Dynamics of endocrine system dysfunctions and neuro-ophthalmic manifestations: early diagnostic to therapeutic implications

The field of neuroendocrinology explores the intricate interactions between the endocrine and nervous systems, which are crucial for maintaining homeostasis in various physiological processes such as stress response, metabolism, and fluid balance. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of endocrine dysfunctions in contributing to neurological manifestations, including headaches, myopathy, and neurodegeneration. Despite the growing evidence, these neuroendocrine disturbances are often overlooked in clinical practice, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. The eye, as a window to the brain, presents distinct pathophysiological changes in response to endocrinopathies, offering a unique opportunity for early detection and management of systemic diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying these ocular manifestations remain largely unexplored. Recognizing ocular signs of neuroendocrine abnormalities is vital for early diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with these disorders. Current research has observed a variety of ocular abnormalities in hereditary neurodegenerative diseases, particularly affecting the optic nerve and retina, leading to significant visual function loss. Understanding these associations is crucial for diagnosing and managing complex neurodegenerative aetiologies, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.

This research topic aims to elucidate the neuro-ophthalmic disease processes associated with endocrine dysfunctions. The primary objective is to gather research that explores the connections between neuro-ocular abnormalities and endocrine system dysfunctions, focusing on disease markers and mechanisms. By investigating the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, thyroid, and pancreas in neurodegenerative disorders, this research seeks to enhance our understanding of the implications of endocrine dysfunction on neuro-ophthalmic health. The research will address specific questions regarding the role of ocular signs in early detection and the potential for therapeutic interventions.

To gather further insights into the dynamics of endocrine system dysfunctions and their neuro-ophthalmic manifestations, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Diverse afferent visual systems and other ocular characteristics such as inflammation and neural regulators of neurodegeneration.
- The role of retinal imaging and ophthalmic findings as biomarkers of disease severity.
- Synergistic mechanisms between endocrine system dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
- The gut-brain axis in endocrine system dysfunction and degenerative eye conditions.
- Molecular crosstalk between overlapping aetiological phenotypes among the endocrine system, degenerative brain, and eyes.
- Recent therapeutic perspectives and the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches for early diagnosis and detection of neurodegeneration in endocrine system dysfunctions.