Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understandin Show more
Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understanding of the genetic basis of HF and more specific NICM subtype in the East Asian populations and evaluate the biological pathways underlying subclinical left ventricular dysfunction. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for all-cause HF in the East Asian populations (N cases ~ 13,385) and a more precise definition of nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) subtype in multi-ancestry populations (N cases~3,603). We identified a low-frequency East-Asian enriched coding variant near MYBPC3 and a NICM specific locus. Follow up analyses demonstrated male-specific HF association at the MYBPC3 locus, and highlighted SVIL as a candidate causal gene for NICM. Moreover, we demonstrated that SVIL deficiency aggravated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and impaired cell viability in phenylephrine (PE)-treated H9C2 cells. In addition, the gene expression level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) which was deemed as a hallmark for HF was further elevated by SVIL silencing in PE-stimulated H9C2 cells. RNA-sequencing analysis of H9C2 cells revealed that the function of SVIL might be mediated through pathways relevant to regulation and differentiation of heart muscle. These results enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of HF in the East Asian populations, and provide important insight into the biological pathways underlying NICM and sex-specific relevance of the MYBPC3 locus that warrants further replication in another datasets. Show less
The emerging N-acetylgalactosamine-small interfering RNA (GalNAc-siRNA) conjugates lead the way for liver-targeting delivery to exert gene-silencing therapeutic effects. To facilitate the drug develop Show more
The emerging N-acetylgalactosamine-small interfering RNA (GalNAc-siRNA) conjugates lead the way for liver-targeting delivery to exert gene-silencing therapeutic effects. To facilitate the drug development of GalNAc-siRNA, further detailed understanding of the key modality-specific mechanisms underlying the temporal discordance between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and how these processes can be extrapolated from animals to humans is needed. A mechanistic minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (mPBPK-PD) model for an investigational new apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3)-silencing GalNAc-siRNA (RBD5044) was developed using available pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data. The aim was to explore hepatic-targeting delivery processes, the PK/PD relationship, and interspecies translation. First, multiple PK/PD datasets from mice were satisfactorily fitted using the mPBPK-PD model. Second, we translated the mice model to the monkey model, validated it, and then extrapolated from mice and monkeys to humans to simulate the PK/PD characteristics. We then mechanistically summarized and proposed the essential in vivo delivery processes of GalNAc-siRNA after subcutaneous administration (termed "ADUEB": Absorption [into system circulation], Disposition [distribution to liver target and elimination], Uptake [into hepatocytes], Escape [from endosome and lysosome compartments], and Binding [with argonaute2 to form RNA-induced silencing complex]). The targeting delivery coefficients of these processes achieved with the model using RBD5044 and the published data of another GalNAc-siRNA (fitusiran) quantitatively reflected the delivery efficiency and rate-limiting factors in targeted hepatocytes. This study successfully constructed the mPBPK-PD model and conducted interspecies extrapolation for a GalNAc-siRNA targeting APOC3. Promising quantitative insights into a hepatic-targeted GalNAc-siRNA delivery system are provided to characterize the unique temporal disconnection of PK/PD properties and evaluate the key in vivo delivery processes. It will promote model-informed strategies and quantitative mechanistic understanding to support efficient drug development, evaluation, and clinical application of this modality in the future. Show less
To investigate the risk factors, underlying mechanisms, and preventive strategies associated with hyperprogressive disease (HPD) induced by immunotherapy. We analyzed the clinical data of a patient wh Show more
To investigate the risk factors, underlying mechanisms, and preventive strategies associated with hyperprogressive disease (HPD) induced by immunotherapy. We analyzed the clinical data of a patient who developed HPD following palliative gastrectomy and received a combination therapy of Sintilimab, S-1 (tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium), and Oxaliplatin (SOX). Additionally, a literature review on tumor immunotherapy was conducted to further explore the risk factors and mechanisms of HPD. In this case, the development of HPD was associated with a high postoperative tumor burden, elevated PD-1 expression, and aberrant activation of signaling pathways mediated by EGFR, MET, and FGFR1 amplifications. In addition, a TP53 p.F270V mutation led to inactivation of tumor suppressor function. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated significant efficacy in cancer treatment, HPD induced by ICIs can drastically shorten patients' OS, warranting cautious use in populations with high-risk factors. Effective prevention of HPD involves screening for risk factors, monitoring predictive biomarkers such as circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) via liquid biopsy, and identifying high-risk populations through gene mutation analysis. Show less
Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the potential interactions of RDW with genetic risk of incident RA remain unclear. Show more
Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the potential interactions of RDW with genetic risk of incident RA remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between RDW, genetics, and the risk of developing RA. We analysed data from 145,025 healthy participants at baseline in the UK Biobank. The endpoint was diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (ICD-10 codes M05 and M06). Using previously reported results, we constructed a polygenic risk score for RA to evaluate the joint effects of RDW and RA-related genetic risk. Two-sample mendelian randomization and bayesian colocalization were used to infer the causal relation between them. A total of 675 patients with RA were enrolled and had a median followed up of 5.1 years, with an incidence rate of 0.57/1000 person-years. The hazard ratio of RA was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.45, 2.47) in highest RDW quartile group compared with the lowest RDW quartile group. Individuals within the top quintile of PRS showed a significantly high risk of RA. Moreover, Participants with high genetic risk and those in highest RDW group exhibited a significantly elevated hazard ratio (7.67, 95% CI: 3.98, 14.81), as opposed to participants with low genetic risk and those in lowest RDW group. Interactions between PRS and RDW on the multiplicative and additive scale were observed. Mendelian randomization provided suggestive evidence of a bi-directional causal relationship between RDW and RA. Loci near IL6R, IL1RN, FADS1/FADS2, UBE2L3 and HELZ2 showed colocalization. Increased RDW is associated with elevated risk of incident RA especially in the high genetic risk populations, but only suggestive evidence supports a causal relationship between them. Show less
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used to treat schizophrenia (SCZ), but they often induce metabolic side effects like dyslipidemia and obesity. We conducted genome-wide association s Show more
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used to treat schizophrenia (SCZ), but they often induce metabolic side effects like dyslipidemia and obesity. We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to identify genetic variants associated with SGA-induced lipid and BMI changes in Chinese SCZ patients. A longitudinal cohort of Chinese SCZ receiving SGAs was followed for up to 18.7 years (mean = 5.7 years, SD = 3.3 years). We analysed the patients' genotypes (N = 669), lipid profiles, and BMI using 19 316 prescription records and 3 917 to 7 596 metabolic measurements per outcome. Linear mixed models were employed to evaluate seven SGAs' random effects on metabolic changes for each patient, followed by GWAS and gene set analyses with Bonferroni and FDR correction. Five SNPs achieved p-value < 5 × 10 Show less
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with either whole-fat or defatted krill powder on the growth, body color, immunity, and related gene expression of red-white Show more
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with either whole-fat or defatted krill powder on the growth, body color, immunity, and related gene expression of red-white koi carp. A total of 630 red-white koi carp with an initial body mass of 13.5 ± 0.05 g were randomly divided into seven groups with three replicates per group and 30 fish per replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet (C0). The other six diets were supplemented with different levels of whole krill meal or defatted krill meal as replacements (10% whole fat, 20% whole fat, 30% whole fat, 10% defatted, 20% defatted, and 30% defatted) in the experimental groups, named W10, W20, W30, D10, D20, and D30, respectively, for a total duration of 60 days. The growth, body color, immunity and gene expression indexes were measured in the koi after completion. The results indicate the following. (1) Compared with C0, the experimental groups of koi showed a significant increase in the specific growth rate (SGR) ( Show less
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study Show more
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study analyzed cognitive function, gut microbiota changes, and inflammatory factor levels in 39 unmedicated MDD patients and 41 healthy controls, employing correlation and moderation effect analysis. MDD patients scored lower than controls in cognitive functions like information processing speed, attention/vigilance, verbal learning, visual learning and social cognition. They showed reduced gut microbiota diversity and increased levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-27, IL-33). Sellimonas abundance correlated negatively with attention/vigilance, moderated by TNF-α, IL-27, and IL-33. This relationship was stronger at lower inflammation levels. MDD patients exhibit multi-domain cognitive dysfunction alongside pro-inflammatory states and disrupted gut microbiota. The abundance of Sellimonas significantly predicts attention/vigilance deficits. Inflammatory factors modulate the impact of gut microbiota on cognitive function, suggesting chronic low-grade inflammation as a key risk factor for cognitive impairment in MDD. Show less
Recent studies suggest that dyslipidaemia may play a critical role in the progression of cardiovascular disease in Takayasu arteritis (TA), although the exact relationship between dyslipidaemia and TA Show more
Recent studies suggest that dyslipidaemia may play a critical role in the progression of cardiovascular disease in Takayasu arteritis (TA), although the exact relationship between dyslipidaemia and TA disease activity remains unclear, which is the focus of this study. We evaluated dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis in a cohort of untreated female patients. Fifty untreated female patients with TA (median age 30 years) and 98 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index (median age 30 years) were assessed for lipid profiles [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), ApoB, ApoE, lipoprotein(a)], inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)], and atherosclerotic plaque frequency. TA patients exhibited significantly higher levels of TG and the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio than the control group, whereas TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and ApoA1 levels were significantly lower. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between CRP and ApoB, as well as the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio, and negative correlations with TG, HDL-C, and ApoA1. Atherosclerotic plaques were detected in 14.3% of the TA patients. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the presence of atherosclerotic plaques was associated only with age, independent of inflammatory markers and lipoprotein levels. The results of this study indicate that untreated female TA patients exhibit a markedly dysregulated serum lipid profile. Atherosclerosis in early TA was not related to lipids or markers of inflammation. Show less
