Pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, and gestational hypertensive disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide and are recognized as more than just transient conditions. These complications not only pose immediate risks to maternal and fetal health but also have long-term consequences for mother and child. An expanding body of evidence supports the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, which suggests that intrauterine exposures can influence disease susceptibility later in life. Specifically, endocrine and metabolic disorders (such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes) have been linked to adverse in-utero environments.
Recent advances in cohort studies and molecular epidemiology have enabled deeper exploration of how maternal complications may program offspring metabolic pathways through mechanisms like epigenetic modification, altered placental function, or nutritional-immune-endocrine interactions. However, findings remain inconsistent across populations and types of complications, and the mechanisms underlying intergenerational transmission are still poorly understood.
This Research Topic aims to explore how pregnancy complications—such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and hypertensive disorders—contribute to the long-term endocrine and metabolic health risks in offspring. By integrating insights from epidemiological studies, mechanistic research, and longitudinal cohorts, we seek to uncover the biological pathways underlying these intergenerational effects. We also aim to highlight recent advances in omics technologies, early-life biomarkers, and innovative intervention strategies that could inform precision prevention and mitigate the developmental programming of chronic metabolic diseases.
We welcome original research, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and perspectives that address the intergenerational effects of pregnancy complications-including but not limited to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, hypertensive disorders, and intrauterine growth restriction-on the endocrine and metabolic health of offspring. We are particularly interested in studies that explore: • Long-term outcomes such as obesity, insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes in offspring • Mechanistic insights, including epigenetic modifications, placental programming, immune-endocrine interactions, and metabolomic or transcriptomic changes • Population-based cohort studies and longitudinal data examining early-life exposures and endocrine-metabolic trajectories • The role of maternal nutrition, lifestyle, or environmental exposures in modifying offspring outcomes • Potential intervention strategies during pregnancy or early postnatal life to reduce intergenerational risk
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