To examine the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and depressive symptoms in older adults using compositional data analysis, and to investigate the dose-response characteristics of time re Show more
To examine the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and depressive symptoms in older adults using compositional data analysis, and to investigate the dose-response characteristics of time reallocations between movement behaviors in relation to depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1093 urban-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above in selected communities of Jinan City, Shandong Province, China, between April 2024 and September 2024. The Chinese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form (IPAQ-LF) was used to estimate time spent in moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep (SLP) across a typical 24-hour day. The Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9) was applied to assess depressive symptoms. Compositional isotemporal substitution models were employed to explore the associations between time reallocations among 24-hour movement behaviors and depressive symptoms, accounting for the co-dependent nature of time-use data. (1) The geometric means of time spent in MVPA, LPA, SB, and SLP were 25.33 minutes, 141.26 minutes, 738.10 minutes, and 455.15 minutes, respectively. Variation matrix analysis revealed the highest log-ratio variance between MVPA and SB (0.168), and the lowest between SLP and SB (0.031). (2) The prevalence of screening-positive depressive symptoms was 16.29% among Chinese urban older adults. (3) Results from compositional linear regression models showed that time allocated to MVPA, LPA, and SLP (relative to the remaining movement behaviors) was negatively associated with depressive symptoms, while time spent in SB was positively associated. (4) Dose-response analysis further indicated that: (a) MVPA substitutions with other movement behaviors exhibited nonlinear and markedly asymmetric effects on depressive symptoms; (b) replacing MVPA with LPA, SB, or SLP resulted in increasingly larger changes in predicted scores as substitution duration increased, whereas the reverse substitution (MVPA for other movement behaviors) produced progressively smaller changes; and (c) substitutions between SB and LPA displayed linear and symmetrical effects. The findings provide evidence of an association between 24-hour movement behaviors and depressive symptoms in Chinese urban-dwelling older adults and reinforce the importance of achieving a balance between different types of movement behaviors over a 24-hour period for mental health. Show less
α-synucleinopathies are clinically and biologically heterogeneous disorders lacking reliable biomarkers to assist with early diagnosis, disease progression, patient stratification, and therapeutic tar Show more
α-synucleinopathies are clinically and biologically heterogeneous disorders lacking reliable biomarkers to assist with early diagnosis, disease progression, patient stratification, and therapeutic targeting. Genetic variation is known to impact biomarker levels, influencing their utility and interpretation in research and clinical settings. We aimed to identify common genetic modulators of biomarker levels implicated in α-synucleinopathy pathogenesis. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were conducted on 63 CSF, plasma, and urine biomarkers in 581 individuals from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, disease status, and principal components. PD- and DLB-risk loci associations were separately assessed for each GWAS. We confirm strong associations between urine bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate (BMP) isoforms and the variants The present study reveals established and novel genetic modulators of potential α-synucleinopathy biomarkers, demonstrating that genetic background significantly shapes biomarker levels. These genetic influences should be accounted for when conducting biomarker-based research, clinical trials, or therapeutic development to ensure accurate interpretation and improve their translational relevance. Show less
Oocyte maturation-coupled mRNA post-transcriptional regulation is essential for the establishment of developmental potential. Previously, oocyte mRNA translation efficiencies focused on the trans-regu Show more
Oocyte maturation-coupled mRNA post-transcriptional regulation is essential for the establishment of developmental potential. Previously, oocyte mRNA translation efficiencies focused on the trans-regulation of key RNA-binding protein (RBPs), rarely related to RNA structure. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are four-stranded RNA secondary structures involved in many different aspects of RNA metabolism. In this study, we have developed a low-input technique for rG4 detection (G4-LACE-seq) in mouse oocytes and found that rG4s were widely distributed in maternal transcripts, with enrichment in untranslated regions, and they underwent transcriptome-wide removal during meiotic maturation. The rG4-selective small-molecule ligand BYBX stabilized rG4s in the oocyte transcriptome and impaired spindle assembly and meiotic cell cycle progression. The proteomic spectrum results revealed that rG4 accumulation weakened the binding of a large number of RBPs to mRNAs, especially those associated with translational initiation. Ribosomal immunoprecipitation and translational reporter assays further proved that rG4s in the untranslated regions negatively affected the translational efficiency of key maternal mRNAs. Overexpression DEAH/RHA family helicase-36 partially reverses BYBX-induced oocyte developmental defects, suggesting its importance in rG4 regulation. Collectively, this study describes the distribution, dynamic changes, and regulation of rG4s in the mouse maternal transcriptome. Before meiosis resumption, a large number of rG4s in oocytes are necessary to maintain the translatome at a low level, and DHX36-mediated rG4 removal promotes a translational switch and is required for successful maternal-to-zygotic transition. Show less
