Flourishing is a key positive psychological construct that has been linked to favorable health-related outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in prior research. However, current research Show more
Flourishing is a key positive psychological construct that has been linked to favorable health-related outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in prior research. However, current research often overlooks the variations in flourishing levels within this population, as well as the mechanisms through which flourishing interacts with disease progression. This study aimed to identify latent categories of flourishing among patients with inflammatory bowel disease and to analyze the potential influencing factors. This study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive exploratory design involving 316 patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Data collection was carried out using a general information questionnaire, the Flourishing Scale (FS), the IBD Self-Efficacy Scale (IBD-SES), the Resilience Scale for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (RS-IBD), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was utilized to identify potential subgroups exhibiting flourishing, while multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influencing factors. The flourishing of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease was classified into three latent groups: the low flourishing-low support beneficiary group ( Patients with inflammatory bowel disease demonstrate three distinct latent categories of flourishing. Healthcare professionals should implement more accurate and targeted intervention measures based on the characteristics and influencing factors of different potential categories, in order to improve the flourishing levels of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease driven significantly by metabolic reprogramming (MR). However, the core MR-related genes and their specific functions in AS remain incompletely u Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease driven significantly by metabolic reprogramming (MR). However, the core MR-related genes and their specific functions in AS remain incompletely understood, thus creating an urgent need for reliable diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Two AS-related microarray datasets (GSE100927 and GSE28829) were integrated and normalized. Differential expression analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were intersected with an MR-related gene set to obtain MR-related DEGs (MRDEGs). Functional enrichment analyses-including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses-were conducted. Subsequently, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was combined with multiple machine learning algorithms to screen for hub genes. These candidate genes were further validated using an external dataset (GSE43292) and evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Additionally, a multi-gene diagnostic model was constructed and assessed using both nomogram and SHAP analysis. Single-gene Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) elucidated the biological functions of core genes. Immune infiltration and single-cell analyses investigated microenvironment remodeling. Moreover, transcription factor (TF) prediction via hTFtarget, integrated with transcriptome sequencing of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), identify upstream regulators. Finally, Experimental validation was performed in ApoE We identified 57 MRDEGs and selected four core genes-LYN, FABP5, MMP9, and ANPEP-which demonstrated high diagnostic value. The multi-gene model showed strong clinical predictive performance. GSEA further revealed significant involvement of these genes in immune-inflammatory pathways. Immune infiltration and single-cell analyses confirmed substantial immune microenvironment remodeling and altered cell-cell communication. EGR1 was identified as a key upstream transcription factor. Ultimately, Experimental validation in ApoE This study identifies LYN, FABP5, MMP9, and ANPEP as core MR-related genes in AS, clarifies their roles in immune microenvironment regulation, and confirms their value as diagnostic biomarkers, thereby providing new insights for precise diagnosis and targeted therapy of AS. Show less
This study examined the effects of APOE gene polymorphisms on body composition changes following high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in non-athletic Han Chinese university students from plain regi Show more
This study examined the effects of APOE gene polymorphisms on body composition changes following high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in non-athletic Han Chinese university students from plain regions and identified genetic loci associated with HIIT sensitivity. A total of 236 Han Chinese undergraduates from non-physical education majors completed a 12-week HIIT program (three sessions/week). Body composition was assessed before and after the intervention. Genomic DNA from white blood cells was genotyped using Illumina chips. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) quality control and association analyses with body composition indices were performed using PLINK (v1.09) and SPSS 25.0, applying linear regression and ANOVA with least significant difference (LSD) (1) Of 22 initial APOE SNPs, five passed quality control; the rs405509 locus was associated with HIIT-induced changes in body composition. (2) The GG genotype at rs405509 was associated with higher baseline BMI overall and with higher baseline weight, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio in females than the TT genotype. (3) After training, GG carriers showed greater reductions in overall body fat than GT/TT carriers ( The rs405509 locus of the APOE gene is associated with body composition responses to HIIT, and female GG carriers show heightened responsiveness. Show less
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by compulsive drinking and withdrawal-related negative affect. Histamine (HA) signaling, particularly via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), may Show more
