Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has serious harm to human hearing health, where blood lipid and inflammatory levels may play a key role in it. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to Show more
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has serious harm to human hearing health, where blood lipid and inflammatory levels may play a key role in it. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to assess the connection between inflammatory and lipid variables and SSNHL. Patients diagnosed with SSNHL had an analysis of serum lipid parameters, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, apolipoprotein A (apo A), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and lipoprotein A (Lp(a)), as well as inflammatory factors like TNF-α and IL-10. After that, risk factor analysis was carried out utilizing univariate, multivariate regression, and LASSO retrospective modeling. In all, 72 SSNHL patients and 67 healthy control individuals were involved. The LDL/HDL, total cholesterol, ApoB, LP(a), IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ considerably higher in the SSNHL group than in the healthy control group, however, nervonic acid and coenzyme Q were decreased significantly in SSNHL than Control group. The multivariate logistic regression model's analysis using multifactorial retrospective modeling revealed significant changes in LDL, LDL/HDL, IL-10, and TNF-α. In addition, in the LASSO regression model, the model demonstrated high discrimination, as evidenced by the C-index for the cohort's prediction nomogram, which was 0.998 (95% CI, 0.154-1.115) and confirmed to be 0.925 following bootstrapping validation. Finally, IL-10 and LDL/HDL were the main risk factors in SSNHL. LDL/HDL and IL-10 may be closely related to SSNHL's progress and should be evaluated promptly before treating patients with SSNHL. Show less
Postnatal respiration requires bulk formation of alveoli that produces extensive surface area for gas diffusion from epithelium to the circulatory system. Alveolar morphogenesis initiates at late gest Show more
Postnatal respiration requires bulk formation of alveoli that produces extensive surface area for gas diffusion from epithelium to the circulatory system. Alveolar morphogenesis initiates at late gestation or postnatal stage during mammalian development and is mediated by coordination among multiple cell types. Here we show that fibroblast-derived Heparan Sulfate Glycosaminoglycan (HS-GAG) is essential for maintaining a niche that supports alveolar formation by modulating both biophysical and biochemical cues. Gli1-CreER mediated deletion of HS synthase gene Ext1 in lung fibroblasts results in enlarged and simplified alveolar structures. Ablation of HS results in loss of a subset of PDGFRα Show less
Yuwen Guo, Huai Bai, Linbo Guan+4 more · 2025 · Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics · added 2026-04-24
To assess the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs174575 and rs2845574 of the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A total of 1 514 Show more
To assess the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs174575 and rs2845574 of the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A total of 1 514 pregnant women who visited West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2021 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 583 were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM group), and 931 had normal pregnancies (control group). The SNPs rs174575 and rs2845574 of the FADS2 gene were analyzed using Sanger DNA sequencing. Plasma levels of insulin (INS), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were measured using enzymatic methods, chemiluminescence and immunoturbidimetry. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (Ethics No.: 2020-036). The main genotype at the rs174575 C/G and rs2845574 C/T loci were CC in both GDM and control groups. No significant difference was found between the GDM and control groups regarding the genotypic or allelic frequencies of rs174575 and rs2845574 sites (P > 0.05). Among the GDM group, individuals with the GG genotype at the rs174575 site had lower plasma HDL-C levels compared to those with the CC genotype (P < 0.05), and had higher atherogenic indices (AI) compared with the CC and CG genotype (P < 0.05; P < 0.05). Individuals with the TT genotype at the rs2845574 site had higher AI compared with the CT genotype (P < 0.05). Among the control group, individuals with the GG genotype had lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared to those with the CC genotype (P < 0.05). Additional subgroup analysis demonstrated that the rs174575 polymorphism was associated with AI levels in obesity subgroup of GDM, TG levels in non-obese subgroup of control and DBP levels in the obese subgroup of control (P < 0.05; P < 0.05; P < 0.05). The FADS2 rs174575 and rs2845574 polymorphisms in GDM patients are associated wit HDL-C and AI levels, and the FADS2 rs174575 polymorphisms was also associated with DBP levels in normal pregnant women. The AI and DBP levels have a BMI-dependent effect. 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
Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) and Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) are autoimmune disorders that can co-occur in patients, leading to complex clinical presentations. Despite observational evidence of their co-occurren Show more
Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) and Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) are autoimmune disorders that can co-occur in patients, leading to complex clinical presentations. Despite observational evidence of their co-occurrence, the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. To investigate the shared genetic factors and pathways between SS and T1D, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using multiomic approaches. Conditional and conjunctional false discovery rate analyses were performed to identify genetic polygenicity and overlap between the two diseases. Functional annotation and pathway analysis identified SNPs with regulatory potential. Furthermore, Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses were employed to investigate causal associations between gene expression and disease risk. Single-cell differential gene expression analysis was also employed to validate the associations of risk genes with T1D and SS. Our analysis identified 36 shared loci, revealing common genetic enrichment between SS and T1D. Functional annotation and pathway analysis revealed 52 credible genes involved in cysteine-related processes, apoptotic signalling and immune responses. MR analyses revealed that AC007283.5 was positively linked with both SS and T1D, while PLEKHM1 and CRHR1-T1 were negatively associated. Additionally, CERS2 was positively associated with SS, DEF6 was positively associated with T1D, and KANSL1-AS1 was negatively associated with T1D, indicating the presence of complex regulatory mechanisms. Moreover, Single-cell differential gene expression analysis confirmed the dysregulation of risk genes in SS and T1D. This study identified shared genetic factors and pathways underlying SS and T1D, highlighting cysteine-related processes and apoptotic signalling. The findings underscore the complex interplay of autoimmunity and the need for targeted treatments addressing their common mechanisms. Show less
Skeletal muscle is the largest tissue in mammals, and it plays a crucial role in metabolism and homeostasis. Skeletal muscle development and regeneration consist of a series of carefully regulated cha Show more
Skeletal muscle is the largest tissue in mammals, and it plays a crucial role in metabolism and homeostasis. Skeletal muscle development and regeneration consist of a series of carefully regulated changes in gene expression. Leiomodin2 (LMOD2) gene is specifically expressed in the heart and skeletal muscle. But the physiological functions and mechanisms of LMOD2 on skeletal muscle development are unknown. In this study, we examined the expression levels of the LMOD2 in porcine tissues and C2C12 cells. LMOD2 is mainly expressed in the heart, followed by skeletal muscle. The expression level of LMOD2 gradually decreased with skeletal muscle growth, but increased after injury. LMOD2 expression levels increased gradually with C2C12 cells proliferation and differentiation. In terms of function, the muscle fiber types were altered after LMOD2 was knocked out in C2C12 cells, MyHC-I and MyHC-2b were inhibited, whereas MyHC-2a and MyHC-2x were promoted. LMOD2 knockout has different effects on LMOD family, LMOD1 expression level was promoted, while LMOD3 was inhibited. Loss of LMOD2 suppressed cell viability and PAX7 protein expression. At the transcriptome level, proliferation-related genes and muscle contraction-related genes were respectively inhibited after LMOD2 knockout. In terms of molecular networks, a series of experiments have shown that MyoG is a transcription factor for LMOD2, while miR-335-3p can negatively regulate LMOD2 expression. We screened ACTC1 as a candidate interacting protein for LMOD2 using protein prediction software and RNA-seq, and Co-IP experiments confirmed the relationship between LMOD2 and ACTC1. In vivo, Lentivirus-mediated LMOD2 knockdown reduces muscle mass. LMOD2 knockdown inhibited MyHC-I mRNA expression, but had no effect on MyHC-2b. The protein expression of MyHC-I, MyHC-2x, and MyHC-2b was suppressed after LMOD2 knockdown. Collectively, our data indicates that LMOD2 knockout inhibits myoblast proliferation and alters muscle fiber types. MyoG is a transcription factor for LMOD2, while miR-335-3p can negatively regulate LMOD2 expression. Moreover, LMOD2 and ACTC1 interact to regulate myogenic differentiation. Our study provides a new target for skeletal muscle development. Show less
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the effects of different exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and to explore regu Show more
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the effects of different exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and to explore regulatory factors.MethodsSearched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CNKI and Cochrane Library databases up to March 15, 2025. Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted using R software, and meta-regression analyzed the moderating effects of training period and frequency.Results42 randomized controlled trials covering 1482 patients were included. The Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) indicated that stretching training (SUCRA = 78.92) and high-intensity interval training (SUCRA = 69.73) were ranked higher than other exercise modalities and exhibited more favorable effect on BDNF enhancement, although neither demonstrated statistically significant superiority over the blank control. In contrast, combined training (SUCRA = 35.58), aerobic training (SUCRA = 35.17), and resistance training (SUCRA = 12.98) showed relatively lower potential for BDNF enhancement (blank control SUCRA = 67.62). Meta-regression analysis showed that the effect of combined training was significantly and positively correlated with intervention period ( Show less
The interplay between intracellular and intravascular lipolysis is crucial for maintaining circulating lipid levels and systemic energy homeostasis. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and lipoprotein Show more