The increasing global aging population presents significant challenges related to cognitive decline, mental health disorders, and social isolation. Martial arts exercise emerges as a multifaceted inte Show more
The increasing global aging population presents significant challenges related to cognitive decline, mental health disorders, and social isolation. Martial arts exercise emerges as a multifaceted intervention promoting mental health and cognitive vitality among older adults by integrating physical activity, cognitive engagement, and social interaction. This review synthesizes evidence on the neural mechanisms underlying the benefits of martial arts, highlighting their role in enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, neuroplasticity, and neural connectivity, which support improved executive functions, memory, and emotional regulation. Both hard martial arts and soft practices, such as Tai Chi, offer distinct advantages in addressing age-related cognitive and psychosocial challenges. Additionally, martial arts foster strong social support systems, reducing loneliness and enhancing emotional resilience through community engagement and shared achievement. Physical and functional benefits, including improved strength, balance, and cardiovascular health, further contribute to overall well-being. Despite promising results, current studies are limited by heterogeneity in martial arts styles, short intervention durations, and variable methodologies. Future research should focus on long-term, standardized interventions employing advanced neuroimaging and biomarker assessments to better elucidate mechanisms and optimize training protocols. Integrating martial arts into health promotion strategies holds substantial potential for enhancing mental health, cognitive resilience, and quality of life in aging populations. Show less
Lipid metabolism disorders have been confirmed to be closely related to kidney injury caused by adriamycin (ADR) and obesity, respectively. However, it has not been explored whether lipid metabolism d Show more
Lipid metabolism disorders have been confirmed to be closely related to kidney injury caused by adriamycin (ADR) and obesity, respectively. However, it has not been explored whether lipid metabolism disorders appear progressively more severe after ADR-based chemotherapy in the obese state, and the specific molecular mechanism needs to be further clarified. This study was designed to examine the role of p53-fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) axis in ADR-induced renal injury aggravated by high-fat diet (HFD). We engineered Fgf21 KO mice and used long-term (4 months) and short-term (0.5 months) HFD feeding, and ADR-injected mice, as well as STZ-induced type 1 diabetic mice and type 2 (db/db) diabetic mice to produce an in vivo model of nephrotoxicity. The specific effects of p53/FGF21 on the regulation of lipid metabolism disorders and its downstream mediators in kidney were subsequently elucidated using a combination of functional and pathological analysis, RNA-sequencing, molecular biology, and in vitro approaches. Long-term HFD feeding mice exhibited compromised effects of FGF21 on alleviation of renal dysfunction and lipid accumulation following ADR administration. However, these impairments were reversed by p53 inhibitor (pifithrin-α, PFT-α). PFT-α sensitized FGF21 actions in kidney tissues, while knockout of Fgf21 impaired the protective effects of PFT-α on lipid metabolism. Mechanistically, p53 impaired the renal expression of FGF receptor-1 (FGFR1) and thereby developed gradually into FGF21 resistance via inhibiting hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α)-mediated transcriptional activation of Fgfr1. More importantly, exogenous supplementation of FGF21 or PFT-α could not only alleviate ADR-induced lipid metabolism disorder aggravated by HFD, but also reduce lipid accumulation caused by diabetic nephropathy. Given the difficulties in developing the long-acting recombinant FGF21 analogs for therapeutic applications, sensitizing obesity-impaired FGF21 actions by suppression of p53 might be a therapeutic strategy for maintaining renal metabolic homeostasis during chemotherapy. Show less
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., a plant rich in diverse bioactive constituents, has been widely used in East Asia in functional foods and medicine to ameliorate inflammatory disorders through its multi- Show more