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by compulsive drinking and withdrawal-related negative affect. Histamine (HA) signaling, particularly via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), may modulate alcohol-related behaviors. We investigated the effects of pitolisant, an FDA-approved H3R antagonist, on ethanol (EtOH)-related behaviors in mice. Adult male C57BL/6J mice underwent acute or chronic (2 or > 8 weeks) intermittent alcohol exposure. Pitolisant pretreatment was administered, and then pharmacological behavior, histologic, and molecular assays were conducted. Pitolisant administration reduced acute EtOH-induced locomotor activation, conditioned place preference, and sedative effects, and also curtailed EtOH intake. It alleviated anxiety and depression-like behavior during 24-h withdrawal (Post-EtOH). Mechanistically, the Post-EtOH condition was featured by complicated brain cFos expression mapping, including elevated cFos, [HA] and [glutamine]/[glutamate] ratio in the lateral habenula (LHb). However, systemic pitolisant treatment significantly increased [norepinephrine]/[normetanephrine] ratio, and restored the diminished phosphorylated CREB and BDNF levels in the LHb. Intra-LHb H2R antagonist cimetidine infusion partly blocked the pitolisant therapeutic effect on alcohol-related behavior. These findings highlight the HAergic system as a critical regulator of alcohol-related behaviors. The LHb HA signaling and norepinephrine neurotransmission might underlie pitolisant's potential novel therapeutic strategy for AUD. Show less
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a severe complication of diabetes. Although dysregulated M2 macrophage polarization is recognized as a key driver of chronic inflammation in DFU, the molecular checkpoin Show more
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a severe complication of diabetes. Although dysregulated M2 macrophage polarization is recognized as a key driver of chronic inflammation in DFU, the molecular checkpoints that can be therapeutically targeted to restore M2 bias remain poorly defined. Here, we aimed to determine whether the RNA-binding protein TAF15 acts as a post-transcriptional stabilizer of the M2-promoting CEBPB/APOE/PTX3 axis, thereby accelerating DFU healing. First, we confirmed that APOE positively regulates PTX3, which supports M2 polarization and the proliferation and migration of HDF. CEBPB transcriptionally activated APOE and promoted M2 macrophage polarization. TAF15 stabilized CEBPB mRNA and affected HDF cell proliferation and migration by promoting M2 macrophage polarization. Additionally, TAF15 overexpression partially counteracted the disruption of M2 macrophage polarization caused by APOE silencing and facilitated DFU wound healing. Collectively, our findings establish TAF15-driven stabilization of CEBPB mRNA as a target point that sequentially activates APOE/PTX3 signaling to enforce M2 polarization and accelerate DFU closure. This study provides a preclinical rationale for the development of TAF15-targeted oligonucleotides or small-molecule strategies to reprogram wound macrophages and improve DFU outcomes in patients with diabetes. Show less
24-h activity encompasses four categories: light-intensity physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep (SP). This study aims to Show more
24-h activity encompasses four categories: light-intensity physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep (SP). This study aims to investigate the effects of different physical activity components on executive function in older adults with chronic diseases and to examine substitution effects among activity components. The findings provide scientific evidence to inform physical activity interventions for improving executive function in older adults with chronic diseases. A total of 105 older adults (72.64 ± 6.82 years) were recruited. Following questionnaire screening, 75 older adults with chronic diseases were ultimately included. Accelerometers objectively measured participants' daily SP, SB, LPA, and MVPA. Executive function was objectively assessed using the Stroop task, N-back task, and More-odd-shifting task. Component linear regression equation assessed the relationship between different activities and executive function in older adults with chronic diseases. The dose-response effects of "one-for-one" substitutions between different activity behaviors were explored. Component linear regression results showed that SB positively correlated with inhibitory control ( SP and MVPA significantly improve inhibitory control in older adults with chronic diseases, while LPA significantly enhances their working memory. It is recommended that older adults with chronic diseases adjust their daily time structure by increasing diverse physical activities, ensuring adequate sleep duration, and reducing sedentary behavior to improve executive function. Show less
To describe the network structure and heterogeneity of symptom burden in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to examine factors associated w Show more
To describe the network structure and heterogeneity of symptom burden in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to examine factors associated with different symptom burden profiles to inform risk-stratified management after PCI. A convenience sample of 261 patients with ACS who underwent PCI at a tertiary hospital in Chongqing between November 2024 and August 2025 was recruited. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Cardiac Symptom Survey, and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Network analysis was conducted to identify inter-symptom associations and the structural characteristics of the symptom network. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to classify symptom burden patterns, and multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with profile membership. Network analysis indicated that depression was the most central symptom (strength Symptom burden in patients with ACS after PCI demonstrates substantial individual heterogeneity. Depression occupies a central position within the symptom network, and BMI is associated with moderate and high symptom burden profiles. These findings suggest that integrating symptom network characteristics and BMI status into post-PCI assessment may facilitate risk-stratified management and targeted psychological and weight-related interventions to improve recovery outcomes. Show less
