The pathogenesis of hereditary multiple exostoses is mainly related to genetic variants and often requires surgical resection when it causes clinical symptoms. This case report describes a variant in Show more
The pathogenesis of hereditary multiple exostoses is mainly related to genetic variants and often requires surgical resection when it causes clinical symptoms. This case report describes a variant in the We present the case of an 11-year-old boy who developed hereditary multiple exostoses. The patient presented with multiple bone swellings throughout his body and difficulty squatting due to a swelling in his right thigh. Genetic testing showed that the child had a heterozygous variant in the The diagnosis of hereditary multiple exostoses relies on a clinical examination and genetic testing. Surgical resection is indicated for symptomatic cases with functional impairments. To prevent vascular injuries such as femoral artery rupture, meticulous surgical technique is essential, including thorough smoothing of the resected bone surface and a careful intraoperative assessment of the adjacent neurovascular structures. In cases of postoperative bleeding or suspected pseudoaneurysm, prompt imaging and surgical exploration are critical for timely vascular repair. Show less
The associations between screen time exposure, blood lipids, and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) incidence have been less studied. We aimed to examine the associations of exposure to sc Show more
The associations between screen time exposure, blood lipids, and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) incidence have been less studied. We aimed to examine the associations of exposure to screen time with blood total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and ASCVD risk score, and risk of subsequent ASCVD incidence. A nationwide sample of 7124 China Health and Nutrition Survey 2009 participants were followed up to 2015 for ASCVD incidence. The stationary screen time exposure was assessed through self-reported daily hours of using television, and computers. A total of 292 ASCVD events occurred during 35,310 follow-up person-years. Per 1-h increases in daily screen time exposure were associated with a higher 0.34% (0.12% to 0.56%), 0.47% (0.09% to 0.86%), and 0.51% (0.19% to 0.83%) increases in blood TC, LDL-C, and ApoB levels. A higher risk of incident ASCVD was associated with per log-transformed unit increase in blood LDL-C (adjusted HR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.18), and ApoB (adjusted HR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.92). The elevated blood TC, blood LDL-C, blood ApoA1 and ApoB levels significantly mediated the association between screen time exposure and ASCVD incidence. Urban dwellers, middle-aged adults, and females were particularly associated with a higher ASCVD risk with screen time exposure. The results of this nationwide cohort supported the associations of screen time exposure with elevated blood LDL-C, and ApoB levels, which consistently contributed to an increased risk of subsequent ASCVD incidence. Show less
The high mortality rate of severe heat stroke is mainly related to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and respiratory failure caused by acute lung injury (ALI) is a significant factor in the Show more
The high mortality rate of severe heat stroke is mainly related to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and respiratory failure caused by acute lung injury (ALI) is a significant factor in the development of MODS during the course of severe heat stroke. Previous research has demonstrated that severe heat stroke-induced acute lung injury (sHS-ALI) is associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vascular endothelial cells (VECs), but the specific initiating factors and intermediate mechanisms involved are unclear. In this study, the mRNA profiles of mouse lung tissues were analysed using high-throughput sequencing. Genome-wide knockout was performed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to identify a cohort of differentially expressed genes that promote human umbilical vein endothelial cells survival after heat stress. The expression of key proteins [fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), phosphorylated fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (p-FGFR-1), FGFR-1, phosphorylated phospholipase C-γ2 (p-PLC-γ2), PLC-γ2, p-p47 In this study, we first screened sHS-ALI target genes by cross-comparison This study confirmed that FGF23/FGFR1 signalling, as an upstream priming factor, mediated NOX2-ROS activation in VECs after heat stress, thus participating in the sHS-ALI process. FGFR-1 Y766 phosphorylation is essential for FGF23/FGFR-1 signalling activation in VECs, which is involved in sHS-ALI. These findings further clarify the mechanism underlying sHS-ALI and contribute to reducing the mortality and morbidity of severe heat stroke. Show less
The widely accepted theory of endometriosis posits that endometriosis stems from the translocation of endometrial tissue through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. However, the exact patho Show more
The widely accepted theory of endometriosis posits that endometriosis stems from the translocation of endometrial tissue through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. However, the exact pathogenesis and critical molecules of endometriosis remain unclear. Here, we find that alanyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (AARS1) is abundantly expressed in endometrial tissues and promotes the proliferation, migratory capability, and invasive potential in endometriotic stromal cells (EESC) and 11Z cells. Moreover, AARS1 enhances epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in EESC and 11Z cells. In addition, AARS1 could lactylate Snail1 to maintain its protein stability. In summary, this work identifies a crucial role of AARS1 in advancing endometriosis, which may provide new insights into its pathogenesis and future disease management. Show less