The interplay between intracellular and intravascular lipolysis is crucial for maintaining circulating lipid levels and systemic energy homeostasis. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the primary triglyceride (TG) lipases responsible for these two spatially separate processes, are highly expressed in adipose tissue. Yet the mechanisms underlying their coordinated regulation remain undetermined. Here, we demonstrate that genetic ablation of G0S2, a specific inhibitory protein of ATGL, completely abolished diet-induced hypertriglyceridemia and significantly attenuated atherogenesis in mice. These effects were attributable to enhanced whole-body TG clearance, not altered hepatic TG secretion. Specifically, G0S2 deletion increased circulating LPL concentration and activity, predominantly through LPL production from white adipose tissue (WAT). Strikingly, transplantation of G0S2-deficient WAT normalized plasma TG levels in mice with hypertriglyceridemia. In conjunction with improved insulin sensitivity and decreased ANGPTL4 expression, the absence of G0S2 enhanced the stability of LPL protein in adipocytes, a phenomenon that could be reversed upon ATGL inhibition. Collectively, these findings highlight the pivotal role of adipocyte G0S2 in regulating both intracellular and intravascular lipolysis, and the possibility of targeting G0S2 as a viable pharmacological approach to reducing levels of circulating TGs. Show less
As the most common primary malignant bone tumor, further investigation into risk stratification for osteosarcoma (OS) prognosis is of significant clinical importance. Copper is essential for bone meta Show more
As the most common primary malignant bone tumor, further investigation into risk stratification for osteosarcoma (OS) prognosis is of significant clinical importance. Copper is essential for bone metabolism; however, its specific role in OS remains unclear. The expression characteristics of copper metabolism related genes (CORGs) in OS were revealed by single cell sequencing. Prognosis-associated CORGs were identified, and a CORG-related scoring system and risk model were established using bioinformatics approaches, including univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and LASSO analysis. We further analyzed immune microenvironment infiltration, molecular subtypes and clinicopathological characteristics. The impact of selected CORG with high-risk coefficient on OS cells was tested by qRT-PCR, western blot, siRNA, colony formation analysis and Transwell in vitro. We successfully developed an OS scoring system related to copper metabolism and validated its independent prognostic value in patients with OS. The potential clinical value of CORG scoring system was analyzed. APOA4 was selected for in vitro experiments and its effect on the proliferation and invasion ability of OS cells was verified. We established a copper metabolism-related scoring system to effectively stratify the risk of OS patients. Our results provide a new basis for the role of copper metabolism in OS and provide new potential targets for the treatment of OS. Show less
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascu Show more
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascular niche to maintain stemness. However, the effect of abnormal communication between endothelial cells (ECs) and GSCs on GBM progression remains unknown. Here, we reveal that ECs-derived SEMA3G, which is aberrantly expressed in GBM patients, impairs GSCs by inducing c-Myc degradation. SEMA3G activates NRP2/PLXNA1 in a paracrine manner, subsequently inducing the inactivation of Cdc42 and dissociation of Cdc42 and WWP2 in GSCs. Once released, WWP2 interacts with c-Myc and mediates c-Myc degradation via ubiquitination. Genetic deletion of Sema3G in ECs accelerates GBM growth, whereas SEMA3G overexpression or recombinant SEMA3G protein prolongs the survival of GBM bearing mice. These findings illustrate that ECs play an intrinsic inhibitory role in GSCs stemness via the SMEA3G-c-Myc distal regulation paradigm. Targeting SEMA3G signaling may have promising therapeutic benefits for GBM patients. Show less
This study aimed to investigate serum inflammatory factor levels of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) to explore the related inflammatory molecular mechani Show more
This study aimed to investigate serum inflammatory factor levels of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) to explore the related inflammatory molecular mechanisms preliminarily. The study recruited 72 female drug-naïve patients with BD and 98 female healthy controls (HCs). Demographic information, menstrual cycles, sex hormone levels, and ovarian ultrasound data were collected from them. Additionally, their serum inflammatory factor levels and the proteomics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed. The levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-13 were significantly higher in patients with BD than in HCs (p < 0.05), and the IL-8 level was higher in BD patients with PCOS than in those without (adjusted p = 0.07). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that downregulated genes with significant differences between the two groups were all involved in immune-inflammatory-related pathways, and the expression of downregulated genes BTN3A2, MAP2K5, JCHAIN-B, and DMAP1 showed substantial differences and consistent trends between the two groups. IL-8-related chronic inflammatory response is closely associated with PCOS in BD patients, and genes such as BTN3A2 may mediate this chronic inflammatory response by negatively regulating the abnormal differentiation of T helper 17 cells, serving as one of the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Show less
