Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT relate Show more
Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT related genes, proteins and pathways. We first explored the clinical associations between OA and MTs based on UK Biobank data. Using GWAS statistics for 9 OA subtypes and 51 MTs, we identified both global and regional genetic correlations. Multi-trait GWAS helped revealed credible genes and relevant pathways through various methods. Protein-level analyses were also conducted to identify key proteins. We developed polygenic scores (PGS), machine learning models and drug repurposing strategies were explored to translate these findings into clinical applications. We identified 152 trait pairs with significant associations and 709 local regions linked to OA-MT. Key SNVs like rs13135092 (SLC39A8) and rs34811474 (ANAPC4) were associated with multiple OA-MT pairs. Lipid and glucose metabolism emerged as central pathways, with tissue-specific enrichment analyses revealing key gene clusters in hepatocytes, arteries, and brain regions. Protein-level analyses identified 205 protein subgroups. PGS integrating MTs outperformed model based solely on OA, improving AUC by 17.5%. Causal gene-based models showed strong diagnostic accuracy (average AUC = 0.875 in external cohorts). Drug prediction highlighted fenofibrate as a promising treatment among 71 candidates. This study provides new insights into the genetic links between OA and MTs. We identified genes, proteins, and pathways related to comorbidities, revealing shared mechanisms, highlighting the potential of integrating metabolic factors to improve OA prediction, diagnosis, and treatment. Show less
In recent years, non-traditional lipid indices have emerged as significant predictors for cardiovascular events following emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation my Show more
In recent years, non-traditional lipid indices have emerged as significant predictors for cardiovascular events following emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the relationship of residual lipoprotein-cholesterol (RLP-C) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) with in-hospital outcomes, especially their predictive value for major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) after PCI in STEMI patients, remains underexplored and warrants further investigation. This retrospective cohort study included 526 STEMI patients who underwent emergency PCI between January 2023 and August 2024. We collected baseline demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. RLP-C and AIP were calculated from lipid profiles obtained before PCI. Independent predictors of in-hospital MACCEs were identified using multivariate logistic regression, and model discrimination was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Among 526 STEMI patients receiving PCI, 92 (17.49%) developed in-hospital MACCEs. Multivariate analysis identified RLP-C (OR = 3.97, 95%CI: 1.71–9.21; RLP-C and AIP are independent predictors of in-hospital MACCEs following PCI in STEMI patients. Combined assessment of these indices improves risk stratification and may facilitate early targeted interventions to improve outcomes. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-026-05555-9. Show less
Sepsis triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a life-threatening condition. Inspired by the specific capture mechanism of innate proteins like LBP and CD14, we develop oxidized chitosan microspheres Show more
Sepsis triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a life-threatening condition. Inspired by the specific capture mechanism of innate proteins like LBP and CD14, we develop oxidized chitosan microspheres functionalized with hyperbranched polylysine (OCS-HBPL) as a sepsis detoxification agent. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) reveals that HBPL-LPS binding is an enthalpy-driven process, distinct from the entropy-driven interaction of linear polylysine (LPL)-LPS. Validated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), HBPL demonstrates superior affinity with a dissociation constant (K Show less
Pregnant women have a high incidence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). To explore the influence factor on perinatal psychology, we analysed the SCFAs, lipids, cognition, emotion, and cy Show more
Pregnant women have a high incidence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). To explore the influence factor on perinatal psychology, we analysed the SCFAs, lipids, cognition, emotion, and cytokines in the late pregnant women. The mood, cognition, SCFAs of the non-pregnant group were compared to those in the late pregnancy. The differences in SCFAs, lipids, cognition, and cytokines between the high-risk and low-risk groups for affective disorders among women in the late pregnancy were analysed, and the risk factors were sought. Compared with the non-pregnant group, the pregnant group scored lower on the SDMT (P < 0.001), DST (P = 0.035), VRT (P = 0.001), and VFT (P < 0.001), and took longer on the TMTA (P = 0.004). Acetate (P = 0.001) and butyrate (P = 0.002) were higher, while propionate (P < 0.001) and isobutyrate (P = 0.001) were lower in the pregnant group than in the non-pregnant group. Among the pregnant women, CRP was higher in the high-risk group for mood disorders than in the low-risk group (P = 0.048). Meanwhile, HDL was positively associated with DST (P = 0.000), VRT (P = 0.015), and VFT (P < 0.001). Longer TMTA completion times were associated with reduced propionate (P = 0.072) and LPa (P = 0.022). Longer TMTB completion time was associated with lower life satisfaction (P = 0.037), as well as decreased cholesterol (P = 0.026). Pregnant women experience changes in cognition and SCFAs. CRP is a sensitive indicator for monitoring affective disorder. Regulation of SCFAs and lipids may be beneficial for cognition and affect. Show less
Jianlei Liu, Yaling Cui, Hongyu Wang+2 more · 2026 · Psychogeriatrics : the official journal of the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society · Blackwell Publishing · added 2026-04-24
With global population aging, the number of older adults in Chinese nursing homes is rising rapidly, and depression is the most prevalent mental health problem in this population. Most previous studie Show more
