Yiming Li, Wenxin Zou, Yan Zhang+5 more · 2026 · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic disease characterized by lipid deposition in the vascular intima. As the pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases, AS represents a major contributor to global mo Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic disease characterized by lipid deposition in the vascular intima. As the pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases, AS represents a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. While Gualou Huoxue Jiedu Decoction (GHJD) has been widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of AS, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effects and underlying mechanisms of GHJD. Apoe GHJD alleviated plaque formation, improved lipid metabolism, and suppressed inflammation in vivo. Multi-omics analysis revealed that DNA methylation of Mfap4 could be a pivotal target of GHJD efficacy. In vitro assays confirmed that GHJD suppressed Mfap4 transcription and translation, leading to downregulation of integrin receptor family expression and inhibition of VSMC phenotypic switching. GHJD exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects through epigenetic modulation of Mfap4 and downstream integrin/FAK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting VSMC phenotypic switching. These findings provide pharmacological evidence supporting GHJD as a potential therapy for AS and, for the first time, validate MFAP4 as a pharmacological target, offering new insights into AS prevention and treatment. Show less
Families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter significant challenges, manifesting in elevated stress levels and compromised physical and mental well-being. This Show more
Families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter significant challenges, manifesting in elevated stress levels and compromised physical and mental well-being. This study employed Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to comprehensively examine family resilience attributes among 328 Chinese parents of children with ASD. Drawing on Walsh's family resilience framework and the Double ABCX stress-adaptation model, the research examined how protective factors (social support, posttraumatic growth) and risk factors (family stressors) distinctively characterize resilience profiles and predict profile membership, alongside sociodemographic correlates. Through rigorous statistical analysis, the following three distinct family resilience profiles emerged: adversity (32.31%; characterized by low resilience), ordinary (46.65%; demonstrating moderate resilience) and growth (21.03%; exhibiting high resilience). Critically, the findings revealed that higher family income, perceived social support and posttraumatic growth were associated with higher family resilience, while family stressors were associated with lower family resilience. These insights underscore the importance of developing targeted, personalized intervention strategies that can effectively enhance familial coping mechanisms and psychological adaptation for families navigating the complex challenges of ASD. Show less
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health challenge, underscoring the need for reliable biomarkers to improve prognosis and therapeutic stratification. In this study, we comprehensively in Show more
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health challenge, underscoring the need for reliable biomarkers to improve prognosis and therapeutic stratification. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the expression pattern, clinical significance, molecular functions, and immunological implications of LINGO1 in CRC. Integrative analyses of TCGA and GEO datasets, together with validation in 72 clinical CRC samples, demonstrated that LINGO1 is markedly overexpressed in tumors and strongly associated with advanced clinicopathological features and poor patient outcomes. Functional experiments revealed that both knockdown of LINGO1 in SW480 and LoVo cells and overexpression of LINGO1 in HCT116 cells significantly modulate malignant phenotypes, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenic capacity. Transcriptome-wide and pathway enrichment analyses further indicated that high LINGO1 expression is linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and other oncogenic pathways. Immunogenomic profiling, supported by multiplex immunofluorescence staining, showed that elevated LINGO1 is associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment characterized by reduced CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration and diminished GZMB expression, alongside upregulation of multiple immune checkpoint molecules. Collectively, our findings identify LINGO1 as a novel oncogenic driver and immune-modulatory biomarker in colorectal cancer, with potential value for prognosis and therapeutic targeting. 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
The presence of a blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the delivery of most drugs to the brain. This characteristic limitation poses a major challenge to effective pharmacological treatment for numerous Show more