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism, and its activity has been linked to the risk of atherosclerosis (AS). CETP inhibitors, such as obicetrapib, repres Show more
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism, and its activity has been linked to the risk of atherosclerosis (AS). CETP inhibitors, such as obicetrapib, represent a novel approach in immunotherapy to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by targeting lipid metabolism. In addition, CETP vaccines are being explored as a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD by inducing the body to produce antibodies against CETP, which is expected to reduce CETP activity, thereby increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure of CETP, the mechanisms of lipid transfer and the progress of immunotherapy in the last decade, which provides possible ideas for future development of novel drugs and optimization of immunization strategies. Show less
Dysregulation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) signaling has prompted efforts to develop therapeutic agents, which is a carcinogenic driver of many cancers, including breast, prostat Show more
Dysregulation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) signaling has prompted efforts to develop therapeutic agents, which is a carcinogenic driver of many cancers, including breast, prostate, bladder, and chronic myeloid leukemia. Despite significant progress in the development of potent and selective FGFR inhibitors, the long-term efficacy of these drugs in cancer therapy has been hampered by the rapid onset of acquired resistance. Therefore, more drug discovery strategies are needed to promote the development of FGFR-targeted drugs. Here, we discovered compound S2h, a compound that selectively and effectively degrades FGFR1 at nanomolar concentrations in KG1a cells (IC 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
Maternal circulating lipid concentrations impact the risk of pregnancy complications and infant health outcomes. The associations between physical activity and circulating lipids during pregnancy rema Show more
Maternal circulating lipid concentrations impact the risk of pregnancy complications and infant health outcomes. The associations between physical activity and circulating lipids during pregnancy remain inadequately understood. A study was conducted from July 2024 to March 2025, involving the recruitment of 520 pregnant women in Wuhan, China. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) scores were evaluated in trimesters. Circulating lipid profiles, including total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) concentrations, were assessed at each trimester. The daily energy expenditure of physical activity (EEPA) during the first, second, and third trimesters was recorded as 11.35, 9.07, and 9.48 metabolic equivalents-hour/day (METs-h/d). The EEPA in the first trimester was significantly greater than that in the second ( This study suggests that increased physical activity during pregnancy is associated with lower lipid levels. Moreover, maternal age appears to have a significant impact on physical activity and the metabolism of circulating lipids during pregnancy. Show less
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become the most prevalent type of heart failure, but effective treatments are lacking. Cardiac lymphatics play a crucial role in maintaining Show more
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become the most prevalent type of heart failure, but effective treatments are lacking. Cardiac lymphatics play a crucial role in maintaining heart health by draining fluids and immune cells. However, their involvement in HFpEF remains largely unexplored. We examined cardiac lymphatic alterations in mice with HFpEF with comorbid obesity and hypertension, and in heart tissues from patients with HFpEF. Using genetically engineered mouse models and various cellular and molecular techniques, we investigated the role of cardiac lymphatics in HFpEF and the underlying mechanisms. In mice with HFpEF, cardiac lymphatics displayed substantial structural and functional anomalies, including decreased lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) density, vessel fragmentation, reduced branch connections, and impaired capacity to drain fluids and immune cells. LEC numbers and marker expression levels were also decreased in heart tissues from patients with HFpEF. Stimulating lymphangiogenesis with an adeno-associated virus expressing an engineered variant of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC Our study provides evidence that cardiac lymphatic disruption, driven by impaired BCAA catabolism in LECs, is a key factor contributing to HFpEF. These findings unravel the crucial role of BCAA catabolism in modulating lymphatic biology, and suggest that preserving cardiac lymphatic integrity may present a novel therapeutic strategy for HFpEF. Show less
Prenatal exposure to bisphenol analogs (BPs) may pose hazards to offspring's health; however, their underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. DNA methylation, a major epigenetic mechanism, may be Show more