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In Show more
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells (IMRCs) for treating refractory moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesion (IUA). In a rabbit IUA model, sub-endometrial injection of IMRCs significantly reduced fibrosis and enhanced endometrial angiogenesis, outperforming uterine perfusion. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct pro-angiogenic gene expression profiles between the two delivery routes. In vitro, IMRCs co-cultured with endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) markedly enhanced angiogenic potential compared to either cell type alone. Protein array analysis of the co-culture supernatant showed elevated levels of angiogenic factors, with functional assays confirming that inhibition of ANGPTL4, a non-canonical pro-angiogenic mediator, impaired angiogenesis. In a first-in-human, single-center, phase 1 dose-escalation trial involving 18 patients with refractory IUA, high-dose sub-endometrial IMRC injection promoted angiogenesis, reduced uterine scarring, and improved pregnancy outcomes, with no safety concerns observed over 3 years of follow-up. These findings highlight the translational promise of IMRCs as a novel therapeutic strategy for endometrial regeneration in severe IUA. Show less
As sports socializing is becoming a dominant lifestyle that integrates physical health with social interaction in China, understanding the underlying drivers of participation is crucial. However, trad Show more
As sports socializing is becoming a dominant lifestyle that integrates physical health with social interaction in China, understanding the underlying drivers of participation is crucial. However, traditional research predominantly relies on a “variable-centered” paradigm, which assumes population homogeneity and focuses on linear relationships between single motives and behaviors. This approach often fails to capture the complexity of how multiple motivations are configured within individuals (heterogeneity), and how these internal configurations are associated with external behavioral choices. To address this gap, this study employed a novel hybrid methodological framework combining Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) and Random Forest (RF) modeling. Based on data from 1,104 adults, LPA was first used to identify distinct motivational subgroups. Subsequently, RF algorithms, utilizing feature importance ranking and “One-vs-Rest” strategies, were applied to identify the associative patterns between these motivational profiles and key behavioral indicators, including sports types, media usage, and economic investment. The analysis identified four distinct motivational profiles: (1) Psychologically Introverted (3.6%), prioritizing internal psychological rewards over social status; (2) Physiologically Oriented (44.1%), the largest group, driven primarily by physical health needs; (3) Balanced (39.0%), exhibiting moderate levels across all motivational dimensions; and (4) High-Motivation/Comprehensively Oriented (13.3%), showing high intensity in both internal and external rewards. The RF model achieved a training accuracy of 99.9% and identified that Sports Type (specifically large-ball games), Media Channels (particularly Douyin/Rednote), and Annual Spending were the top three salient behavioral markers distinguishing these profiles. Notably, the High-Motivation group was characterized by heavy reliance on visual social media for social display. Participation in sports socializing among Chinese residents is not characterized by a singular, homogeneous motivation but features a clear internal stratification structure. The specific pattern of motivational combinations (i.e., the type) systematically maps onto external behavioral choices, where the sociocultural attributes of the sport and the media characteristics of digital social platforms constitute the key predictive markers of behavioral differentiation. The establishment of this “Motivation Type—Behavioral Signal” integrated framework promotes a theoretical shift in the sports socializing research paradigm from “homogeneity” to “heterogeneity” and deepens the understanding of the complex manifestations of Self-Determination Theory and Social Capital Theory in a sports context. It also provides precise user profiles and behavioral insights for sports social platforms, commercial clubs, and public sports service departments. Exploring service customization and policy adjustments based on different motivation-behavior patterns could potentially enhance user engagement and satisfaction, suggesting a possible direction for the development of the sports socializing industry. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-026-26780-z. Show less
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms rema Show more
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that cerebral FURIN-deficient mice exhibit cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Lipid droplets (LDs) that are preferentially accumulated in astrocytes correlate with an increase of the LD markers PLIN2 and PLIN3, and conversely a decreased level of autophagic proteins including ATG5, BECN1 and MAP1LC3/LC3 as well as LAMP1. Accordingly, silencing of Show less
This study aimed to assess the childbirth readiness of women in their third trimester of pregnancy and to identify distinct readiness profiles using latent profile analysis (LPA). Additionally, it exp Show more