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., a plant rich in diverse bioactive constituents, has been widely used in East Asia in functional foods and medicine to ameliorate inflammatory disorders through its multi-component activity. The effectiveness of these botanical extracts is thought to involve complex interactions among diverse constituents; however, the molecular basis of such interactions remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum (PME) through a combination of chemical profiling and computational analysis. PME was found to reduce the production of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and interleukin-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Using HS-SPME-GC-MS in conjunction with network pharmacology, we identified 32 volatile constituents, among which five core compounds were predicted to be associated with three inflammation-related targets: ESR1, FASN, and NR1H3. Dual-ligand molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that the sequence of ligand binding may influence the stability and interaction patterns of protein-ligand complexes, offering insights into possible mechanisms of synergy and antagonism mediated by key residues such as ARG394 in ESR1. Overall, these findings contribute to a better understanding of how binding order and structural context may shape constituent-target interactions, providing a basis for the further development of multi-component natural product strategies against inflammation. This study underscores the relevance of incorporating multi-ligand dynamics into natural product research and presents an integrated experimental-computational framework to investigate the cooperative or competitive behaviors of functional food constituents, thereby supporting the rational design of optimized multi-target formulations. Show less
The established body of knowledge attests to the pivotal influence of ANGPTL4 on lipid metabolism and vascular biology. Nevertheless, its potential implication in neurodegenerative disease remains to Show more
The established body of knowledge attests to the pivotal influence of ANGPTL4 on lipid metabolism and vascular biology. Nevertheless, its potential implication in neurodegenerative disease remains to be fully characterized. The present investigation delves into the involvement of ANGPTL4 in the pathological progression of PD, both in vitro and in vivo. PD models were induced by intraperitoneal administration of MPTP and LPS in WT and ANGPTL4 The observations unveiled that ANGPTL4 deficiency exacerbated behavioral aberrations, intensified dopaminergic neuron loss, and stimulated microglial activation along with p21-dependent senescence. There was an elevation in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the PD model. Furthermore, the administration of rANGPTL4 protein reversed the observed phenotypes in ANGPTL4 Our findings posit a salutary role for ANGPTL4 in counteracting PD, rendering it a prospective therapeutic target for the development of innovative drugs aimed at treating neuroinflammation-associated neurological diseases, including PD. Show less
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells ( Show more
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into CAFs in liver metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). POU6F2 expression was examined by real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The functional roles of POU6F2 in GAC liver metastasis were investigated both cellular experiments in vitro and in vivo using a mouse model of subcutaneous splenic injection. ChIP and ELISA assays were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of POU6F2 in liver metastasis of GAC. Here we reported that POU6F2 was upregulated in GAC tissue with liver metastasis, which predicted poor early liver metastasis. Upregulating POU6F2 promoted EMT, invasion and migration of GAC cells in vitro, and the liver metastasis of GAC cells in vivo. Mechanic investigation further revealed that upregulating POU6F2 promoted the invasion and metastasis of GAC by transcriptional upregulation of EMT-inducer SNAI1, and promoting the conversion of HSCs into CAFs dependent on transcriptional upregulation of IGF2-induced activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Our findings uncover a novel dual mechanism by which POU6F2 promotes liver metastasis of GAC. Show less
Obesity is a global health challenge marked by substantial inter-individual differences in responses to dietary and lifestyle interventions. Traditional weight loss strategies often overlook critical Show more
Obesity is a global health challenge marked by substantial inter-individual differences in responses to dietary and lifestyle interventions. Traditional weight loss strategies often overlook critical biological variations in genetics, metabolic profiles, and gut microbiota composition, contributing to poor adherence and variable outcomes. Our primary aim is to identify key biological and behavioral effectors relevant to precision medicine for weight control, with a particular focus on nutrition, while also discussing their current and potential integration into digital health platforms. Thus, this review aligns more closely with the identification of influential factors within precision medicine (e.g., genetic, metabolic, and microbiome factors) but also explores how these factors are currently integrated into digital health tools. We synthesize recent advances in nutrigenomics, nutritional metabolomics, and microbiome-informed nutrition, highlighting how tailored dietary strategies-such as high-protein, low-glycemic, polyphenol-enriched, and fiber-based diets-can be aligned with specific genetic variants (e.g., FTO and MC4R), metabolic phenotypes (e.g., insulin resistance), and gut microbiota profiles (e.g., Show less
Little is known about the association between physical activity and the risk of pre-sarcopenic obesity (pre-SO) among adolescents. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between physical a Show more
