Metabolism alteration is a common complication of rheumatic arthritis (RA). This work investigated the reason behind RA-caused triglyceride (TG) changes. Fresh RA patients' whole blood was transfused Show more
Metabolism alteration is a common complication of rheumatic arthritis (RA). This work investigated the reason behind RA-caused triglyceride (TG) changes. Fresh RA patients' whole blood was transfused into NOD-SCID mice. Metabolism-regulatory tissues were examined after sacrifice. To verify the findings, tissues of the rats with long-lasting adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) were analyzed. Some rats were injected with human plasma and GPIHBP1, and their blood TG was monitored. Various cells were stimulated by cytokines or rheumatic subjects' serum. Some pre-adipocytes were cultured by human serum or in the presence of HUVEC cells and GPIHBP1. TG decrease occurred in blood and white adipose tissues (WAT) of the RA blood-transfused NOD-SCID mice and chronic AIA rats. Fatty acids (FA) oxidation in muscles was accelerated a bit, while TG catabolism status in their livers was varied. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and RA/AIA serum promoted expression of TG utilization-related enzymes and FA uptake transporters in pre-adipocytes, but barely affected LPL. Mild IL-6 stimulus promoted GPIHBP1 release of HUVEC cells. GPIHBP1 was increased in RA serum. This change can decrease blood TG in rats, which was overshadowed by an injection of excessive GPIHBP1. RA serum slightly inhibited LPL secretion in pre-adipocytes. Both HUVEC cells co-culture and GPIHBP1 supplement reduced LPL distribution on pre-adipocytes, and eliminated LPL activity difference between normal and RA serum-treated cells. No TG uptake difference was observed in these circumstances. RA-associated inflammation induces GPIHBP1 secretion of endothelial cells, which facilitates blood TG hydrolysis and uptake to compensate the loss in WAT. Show less
Death anxiety is a critical mental-health concern among young adults; however, its heterogeneity and underlying psychological mechanisms remain understudied. This study aimed to identify latent profil Show more
Death anxiety is a critical mental-health concern among young adults; however, its heterogeneity and underlying psychological mechanisms remain understudied. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of death anxiety in Chinese youth and examine the predictive roles of self-esteem, perceived social support, and security. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 623 young adults ( Three latent death anxiety profiles emerged, High Death Anxiety (56.2%), Moderate Cognition and Low Death Anxiety (8.8%), and Low Cognition and Moderate Death Anxiety (35%). Higher self-esteem ( Death anxiety among young adults is heterogeneous, influenced by distinct psychological profiles and demographic factors. Interventions should prioritize enhancing self-esteem, social support networks, and security to mitigate death anxiety, especially in high-risk subgroups. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and cross-cultural samples to validate causal pathways and refine targeted strategies. Show less
As global population aging intensifies, mental health issues in older adults are increasingly prominent, with depression being particularly prevalent and detrimental. The study investigated how substi Show more
As global population aging intensifies, mental health issues in older adults are increasingly prominent, with depression being particularly prevalent and detrimental. The study investigated how substituting sedentary behavior (SB) and sleep (SLP) with physical activity (PA) affects depression risk in this population. Meta-analysis was conducted by searching four databases: PubMed, Scopus, SPORTdiscus, and PsycINFO (via EBSCOhost platform) for relevant studies published until January 2025. Regression coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for depressive symptoms were estimated. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's tests, and heterogeneity was evaluated using Q tests and the I Among 18,912 participants (53.45% female, ≥60 years) across nine studies, replacing SB with MVPA significantly reduced depression (β = -0.12, 95% CI: -0.20, -0.04), subgroup analyses indicated that reallocating 10, 30 and 60 min/day of SB to MVPA ( Substituting SB and SLP with MVPA is significantly associated with a reduction in depression, whereas no significant association is observed when replaced by LPA. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=546666, identifier CRD42024546666. Show less
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are resident stem cells within hair follicles (HFs) that possess self-renewal and differentiation capacities, serving as a critical model for regenerative medicine res Show more
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are resident stem cells within hair follicles (HFs) that possess self-renewal and differentiation capacities, serving as a critical model for regenerative medicine research. Their dynamic interaction with dermal papilla cells (DPCs) plays a decisive role in HF development and cycling. Show less
Chronic intakes of functional foods (probiotics, apples and oats) have been reported to have beneficial effects on hepatic lipid regulation and glycaemic control, but mechanistic human studies humans Show more