With global population aging, the number of older adults in Chinese nursing homes is rising rapidly, and depression is the most prevalent mental health problem in this population. Most previous studies assessed depression via total scale scores, ignoring individual heterogeneity of depressive symptoms. This study aimed to identify distinct depressive symptom profiles and their associated factors in this population. Data were derived from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), with 353 valid nursing home older adults included. Depressive symptoms, anxiety and functional status were assessed using the CESD-10, GAD-7 and IADL scales. Latent profile analysis (LPA), univariate tests and multinomial logistic regression were performed, with supplementary effect size and sensitivity analyses to verify result robustness. Three distinct depressive symptom profiles were identified: low level (39%, n = 135), medium level (52%, n = 187) and high level (9%, n = 31). Town residence and anxiety were risk factors for moderate depression, while good self-rated health, regular exercise and social activity participation were protective factors. Good self-rated health protected against severe depression, while occasional television/radio viewing and anxiety were risk factors. Anxiety was the only independent correlate of high-level versus medium-level depression (OR = 1.322, p < 0.001). Supplementary analyses confirmed the robustness of core findings. The CESD-10, as a screening tool, has limited diagnostic efficacy for clinical depression, and the cross-sectional design cannot confirm causal relationships. Depressive symptoms in Chinese nursing home older adults show significant heterogeneity with three distinct latent profiles. Early screening and targeted stratified interventions should be implemented for this population to improve quality of life and promote healthy aging. Show less
While VPS13C is a recessively inherited Parkinson's disease (PD) gene, its potential dominant effects in idiopathic Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) remain unexplored. The relat Show more
While VPS13C is a recessively inherited Parkinson's disease (PD) gene, its potential dominant effects in idiopathic Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) remain unexplored. The relation between its monogenic form and the onset of PD suggested that subtype specificity may need to be considered. We examined the presence of likely pathogenic VPS13C variants in 150 iRBD and 180 α-synucleinopathy patients (iRBD-first and movement disorder-first). VPS13C variants were significantly enriched in iRBD patients, and ten iRBD risk variants have been identified. iRBD risk VPS13C variant carriers demonstrated more severe RBD symptoms and greater autonomic dysfunction, correlating with REM sleep EEG and autonomic network activity abnormalities. Notably, enrichment was specific to the iRBD-first α-synucleinopathy subtype, and iRBD risk VPS13C variant carriers showed accelerated progression to overt α-synucleinopathy. These results suggest that VPS13C not only contributes to iRBD susceptibility but also serves as a marker for the iRBD-first α-synucleinopathy and faster disease conversion. Show less
Shuhe Wang, Zhongguo Liu · 2026 · Frontiers in psychology · Frontiers · added 2026-04-24
This study aimed to use latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify heterogeneous configurational patterns of short video addiction and emotion dysregulation among college students, and to systematicall Show more
This study aimed to use latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify heterogeneous configurational patterns of short video addiction and emotion dysregulation among college students, and to systematically examine the predictive effects of cognitive reappraisal, emotional loneliness, and sociodemographic factors on latent profile membership. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. From April to July 2025, full-time undergraduate students were recruited from multiple universities in Shandong Province using a combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling. Participants completed online questionnaires including the Short Video Addiction Scale, the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory (EDI), the Cognitive Reappraisal Scale, and the Emotional Loneliness Scale. A total of 1,168 valid questionnaires were obtained. LPA identified four optimal profiles: Profile 1 ("low short video addiction-low emotion dysregulation"), Profile 2 ("medium to lower short video addiction-medium to lower emotion dysregulation"), Profile 3 ("medium to upper short video addiction-medium to upper emotion dysregulation"), and Profile 4 ("high short video addiction-high emotion dysregulation"). Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that, with Profile 4 as the reference category, cognitive reappraisal significantly increased the likelihood of membership in lower-risk profiles, whereas emotional loneliness significantly decreased the likelihood of membership in lower-risk profiles. Among sociodemographic factors, being female and having an urban background significantly increased the likelihood of membership in Profile 1 (vs. Profile 4); being a non-only child and having no part-time work experience significantly predicted membership in Profile 3. Marked heterogeneity exists among college students in the measured dimensions of short-form video addiction and emotion dysregulation, and the two constructs exhibit highly concordant co-variation. The findings provide empirical support for developing risk-stratified and precision-oriented mental health intervention strategies. Show less
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a key regulator of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the specific role of its receptor, Patched2 (Ptch2), in these processes remains unclear. Here, usi Show more
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a key regulator of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the specific role of its receptor, Patched2 (Ptch2), in these processes remains unclear. Here, using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Show less
Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a key periodontal pathogen, is increasingly detected in atherosclerotic plaques, yet its epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in atherosclerosis remain enigmatic. T Show more
Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a key periodontal pathogen, is increasingly detected in atherosclerotic plaques, yet its epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in atherosclerosis remain enigmatic. This study investigates how F. nucleatum reshapes the non-coding RNA landscape to drive atherosclerosis progression. Periodontal infection with F. nucleatum significantly increased atherosclerotic lesion area (p < 0.001) and necrotic core ratio, while reducing collagen content (p < 0.05) in ApoE Show less
Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that can lead to adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that can lead to adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a pivotal role in its development and progression, but the upstream regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Here, we identify ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1), a ubiquitin-like protein, as a critical regulator of VSMCs plasticity and atherogenesis. In VSMCs stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), UFM1 overexpression markedly attenuated phenotypic switching, restoring contractile features and suppressing synthetic activation, accompanied by reduced proliferation and migration. In contrast, UFM1 knockdown further exacerbated these phenotypic alterations. In ApoE Show less
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes debilitating nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety stemming from a catastrophic, often life-threatening traumatic event. Originally described in soldiers expo Show more
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes debilitating nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety stemming from a catastrophic, often life-threatening traumatic event. Originally described in soldiers exposed to the horrors of battle, PTSD is now recognized in civilian victims of assault, natural disasters and mass casualty events. Most people experiencing trauma do not develop PTSD, so understanding neurobiological mechanisms is crucial to predicting risk and developing targeted treatments. There have been many studies seeking to find biomarkers for PTSD, and their results have converged on several brain regions, molecular pathways and neuropsychological functions. In this review, we focus on selected findings about the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the chaperone protein FKBP51 (FK506 binding protein 51), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), fear memory reconsolidation and epigenetic regulation of gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, amygdala and hippocampus. Together, these disparate aspects of brain function provide an emerging model for understanding the etiology and pathophysiology of PTSD. Avoidance of lethal threats is fundamental for survival, and this stringent evolutionary requirement has conserved many components of fear memory storage and behavioural response to danger. PTSD research can therefore rely on non-human animal model systems with better face and construct validity than most other psychiatric disorders. With this advantage, advances in PTSD biomarker identification are likely closer to clinical translation than in other mental illnesses. We attempt to highlight the most promising biomarkers that could be targeted by novel treatments and propose a map for future research work. Show less
Insulin resistance (IR), commonly associated with obesity, is linked to a range of metabolic and immune-related disorders in the contemporary human population. Nevertheless, it is evolutionary well-co Show more
Insulin resistance (IR), commonly associated with obesity, is linked to a range of metabolic and immune-related disorders in the contemporary human population. Nevertheless, it is evolutionary well-conserved, suggesting its potential survival advantages to our ancestors. This review aims to explore the intricate interplay between IR and the immune system as well as its implications for the development of immune-metabolic and allergic diseases in the modern era. From an evolutionary medicine perspective, the longevity of ancient humans relied on energy storage to endure food shortages and effectively activate the immune system against various diseases. Under normal conditions, insulin induces glycogen and triglyceride synthesis in the liver and adipose tissues. However, IR directs more glucose to insulin-independent tissues, such as the immune system, which are critical for survival in adverse conditions. The persistent IR in our current lifestyle promotes low-grade inflammation, accompanied by various metabolic and allergic disorders. Critically, this evolutionary mismatch not only explains disease susceptibility but also informs therapeutic design to target immune-metabolic crosstalk. Moreover, our evolutionary analysis demonstrates that the genomic regions near the PTEN, IL27, and NUPR1 genes could play an important role in this interaction across diverse populations. Show less
Ye-Qin Tao, Hui Liu, Ming-Guo Gao+5 more · 2026 · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica · added 2026-04-24
Based on the TCM theory of "phlegm-stasis intermingling", this study aims to investigate the mechanism of Danzha Tongmai Pills(DZTMW) in treating atherosclerosis(AS), focusing on elucidating Show more
