Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a diverse group of organic compounds characterized by multiple fused aromatic rings. These compounds primarily arise from the incomplete combustion of organic materials, which can occur in various contexts, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and natural events such as wildfires and volcanic eruptions. PAHs are pervasive in the environment; they have been detected in air, soil, water, and sediments, and can enter the food chain, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

The formation and persistence of PAHs in the environment are largely influenced by their hydrophobic nature, which causes them to adhere to particulate matter. This affinity facilitates their transport and enhances their stability, raising significant concerns about their long-term effects on both human health and ecosystems. Epidemiological studies and toxicological research have linked PAH exposure to a variety of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and several forms of cancer. Their potential carcinogenic, mutagenic, and endocrine-disrupting properties have been extensively studied, emphasizing the critical need for a deeper understanding of their toxicological mechanisms and exposure pathways.

As environmental pollution escalates, particularly in the context of urbanization and industrialization, addressing the challenges posed by PAHs becomes increasingly urgent. New industrial practices and energy transitions aimed at combating climate change may inadvertently lead to increased PAH emissions, underscoring the importance of ongoing research in this area. By elucidating the complex interactions between PAHs and biological systems, we can gain valuable insights into their impacts and develop effective strategies for risk mitigation.

We invite researchers to contribute to this Collection, which serves as a platform for advancing knowledge on the toxicological implications of PAHs. We encourage submissions that explore a wide range of topics, including environmental fate, human exposure assessments, mechanistic studies, and risk characterization, with the ultimate goal of informing effective regulatory measures and public health interventions.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Mechanisms of PAHs toxicity

- Human health risk assessments for PAHs exposure

- Environmental fate and transport of PAHs

- Strategies for PAHs remediation

- Novel analytical techniques for PAHs detection

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3.

Keywords: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; PAHs; exposure assessment; toxicology; mechanism of action; health effect; risk assessment; bioanalysis; bioavailability

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects women across all populations. While genetic and metabolic factors contribute to its development, increasing evidence suggests that exposure to endocrine disruptors plays a significant role in disease onset and progression. These chemicals can interfere with hormonal signaling, ovarian function, metabolic homeostasis, and reproductive health, making them an important focus of toxicological research.

This Collection aims to bring together high-quality research exploring the relationship between endocrine disruptors and PMOS. We welcome original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and brief reports investigating how endocrine-disrupting chemicals influence endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive pathways involved in PMOS. Studies on bisphenols, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, dioxins, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, nanoplastics, and other emerging contaminants are particularly encouraged.

The Collection seeks contributions addressing molecular and cellular mechanisms, oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic regulation, endocrine signaling, ovarian dysfunction, insulin resistance, metabolic alterations, and reproductive toxicity associated with endocrine disruptor exposure. Studies employing in vitro models, animal models, organoids, omics technologies, biomarker discovery, and advanced analytical approaches are highly encouraged.

Clinical, translational, and epidemiological studies that enhance our understanding of the association between endocrine disruptors and PMOS are also welcome, particularly when they provide mechanistic insight or support evidence from experimental studies. In addition, submissions focusing on novel therapeutic interventions, preventive strategies, and regulatory perspectives related to endocrine disruptor exposure are encouraged.

By integrating experimental, clinical, and translational research, this Collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current advances in endocrine disruptor research and their implications for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of PMOS.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3.

Keywords: Endocrine disrupting chemicals; Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS); Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); Reproductive toxicology; Mechanism of action; Ovarian dysfunction; Environmental toxicology; Biomarkers