Environmental Influences on Human Brain Health: A Cellular and Molecular Perspective

Environmental factors have a profound impact on human health, particularly affecting the brain's cellular and molecular functions. This Research Topic aims to explore how various Environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping brain health across the lifespan. With increasing exposure to environmental pollutants such as microplastics and pesticides, as well as the rising incidence of lifestyle-related metabolic issues like obesity and high visceral fat, the need to understand their impact on brain function is more pressing than ever. Research has begun to show that these factors can contribute to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of neurotransmission, leading to cognitive decline, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. On the other hand, positive environmental influences like regular physical activity and a nutrient-rich diet are known to promote neuroplasticity, cognitive function, and even slow the progression of age-related brain deterioration. This Research Topic seeks to integrate findings on how diverse environmental factors, both harmful and beneficial, influence brain health at a cellular level.



The goal of this Research Topic is to consolidate cutting-edge research that explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which environmental factors impact brain health. By focusing on diverse influences—ranging from environmental pollutants like microplastics and pesticides, to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and visceral fat—we aim to deepen our understanding of how these elements contribute to brain dysfunction or protection. This collection will highlight recent advances in uncovering neurotoxic pathways and neuroprotective mechanisms, providing a holistic view of the environmental factors affecting brain health. Ultimately, the aim is to promote the development of preventive measures, therapeutic interventions, and policy recommendations based on a clearer understanding of these environmental influences.



This Research Topic welcomes a wide range of contributions addressing the impact of environmental factors on brain health, including but not limited to:



• Neurotoxic effects of microplastics, pesticides, and other pollutants

• Cellular and molecular changes in the brain due to lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and obesity

• Neuroprotective effects of physical activity and specific dietary components

• Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress as mediators of environmental toxicity

• The role of visceral fat in neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment





We encourage the submission of original research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives. Studies utilizing cellular models, animal models, or human clinical data are all welcome, particularly those offering new insights into the molecular pathways through which environmental factors impact brain health.

Keywords: Environmental factors, Human brain health, Microplastics, Pesticides, Exercise and diet, Neurotoxicity

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.