Based on the TCM theory of "phlegm-stasis intermingling", this study aims to investigate the mechanism of Danzha Tongmai Pills(DZTMW) in treating atherosclerosis(AS), focusing on elucidating its in vivo active components, metabolic regulatory effects in serum, hepatoprotective effects, and anti-inflammatory efficacy. An AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout(ApoE~(-/-)) mice, which were divided into a normal group, an model group, low/medium/high-dose DZTMW groups, and an atorvastatin positive control group. The normal group was fed a standard diet, while the other groups were fed a high-fat diet to induce AS lesions. During the intervention phase, the groups were administered corresponding drugs or an equal volume of solvent by gavage. A series of tests were conducted after continuous intervention. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to identify the blood-entering components of DZTMW, and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry(LC-HRMS) was employed for non-targeted serum metabolomics analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between blood-entering components and differential metabolites. Levels of serum lipid [total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), and free fatty acids(FFA)] and liver function markers [alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)] were measured. Liver histopathology and lipid deposition were assessed by HE and oil red O staining, and serum levels of inflammatory factors [lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(LP-PLA2), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The results showed that 23 blood-entering components were identified from DZTMW, including three prototype compounds, 20 metabolites, and 142 differential metabolites of serum. Core blood-entering components such as hydroxyl asiatic acid M1 and neocryptotanshinone metabolite were highly/extremely correlated with differential metabolites like 5-hydroxytryptamine, lysophosphatidylcholine(P-18:1/0:0) and sphingomyelin(d18:1/15:0). DZTMW administration at various doses significantly reduced the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and FFA(P<0.01), increased the HDL-C level(P<0.01), decreased ALT and AST activities(P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated hepatocyte steatosis and lipid droplet deposition, and down-regulated the expression of inflammatory factors in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.01). The effects of the high-dose DZTMW group were comparable to those of the atorvastatin group. In summary, DZTMW can effectively inhibit the progression of AS in ApoE~(-/-) mice. Its mechanism may involve the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism by its in vivo active components to ameliorate the "phlegm-turbidity" pathology and reduce liver injury, and the inhibition of systemic inflammation to alleviate the "blood stasis" process. The study can provide a modern biological basis for the theory of "phlegm-stasis intermingling". Show less
Despite of the highly potent antiretroviral therapies, HIV-1 establishes persistent infection and causes chronic inflammation in AIDS patients. Beyond CD4+ T cells, HIV-1 infects myeloid cells, includ Show more
Despite of the highly potent antiretroviral therapies, HIV-1 establishes persistent infection and causes chronic inflammation in AIDS patients. Beyond CD4+ T cells, HIV-1 infects myeloid cells, including circulating monocytes and tissue-resident macrophages, and integrates with host genomes to form stable viral reservoirs. To achieve a functional HIV cure, latency-promoting agents (LPAs) have been developed for the "block-and-lock" strategy to reinforce deep HIV-1 latency and permanently silence proviruses. However, most LPAs have been tested mainly in CD4 Show less
Anshen Bunao Syrup (ABS), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is widely used to treat neurological disorders such as insomnia, dizziness, and neurasthenia. However, its antidepressant effect and Show more
Anshen Bunao Syrup (ABS), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is widely used to treat neurological disorders such as insomnia, dizziness, and neurasthenia. However, its antidepressant effect and underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently characterized. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the antidepressant effect of ABS in a rat model, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depressive rats were used to evaluate the antidepressant effect of ABS. Histopathological alterations in the hippocampus and colonic mucosa were examined using Nissl and H&E staining. Microglial activation was evaluated by Iba-1 immunohistochemical staining. Gut microbiota composition and metabolic profiles were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Differential gene expression and pathway regulation were investigated by transcriptomics and confirmed by Western Blot (WB). ABS significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors and elevated dopamine and 5-Hydroxytryptamine levels in cortical regions. Furthermore, ABS mitigated hippocampal neuronal damage, suppressed microglial overactivation and reduced oxidative stress in the cortex. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that ABS exerted antidepressant effects via modulation of the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis, particularly by altering intestinal microbiota composition, enhancing gut function, and suppressing HPA axis hyperactivity. Metabolomics revealed that ABS corrected metabolic disturbances, and alleviated inflammation-related metabolic disturbances, while transcriptomics indicated regulation of the Npas4-BDNF-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which was further confirmed by WB. ABS significantly ameliorated depression in a CUMS rat model, primarily through coordinated regulation of gut microbiota, metabolic homeostasis, and the Npas4-BDNF-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, providing integrative mechanistic insights into its antidepressant effects. Show less
The Apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4) allele and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To investigate the dual roles of WMH in statistic Show more
The Apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4) allele and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To investigate the dual roles of WMH in statistically moderating and mediating the relationship of APOE ε4 with AD and related phenotypes, as well as the potential biological correlates. Data were derived from 34,783 non-demented participants in the UK Biobank (UKB; mean age = 55 years; follow-up = 4.3 years) and 863 in the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI; mean age = 71.9 years; follow-up = 3.8 years). Multivariable models evaluated associations of APOE ε4 status, WMH, and their interaction with cognition, neurodegeneration, core pathologies, and AD risk. Mediation analyses were performed to quantify the extent to which WMH statistically explained ε4-outcome associations. Cerebrospinal fluid proteomic and bioinformatic analyses were used to explore biological clues in a subsample of ADNI (n = 708). APOE ε4 carriers exhibited larger WMH volumes (p < 0.001, UKB) and faster WMH change rates (p = 0.019, ADNI). In UKB, WMH statistically mediated a small proportion of associations between APOE ε4 and poorer numeric memory performance, smaller hippocampal volume, increased incident AD and all-cause dementia (ACD). In ADNI, WMH showed statistical mediation signals in the associations of APOE ε4 with faster rates of cognitive decline, amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, and neurodegeneration. Notably, WMH interacted with APOE ε4 to exacerbate cognitive decline, hippocampal atrophy, and Aβ deposition. Proteomic analyses suggested that neuroinflammatory and axonal injury pathways may be associated with the observed mediating and moderating patterns. WMH mediated and enhanced the associations of APOE ε4 with AD-related phenotypes. These findings warrant further studies to clarify the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) serves as the pathological foundation for numerous cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and is highly comorbid with depression. The mechanisms underlying this co-morbidity Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) serves as the pathological foundation for numerous cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and is highly comorbid with depression. The mechanisms underlying this co-morbidity are exceptionally complex, posing significant challenges to effective clinical treatment. Consequently, our study aims to explore the potential biomarkers and mechanisms involved in developing atherosclerosis co-depression disease. We performed differential expression analysis, protein-protein interaction analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis on co-differentiated genes using AS and depression-related datasets from the GEO database. Potential biomarkers were identified through ROC curve analysis. To evaluate the effectiveness of the model, we established an animal model of AS comorbid with depressive disorder and performed a series of assessments, including the sugar-water preference test, open field test, tail suspension test, lipid profile analysis, and pathological examination of aortic sections. Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis of brain tissue, Golgi staining, and detection of synaptic function-related proteins were performed in AS comorbid depressed mice. Finally, in vitro cellular experiments were conducted to further validate the molecular targets and underlying mechanisms. We identified 968 differentially expressed genes associated with AS and 472 differentially expressed genes associated with depression, with 30 genes co-differentially expressed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed that CCR5, CCR2, NPY, and OPRM1 were strongly associated with AS co-depression, while ROC analysis indicated that Shank2, MDGA2, and S100B were diagnostic markers for AS with depression. Differentially expressed genes were closely associated with the chemokine signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and taste transduction. Animal studies demonstrated that ApoE Our study identified seven candidate AS co-depression biomarkers and verified that inflammation-induced damage to synaptic plastic rows is an important mechanism of AS co-depression, providing new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of AS co-depression disorders. Show less
Glycolysis-derived lactate serves as a substrate for lysine lactylation, an epigenetic modification playing critical transcriptional regulatory roles in inflammatory diseases. Endothelial inflammation Show more
Glycolysis-derived lactate serves as a substrate for lysine lactylation, an epigenetic modification playing critical transcriptional regulatory roles in inflammatory diseases. Endothelial inflammation, characterized by upregulated glycolysis, initiates atherosclerosis, yet the contribution of histone lactylation remains undefined. Although narciclasine exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, its impact on endothelial inflammation in atherosclerosis is unknown. Connectivity Map (CMap) analysis predicted narciclasine as an inhibitor of oscillatory shear stress and TNF-α-induced endothelial inflammation. In vitro, treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 20 nM narciclasine significantly suppressed ox-LDL-induced expression of VCAM1, ICAM1, SELE, and CCL2, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inhibited monocyte adhesion and migration. In vivo, administration of narciclasine (0.02 mg/kg) attenuated carotid artery endothelial inflammation and macrophage infiltration, consequently reducing early atherogenesis in partial carotid ligation model in ApoE Show less
Silica exposure precipitates irreversible lung injury; however, its long-term neurological sequelae—and the microglial mechanisms underlying these effects—remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrat Show more
Silica exposure precipitates irreversible lung injury; however, its long-term neurological sequelae—and the microglial mechanisms underlying these effects—remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that inhaled crystalline silica induces persistent hippocampal inflammation, anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, and neuronal loss in mice. Bulk RNA sequencing, immunophenotyping, and pharmacological depletion studies revealed that microglia are the primary source of complement C1q in silica-exposed brains. Mechanistically, silica-induced lipocalin-2 (LCN2) engages the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) on microglia, activating a cAMP/PKA/NF-κB cascade that transcriptionally upregulates C1q. Pharmacological blockade of MC4R (using PF) abolished C1q overproduction, normalized brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and restored both synaptic integrity and behavioral performance. Our findings establish the LCN2–MC4R–C1q axis as a critical microglial pathway in silica-related neurotoxicity and identify MC4R antagonism as a promising, readily translatable intervention for occupational neuroinflammation. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-026-03695-5. Show less