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensive Show more
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensively assessed the toxicity and function of novel selenium nanoparticles and traditional sodium selenite fertilizers across cell, zebrafish, and murine models. Both fertilizers enhanced antioxidant pathways at low doses, but selenium nanoparticles exhibited stronger antioxidant and ferroptosis-modulating effects with lower toxicity at a high dose. Sodium selenite increased total and lipid ROS production, leading to decreased viability of cells and increased distortion and mortality of zebrafish. In mice, sodium selenite induced hepatic toxicity and decreased GPX4. Transcriptome analysis revealed that sodium selenite downregulated c-JUN and APOA4, weakening the antioxidant defense, whereas selenium nanoparticles promoted ferroptosis resistance through FGF21. These findings suggest selenium nanoparticles as a safer alternative for Se biofortification, mitigating health risks while supporting food security and environmental sustainability. Show less
To clarify the possible mechanism of leptin and α-MSH on the onset of puberty in female offspring rats after prenatal androgen exposure. Sixteen 8-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) healthy Sprague Show more
To clarify the possible mechanism of leptin and α-MSH on the onset of puberty in female offspring rats after prenatal androgen exposure. Sixteen 8-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) pregnant rats were randomly divided into the testosterone-treated group (TG, female offspring termed PNA group) or the olive oil control group (OOG, female offspring termed VEH group). The female offspring rats of two groups were raised to 21 days (PND21) and weaned. Six female offspring rats at PND21 (VEH:PNA = 3:3) were randomly selected for transcriptome sequencing. Twenty-seven offspring female rats were randomly divided into three groups (VEHI:VEHII:PNA = 9:9:9). VEHI group was observed until the onset of puberty, VEHII and PNA groups were observed until the 8th week. Compared with VEH group, onset of puberty was not observed in PNA group, and hypothalamic Pomc gene expression at PND21 was lower. Compared with the VEHI group, the body weight, abdominal fat, serum testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and leptin (LEP) levels were upregulated in the PNA group, while serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), mRNA of hypothalamic estrogen receptor α (ERα), α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), melanocortin receptor-4 (MC4R), GnRH and adipose AR, and the protein of androgen receptor (AR) and leptin receptor (LEPR) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) were decreased. In the PNA group, there were positive correlations between serum DHEA and mRNA of hypothalamic ERα, MC4R and AR, negative correlations between mRNA of adipose AR and serum T and free testosterone (FT). Prenatal androgen exposure delayed the onset of puberty in female offspring, the possible mechanism of which is that prenatal androgen exposure may increase the levels of androgen and LEP, decreases their sensitivity and the expression of AR, LEPR, and MC4R, reducing GnRH secretion. Show less
Xuesen Liu, Yaoyu Song, Jing Zhang+3 more · 2025 · Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics · added 2026-04-24
To investigate the genetic etiology of six adult patients with Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and analyze the structure of the identified variants, for providing reference for the diagnosis of DCM. Six Show more
To investigate the genetic etiology of six adult patients with Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and analyze the structure of the identified variants, for providing reference for the diagnosis of DCM. Six adult patients with DCM (patients 1-6) admitted to the Department of Cardiology of Zhumadian Central Hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were recruited. Clinical data of the patients were retrospectively collected. And 5 mL of peripheral blood was collected from each patient. Pathogenic variants of the patients were detected by whole exome sequencing (WES), and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. The possible functional significance of the identified missense variants was evaluated using software including SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and Mutation Taster. Specific regions of the MYBPC protein encoded by the MYBPC3 gene from different species were aligned using Mutation Taster. The wild-type and mutant MYBPC proteins were constructed using homologous modeling software MODELLER v10.4 and three-dimensional structures were visualized using PyMOL software. The molecular interaction between MYBPC-C5 domain and myosin with or without the mutation was further analyzed using ZDOCK module in Discovery Studio 2019 software. Pathogenicity ratings for the detected variant sites were performed in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence variants by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (hereafter referred to as the ACMG Guidelines). This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhumadian Central Hospital (Approval No. 2022092007). The six DCM patients had typical symptoms of heart failure, and echocardiography showed whole-heart dilation and decreased ventricular wall motion, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) was 59-74 mm, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 35%-43%, and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) was 17%-28%. Variations of the DCM related genes, including a c.98473A>T (p.Lys32825*) variation of the TTN gene and a c.1976T>C (p.Ile659Thr) variation of the MYBPC3 gene, were identified in two patients. Multiple software predicted that both mutations were deleterious. MYBPC3-Ile659Thr mutation affected the highly conserved residue within the C5 domain of MYBPC. Three-dimensional structural analysis of homologous modeling revealed the alterations in amino acid properties and interactions with surrounding amino acids caused by the MYBPC3-Ile659Thr mutation. Further molecular docking analysis showed that the Ile659Thr mutation altered both the hydrogen bond and salt-bridge interactions between the MYBPC-C5 domain and the ligand myosin. Two mutations associated with DCM were identified in this study. The abnormal conformation of the mutant protein further affected its interaction with the ligand myosin, resulting in the phenotype of DCM. Show less