The presence of a blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the delivery of most drugs to the brain. This characteristic limitation poses a major challenge to effective pharmacological treatment for numerous neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) via nanoparticles represents a highly promising approach for treating Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, developing a safe and efficient siRNA delivery system remains challenging. To enhance brain targeting and therapeutic efficacy, we developed an siRNA nanocarrier system based on PAH-AM-PEG-ApoE (PAPA) nanoparticles (PAPA/siRNA NPs), which facilitates BBB penetration. In this study, an siRNA nanocarrier delivery system modified with ApoE peptide (PAPA/siRNA NPs) developed by our research team was employed to simultaneously encapsulate BACE1-siRNA and GSK3β-siRNA. The PAPA/siRNA NPs were prepared through self-assembly and electrostatic binding. The particle size distribution profile and zeta potential of the PAPA/siRNA NPs were analysed with dynamic light scattering, while its morphology was examined with transmission electron microscopy. For in vitro assessments, flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, PCR, and Western blotting were employed to evaluate the cellular uptake, gene silencing capacity, and endosomal escape. The biodistribution was investigated by in vivo imaging technology, and the therapeutic effect on AD was verified in AD model mice. The prepared PAPA/siRNA NPs exhibited a regular spherical appearance with a uniform particle size distribution profile. In in vitro cell experiments, the PAPA/siRNA NPs demonstrated excellent cellular uptake ability and efficient endosomal escape. Meanwhile, the dual-loaded siRNA nanocarrier delivery system effectively inhibited the expression of GSK3β and BACE1 genes. In vivo experimental results showed that the siRNA could successfully cross the BBB and deliver to the brain. It not only significantly prolonged the half-life of siRNA but also greatly reduced the generation of pathological β-amyloid and phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau, showing excellent therapeutic effects in the treatment of AD. In this study, we successfully constructed a brain-targeted siRNA nanocarrier delivery system for double-gene knockdown. This system can efficiently overcome the obstacle of the BBB, markedly alleviating cognitive and memory deficits in AD mice. It paves the way for novel strategies in the clinical treatment of AD and is expected to bring new breakthroughs and changes to the conquest of this disease. Show less
As a result of individual genetic variations, some patients show no response to initial antidepressant medications. This study aims to investigate the association between specific genetic polymorphism Show more
As a result of individual genetic variations, some patients show no response to initial antidepressant medications. This study aims to investigate the association between specific genetic polymorphisms and the efficacy of antidepressant drugs and to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment under the guidance of genetic testing. A retrospective screening was conducted on medical records from, Suixian People's Hospital between January 2022 and December 2024. A total 202 patients with depression carrying the CYP2C19 gene were selected after the application of exclusion criteria. They were assigned to three groups in accordance with their genetic metabolism types: the rapid metabolism group (Group A, n = 65), the intermediate metabolism group (Group B, n = 94) and the poor metabolism group (Group C, n = 43). All three groups were treated with sertraline for a six-week treatment cycle. The observation indicators included scores on the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD); onset time of drug effect; rates of response and remission; scores on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale; levels of the neurotransmitter factors 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); incidence of adverse events; and scores on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8). The baseline data of the three groups of patients were comparable before medication (p > 0.05). Compared with those in Groups A and B, patients in Group C showed a significantly greater reduction in HAMD scores (all p < 0.05), along with higher response rates (all p < 0.05) and remission rates (all p < 0.05). Amongst the three groups, Group C had a shorter onset time of drug effect (all p < 0.05); more significant improvement in CGI-I scores (all p < 0.05); and more prominent upregulation of neurotransmitter factors, namely, 5-HT (all p < 0.05), GABA (all p < 0.05) and BDNF (all p < 0.05). Regarding the incidence of adverse events, Group C had the highest rate, whereas Group A had the lowest (10.8% vs. 24.5% vs. 41.9%). Compared with other groups, Group B exhibited a more significant increase in MMAS-8 scores (all p < 0.05). Metabolic phenotype exerts substantial effects on the therapeutic outcome of sertraline in patients with depression carrying the CYP2C19 gene. Amongst groups, Group C showed better therapeutic efficacy but an elevated incidence of adverse events and lower medication adherence; Group A had relatively poor efficacy; and Group B demonstrated superior adherence. In clinical practice, individualised treatment can be implemented on the basis of CYP2C19 metabolic typing to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse events and medical burden. Show less
Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a fibroproliferative disorder characterized by fibroblast hyperactivation and aberrant extracellular matrix deposition. This study identifies macrophage-derived lactate as a Show more
Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a fibroproliferative disorder characterized by fibroblast hyperactivation and aberrant extracellular matrix deposition. This study identifies macrophage-derived lactate as a key mediator of fibroblast phenotypic remodeling via monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1)-mediated histone H3 lysine 23 lactylation (H3K23la) in HS. Elevated lactate levels and MCT1 expression were observed in HS tissues, with macrophages in stiff mechanical microenvironments identified as the primary lactate source. Lactate influx through MCT1 upregulated H3K23la, thereby promoting transcriptional activation of profibrotic genes HEY2 and COL11A1. Mechanistically, HEY2 activated YAP1/SMAD2 signaling, while COL11A1 stabilized MCT1 to enhance lactate transport, forming a positive loop that amplified fibrosis. Fibroblast-specific Mct1 deletion or pharmacological inhibition of Mct1 in male mice reduced collagen deposition, accelerated wound healing, and attenuated scar formation. Our findings redefine the macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk in HS and establish the MCT1-H3K23la-HEY2/COL11A1 axis, particularly its self-reinforcing loop, as a novel therapeutic target. Show less
Acute kidney injury (AKI), a critical clinical syndrome marked by high incidence and mortality, is currently diagnosed mainly by serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which have high m Show more
Acute kidney injury (AKI), a critical clinical syndrome marked by high incidence and mortality, is currently diagnosed mainly by serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which have high miss rates. This study innovatively proposes using urinary hydrogen peroxide (H Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction that is closely associated with cholinergic system damage. Estrogen deficiency is a well-est Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction that is closely associated with cholinergic system damage. Estrogen deficiency is a well-established risk factor for AD in women. Osthole (OST), a phytoestrogen with mild, bidirectional regulatory properties, has been proposed as a potential estrogen replacement. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which OST ameliorates cognitive impairment. Cognitive deficits were induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), and OST was subsequently administered by oral gavage. Behavioral tests revealed that OST significantly improved learning and memory and reduced anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in OVX rats. H&E staining and Nissl staining demonstrated that OST reversed neuronal damage in the hippocampus and cortex. Western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining indicated that OST treatment restored the estrogen-cholinergic-NGF axis: E Show less
The abuse of methamphetamine (METH) is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), whereas microglial polarization and glucose metabolism disorders are closely related to the progre Show more
The abuse of methamphetamine (METH) is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), whereas microglial polarization and glucose metabolism disorders are closely related to the progression of PD. This study aimed to investigate the specific molecular mechanism underlying the promotion of PD progression by METH through the regulation of microglial polarization and glycolysis. METH-induced C57BL/6 mice and BV2 cells were used to construct PD-like neurotoxicity animal and cell models for experimental investigation. Behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry and Nissl staining were used to assess the behavioral ability and neuronal damage of the animals. The levels of related proteins, inflammatory cytokines and glycolysis were detected using immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blotting, and CCK-8 assays. METH treatment significantly promoted behavioral disorders in PD mice, reduced the number of TH-positive neurons, and aggravated neuronal damage in the substantia nigra (SN). In addition, METH decreased the M2 marker proteins Arg-1 and CD206 and increased the M1 marker proteins iNOS and CD86; the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-β, and IL-6; and glucose uptake, glucose consumption and lactic acid production, thus promoting M1 polarization and glycolytic activity in BV2 cells. In terms of the underlying molecular mechanism, METH treatment significantly increased the level of LPA. METH promotes LPA expression via upregulation of LIPH expression, and activates the PI3K/AKT pathway. Knockdown of LIPH or treatment with BrP-LPA reduces the ability of METH to promote M1 microglial polarization and glycolytic activity. Furthermore, the addition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activator 740 YP weakened the inhibitory effect of BrP-LPA on the above process. METH may promote M1 polarization and glycolytic activity in microglia by activating LIPH/LPA/PI3K/AKT signaling, thus promoting the progression of PD. Show less
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder, and its pathogenic mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The identification of reliable blood biomarkers and molecular subtypes for early diag Show more
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder, and its pathogenic mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The identification of reliable blood biomarkers and molecular subtypes for early diagnosis and effective therapy remains a significant challenge. To address this issue, we utilized a combination of bioinformatics and machine learning (ML) to identify potential biomarkers for SCZ. Our approach involved the integration of 12 different ML algorithms to develop a diagnostic signature based on data from several datasets, including GSE18312, GSE27383, GSE38485, GSE54913, and GSE165604. A nomogram was constructed using these datasets for potential clinical applications. In addition, clustering analysis was performed on SCZ patients using consensus clustering and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithms. We further evaluated subtype differences in biological functions and immune cells through various methods, such as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis (GSVA), Proteomaps, and IOBR