Little is known about the association between physical activity and the risk of pre-sarcopenic obesity (pre-SO) among adolescents. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and pre-SO in a sample of 2143 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years from Yinchuan, China. The pre-SO was defined by three criteria: low skeletal muscle mass adjusted by weight (SMM/W) combined with body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage (FMP), and waist circumference (WC). After adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, sleep time, and high-fat food consumption, participants with high physical activity (HPA) had a lower risk of pre-SO compared to those with low physical activity (LPA) according to the obesity criteria of FMP (OR 0.63, 95% CI, 0.48-0.83, P < 0.05), and WC (OR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.52-0.96, P < 0.05). Additionally, restricted cubic spline models showed a linear dose-response association between total physical activity (TPA) and pre-SO no matter what obesity criteria were adopted (all P overall trend < 0.05, all P non-linear > 0.50). Subgroup analyses revealed that individuals with higher TPA levels exhibited a decreased risk of pre-SO in boys according to the obesity criteria of FMP, and WC. In conclusion, HPA is associated with a reduced risk of pre-SO in adolescents, especially among boys. Show less
The STAT3 pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion and metastasis in cancer. STAT3 upregulates the transcription of the key epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcripti Show more
The STAT3 pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion and metastasis in cancer. STAT3 upregulates the transcription of the key epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factor SNAIL in a DNA binding-independent manner. However, the mechanism by which STAT3 is recruited to the SNAIL promoter to upregulate its expression is still elusive. In our study, the lysine methylation binding protein L3MBTL3 is positively associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in female patients with breast cancer. L3MBTL3 also promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in breast cancer. Mechanistic analysis reveals that L3MBTL3 interacts with STAT3 and recruits STAT3 to the SNAIL promoter to increase SNAIL transcription levels. The interaction between L3MBTL3 and STAT3 is required for SNAIL transcription upregulation and metastasis in breast cancer, while the methylated lysine binding activity of L3MBTL3 is not required for these functions. In conclusion, L3MBTL3 and STAT3 synergistically upregulate SNAIL expression to promote breast cancer metastasis. Show less
8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS) is a rare aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis that can rapidly develop into acute leukemia. It is characterized by the translocation of fibro Show more
8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS) is a rare aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis that can rapidly develop into acute leukemia. It is characterized by the translocation of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1), and there is still a lack of effective and reliable treatment methods at present. This report provides a new therapeutic strategy for EMS patients diagnosed with BCR-FGFR1 fusion. This report describes a case of EMS patient with a positive BCR-FGFR1 fusion gene, whose manifestations are similar to those of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). After diagnosis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), olverembatinib, the third-generation tyrosinase inhibitor (TKI) developed in China, was used for treatment. After monotherapy and follow-up for more than one year, partial molecular response (PR) was achieved. During this period, hematologic remission and cytogenetic remission were achieved. The treatment safety of the entire process was excellent. In summary, olverembatinib provides more treatment options for rare diseases such as 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome. Show less
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently accompanied with metabolic dysfunctions, yet the causal relationships between metabolic factors and PCOS remain to be conclusively established and etiolo Show more
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently accompanied with metabolic dysfunctions, yet the causal relationships between metabolic factors and PCOS remain to be conclusively established and etiology-based therapies are lacking. To comprehensively identify the metabolic causal factors and potential drug targets for PCOS. This genetic association study was conducted using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR), multivariable MR (MVMR) and drug-target MR. Considering metabolic sexual dimorphism, female-specific genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for metabolic factors were obtained. To ensure the robustness of the findings, an additional independent PCOS GWAS dataset was utilized for replication. The PCOS cohort included 10,074 PCOS cases (mean age 28 to 45 years) and 103,164 controls (mean age 27 to 60 years) of European ancestry. All participants were female. Employing two-sample MR analysis, we found that genetically proxied body mass index (BMI) (OR = 3.40 [95 % CI, 2.65-4.36]), triglyceride (TG) (OR = 1.54 [95 % CI, 1.17-2.04]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (OR = 1.37 [95 % CI, 1.07-1.76]), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) (OR = 1.24 [95 % CI, 1.09-1.41]) were significantly associated with an increased risk of PCOS, whereas genetically predicted high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (OR = 0.61 [95 % CI, 0.47-0.80]) decreased the odds of PCOS. Stepwise MVMR established a hierarchy of interactions among these metabolic factors, identifying BMI and HDL-c as the most prominent causal factors. Notably, drug-target MR analysis identified incretin-based therapeutics, PCSK9 inhibitors, LPL gene therapy, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones as potential therapeutics for PCOS. All these findings were validated in an independent dataset. This study offered insights into the roles of obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in PCOS etiology and therapeutics, underscoring the necessity for managing metabolic health in women and paving the way for tailored therapeutic strategies for PCOS based on its metabolic underpinnings. 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
