In addition to their function in the reproductive system, estrogens have a key role in the central and peripheral regulation of energy homeostasis. Estrogen actions in hypothalamic nuclei differentially control food intake, energy expenditure, and white adipose tissue distribution. Likewise, estrogens can modulate other systems also implicated in the control of energy balance. Consequently, changes present in menopause, especially the decrease in serum estrogen levels, positively correlate with the development of metabolic syndrome and associated pathologies. As a result of the increase in life expectancy in developed countries, many women will spend the second half of their lives in a state of estrogen deficiency.
The focus of this Research Topic will be to explore new aspects regarding the role of estrogens in the regulation of energy homeostasis, from their central to their peripheral role. Our hope is that a deeper understanding of estrogen functions beyond the reproductive system will provide a solid foundation upon which to develop more effective therapies for metabolic disturbances, such as obesity. We welcome submissions of original research, reviews, and mini-review articles. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Central regulation of energy metabolism by estrogens; interaction with CNS;
• Role of estrogens in glucose and lipid metabolism;
• Role of estrogens in regulating liver energy homeostasis;
• Role of estrogens in the adipose tissue milieu;
• Impact of estrogens changes at different life stages on different metabolic systems and behaviors;
• Novel pathways employed by estrogens to regulate the energy homeostasis;
• New therapies to metabolic syndrome based on estrogen replacement.
In addition to their function in the reproductive system, estrogens have a key role in the central and peripheral regulation of energy homeostasis. Estrogen actions in hypothalamic nuclei differentially control food intake, energy expenditure, and white adipose tissue distribution. Likewise, estrogens can modulate other systems also implicated in the control of energy balance. Consequently, changes present in menopause, especially the decrease in serum estrogen levels, positively correlate with the development of metabolic syndrome and associated pathologies. As a result of the increase in life expectancy in developed countries, many women will spend the second half of their lives in a state of estrogen deficiency.
The focus of this Research Topic will be to explore new aspects regarding the role of estrogens in the regulation of energy homeostasis, from their central to their peripheral role. Our hope is that a deeper understanding of estrogen functions beyond the reproductive system will provide a solid foundation upon which to develop more effective therapies for metabolic disturbances, such as obesity. We welcome submissions of original research, reviews, and mini-review articles. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Central regulation of energy metabolism by estrogens; interaction with CNS;
• Role of estrogens in glucose and lipid metabolism;
• Role of estrogens in regulating liver energy homeostasis;
• Role of estrogens in the adipose tissue milieu;
• Impact of estrogens changes at different life stages on different metabolic systems and behaviors;
• Novel pathways employed by estrogens to regulate the energy homeostasis;
• New therapies to metabolic syndrome based on estrogen replacement.