This study aimed to assess the childbirth readiness of women in their third trimester of pregnancy and to identify distinct readiness profiles using latent profile analysis (LPA). Additionally, it explored the factors influencing childbirth readiness in order to guide targeted interventions for improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among women in their third trimester of pregnancy between May and November 2024. Eligible participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Childbirth Readiness Scale (CRS), the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire (CAQ), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). LPA identified three groups with distinct childbirth readiness levels: "Low Readiness - Childbirth Knowledge Deficit" (37.9%), "Moderate Readiness - Good Lifestyle Habits" (47.9%), and "High Readiness - Rich Health Knowledge" (14.2%). In addition, gestational age, previous childbirth history, adverse pregnancy outcomes, childbirth attitudes, and social support had different influences on women in different latent profiles of childbirth readiness. There was significant heterogeneity in childbirth readiness among women in their third trimester. Women with lower readiness-especially in childbirth knowledge-would greatly benefit from targeted educational programs, whereas those with moderate readiness levels would find enhanced emotional and psychological support most advantageous. These findings support the implementation of profile-based, personalized prenatal care strategies to improve childbirth preparedness and optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. Show less
Nitrogen metabolism plays a key role in maintaining normal physiological functions of the organism and cell proliferation and differentiation. Nitrogen metabolism in normal human body maintains a dyna Show more
Nitrogen metabolism plays a key role in maintaining normal physiological functions of the organism and cell proliferation and differentiation. Nitrogen metabolism in normal human body maintains a dynamic balance to meet the body's demand for synthesis of biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. However, in the process of tumor development, the nitrogen metabolism of tumor cells is reprogrammed to meet the demand of rapid proliferation, showing significantly different metabolic characteristics from normal cells. Key enzymes in the tumor microenvironment affect nitrogen metabolism through multiple mechanisms, providing essential nitrogen sources and energy for tumor cells. In-depth exploration of the regulatory mechanisms of tumor nitrogen metabolism not only helps to reveal the molecular basis of tumor development, but also provides a theoretical basis for the development of new tumor therapeutic strategies. In this paper, the relationship between nitrogen metabolism and tumors is systematically elaborated from the characteristics of nitrogen metabolism in normal people, the reprogramming of nitrogen metabolism in tumor patients, the influence of key enzymes on nitrogen metabolism in the tumor microenvironment, as well as the mechanism of tumor nitrogen metabolism regulation, etc., so as to provide references for the related research. Show less
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent among adolescents with depression, yet the heterogeneity of underlying temperamental risk factors remains poorly understood. Traditional variable-ce Show more
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent among adolescents with depression, yet the heterogeneity of underlying temperamental risk factors remains poorly understood. Traditional variable-centered approaches fail to capture how distinct affective temperaments co-occur within individuals. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of affective temperaments and examine their association with NSSI, exploring the statistical mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation (CER). A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2025 to September 2025 at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University. A total of 290 adolescents (aged 10–19) diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder were recruited, with 282 valid responses included in the final analysis. Participants completed the TEMPS-A, CERQ, and ASHS. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was utilized to identify temperament subgroups. Mediation analysis with bootstrapping was performed to test the indirect effects of CER strategies. LPA identified three distinct profiles: Resilient/Low-risk (Class 1, 32.6%), Anxious-Depressive (Class 2, 46.1%), and Mixed-Dysregulated (Class 3, 21.3%). The Mixed-Dysregulated group, characterized by simultaneous elevations in depressive, anxious, irritable, and cyclothymic temperaments, exhibited the highest frequency (45.2 ± 21.3 times/year) and prevalence (98.8%) of NSSI compared to other groups ( The findings delineate a specific “Mixed-Dysregulated” risk phenotype within adolescent depression that is associated with severe NSSI. Interventions should move beyond standard depression care to target cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation skills. Statistical mediation analysis suggests that this risk is mediated by maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies. Not applicable. Show less
Pemigatinib is a selective, potent, orally administered inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1-3 with antitumor activity in multiple solid tumors. Pemigatinib is used to treat adults w Show more
Pemigatinib is a selective, potent, orally administered inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1-3 with antitumor activity in multiple solid tumors. Pemigatinib is used to treat adults with previously treated metastatic or surgically unresectable cholangiocarcinoma with Show less
Anxiety and depression are highly comorbid mental health disorders with heterogeneous symptom patterns and poorly understood transdiagnostic mechanisms. This study aims to characterize latent subgroup Show more
