Research question
The World Health Statistics 2023 emphasizes the importance of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. By 2030, the global maternal mortality rate is expected to decrease to below 70/100000, and the neonatal mortality rate to be reduced to at least 12/1000. However, it is not possible to achieve the expected goals based on current data. It becomes imperative to prioritize efforts dedicated to the prevention and treatment these complex conditions that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, current knowledge regarding these diseases remains insufficient.
Objective
To address this gap, the present undertaking aims to employ an integrated approach, leveraging the wealth of genetics, metabolomics, proteomics, and comprehensive epidemiological data. Through multidimensional analyses, we aim to discover new risk factors, identify potential biomarkers, and understand causal relationships for various risk factors, pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes (including both maternal and fetal aspects).
Scientific rationale
Probing circulating proteins provides unique opportunities to uncover novel biomarkers and improve our understanding of etiology of those diseases. Similarly, blood metabolome is considered as important readouts of aggregated information from genetic factors, gene expression to protein abundance, as well as external environmental factors. To accomplish this, we will combine multi-omics and epidemiological data to discover novel risk factors, biomarkers and provide definitive evidence for known associations of cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases risk reported by traditional observational studies. Our endeavor will encompass the analysis of multi-omics and epidemiological information, enabling us to unravel new risk factors, identify potential biomarkers, and comprehend the intricate web of causal relationships underpinning various pregnancy complications and pregnancy outcomes
