Lipid homeostasis involves maintaining a balance between lipid synthesis, storage, and utilization in the body. Coordination among various organs, including the liver, kidney, cardiovascular system, and adipose tissues, is needed. Dysregulation of lipid homeostasis has been shown to lead to the development of metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which are major health concerns worldwide.
Humans are exposed to various environmental pollutants, such as air pollutants, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), as well as climate-related factors. Repeated and prolonged exposure to these factors may contribute to alterations in lipid homeostasis. However, how environmental exposures affect lipid homeostasis, including which groups are most vulnerable and the critical exposure windows is incompletely understood.
This Collection focuses on the link between environmental factors and lipid homeostasis. Understanding the role of these risk factors is essential for developing effective prevention strategies, especially those targeted at vulnerable population subgroups, and promoting policies aimed at limiting environmental release.
We welcome original research and (systematic) review articles, comments, and brief reports. Manuscripts on epidemiological, toxicological, and controlled human exposure studies will equally be accepted.
The collection may include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
• Associations between environmental factors (climate-related hazards or pollutants) and changes in clinical lipid markers
• Associations between environmental factors and changes in lipid metabolites or other associated metabolites and corresponding molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms
• Novel approaches to examine the exposome (internal or external) framework and multipollutant mixtures and their impact on lipid homeostasis.
Keywords: Environmental exposures, lipid homeostasis, metabolic diseases, pollutants, toxins, therapeutic strategies