Prenatal exposure to bisphenol analogs (BPs) may pose hazards to offspring's health; however, their underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. DNA methylation, a major epigenetic mechanism, may be involved in early programming following environmental disturbances. In this prospective study, we investigated associations between prenatal BPs exposure and the placental DNA methylation levels of 14 candidate genes in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway among 205 mother-infant pairs and explored the potential mediating role of the DNA methylation in the association of prenatal BPs exposure with anthropometric measurements of infants aged 1 year. We observed a general pattern that prenatal BPs exposure was associated with the DNA hypomethylation of candidate genes, with associations consistently and notably observed for PPAR α (PPARA), retinoid X receptor α (RXRA), acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 1, and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase medium chain (ACADM) in linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression. Both models identified bisphenol F (BPF) as the predominant compound. We found inverse associations between the placental DNA methylation levels of most candidate genes, such as PPARA, RXRA, ACADM, and nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group H member 3 (NR1H3), and the length-for-age z-score, arm circumference-for-age z-score, subscapular skinfold-for-age z-score, and abdominal skinfold thickness of the infants. The DNA methylation levels of RXRA and NR1H3 could mediate the associations between prenatal BPF exposure and increased infant anthropometric measurements, with mediating portions ranging from 23.02% to 30.53%. Our findings shed light on the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of prenatal BPs exposure on infant growth and call for urgent actions for risk assessment and regulation of BPF. Future cohort studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm our findings. Show less
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and regulate food intake. Here, we demonstr Show more
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and regulate food intake. Here, we demonstrate that a peptide-antibody conjugate that blocks GIPR while simultaneously activating GLP-1R (GIPR-Ab/GLP-1) requires both CNS GIPR and CNS GLP-1R for maximal weight loss in obese, primarily male, mice. Moreover, dulaglutide produces greater weight loss in CNS GIPR knockout (KO) mice, and the weight loss achieved with dulaglutide + GIPR-Ab is attenuated in CNS GIPR KO mice. Wild-type mice treated with GIPR-Ab/GLP-1 and CNS GIPR KO mice exhibit similar changes in gene expression related to tissue remodelling, lipid metabolism and inflammation in white adipose tissue and liver. Moreover, GIPR-Ab/GLP-1 is detected in circumventricular organs in the brain and activates c-FOS in downstream neural substrates involved in appetite regulation. Hence, both CNS GIPR and GLP-1R signalling are required for the full weight loss effect of a GIPR-Ab/GLP-1 peptide-antibody conjugate. Show less
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are interrelated conditions that significantly impair quality of life. This study aimed to identify a feasible biomarker for assessing T2D-MCI Show more
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are interrelated conditions that significantly impair quality of life. This study aimed to identify a feasible biomarker for assessing T2D-MCI risk and to evaluate a potential therapeutic strategy. We integrated data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate genetic causal relationships between T2D, MCI, and their shared biomarkers. Transcriptomic analysis identified T2D-associated genes. Clinical trials evaluated the short-term effects of modified fasting therapy (MFT) on glucose regulation and cognitive function. Cellular assays and patient samples were used to validate the regulatory roles of key genes in biochemical markers and downstream signaling pathways. Among 6,356 T2D and 1,138 MCI subjects, vitamin D, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), globulin, and creatinine were associated with both conditions. MR analysis showed that higher HDL-C levels reduced T2D risk (0.9059, 95% CI: 0.8666-0.9470) but increased MCI risk (OR = 1.0482, 95% CI: 1.0216-1.0755). Nuclear factor I A ( HDL-C has divergent genetic effects on T2D and MCI. Show less
Xiang Lian, Xiaoyan Li, Kexin Wang+3 more · 2025 · Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics · added 2026-04-24
To investigate the gene detection results of 2 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) caused by complex heterozygous variation, and to clarify the relationship between clinical manifestation Show more
To investigate the gene detection results of 2 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) caused by complex heterozygous variation, and to clarify the relationship between clinical manifestations and gene variation. Two patients (patient 1 and 2) with FH who visited Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University in 2018 were selected as research subjects. A retrospective study method was used to collect clinical and family history data of the two patients. And 2 mL of peripheral venous blood from each of the two patients was collected, and genomic DNA extraction was performed on the blood samples. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the variant sites of the two patients detected by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Pathogenicity of variants was classified based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Standards and Guidelines for the Classification of Genetic Variants (hereinafter referred to as the "ACMG Guidelines"), and the impact of variant was analyzed using multiple bioinformatics tools including SIFT, PolyPhen-2, and SWISS-MODEL. This study has been approved by Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (Ethics No. 2024215X). Patient 1 initially presented with early-onset coronary heart disease, with initial lipid levels of serum total cholesterol (TC) 9.86 mmol/L (normal reference value: 3.10~5.20 mmol/L) and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 8.37 mmol/L (normal reference value: 1.27~3.12 mmol/L) on admission. Patient 1 initially underwent treatment with rosuvastatin combined with ezetimibe for one month, but the lipid-lowering effect was not significant. The lipid-lowering therapy was then adjusted to atorvastatin combined with ezetimibe and probucol. After one year of treatment, the patient developed paroxysmal chest pain symptoms. A follow-up lipid profile showed a serum TC level of 4.50 mmol/L and a LDL-C level of 3.55 mmol/L. The lipid-lowering regimen was continued, and the serum LDL-C levels were maintained between 2.65 and 3.66 mmol/L. Patient 2 was found to have an abnormally high blood lipid level and carotid artery hardening during physical examination, with an initial blood lipid level of serum TC 11.82 mmol/L and serum LDL-C 9.63 mmol/L. After receiving rosuvastatain therapy, the lipid-lowering effect was significant. WES revealed that patient 1 carried the heterozygous variants c.1871₁₈₇₃del(p.Ile624del) and c.1747C>T (p.His583Tyr) in the LDLR gene (NM₀₀₀₅₂₇.4), while patient 2 carried the heterozygous variants c.1747C>T (p.His583Tyr) in the LDLR gene and c.6936₆₉₃₇inv (p.Ile2313Val) in the APOB gene (NM₀₀₀₃₈₄₎. According to the ACMG Guidelines, the LDLR gene c.1747C>T (p.His583Tyr) was classified as a pathogenic variant (PS3+PM1+PM2_supporting+PM5+PP2+PP3), and c.1871₁₈₇₃del (p.Ile624del) was classified as a pathogenic variant (PS3+PS4+PM2_supporting+PM1+PM4); the APOB gene c.6936₆₉₃₇inv (p.Ile2313Val) was classified as a variant of uncertain clinical significance (PM2_supporting BP4). Patients 1 and 2 in this study were patients with complex heterozygous variant FH, and their genotypic differences may be related to the differences in clinical serum LDL-C levels and the efficacy of hypolipidemic agents. Show less
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a set of rare diseases characterized by abnormal sexual development with clinical heterogeneity and genotypic complexity. This study aims to investiga Show more
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a set of rare diseases characterized by abnormal sexual development with clinical heterogeneity and genotypic complexity. This study aims to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of male IHH in southern China, and evaluate the therapeutic effects of current treatments. Fifty-one male IHH patients from southern China were enrolled in this study. Their clinical, imaging, hormonal and genetic findings were analyzed retrospectively. In this study, the most common causative gene of IHH was FGFR1 (45.10%), followed by ANOS1 (21.57%) and CHD7 (17.65%). Forty-five different variants, including 22 known and 23 novel variants, were found. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.84 ± 5.89 years, the most common clinical phenotype was micropenis (98.04%), the most frequent imaging feature was abnormal ultrasound of sexual glands (86.84%), and the most representative biochemical manifestations were low basal luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (98.04% and 100.00%, respectively). Age-phenotype and genotype-phenotype correlations were observed in this cohort. The penile length, testicular volume, basal testosterone, and the proportion of patients with low basal inhibin B were associated with age. Most patients with ANOS1 variant had a family history, impaired olfactory function, and much lower basal anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), whereas patients with CHD7 variant were younger, presented CHARGE phenotypes, and had higher basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH. Moreover, 34 patients were treated with different strategies for 2.75 ± 1.82 years. After treatment, the penile length, and the levels of FSH, LH and testosterone increased significantly. Our study adds 51 southern Chinese male patients, and expands the mutational spectrum for IHH. Our cohort suggests that a combination of clinical, biochemical and genetic criteria will facilitate early diagnosis. Our work also highlights the differentially diagnostic values of family history, impaired olfactory function, CHARGE features, and basal AMH, FSH and LH in distinguishing different molecular bases of IHH. Show less
Breast cancer (BRCA) ranks among the most frequently diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Immune infiltration plays a critical role in tumor progression and therapeutic response. However, the precise mec Show more
Breast cancer (BRCA) ranks among the most frequently diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Immune infiltration plays a critical role in tumor progression and therapeutic response. However, the precise mechanisms underlying immune infiltration in BRCA remain incompletely understood. Machine learning (support vector machine-recursive feature elimination and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression) and weighted gene co-expression network were utilized to screen hub genes. An immune infiltration assessment was carried out via TIMER and CIBERSORT. The prognostic and survival of risk model and immune infiltration-associated hub genes were analyzed through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox regression, and ROC curve evaluation. Cell functional assays and xenograft models in vivo were utilized to examine lipoprotein lipase (LPL) function. The impact of LPL on macrophage polarization was evaluated using THP-1-derived macrophages and immunohistochemistry analysis of immune infiltration (CD4, CD8, and F4/80) in vivo. 10 hub immune regulators were identified in BRCA, which were associated with lipid metabolism. Hub genes and a prognostic risk model exhibited high predictive accuracy for BRCA patient survival and prognosis. Overexpression of LPL inhibited BRCA cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting M1-like macrophage polarization. In vivo, LPL overexpression significantly suppressed tumor growth and enhanced immune cell infiltration, as indicated by the elevation of CD4 + and F4/80 + cells along with a decline in CD8 + macrophage abundance. This study identifies a novel lipid metabolism-related gene signature and demonstrates that LPL overexpression modulates macrophage polarization and inhibits BRCA progression. Show less
