About this Research Topic
Understanding cellular bioenergetics is essential for comprehending how cells generate and use energy, which is critical for maintaining cellular function and overall organism health. Bioenergetics encompasses the processes of energy production, storage, and consumption within cells, primarily focusing on peroxisomal and mitochondrial function and metabolic pathways. Environmental toxicants, such as pollutants and chemicals, can significantly disrupt these processes, leading to altered metabolic states and potential health consequences. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are one example of a class of compounds that have been demonstrated to alter lipid and amino acid function, though the exact bioenergetic mechanism(s) of action remains unknown.
Chemicals disrupting metabolism are molecules (largely belonging to the endocrine disrupting class) that have been linked to diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, fatty liver and immune-related diseases. Some estimates suggest of the nearly 85,000 man-made chemicals, over 1,000 could be endocrine disrupters, based on their unique properties. In addition, other compounds have been linked to effects on cellular respiration and oxidation, yet whether the toxicity is directly due to toxicity to the peroxisome or mitochondria Is primary or secondary is unknown. Taken together, many bioenergetic toxicities and mechanisms of action for many of the man-made chemicals and their byproducts remain unpublished and/or unknown.
Recent advancements in bioenergetic assessment have provided deeper insights into how these toxicants impact cellular metabolism. In addition to disrupting the endocrine system and thereby altering metabolic rate and food intake, toxins can alter the redox environment, directly interact with components of the electron transport chain and/or alter oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. This growing field of study is critical for identifying the mechanistic link between toxicant exposure and metabolic dysfunction, which can ultimately lead to disease development and progression.
The aim of this Research Topic is to highlight the metabolic effects of environmental toxicant exposure. By showcasing cutting-edge research and methodologies, the series seeks to enhance our understanding of how toxicants alter cellular metabolism and identify potential biomarkers for exposure and disease progression.
This Research Topic will be dedicated to metabolic measures of toxicant exposures in the field of toxicology. The collection will feature a diverse range of studies focusing on:
- Protocols for bioenergetic assessment of toxicology: Detailed methodologies for evaluating the impact of toxicants on cellular energy production and consumption.
- Method development: Innovations in techniques and tools for studying bioenergetics in the context of toxicology
- Mapping metabolic pathways related to environmental exposures: Research elucidating the specific metabolic pathways affected by different toxicants.
- Determination of metabolic biomarkers: Identification of biomarkers that indicate exposure levels, disease progression, and underlying mechanisms of action.
- Future direction in bioenergetic approaches to toxicology: Insights and perspectives on the future oof bioenergetic research in toxicology, including merging trends and potential breakthroughs.
Manuscripts that address other challenging issues in this filed, such as the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in toxicants-induced metabolic changes, are also of interest for this Research Topic. Original research articles, reviews, perspectives and commentaries on these topics will be accepted and will of great value to all researchers working in the field.
Chemicals disrupting metabolism are molecules (largely belonging to the endocrine disrupting class) that have been linked to diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, fatty liver and immune-related diseases. Some estimates suggest of the nearly 85,000 man-made chemicals, over 1,000 could be endocrine disrupters, based on their unique properties. In addition, other compounds have been linked to effects on cellular respiration and oxidation, yet whether the toxicity is directly due to toxicity to the peroxisome or mitochondria Is primary or secondary is unknown. Taken together, many bioenergetic toxicities and mechanisms of action for many of the man-made chemicals and their byproducts remain unpublished and/or unknown.
Recent advancements in bioenergetic assessment have provided deeper insights into how these toxicants impact cellular metabolism. In addition to disrupting the endocrine system and thereby altering metabolic rate and food intake, toxins can alter the redox environment, directly interact with components of the electron transport chain and/or alter oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. This growing field of study is critical for identifying the mechanistic link between toxicant exposure and metabolic dysfunction, which can ultimately lead to disease development and progression.
The aim of this Research Topic is to highlight the metabolic effects of environmental toxicant exposure. By showcasing cutting-edge research and methodologies, the series seeks to enhance our understanding of how toxicants alter cellular metabolism and identify potential biomarkers for exposure and disease progression.
This Research Topic will be dedicated to metabolic measures of toxicant exposures in the field of toxicology. The collection will feature a diverse range of studies focusing on:
- Protocols for bioenergetic assessment of toxicology: Detailed methodologies for evaluating the impact of toxicants on cellular energy production and consumption.
- Method development: Innovations in techniques and tools for studying bioenergetics in the context of toxicology
- Mapping metabolic pathways related to environmental exposures: Research elucidating the specific metabolic pathways affected by different toxicants.
- Determination of metabolic biomarkers: Identification of biomarkers that indicate exposure levels, disease progression, and underlying mechanisms of action.
- Future direction in bioenergetic approaches to toxicology: Insights and perspectives on the future oof bioenergetic research in toxicology, including merging trends and potential breakthroughs.
Manuscripts that address other challenging issues in this filed, such as the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in toxicants-induced metabolic changes, are also of interest for this Research Topic. Original research articles, reviews, perspectives and commentaries on these topics will be accepted and will of great value to all researchers working in the field.
Keywords: environmental toxicology, metabolism, chemicals disrupting metabolism
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