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poor Show more
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poorly defined. To address this, we performed circular RNA profiling of endothelial cells under ischemic-like conditions and identified a marked upregulation of a circular RNA, named circATXN1. Functional studies revealed that circATXN1 knockdown modulates endothelial phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Functional studies have shown that knockdown of circATXN1 can regulate the endothelial cell phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Mechanistically, circATXN1 knockdown enhances the demethylase protein ALKBH5 to reduce the RNA methylation level of the key transcription factor SLUG, thereby stabilizing SLUG. In animal models, suppression of circATXN1 enhances angiogenesis and improves recovery following ischemic injury. Here, we show that circATXN1 regulates partial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and angiogenesis by controlling SLUG mRNA methylation dynamics, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in ischemic disease. Show less
Spatial representation is a core element of spatial cognition in orienteering, but the visual-spatial neural modulation mechanisms underlying spatial representations with differently oriented maps hav Show more
Spatial representation is a core element of spatial cognition in orienteering, but the visual-spatial neural modulation mechanisms underlying spatial representations with differently oriented maps have not yet been systematically elucidated. This study recruited 67 orienteering athletes as participants and employed a single-factor (map orientation: normal vs. rotated) between-subjects experimental design. Eye-tracking and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) techniques were used simultaneously to collect behavioral, eye movement, and brain activity data, investigating the effects of map orientation on visual attention and brain activity characteristics during terrain symbol representation processing in orienteering athletes. The results revealed that compared to the normal orientation, the rotated orientation led to significantly decreased task accuracy, significantly prolonged reaction times, and significantly increased saccade amplitude and pupil diameter. Brain activation analysis showed that the rotated orientation elicited significantly higher activation levels in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (R-DLPFC), bilateral parietal lobe cortex (L-PL, R-PL), right temporal lobe (R-TL), and visual cortex (VC) compared to the normal orientation, along with enhanced functional connectivity. Correlation analysis revealed that under normal map orientation, accuracy was positively correlated with both saccade amplitude and pupil diameter; accuracy was positively correlated with activation in the R-DLPFC; saccade amplitude was positively correlated with activation in the R-DLPFC and R-PL; and pupil diameter was positively correlated with activation in the R-DLPFC. Under rotated map orientation, accuracy was positively correlated with saccade amplitude and pupil diameter, and pupil diameter was positively correlated with activation in both the L-PL and R-PL. The results indicate that map orientation significantly influences the visual search patterns and neural activity characteristics of orienteering athletes, impacting task performance through the coupling mode of visual-neural activity. Show less
Swine enteric coronaviruses pose a significant challenge to the global pig industry, inflicting severe diarrhea and high mortality rates among piglets, and resulting in substantial economic losses. In Show more
Swine enteric coronaviruses pose a significant challenge to the global pig industry, inflicting severe diarrhea and high mortality rates among piglets, and resulting in substantial economic losses. In our clinical practice, we observed that the addition of potassium molybdate (PM) to the feed could dramatically reduce diarrhea and diarrhea-related mortality in piglets. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive and merit further investigation. In this study, we revealed that PM effectively inhibited the infection of both aminopeptidase N (APN)-dependent coronaviruses, transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), both Show less
Based on the special role of mitochondria in tumour energy metabolism. We hope to explore the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of Hepatocellular carcinoma by analysing the expression of Show more
