Feature Paper Collection in Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism
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Editor
Prof. Dr. José L. Quiles
Prof. Dr. José L. Quiles
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Collection Editor
Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “Jose Mataix”, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Avda. Conocimiento s/n, 18100 Granada, Spain
Interests: cancer biology; antioxidants; oxidative stress; food chemistry; nutrition; reactive oxygen species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Topical Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
As Section Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, I am very excited to announce the Topical Collection “Feature Paper Collection in Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism”. The collection aims to collect high-quality research and review articles on all aspects of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
The areas of interest for the Topical Collection embrace, but are not limited to, topics such as:
- Endocrine systems and endocrine-related diseases;
- Molecular, cellular, genetic, epigenetic, developmental approaches, and animal models;
- Novel insights into physiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutics;
- Neuroendocrinology and neuroendocrine control of endocrine axes;
- Classical glands (thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, parathyroid, testis, ovary, pituitary, etc.) and other endocrine systems: gut, bone, liver, etc.;
- Lipids and bone metabolism;
- Hormones, paracrine factors, receptors and binding components, nuclear receptors membrane receptors, and signal transduction pathway;
- Steroid biosynthetic enzymes, metabolism of hormones, neurotransmitters, etc.;
- Cellular interactions and factors involved;
- Energy expenditure;
- Diabetes;
- Infertility and reproductive diseases;
- Obesity;
- Osteoporosis;
- Aging;
- Endocrine-related tumor and cancer;
- Endocrine disruption;
- Crossdisciplinary and integrative studies;
- Comparative aspects of endocrinology.
Dr. José L. Quiles
Collection Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript.
There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this
open access journal. For details about the APC please see here.
Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's
English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- endocrine systems
- endocrine-related diseases
- diabetes
- infertility and reproductive diseases
- obesity
Published Papers (4 papers)
2025
Open AccessArticle
Cannabinoid Receptors in the Horse Lateral Nucleus of the Amygdala: A Potential Target for Ameliorating Pain Perception, Stress and Anxiety in Horses
by
Cristiano Bombardi, Giulia Salamanca, Claudio Tagliavia, Annamaria Grandis, Rodrigo Zamith Cunha, Alessandro Gramenzi, Margherita De Silva, Augusta Zannoni and Roberto Chiocchetti
Viewed by 224
Abstract
The amygdala is composed of several nuclei, including the lateral nucleus which is the main receiving area for the input from cortical and subcortical brain regions. It mediates fear, anxiety, stress, and pain across species. Evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be
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The amygdala is composed of several nuclei, including the lateral nucleus which is the main receiving area for the input from cortical and subcortical brain regions. It mediates fear, anxiety, stress, and pain across species. Evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be a promising target for modulating these processes. Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-related receptors have been identified in the amygdala of rodents, carnivores, and humans, but not in horses. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) within the lateral nucleus of six equine amygdalae collected post mortem from an abattoir using quantitative real-time PCR, cellular distribution, and immunofluorescence. mRNA expression of CB1R and CB2R, but not TRPV1 or PPARγ, was detected. The percentage of immunoreactivity (IR) was calculated using ImageJ software. Cannabinoid receptor 1 immunoreactivity was absent in the somata but was strongly detected in the surrounding neuropil and varicosities and CB2R-IR was observed in the varicosities; TRPV1-IR showed moderate expression in the cytoplasm of somata and processes, while PPARγ-IR was weak-to-moderate in the neuronal nuclei. These findings demonstrate endocannabinoid system components in the equine amygdala and may support future studies on
Cannabis spp. molecules acting on these receptors.
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Open AccessReview
Neurosteroids, Microbiota, and Neuroinflammation: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Perspectives
by
Amal Tahri, Elena Niccolai and Amedeo Amedei
Viewed by 904
Abstract
The gut–brain axis (GBA) represents a complex bidirectional communication network that links the gut microbiota (GM) and the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research has revealed that neurosteroids (NSs) play crucial roles in modulating neuroinflammatory responses and promoting neuroprotection. Meanwhile, GM alterations have
[...] Read more.