Chronic intakes of functional foods (probiotics, apples and oats) have been reported to have beneficial effects on hepatic lipid regulation and glycaemic control, but mechanistic human studies humans are limited. An ex-vivo study was performed to determine the chronic effects of probiotics, oats, and apples on the expression of genes related to markers of cardiometabolic health in peripheral blood monocular cells (PBMC). In this CABALA sub-study (n = 59/61, age: 52 ± 12y), blood PBMC were also isolated before and 8 weeks after the daily consumption of either a probiotic with bile salt hydrolase activity (Lactobacillus reuteri), porridge oats, Renetta Canada apples or a control. Relative PBMC mRNA gene expression was determined and correlations performed between the fold change in response to the functional interventions and change in cardiometabolic disease risk markers. Relative to baseline, there was an upregulation in the PBMC TLR4 mRNA expression in the control compared with the probiotics and apples groups (p[Formula: see text]0.024). Moderate inverse correlations were found between the fold change in GPBAR1 mRNA expression and change in plasma total and secondary BAs, HMGCR and SREBF1 mRNA gene expressions and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and SREBF1 and GIPR mRNA gene expressions and glucose. TLR4 and TNFSF14 mRNA gene expressions were associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines (p=0.05). Probiotic and apples interventions attenuated the upregulation in PBMC TLR4 mRNA expression observed with the control. Correlations between fold change in mRNA gene expression and changes in cardiometabolic disease risk markers in response to the functional interventions were in agreement with previous studies. The study was registered at clinical trials.gov (ref. NCT03369548). Show less
Dysregulation of hepatic lipid homeostasis constitutes a core pathogenic mechanism in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD); however, the regulatory role of circular RNAs (circR Show more
Dysregulation of hepatic lipid homeostasis constitutes a core pathogenic mechanism in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD); however, the regulatory role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in this process remains unclear. In this study, hepatic circRNAs transcriptomic profiling of MAFLD patients identified circSETD2-generated from exons 16-18 of the SETD2 gene-as a stably expressed and significantly upregulated novel circRNA with a closed circular structure localized in the cytoplasm of MAFLD patient liver tissues. Silencing circSETD2 attenuated free fatty acid - induced lipid accumulation in vitro by reducing lipogenesis and enhancing fatty acid β-oxidation. In high fat diet - fed mice, hepatic circSETD2 silencing mitigated steatosis, improved liver function, and reversed dyslipidemia. Mechanistically, RNA pull-down coupled with LC-MS/MS identified carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) as a circSETD2-interacting protein, which was subsequently validated by RNA immunoprecipitation and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Pharmacological modulation of CPS1 enzymatic activity in circSETD2-silenced cells established its mediator role. Specifically, circSETD2 directly bound to CPS1, reducing its enzymatic activity and thereby exacerbating lipid metabolic disturbances and disease progression in MAFLD. In summary, circSETD2 drives MAFLD pathogenesis by impairing CPS1-mediated regulation of lipid homeostasis, positioning it as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Show less
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells ( Show more
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into CAFs in liver metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). POU6F2 expression was examined by real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The functional roles of POU6F2 in GAC liver metastasis were investigated both cellular experiments in vitro and in vivo using a mouse model of subcutaneous splenic injection. ChIP and ELISA assays were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of POU6F2 in liver metastasis of GAC. Here we reported that POU6F2 was upregulated in GAC tissue with liver metastasis, which predicted poor early liver metastasis. Upregulating POU6F2 promoted EMT, invasion and migration of GAC cells in vitro, and the liver metastasis of GAC cells in vivo. Mechanic investigation further revealed that upregulating POU6F2 promoted the invasion and metastasis of GAC by transcriptional upregulation of EMT-inducer SNAI1, and promoting the conversion of HSCs into CAFs dependent on transcriptional upregulation of IGF2-induced activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Our findings uncover a novel dual mechanism by which POU6F2 promotes liver metastasis of GAC. Show less
To identify the connections between lipid biomarkers and the anti-VEGF therapy response in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). A bidirectional and multivariable Mendelia Show more
