TITLE:
Applied Molecular Biology and Genetics in Obstetrics and Gynecology
AUTHORS:
Bewendin Evelyne Savadogo/Komboigo, Boukaré Ouedraogo, Philibert Ouedraogo, Charlemagne Ouedraogo, Florencia Djigma, Jacques Simpore
KEYWORDS:
Biology, Genetics, Cancer, Infertility, Pregnancy, Burkina Faso
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.3,
March
18,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Molecular biology and genetics now occupy a central place in obstetrics and gynecology, offering innovative diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools. Objective: To describe the role of molecular biology and genetics in obstetrics and gynecology. Applications in Gynecology: In oncology, genetics allows us to identify new genes involved in breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, to identify high-risk patients, and to develop more tailored treatments to provide optimal care. Molecular biology and molecular genetics are essential for understanding infertility. They allow us to identify chromosomal, gene, and epigenetic abnormalities responsible for reproductive disorders. Applications in Obstetrics: Pregnancy is a complex physiological process involving genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and immune interactions. Molecular abnormalities can disrupt its proper course, leading to various maternal or fetal pathologies. Prenatal diagnosis increasingly relies on molecular biology and molecular genetics. Conclusion: molecular biology and genetics allow for a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of reproduction, explain many causes of infertility, and shed light on the pathophysiology of the main pregnancy pathologies. These advances constitute not only powerful diagnostic and prognostic tools, but also drivers of progress toward precision obstetrics and gynecology, serving the health of women and the mother-child dyad.