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Environmental Contributors to Oxidative Stress: Mechanisms and Effects

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2026 | Viewed by 815

Special Issue Editors


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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing prevalence of environmentally induced oxidative stress has emerged as a major area of concern in both environmental science and public health. This Special Issue will explore the various environmental factors—such as pollution, climate change, and exposure to hazardous substances—that contribute to oxidative stress in biological systems. Understanding the mechanisms by which these environmental stressors induce oxidative damage is crucial in addressing the associated health risks and developing effective mitigation strategies. By combining findings from molecular biology, environmental science, and epidemiology, this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive overview of the complex interactions between environmental factors and oxidative stress.

The primary aim for this Special Issue is to collect high-quality research articles, reviews and case studies that investigate the sources, mechanisms, and biological implications of environmentally induced oxidative stress. We invite contributions that focus on the effects of specific environmental pollutants, the role of antioxidants in mitigating oxidative damage, and the impact of oxidative stress on various biological systems, including plants, animals, and humans. In addition, this Special Issue will explore potential strategies for reducing exposure to environmental stressors and enhancing resilience through lifestyle changes, public health interventions, and policy recommendations. Through this compilation of articles, we aim to promote a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between environmental conditions and oxidative stress, ultimately guiding future research and promoting public awareness.

Dr. Halina Tkaczenko
Prof. Dr. Natalia Kurhaluk
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • oxidative stress
  • environmental pollution
  • climate change
  • antioxidants
  • biological effects
  • toxicology
  • health risks
  • reactive oxygen species (ROS)
  • public health
  • mitigation strategies
  • cellular damage in human and animal disorders
  • environmental stressors in human and animal health

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

53 pages, 4688 KB  
Review
Integrative Neuroimmune Role of the Parasympathetic Nervous System, Vagus Nerve and Gut Microbiota in Stress Modulation: A Narrative Review
by Natalia Kurhaluk, Renata Kołodziejska, Piotr Kamiński and Halina Tkaczenko
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311706 - 3 Dec 2025
Viewed by 313
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that prolonged exposure to stress engenders a plethora of neuropsychiatric, immune and metabolic disorders. However, its pathophysiology transcends the conventional hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. This review addresses the central question of how integrated neural and microbial pathways regulate stress responses [...] Read more.
It has been demonstrated that prolonged exposure to stress engenders a plethora of neuropsychiatric, immune and metabolic disorders. However, its pathophysiology transcends the conventional hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. This review addresses the central question of how integrated neural and microbial pathways regulate stress responses and resilience. We present a model in which the parasympathetic nervous system (particularly the vagus nerve) and the gut microbiota interact to form a bidirectional neuroimmune network that modulates the HPA axis, immune function, neurotransmitter balance, and metabolic adaptation. Key molecular pathways include nitric oxide synthesis via the classical nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent and microbiota-mediated nitrate–nitrite routes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) regulation, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling, lysosomal function, autophagy and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex. Other pathways include the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (5-HT) systems, NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) signalling, polyamine metabolism and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) enhances mitochondrial function, oxidative stress responses, autonomic balance and gut microbiota composition. This promotes parasympathetic activity and stress resilience that is tailored to the individual. These adaptations support the concept of personalised stress response profiles based on hypoxic adaptability. Clinical implications include combining IHT with vagus nerve stimulation, probiotics, dietary strategies, and stress reduction techniques. Monitoring vagal tone and microbiota composition could also serve as predictive biomarkers for personalised interventions in stress-related disorders. This integrative framework highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting the parasympathetic system and the gut microbiota to modulate stress. Full article
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