The field of neuroendocrine control of glucose homeostasis is pivotal in understanding the complex interplay between metabolic diseases and brain disorders. These conditions, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus, significantly impact the quality of life for millions globally. The maintenance of glucose homeostasis is crucial for physiological functions, yet the precise mechanisms governing this balance remain a topic of intense debate. Recent studies suggest that the regulation of blood glucose levels involves a sophisticated interaction between hormones, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters, primarily orchestrated by the brain, peripheral nerves, and pancreatic islets. However, the intricate communication pathways between the brain and pancreatic islets pose challenges in fully comprehending their role in glucose regulation. This gap in understanding underscores the need for innovative research to inform future clinical interventions aimed at preserving neurometabolic health.
This research topic aims to explore and review the latest advancements in understanding metabolic disorders, particularly obesity and diabetes mellitus, in relation to brain and autonomic nerve dysfunctions. A primary objective is to identify specific targets that regulate the release of hormones, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters, which in turn influence pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion at specific glycemic set-points. Additionally, the research seeks to investigate the development of insulin resistance within pancreatic islets and the brain, with the goal of improving clinical management of brain disorders linked to metabolic dysfunctions. Ultimately, the research aspires to propose new therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse neurometabolic insults, potentially offering novel protective measures against these complex conditions.
To gather further insights into the neuroendocrine control of glucose homeostasis, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- In vivo studies on pancreatic islet biology in health and in the context of genetically- or diet-induced metabolic derangements.
- State-of-the-art techniques in confocal imaging using in vivo or ex vivo systems to explore the integrity of the pancreatic innervation in animal models and/or humans with obesity and diabetes mellitus.
- Contributions linking the functional cross-talk between the brain and pancreatic islets in metabolic health and disease.
- Studies focusing on new targets or therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing or curtailing brain derangements associated with metabolic insults, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
- Contributions on obesity and diabetes-related complications, focusing on mechanisms, biomarkers, diagnostics, and/or treatments.
-Contributions on neuroendocrine regulation of adrenergic/cholinergic signaling in cancer and metabolic disorders.
- Reviews, commentaries, and short communications in the field of neurodegenerative diseases associated with metabolic disorders.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Case Report
Clinical Trial
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
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Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
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.