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreat Show more
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC). A retrospective cohort of 364 pathologically confirmed PC patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2019 and December 2022 was analyzed. The optimal cutoff for Lp(a) was identified using X-tile software, allowing categorization into high and low Lp(a) groups. To minimize selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized. Survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify independent prognostic variables affecting OS and PFS. Patients with high Lp(a) had significantly shorter OS and PFS both before and after PSM (post-PSM OS: 12.28 vs. 27.67 months, P = 0.003; PFS: 7.00 vs. 11.30 months, P = 0.002). Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed high Lp(a) as an independent predictor of poor OS [HR = 2.11 (1.17-3.81), P = 0.013] and PFS [HR = 2.14 (1.20-3.83), P = 0.010]. In the surgical subgroup (n = 215), high Lp(a) was also associated with worse OS (16.43 vs. 35.47 months, P = 0.02) and PFS (8.40 vs. 11.77 months, P = 0.036). Multivariate analysis in this subgroup showed that high Lp(a) remained an independent risk factor for OS [HR = 2.82 (1.36-5.87), P = 0.006] and PFS [HR = 2.01 (1.06-3.86), P = 0.034]. Elevated serum Lp(a) is an independent predictor of reduced OS and PFS in patients with pancreatic cancer. In contrast to conventional lipid profiles, the genetic stability of Lp(a) makes it a reliable baseline prognostic marker. Show less
Lipid ratio is a balance between atherogenesis and antiatherogenesis. it is an important predictive marker of carotid plaque. The lipid ratios, which include non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( Show more
Lipid ratio is a balance between atherogenesis and antiatherogenesis. it is an important predictive marker of carotid plaque. The lipid ratios, which include non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), remnant cholesterol (RC)/HDL-C, apolipoprotein B (ApoB)/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C, ApoB/HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C, were included and analyzed. Sex differences in the relationship between lipid ratios and carotid plaque were discussed. The risk of carotid plaque was found to be significantly associated with the Non-HDL-C /HDL-C, RC/HDL-C, ApoB/ApoA1, LDL-C /HDL-C, ApoB/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C in females but not in males. The ApoB/HDL risk presented the highest relationship with carotid plaque in females only. The predictive value of the aforementioned lipid ratios for carotid plaque was observed in females only. Show less
By integrating single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data for esophageal cancer (ESCA), we developed and validated a seven-macrophage-gene prognostic signature (FCN1, SCARB2, ATF5, PHLDA2, GLIPR1, CHORD Show more
By integrating single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data for esophageal cancer (ESCA), we developed and validated a seven-macrophage-gene prognostic signature (FCN1, SCARB2, ATF5, PHLDA2, GLIPR1, CHORDC1, and BCKDK). This signature effectively stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different overall survival, achieving area under the curve (AUC) values greater than 0.7 for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival prediction. A high-risk status correlated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, characterized by lower infiltration of B cells and CD8 + T cells, and was associated with reduced sensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic agents, including Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil. Conversely, a low-risk status was linked to greater immune cell infiltration and higher predicted chemosensitivity. At the single-cell level, pseudotime analysis revealed that macrophage maturation significantly correlated with a decreasing risk score, suggesting that mature macrophages may contribute to a favorable prognosis. Furthermore, cell communication analysis identified high-risk macrophages as dominant drivers of a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment via signaling pathways, such as SPP1 and complement. In conclusion, this seven-gene signature is a robust prognostic biomarker that offers a new strategy for personalized risk assessment and treatment selection in ESCA. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04452-w. Show less
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Show more
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Our study aims to explore the heterogeneity of IA, identify bridge connectors, and compare the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with mindfulness-based intervention (CBT+MBI) versus CBT alone in reducing IA levels among Chinese college students. In study 1, 1,030 Chinese college students completed assessments of IA, automatic thoughts, self-control, and anxiety. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct symptom profiles of IA across individuals. Network analysis (NA) identified bridge connectors for targeted intervention. In study 2, 36 participants randomly selected from the high IA and low IA groups of study 1 were randomly assigned to CBT+MBI, CBT alone, or a control group. The CBT+MBI group received an 8-week dual-modality intervention and the CBT alone received an 8-week CBT intervention, both designed to target the bridge connectors identified via NA in Study 1, while the control group only completed basic questionnaires. In study 1, LPA identified four subgroups: regular, at-risk, low IA, and high IA groups. NA pinpointed automatic thoughts and anxiety as bridge connectors. In study 2, targeted interventions significantly reduced college students' levels of IA. CBT+MBI resulted in greater and more sustained improvements compared to CBT alone, with effects maintained for six-month post-intervention. Our study not only reinforces the I-PACE model but also provides actionable strategies for designing evidence-based, multidimensional interventions to reduce addictive behaviors among college students. Show less