Anxiety and depression are highly comorbid mental health disorders with heterogeneous symptom patterns and poorly understood transdiagnostic mechanisms. This study aims to characterize latent subgroups, risk factors, and symptom-level interactions underlying depression-anxiety comorbidity across adolescents and adults in multi-ethnic Southwest China. The study included a total of 41,394 adolescents (aged 9-19) and 17,345 adults (aged 18-80). Adolescents were recruited using multistage stratified cluster sampling, whereas adults were recruited by convenience sampling. All participants completed a self-designed sociodemographic questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Latent profile analysis identified subgroups, logistic regression analyzed risk/protective factors, and network analysis mapped symptom interactions and bridge nodes. This study found that three adolescent profiles emerged: high (11.66 %), moderate (31.95 %), and low/no depression-anxiety (56.39 %). Adults were classified into low/no comorbidity (90.63 %) and comorbid depression-anxiety (9.37 %). Risk factors for adolescents included female gender (OR = 2.77, 95 %CI: 2.55-3.00; OR = 1.59, 95 %CI: 1.52-1.67), higher grade levels (OR = 3.45, 95 %CI: 3.10-3.84; OR = 3.56, 95 %CI: 3.33-3.80), smoking (OR = 1.72, 95 %CI: 1.51-1.96; OR = 1.28, 95 %CI: 1.17-1.41),drinking (OR = 2.45, 95 %CI: 2.23-2.70; OR = 1.66, 95 %CI: 1.55-1.77), family instability (OR = 1.16, 95 %CI: 1.02-1.31; OR = 1.33, 95 %CI: 1.14-1.56) and "other" ethnic minority (OR = 1.15, 95 %CI: 1.04-1.26). For adults, female gender(OR = 1.68; 95 %CI: 1.44-1.97), living alone(OR = 1.37; 95 %CI: 1.14-1.65), poor self-rated health (OR = 0.13, 95 %CI: 0.11-0.15), and Dai ethnicity (OR = 0.70, 95 %CI: 0.49-0.96) predicted comorbidity. Network analysis revealed distinct bridge symptoms: adolescents in the high depression-anxiety group had five symptoms: depressed or sad mood (phq2), psychomotor agitation/retardation (phq8), nervousness or anxiety (gad1), restlessness (gad5), and irritable (gad6); however, adults with comorbidity had one symptom: afraid something will happen (gad7). This study identified three patterns of depression-anxiety comorbidity in adolescents and two in adults. Efforts should prioritize adolescents from "other" ethnic minorities, strengthening family and peer support, as well as smoking and drinking interventions for adolescents, and addressing social isolation, physical health, and catastrophizing cognition in adults may mitigate the comorbidity burden. Show less
Impaired nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been implicated in hippocampal vulnerability in Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet the molecular basis of this defect remains poorly under Show more
Impaired nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been implicated in hippocampal vulnerability in Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet the molecular basis of this defect remains poorly understood. This study identified Huntingtin-associated protein 1 (Hap1) as a critical regulator of GR nuclear translocation in the hippocampus. Specifically, Hap1 expression progressively declined in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice with advancing age and pathological burden. Hippocampal Hap1 knockdown induced pronounced cognitive deficits and synaptic deterioration, as indicated by reduced dendritic arborization, decreased spine density, impaired long-term potentiation, and exacerbated amyloid-β deposition. Mechanistic analyses showed that Hap1 deficiency increased GR ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation and, more importantly, disrupted ligand-dependent GR translocation to the nucleus, thereby attenuating GR-dependent brain-derived neurotrophic factor transcription. In parallel, Hap1 knockdown elevated corticosterone concentration and induced depression-like behavior, consistent with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation. Collectively, these findings establish defective GR nuclear trafficking driven by loss of Hap1 function as a key pathomechanism linking intracellular transport failure to synaptic dysfunction in AD and highlight Hap1 as a potential therapeutic target. Show less
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a significant role in chronic pain, but its potential involvement in chronic itch remains largely unexplored and poorly understood. In the current study, we inv Show more
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a significant role in chronic pain, but its potential involvement in chronic itch remains largely unexplored and poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated whether ER stress signaling in keratinocytes contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic itch. Our behavioral tests showed that the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA attenuated itch-related behaviors in both acute and chronic itching mouse models, and reduced compound 48/80 and serotonin-induced activity of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. qPCR and western blotting revealed that the ER stress-related proteins and Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) were significantly elevated in the affected skin under chronic itch conditions and in cultured keratinocyte HaCaT cells and mice skin keratinocytes. The ELISA test showed that the level of LCN2 increased significantly in plasma but not in DRG tissue, from both acetone-ether-water (AEW) induced dry skin and imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriasis model mice. Current clamp recording demonstrated that LCN2 induced hyperexcitability in dorsal root ganglia neurons, which could be abolished by HS024, the inhibitor of melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R). In addition, pharmacological inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) or TRPV1 knockout blocked LCN2-induced hyperexcitability in DRG neurons. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that keratinocyte ER stress is involved in chronic itch genesis by releasing LCN2, which sensitized primary sensory neurons via TRPV1. These findings suggested that inhibition of ER stress in keratinocytes could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating chronic itch. Show less
Despite significant advances in the management of myocardial infarction (MI), therapeutic options targeting upstream pathogenic mechanisms remain scarce. This study introduces a novel multiomics-to-dr Show more