Low physical activity (LPA) is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathologies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of several noncommunicable diseases relating to LPA. Using the Show more
Low physical activity (LPA) is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathologies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of several noncommunicable diseases relating to LPA. Using the 2021 Global Burden of Disease data set, we modelled LPA-related disease burdens across 204 countries and territories, quantifying mortality counts, age-standardised mortality rates, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for five noncommunicable diseases. We conducted multivariable stratification analyses to assess variations by gender, age, and sociodemographic index (SDI) quintiles. We used age-period-cohort modelling to project burden trajectories, while applying counterfactual decomposition frameworks to delineate synergistic interactions between LPA and risk factors. We found that LPA accounted for 555 101 related deaths globally in 2021 across the five studied pathologies, mostly among individuals aged 60-94 years. Association between LPA-related disease burden and SDI followed a U-shaped distribution across regions and diseases. Among individuals aged 60-89 years, LPA-related deaths were significantly higher in women than in men, indicating a disproportionate burden on elderly females. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) trends stabilised in low- and middle-SDI regions but declined significantly in high-SDI regions, underscoring global health disparities. From 2007 to 2011, LPA DALYs and mortality risk ratios for IHD, stroke, and lower extremity peripheral arterial disease declined from >1 to <1, whereas diabetes mellitus exhibited an opposite trend, highlighting LPA's persistent and significant impact on diabetes-related morbidity. Demographic shifts and epidemiological transitions were primary drivers of LPA-related disease burden across five pathologies. In high-SDI regions, epidemiological changes predominated, whereas population growth was a key factor in low- and middle-SDI regions. Synergistic interaction of these factors with LPA is projected to substantially amplify future disease burden. Physical activity should be increased among elderly women to address health risks associated with LPA. Likewise, urgent public health interventions are needed for LPA-related diabetes. As IHD burden rises in low- and middle-SDI regions, vascular disease care strategies require optimisation. Moreover, high-SDI regions should strengthen nationwide physical activity promotion, while low- and middle-SDI areas must enhance healthcare infrastructure and manage population growth to reduce LPA-related disease burdens. Show less
Long-term space missions are of growing research interest because of the space exploration. However, plenty of works focused on the impaired immune response, less attention has been paid to the activa Show more
Long-term space missions are of growing research interest because of the space exploration. However, plenty of works focused on the impaired immune response, less attention has been paid to the activation of immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory function. The molecular mechanism of immune disorder induced by microgravity still needs investigation. Here, we used a random positioning machine to generate a simulated microgravity environment and evaluated its effects on mouse RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. We used ATAC-seq and RNA-seq for revealing the mechanism at chromatin level and gene level. From ATAC-seq, we obtained an average of 75,700,675 paired-end clean reads for each library and the mapping rates averaged at 96.8 %. The number of differential accessible regions were 510 for increased peaks, 638 for decreased peaks. From RNA-seq, we obtained 278 differentially expressed genes, of which 104 were down-regulated and 174 were up-regulated genes. Through ATAC-seq and RNA-seq multi-omics analysis, we identified a group of 17 genes. Then we chose 6 up-regulated genes (CD83, CEBPD, CXCR5, DUSP6, SEMA4B, TNFRSF22) that related to immunosuppressive function for further confirmation. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with sequencing results, which indicated that simulated microgravity leads to the up-regulated expression of immunosuppressive genes of macrophages. Taken together, our results offered novel insights for understanding the brief principles and mechanisms of simulated microgravity induced immune dysfunction to macrophage. Show less
This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed data from 9,218 patients who underwent physical examinations at Shanghai Health and Medical Center in 2022. HP infection status was determined using Show more
