Cell Death Mechanisms, Including Pyroptosis, Ferroptosis, and Autophagy: Therapeutic Prospects in Obstetric and Gynecological Diseases

Obstetric and gynecological diseases, such as preeclampsia, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), greatly contribute to morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Recent research highlights the critical roles of non-apoptotic cell death pathways—pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy—in the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. Pyroptosis, mediated by inflammasome activation and gasdermin proteins, intensifies inflammation in disorders like endometriosis and preeclampsia. Ferroptosis, distinguished by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has been implicated in ovarian cancer chemoresistance and placental dysfunction. Autophagy acts as a double-edged sword, modulating cell survival and death in uterine fibroids and PCOS, with context-dependent outcomes. Despite growing interest, the precise mechanisms linking these pathways to obstetric and gynecological pathologies remain inadequately understood, and their therapeutic potential remains underexplored. This Research Topic intends to bridge this knowledge gap by elucidating how dysregulated cell death pathways drive disease phenotypes and by identifying innovative therapeutic strategies. Subthemes include molecular crosstalk, tissue-specific regulatory networks, and the development of targeted interventions. By integrating preclinical and clinical insights, this collection will advance precision medicine approaches tailored specifically to women's health challenges.This Research Topic aims to address the critical knowledge gap regarding how dysregulated cell death mechanisms—pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy—drive the pathogenesis of obstetric and gynecological diseases and to explore their untapped therapeutic potential. Although these mechanisms play emerging roles in conditions such as preeclampsia, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, and PCOS, the tissue-specific regulatory networks, sex hormone interactions, and translational challenges associated with targeting these pathways remain poorly defined. By curating cutting-edge research, this collection seeks to: (1) elucidate molecular mechanisms connecting cell death to inflammatory and hormonal dysregulation in reproductive tissues; (2) identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis; (3) develop targeted therapies, including small-molecule inhibitors, nanomedicine, and repurposed agents; (4) examine sex-specific considerations in drug development and clinical translation.We aim to foster collaboration among basic scientists, clinicians, and translational researchers, bridging mechanistic discoveries with clinical applications. Ultimately, this Research Topic will advance precision medicine strategies to strategically modulate cell death pathways, delivering novel solutions to improve women's health outcomes globally.This Research Topic focuses on the roles of pyroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, and related cell death mechanisms in the pathogenesis and treatment of obstetric and gynecological diseases. Specific themes include:o Mechanistic Insights: Molecular crosstalk between cell death pathways and inflammatory/hormonal signaling in reproductive tissues (e.g., involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in preeclampsia; ferroptosis-mediated chemoresistance in ovarian cancer).o Disease Applications: Pathogenic roles in endometriosis, uterine fibroids, PCOS, gestational disorders, and various gynecologic cancers.o Therapeutic Strategies: Development of targeted therapeutics (e.g., gasdermin inhibitors, ferroptosis inducers, autophagy modulators) and nanomedicine approaches for reproductive organ-specific delivery.o Biomarkers and Diagnostics: Identification of novel biomarkers for early detection of placental dysfunction, endometriosis, or ovarian malignancy.o Translational Challenges: Sex hormone interactions, pregnancy-compatible drug development, and ethical considerations regarding modulation of cell death during pregnancy.We welcome submissions of Original Research, Reviews, Clinical Trials, Mini-Reviews, and Perspectives that integrate molecular, translational, or clinical viewpoints. Studies using advanced experimental models (e.g., organoids, patient-derived xenografts) or technologies (single-cell omics, AI-driven drug discovery) are particularly encouraged. Interdisciplinary research bridging reproductive biology, immunology, and pharmacology will be prioritized. All submissions must adhere to the ethical standards of Frontiers in Medicine and emphasize innovation, mechanistic depth, and potential for improving women's health outcomes globally. Topic editors: Ye Yang, Anna Franca Cavaliere, Yan Liang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/70550/cell-death-mechanisms-including-pyroptosis-ferroptosis-and-autophagy-therapeutic-prospects-in-obstetric-and-gynecological-diseases