Cerebral palsy (CP), the most prevalent pediatric motor disorder with significant cognitive comorbidity (> 50%), lacks therapies addressing both impairments in moderate-to-severe cases. This study dem Show more
Cerebral palsy (CP), the most prevalent pediatric motor disorder with significant cognitive comorbidity (> 50%), lacks therapies addressing both impairments in moderate-to-severe cases. This study demonstrates that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hUCMSC-Exos) exert profound therapeutic effects in a rat model of moderate-to-severe CP established via bilateral carotid artery occlusion with hypoxia. Intravenously administered hUCMSC-Exos displayed sustained brain retention and significantly restored motor coordination and cognitive function. The recovery was primarily mediated through enhanced remyelination driven by promoted oligodendrocyte maturation and differentiation (elevated oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2 and myelin basic protein). Concurrently, the treatment attenuated key pathological processes involving sustained neuroinflammatory responses (reduced ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6) while elevating brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Our findings establish hUCMSC-Exos as a promising dual-modality therapy for moderate-to-severe CP, mechanistically linked to robust remyelination and coordinated modulation of core disease mechanisms. 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
Lecanemab, an anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) protofibril antibody, was introduced in China in 2024, but its real-world performance remains unknown. In this prospective, multicenter study across 21 sites, 261 Show more
Lecanemab, an anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) protofibril antibody, was introduced in China in 2024, but its real-world performance remains unknown. In this prospective, multicenter study across 21 sites, 261 Alzheimer's disease patients (mild cognitive impairment to moderate dementia) received biweekly lecanemab (10 mg/kg). A matched Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort served as comparator. Cognitive tests, plasma biomarkers, and optional amyloid/tau positron emission tomography (PET) were assessed over 6 months. Lecanemab significantly attenuated cognitive decline versus ADNI. Plasma Aβ42, Aβ40, phosphorylated tau 217 (p‑tau217), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ratios showed robust changes; a p‑tau217 reduction correlated with amyloid PET clearance (mean -22.1 Centiloid; 29.2% turned amyloid-negative). Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 non-carriers showed greater improvements. Infusion reactions occurred in 11.1% and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities in 9.2% (1.6% symptomatic), with no stage-related safety differences. Lecanemab was effective and well tolerated in real-world Chinese patients. Plasma p‑tau217 may serve as a sensitive, minimally invasive treatment-response biomarker. Show less
To explore the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms and the risk of premature (age of onset: men ≤ 55 years old, women ≤ 65 years old) myocardial infarction (PMI). This study Show more
To explore the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms and the risk of premature (age of onset: men ≤ 55 years old, women ≤ 65 years old) myocardial infarction (PMI). This study retrospectively collected the medical records (age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, drinking, and serum lipid) of 379 PMI patients and 628 age-matched non-AMI individuals (controls), from December 2018 to March 2024. The relationship between APOE polymorphisms and PMI was analyzed. 15(1.5%) individuals carried ɛ2/ɛ2, 147(14.6%) had ɛ2/ɛ3, 16(1.6%) presented with ɛ2/ɛ4, 670(66.5%) were ɛ3/ɛ3 carriers, 149(14.8%) had ɛ3/ɛ4, and 10 (1.0%) carried ɛ4/ɛ4. The proportion of ɛ2/ɛ3 genotype was significantly lower in the PMI group than in controls (7.7% vs. 18.8%, p < 0.001), whereas the prevalence of ɛ3/ɛ4 genotype was substantially higher in the PMI group (20.6% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified some associated factors: smoking (odds ratio [OR]: 3.057, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.098-4.455, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR: 4.474, 95% CI: 3.273-6.117, p < 0.001), and dyslipidemia (OR: 1.805, 95% CI: 1.333-2.443, p < 0.001). Additionally, genetic factors were associated with PMI: the APOE ɛ3/ɛ4 genotype (vs. ɛ3/ɛ3, OR: 1.548, 95% CI: 1.038-2.309, p = 0.032) and the presence of ɛ4 allele (vs. ɛ3, OR: 1.521, 95% CI: 1.033-2.241, p = 0.034) were confirmed as independent associated factors. APOE ε3/ε4 genotype was significantly associated with PMI, suggesting that this genotype could serve as a potential genetic marker for PMI risk assessment. Show less
This study aimed to assess the childbirth readiness of women in their third trimester of pregnancy and to identify distinct readiness profiles using latent profile analysis (LPA). Additionally, it exp Show more
This study aimed to assess the childbirth readiness of women in their third trimester of pregnancy and to identify distinct readiness profiles using latent profile analysis (LPA). Additionally, it explored the factors influencing childbirth readiness in order to guide targeted interventions for improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among women in their third trimester of pregnancy between May and November 2024. Eligible participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Childbirth Readiness Scale (CRS), the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire (CAQ), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). LPA identified three groups with distinct childbirth readiness levels: "Low Readiness - Childbirth Knowledge Deficit" (37.9%), "Moderate Readiness - Good Lifestyle Habits" (47.9%), and "High Readiness - Rich Health Knowledge" (14.2%). In addition, gestational age, previous childbirth history, adverse pregnancy outcomes, childbirth attitudes, and social support had different influences on women in different latent profiles of childbirth readiness. There was significant heterogeneity in childbirth readiness among women in their third trimester. Women with lower readiness-especially in childbirth knowledge-would greatly benefit from targeted educational programs, whereas those with moderate readiness levels would find enhanced emotional and psychological support most advantageous. These findings support the implementation of profile-based, personalized prenatal care strategies to improve childbirth preparedness and optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. Show less