The gut–brain axis (GBA) represents a complex bidirectional communication network that links the gut microbiota (GM) and the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research has revealed that neurosteroids (NSs) play crucial roles in modulating neuroinflammatory responses and promoting neuroprotection. Meanwhile, GM alterations have been associated with various neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate interactions between NS, GM, and neuroinflammation. We discuss how NS and metabolites can influence neuroinflammatory pathways through immune, metabolic, and neuronal mechanisms. Additionally, we explore how GM modulation can impact neurosteroidogenesis, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies that include probiotics, neuroactive metabolites, and targeted interventions. Understanding these interactions may pave the way for innovative treatment approaches for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, promoting a more integrated view of brain health and disease management.
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Open AccessArticle
Alkaline Phosphatase as a Potential Biomarker of Muscle Function: A Pilot Study in Patients with Hypophosphatasia
by
María Carmen Andreo-López, Victoria Contreras-Bolívar, Luis Martínez-Heredia, Francisco Andújar-Vera, Diego Becerra-García, Trinidad González-Cejudo, Sheila González-Salvatierra, Cristina García-Fontana, Beatriz García-Fontana and Manuel Muñoz-Torres
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 460
Abstract
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) deficiency has been linked to reduced physical performance, as seen in hypophosphatasia (HPP). However, its potential role in muscle function has not been fully explored. This was a cross-sectional study in 34 HPP adults and 34 matched healthy controls. Muscle
[...] Read more.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) deficiency has been linked to reduced physical performance, as seen in hypophosphatasia (HPP). However, its potential role in muscle function has not been fully explored. This was a cross-sectional study in 34 HPP adults and 34 matched healthy controls. Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength (HGS), considering values below the 10th percentile of the Spanish population as low strength. Muscle mass was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and morphometric ultrasound. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. The prevalence of low muscle strength was significantly higher in the HPP group compared to controls (30% vs. 6%;
p = 0.009), with decreased HGS in the HPP group (
p = 0.039). Positive associations were observed between ALP and femoral neck BMD, leg circumference, and fat-free mass and an inverse association with tricipital skinfold. Subjects with serum ALP activity below the sex-adjusted median had a significantly higher risk of low muscle strength independently of HPP diagnosis. ALP remained independently associated with HGS (
p = 0.005), and a predictive model using ALP values showed strong capability to predict low-muscle-strength risk. Based on these results, we conclude circulating ALP levels are independently associated with muscle strength and may represent a useful biomarker for the early detection of muscle dysfunction. Future longitudinal or interventional studies are needed to assess whether ALP plays a causal role in muscle strength.
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Open AccessReview
The Perioperative Biochemical and Clinical Considerations of Pheochromocytoma Management
by
Alexa J. Gombert, Alexandra M. Nerantzinis, Jennifer Li, Weidong Wang, Isaac Y. Yeung, Ana Costa and Sergio D. Bergese
Viewed by 943
Abstract
Pheochromocytoma, a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor, poses significant perioperative challenges due to its potential for severe hemodynamic instability. Careful management of patients with pheochromocytoma is critical for patient safety and favorable outcomes. The diagnostic workup focuses on biochemical analysis of plasma or urinary metanephrines,
[...] Read more.
Pheochromocytoma, a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor, poses significant perioperative challenges due to its potential for severe hemodynamic instability. Careful management of patients with pheochromocytoma is critical for patient safety and favorable outcomes. The diagnostic workup focuses on biochemical analysis of plasma or urinary metanephrines, followed by imaging for tumor localization and genetic testing to identify hereditary syndromes. Preoperative management emphasizes adequate alpha-adrenergic blockade followed by beta-blockade to stabilize cardiovascular function. Anesthetic planning requires meticulous attention to volume status, cardiovascular optimization, and intraoperative monitoring to mitigate the risks of hypertensive crises and hypotension. Postoperative care must account for ongoing hemodynamic and metabolic fluctuations. A multidisciplinary, protocol-driven approach is essential to improve outcomes in patients undergoing pheochromocytoma resection. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic, biochemical, clinical, and anesthetic considerations involved in the diagnosis and perioperative management of pheochromocytoma.
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