In this Collection we aim to explore two thematic areas: Lipids in Reproductive Diseases in Women and Influence of Gender Bias on Recent Lipid Studies.

Lipids in Reproductive Diseases in Women

Lipids play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of reproductive diseases in women, serving as key modulators of hormonal balance, inflammation and cellular signaling pathways. This Collection will investigate the complex relationship between lipids and reproductive health, examining their impact on conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and infertility. Recent research has provided valuable insights into how lipid metabolism affects women’s reproductive physiology, from dyslipidemia-associated comorbidities to the role of lipid mediators in modulating reproductive tissue function. This Collection aims to pave the way for novel therapeutic intervention and personalized approaches to women’s health.

Influence of Gender Bias on Recent Lipid Studies

Recent advancement in lipids and women’s health research have shed light on the intricate interplay between lipid metabolism and various disease states. However, the influence of gender bias continues to shape lipid research in women’s health. This Collection aims to dissect the impact of gender bias on recent lipid studies. From underrepresentation of women in lipid research cohorts to gender disparities in the evaluation and management of lipid-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, sexual bias poses a threat to our understanding of lipid metabolism and its implications for women’s health. By promoting a more equitable and inclusive approach to lipid research, this edition aims to improve our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat lipid-related diseases in women.

We welcome articles including original articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on these two thematic areas.

Keywords: lipid metabolism, women’s health, reproductive diseases, lipid-related diseases

The topics of interest include but not limited to:

• Understanding the role of lipids in reproductive health and disease in women.

• Understanding of sex-specific differences in lipid-related diseases pathogenesis.

• The development of novel therapeutic interventions targeting lipid metabolism and signaling pathways for the treatment of reproductive diseases and lipid-related diseases and associated comorbidities in women.

• Lipidomics and metabolomics approaches in understanding reproductive diseases in women.

• Epigenetic regulation of lipid metabolism in reproductive diseases.

• Role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in modulating lipid metabolism in metabolic and reproductive function.

• Impact of dietary lipids on metabolic and reproductive health outcomes in women.

Questions to be answered:

• How do lipids contribute to the pathophysiology of reproductive diseases in women?

• What are the mechanisms by which dyslipidemia affects hormonal balance, inflammation, and cellular signaling pathways in women's reproductive health?

• How do lipid mediators modulate the function of reproductive tissues, and what implications does this have for disease development and progression?

• What sex-specific differences exist in the pathogenesis of lipid-related diseases, and how do these differences influence disease presentation, diagnosis, and treatment in women?

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.

Lipid homeostasis involves maintaining a balance between lipid synthesis, storage, and utilization in the body. Coordination among various organs, including the liver, kidney, cardiovascular system, and adipose tissues, is needed. Dysregulation of lipid homeostasis has been shown to lead to the development of metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which are major health concerns worldwide.

Humans are exposed to various environmental pollutants, such as air pollutants, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), as well as climate-related factors. Repeated and prolonged exposure to these factors may contribute to alterations in lipid homeostasis. However, how environmental exposures affect lipid homeostasis, including which groups are most vulnerable and the critical exposure windows is incompletely understood.

This Collection focuses on the link between environmental factors and lipid homeostasis. Understanding the role of these risk factors is essential for developing effective prevention strategies, especially those targeted at vulnerable population subgroups, and promoting policies aimed at limiting environmental release.

We welcome original research and (systematic) review articles, comments, and brief reports. Manuscripts on epidemiological, toxicological, and controlled human exposure studies will equally be accepted.

The collection may include, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Associations between environmental factors (climate-related hazards or pollutants) and changes in clinical lipid markers

• Associations between environmental factors and changes in lipid metabolites or other associated metabolites and corresponding molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms

• Novel approaches to examine the exposome (internal or external) framework and multipollutant mixtures and their impact on lipid homeostasis.

Keywords: Environmental exposures, lipid homeostasis, metabolic diseases, pollutants, toxins, therapeutic strategies

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.