analyses. Our results identified a diagnostic signature composed of 16 genes (APBB2, CLCN1, SYDE1, PAX5, SNAI1, DAZL, UNC93B1, PLAGL2, HS3ST1, ITPKB, PILRA, BTLA, SWAP70, AZI2, ADM, and AVPR2), which demonstrated robust performance in diagnosing SCZ across eight different datasets. A nomogram based on these genes was created, providing clinical benefits for SCZ patients. Among the identified genes, AZI2 was found to be the most critical, influencing inflammation and immunity. We also identified potential chemical compounds that could target these 16 genes. Unsupervised clustering and NMF algorithms revealed two distinct subtypes of SCZ, each associated with unique immune cell profiles, biological functions, and protein expression levels. In conclusion, this study not only developed a diagnostic signature and a novel nomogram for SCZ but also provided new insights into the subtypes of SCZ. These findings may pave the way for personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for SCZ patients. Show less
This study aimed to investigate the current status of career calling among novice nurses, to identify potential subtypes and their population characteristics, and to further explore the factors associ Show more
This study aimed to investigate the current status of career calling among novice nurses, to identify potential subtypes and their population characteristics, and to further explore the factors associated with the different subtypes. A cross-sectional descriptive study was used. From January to February 2024, 845 novice nurses from 11 hospitals in Shanxi Province were selected for an online questionnaire survey using convenience sampling. The demographic questionnaire, transition shock of newly graduated nurses scale, medical staff resilience scale, and career calling scale were used as study instruments. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to explore the subtypes of novice nurses' career calling, and multifactorial logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of novice nurses' career calling. Three subtypes of career calling of novice nurses in this study were identified, namely, lacking-calling group (10.3%), stable-calling group (50.0%), and sufficient-calling group (39.7%). Education, weekly working hours, weekly frequency of night shifts, reasons for choosing nursing, level of transition shock, and level of resilience were significantly associated with the three latent profiles of career calling of novice nurses in this study. Novice nurses' career calling presents 3 latent profiles and is heterogeneous in this study. Nursing administrators could pay attention to the differences in the level of career calling of novice nurses and adopt targeted management strategies based on the type of characteristics of the population in order to improve the level of career calling of novice nurses, help them develop their careers, and stabilize the nursing workforce. Show less
Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen that poses a threat to both human and animal health. Its pathogenicity in humans has been extensively studied, however, the signaling pathways and key g Show more
Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen that poses a threat to both human and animal health. Its pathogenicity in humans has been extensively studied, however, the signaling pathways and key genes in Koi Carp responding to S. aureus from human rhinitis remain unclear. In this study, we established an intraperitoneal infection model in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) using an S. aureus isolate from patients with rhinitis and integrated RNA-seq, qPCR, and ELISA to dissect the host response. Our findings reveal a dual-module immune evasion strategy employed by S. aureus in koi carp. Module I: The pathogen down-regulated the entire complement coagulation cascade (C3, C9, CFH, F7/9/10) and apolipoprotein-mediated opsonins (APOA1, APOB, APOC1/2), thereby crippling innate clearance. Module II: The host mounted a restricted but potent counter-response, characterized by type I IFN signalling (gvin1, MHC-I), NK/T-cell co-stimulation (CD244, SLAMF5), and the selective induction of IL-8 and IL-1β, while IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α remained unchanged. Functionally, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lysozyme (LZM) activities surged, confirming an oxidative burst, whereas splenic CD22R protein decreased, indicating B-cell disinhibition. These results establish a molecular basis for understanding the interaction between human-derived S. aureus and the immune system of aquatic organisms. Show less
High-density lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a well-established independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). However, the interaction between Lp(a), low-density lipoprotein c Show more
High-density lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a well-established independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). However, the interaction between Lp(a), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and polygenic risk score (PRS) in cardiovascular diseases has been the subject of relatively limited research. The present study included a total of 346,751 participants from the UK Biobank. According to the guideline of Lp(a), the study subjects were divided into 3 groups: the first group was <75 mmol/L (n = 272,643), the second group was 75 to 125 mmol/L (n = 35,792), and the third group was >125 mmol/L (n = 38,316). Elevated Lp(a) levels were associated with a progressively increased risk of overall cardiovascular events (CVEs), including ischemic stroke (IS), coronary heart disease (CHD), angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction (MI). In contrast, the