Bridging Basic and Clinical Science: Shared Molecular and Metabolic Mechanisms in Preeclampsia, Gestational Diabetes and Gestational Weight Gain
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: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 7
Special Issue Editors
Interests: gestational weight gain; adolescent pregnancy; nutritional status; nutrient metabolism; oxidative stress; genetic variants; cytokines; perinatal outcomes; breastfeeding
Interests: maternal-fetal metabolic complications; DOHaD; pregnancy outcomes; clinical translation; maternal obesity; biomarkers
Interests: human fetal membranes; inflammation; maternal-placental-fetal interface; miRNAs; infectious diseases; reproductive immunology; preterm labor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue, "Bridging Basic and Clinical Science: Shared Molecular and Metabolic Mechanisms in Preeclampsia, Gestational Diabetes and Gestational Weight Gain," aims to foster a deeper, integrated understanding of the common molecular and metabolic pathways underpinning these significant pregnancy-specific complications. Our goal is to highlight the shared pathophysiological roots—including systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, altered lipid metabolism, and placental dysfunction—to catalyze the identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and preventive strategies that can address these conditions more effectively, individually and synergistically, ultimately striving to improve maternal and offspring health outcomes globally.
We invite original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and insightful commentaries that explore the genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, metabolomic, and cellular factors contributing to these interconnected pathologies. The scope encompasses studies from basic molecular investigations to clinical and translational research, seeking relevant findings across these fields. While the primary focus is on the shared mechanisms and interrelationships among preeclampsia (PE), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), high-quality original research papers and reviews addressing the molecular and metabolic aspects of each condition independently will also be considered. Submissions focusing on basic science discoveries with clinical relevance, translational studies, omics-based approaches, novel interventions, and insights into the maternal-fetal interface are particularly encouraged. This collection will bridge the gap between fundamental molecular insights and clinical applications.
We welcome contributions focusing on, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Shared molecular and metabolic pathways: Investigations into common mechanisms such as insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, altered lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction in PE, GDM, and GWG.
- Placental biology and maternal–fetal interface: Studies exploring the role of placental development, function, and signaling in the pathogenesis of these conditions, including molecular insights into immune cell interactions, angiogenesis, and nutrient transport.
- Omics approaches: Research utilizing genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify novel biomarkers, genetic predispositions, or therapeutic targets.
- Fetal programming and DOHaD: Studies on the perinatal origins of adult diseases, including the long-term impact of maternal metabolic health during pregnancy on offspring health.
- Molecular biomarkers: Identification and validation of molecular and metabolic biomarkers for the early prediction, diagnosis, or prognosis of PE, GDM, and GWG.
- Therapeutic and preventive strategies: Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying current or novel interventions aimed at preventing or managing these pregnancy complications.
- Cellular and animal models: Findings from in vitro and in vivo models that provide mechanistic insights into these conditions.
- Environmental and lifestyle factors: Molecular responses to environmental stressors, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions in the context of these pathologies.
We look forward to your valuable contributions to this Special Issue, which will undoubtedly foster collaborative advancements in understanding and addressing these critical pregnancy-related health issues.
Dr. Reyna Sámano
Dr. Hector Borboa-Olivares
Dr. Verónica Zaga-Clavellina
Dr. Gabriela Chico-Barba
Guest Editors
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
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Keywords
- preeclampsia
- gestational diabetes
- gestational weight gain
- metabolic mechanisms
- molecular pathways
- placental biology
- maternal–fetal interface
- biomarkers
- insulin resistance
- inflammation
- translational research
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