Based on the special role of mitochondria in tumour energy metabolism. We hope to explore the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of Hepatocellular carcinoma by analysing the expression of 1136 mitochondrial proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma and their mechanisms in the Human.MitoCarta3.0 database. The expression of 1136 mitochondrial proteins in HCC was analysed by the TCGA database. We selected the top eight mitochondrial proteins among the highly expressed mitochondrial proteins that had not been studied in HCC and were statistically (P < 0.05) significant, according to fold change. Protein expression was verified by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in tumours and adjacent paracancerous tissues of 34 pairs of HCC patients. Further in HCC cells, the expression of FDPS, DNA2 and MYO19 was verified. Clinical correlations of FDPS, DNA2 and MYO19 were analysed by UALCAN and KM-plot databases. Immune correlation of FDPS, DNA2 and MYO19 was analysed by TIMER2.0 and Sangerbox3.0 online databases. Mitochondrial proteins were expressed on all 24 chromosomes. More than 2/3 of the mitochondria were 100-600 bp long, of which 204 were secondary transmembrane proteins. 1136 mitochondrial proteins, of which 202 are not included in the TCGA database. Of the 934 mitochondrial proteins included in the TCGA database, 706 were highly expressed and 228 were poorly expressed in HCC. Further validated by HCC tissues and cells, the study found that significantly high expression of FDPS, DNA2 and MYO19 was negatively correlated with the prognosis of HCC patients. The results of the immune correlation analysis showed that DNA2 and MYO19 may be involved in regulating the infiltration of immune cells. 934 out of 1136 mitochondrial proteins in the Human.MitoCarta3.0 database were differentially expressed in HCC, suggesting that mitochondrial proteins play an important biological role in the development of HCC. Further experimental validation and bioinformatics analyses showed that functional mitochondrial proteins are potential pathophysiological mechanisms for malignant progression of HCC. Mitochondrial proteins, in the future, have the potential to be valuable therapeutic targets for HCC. Show less
Xiaolei Song, Chenchen Wang, Qin Ding+8 more · 2025 · Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The vicious circle between amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) overgeneration and microglial dysfunction is an important path Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The vicious circle between amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) overgeneration and microglial dysfunction is an important pathological event that promotes AD progression. However, therapeutic strategies toward only Aβ or microglial modulation still have many problems. Herein, inspired by the Aβ transportation, an Aβ-derived peptide (CKLVFFAED) engineered biomimetic nanodelivery system (MK@PC-R NPs) is reported for realizing BBB penetration and reprogram neuron and microglia in AD lesion sites. This hollow mesoporous Prussian blue-based MK@PC-R NPs carrying curcumin and miRNA-124 can down-regulate β secretase expression, thereby inhibiting Aβ production and reducing Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, MK@PC-R NPs with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties could normalize the microglial phenotype and promote Aβ degradation, providing neuroprotection. As expected, after treatment with MK@PC-R NPs, the Aβ burdens, neuron damages, neuroinflammation, and memory deficits of transgenic AD mice (APP/PS1 mice) are significantly attenuated. Overall, this biomimetic nanodelivery system with anti-Aβ and anti-inflammatory properties provides a promising strategy for the multi-target therapy of early AD. Show less
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a cytokine that is reported to be highly expressed in the peripheral blood of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). IL-27-mediated signaling pathways, which exhibit ant Show more
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a cytokine that is reported to be highly expressed in the peripheral blood of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). IL-27-mediated signaling pathways, which exhibit anti- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) properties, have also been demonstrated in macrophages infected with Mtb. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the potential molecular mechanisms through which IL-27 enhances macrophage resistance to Mtb infection. Both normal and PTB patients provided bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy individuals and stimulated with 50 ng/mL macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) to obtain monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Using 100 ng/mL phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), THP-1 cells were induced to differentiate into THP-1-derived macrophage-like cells (TDMs). Both MDMs and TDMs were subsequently infected with the Mtb strain H37Rv and treated with 50 ng/mL IL-27 prior to infection. The damage and inflammation of macrophages were examined using flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blotting. Patients with PTB had elevated levels of IL-27 in their BALF. Preconditioning with IL-27 was shown to reduce H37Rv-induced MDMs and TDMs apoptosis while also decreasing the levels of Cleaved Caspase-3, Bax and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and the anti-inflammatory factors IL-10 and IL-4. Silencing of the IL-27 receptor IL-27Ra increased macrophage damage and inflammation triggered by H37Rv. Mechanistically, IL-27 activates autophagy by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling and activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting H37Rv-induced macrophage apoptosis and the inflammatory response. Our study suggests that IL-27 alleviates H37Rv-induced macrophage injury and the inflammatory response by activating autophagy and that IL-27 may be a new target for the treatment of PTB. Show less
Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common complication following thoracic surgery and often leading to poor outcomes. Despite ongoing research, effective treatments for late PND remain l Show more
Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common complication following thoracic surgery and often leading to poor outcomes. Despite ongoing research, effective treatments for late PND remain limited. Identifying reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis is, therefore, essential. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 60 elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Serum samples were collected within 10 minutes prior to anesthesia and following extubation to measure adiponectin (APN), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Among PND patients, serum APN, PKA, AQP4, and BDNF levels were markedly decreased compared with the normal group. While serum cAMP (HR = 1.087, p = 0.695, 95% CI [0.284-4.166]) and PKA (HR = 0.996, p = 0.09, 95% CI [0.491-0.947]) were not significantly correlated with PND, serum APN (HR = 0.307, 95% CI [0.113-0.835], p = 0.021), AQP4 (HR = 0.204, 95% CI [0.060-0.697], p = 0.011), and BDNF (HR = 0.382, 95% CI [0.177-0.823], p = 0.014) were protective factors against PND. ROC analysis demonstrated that APN (AUC = 0.68, 95% CI [0.51-0.87]), AQP4 (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.59-0.87]), BDNF (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.59-0.87]), and the model of combining those biomarkers (AUC = 0.91, 95% CI [0.83-0.99]) could predict PND. PND patients exhibited a lower protective stress response to surgical trauma. High serum APN, AQP4, and BDNF levels were independent protective factors for PND, and a combined model of these biomarkers showed predictive potential for PND. Show less
High-abundance serum proteins, mostly modified by N-glycans, are usually depleted from human sera to achieve in-depth analyses of serum proteome and sub-proteomes. In this study, we show that these hi Show more
High-abundance serum proteins, mostly modified by N-glycans, are usually depleted from human sera to achieve in-depth analyses of serum proteome and sub-proteomes. In this study, we show that these high-abundance glycoproteins (HAGPs) can be used as valuable standard glycopeptide resources, as long as the structural features of their glycans have been well defined at the glycosite-specific level. By directly analyzing intact glycopeptides enriched from serum, we identified 1322 unique glycopeptides at 48 N-glycosites from the top 12 HAGPs (19 subclasses). These HAGPs could be further classified into four major groups based on the structural features of their attached N-glycans. Immunoglobins including IGHG1/2/3/4, IGHA1/2 and IGHM were mostly modified by core fucosylated and bisected N-glycans with rarely sialic acids. Alpha-1-acid glycoproteins (ORM1/2) and haptoglobins (HP) were mainly modified by tri-and tetra-antennary (40 %) N-glycans with antenna-fucoses and sialic acids. Complement components C3 and C4A/B were highly modified by oligo-mannose glycans. The other HAGPs including SERPINA1, A2M, TF, FGB/G and APOB mainly contain bi-antennary complex glycans with the common core structure and (sialyl-) LacNAc branch structures. These HAGPs are easily detected by LC-MS analysis and therefore could be used as standard glycopeptides for glycoproteomic methodology studies as well as possible clinical utilities. Show less
Alpha-enolase (ENO1), the enzyme catalyzing 2-phosphoglycerate conversion to phosphoenolpyruvate, is highly expressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and correlates with adverse clinical outc Show more
Alpha-enolase (ENO1), the enzyme catalyzing 2-phosphoglycerate conversion to phosphoenolpyruvate, is highly expressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and correlates with adverse clinical outcomes. Thus, understanding the relationship between ENO1-related gene (ERG) network and DLBCL is imperative. Here, we integrated multi-omics profiling (RIP-seq, RNA-seq, and protein interactome analysis) to identify ERGs and established a prognostic model by machine learning algorithms. We identified eleven hub genes (CHERP, SYNE2, INTS1, FAP, MMP9, LRP5, RBM8A, PRMT5, SLC25A6, PABPC4, PSTPIP2) using RNA sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, and protein interaction profiling. A prognostic model was constructed using univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression in the GSE10846 dataset and validated in two independent cohorts. DLBCL patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups based on the model, and clinical characteristics were compared. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) was analyzed using CIBERSORT and xCell algorithms to explore correlations with the ERG score. Drug sensitivity assays in DLBCL cell lines were performed to validate the model's predictive capacity for chemotherapy response. Furthermore, the functional role of PABPC4, a key gene in the scoring system, was investigated through A prognostic model including 11 hub genes was established. Patients in the high-risk group exhibited worse clinical outcomes and an immunosuppressive TIME, characterized by altered expression of immune checkpoint-related proteins. This group demonstrated increased sensitivity to vincristine, etoposide, and oxaliplatin. Knockdown of PABPC4 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, reduced colony formation, and delayed tumor growth The ERG scoring system offers a robust and precise tool for predicting survival and guiding personalized treatment in DLBCL patients. Show less