risks of atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) decreased with higher Lp(a) levels. Additive interaction analyses revealed significant synergistic effects between Lp(a) and LDL-C for CHD (relative excess risk interaction [RERI] = 0.081, attributable proportion of interaction [AP] = 0.046, synergy index [SI] = 1.117), angina pectoris (RERI = 0.112, AP = 0.055, SI = 1.121), and MI (RERI = 0.183, AP = 0.079, SI = 1.161), with MI showing the strongest synergy. Incorporating PRS further amplified these effects, and the RERI (CHD: RERI = 0.721; angina pectoris: RERI = 0.781; MI: RERI = 1.318) and SI (CHD: SI = 2.218; angina pectoris: SI = 1.97; MI: SI = 2.326) were significantly higher than those of the interaction model containing only Lp(a) and LDL-C. In conclusion, Lp(a) and LDL-C show a significant synergistic effect in ASCVD, and this effect is more prominent in individuals with a higher PRS, suggesting that dual lipid management should be strengthened for such populations. While AF and HF may require alternative risk factor management. Show less
Platelets must balance hemostatic function with pathological thrombosis, particularly under metabolic stress conditions. MAPKs are central to platelet responses, but how these platelet signals differe Show more
Platelets must balance hemostatic function with pathological thrombosis, particularly under metabolic stress conditions. MAPKs are central to platelet responses, but how these platelet signals differentially regulate hemostasis remains poorly understood. To investigate the role of Traf2/Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK), we generated megakaryocyte/platelet-specific TNIK knockout mice (Tnikf/fPF4-Cre+) and evaluated platelet function, hemostasis, and thrombosis under normal and hyperlipidemic conditions using chimeric Tnikf/fPF4-Cre+Apoe-/-mice fed high-fat diets. TNIK-deficient mice exhibited prolonged bleeding times, delayed arterial thrombosis and reduced platelet activation under normal conditions, primarily due to impaired dense granule secretion. Mechanistically, TNIK interacted with c-Jun N-terminal kinase interacting protein 1 to promote mixed lineage kinase 3/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4/c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway activation during hemostatic responses. Surprisingly, under hyperlipidemic conditions, TNIK deficiency accelerated thrombosis and enhanced platelet responses to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. In this context, TNIK specifically bound to protein kinase C ε and suppressed the NADPH oxidase 2/reactive oxygen species/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 pathway, thereby inhibiting excessive platelet activation. We conclude that TNIK functions as a molecular switch in platelets, promoting normal hemostasis while simultaneously preventing hyperlipidemia-associated thrombosis through distinct signaling pathways. This dual regulatory mechanism provides insight into how platelets balance hemostatic function with pathological thrombosis risk and identifies TNIK as a potential therapeutic target in metabolic thrombotic disorders. Show less
Excessive fat deposition compromises the health of companion animals and the carcass quality of food-producing livestock. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has been demonstrated to play a critical re Show more
Excessive fat deposition compromises the health of companion animals and the carcass quality of food-producing livestock. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has been demonstrated to play a critical regulatory role in fat deposition, with its function dependent on binding to its cognate receptor (FSHR) in target organs. In this study, female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were immunized with subunit vaccines targeting FSHβ and FSHR, respectively, and obesity was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) to investigate the effects of these vaccines on adipose deposition in female mammals. The results revealed that active immunization against FSHβ and FSHR effectively suppressed HFD-induced obesity and the elevated serum triglyceride levels. Histological observations found that FSHβ and FSHR immunity decreased adipocyte hypertrophy and increased the cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle fibers caused by HFD, partially ameliorated HFD-associated hepatic sinusoidal spaces and vacuolated steatosis in the cytoplasm. RT-qPCR results indicated that FSHβ and FSHR immunization inhibited lipid synthesis by downregulating adipogenic-related genes, including C/ebpα, Creb, Pparγ, Lpl, and Perilipin. These findings suggest that both vaccines can mitigate HFD-induced adipose deposition in rats, with the FSHR vaccine exhibiting more pronounced effects. This study provides a novel strategy to mitigate pet health deterioration caused by excessive obesity and the decline in carcass quality of food-producing livestock. Show less
Evidence proved that electroacupuncture (EA) combined with antidepressants can improve the antidepressant effectiveness for depressed patients. However, the clinical mechanisms of EA remain unclear. T Show more