Despite significant advances in the management of myocardial infarction (MI), therapeutic options targeting upstream pathogenic mechanisms remain scarce. This study introduces a novel multiomics-to-drug discovery framework to identify and validate causal therapeutic targets for MI. We conducted a systematic two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis integrating expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) data from the IEU OpenGWAS database, with replication in the UK Biobank cohort. Causal inference was rigorously validated using HEIDI heterogeneity tests, Bayesian colocalization, bidirectional MR, and multivariate MR (MVMR) to account for potential confounders. Downstream applications were explored via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS), and molecular docking simulations. Initial screening identified four candidate genes (BMP1, APOB, FABP2, and ALDH2) associated with MI risk in both discovery and replication cohorts. However, only BMP1 demonstrated consistent causal effects at both transcriptional and proteomic levels, passing all sensitivity analyses with no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy in PheWAS. Colocalization and bidirectional MR further confirmed BMP1 as a robust, independent causal driver of MI. Molecular docking revealed that UK-383367, a selective BMP1 inhibitor, exhibits high binding affinity to the BMP1 active site. While BMP1 is traditionally associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, this study provides the first genetic evidence establishing it as an independent causal risk factor for MI, distinct from conventional traits such as hypertension. By bridging causal genetic inference with structure-based drug prediction, we propose BMP1 inhibition, specifically via agents like UK-383367, as a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate MI-related pathological remodeling. Show less
Zien Lin, Zhiye Wu, Lisha Li+9 more · 2026 · Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Atherosclerotic plaque rupture, driven by a vicious pathological cycle between endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and chronic inflammation, represents a major therapeutic challenge in cardi Show more
Atherosclerotic plaque rupture, driven by a vicious pathological cycle between endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and chronic inflammation, represents a major therapeutic challenge in cardiovascular disease. Current clinical strategies, including statins and antiplatelet agents, fail to disrupt the EndMT-inflammation axis, while conventional TGF-β pathway inhibitors-critical for EndMT regulation-exhibit narrow therapeutic windows and systemic toxicity owing to the pleiotropic nature of TGF-β signaling. Here, we reported VRBPC, a VCAM-1-targeting, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive baicalin-peptide conjugate that undergoes in situ self-assembly within atherosclerotic plaques to form a "molecular latch" that breaks the EndMT-inflammation loop. Upon VCAM-1-mediated endocytosis into activated endothelial cells, VRBPC responds to elevated ROS levels in the plaque microenvironment, triggering localized self-assembly that enhances baicalin retention and promotes its competitive binding to HSP90-a critical chaperone for TGF-β receptor stabilization. This mechanism inhibits Smad2/3 phosphorylation, reverses EndMT, and simultaneously suppresses inflammatory responses in macrophages. In vitro, VRBPC effectively restored endothelial phenotype, reduced aberrant migration, and diminished foam cell formation alongside pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. In ApoE Show less
Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta 42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau 181 are well accepted markers of Alzheimer's disease. These biomarkers better reflect disease pathogenesis compared to clinical d Show more
Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta 42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau 181 are well accepted markers of Alzheimer's disease. These biomarkers better reflect disease pathogenesis compared to clinical diagnosis. Here, we perform a genome wide association study meta-analysis including 18,948 individuals of European ancestry and identify 12 genome-wide significant loci across all three biomarkers, eight of them novel. We replicate the association of biomarkers with APOE, CR1, GMNC/CCDC50 and C16orf95/MAP1LC3B. Novel loci include BIN1 for amyloid beta and GNA12, MS4A6A, SLCO1A2 with both total tau and phosphorylated tau 181, as well as additional loci on chr. 8, near ANGPT1 and chr. 9 near SMARCA2. We also demonstrate that these variants have significant association with Alzheimer's disease risk, disease progression and/or brain amyloidosis. The associated genes are implicated in lipid metabolism independent of APOE, coupled with autophagy and brain volume regulation driven by total tau and phosphorylated tau 181 dysregulation. Show less
Diabetic lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is a manifestation of diabetic lower extremity vascular complications. This study aimed to screen the key single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) gene sig Show more
Diabetic lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is a manifestation of diabetic lower extremity vascular complications. This study aimed to screen the key single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) gene signature in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and LEAD. A total of 147 patients with T2DM complicated by LEAD and 144 patients with T2DM without LEAD were enrolled for transcriptome sequencing. The Plink software was used to preprocess the data. Five machine learning methods were adopted to build the SNP diagnosis models. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to quantify the predicted probabilities of the model. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the cluster Profiler package. Finally, regression statistical analysis was used to correlate the key SNPs with clinical information and biochemical indicators. A total of 24 SNPs were retained and 10 SNPs were risk allele genes. Nine SNPs (rs7412, rs1800629, rs699947, rs3918242, rs668, rs1800470, rs1800449, rs1800469, and rs1024611) were identified as the key SNPs sites. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that these genes are mainly enriched in fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis. Finally, rs1800449 was associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). With high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), related site was rs1024611. The sites associated with total cholesterol (CHOL) were rs1800449 and rs7412.The site associated with apolipoprotein B (APOB) and apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) were rs1800470 and rs1800469. This study authenticated nine SNPs for the diagnosis of T2DM patients with LEAD, which will be of great significance in the development of diagnostic molecular biomarkers for T2DM patients. Show less
