Dear Colleagues,

The development of placental villous trees is a key process tightly regulated during pregnancy. Placental growth is controlled by several growth factors, hormones, and other molecules that can regulate placental cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion into the uterine wall. Thus, it follows that, an impairment of normal placental development can result in a series of pathologies during pregnancy such as preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD), preterm birth (PTB), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Furthermore, external factors such as pollution, natural agents, and microbial agents can affect placental development and function compromising pregnancy outcome.

Some of these complications that arise during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, result in increased maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, leading to life-long health implications in both mother and child.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in placental pathophysiology with the aim of improving treatment of these patients. We inviting submission of original research articles, reviews, and mini-reviews on topics relevant to any aspect of placental pathophysiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of the placenta.

Dr. Giovanni Tossetta
Guest Editor