Thyroid diseases represent one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders worldwide, affecting over 200 million people and showing a rapidly rising incidence. Despite their prominence after diabetes, the diverse clinical presentations of thyroid dysfunction often result in a high rate of undiagnosed cases, contributing to the development and progression of additional comorbidities. Thyroid hormones not only orchestrate metabolic processes such as glucose and lipid homeostasis but also play an essential role in regulating cardiovascular function. Alarming trends indicate that cardiovascular complications are emerging in younger individuals, with subclinical hypothyroidism frequently observed among patients with myocardial infarction and stroke. These interrelationships underscore the critical need to investigate how external factors may be contributing to these disease patterns.
Emerging evidence and the adoption of the “One Health approach” highlight the profound effects of environmental xenobiotics, such as endocrine disruptors, on the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. However, research specifically addressing the safety and health impacts of endocrine disruptors—especially plastics, microplastics, and their basic constituents like bisphenols—remains scarce. Although initial studies suggest a connection between exposure to these chemicals and an increased risk for cardiovascular and thyroid dysfunction, current understanding is hampered by insufficient evidence across populations and ecological contexts. These knowledge gaps present a pressing challenge for researchers seeking to clarify the mechanisms and risks posed by such ubiquitous environmental agents.
This Research Topic aims to broaden and deepen knowledge surrounding the impact of endocrine disruptors, particularly plastics, microplastics, and bisphenols, on cardiometabolic and thyroid health. Contributions spanning in vivo, in vitro, ex vivo, in silico, and human population studies—as well as comprehensive reviews—are encouraged to provide multidisciplinary and translational insights. Central aims include elucidating the mechanistic links between exposure and disease development, identifying vulnerable populations or life stages, and informing potential intervention strategies.
To gather further insights in this rapidly evolving field, we welcome articles focusing on the molecular, clinical, and epidemiological effects of endocrine disruptors on cardiovascular and thyroid disorders, with an emphasis on mechanistic, translational, and preventive perspectives. Themes of particular relevance include:
- Cardiotoxicity and cardiovascular dysfunction - Thyrotoxicity and thyroid hormone disruption - Haemostatic disorders and coagulopathy - Thyroid cancer risk and progression - Metabolic disorders—including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity We welcome original research, reviews, systematic reviews, and other article types.
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
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
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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.