To identify the connections between lipid biomarkers and the anti-VEGF therapy response in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). A bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian randomization study. The summary statistics for anti-VEGF nAMD treatment response included a total of 128 responders, 51 nonresponders, and 6 908 005 genetic variants available for analysis. The sample size of lipid biomarkers is 441 016 and 12 321 875 genetic variants available for analysis. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was conducted to exhaustively appraise the causalities among 13 lipid biomarkers and the risk of different anti-VEGF treatment responses (including visual acuity [VA] and central retinal thickness [CRT]) for nAMD subtypes. Thirteen lipid biomarkers, VA, and CRT. A positive causal relationship was identified between triglycerides (TGs), apolipoproteins (Apos) E2, ApoE3, total cholesterol (TC), and VA response to anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD, as confirmed by MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode models. The MR-Egger model yielded statistically significant results for TC, ApoA-I, ApoB, and ApoA-V in relation to the CRT response to anti-VEGF treatment in patients with nAMD. In the reverse MR, the MR-Egger model identified significant causal relationships between ApoA-I, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), ApoE3, and ApoF and the VA response. However, this was not the case in the weighted median and weighted mode models. In the MR-Egger model, ApoB, LDL-c, ApoE3, and ApoM were identified as significantly influencing the CRT response. In the multisample MR analysis, TC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-c, and TG were found to be causally related to VA response, and TC was also identified as being causally related to the CRT response to anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD. This MR study suggests unidirectional causality between TG and ApoE3 and the response to anti-VEGF treatment in patients with nAMD. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. Show less
Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understandin Show more
Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understanding of the genetic basis of HF and more specific NICM subtype in the East Asian populations and evaluate the biological pathways underlying subclinical left ventricular dysfunction. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for all-cause HF in the East Asian populations (N cases ~ 13,385) and a more precise definition of nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) subtype in multi-ancestry populations (N cases~3,603). We identified a low-frequency East-Asian enriched coding variant near MYBPC3 and a NICM specific locus. Follow up analyses demonstrated male-specific HF association at the MYBPC3 locus, and highlighted SVIL as a candidate causal gene for NICM. Moreover, we demonstrated that SVIL deficiency aggravated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and impaired cell viability in phenylephrine (PE)-treated H9C2 cells. In addition, the gene expression level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) which was deemed as a hallmark for HF was further elevated by SVIL silencing in PE-stimulated H9C2 cells. RNA-sequencing analysis of H9C2 cells revealed that the function of SVIL might be mediated through pathways relevant to regulation and differentiation of heart muscle. These results enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of HF in the East Asian populations, and provide important insight into the biological pathways underlying NICM and sex-specific relevance of the MYBPC3 locus that warrants further replication in another datasets. Show less
Cancer is one of the major diseases threatening human health in the world. According to the latest global cancer statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were appr Show more
Cancer is one of the major diseases threatening human health in the world. According to the latest global cancer statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer deaths worldwide. Amidst this global health concern, branched chain amino acids have emerged as key players, playing an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. In certain malignancies like colorectal cancer, the average level of BCAA in tumor tissues is twice that in normal tissues. BCAA metabolism is intricately associated with the progression of multiple tumors and is modulated by diverse enzymes, including BCAT, BCKDH, and BCKDK. The metabolism of BCAA involves multiple enzymes and biochemical processes via signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR, etc. In addition, mTOR inhibitors show potential value in cancer treatment by regulating the metabolism and signaling pathways of tumor cells, which provides a new direction for anticancer efforts. Simultaneously, BCAAs are closely associated with tumor immunity, including NK cells, CD4 Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder predominantly affecting the elderly population. The pathogenesis of AD involves the production of highly neurotoxic amyloid-β peptide 1 Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder predominantly affecting the elderly population. The pathogenesis of AD involves the production of highly neurotoxic amyloid-β peptide 1-42 (Aβ Show less
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with either whole-fat or defatted krill powder on the growth, body color, immunity, and related gene expression of red-white Show more
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with either whole-fat or defatted krill powder on the growth, body color, immunity, and related gene expression of red-white koi carp. A total of 630 red-white koi carp with an initial body mass of 13.5 ± 0.05 g were randomly divided into seven groups with three replicates per group and 30 fish per replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet (C0). The other six diets were supplemented with different levels of whole krill meal or defatted krill meal as replacements (10% whole fat, 20% whole fat, 30% whole fat, 10% defatted, 20% defatted, and 30% defatted) in the experimental groups, named W10, W20, W30, D10, D20, and D30, respectively, for a total duration of 60 days. The growth, body color, immunity and gene expression indexes were measured in the koi after completion. The results indicate the following. (1) Compared with C0, the experimental groups of koi showed a significant increase in the specific growth rate (SGR) ( Show less
