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 9179
Abstract
Pregnancy is generally studied as a biological interaction between a mother and a fetus; however, the father, with his characteristics, lifestyle, genetics, and living environment, is by no means unrelated to the outcome of pregnancy. The half of the fetal genetic heritage of [...] Read more.
Pregnancy is generally studied as a biological interaction between a mother and a fetus; however, the father, with his characteristics, lifestyle, genetics, and living environment, is by no means unrelated to the outcome of pregnancy. The half of the fetal genetic heritage of paternal derivation can be decisive in cases of inherited chromosomal disorders, and can be the result of de novo genetic alterations. In addition to the strictly pathological aspects, paternal genetics may transmit thrombophilic traits that affect the implantation and vascular construction of the feto-placental unit, lead to placenta-mediated diseases such as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth retardation, and contribute to the multifactorial genesis of preterm delivery. Biological aspects of immunological tolerance to paternal antigens also appear to be crucial for these pathologies. Finally, this review describes the biological findings by which the environment, exposure to pathogens, lifestyle, and nutritional style of the father affect fetal pathophysiological and epigenetic definition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pregnancy Health and Complications: Molecular Processes and Mechanisms)
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16 pages, 488 KiB  
Review
Dietary Patterns and Fertility
by Martina Cristodoro, Enrica Zambella, Ilaria Fietta, Annalisa Inversetti and Nicoletta Di Simone
Biology 2024, 13(2), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13020131 - 19 Feb 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7666
Abstract
Diet has a key role in the reproductive axis both in males and females. This review aims to analyze the impacts of different dietary patterns on fertility. It appears that the Mediterranean diet has a predominantly protective role against infertility, while the Western [...] Read more.
Diet has a key role in the reproductive axis both in males and females. This review aims to analyze the impacts of different dietary patterns on fertility. It appears that the Mediterranean diet has a predominantly protective role against infertility, while the Western diet seems to be a risk factor for infertility. Moreover, we focus attention also on dietary patterns in different countries of the World (Middle Eastern diet, Asian diet). In particular, when analyzing single nutrients, a diet rich in saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, animal proteins, and carbohydrates with high glycemic index is highly associated with male and female infertility. Finally, we evaluate the effects of vegetarian, vegan, and ketogenic diets on fertility, which seem to be still unclear. We believe that comprehension of the molecular mechanisms involved in infertility will lead to more effective and targeted treatments for infertile couples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pregnancy Health and Complications: Molecular Processes and Mechanisms)
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