This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed data from 9,218 patients who underwent physical examinations at Shanghai Health and Medical Center in 2022. HP infection status was determined using the carbon-13 breath test, and clinical data, biochemical indicators, and lipid metabolism-related data were collected. Multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between HP infection and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio. Patients in the HP-positive group were older and had a higher proportion of males. Their body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), Creatinine and White blood Cell were significantly higher than those in the HP-negative group. The HP-positive group exhibited a higher prevalence of underlying diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease) and significant abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and other indicators. The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was significantly elevated in the HP-positive group and was not influenced by gender. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is an independent risk factor for HP infection. HP infection is closely associated with abnormal lipid metabolism, and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is an independent risk factor for HP infection, demonstrating significant advantages over other lipid indicators. This large-scale study highlights a significant association between HP infection and an elevated ApoB/ApoA1 ratio. The findings suggest that HP may contribute to cardiovascular risk via dyslipidemia, with the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio serving as a potential biomarker. Further research should explore whether HP eradication could mitigate these metabolic disturbances. Show less
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited cardiovascular disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death. Cardiac myosin binding protein C ( Show more
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited cardiovascular disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death. Cardiac myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) is the most frequently mutated gene leading to HCM. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from an HCM patient harboring a heterozygous MYBPC3 missense mutation (c.3072C > A; p.S1024R) were reprogrammed via Sendai virus vectors to generate a patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line. The iPSC line exhibits normal morphology and karyotype, alongside definitive hallmarks of pluripotency, including trilineage differentiation potential. Show less
Lipid ratio is a balance between atherogenesis and antiatherogenesis. it is an important predictive marker of carotid plaque. The lipid ratios, which include non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( Show more
Lipid ratio is a balance between atherogenesis and antiatherogenesis. it is an important predictive marker of carotid plaque. The lipid ratios, which include non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), remnant cholesterol (RC)/HDL-C, apolipoprotein B (ApoB)/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C, ApoB/HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C, were included and analyzed. Sex differences in the relationship between lipid ratios and carotid plaque were discussed. The risk of carotid plaque was found to be significantly associated with the Non-HDL-C /HDL-C, RC/HDL-C, ApoB/ApoA1, LDL-C /HDL-C, ApoB/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C in females but not in males. The ApoB/HDL risk presented the highest relationship with carotid plaque in females only. The predictive value of the aforementioned lipid ratios for carotid plaque was observed in females only. Show less
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain α-keto-ac Show more
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain α-keto-acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) has been implicated in promoting RCC metastasis, but its specific substrates and the mechanisms underlying its regulation of RCC progression remain poorly understood. This study uncovers a novel mechanism whereby BCKDK-mediated AKT phosphorylation drives RCC tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Elevated BCKDK expression correlates with poor prognosis in RCC clinical samples. BCKDK deficiency inhibits RCC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations reveal that BCKDK directly binds to and regulates the phosphorylation of AKT. BCKDK-mediated phosphorylation of AKT decreases ubiquitin-mediated AKT protein degradation, and promotes tumorigenesis via activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. RNA sequencing identifies BCKDK's involvement in the drug metabolism network and apoptotic signaling pathways. The BCKDK/AKT/ABCB1 axis mediates doxorubicin resistance. Targeting BCKDK/AKT inhibits the growth of RCC patient-derived organoids (PDOs), enhances doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in RCC cells, and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. These findings identify a previously unrecognized phosphorylation substrate of BCKDK and highlight the critical role of the BCKDK/AKT signaling axis in RCC progression, offering a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Show less
Stroke is a life‑threatening cerebrovascular disorder categorized into two major subtypes: Ischemic and hemorrhagic. Characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, its clinical management remain Show more
Stroke is a life‑threatening cerebrovascular disorder categorized into two major subtypes: Ischemic and hemorrhagic. Characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, its clinical management remains challenging due to limited therapeutic options. Interleukin (IL)‑27, a pleiotropic cytokine with demonstrated neuroprotective potential, has emerged as a promising candidate for stroke intervention. IL‑27 exerts immunomodulatory effects within the central nervous system, including suppression of proinflammatory T‑cell proliferation and induction of regulatory T‑cell differentiation. These mechanisms collectively attenuate neuroinflammation, mitigate neuronal apoptosis and prevent neurodegenerative processes. The efficacy of IL‑27 in reducing cerebral damage in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke models has been validated, although clinical translation remains to be achieved. The present review summarizes: i) The epidemiology of stroke; ii) the immunoregulatory functions of IL‑27 and its neuroprotective mechanisms across stroke subtypes; iii) innovative brain‑targeted delivery approaches; iv) IL‑27 clinical applicability with supporting evidence; and v) possible risks and solutions in clinical applications. By collating the current knowledge, the present study provides a translational framework for advancing IL‑27‑based therapies in stroke management. Show less
