Hormonal Imbalances in Obesity and Their Molecular Influence on Respiratory Diseases

Obesity research has become increasingly relevant as global rates of overweight and obesity continue to rise, affecting all age groups and communities. Research has established strong correlations between obesity and respiratory diseases—most notably asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and respiratory infections—through mechanisms that extend beyond mechanical impairment. A growing body of evidence suggests that endocrine hormones such as leptin and adiponectin, which are substantially altered in obesity, play critical roles in both metabolic regulation and immune responses that impact respiratory health. Recent studies have demonstrated that hormonal imbalances can interfere with adaptive and innate immunity, alter inflammation, exacerbate respiratory symptoms, and affect the response to therapies, particularly in lung cancer and chronic pulmonary disease. However, despite significant advances, the intricate molecular mechanisms, regulatory pathways, and roles of specific hormone receptors in mediating these effects remain insufficiently understood. Current debates surround the bidirectional influences between metabolic dysfunction and respiratory disease progression, and the potential for clinical interventions, such as weight loss or hormone normalization, to mitigate risk or improve treatment outcomes.This Research Topic aims to uncover the molecular underpinnings by which obesity-induced hormonal imbalances affect the onset, progression, and treatment outcomes of chronic respiratory diseases. Specifically, it seeks to clarify the regulatory pathways, signaling networks, and receptor-mediated mechanisms through which endocrine dysfunction modulates both immune and non-immune pathways in the respiratory tract. The ultimate objective is to generate a robust body of empirical evidence addressing key questions: How do hormonal imbalances accelerate or complicate respiratory diseases? Can normalization of these endocrine factors or effective weight management improve clinical outcomes? Addressing these issues may also shed light on comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and depression that share intersecting pathophysiological mechanisms.This Research Topic is focused on the exploration of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic prospects linking obesity-driven hormonal disruptions to respiratory disease, with an emphasis on—but not limited to—asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and pneumonia. Studies involving both human and relevant animal models are welcome. To gather further insights, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o How hypoxic conditions and airway inflammation in respiratory disease affect endocrine hormone synthesis, secretion, and signalingo The interplay between obesity-related hormonal disturbances and drug efficacy in COPD, asthma, cancer, and infectious diseaseso Effects of weight loss or normalization of hormonal dysregulation on respiratory disease progression and outcomeso The role of specific hormone receptors and molecular pathways in respiratory-immune interactions under metabolic stresso Mechanistic investigations into shared molecular pathways linking respiratory and metabolic comorbidities Topic editors: Hironobu Tsubouchi, Wen-Hui Wu, Shigehisa Yanagi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78938/hormonal-imbalances-in-obesity-and-their-molecular-influence-on-respiratory-diseases