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a fatal cardiovascular disease with no effective drug treatment currently available. The aberrant expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) contribute to AAA p Show more
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a fatal cardiovascular disease with no effective drug treatment currently available. The aberrant expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) contribute to AAA pathogenesis. In the present study, miRNA microarray analysis was performed to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs in the aortas of AAA mice compared with those in control mice, and to clarify the role and mechanism of miRNA‑378a‑5p (miR‑378a‑5p) in the AAA development. A comprehensive miRNA microarray analysis was conducted to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs in the aortas of AAA mice and control mice. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR‑378a‑5p in the serum and aortas of patients with AAA and mice. To clarify the role of miR‑378a‑5p in the AAA development Show less
Atherosclerotic macrophages predominantly exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype, driving chronic inflammatory and accelerating atherosclerotic progression. Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is high Show more
Atherosclerotic macrophages predominantly exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype, driving chronic inflammatory and accelerating atherosclerotic progression. Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is highly expressed in lesional macrophages within advanced atherosclerotic plaques, where it promotes the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, current approaches lack an effective therapeutic strategy to specifically silence this gene in lesional macrophages for atherosclerosis treatment. This study aims to develop and evaluate a dual-targeted, siRNA-based nanotherapeutic platform that selectively acts on atherosclerosis-promoting genes in plaque macrophages, offering a potential strategy for treating atherosclerosis by reprogramming lesional macrophages. Here we designed and developed dual-targeted liposome-based nano-immunotherapeutics encapsulating small interfering RNA (siRNA) against IRF5 (siIRF5) to reprogram macrophage phenotypes within advanced plaques. In high-fat diet-fed Show less
Pharmacological preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising strategy to enhance their therapeutic efficacy for end-stage liver disease; however, maximizing this benefit remains a m Show more
Pharmacological preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising strategy to enhance their therapeutic efficacy for end-stage liver disease; however, maximizing this benefit remains a major clinical challenge. Senkyunolide H (SNH), a small-molecule compound derived from Angelica sinensis, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Nevertheless, its capacity to optimize MSCs-based therapy for liver disease has not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that SNH preconditioning significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a murine model of liver cirrhosis. Specifically, SNH-pretreated BMSCs markedly alleviated hepatocellular injury, promoted hepatocyte proliferation, and attenuated collagen deposition. Mechanistically, SNH augments the therapeutic potency of BMSCs by partly binding to macrophage erythroblast attacher (MAEA), a subunit of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. This interaction stabilizes MAEA, which in turn facilitates the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), thereby activating ERK/STAT3 signaling and upregulating the secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Collectively, our findings highlight SNH preconditioning as a robust approach to enhance the paracrine function and therapeutic potential of BMSCs, and identify MAEA as a novel therapeutic target for BMSCs-based interventions in liver cirrhosis. Show less
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder involving multiple pathological processes. Bergapten (BeG) exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, ant Show more
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder involving multiple pathological processes. Bergapten (BeG) exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, but its mechanism of action in PD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of BeG in PD models. An in vitro neuroinflammation model was established using LPS-treated astrocytes. In-vitro studies demonstrated that BeG counteracted LPS-induced astrocyte activation by reducing the expressions of GFAP, inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β), and A1 polarization markers. It alleviated ERS (as indicated by reduced levels of GRP78, CHOP) and apoptosis (as shown by changes in Bax, caspase-3) while enhancing Bcl-2. Mechanistically, BeG suppressed LCN2 expression and JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation, with LCN2 overexpression attenuating its protective effects. In MPTP-treated mice, BeG improved motor function, preserved dopaminergic neurons, and reduced astrocyte activation and A1 polarization. It increased neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF) while decreasing inflammation, ER stress and apoptotic markers. The inhibition of the LCN2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway was consistently observed in both models, suggesting its central role in BeG's neuroprotective mechanism. These findings suggest that BeG exerts neuroprotective effects in PD by inhibiting the LCN2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby effectively inhibiting astrocyte activation-mediated neuroinflammation and ERS. Show less
