Postprandial dysmetabolism - A chronic stressor of the cardiometabolic system

The postprandial period, occurring after the ingestion of a meal, is characterized by the activation of several physiological systems (gastrointestinal, endocrine, cardiovascular, and central nervous system) which work together to absorb, metabolize, store, and excrete the macronutrients, micronutrients, and xenobiotics from the meal. However, when these delicate mechanisms are disturbed, either due to underlying pathologies (such as insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and gastrointestinal diseases) or the consumption of energy-rich meals, the homeostatic mechanisms of the human body are unable to efficiently metabolize macronutrients. This leads to postprandial dysmetabolism, characterized by excessive and sustained elevations of glucose, triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins, and the appearance of atherogenic lipoprotein particles. It is also accompanied by transient disturbances in the redox, circulatory, and immune systems.

Considering that humans spend the majority of their day in the postprandial state, the daily dysregulation of neuroendocrine and metabolic responses to meals seems to be a chronic stressor for the cardiometabolic system.

The main goal of this special issue is to investigate and highlight the impact of postprandial dysmetabolism on the cardiometabolic system. By doing so, it aims to propose new mechanistic targets for the formulation of novel lifestyle interventions and pharmaceutical treatments that aim to improve cardiometabolic stress after meal consumption.

Therefore, this special issue aims to provide a platform for researchers, physicians, food and nutrition scientists, and policymakers to share novel research findings, hypotheses, theories, and innovative solutions regarding the mechanisms of postprandial dysmetabolism and their impact on the cardiometabolic system. Specifically, we seek original research, review, mini-review, hypothesis, perspective, clinical trial, case report, and opinion articles on the following topics (but not limited to):
• Effect of non-communicable diseases on the postprandial metabolism of nutrients
• Postprandial dysmetabolism and redox homeostasis
• Postprandial dysmetabolism and the immune system
• Postprandial dysmetabolism and coagulation pathways
• Postprandial dysmetabolism and endothelial dysfunction
• Composition of meals and postprandial dysmetabolism
• Production of foods for the alleviation of postprandial dysmetabolism
• Chronobiology of postprandial dysmetabolism
• Lifestyle changes for the prevention or treatment of postprandial dysmetabolism (dietary interventions, physical activity, sleep, stress management)
• Novel biomarkers of postprandial dysmetabolism
• Postprandial metabolomics
• Gut microbiome and postprandial dysmetabolism
• Novel drugs for the treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia
• Postprandial indices as predictors of cardiometabolic diseases
• State-of-the-art, non-invasive techniques for the assessment of postprandial dysmetabolism

Keywords: Postprandial dysmetabolism, lipids

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.