Environmental Endocrine Disruptors: Mechanisms, Implications, and Advances in Detection and Mitigation in Endocrinology

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are a diverse group of exogenous chemicals that can alter the structure and function of the endocrine system, leading to a variety of adverse health effects. Commonly present in our environment, these compounds can be found in an array of products ranging from agricultural pesticides to household goods, cosmetics, and even some foods. Their ubiquitous nature makes human exposure almost inevitable, and over the past decades, substantial research has indicated a concerning link between ED exposure and the onset and progression of systemic diseases. These diseases encompass a wide spectrum, including metabolic disorders like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune conditions, and even certain types of cancers. As the global incidence of these diseases continues to rise, understanding the role of EDs becomes crucial. There's a growing consensus that ED exposure, even at low levels, can have profound effects, especially during critical windows of development. This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this pressing issue, diving deep into the environmental sources of EDs, their complex mechanisms of action, the potential epigenetic changes they may induce, and their undeniable role in the genesis and progression of various systemic diseases.

In the contemporary endocrinological landscape, the intersection of environmental endocrine disruptors (EDs) and systemic diseases represents a pivotal research concern. While EDs' adverse effects on the endocrine system have been widely recognized, there's a need to elucidate the nuanced mechanisms through which they shape the trajectory of systemic diseases. This Research Topic in Frontiers in Endocrinology aims to narrow this understanding chasm. Our objective is to deepen insights into the molecular, cellular, and epigenetic pathways influenced by EDs. We call for contributions detailing cutting-edge methods for ED detection, their interference with physiological systems, and contemporary measures to mitigate their impacts. By collating recent strides in this arena, our goal is to underscore the wider implications of ED exposure within endocrinology, potentially steering policy adjustments for diminished exposure and birthing innovative therapeutic strategies.

Ultimately, this Research Topic aspires to catalyze a multi-faceted response to the challenges posed by EDs, integrating research, policy, and clinical perspectives to promote a healthier future for all. This Research Topic welcomes contributions that critically explore the multifaceted relationship between environmental endocrine disruptors (EDs) and systemic diseases. Specific themes of interest include:
• Environmental sources and pathways of ED exposure.
• Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ED-induced pathologies.
• Epigenetic modifications resulting from ED exposure.
• Impacts of EDs during critical developmental windows.
• Advances in detection, quantification, and mitigation of ED exposure.
• Clinical manifestations and therapeutic approaches for ED-associated systemic diseases.

We welcome diverse manuscript types, including original research findings, expansive reviews, brief communications, or methodology-centric papers. Each submission should pivot around groundbreaking discoveries, pioneering views, and their ramifications in endocrinology, underscoring Frontiers in Endocrinology's commitment to disseminating impactful science to a global audience. Through this initiative, our ambition is to push the endocrinological community towards novel solutions and heightened vigilance.