Older adults increasingly rely on digital health resources, yet evidence regarding the relationship between eHealth literacy (eHL) and 24-hour movement behaviors (24-HMB), including physical activity Show more
Older adults increasingly rely on digital health resources, yet evidence regarding the relationship between eHealth literacy (eHL) and 24-hour movement behaviors (24-HMB), including physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep, remains underexplored. This study examined the associations between eHL and 24-HMB in Chinese older adults and examined self-efficacy as a potential mediator and moderator. Using a convenience sampling approach, 564 community-dwelling older adults (aged 60-74 years) were recruited from four urban Chinese cities via an online survey. A total of 553 valid cases were retained for analyses. eHL was assessed using the eHealth Literacy Scale-Web 3.0, and self-efficacy was assessed using a validated Self-Efficacy Scale. PA and SB were assessed objectively using ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers over three consecutive days (two weekdays and one weekend day). Sleep duration was derived from accelerometer-based estimates anchored by daily sleep logs. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine associations, and mediation and moderation were tested using PROCESS macro (Model 4 and Model 1, respectively), adjusting for age, sex, and education. After adjustment for covariates ( In this cross-sectional, urban, device-using sample of older adults, higher eHL was associated with a more favorable 24-HMB profile, particularly higher LPA and lower SB, while associations with sleep duration were weaker. Self-efficacy showed modest indirect associations consistent with partial mediation for PA and SB and also acted as a moderator of several associations. Given the observational design and modest effect sizes, findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in longitudinal or experimental studies with more representative sampling and improved sleep assessment. 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
Focal articular cartilage defects often progress to osteoarthritis, imposing a substantial global health burden. Current neglect of cartilage developmental regulation and cartilage microenvironment co Show more
Focal articular cartilage defects often progress to osteoarthritis, imposing a substantial global health burden. Current neglect of cartilage developmental regulation and cartilage microenvironment compromises therapeutic efficacy. We developed an innovation CE-SKP/CPH/P2G3 scaffold which effectively repairs focal cartilage defects and emulates native cartilage ontogeny: the superficial CE-SKP hydrogel layer recruits SMSCs and promotes chondrogenesis; the middle CPH hydrogel layer induces chondrocyte hypertrophic calcification, forming cartilage calcified layer; and the basal P2G3 nanofiber membrane isolates subchondral cells, enforcing a top-down developmental sequence and preserving a localized hypoxic niche. Show less
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by the deposition of lipids within the arterial wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, culminating in the development of atheroscle Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by the deposition of lipids within the arterial wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, culminating in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Ubiquitin-specific protease 18, USP18, a specific deubiquitinating enzyme, has been demonstrated to exert protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Pathological studies were performed utilizing human coronary arteries obtained from the Forensic Medical Examination Center of Guizhou Medical University, in conjunction with the aorta from experimental ApoE knockout mice. The ApoE knockout mice underwent intervention with adenovirus carrying USP18-RNAi and a control adenovirus containing hU6-MCS-CMV-EGFP, after which pathological analyses were conducted. In vitro, THP-1 cells, induced with phorbol ester, were subjected to treatment with si-USP18 or si-NC, followed by exposure to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. The expression levels of USP18 and proteins associated with the TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the interaction between USP18 and TAK1, were assessed using Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence techniques.The interaction between USP18 and TAK1 was confirmed using molecular docking techniques, co-immunoprecipitation assays, and immunofluorescence analysis. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of USP18 on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanism. The expression of USP18 is elevated in early-stage human coronary atherosclerotic plaques but decreases in advanced lesions. Treatment of macrophages derived from THP-1 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in reduced USP18 expression. In ApoE USP18 modulates TAK1 to suppress the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophages, consequently exerting an anti-atherosclerotic effect and offering a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis treatment. Show less
Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) has been implicated in cell death, glucose homeostasis, and tumor progression, yet its role in atherosclerosis (AS) remains unclear. In this Show more
Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) has been implicated in cell death, glucose homeostasis, and tumor progression, yet its role in atherosclerosis (AS) remains unclear. In this study, SNHG5 expression was markedly elevated in aortic tissues of high-fat diet-fed apoE Show less
Haojie Ni, Yiyi Xiong, Min Liu+14 more · 2026 · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
The pathological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complex. The binding of Aβ to α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) contributes to neuronal damage. Sinomenine (SIN) is an alkaloid ex Show more
The pathological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complex. The binding of Aβ to α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) contributes to neuronal damage. Sinomenine (SIN) is an alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Qingfengteng (Sinomenium acutum). The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of SIN were confirmed to be closely associated with the α7nAChR. This study aimed to investigate whether α7nAChR serves as a pharmacological target of SIN against AD, and to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of SIN both in vivo and in vitro, focusing on the α7nAChR/Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. In this study, the effects of SIN in both APP/PS1 transgenic mice and SH-SY5Y cells subjected to Aβ1-42-induced injury were assessed. The selective antagonist α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX), the agonist nicotine (Nic) of α7nAChR, and α7nAChR siRNA were employed. The cognitive function, Aβ deposition, synaptic plasticity markers, the tau protein phosphorylation, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress and the α7nAChR/Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway were analyzed in vivo and/or in vitro. SIN significantly enhanced learning and memory abilities in APP/PS1 mice, reduced Aβ plaque deposition and synaptic dysfunction, and inhibited hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and oxidative stress in the brain. In Aβ1-42-induced neuronal injury model, SIN alleviated apoptosis, increased BDNF and ACh levels, inhibited mitochondrial damage, stabilized calcium homeostasis, and suppressed oxidative stress. Meanwhile, SIN disrupted Nrf2-Keap1 binding to promote the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Nevertheless, SIN effects above were inhibited by α-BTX. The knockdown of α7nAChR in vitro significantly promoted Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and BDNF expression. SIN exerts neuroprotective effect in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and Aβ1-42-induced neuronal injury by inhibiting oxidative stress via α7nAChR/Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. This study provides evidence for α7nAChR as a new target and the clinical application potential of SIN in AD treatment. Show less
Chronic pain (CP) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are highly disabling global diseases, and their high comorbidity creates a bidirectional vicious cycle, significantly exacerbating functional impa Show more
Chronic pain (CP) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are highly disabling global diseases, and their high comorbidity creates a bidirectional vicious cycle, significantly exacerbating functional impairment and treatment resistance. Multidisciplinary evidence suggests that the comorbid nature arises from deep functional coupling and neural network remodeling between the sensory-pain and emotional systems, rather than merely a symptom overlap. Neuroimaging, animal models, and neuromodulation studies demonstrate that key brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, hippocampus, insula, and reward system, show consistent abnormalities in the comorbid state, creating a cross-brain network that jointly regulates pain, emotion, and cognition. This paper systematically reviews the central structures, neural circuits, and neurotransmitter regulatory mechanisms of CP-MDD comorbidity and proposes an integrated emotion-perception coupling network model. We highlight the mechanisms and translational potential of multi-pathway intervention strategies, with a focus on neuromodulation techniques (rTMS, tDCS), combined with ketamine, BDNF modulators, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, it is emphasized that future research must integrate multimodal imaging, multi-omics data, and computational modeling to establish a mechanism-driven personalized stratification system. With the support of high spatiotemporal resolution brain connectomics technology, this will facilitate the transition from a 'symptom control' to a 'mechanism repair' paradigm in treating comorbidities. Show less
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s), formed through guanine self-recognition into stacked tetrads, serve as critical regulators of gene expression, yet their comprehensive mapping and dynamic regulation in phys Show more