NRG1 fusion is an emerging oncogenic driver, and the FDA has approved drugs for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer associated with NRG1 fusions. This study retrospective Show more
NRG1 fusion is an emerging oncogenic driver, and the FDA has approved drugs for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer associated with NRG1 fusions. This study retrospectively analyzed data from 25,203 patients with solid tumors who underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) and identified 49 patients with NRG1 fusions. The mutation profiles and actionable therapeutic targets were analyzed among patients with fusions. In this study, 0.2% (49/25,203) of patients harbored NRG1 fusions. The frequencies of NRG1 fusions across various cancer types were as follows: prostate cancer, 0.65%; breast cancer, 0.47%; lung cancer, 0.29%; esophageal cancer, 0.25%; colorectal cancer, 0.17%; gastric cancer, 0.13%; pancreatic cancer, 0.11%; and hepatocellular carcinoma, 0.05%). A total of 36 fusion partners were detected, among which CD74 was predominant, accounting for 29.3% of cases. Patients with NRG1 fusions presented a greater frequency of FGFR1 mutations and RET fusions, compared with non-NRG1 fusion patients. Most lung cancer and colorectal cancer patients with NRG1 fusions harbored FDA-approved or potential drug targets, whereas those diagnosed with breast cancer harbored fewer such targets. NRG1 fusion-related drugs can provide additional treatment options. Our study expands the NRG1 fusion gene landscape and provides a valuable reference for the comprehensive treatment of patients with NRG1 fusions. Show less
Agonists and antagonists of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) enhance body weight loss induced by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonism. However, while GIPR Show more
Agonists and antagonists of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) enhance body weight loss induced by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonism. However, while GIPR agonism decreases body weight and food intake in a GLP-1R-independent manner via GABAergic GIPR Show less
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia an Show more
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance, hallmark features of type 2 diabetes. While SEC16 homologue B (SEC16B), an endoplasmic reticulum export factor, has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and lipid metabolism, its role in glucose regulation remains poorly defined. This study aims to investigate SEC16B's contribution to glucose homeostasis by systematically dissecting its conserved physiological mechanisms across species. To interrogate SEC16B's role, we combined Drosophila genetics (RNA interference-mediated dSec16 knockdown) with murine models (Sec16b deletion) under standard or high-fat diet conditions. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests assessed glucose homeostasis. Mechanistic insights into beta cell dysfunction were derived from immunostaining, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays and RNA-seq profiling of murine pancreatic islets. Both disruption of dSec16 in Drosophila and Sec16b deletion in mice triggered glucose intolerance under standard diet conditions, recapitulating conserved metabolic dysfunction. In addition, Sec16b loss impaired glycaemic control in mice fed a high-fat diet. Mechanistically, Sec16b deficiency impairs insulin secretion by downregulating cholinergic signalling and compromising intracellular Ca Our study reveals SEC16B, a genome-wide association study-identified obesity risk gene, as an evolutionarily conserved regulator of glucose homeostasis. By linking SEC16B to cholinergic-driven insulin secretion and calcium dynamics, we resolve a mechanistic gap in beta cell dysfunction and metabolic disease. This finding provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying glucose homeostasis and may enhance our understanding of potential treatments for metabolic diseases. Show less
Sow colostrum is rich in lactoferrin (LF), which can be orally administered to protect piglets from porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection, thereby reducing piglet mortality. Previous study Show more
Sow colostrum is rich in lactoferrin (LF), which can be orally administered to protect piglets from porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection, thereby reducing piglet mortality. Previous study has shown that sows fed with recombinant B. subtilis expressing 4,4-diaponeurosporene (B.S-Dia) have significantly higher LF levels in their colostrum compared to sows fed with B. subtilis. This suggests that 4,4-diaponeurosporene (DNP) produced by B.S-Dia may influence LF content in sow colostrum. In this study, we first extracted DNP expressed by the recombinant probiotic using acetone-hexane extraction. Flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and ELISA analyses demonstrated that DNP promoted dendritic cell (DCs) maturation and increased the expression of IL-1β and IL-27. We then established a method for isolating neutrophils from sow colostrum and set up a co-culture system of neutrophils and DCs to investigate factors regulating LF secretion. The results indicated that DCs secretions enhanced LF expression in neutrophils. Finally, the application of IL-27 inhibitors confirmed that IL-27 produced by DCs upregulates LF secretion in neutrophils. These findings elucidate the mechanism by which DNP promotes LF production in colostrum and provide a theoretical foundation for using B.S-Dia to prevent and control PEDV infection in piglets. Show less