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) toward their disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Show more
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) toward their disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 tertiary hospitals in Chengdu between August 2023 and January 2024 and included patients with lower limb ASO. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire that captured demographic information and KAP scores. A latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify the KAP patterns among participants. A total of 515 nonproblematic questionnaires were collected, yielding an effective response rate of 95.72%. Among the respondents, 395 (76.85%) were male, with a disease course of 15.96 ± 17.55 months. The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 5.27 ± 4.69 (possible range: 0-22), 17.65 ± 2.86 (possible range: 5-25), and 107.63 ± 17.15 (possible range: 33-165), respectively. LPA identified 4 participant profiles: Profile 1 (high attitude, low practice), Profile 2 (low attitude, high practice), Profile 3 (low attitude, low practice), and Profile 4 (high attitude, high practice). Significant differences were found among profiles in residence (P = 0.028), medical insurance (P = 0.043), self-efficacy (P < 0.001), and patient activation (P < 0.001). Patients with lower limb ASO demonstrated inadequate knowledge but moderate levels of attitude and practice. Residence, medical insurance, self-efficacy, and patient activation may affect the KAP patterns of the patients. These findings suggest that tailored interventions targeting distinct patient profiles, while considering broader social determinants of health, may be critical to improving self-management and outcomes. Show less
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics offers insights into molecular changes in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Key AD biomarkers, in particular amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, in CSF are strongly associat Show more
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics offers insights into molecular changes in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Key AD biomarkers, in particular amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, in CSF are strongly associated with Show less
Depression is prevalent among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Although various physical activity intensities are differentially associated with depressive symptoms, the underlying mediator and mode Show more
Depression is prevalent among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Although various physical activity intensities are differentially associated with depressive symptoms, the underlying mediator and moderator involving interoception and mindfulness, remain unclear. This study aims to examine whether interoceptive accuracy differentially mediates the relationship between various physical activity intensities and depressive symptoms and whether mindfulness moderates these pathways. In this multicenter cross-sectional study, 395 CRC survivors completed validated questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms, physical activity participation, interoceptive accuracy, and mindfulness. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses via PROCESS version 4.1 for SPSS tested whether interoceptive accuracy mediated associations between light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (LPA vs. MVPA) and depressive symptoms, and whether mindfulness moderated these pathways. Both LPA and MVPA are negatively associated with depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Interoceptive accuracy significantly mediated these associations, accounting for 49.09% of the total effect for LPA and 20.56% for MVPA. Mindfulness moderated the LPA-interoceptive accuracy (B = -0.004, p = 0.031), interoceptive accuracy-depression (B = -0.022, p = 0.004), and MVPA-depression pathways (B = -0.001, p = 0.034), suggesting differential, intensity-dependent associations. LPA showed negative associations with depressive symptoms, with interoceptive accuracy fully mediating this association. In contrast, MVPA demonstrated both direct and indirect associations with depressive symptoms, partially mediated by interoceptive accuracy. Mindfulness strengthened these relationships through complementary and synergistic moderation, highlighting the dynamic interaction between bodily awareness and physical activity in psychological recovery. Tailoring gentle, mindful movement to enhance interoception may offer a feasible, integrative rehabilitation strategy to reduce depression among CRC survivors. Show less
Chaihu Shugan San (CSS), a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, was first recorded in Jingyue Quanshu (1624 AD) for treating "liver qi stagnation" (Yu Syndrome), a TCM diagnostic patt Show more
Chaihu Shugan San (CSS), a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, was first recorded in Jingyue Quanshu (1624 AD) for treating "liver qi stagnation" (Yu Syndrome), a TCM diagnostic pattern analogous to modern mood disorders. Although CSS has been prescribed for emotional distress, irritability, and depressive symptoms for centuries, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying its antidepressant efficacy, particularly in the context of gender-specific pathology, remain poorly revealed. The present study probed the antidepressant effects of CSS in female mice, while elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms involving hippocampal neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity. We hypothesized that CSS reverses chronic stress-induced depressive phenotypes by suppressing interleukin-6 (IL-6), which in turn facilitates cAMP-CaMKII-BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Adult female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a 5-week chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) regimen to evoke depressive-like behaviors. During the final 2 weeks of the regimen, CSS was administered intragastrically at 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 g/kg, with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) as the positive control. Behavioral assessments included forced swimming test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), and