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most serious cardiovascular diseases in the world. Nevertheless, the majority of diagnostic procedures conducted subsequent to the illness do not provide any m Show more
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most serious cardiovascular diseases in the world. Nevertheless, the majority of diagnostic procedures conducted subsequent to the illness do not provide any means to prevent several risks associated with MI. Blood and urine tests are frequently employed in clinical examinations to detect cardiovascular diseases at an early stage. Mendelian randomization (MR) is commonly employed to explore disease-trait relationships and uncover therapeutic targets. Our goal was to explore the genetic links between 35 blood and urine biomarkers and MI. Blood and urine biomarker MR correlations with MI risk were studied. In version R10, the UK Biobank and Finnish databases included blood and urine marker data and MI data (26,060 cases and 343,079 controls). We performed bidirectional 2-sample MR with 4 methods: inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode. Final causal associations were determined by inverse variance weighted. Sensitivity analyses (heterogeneity, pleiotropy) were conducted. MR-PRESSO and PhenoScanner were used to exclude invalid instruments. We used multivariate MR to filter the most important genes without including other positive genes. To identify positive gene pathways and gene networks that cause MI, we employed GeneMANIA for gene prediction. The findings revealed a positive genetic association between the 8 blood and urine biomarker levels and an elevated risk of MI. There are apolipoprotein B (APOB), glycated hemoglobin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, sex hormone-binding globulin, triglycerides, and urate. Moreover, APOB, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol selectively affect MI through the rejection of other positive gene stems. Finally, APOB and numerous genes strongly impact MI development. APOB collaborates with related genes to regulate plasma lipoprotein particle levels, sterol homeostasis, organization, lipid homeostasis, and remodeling in MI. Our research further reveals the causal relationship between MI and blood/urine biomarkers, providing a new perspective for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of MI. Blood and urine marker tests can subsequently be conducted based on these results to detect MI and study the underlying mechanisms linking these metabolites to MI. Show less
Tea polyphenols are a class of natural plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties, and their critical role in regulating lipid metabolism has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, sy Show more
Tea polyphenols are a class of natural plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties, and their critical role in regulating lipid metabolism has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, systematic research on the effects of tea polyphenols on lipid metabolism in lion-head geese remains limited. In this study, we examined the impact of tea polyphenols on lipid metabolism in geese through an integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. A total of 240 healthy male lion-head geese with similar body weights at 1 day of age were randomly allocated into two treatment groups (6 replicates per group, with 20 geese per replicate). The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental group was supplemented with 1000 mg/kg of tea polyphenols (50.4 % catechin purity) in the basal diet for 18 weeks. The results indicated that serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the tea polyphenol group compared to the control group. Additionally, serum triglycerides (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the tea polyphenol group than in the control group. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis further revealed that tea polyphenols significantly modulated the expression of several genes involved in lipid metabolism, including angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), which plays a role in regulating lipid homeostasis, as well as glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 2 (GDPD2), immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH), proto-oncogene protein c-fos (FOS), and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), etc. Serum metabolomic analysis also demonstrated significant alterations in lipid metabolites induced by tea polyphenols, including the downregulation of fatty acyl metabolites such as L-Palmitoylcarnitine and Hexadecanal. Moreover, the combined analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between ANGPTL4 and the organic compounds of steroidal saponins, such as Glucoconvallasaponin B, and negative correlations with glycerophospholipid metabolites, such as LysoPC (P-16:0). The comprehensive analysis suggests that the inclusion of tea polyphenols in the diet enhances the antioxidant capacity of lion-head geese, improves hepatic lipid profiles, and regulates lipid metabolism via modulating lipid metabolism-related genes and metabolites. Show less
Patients with cancer undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy frequently experience cardiotoxic side effects that significantly affect their prognosis and survival rates. Our study found that Panax ginseng r Show more