Pancreatic cancer (PC), characterized by the absence of effective biomarkers and therapies, remains highly fatal. Data regarding the correlations between PC risk and individual plasma proteome known f Show more
Pancreatic cancer (PC), characterized by the absence of effective biomarkers and therapies, remains highly fatal. Data regarding the correlations between PC risk and individual plasma proteome known for minimally invasive biomarkers are scarce. Here, we analyzed 1,345 human plasma proteins using proteome-wide association studies, identifying 78 proteins significantly associated with PC risk. Of these, four proteins (ROR1, FN1, APOA5, and ABO) showed the most substantial causal link to PC, confirmed through Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses. Data from two clinical cohorts further demonstrated that FN1 and ABO were notably overexpressed in both blood and tumor samples from PC patients, compared to healthy controls or para-tumor tissues. Additionally, elevated FN1 and ABO levels correlated with shorter median survival in patients. Multiple drugs targeting FN1 or ROR1 are available or in clinical trials. These findings suggest that plasma protein FN1 associated with PC holds potential as both prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Show less
Aging-related lipid metabolic disorder is related to oxidative stress. Selenium (Se)-enriched Cardamine violifolia (SEC) is known for its excellent antioxidant function. The objective of this study wa Show more
Aging-related lipid metabolic disorder is related to oxidative stress. Selenium (Se)-enriched Cardamine violifolia (SEC) is known for its excellent antioxidant function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of SEC on antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in the liver of aged laying hens. A total of 450 sixty-five-wk-old Roman laying hens were randomly divided into 5 treatments: a basal diet (without Se supplementation, CON) and basal diets supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite (SS), 0.3 mg/kg Se from Se-enriched yeast (SEY), 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEC (SEC), or 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEC and 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEY (SEC + SEY). The experiment lasted for 8 wk. The results showed that dietary SEC + SEY supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) triglyceride (in the plasma and liver) and total cholesterol levels (in the plasma), and increased (P < 0.05) HDL-C concentration in plasma compared to CON diet. Compared with CON diet, SEC and/or SEY supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of hepatic ACC, FAS and HMGCR, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARα, VTG-II, Apo-VLDL II and ApoB expression. Dietary SEC + SEY and SEY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) Se content in egg yolk and breast muscle compared to CON diet. Dietary SEC, SEY or SEC + SEY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-PX, T-AOC and T-SOD) in the plasma and liver and decreased (P < 0.05) MDA content in the plasma compared to CON diet. Dietary Se supplementation promoted (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Nrf2 in the liver. In contrast, dietary SEY and SEC supplementation resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) of hepatic Keap1 mRNA expression compared to CON diet. Dietary SEC + SEY and/or SEC supplementation increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Selenof, GPX1 and GPX4 in the liver compared with CON diet. In conclusion, dietary SEC (0.3 mg/kg Se) or SEC (0.3 mg/kg Se) + SEY (0.3 mg/kg Se) improved the antioxidant capacity and the lipid metabolism in the liver of aged laying hens, which might be associated with regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Show less
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-se Show more
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-serving as promising reservoirs of such inhibitors. Nevertheless, comprehensive screening and mechanistic characterization of their inhibitory potential remain limited. This study sought to identify potent AChE inhibitors from YGE, investigate their mechanisms of action, and assess their therapeutic prospects for AD. Methodologically, an integrated approach was employed, combining ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography (UF-LC) for rapid inhibitor screening, molecular docking and dynamics simulations for mechanistic insight, two-stage high-speed countercurrent chromatography for compound isolation, enzyme kinetics to delineate inhibition modalities, and network pharmacology to uncover relevant AD-related targets. The findings identified seven active constituents with notable AChE inhibition, among which parishins A and G were obtained at high purity (98.26% and 97.26%, respectively) and exhibited mixed-type inhibition with low IC Show less
Sparstolonin B (SSNB) and Curcumin (Cur), from a pair of compatible herbs, were previously identified as anti-inflammation and T helper 17 (Th17) modulation reagents. However, their compatible roles i Show more