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) ameliorate motor deficits in cerebral palsy (CP), but the effect of injection frequency remains unclear. Moreover, most studies have focu Show more
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) ameliorate motor deficits in cerebral palsy (CP), but the effect of injection frequency remains unclear. Moreover, most studies have focused on mild CP models (unilateral carotid artery occlusion [UCAO] model). This study explored the effect and mechanism of hUC-MSCs in a rat model of moderate-to-severe CP (bilateral carotid artery occlusion [BCAO] model). On postnatal Day 4 (P4), Wistar rat pups underwent BCAO induction. Subsequently, they received either a single intrathecal injection of hUC-MSCs on P21 or repeated injections on P21, P28, P35, and P42. Motor performance was assessed using the rotarod and front-limb suspension tests, while neuronal regeneration and inflammation were evaluated via biomarkers including neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). P18 model screening confirmed that the BCAO model resulted in more severe brain damage and motor impairment than the UCAO model. After injection of lentivirally transfected hUC-MSCs, it was found that hUC-MSCs could nest in the damaged area and survive for at least 3 days. Administration of hUC-MSCs following BCAO modeling led to notable improvements in both behavioral performance and histological outcomes. Furthermore, repeated injections offered greater therapeutic benefits compared to single injection. It indicated that the efficacy of repeated injections of hUC-MSCs in the treatment of moderate-to-severe CP was superior to that of single injection. Its mechanism was related to the improvement of damaged myelin structure, reduced immunoinflammatory responses, and increased neurotrophic support. Show less
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fatty acids (FA) saturation and lysophospholipids supplementation on growth, meat quality, oxidative stability, FA profiles, and lipi Show more
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fatty acids (FA) saturation and lysophospholipids supplementation on growth, meat quality, oxidative stability, FA profiles, and lipid metabolism of finishing beef bulls. Thirty-two Angus bulls (initial body weight: 623 ± 22.6 kg; 21 ± 0.5 months of age) were used. The experiment was a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 2 diets with FA of different degree of unsaturation [high saturated FA diet (HSFA) vs. high unsaturated FA diet (HUFA)] combined with (0.075%, dry matter basis) and without lysophospholipids supplementation. The bulls were fed a high-concentrate diet (forage to concentrate, 15:85) for 104 d including a 14-d adaptation period and a 90-d data and sample collection period. No interactions were observed between dietary FA and lysophospholipids supplementation for growth and meat quality parameters. A greater dietary ratio of unsaturated FA (UFA) to saturated FA (SFA) from 1:2 to 1:1 led to lower DM intake and backfat thickness, but did not affect growth performance and other carcass traits. Compared with HSFA, bulls fed HUFA had greater shear force in Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle, but had lower intramuscular fat (IMF) content and SOD content in LT muscle. Compared with HUFA, feeding the HSFA diet up-regulated expression of ACC, FAS, PPARγ, and SCD1, but down-regulated expression of CPT1B. Compared with feeding HSFA, the HUFA diet led to greater concentrations of c9-C18:1 and other monounsaturated FA in LT muscle. Feeding HUFA also led to lower plasma concentrations of cholesterol, but there were no interactions between FA and lysophospholipids detected. Feeding lysophospholipids improved growth and feed conversion ratio and altered meat quality by increasing muscle pH Results indicated that supplementing a high-concentrate diet with lysophospholipids to beef bulls can enhance growth rate, feed efficiency, meat quality, and beneficial FA. Increasing the dietary ratio of UFA to SFA reduced DM intake and backfat thickness without compromising growth, suggesting potential improvements in feed efficiency. Show less
First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations show responses in subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Nearly half of HCCs are Wnt-active with mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding fo Show more
First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations show responses in subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Nearly half of HCCs are Wnt-active with mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding for β-catenin), AXIN1/2, or APC, and demonstrate heterogeneous and limited benefit to ICI due to an immune excluded tumor microenvironment. We show significant tumor responses in multiple β-catenin-mutated immunocompetent HCC models to a novel siRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticle targeting CTNNB1 (LNP-CTNNB1). Both single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal cellular and zonal reprogramming, along with activation of immune regulatory transcription factors IRF2 and POU2F1, re-engaged type I/II interferon signaling, and alterations in both innate and adaptive immunity upon β-catenin suppression with LNP-CTNNB1 at early- and advanced-stage disease. Moreover, ICI enhances response to LNP-CTNNB1 in advanced-stage disease by preventing T cell exhaustion and through formation of lymphoid aggregates (LA). In fact, expression of an LA-like gene signature prognosticates survival for patients receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in the IMbrave150 phase III trial and inversely correlates with CTNNB1-mutatational status in this patient cohort. In conclusion, LNP-CTNNB1 is efficacious as monotherapy and in combination with ICI in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs through impacting tumor cell-intrinsic signaling and remodeling global immune surveillance, providing rationale for clinical investigations. Show less