Exchangeable apolipoproteins, including apolipoprotein C-II (apo C-II), apolipoprotein C-III (apo C-III), and apolipoprotein E (apo E), play central roles in the modulation of cardiovascular disease ( Show more
Exchangeable apolipoproteins, including apolipoprotein C-II (apo C-II), apolipoprotein C-III (apo C-III), and apolipoprotein E (apo E), play central roles in the modulation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by readily transferring between anti-atherogenic high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and pro-atherogenic triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL). High intra-pancreatic fat deposition (IPFD) has also emerged as a novel risk factor for CVD. This study aimed to investigate the associations of apo C-II, apo C-III, and apo E with IPFD, as well as with TRL and HDL subclasses. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 T was used to quantify IPFD. Plasma levels of apo C-II, apo C-III, and apo E were measured. TRL and HDL subclasses were analysed, with TRL categorised into very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) subclasses (IDL-C, IDL-B, and IDL-A), and HDL into HDL-large, HDL-intermediate, and HDL-small subclasses. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess these associations. A total of 128 individuals were analysed. IPFD showed a significant inverse association with both apo C-II and apo C-III, consistent across all statistical models. In the most adjusted model, each unit increase in IPFD was associated with a 0.36-unit decrease in apo C-II (p = 0.001) and a 0.31-unit decrease in apo C-III (p = 0.004). Furthermore, apo C-II and apo C-III were significantly and inversely associated with all IDL subclasses (p < 0.02), but not with VLDL, across all models. No statistically significant association between apo E and IPFD or any IDL subclass was observed in the most adjusted model. Apo C-II and apo C-III, but not apo E, contribute to the previously observed positive relationship between IPFD and IDL. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent typical chronic inflammation disease characterised by lipid deposition, immune cell infiltration and inflammatory response in the arterial intima. The long-term tre Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent typical chronic inflammation disease characterised by lipid deposition, immune cell infiltration and inflammatory response in the arterial intima. The long-term treatments of the existing drugs suffered safety concerns. Show less
Suhua Wu, Juan Peng, Xiaodong Wang+11 more · 2026 · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · added 2026-04-24
Obesity has become a global epidemic and a major contributor to the development of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) through the promotion of insulin resistance. Emerging evidence has shown that GPX4 expression i Show more
Obesity has become a global epidemic and a major contributor to the development of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) through the promotion of insulin resistance. Emerging evidence has shown that GPX4 expression is reduced in macrophages under hyperglycemic conditions; however, the involvement of macrophage-specific GPX4 in obesity-associated insulin resistance remains unclear. We generated macrophage-specific Gpx4 knockout (Gpx4 Show less
Atherosclerosis is respectively correlated with interleukin-6/interleukin-6 receptor (IL6/IL6R) mediated inflammation signaling and macrophages ferroptosis. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism of IL Show more
Atherosclerosis is respectively correlated with interleukin-6/interleukin-6 receptor (IL6/IL6R) mediated inflammation signaling and macrophages ferroptosis. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism of IL6/IL6R signaling mediated macrophages ferroptosis in atherosclerosis remains unknown. This study aims to investigate whether IL6/IL6R signaling mediated macrophages ferroptosis through mitochondrial fragmentation and mitophagy impairment. Two human atherosclerotic transcriptomic datasets were used to conduct bioinformatic analysis. In vitro, counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) assay kits were employed to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and macrophages ferroptosis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), laser confocal microscope and seahorse experiments were used to evaluate changes of mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial function. Western blotting (WB) was used to quantify key markers of mitophagy and ferroptosis. In vivo, histological stainings and WB were used to determine the effects of IL6R deficiency on atherosclerosis, mitophagy and ferroptosis. Integrated bioinformatic analysis revealed that the IL6 expression could stratify early and advanced plaques. IL6 induced macrophages ferroptosis by increasing ROS and MDA levels, depleting GSH level, promoting lipid peroxidation and suppressing glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) mediated excessive mitochondrial fragmentation in IL6-induced macrophages, resulting in more shortened mitochondria, impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and ROS accumulation. Activation of mitophagy, the process of mitochondrial fragmentation clearance, could increase GPX4 expression and attenuate the lipid peroxidation level in IL6 induced macrophages. Aggravation of ferroptosis further compromised mitophagy-related proteins expression. Targeting IL6R signaling attenuated atherosclerotic burden in ApoE [Image: see text] The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10753-025-02359-5. Show less