Sparstolonin B (SSNB) and Curcumin (Cur), from a pair of compatible herbs, were previously identified as anti-inflammation and T helper 17 (Th17) modulation reagents. However, their compatible roles in atherosclerosis (AS) and underlying mechanisms remain uninvestigated. In vivo, the apoE The gene-disease interaction and hub gene network reveals Th17-associated genes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In vitro, SSNB and Cur reduced oxLDL-induced BMDC activation by downregulating CD36. SSNB showed stronger inhibition to inflammatory activation of DC, while Cur more intensively suppressed co-stimulatory molecules. For the Th17/Treg bias in co-culture of BMDC and CD4 Our findings reveal, for the first time, that SSNB and Cur alleviate AS by modulating Th17-stromal cell interactions, with the IL-17RA-TAK1-NF-κB pathway as a related mediator. Notably, SSNB and Cur exhibit distinct anti-atherogenic roles. SSNB primarily targets TLR4/CD36 to inhibit DC activation, Th17 differentiation, VSMC inflammation and mainly inhibited TAK1 phosphorylation, while Cur more significant inhibited macrophage inflammation, and more directly inhibited NF-κB P65 phosphorylation. This study will be valuable for developing novel and precise adjuvant therapies for AS. Show less
Obesity is a global health challenge marked by substantial inter-individual differences in responses to dietary and lifestyle interventions. Traditional weight loss strategies often overlook critical Show more
Obesity is a global health challenge marked by substantial inter-individual differences in responses to dietary and lifestyle interventions. Traditional weight loss strategies often overlook critical biological variations in genetics, metabolic profiles, and gut microbiota composition, contributing to poor adherence and variable outcomes. Our primary aim is to identify key biological and behavioral effectors relevant to precision medicine for weight control, with a particular focus on nutrition, while also discussing their current and potential integration into digital health platforms. Thus, this review aligns more closely with the identification of influential factors within precision medicine (e.g., genetic, metabolic, and microbiome factors) but also explores how these factors are currently integrated into digital health tools. We synthesize recent advances in nutrigenomics, nutritional metabolomics, and microbiome-informed nutrition, highlighting how tailored dietary strategies-such as high-protein, low-glycemic, polyphenol-enriched, and fiber-based diets-can be aligned with specific genetic variants (e.g., FTO and MC4R), metabolic phenotypes (e.g., insulin resistance), and gut microbiota profiles (e.g., Show less
Low physical activity (LPA) significantly heightens the susceptibility of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic renal disease. Nearly half of population diagnosed with T2DM globally worsen Show more
Low physical activity (LPA) significantly heightens the susceptibility of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic renal disease. Nearly half of population diagnosed with T2DM globally worsen into diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Focusing on physically inactive populations, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the trends over time and regional changes in T2DM-associated DKD attributable to LPA burden. We utilized data of the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study to initially assess the worldwide effects of T2DM-associated DKD attributable to LPA by computing the numbers and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of death, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs), categorized by subtypes in 2021. Linear regression model was applied to analyze the illness burden from 1990 to 2021. Furthermore, cluster analysis was performed to assess the regional differences in disease burden across GBD regions. Lastly, to forecast the illness burden for the next 25 years, we utilized the autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Excess Risk (ER) models. In 2021, the fatalities attributed to T2DM-related DKD attributable to LPA amounted to 30835 (95%UI: 12346-51646) cases, with 698484 (95%UI: 275039-1158032) DALYs. The ASRs of death and DALYs were 0.38 (95%UI: 0.15-0.63) and 8.19 (95%UI: 3.21-13.6) per 100000 individuals, respectively. Between 1990 and 2021, there was a notable escalation in deaths, DALYs, YLDs, and YLLs, as well as their ASRs. The highest burden was observed among males, older adults (aged 70 years and above), and middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Significant differences were noted in the disease burden among various regions and countries as defined by the GBD study. Predictive analyses indicate a continued escalation of this burden by the year 2050. The global impact of DKD attributable to LPA remains considerable, with significant disparities noted across different genders, ages, and regions. To mitigate this burden, it is crucial to implement effective interventions aimed at addressing physical inactivity, specifically designed for targeted demographic groups. Show less
The limited response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains a significant challenge in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In our study, we identified a lactate-based chemical ba Show more
The limited response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains a significant challenge in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In our study, we identified a lactate-based chemical barrier surrounding FAP Show less