Sperm flagellum defects are tightly associated with male infertility. Centriolar satellites are small multiprotein complexes that recruit satellite proteins to the centrosome and play an essential rol Show more
Sperm flagellum defects are tightly associated with male infertility. Centriolar satellites are small multiprotein complexes that recruit satellite proteins to the centrosome and play an essential role in sperm flagellum biogenesis, but the precise mechanisms underlying this role remain unclear. Show less
As a vital component of the immune system, macrophages play a critical role in the progression of asthma. The two classic polarization states of macrophages, M1 and M2, exhibit distinct functions. M1- Show more
As a vital component of the immune system, macrophages play a critical role in the progression of asthma. The two classic polarization states of macrophages, M1 and M2, exhibit distinct functions. M1-polarized macrophages eliminate pathogens through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while M2-polarized macrophages secrete anti-inflammatory factors to facilitate tissue repair. However, in asthma, the activation of M1 macrophages is often associated with excessive inflammatory responses, whereas M2 macrophages contribute to airway remodeling and chronic inflammation. These processes collectively exacerbate airway inflammation and remodeling, thereby aggravating asthma symptoms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), as crucial signaling molecules, have been shown to regulate macrophage polarization and promote both M1 and M2 polarization states. This review summarizes the primary endogenous and exogenous sources of ROS in asthma and elaborates on the mechanisms by which ROS influence M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. Endogenous ROS arise chiefly from NOX2, xanthine oxidase, peroxisomes and mitochondria, whereas ozone and fine particulate matter are major exogenous sources. ROS activate MAPK, NF-κB and NLRP3 cascades, boosting IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-27 release by M1 cells, while low NOX2 flux or mitochondrial H Show less
Skin color of poultry, an important economic trait, is related to breed, feed, environment, and other factors. In recent years, China's duck industry has developed rapidly, and duck products are welco Show more
Skin color of poultry, an important economic trait, is related to breed, feed, environment, and other factors. In recent years, China's duck industry has developed rapidly, and duck products are welcomed by consumers. Different skin colors of ducks have different cooking methods. Black skinned duck, such as Yulin black duck, is more popular in China because they are considered more suitable for making soup, while other skin colors, such as Pekin duck, is used for roasting. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic factors associated with differences in duck skin color, the transcriptomes and metabolomes of skin between Yulin black duck and Pekin duck from 15 (BSE15 vs. PSE15), 21 (BSE21 vs. PSE21) and 27 (BSE27 vs. PSE27) days of incubation were compared and analyzed. The transcriptome results showed that a total of 187 (118 up-regulated and 69 down-regulated), 417 (91 up-regulated and 326 down-regulated) and 137 (55 up-regulated and 82 down-regulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from BSE15 vs. PSE15, BSE21 vs. PSE21 and BSE27 vs. PSE27, respectively. The significantly enriched GO terms of biological process were positive regulation of melanin biosynthetic process, melanin biosynthetic process, cuticle development, melanin biosynthetic process from tyrosine, and melanocyte differentiation, which were potentially related to skin growth and development. Eleven significant pathways, highly enriched by DCT, TYR, ASIP, TYRP1, KIT, PHOSPHO2, CERS3, SGPP2, SPTLC3, DEGS2, PATJ, RBP7, AOX1, ETNPPL, HPGDS, and GAD1, were melanogenesis, tyrosine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, tight junction, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, which participated in regulating the development of duck skin during embryonic stage. The significantly different metabolites (SDMs) were mainly organoheterocyclic compounds, lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic oxygen compounds, organic acids and derivatives, including L-tyrosine, N-arachidonyl maleimide, glycerophospho-N-palmitoyl ethanolamine, LPE 22:4, and PC(0:0/18:0). which were mainly enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, alpha-linoleic acid metabolism, and melanogenesis in metabolome, suggesting that these pathways may play important roles in skin development of duck during embryonic stage. Besides, the analysis of integrated transcriptome and metabolome indicated that the pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, could contribute to regulating skin development in embryonic duck. Our findings could help elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the development differences in duck skin color. Furthermore, the candidate genes and metabolites can be used to provide a valuable breeding strategy for the selection of specific duck breeds with ideal skin coloration. Show less
