Editorial: Rising stars in neurotoxicology: 2021

Abstract

Editorial on the Research Topic Rising stars in neurotoxicology: 2021Neurotoxicology in the 21st century increasingly focuses on integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA) that integrate epidemiological, in vivo, in vitro, and in silico data into toxicology evaluation for regulatory purposes (Krewski et al., 2020). Thus, current research has a strong focus on elucidating the mechanistic underpinnings of pathologies associated with neurotoxicant exposure. Moreover, novel translational bioinformatics and chemo-informatics approaches, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) become increasingly important in predicting neurotoxicity (Aschner et al., 2022). This article collection covers both in vivo and in vitro studies performed in different species and features review articles elucidating the importance of closing data gaps regarding the pathomechanisms of neurotoxicants and other exogenous noxae harming the brain. Given the peculiarities of the developing brain and its particular vulnerability to exogenous noxae (Rice & Barone, 2000), we integrated articles differentially considering the effects of environmental neurotoxic compounds or brain injuries in a developmental stage-specific approach. This article collection shall offer a platform to emerging researchers in the field of neurotoxicology and compile a selection of studies that elucidate the broad method portfolio and progressiveness of the research field and further highlight its impact for the global population.The first article of Lui et al. addresses the challenges of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) management in children. Brain injuries caused by external forces are of global concern and the likelihood of sustaining a TBI is especially high for young children and adolescents, however, clinical management plans are often tailored for the treatment of adults. This article elucidates the necessity to adapt the clinical management when treating pediatric TBI patients by elaborating on TBI pathomechanisms and outlining the main physiological and anatomical differences between adults and children that impact TBI management. The article further proposes a clinical algorithm for the differential management of severe TBI in children and adults including guidelines for neuroimaging, CSF drainage, management of blood pressure, fluids, glucose and temperature, antiseizure medications and sedation and analgesia. Finally, both recovery from TBI and long-term outcomes are discussed with respect to the patient age.The second article of Lam et al. studies consequences of sub-chronic fentanyl exposure in neuron and glial co-cultures to unravel pathomechanisms underlying the analgesic's neurological side effects. As a frequently used opioid in pain management, fentanyl can elicit neurological side effects, however, its precise molecular effects on brain cells remain