Organ System Crosstalk in Cardiometabolic Health and Disease: Implications in Lifestyle Interventions

Dear Colleagues,

The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish a focused, coherent, impactful and well-cited volume on the intricate interplay and communication between various organs and systems within the body, particularly in the context of cardiovascular and metabolic health. Particular attention will be paid to the effects of nutrition, supplements, bioactive food components and other lifestyle modifications, including weight loss and physical activity.

Nutrients play a crucial role in modulating organ system crosstalk, influencing the communication and interactions between various organs and systems within the body. Examples of how different nutrients can impact organ crosstalk in the context of cardiometabolic health and disease include the following. (1) Carbohydrates: high-glycemic carbohydrates can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar, triggering insulin release from the pancreas and affecting metabolic signaling pathways. (2) Fats: fats also play a role in adipose tissue function and the secretion of adipokines, hormones produced by adipocytes that regulate metabolism and inflammation. The dysregulation of adipokine secretion, often observed in obesity, can disrupt organ crosstalk and contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. (3) Proteins: some amino acids serve as precursors for the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate metabolism, appetite and energy balance. For example, the amino acid tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin, which plays a role in mood regulation and appetite control. (4) Micronutrients: micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of enzymes and metabolic pathways involved in organ crosstalk. For example, vitamin D is known to play a role in immune function and insulin sensitivity, while magnesium is involved in glucose metabolism and blood pressure regulation.

Overall, the composition and quality of the diet, including the balance of macronutrients and micronutrients, can have profound effects on organ system crosstalk and cardiometabolic health. This Special Issue aims to provide rigorous evidence from novel experimental and observational studies that supports the physiological interactions among different organs in the context of cardiometabolic disease development and progression, and the ways in which nutrition might impact this crosstalk. Both original and review articles are acceptable. Articles of a basic science nature, animal studies, clinical/translational studies, epidemiological studies, meta-analyses and behavioral studies are acceptable.

Dr. Abeer M. Mahmoud
Dr. Shane Phillips
Guest Editors

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