This study aims to identify and characterize daily activity accumulation patterns (bouts of physical activity and sedentary behavior) among adolescents and then to explore the associations between the Show more
This study aims to identify and characterize daily activity accumulation patterns (bouts of physical activity and sedentary behavior) among adolescents and then to explore the associations between these groups and depressive symptoms. A total of 521 adolescents aged 13-18 years from Wuhan and Changsha, China, were included. Bouts of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SED) were measured using accelerometers. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess participants' depressive symptoms. Latent profile analysis was employed to identify distinct groups based on their activity patterns. Three distinct groups were identified: "Prolonged sitters" ( The synergistic effect of strategies to reduce total SED duration by limiting SED bouts to 30 min or less and increasing light physical activity (LPA) may also be effective in alleviating depressive symptoms in adolescents. 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
Acupuncture has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention for stroke recovery, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we used a mouse model of hemorrhagic s Show more
Acupuncture has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention for stroke recovery, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we used a mouse model of hemorrhagic stroke induced by autologous blood injection to investigate the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke recovery at the cellular and molecular levels, utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing. Our findings revealed that acupuncture modulates the gene expression of microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, three major glial cell types, which may contribute to the improvement of stroke-induced phenotypes. Notably, we identified a potential role of the APOE-TREM2 signaling axis, with ligand-binding interactions enhancing microglia activation and promoting their neuroprotective functions. These findings also suggested that acupuncture may promote microglia-astrocyte interactions, leading to enhanced neuroinflammation resolution and tissue repair. Our study provided new insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying acupuncture's therapeutic effects in stroke recovery and highlighted the potential of targeting glial cell-mediated pathways, including APOE-TREM2, as a strategy for improving post-stroke rehabilitation. Show less
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular event Show more
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and hospital readmission risk within one year following PCI treatment. Additionally, it seeks to assess the clinical value of Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoB/ApoA-I) in predicting the risk of one-year MACEs and readmission post-PCI. A retrospective study included 1938 patients who underwent PCI treatment from January 2010 to December 2018 at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University. Patient demographics, medications, and biochemical indicators were recorded upon admission, with one-year follow-up post-operation. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized to establish the relationship between ApoB/ApoA-I levels and MACEs/readmission. Predictive nomograms were constructed to forecast MACEs and readmission, with the accuracy of the nomograms assessed using the concordance index. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the occurrence of MACEs and readmission. We observed a correlation between ApoB/ApoA-I and other lipid indices, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that ApoB/ApoA-I is an independent risk factor for MACEs in post-PCI patients (P = 0.038). Within one year, the incidence of MACEs significantly increased in the high-level ApoB/ApoA-I group (ApoB/ApoA-I ratio ≥ 0.824) (P = 0.038), while the increase in readmission incidence within one year was not statistically significant. Furthermore, a nomogram predicting one-year MACEs was established (Concordance Index: 0.668). Subgroup analysis revealed that ApoB/ApoA-I was associated with the occurrence of both MACEs and readmission in male patients, those using CCB/ARB/ACEI, those without multivessel diseases, or those with LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L. The ApoB/ApoA-I ratio serves as an independent risk factor for one-year MACEs in post-PCI patients and correlates closely with other blood lipid indicators. ApoB/ApoA-I demonstrates significant predictive value for the occurrence of MACEs within one year.Trial registration Chinese clinical trial registry: No.ChiCTR22000597-23. Show less
Postnatal cardiac function in mammals is closely associated with cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy h Show more
Postnatal cardiac function in mammals is closely associated with cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, phenotypic measurements and transcriptomic sequencing were performed on myocardial tissues from 7-day-old (P7) and 3-month-old (3m) female C57BL/6 mice to investigate changes in cardiomyocytes during growth and development and to identify key genes regulating myocardial growth and development. In comparison to 7-day-old mice, 3-month-old mice exhibited a significant increase in heart weight ( Show less