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s), formed through guanine self-recognition into stacked tetrads, serve as critical regulators of gene expression, yet their comprehensive mapping and dynamic regulation in physiological contexts remain technically challenging. Here, we develop Ultra-low-input rG4-seq (ULI-rG4-seq), enabling precise rG4 detection enabling precise rG4 detection with ∼140 bp resolution in samples as small as 100 oocytes, and reveal notable enrichment of rG4s near crucial regulatory regions, particularly transcription start sites and end sites. This technological advance, combined with Trim-away or oocyte-specific knockout of DHX36 (also known as G4R1 or RHAU), an rG4-specific helicase, reveals acute and chronic loss of DHX36 leads to opposing effects on rG4 levels. This observation extends beyond the traditional view of helicases as unwinding enzymes and suggests sophisticated cellular mechanisms maintaining RNA structural homeostasis. Through integrated analysis of rG4 landscapes and DHX36-binding profiles, we demonstrate coordination between cytoplasmic rG4 regulation and nuclear gene expression, revealing how RNA structure dynamics orchestrate RNA stability and translation, thereby influencing transcriptional elongation, genome stability, and alternative splicing. Finally, we show that deletion of DHX36 resulted in decreased oocyte quality, premature ovarian failure and complete female infertility due to transcriptional defects and genome instability related to R-loop accumulation. These technological and conceptual advances not only deepen our understanding of RNA-based regulation but also open new therapeutic possibilities for diseases involving RNA structure. Show less
The protein corona formed upon systemic administration critically modulates the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of the nanomedicines. While emerging evidence links obesity Show more
The protein corona formed upon systemic administration critically modulates the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of the nanomedicines. While emerging evidence links obesity to heightened chemosensitivity, the underlying nanobio-interfacial mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) exhibits significantly enhanced antitumor and antimetastatic efficacy in obese breast tumor-bearing mice compared to normal controls. Mechanistic investigations reveal that obesity confers PLD with prolonged systemic circulation and improved tumor accumulation. Notably, preincubation of PLD with plasma from obese mice reduces macrophage uptake while promoting internalization by breast cancer cells compared to that from normal mice. Genetic ablation of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in obese mice abolishes obesity-associated improvements in PLD blood circulation, tumor accumulation, and uptake by cancer cells. Conversely, supplementation with recombinant ApoE restores these effects in ApoE-deficient mice and potentiates PLD's antitumor efficacy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate obesity-induced ApoE as a pivotal regulator of the protein corona that actively enhances tumor-targeted delivery of PLD, which offers a rational strategy for engineering protein-corona-mediated tumor-targeted nanomedicines. Show less
Compound Nujia honey paste (Nujia), a classic formulation from Traditional Uyghur Medicine, has been historically used for depression treatment and is listed in the Catalog of Ancient Classical Famous Show more
Compound Nujia honey paste (Nujia), a classic formulation from Traditional Uyghur Medicine, has been historically used for depression treatment and is listed in the Catalog of Ancient Classical Famous Formulas issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Medical Products Administration. Clarifying its pharmacodynamic material basis is essential for understanding its efficacy, yet this remains incompletely characterized. This study aimed to systematically elucidate Nujia's antidepressant efficacy and mechanisms by combining chemical analysis, computational prediction, and experimental validation in a CUMS rat model, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding its action. This study employed LC/MS to analyze the chemical constituents and blood-absorbed compounds of Nujia. This was combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking to predict and verify its potential antidepressant targets and signaling pathways. Using behavioral tests, ELISA, histopathology, Western blot, and qRT-PCR in a CUMS rat model, the research thoroughly evaluated Nujia's therapeutic effects and mechanisms, fostering trust in the findings. In this study, LC/MS analysis identified 124 chemical constituents from Nujia, and further analysis determined 26 blood-absorbed compounds (including 10 prototype compounds). Network pharmacology analysis revealed that its potential antidepressant effects are closely associated with core targets such as AKT1 and TNF, a prediction subsequently verified by molecular docking results. In the CUMS-induced rat model of depression, intervention with Nujia significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviors in the animals and alleviated neuropathological damage in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Nujia upregulated the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters (5-HT, DA, NE) and neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF) in serum, while downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18). Further molecular experiments confirmed that Nujia likely mitigates neuroinflammation by inhibiting the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway, and inhibits neuronal apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream anti-apoptotic proteins. Furthermore, Nujia significantly upregulated the expression of key synaptic plasticity proteins (SYP, GAP43, and PSD95) in hippocampal tissue, thereby enhancing synaptic structure and function. These findings underscore the complex, multi-target mechanisms underlying Nujia's antidepressant effects, encouraging further exploration of its therapeutic potential. This study systematically elucidates that Nujia achieves its antidepressant therapeutic effects by mediating multi-pathway synergistic actions, including but not limited to the TNF-α/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, to ameliorate neuroinflammation, attenuate apoptosis, and enhance synaptic plasticity. Show less
One important element impacting meat quality is fat metabolism, which mainly affects meat features through intramuscular fat deposition. Chinese native yellow-feathered broilers and white-feathered br Show more