To investigate the risk factors, underlying mechanisms, and preventive strategies associated with hyperprogressive disease (HPD) induced by immunotherapy. We analyzed the clinical data of a patient wh Show more
To investigate the risk factors, underlying mechanisms, and preventive strategies associated with hyperprogressive disease (HPD) induced by immunotherapy. We analyzed the clinical data of a patient who developed HPD following palliative gastrectomy and received a combination therapy of Sintilimab, S-1 (tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium), and Oxaliplatin (SOX). Additionally, a literature review on tumor immunotherapy was conducted to further explore the risk factors and mechanisms of HPD. In this case, the development of HPD was associated with a high postoperative tumor burden, elevated PD-1 expression, and aberrant activation of signaling pathways mediated by EGFR, MET, and FGFR1 amplifications. In addition, a TP53 p.F270V mutation led to inactivation of tumor suppressor function. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated significant efficacy in cancer treatment, HPD induced by ICIs can drastically shorten patients' OS, warranting cautious use in populations with high-risk factors. Effective prevention of HPD involves screening for risk factors, monitoring predictive biomarkers such as circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) via liquid biopsy, and identifying high-risk populations through gene mutation analysis. Show less
The aim of this study was to obtain goat CRTC2 gene sequence and elucidate its biological properties, and further study the impact of overexpression and interference of CRTC2 on the cell differentiati Show more
The aim of this study was to obtain goat CRTC2 gene sequence and elucidate its biological properties, and further study the impact of overexpression and interference of CRTC2 on the cell differentiation of goat subcutaneous precursor adipocytes. The sequence of goat CRTC2 was cloned by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its molecular characterization was analyzed. The expression of CRTC2 gene in goat tissues and subcutaneous precursor adipocytes differentiated from 0 to 120 h was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effects of CRTC2 on the subcutaneous precursor adipocyte differentiation were investigated by using liposome transfection, Bodipy, Oil Red O staining and qPCR. The results showed that the cloned goat CRTC2 gene was 2363 bp long (coding sequence [CDS] 2082 bp), encoding 693 amino acids. The relative expression levels of CRTC2 gene were highest in liver and then in kidney (p<0.05). During differentiation, the highest expression of CRTC2 in subcutaneous precursor adipocytes was observed at 120 of differentiating (p<0.01). In addition, we found that overexpression of CRTC2 significantly increased the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, PPARγ, DGAT1, DGAT2, ACC, FASN, SREBP1, AP2, LPL, ATGL) and promoted lipid accumulation. We then chemically synthesized goat CRTC2 small interfering RNA and transfected it into goat subcutaneous precursor adipocytes. The results revealed that SiRNA-mediated interference with CRTC2 significantly inhibited its differentiation and suppressed lipid droplet aggregation. So, this study indicates that CRTC2 is a positive regulator that promoting cell differentiation of subcutaneous adipocyte in goats, which lays the foundation for an in-depth study of the role of CRTC2 in lipid deposition in goats. 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
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study Show more
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study analyzed cognitive function, gut microbiota changes, and inflammatory factor levels in 39 unmedicated MDD patients and 41 healthy controls, employing correlation and moderation effect analysis. MDD patients scored lower than controls in cognitive functions like information processing speed, attention/vigilance, verbal learning, visual learning and social cognition. They showed reduced gut microbiota diversity and increased levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-27, IL-33). Sellimonas abundance correlated negatively with attention/vigilance, moderated by TNF-α, IL-27, and IL-33. This relationship was stronger at lower inflammation levels. MDD patients exhibit multi-domain cognitive dysfunction alongside pro-inflammatory states and disrupted gut microbiota. The abundance of Sellimonas significantly predicts attention/vigilance deficits. Inflammatory factors modulate the impact of gut microbiota on cognitive function, suggesting chronic low-grade inflammation as a key risk factor for cognitive impairment in MDD. Show less
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in Show more
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in breast cancer remains largely unexplored. We applied an advanced biosensor approach to detect the D-2HG levels in breast cancer samples. We then investigated the biological functions of D-2HG through multiple in vitro and in vivo assays. A joint MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq strategy was used to identify the target genes regulated by D-2HG-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m We found that D-2HG accumulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), exerting oncogenic effects both in vitro and in vivo by promoting TNBC cell growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, D-2HG enhanced global m Our study unveils a previously unrecognized role for D-2HG-mediated RNA modification in TNBC progression and targeting the D-2HG/FTO/m Show less