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Although Tuina has shown neuroprotective effects, it remains unclear whether these benefits invol Show more
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Although Tuina has shown neuroprotective effects, it remains unclear whether these benefits involve regulation of the gut-brain axis. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Tuina in CP rats, with emphasis on its potential regulation of the gut-brain axis. CP was induced in 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats through hypoxia-ischemia. Beginning on postnatal day 8 (P8), the Tuina group received daily Tuina therapy for 32 consecutive days. Motor function was assessed using the negative geotaxis test (P6-P12), the beam balance test (P36-P39), and the modified neurological severity score on P40. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Brain and intestinal histopathology were evaluated histologically via hematoxylin-eosin and Luxol fast blue staining. Protein expression of BDNF, Nrf2, GPX4, ZO-1, and occludin was assessed via western blotting and immunofluorescence. Serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by mass spectrometry, whereas oxidative stress and intestinal barrier markers (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, lipopolysaccharide [LPS], diamine oxidase [DAO], and D-lactate [D-LA]) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In CP models induced by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, significant brain injury and motor dysfunction were observed, accompanied by gut microbiota dysbiosis and impaired intestinal barrier function. Tuina intervention improved motor function and growth, regulated gut microbiota, and increased serum SCFA levels. It also enhanced intestinal barrier proteins (occludin, ZO-1), reduced serum levels of LPS, DAO, and D-LA, and increased the expression of brain-derived BDNF, Nrf2, and GPX4. Tuina significantly alleviated brain injury and improved motor function in CP rats. These effects were associated with modulation of the gut microbiota and restoration of intestinal barrier integrity, suggesting that the gut-brain axis may mediate the neuroprotective effects of Tuina. Show less
Postmenopausal women are at elevated risk for osteoporosis and dysregulated lipid metabolism. While the relationship between conventional lipid markers and bone mineral density (BMD) remains controver Show more
Postmenopausal women are at elevated risk for osteoporosis and dysregulated lipid metabolism. While the relationship between conventional lipid markers and bone mineral density (BMD) remains controversial, the association between apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB-100) (an established independent predictor of atherosclerosis) and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women remains poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between ApoB-100 and lumbar BMD in postmenopausal women, with specific focus on potential inflammatory and platelet-mediated pathways. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,429 postmenopausal women who underwent health screening at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University between January 2022 and December 2024. ApoB-100 levels were measured by immunoturbidimetry, and lumbar BMD was assessed using low-dose chest CT imaging. Participants were stratified into tertiles based on ApoB-100 levels. We employed univariate and multivariate regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between lumbar BMD and ApoB-100. Generalized additive models with smooth curve fitting were used to characterize the linear relationship. Subgroup analyses assessed the consistency of associations across different populations, while mediation models quantified the intermediary roles of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet count. After multivariate adjustment, ApoB-100 demonstrated a significant independent negative correlation with lumbar BMD (β=-6.37, 95%CI: -9.26 to -3.49). This association was more pronounced in women younger than 60 years (β=-10.18, 95%CI: -13.94 to -6.42), those with BMI≥28kg/m² (β=-10.73, 95%CI: -15.31 to -0.86), and those without hypertension (β=-7.3, 95%CI: -10.42 to -4.19). Mediation analysis revealed that NLR accounted for 8.17% of the negative association between ApoB-100 and lumbar BMD, while platelet count showed a suppressive indirect association (20.60%). ApoB-100 exhibits an independent negative association with lumbar BMD in postmenopausal women, partially mediated through inflammatory and platelet pathways. These findings support the potential utility of ApoB-100 as a biomarker for osteoporosis risk assessment in postmenopausal women, particularly within specific high-risk subgroups. Show less
Some studies suggest that statins could reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is unclear if this effect is related to their lipid-lowering properties. The causal link Show more
Some studies suggest that statins could reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is unclear if this effect is related to their lipid-lowering properties. The causal link between serum lipid levels and COPD risk remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify this potential causal relationship and evaluate the impact of lipid-lowering drug target genes on COPD. Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to investigate causal associations between lipid levels, lipid-lowering drug target genes, and COPD risk. Data were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association study databases. The inverse variance weighted method was the primary statistical approach for evaluating causal effects, complemented by various sensitivity analyses. MR analysis demonstrated a causal relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a reduced risk of COPD (odds ratio [OR]=0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.85-0.95, P=1.50×10⁻⁴). Causal relationships were also identified for 2 lipid-lowering drug target genes, This study genetically identified causal relationships between serum LDL-C levels, the 2 coding genes Show less
