Effects of Environmental Exposures and Lifestyle on Reproductive Function in a Changing World: A One Health Perspective

Over the past decades, declining reproductive health indicators have become a growing global concern. Increasing evidence suggests that environmental pollutants and modern lifestyle habits contribute substantially to reproductive disorders in both males and females. Endocrine disruptors, industrial chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, and micro-nanoplastics may interfere with hormonal signaling, gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, and reproductive development. Simultaneously, obesity, metabolic diseases, poor nutrition, psychological stress, and reduced physical activity further exacerbate reproductive dysfunction.The One Health framework recognizes the close interconnection between human health, animal health, and the environment, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding reproductive toxicity and fertility impairment in a rapidly changing world. This perspective is particularly relevant for identifying shared biological mechanisms and common environmental determinants affecting reproductive outcomes across species.Reproductive health is increasingly threatened by a complex interaction between environmental contaminants, lifestyle-related factors, and global changes affecting both humans and animals. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, air pollutants, pesticides, microplastics, unhealthy dietary patterns, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic stress has been associated with impaired reproductive function, altered hormonal balance, reduced fertility, and adverse transgenerational outcomes. In parallel, climate change and ecosystem alterations are reshaping exposure scenarios and biological responses worldwide.This Research Topic aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform to advance current knowledge on how environmental and lifestyle-related exposures influence reproductive physiology and pathology through a One Health perspective. By integrating human, animal, and environmental health research, this collection seeks to improve mechanistic understanding, identify emerging risk factors, and promote innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies. Contributions addressing molecular, cellular, translational, epidemiological, and clinical aspects of reproductive dysfunction are strongly encouraged.This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, systematic reviews, perspectives, and clinical or experimental studies focusing on the impact of environmental and lifestyle-related factors on reproductive health. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:• endocrine-disrupting chemicals and reproductive toxicity• air pollution, heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics• nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction• oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction• male and female infertility• testicular and ovarian toxicology• reproductive endocrinology• epigenetic and transgenerational effects• environmental impacts on gametogenesis and embryonic development• animal models and comparative reproductive biology• biomarkers of reproductive exposure and damage• preventive and therapeutic interventionsInterdisciplinary contributions integrating environmental sciences, endocrinology, toxicology, reproductive medicine, and One Health approaches are particularly encouraged.The Topic Editors would also like to dedicate this Research Topic to the memory of Prof. Sergio Minucci, whose scientific vision and valuable contributions to the fields of reproductive biology and endocrinology have inspired colleagues, collaborators, and students, reflecting his enduring commitment to academic research and mentorship. Topic editors: Massimo Venditti, Alessandra Santillo, Imed Messaoudi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81488/effects-of-environmental-exposures-and-lifestyle-on-reproductive-function-in-a-changing-world-a-one-health-perspective