Patients with cancer undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy frequently experience cardiotoxic side effects that significantly affect their prognosis and survival rates. Our study found that Panax ginseng root extract exerted a significant protective effect against cisplatin-induced myocardial cell injury. The present study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which the bioactive components of Panax ginseng mitigate cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC). In vitro, the candidate active components were screened by network pharmacological prediction and in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), and their mechanisms of action were verified by transcriptome sequencing, western blotting, gene overexpression, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and cellular thermal shift assays. A C57BL/6 CIC mouse model was established to verify the protective effects of the candidate components and the in vivo mechanism of the candidate components. Through network pharmacology prediction and cellular activity screening of ginseng root compounds, ginsenoside Rh2(S) (Rh2) was identified as a significant active component. Transcriptomic, in vitro, and in vivo experiments demonstrated that Rh2 can activate the Pak1/Limk1/cofilin phosphorylation pathway, thereby inactivating the actin-severing protein cofilin and protecting cardiomyocytes from cisplatin-induced actin depolymerization. Additionally, Rh2 suppressed the ROS/caspase-3/GSDME pathway to inhibit cisplatin-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation and overexpression experiments confirmed that Rh2 activated the FGFR1/HRAS axis, thereby simultaneously regulating the two aforementioned pathways to combat CIC. This study demonstrated for the first time that Rh2 is the main active component in Panax ginseng that maintains cytoskeletal homeostasis and inhibits pyroptosis by regulating the FGFR1/HRAS pathway to resist CIC. This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for expanding the targets and pathways of CIC treatment, and for the development of related drugs. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder driven by dysregulated lipid metabolism and remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity. The Shen-Hong-Tong-Luo (SHTL) preparation has d Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder driven by dysregulated lipid metabolism and remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity. The Shen-Hong-Tong-Luo (SHTL) preparation has demonstrated clinical benefit in stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques, yet its molecular mechanisms are not fully defined. This research sought to elucidate the protective effects exerted by SHTL on AS progression. To investigate the impact of SHTL on macrophage function and plaque stability, we utilized ApoE SHTL markedly attenuated the progression of AS, demonstrated by reduced plaque formation within both the aortic root and aorta, diminished plasma lipid concentrations, and suppressed inflammatory responses. SHTL demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and lipid-regulatory effects, attenuating AS progression through the PPARγ/Mfge8 pathway, thereby enhancing macrophage efferocytosis. These findings highlight a novel mechanism by which SHTL may contribute to preventing and treating atherosclerotic diseases. Show less
Ran Yan, Lu Liu, Ioanna Tzoulaki+4 more · 2025 · Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver · Blackwell Publishing · added 2026-04-24
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) agonists may help treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MAS Show more
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) agonists may help treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). However, their definitive effects are still unclear. Our study aims to clarify this uncertainty. We utilised conventional Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis to explore potential causal links between plasma GLP-1/GIP concentrations and MASLD and its related traits. Next, we conducted drug-target MR analysis using highly expressed tissue data to assess the effects of corresponding drug perturbation on these traits. Finally, mediation analysis was performed to ascertain whether the potential causal effect is direct or mediated by other MASLD-related traits. Circulating 2-h GLP-1 and GIP concentrations measured during an oral glucose tolerance test showed hepatoprotective effects on MASLD risk (OR GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists offer promise in lowering MASLD/MASH risk. GIP receptor agonists can exert direct and indirect effects on MASLD mediated by weight reduction or glycemic control improvement. Show less
Jihong Shang, Tian Liu, Wen Gong+1 more · 2025 · Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
This study aimed to elucidate the bidirectional causal relationships between Alzheimer's disease (AD), cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and the effect of inflammatory cytokines on AD and CSVD usi Show more
This study aimed to elucidate the bidirectional causal relationships between Alzheimer's disease (AD), cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and the effect of inflammatory cytokines on AD and CSVD using Mendelian randomization (MR). We employed publicly available summary-level data from genome-wide association studies for AD, CSVD, and 91 inflammatory cytokines. Genetic variants strongly associated with each risk factor were selected as instrumental variables. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was primarily used for causal inference, with sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger and weighted median estimators. MR analysis revealed that genetically predicted CSVD significantly increased the risk of AD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.035, 95% CI, 1.015-1.056, P = 0.001). Conversely, AD did not significantly influence CSVD risk (OR = 0.878, 95% CI, 0.701-1.100, P = 0.257). Among inflammatory cytokines, Axin1 (OR = 1.082, 95% CI, 1.009-1.159, P = 0.026) and bNGF (OR = 1.061, 95% CI, 1.001-1.125, P = 0.048) increased AD risk, while CD5 (OR = 0.937, 95% CI, 0.887-0.991, P = 0.022) and CXCL11 (OR = 0.951, 95% CI, 0.912-0.992, P = 0.019) decreased AD risk. FGF19 (OR = 0.560, 95% CI, 0.405-0.773, P < 0.001) and TNFSF14 (OR = 0.744, 95% CI, 0.580-0.954, P = 0.020) were protective against CSVD. Our findings suggest that CSVD may increase AD risk, while specific inflammatory cytokines exhibit differential associations with these conditions. Targeting vascular health and inflammation may offer promising therapeutic avenues for managing neurodegenerative diseases. Show less
no PDFDOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2025.108259
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminatin Show more