BackgroundSchatzker IV-C tibial plateau fractures pose a significant challenge for adequate visualization and reduction of the lateral articular surface through a solitary posteromedial (PM) approach. Show more
BackgroundSchatzker IV-C tibial plateau fractures pose a significant challenge for adequate visualization and reduction of the lateral articular surface through a solitary posteromedial (PM) approach. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an adjunctive lateral patellar ligament (LPL) approach in enhancing articular exposure, assessed through cadaveric modeling and a clinical case series.MethodsIn a cadaveric study, eight preserved knee specimens were dissected using a combined PM and LPL approach. The exposed articular area was quantitatively measured using calibrated digital imaging and ImageJ software before and after the LPL approach was established. Clinically, a case series of 10 patients with Schatzker IV-C fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation via the combined approach between October 2021 and December 2023. Outcome measures included intraoperative exposure, 12-month postoperative Knee Society Score (KSS), and complications.ResultsThe addition of the LPL approach resulted in a 96% increase in the mean exposed articular area (from 8.4 cm² to 16.5 cm²; Show less
Yue Cao, Nana Wu, Yanfen Liu+3 more · 2025 · Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society · SAGE Publications · added 2026-04-24
ObjectiveRespect for older adults (ROA) is shaped by multiple ecological systems and personal factors. However, little is known about the potential subgroups that may differ in their constellation of Show more
ObjectiveRespect for older adults (ROA) is shaped by multiple ecological systems and personal factors. However, little is known about the potential subgroups that may differ in their constellation of influencing factors and their association with ROA.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1,476 community-dwelling Chinese adults aged 18-83 years ( Show less
Sijie Gu, Haoran Feng, Xiaomei Li+10 more · 2025 · Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the A Show more
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the AKI-to-CKD transition and its underlying mechanisms. Renal biopsies from patients with AKI showed marked upregulation of WNT5A and its receptor, CD146, in proximal tubules, with higher expression in patients with CKD progression. In murine AKI models, Wnt5a knockdown attenuated CKD progression. Conversely, proximal tubular overexpression of Wnt5a exacerbated renal fibrosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) mice, which was alleviated by Box5, a specific WNT5A antagonist. In vitro, WNT5A overexpression in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-stimulated HK-2 cells promoted CD146 upregulation, activated JNK phosphorylation, and enhanced SNAI1 expression. The genetic silencing of WNT5A/CD146 and JNK inhibition suppresses SNAI1 expression and attenuates fibrotic responses. Mechanistically, JNK-mediated c-JUN phosphorylation promoted its interaction with KLF5 at the SNAI1 promoter, driving renal fibrosis. Elevated serum levels of soluble CD146 correlated with renal function in patients with AKI and were higher in patients exhibiting CKD progression. Inhibition of WNT5A could serve as a therapeutic target for delaying renal fibrosis in AKI progression. Show less
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminatin Show more
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminating in septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. A pivotal element in the pathogenesis and progression of sepsis involves the significant disruption of oncological metabolic networks, where cells within the pathological milieu exhibit metabolic functions that diverge from their healthy counterparts. Among these, purine metabolism plays a crucial role in nucleic acid synthesis. However, the contribution of Purine Metabolism Genes (PMGs) to the defense mechanisms against sepsis remains inadequately explored. Leveraging bioinformatics, this study aimed to identify and substantiate potential PMGs implicated in sepsis. The approach encompassed a differential expression analysis across a pool of 75 candidate PMGs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were employed to assess the biological significance and pathways associated with these genes. Additionally, Lasso regression and Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) methodologies were implemented to identify key hub genes and evaluate the diagnostic potential of nine selected PMGs in sepsis identification. The study also examined the correlation between these hub PMGs and related genes, with validation conducted through expression level analysis using the GSE13904 and GSE65682 datasets. The study identified twelve PMGs correlated with sepsis, namely AK9, ENTPD3, NUDT16, GMPR2, PKM, RRM2B, POLR2J, POLE3, ADCY3, ADCY4, ADSSL1, and AMPD1. Functional analysis revealed their involvement in critical processes such as purine nucleotide and ribose phosphate metabolism. The diagnostic capability of these PMGs to effectively differentiate sepsis cases underscored their potential as biomarkers. This research elucidates twelve PMGs associated with sepsis, providing valuable insights into novel biomarkers for this condition and facilitating the monitoring of its progression. These findings highlight the significance of purine metabolism in sepsis pathogenesis and open avenues for further investigation into therapeutic targets. Show less