tail suspension test (TST). Hippocampal IL-6, cAMP, CaMKII, and BDNF levels were quantified by ELISA. Mechanistic validation employed acute hippocampal microinjection of recombinant IL-6 (1 μg/site) and systemic administration of the CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 (6 mg/kg). Chemical constituents were identified by UHPLC-QTOF MS. CSS alleviated CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in a dose-dependent manner, cutting down immobility time in TST/FST and reinstating sucrose preference, similar to the action of fluoxetine. CSS significantly suppressed hippocampal IL-6 while upregulating cAMP, CaMKII activity, and BDNF expression. Acute IL-6 elevation completely abolished both the behavioral antidepressant effects and molecular actions of CSS. Pharmacological inhibition of CaMKII blocked CSS-induced behavioral improvement and its upregulation of cAMP-BDNF signaling, without affecting basal behaviors. CSS exhibited no anxiogenic or locomotor side effects. CSS exerts potent antidepressant effects in female mice through coordinated suppression of hippocampal IL-6 and activation of the cAMP-CaMKII-BDNF neuroplasticity-related pathway, with CaMKII playing a critical role in this process. These findings offer scientific evidence for the traditional use of CSS in addressing emotional disorders and highlight its therapeutic potential as a multi-targeted, anti-inflammatory botanical medicine for female-specific depression. Show less
Diabetic refractory wounds are a severe complication of diabetes, often synchronized with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In this study, we demonstrated a significantly downregulated expression of cal Show more
Diabetic refractory wounds are a severe complication of diabetes, often synchronized with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In this study, we demonstrated a significantly downregulated expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the skin tissues of both diabetic patients and diabetic mouse models. This observation implies the crucial role of CGRP in diabetic wound healing. Based on this discovery, we engineered glucose-responsive along with sustained-release antibacterial hydrogel microspheres (BA-HPCS@CGRP) for the controlled delivery of CGRP and conducted systematic evaluation of its therapeutic efficacy. In vitro findings demonstrated that microspheres not only directly enhanced the migration and tube formation capabilities of endothelial cells impaired by high glucose but also further facilitated the restoration of endothelial cell function by promoting the secretion of angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) by macrophages after switching to M2 phenotype by CGRP. The results from diabetic mouse models showed that BA-HPCS@CGRP accelerated diabetic wound healing by modulating macrophage polarization towards to M2 phenotype and reduced inflammation, promoted neurovascular regeneration and restored the local CGRP expression. These findings suggest that sustained releasing of low concentration of CGRP provides novel therapeutic approaches for diabetic wounds via modulating macrophage. Moreover, BA-HPCS@CGRP achieves comprehensive sequential therapy through the synergistic modulation of the "neuro-immune-vascular" axis, which might open new perspective to chronic wounds and regenerative medicine. Show less
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent intermittent hypoxia (IH) and has been increasingly associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality. However, how IH-related biological Show more
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent intermittent hypoxia (IH) and has been increasingly associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality. However, how IH-related biological programs relate to immune remodeling, stemness-associated phenotypes, and therapeutic resistance in lung cancer remains incompletely understood. We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing data from IH-exposed murine lung tissues (GSE301350) with bulk transcriptomic datasets from TCGA-LUAD and GSE31210 to examine hypoxia-associated cellular and transcriptional patterns. Stemness was quantified using CytoTRACE and transcriptome-based stemness scoring, and its associations with immune infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, TIDE scores, predicted drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy response were evaluated. A stemness-based prognostic model was constructed using LASSO Cox regression and validated in independent cohorts. Single-cell analysis revealed marked immune remodeling under intermittent hypoxia (IH), including expansion of effector T cells, and monocytes/macrophages, populations alongside reduced B cells and dendritic cells. In human LUAD cohorts, stemness-high tumors were associated with mitochondrial and metabolic stress-related transcriptional programs, and increased expression of immune checkpoint genes (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA4, LAG3). Elevated stemness scores correlated with higher TIDE scores, poorer overall survival, and reduced predicted responsiveness to immunotherapy. LASSO modeling identified a six-gene stemness signature (EIF5A, MELTF, SEMA3C, CPS1, TCN1, SELENOK), that consistently stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups across TCGA and GSE31210 cohorts. Multivariate Cox regression confirmed the risk score as an independent prognostic factor. Drug sensitivity analyses further suggested that stemness-high tumors may exhibit increased susceptibility to selected kinase inhibitors (Dasatinib, A-770041) and metabolic modulators (Phenformin, Salubrinal). OSA-associated IH is linked to stemness-associated transcriptional plasticity, immune suppression, and adverse clinical outcomes in lung cancer. The identified stemness-based gene signature provides a robust prognostic biomarker and highlights potential therapeutic vulnerabilities, supporting integrative strategies that combine stemness and immune -targeted approaches with immunotherapy in OSA-associated lung cancer. Show less
Atherosclerosis is considered as a major contributor for cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality globally. However, the cross-talk between efferocytosis and inflammation in atheroscle Show more