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminating in septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. A pivotal element in the pathogenesis and progression of sepsis involves the significant disruption of oncological metabolic networks, where cells within the pathological milieu exhibit metabolic functions that diverge from their healthy counterparts. Among these, purine metabolism plays a crucial role in nucleic acid synthesis. However, the contribution of Purine Metabolism Genes (PMGs) to the defense mechanisms against sepsis remains inadequately explored. Leveraging bioinformatics, this study aimed to identify and substantiate potential PMGs implicated in sepsis. The approach encompassed a differential expression analysis across a pool of 75 candidate PMGs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were employed to assess the biological significance and pathways associated with these genes. Additionally, Lasso regression and Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) methodologies were implemented to identify key hub genes and evaluate the diagnostic potential of nine selected PMGs in sepsis identification. The study also examined the correlation between these hub PMGs and related genes, with validation conducted through expression level analysis using the GSE13904 and GSE65682 datasets. The study identified twelve PMGs correlated with sepsis, namely AK9, ENTPD3, NUDT16, GMPR2, PKM, RRM2B, POLR2J, POLE3, ADCY3, ADCY4, ADSSL1, and AMPD1. Functional analysis revealed their involvement in critical processes such as purine nucleotide and ribose phosphate metabolism. The diagnostic capability of these PMGs to effectively differentiate sepsis cases underscored their potential as biomarkers. This research elucidates twelve PMGs associated with sepsis, providing valuable insights into novel biomarkers for this condition and facilitating the monitoring of its progression. These findings highlight the significance of purine metabolism in sepsis pathogenesis and open avenues for further investigation into therapeutic targets. Show less
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a global public health issue, and HPV-related stigma can affect cervical cancer prevention. But no validated tools exist to assess HPV stigma in Chinese adult w Show more
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a global public health issue, and HPV-related stigma can affect cervical cancer prevention. But no validated tools exist to assess HPV stigma in Chinese adult women infected with HPV. This study aimed to adapt and validate the HPVsStigma scale (HPV-SS) in the Chinese context. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025 among 501 HPV-infected women in Shenzhen, China. The HPV-SS was adapted from a 12-item HIV stigma scale. Demographic characteristics, HPV-related variables, and data on mental health were collected. Factor analyses (FA) were used to assess the scale's factorial structure, reliability, and validity. The bi-factor model was used to determine the score-reporting method of the scale. Item response theory (IRT) was employed to assess the relationship between participants' stigma levels and scale scores. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to classify the participants with different HPV stigma characteristics and determine the optimal cut-off value for HPV-SS. FA showed that the 3-factor model (personalized stigma, public-disclosure concerns, and negative self-image) had the best fit among the nested models, with good reliability and validity. The bi-factor model analysis indicated that the total scale score was more meaningful than dimension scores. IRT analysis confirmed that higher HPV-SS scores represented higher stigma levels. LPA identified a 2-class model as optimal, and the optimal cut-off value of the scale for high HPV stigma was 35. This study validated the 12-item HPV-SS for Chinese women infected with HPV, with good reliability and validity. The scale can be used to evaluate HPV stigma levels, facilitating targeted interventions to improve cervical cancer prevention and the psychological well-being of affected women. Show less
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback imm Show more
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback immunomodulator in TAO. Serum IL-27α levels were significantly elevated in patients with TAO compared with healthy and inflammatory disease controls. In orbital fibroblasts (OFs), exogenous IL-27 suppressed IL-1β-induced proinflammatory cytokines and reduced hypoxia-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. IL-27 also attenuated TGF-β-driven fibrosis via p38 MAPK signaling in CD90 Show less
Accumulating evidence indicates that neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR), we found that chemokine CCL Show more
Accumulating evidence indicates that neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR), we found that chemokine CCL3 mRNA expression was abnormally upregulated in the brains of AD transgenic mice. Moreover, the levels of CCL3 in the serum of AD patients were significantly elevated and negatively correlated with their cognitive abilities. However, the role of CCL3 in AD neuroinflammation and pathological damages remains elusive. Using behavioral, histological, and biochemical methods, outcomes of CCL3 antibody treatment on neuropathology and cognitive deficits were studied in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. In the present study, we reported that CCL3 protein expression was increased in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, whereas blockage of CCL3 with neutralizing antibody potently inhibited CCL3 activation in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice down to the levels of wild-type mice. Specifically, CCL3 antibody significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. In addition, CCL3 antibody treatment decreased cerebral amyloid-β (Aβ) levels and plaque burden via inhibiting amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing by reducing beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. We also found that CCL3 antibody treatment alleviated neuroinflammation and reduced synaptic defects in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Furthermore, the activated NF-κB signaling pathway in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice was inhibited by CCL3 antibody treatment. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that CCL3 activation may contribute to the AD pathogenesis and may serve as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of AD. Show less