The central melanocortin system, composed of peptides derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) such as the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-, β-, γ-MSH) and melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R), along wi Show more
The central melanocortin system, composed of peptides derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) such as the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-, β-, γ-MSH) and melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R), along with the agouti-related protein (AgRP), plays a pivotal role in controlling energy balance. To elucidate the dynamic role of α-MSH release in regulating appetite, specific, sensitive, and spatiotemporally resolved genetic sensors are required. The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) scaffold was leveraged for its robust plasma membrane expression, high affinity for melanocortins and low affinity for AgRP to design a α-MSH selective sensor for in vivo use. This was achieved by integrating circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cpGFP) into the receptor, which we named Fluorescence Amplified Receptor sensor for Melanocortin (FLARE The FLARE FLARE Show less
The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the research progress of nattokinase in lowering blood lipid, including its source, structure and physicochemical properties, mechanisms of funct Show more
The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the research progress of nattokinase in lowering blood lipid, including its source, structure and physicochemical properties, mechanisms of functions, clinical research status, and safety considerations, so as to provide reference for further research on the application of nattokinase in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Natto is a traditional Japanese fermented food, which is made from soybeans fermented by Bacillus natto. During the fermentation process, natto will produce a variety of biologically active substances, including nattokinase. Nattokinase (NK) is a serine protease with stable enzyme activity and good freeze-thaw tolerance, which exerts lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects by activating hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), inhibiting hydroxymethylglutaryl monoacyl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), and enhancing lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity. Large-scale clinical trials have confirmed that nattokinase significantly improves the lipid profile and reduces the atherosclerotic plaque area and intima-media thickness with a favorable safety profile. Compared with traditional lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., statins and fibrates), nattokinase has a multifaceted lipid-lowering mechanism and lower risk of side effects, which makes it suitable for patients intolerant of traditional drugs; when combined with natural products such as statins, fibrates, red yeast, and lifestyle interventions, it can play a synergistic role and further reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. There are various types of nattokinase preparations on the market, and consumers should choose regular products with high activity and purity, and pay attention to their safety and applicable population. Show less
Multiple cancers are driven by aberrant fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-linked angiogenesis. Several therapeutic agents targe Show more
Multiple cancers are driven by aberrant fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-linked angiogenesis. Several therapeutic agents targeting FGFR and VEGFR have been developed and approved for use in solid cancers; however, there is still a high unmet medical need for new agents that have a more powerful antitumor activity and a broader antitumor spectrum. Here, we report the discovery of FH-2001, a novel and potent FGFR/VEGFR dual inhibitor, with additional activity of modulating programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) gene expression. In biochemical assays, FH-2001 showed potent inhibition of FGFR1, 2, 3, and 4, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of 0.2, 0.2, 0.4, and 2.0 nM, respectively, and VEGFR1, 2, and 3, with IC 50 values of 2.0, 0.3, and 0.5 nM, respectively. FH-2001 significantly suppressed the cell growth of FGFR- or VEGFR-driven cancer cell lines. In representative cell line- and patient-derived tumor xenografts with aberrant FGFR or VEGFR signaling, FH-2001 substantially inhibited tumor growth. Furthermore, FH-2001 demonstrated marked antitumor activities when treated alone or combined with PD-L1 or PD-1 antibody in syngeneic mouse models. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that FH-2001 alone or in combination with anti-PD-L1 increased T and natural killer cells and decreased myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, FH-2001 treatment dramatically reduced c-Myc and PD-L1 mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner in vitro . Taken together, FH-2001 is a promising dual-target inhibitor of FGFR and VEGFR and also modulates cancer immunity, while its robust antitumor activity positions it as a potentially class-leading anticancer agent. Show less
Paraneoplastic syndromes arise when tumor-derived cytokines reprogram distant organs. Although mediators such as Interleukin-6 have been implicated, how these signals impair host organ function remain Show more
Paraneoplastic syndromes arise when tumor-derived cytokines reprogram distant organs. Although mediators such as Interleukin-6 have been implicated, how these signals impair host organ function remains incompletely defined. Here, we identify a cytokine-lipid axis that drives hepatic autophagy dysfunction. Specifically, in Show less