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensive Show more
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensively assessed the toxicity and function of novel selenium nanoparticles and traditional sodium selenite fertilizers across cell, zebrafish, and murine models. Both fertilizers enhanced antioxidant pathways at low doses, but selenium nanoparticles exhibited stronger antioxidant and ferroptosis-modulating effects with lower toxicity at a high dose. Sodium selenite increased total and lipid ROS production, leading to decreased viability of cells and increased distortion and mortality of zebrafish. In mice, sodium selenite induced hepatic toxicity and decreased GPX4. Transcriptome analysis revealed that sodium selenite downregulated c-JUN and APOA4, weakening the antioxidant defense, whereas selenium nanoparticles promoted ferroptosis resistance through FGF21. These findings suggest selenium nanoparticles as a safer alternative for Se biofortification, mitigating health risks while supporting food security and environmental sustainability. Show less
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreat Show more
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC). A retrospective cohort of 364 pathologically confirmed PC patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2019 and December 2022 was analyzed. The optimal cutoff for Lp(a) was identified using X-tile software, allowing categorization into high and low Lp(a) groups. To minimize selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized. Survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify independent prognostic variables affecting OS and PFS. Patients with high Lp(a) had significantly shorter OS and PFS both before and after PSM (post-PSM OS: 12.28 vs. 27.67 months, P = 0.003; PFS: 7.00 vs. 11.30 months, P = 0.002). Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed high Lp(a) as an independent predictor of poor OS [HR = 2.11 (1.17-3.81), P = 0.013] and PFS [HR = 2.14 (1.20-3.83), P = 0.010]. In the surgical subgroup (n = 215), high Lp(a) was also associated with worse OS (16.43 vs. 35.47 months, P = 0.02) and PFS (8.40 vs. 11.77 months, P = 0.036). Multivariate analysis in this subgroup showed that high Lp(a) remained an independent risk factor for OS [HR = 2.82 (1.36-5.87), P = 0.006] and PFS [HR = 2.01 (1.06-3.86), P = 0.034]. Elevated serum Lp(a) is an independent predictor of reduced OS and PFS in patients with pancreatic cancer. In contrast to conventional lipid profiles, the genetic stability of Lp(a) makes it a reliable baseline prognostic marker. Show less
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, is a key pathogenic ev Show more
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, is a key pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) have shown great potential for disease treatment by specifically silencing target genes. However, the poor brain delivery efficiency of siRNAs limits their therapeutic efficacy against AD. We designed a simplified and effective BACE1 siRNA (siBACE1) delivery system, namely, dendritic polyamidoamine modified with the neurotropic virus-derived peptide RVG29 and polyethylene glycol (PPR@siBACE1). PPR@siBACE1 crossed the blood-brain barrier efficiently and entered brain parenchyma in large amount, with subsequent neurotropism and potential microglia-targeting ability. Both in vitro and in vivo studies validated the effective brain delivery of siBACE1 and strong BACE1 silencing efficiency. Treatment of AD mice with PPR@siBACE1 inhibited the production of Aβ, potentiated Aβ phagocytosis by microglia, improved the memory deficits and reduced neuroinflammatory response in AD mice. This study provides a reliable delivery platform for gene therapies for AD. Show less
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Show more
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Our study aims to explore the heterogeneity of IA, identify bridge connectors, and compare the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with mindfulness-based intervention (CBT+MBI) versus CBT alone in reducing IA levels among Chinese college students. In study 1, 1,030 Chinese college students completed assessments of IA, automatic thoughts, self-control, and anxiety. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct symptom profiles of IA across individuals. Network analysis (NA) identified bridge connectors for targeted intervention. In study 2, 36 participants randomly selected from the high IA and low IA groups of study 1 were randomly assigned to CBT+MBI, CBT alone, or a control group. The CBT+MBI group received an 8-week dual-modality intervention and the CBT alone received an 8-week CBT intervention, both designed to target the bridge connectors identified via NA in Study 1, while the control group only completed basic questionnaires. In study 1, LPA identified four subgroups: regular, at-risk, low IA, and high IA groups. NA pinpointed automatic thoughts and anxiety as bridge connectors. In study 2, targeted interventions significantly reduced college students' levels of IA. CBT+MBI resulted in greater and more sustained improvements compared to CBT alone, with effects maintained for six-month post-intervention. Our study not only reinforces the I-PACE model but also provides actionable strategies for designing evidence-based, multidimensional interventions to reduce addictive behaviors among college students. Show less