As a chronic lipid driven arterial disease, dyslipidemia is one of the most critical risk factors for atherosclerosis (AS). The gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating host lipid metaboli Show more
As a chronic lipid driven arterial disease, dyslipidemia is one of the most critical risk factors for atherosclerosis (AS). The gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating host lipid metabolism disorders. Studies have shown that the herb "Gualou-Xiebai" (GLXB) can effectively regulate the blood lipid levels of ApoE Show less
Dynamic responsive structural colored materials have drawn increased consideration in a wide range of applications, such as colorimetric sensors and high-safety tags. However, the sophisticated intera Show more
Dynamic responsive structural colored materials have drawn increased consideration in a wide range of applications, such as colorimetric sensors and high-safety tags. However, the sophisticated interactions among the individual responsive parts restrict the advanced design of multimodal responsive photonic materials. Inspired by stimuli-responsive color change in chameleon skin, a simple and effective photo-crosslinking strategy is proposed to construct hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) based hydrogels with multiple responsive structured colors. By controlling UV exposure time, the structural color of HPC hydrogels can be effectively controlled in a full-color spectrum. At the same time, HPC hydrogels showcase temperature and mechanical dual-responsive structural colors. In particular, the microstructure of HPC hydrogels undergoes a transition from the chiral nematic phase to the nematic phase under the action of external stretching, leading to a significant reflection of circularly polarized light (CPL) to linearly polarized light (LPL). Given the diverse responsiveness exhibited by HPC hydrogels and their unique structural transition properties under external forces, we have explored their potential applications as dynamic anti-counterfeiting labels and optical skins. This work reveals the great possibility of using structural colored cellulose hydrogels in multi-sensing and optical displays, opening up a new path for the exploration of next-generation flexible photonic devices. Show less
Reverse Potts shunt is a promising yet high-risk therapy for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. Postoperative hemodynamics is critically influenced by shunt configuration but is difficult to p Show more
Reverse Potts shunt is a promising yet high-risk therapy for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. Postoperative hemodynamics is critically influenced by shunt configuration but is difficult to predict. This study aimed to quantify the effects of shunt size and location on hemodynamics to guide surgical planning. Based on a patient-specific model, four postoperative models with two different shunt locations [left pulmonary artery (LPA)-descending aorta (DAO) and pulmonary artery bifurcation-aortic arch] and three conduit sizes (4, 5, and 6 mm) were created. The direct Potts shunt model was created by a direct side-to-side anastomosis between the LPA and DAO with a 6-mm circular opening. Quantitative parameters including the shunt ratio (SR), which was defined as the percentage of the shunt flow rates to the total pulmonary inflow rate, lower limb oxygen saturation, and pressure were analyzed. Increasing the shunt size from 4 mm to 6 mm elevated the SR from 6.01% to 9.80%, concurrently reducing lower limb oxygen saturation from 89.57% to 86.52%. When taking 11,000 Pa as the threshold, this increased SR resulted in a reduction of the high-pressure area from 17.32% of the total pulmonary artery area to almost zero. Meanwhile, the high-pressure area on the aorta expanded from 8.72% of the total aortic area to 14.94%. These results indicated a reduction in the right ventricular afterload and an increase in the left ventricular afterload. Notably, a 6-mm shunt at the pulmonary artery bifurcation yielded a significantly larger SR than at the LPA (9.80% vs. 2.68%), which is attributed to a higher pressure gradient at the pulmonary artery bifurcation (1,201 Pa vs. 162 Pa). The shunt location had a greater impact on the SR than shunt size within the 4 mm-6 mm range in this specific case. A 6-mm shunt at the pulmonary artery bifurcation yielded a significantly larger SR than at the LPA, which is attributed to the higher preoperative pressure gradient at the bifurcation site. Left heart function is as critical as right heart function in maintaining pressure balance and determining outcomes, as the shunt flow increases the left ventricular afterload. Show less
In recent years, there has been a steady increase in professionals engaged in radioactive work. The biological impacts of long-term exposure to low dose-rate radiation remain elusive, as there is a de Show more
In recent years, there has been a steady increase in professionals engaged in radioactive work. The biological impacts of long-term exposure to low dose-rate radiation remain elusive, as there is a dearth of systematic research in this field. BEAS-2B cells were used to establish a cell model with continuous passaging after radiation exposure, which was subsequently subjected to in vivo tumorigenesis assays and in vitro malignant phenotype experiments. By scRNA-seq, we conducted copy number variation analysis, cell trajectory analysis, and cell communication analysis. Furthermore, we used FACS, molecular docking, multiplex immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and co-immunoprecipitation to validate and further explore the molecular mechanisms driving tumor evolution. Long-term low dose-rate exposure is associated with a higher degree of malignancy, as evidenced by the induction of more CNV and EMT events, as well as the delayed activation of DNA repair pathways, which trigger increased genomic instability. The long-term low dose-rate specific ligand-receptor pair, ANGPTL4-SDC4, enhances cell malignancy by promoting angiogenesis in newly formed lung tumor cells. This study not only provides the first evidence and mechanistic explanation that long-term low dose-rate radiation leads to increased cellular malignancy but also offers valuable theoretical insights into the dynamic processes of early tumor evolution in lung cancer within the realm of tumor biology. Show less