The rapid evolution of the illicit drug market has led to the continuous emergence of new psychotropic substances (e.g., synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, opioids) with diverse chemical structures, unprecedented potency, and, most importantly, poorly understood toxicological profiles. These compounds pose major challenges to toxicologists, forensic scientists, clinicians, and regulators, as traditional risk-assessment frameworks struggle to keep pace with their dynamic nature.

This Collection intends to bring together cutting-edge research that elucidates the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of emerging psychotropic substances. Emphasis is placed on studies that interrogate molecular and cellular targets, toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic pathways, and mechanistic signatures (e.g., epigenetic modulation, neurodevelopmental disruption, long-term cellular dysfunction). Contributions integrating innovative in vitro, in vivo, and computational approaches are particularly encouraged.

In parallel, the Collection highlights advances in analytical and forensic toxicology that enable the identification, monitoring, and interpretation of these substances in biological and non-biological matrices. By bridging mechanistic insights with exposure assessment, epidemiology, and regulatory science, the Collection aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of how novel psychotropic compounds translate from molecular perturbations to individual and population-level harm.

Through this multidisciplinary perspective, the Collection seeks to support evidence-based risk assessment, contribute to inform public-health interventions, and guide regulatory responses in an increasingly complex drug landscape. It provides a platform for toxicologists and allied researchers to share knowledge that is essential for anticipating emerging threats and mitigating the impact of new psychotropic substances on public health.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3.

Keywords: Emerging psychotropic substances; mechanistic toxicology; molecular targets; forensic toxicology; clinical toxicology; risk assessment

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