Evidence proved that electroacupuncture (EA) combined with antidepressants can improve the antidepressant effectiveness for depressed patients. However, the clinical mechanisms of EA remain unclear. This study aimed to observe the mechanism of EA as an adjunct therapy to escitalopram oxalate (EO) on depressed patients. This study was designed as a single-blinded, double-dummy randomized controlled trial. 61 participants were diagnosed with mild-to-moderate depression according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Edition (ICD-10, F32) were randomly allocated to receive EA + EO placebo, EO + sham EA, or EA + EO for six weeks treatment. The clinical assessment including depression severity, quality of life (QOL) and clinical safety. Biological indicators of immune-inflammation, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid inducible genes in peripheral blood of participants were measured by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction respectively before and after treatment. Three interventions improved the depression severity and QOL (P < 0.05), and no inter-group difference was found in the 6th week (P > 0.05). Anxiety psychic and somatic general symptoms in the EA + EO group were improved significantly than those of the other two groups (P < 0.05). After six-week treatment of EA + EO, blood SGK1 mRNA, GILZ mRNA, and BDNF levels were increased significantly ( Show less
Ying Yang, Xiang Li, Dan-Li Tang+4 more · 2026 · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica · added 2026-04-24
This study established a hyperlipidemia model by feeding Sprague-Dawley rats a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: model group, atorvastatin calcium gro Show more
This study established a hyperlipidemia model by feeding Sprague-Dawley rats a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: model group, atorvastatin calcium group(4.8 mg·kg~(-1)), low-, medium-, and high-dose Tanyu Tongzhi Optimization Decoction(TYTZD) groups(3.6, 7.2, and 14.4 g·kg~(-1)), and a normal diet control group. After 4 weeks of continuous administration, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and oil red O staining were used to observe liver pathological changes and lipid infiltration. Automatic biochemical analyzer were performed to assess blood lipid profiles, coagulation function, and liver function. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were employed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and proteins(DEPs), followed by enrichment analysis. The MCODE algorithm was applied to classify DEGs and DEPs into modules, and network separation index(S₍AB)) was calculated to assess module separation, enabling construction of a gene-protein co-expression network for core target screening. The diagnostic accuracy of core targets was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve(AUC), and ELISA was used to measure core target expression. Western blot detected the expression of core pathway-related proteins in liver tissue. RESULTS:: demonstrated that TYTZD significantly improved dyslipidemia, coagulation dysfunction, liver injury, hepatic pathology, and lipid infiltration in hyperlipidemic rats. Transcriptomic analysis identified 571 DEGs significantly reversed by TYTZD, mainly enriched in inflammatory signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB). Proteomic analysis identified 102 reversed DEPs, mainly involved in cholesterol metabolism pathways. Integrated analysis identified core targets including TLR4, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), integrin subunit alpha M(ITGAM), Toll-like receptor 2(TLR2), matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), apolipoprotein E(APOE), and apolipoprotein C2(APOC2), all with AUC values greater than 0.70. ELISA showed that TYTZD intervention significantly downregulated MMP9, TNF-α, IL-1β, TLR2, ITGAM, and TLR4, and upregulated APOC2 and APOE. Western blot indicated that TYTZD reduced TLR4, p-NF-κB, and IL-1β protein expression in liver tissue. In conclusion, TYTZD may exert anti-hyperlipidemic effects through regulation of core targets such as ITGAM, TLR4, and APOC2, and by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to intervene in inflammatory responses and cholesterol metabolism, thereby achieving multi-target, multi-pathway therapeutic effects against hyperlipidemia. Show less
Guangming Li, Yi Jin, Xiaowei Yuan+4 more · 2026 · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a widely distributed endocrine-disrupting chemical with potential carcinogenic properties, yet its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remains unclear. Here Show more
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a widely distributed endocrine-disrupting chemical with potential carcinogenic properties, yet its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remains unclear. Here, we applied an integrative framework combining network toxicology, Mendelian randomization (MR), multi-omics analyses, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vitro experiments to elucidate the mechanisms underlying DBP-associated HNSC. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was identified as the sole overlapping gene between DBP-related targets and HNSC-associated genes. MR analysis supported a potential causal relationship between LPL and HNSC susceptibility. Expression profiling demonstrated tissue- and cell type-specific patterns of LPL and its dysregulation in HNSC, with associations to tumor stage and prognosis. Genomic analyses revealed that LPL alterations were infrequent and mainly driven by copy number loss. LPL expression positively correlated with immune and stromal infiltration. Enrichment analyses implicated immune regulation and PI3K-AKT signaling. Molecular simulations showed stable DBP-LPL binding. Functionally, DBP promoted SCC9 proliferation and reduced LPL expression, and was associated with transcriptional changes in PI3K-AKT-mTOR-related genes, whereas LPL restoration mitigated these effects. These findings reveal a novel DBP-LPL axis in HNSC. Show less
Caloric restriction (CR) improves metabolic health and reduces the risk of aging-related vascular diseases. However, the systematic metabolic reprogramming associated with CR remains unclear. To addre Show more