Atherosclerosis is considered as a major contributor for cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality globally. However, the cross-talk between efferocytosis and inflammation in atherosclerosis remains elusive. ApoE (apolipoprotein E) YY1 and NEDD4L were upregulated, but MerTK was downregulated in the arteries of ApoE Our findings demonstrated that YY1 positively regulated NEDD4L to modulate MerTK-mediated efferocytosis and activate NLRP3-mediated inflammation and pyroptosis, thus exacerbating atherosclerosis. Show less
Pathological ocular neovascularization is closely linked to aberrant histone modifications, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigates the role of the Show more
Pathological ocular neovascularization is closely linked to aberrant histone modifications, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigates the role of the histone demethylase JMJD1C and its encoding gene Jmjd1c in driving pathological angiogenesis and evaluates its therapeutic potential in ocular proliferative vascular diseases. Jmjd1c expression was examined in mouse models of ocular neovascularization and in endothelial cells (ECs) using immunostaining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. The pro-angiogenic functions of JMJD1C were assessed through EdU incorporation, Transwell migration, tube-formation, and spheroid-sprouting assays in vitro, as well as retinal flat-mount isolectin-B4 staining and H&E staining in vivo. RNA sequencing, immunostaining, qPCR, Western blotting, and ChIP-qPCR were employed to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which JMJD1C regulates pathological angiogenesis. Endothelial-specific deletion of Jmjd1c markedly reduced pathological neovascularization in both oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) models. Loss of JMJD1C impaired endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and sprouting angiogenesis. Mechanistically, Jmjd1c deletion suppressed Srebf2 transcription and cholesterol biosynthesis by increasing repressive H3K9me2 histone marks in endothelial cells. Pharmacological inhibition of JMJD1C similarly attenuated neovascularization in wild-type mice. JMJD1C acts as a key regulator of pathological ocular angiogenesis through histone demethylation-mediated control of endothelial cholesterol biosynthesis. These findings establish JMJD1C and the Jmjd1c-Srebf2 regulatory axis as promising therapeutic targets for ocular vascular diseases. Show less
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a severe complication of diabetes, is a key risk factor for diabetic foot (DF) that contributes highly to amputation and mortality. The pathogenesis of DPN remain Show more
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a severe complication of diabetes, is a key risk factor for diabetic foot (DF) that contributes highly to amputation and mortality. The pathogenesis of DPN remains unclear and complex, with no effective treatments currently available. Monoamine oxidase (MAO), a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent enzyme, catalyzes the oxidative deamination of critical biogenic amines. The MAO family comprises two subtypes, MAOA and MAOB, which play distinct roles in pathophysiology. In this study, we identified that MAOB but not MAOA is pathologically upregulated in the sciatic nerve (SN) tissues of DPN patients and in the SN/dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues of DPN model mice. Notably, the selective MAOB inhibitor Khellin (Khe) effectively alleviated DPN-like pathology in mice. To explore the mechanistic role of MAOB in DPN, we performed proteomic profiling of DRG tissues from DPN mice and validated the findings using a MAOB-specific knockdown DPN mice model treated with adeno-associated virus (AAV) 8-MAOB-RNAi. Our results demonstrate that Khe targets MAOB to mitigate DPN pathology through HIF-1α/BACE1/Aβ/NLRP3/tau pathway, mediated by Schwann cell/DRG neuron crosstalk. All findings suggest that selective MAOB inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for DPN, with Khe as a potential candidate for clinical translation against this disease. Show less
Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents is a critical public health concern, yet objective diagnostic biomarkers remain lacking. We conducted an integrative lipidomics study across human cohort Show more
Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents is a critical public health concern, yet objective diagnostic biomarkers remain lacking. We conducted an integrative lipidomics study across human cohorts and a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model. Targeted UPLC-MS/MS profiling was applied to a training cohort (95 MDD, 40 controls), and untargeted UPLC-HRMS profiling to an independent cohort (56 MDD, 37 controls). Candidate biomarkers were identified using univariate tests, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and three feature-selection methods (Boruta, LASSO, RFE), with predictive performance evaluated by cross-validation and external replication. Translational relevance was examined in CUMS rats through behavioral assays and lipidomic profiling of serum and brain tissues. Pathway enrichment and regression models explored metabolic context and clinical associations. In the training cohort, we found that 244 lipids were significantly altered, highlighting altered glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, and sphingolipid metabolism. A 29-lipid panel achieved 90.4% cross-validation accuracy, while a reduced 7-lipid subset reached 94.8%. In the validation cohort, an 8-lipid panel achieved 71.2% accuracy, and a minimal 2-lipid set-LPA(18:2) and SPH(d16:1)-reached 72.1%. Cross-species analysis confirmed consistent downregulation of SPH(d16:1) in serum of both humans and rats, and of LPC(0:0/16:0) specifically in the rat prefrontal cortex. Regression analyses linked sex, age, and anxiety severity to lipid alterations. This cross-platform, cross-species study identifies reproducible lipid signatures of adolescent MDD, highlights SPH(d16:1) and LPC(0:0/16:0) as translational biomarkers, and implicates glycerophospholipid metabolism in MDD pathophysiology, providing a foundation for biomarker-guided diagnostics and therapeutics. Show less