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Complications of Pregnancy: The Importance of Omics-Based Diagnosis and Therapeutic Approaches

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 2865

Special Issue Editor


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Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán 82112, Sinaloa, Mexico
Interests: developmental biology; congenital malformations; epigenetic regulation; sex determination
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am currently organizing a Special Issue entitled “Complications of Pregnancy: The Importance of Omics-Based Diagnosis and Therapeutic Approaches” in collaboration with the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IF: 5.6, ISSN 1422-0067, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms).

Pregnancy complications are physical or mental medical conditions that affect the health of pregnant or post-partum women, their babies, or both. Complications may arise from preexisting conditions or may first develop during pregnancy. Early detection and timely treatment can help reduce the risk of serious outcomes. Complications during pregnancy can occur for several reasons; some common complications include, but are not limited to:

  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Miscarriage
  • Congenital disorders
  • Preeclampsia
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Preterm labor
  • Infections
  • Placenta previa
  • Depression
  • Anemia

Most medications are not tested for use during pregnancy, and health care providers may decide to treat the condition with available medications or not to treat it at all, depending on the benefit/risk factor. Prevention, early detection, and new alternative therapies based, for example, on epigenetic approaches or microbiome analysis become relevant in the context of pregnancy and require priority in research and development. Suggested topics may include:

  • Omics-based studies for detection and treatment of pregnancy complications
  • Novel or improved tools for early diagnosis
  • Epigenetic markers
  • Epigenetic and miRNA-based therapies
  • Alterations of the microbiome (gut/fecal, vaginal, endometrial, etc.) and relevance for diagnosis or treatment

Thus, this Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences aims to bring together high-quality articles that address different areas within pregnancy complications. We welcome all researchers working on prevention, diagnosis, and therapies for different pregnancy conditions to contribute with in-depth critical reviews and original articles. Contributions from international investigators will provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art analysis of pregnancy complications to help implement better prevention and management strategies.

Dr. Alejandra Garcia-Gasca
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • pregnancy complications
  • epigenetics
  • omics
  • miRNA-based therapies
  • microbiome analysis
  • early diagnosis

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 8033 KB  
Article
Endometrial Stromal Senescence Mediates the Progression of Intrauterine Adhesions
by Pavel I. Deryabin and Aleksandra V. Borodkina
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094183 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1111
Abstract
Cellular senescence has emerged as a key mediator in organ-specific fibrosis. Here, we have established the role of endometrial stromal senescence in the progression of endometrial fibrosis, termed intrauterine adhesions (IUA). IUA have significant negative effects on women’s reproductive health and are associated [...] Read more.
Cellular senescence has emerged as a key mediator in organ-specific fibrosis. Here, we have established the role of endometrial stromal senescence in the progression of endometrial fibrosis, termed intrauterine adhesions (IUA). IUA have significant negative effects on women’s reproductive health and are associated with infertility. We have generated original gene signatures to identify endometrial stromal senescence in single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data. By applying generated gene signatures, we revealed an increased level of stromal senescence during the proliferative phase in the endometrium of patients with IUA. Further comparative analysis of cell–cell communications demonstrated that senescent stromal cells in the IUA endometrium create an immunosuppressive and profibrotic microenvironment through an elevated expression of LGALS9. Endometrial stromal senescence persists during the window of implantation and correlates with impaired embryo receptivity of the IUA endometrium. Therefore, stromal senescence can be regarded as a primary cause of an unresponsive endometrium with decreased receptivity and thickness in IUA patients. A LGALS9 immunotherapy protocol, specifically designed to neutralize LGALS9 immunosuppressive activity of senescent cells, may offer a promising opportunity to restore effective immune clearance of these cells within the IUA stroma. Consequently, an LGALS9-based strategy could emerge as a novel therapeutic avenue in the treatment of IUA. Full article
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Review

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30 pages, 1119 KB  
Review
The Impact of Lifestyle on Reproductive Health: Microbial Complexity, Hormonal Dysfunction, and Pregnancy Outcomes
by Eunice Barraza-Ortega, Bruno Gómez-Gil, Teresa García-Gasca, Dennise Lizárraga, Natalia Díaz and Alejandra García-Gasca
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178574 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1051
Abstract
Endocrine dysfunctions refer to alterations in hormone production, release, or regulation that can significantly impact health. In pregnant women or those planning pregnancy, these conditions may manifest as disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, endometriosis, gestational diabetes mellitus, and other metabolic issues, [...] Read more.
Endocrine dysfunctions refer to alterations in hormone production, release, or regulation that can significantly impact health. In pregnant women or those planning pregnancy, these conditions may manifest as disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, endometriosis, gestational diabetes mellitus, and other metabolic issues, which could potentially cause infertility or pregnancy complications. Research and clinical experience indicate that hormones play a crucial role in basic physiology and are essential for overall health and well-being. At the same time, lifestyle—defined as daily habits related to nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and other factors—directly influences microbial composition and hormonal regulation. The human microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms residing within the human body, plays essential roles in supporting overall health. The increasing prevalence of hormonal disorders, especially in urban populations, has heightened interest in how modern lifestyles—characterised by sedentary habits, chronic stress, imbalanced diets, and inadequate sleep—may contribute to the development or aggravation of these conditions, leading to higher infertility rates or pregnancy complications if untreated. This review investigates the interaction between hormonal dysfunction, the human microbiome, and lifestyle factors, with a focus on their effects on pregnant women and those seeking to conceive. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and to examine preventative and therapeutic approaches that could alter these patterns. Full article
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