Caloric restriction (CR) improves metabolic health and reduces the risk of aging-related vascular diseases. However, the systematic metabolic reprogramming associated with CR remains unclear. To address this, we performed multi-tissue metabolomic profiling (liver, heart, and serum) in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice subjected to CR. Metabolomic analyses of the multiple tissues revealed that glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was consistently modulated by CR. To explore its relevance in vascular diseases, we performed serum metabolomic profiling in an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model induced by angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) infusion in ApoE-/- mice. The level of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) (16:0/0:0), a metabolite in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway, was elevated during AAA progression and significantly reduced by CR intervention, suggesting its potential as a vascular disease risk factor. Notably, glycerophospholipid metabolism and LPE (16:0) were significantly associated with vascular diseases and aging-related indicators in human multi-omics data, including public transcriptomic and lipidomic, and our serum multi-omics profiling of 76 healthy aged individuals. Collectively, our findings establish glycerophospholipid metabolism and LPE (16:0) as systemic signatures of CR with diagnostic potential. They highlight a crucial link between systemic metabolism and vascular remodeling and remodeling-associated vascular diseases, while also functioning as indicators of systemic aging. Show less
Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive disorder of corneal thinning characterized by responses in the extracellular matrix and cellular interactions. This study used bioinformatics methods to identify key Show more
Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive disorder of corneal thinning characterized by responses in the extracellular matrix and cellular interactions. This study used bioinformatics methods to identify key genes involved in KC development and in anoikis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. KC and control datasets from the GEO database were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These were cross-referenced with anoikis and ER stress-related genes from Genecards. Functional enrichment, immune infiltration analysis, and machine learning techniques (LASSO, Random Forest) were used to identify candidate molecular signatures, which were then validated in an animal model. We identified 46 DEGs associated with anoikis and 41 DEGs related to ER stress. Functional analysis linked them to apoptosis and IL-17 signaling. Five key molecular signatures were identified: CDKN1A, MCL1, PTGS2, PTHLH, and ANGPTL4. The expression of ANGPTL4, CDKN1A, and MCL1 was consistent in the animal model. These genes are associated with inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. Twelve potential therapeutic drugs were predicted. This study identifies five candidate molecular signatures for KC related to anoikis and ER stress, offering insights into KC pathogenesis and potential targeted therapies. Show less
Klotho is a longevity-associated protein with established neuroprotective properties. However, it is unclear how plasma klotho levels relate to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies and cognitive perfo Show more
Klotho is a longevity-associated protein with established neuroprotective properties. However, it is unclear how plasma klotho levels relate to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies and cognitive performance. In this study, we examined the associations between plasma klotho levels and plasma biomarkers, as well as amyloid beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET), tau PET, neurodegeneration, and cognition, in 354 older adults. Stratified association, interaction, and mediation analyses were conducted to elucidate apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4-dependent relationships and potential underlying pathways. Higher plasma klotho levels were associated with lower AD-related biomarkers and cognitive decline in APOE ε4 carriers. Plasma klotho and APOE ε4 exhibited significant or marginal interactions with less abnormal changes in plasma phosphorylated tau217, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light chain, Aβ PET, and cognition. These AD-related biomarkers mediated the protective effect of plasma klotho on cognitive function in APOE ε4 carriers. This study suggests that plasma klotho is an APOE ε4-dependent protective factor, which may attenuate AD-related pathology and improve cognitive performance. Show less
To determine the prevalence of CHD7, FGFR1 and ANOS1 variants and the impacts of their splicing variants on mis-splicing in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Based on the w Show more
To determine the prevalence of CHD7, FGFR1 and ANOS1 variants and the impacts of their splicing variants on mis-splicing in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Based on the whole-exome sequencing data from 280 CHH probands, we identified 15 potential splice-site variants in CHD7, ANOS1 and FGFR1 by using in silico software. The functional consequences of these variants were analyzed by the minigene assay or RT-PCR analyses of RNA taken from the peripheral lymphocytes. Detailed phenotyping was performed in the CHH patients harboring deleterious variants and their available family members. 11 out of 15 potential splice-site variants were demonstrated to cause mis-splicing, resulting in loss of function through deletion, insertion or frameshift of amino acids in the proteins. Most patients with deleterious splice-site variants in CHD7, ANOS1, FGFR1 presented with gene-specific non-reproductive phenotypes, confirming the pathogenic contribution of these variants to CHH. Our study indicated that splice-site variants in CHD7, ANOS1, FGFR1 underlie the genetic basis of ~3.9% of CHH patients, warranting the inclusion of potential splice-site variants for genetic diagnosis and counseling of CHH. Show less