To describe the clinical characteristics, natural history, genetic landscape, and phenotypic spectrum of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL)-associated retinal disease. Multicenter retrospective coho Show more
To describe the clinical characteristics, natural history, genetic landscape, and phenotypic spectrum of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL)-associated retinal disease. Multicenter retrospective cohort study complemented by a cross-sectional examination. Twelve pediatric subjects with biallelic variants in 5 NCL-causing genes (CLN3 lysosomal/endosomal transmembrane protein [ Review of clinical notes, retinal imaging, electroretinography (ERG), and molecular genetic testing. Two subjects underwent a cross-sectional examination comprising adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging of the retina and optoretinography (ORG). Clinical/demographic data, multimodal retinal imaging data, electrophysiology parameters, and molecular genetic testing. Our cohort included a diverse set of subjects with Our cohort data demonstrates that the underlying genetic variants drive the phenotypic diversity in different forms of NCL. Genetic testing can provide molecular diagnosis and ensure appropriate disease management and support for children and their families. With intravitreal enzyme replacement therapy on the horizon as a potential treatment option for NCL-associated retinal degeneration, precise structural and functional measures will be required to more accurately monitor disease progression. We show that adaptive optics imaging and ORG can be used as highly sensitive methods to track early retinal changes, which can be used to establish eligibility for future therapies and provide metrics for determining the efficacy of interventions on a cellular scale. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article. Show less
The gut-derived peptide hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) play important physiological roles including glucose homeostasis and appetite su Show more
The gut-derived peptide hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) play important physiological roles including glucose homeostasis and appetite suppression. Stabilized agonists of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and dual agonists of GLP-1R and GIP receptor (GIPR) for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity have generated widespread enthusiasm and have become blockbuster drugs. These therapeutics are refractory to the action of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), that catalyzes rapid removal of the two N-terminal residues of the native peptides, in turn severely diminishing their activity profiles. Here we report that a single atom change from carbon to nitrogen in the backbone of the entire peptide makes them refractory to DPP4 action while still retaining full potency and efficacy at their respective receptors. This was accomplished by use of aza-amino acids, that are bioisosteric replacements for α-amino acids that perturb the structural backbone and local side chain conformations. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that aza-amino acid can populate the same conformational space that GLP-1 adopts when bound to the GLP-1R. The insertion of an aza-amino acid at the second position from the N-terminus in semaglutide and in a dual agonist of GLP-1R and GIPR further demonstrates its capability as a viable alternative to current DPP4 resistance strategies while offering additional structural variation that may influence downstream signaling. Show less
Sesquiterpene lactones are secondary plant metabolites with a wide variety of biological activities. The process of lactone conjugation to other pharmacophores can increase the efficacy and specificit Show more
Sesquiterpene lactones are secondary plant metabolites with a wide variety of biological activities. The process of lactone conjugation to other pharmacophores can increase the efficacy and specificity of the conjugated agent effect on molecular targets in various diseases, including brain pathologies. Derivatives of biogenic indoles, including neurotransmitter serotonin, are of considerable interest as potential pharmacophores. Most of these compounds have neurotropic activity and, therefore, can be used in the synthesis of new drugs with neuroprotective properties. The aim of this experimental synthesis was to generate potential treatment agents for Alzheimer's disease using serotonin conjugated with natural sesquiterpene lactones. Three novel compounds were obtained via the Michael reaction and used for biological testing. The obtained conjugates demonstrated complex neuroprotective activities. Serotonin conjugated to isoalantolactone exhibited strong antioxidant and mitoprotective activities. The agent was also found to inhibit β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1), prevent the aggregation of β-amyloid peptide 1-42, and protect SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells from neurotoxins such as glutamate and H In conclusion, the obtained results indicate that serotonin conjugates to sesquiterpene lactones are promising agents for the treatment of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. Show less