Physical activity (PA) is known to enhance brain health; however, prior research has predominantly concentrated on the total volume of PA, often overlooking the frequency of daily PA on an hourly basi Show more
Physical activity (PA) is known to enhance brain health; however, prior research has predominantly concentrated on the total volume of PA, often overlooking the frequency of daily PA on an hourly basis. This prospective cohort study examined 69,393 middle-aged and older adults, utilizing wrist-worn accelerometer data to assess PA. A novel PA frequency score was developed, which integrated light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) across 18 hourly segments (6:00 AM-12:00 AM). Participants were categorized into Inactive, Active, and Very Active groups. After adjusting for potential confounders, it was observed that individuals in the Active and Very Active groups exhibited a reduced risk of developing brain disorders such as dementia, anxiety, depression, migraine, Parkinson's disease, and stroke over a median follow-up period of 7.41 years. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings demonstrated that each unit increase in the PA frequency score correlated with a 51.55 mm Show less
Autophagy is integral to the rapid proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and its regulation presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. Recent studies have elucidat Show more
Autophagy is integral to the rapid proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and its regulation presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. Recent studies have elucidated the interplay between autophagy and glucose metabolism, while there is a paucity of anticancer drugs that concurrently target these 2 biological processes. In this study, we identified a natural compound, Show less
Unhealthy diets characterized by high salt, fat, and fructose content are established risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders and may have indirect effects on cognitive function. Howev Show more
Unhealthy diets characterized by high salt, fat, and fructose content are established risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders and may have indirect effects on cognitive function. However, the combined impact of a high-salt, high-fat, and high-fructose diet (HSHFHFD) on systemic physiology and brain health remains to be fully elucidated. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received a customized high-salt, high-fat diet supplemented with 30% fructose water for 18 weeks. Physiological and brain parameters were assessed, in combination with multi-omics analyses including brain proteomics and metabolomics, serum metabolomics, and gut microbiota profiling. HSHFHFD significantly elevated blood glucose, blood pressure, and serum levels of TG, TC, and LDL in rats. Serum metabolomic profiling identified over 100 differentially abundant metabolites in the Model group. Proteomics, metabolomics, and gut microbiome integration revealed pronounced alterations in both brain proteomic and metabolomic profiles, with 155 differentially expressed proteins associated with glial cell proliferation and 65 differential metabolites linked to fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, among others. Experimental validation confirmed marked upregulation of GFAP and Bax protein, concomitant with downregulation of ZO-1 and occludin. Furthermore, HSHFHFD perturbed the CREB signaling pathway, leading to diminished BDNF expression. The levels of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β and TNFα, were significantly elevated in the brain. Oxidative stress was evident, as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and altered NAD HSHFHFD-induced depletion of gut Show less
The present study aimed to investigate the combined impact of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome Show more
The present study aimed to investigate the combined impact of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study enrolled 2061 ACS patients from Tianjin Chest Hospital. Participants were categorized into 4 groups based on their Lp(a) and the concentration of the sixth component particles of LDL(LDL-P6). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The relationship between LDL-P6, Lp(a), and MACE was evaluated. Over a mean follow-up period of 5.4 years, 456 (22.1%) patients experienced MACE. Multivariate analysis identified both LDL-P6 and Lp(a) as significant independent predictors of MACE in ACS patients. Those in the highest-risk group had a substantially higher incidence of MACE compared with the lowest-risk group (HR 5.718; 95% CI 3.703-8.829; Show less
After feeding carnivorous mandarin fish ( Compared to the easy-acclimation group (EA), the difficult-acclimation group (DA) exhibited significantly lower body weight and length ( The results of this s Show more
After feeding carnivorous mandarin fish ( Compared to the easy-acclimation group (EA), the difficult-acclimation group (DA) exhibited significantly lower body weight and length ( The results of this study indicate that the observed differences in growth performance post-acclimation are associated with the synergistic regulation of brain gene expression, host metabolites, and intestinal microbiota. These results elucidate key molecular mechanisms in the acclimation process of mandarin fish. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-025-12446-4. Show less