One important element impacting meat quality is fat metabolism, which mainly affects meat features through intramuscular fat deposition. Chinese native yellow-feathered broilers and white-feathered broilers differ significantly in intramuscular fat concentration. This study used transcriptomic and metabolomic sequencing technologies to identify a total of 173 differentially expressed genes and 259 differential metabolites in the pectoral muscles of Chahua Chicken No. 2 and Cobb broiler in order to explore the genetic mechanisms by which lipid metabolism influences meat quality in Chinese indigenous yellow-feathered and white-feathered broilers. These included differentially expressed genes like FABP1, LPL, ELOVL7, SLC27A1, MOGAT1, and ULK2, which were enriched in pathways relevant to lipid metabolism and showed strong associations with γ-linolenic acid and palmitaldehyde, two distinct metabolites. In order to develop local chicken germplasm resources and breed superior indigenous chicken varieties, these candidate genes could serve as the genetic foundation for the variations in meat quality and lipid metabolism between Chinese native yellow-feathered and white-feathered broilers. Show less
Aberrant microglial activation and impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis play critical roles in the pathogenesis of depression. Although electroacupuncture (EA) has demonstrated clinical antidepress Show more
Aberrant microglial activation and impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis play critical roles in the pathogenesis of depression. Although electroacupuncture (EA) has demonstrated clinical antidepressant efficacy, the underlying mechanisms by which it modulates microglial activity and promotes neurogenesis remain unclear. Male C57BL/6 J mice were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for three weeks. Following this period, the mice were divided into groups receiving either EA at the Yintang (GV29) and Baihui (GV20) acupoints, imipramine (IMI) as a positive control, or no treatment (vehicle control) for an additional 3 weeks. To evaluate depressive-like behaviors, we conducted the sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test. Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using the open field test and elevated plus maze. We employed immunofluorescence, Golgi staining, Western blotting, and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) to elucidate the effects of EA on microglia-driven hippocampal neurogenesis and BDNF signaling. Notably, loss-of-function experiments utilizing PLX5622 for microglial ablation and ANA-12 for TrkB blockade demonstrated the necessity of both microglia and BDNF signaling for the therapeutic efficacy of EA. EA treatment significantly alleviated CUMS-induced anxiodepressive behaviors. This behavioral recovery was associated with a phenotypic shift in microglia towards a pro-neurogenic state in the hippocampus. Importantly, microglia were essential for the therapeutic effects of EA, as evidenced by their ablation with PLX5622. Furthermore, EA enhanced neurogenesis by orchestrating a multi-step augmentation of BDNF signaling, which involved PKA activation, subsequent release from MeCP2-mediated transcriptional repression, and ultimately increased maturation of BDNF. Our findings demonstrate that EA exerts antidepressant effects by promoting a pro-neurogenic transformation of microglia. Mechanistically, these microglia enhance BDNF function via the PKA/MeCP2/BDNF pathway, thereby facilitating hippocampal neurogenesis and restoring synaptic plasticity, which collectively alleviate depressive symptoms. Show less
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a significant role in chronic pain, but its potential involvement in chronic itch remains largely unexplored and poorly understood. In the current study, we inv Show more
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a significant role in chronic pain, but its potential involvement in chronic itch remains largely unexplored and poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated whether ER stress signaling in keratinocytes contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic itch. Our behavioral tests showed that the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA attenuated itch-related behaviors in both acute and chronic itching mouse models, and reduced compound 48/80 and serotonin-induced activity of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. qPCR and western blotting revealed that the ER stress-related proteins and Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) were significantly elevated in the affected skin under chronic itch conditions and in cultured keratinocyte HaCaT cells and mice skin keratinocytes. The ELISA test showed that the level of LCN2 increased significantly in plasma but not in DRG tissue, from both acetone-ether-water (AEW) induced dry skin and imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriasis model mice. Current clamp recording demonstrated that LCN2 induced hyperexcitability in dorsal root ganglia neurons, which could be abolished by HS024, the inhibitor of melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R). In addition, pharmacological inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) or TRPV1 knockout blocked LCN2-induced hyperexcitability in DRG neurons. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that keratinocyte ER stress is involved in chronic itch genesis by releasing LCN2, which sensitized primary sensory neurons via TRPV1. These findings suggested that inhibition of ER stress in keratinocytes could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating chronic itch. Show less
Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a life-threatening vascular disease with high fatality upon rupture. While physical activity (PA) reduces cardiovascular risk, its role in AA prevention remains uncertain, part Show more
Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a life-threatening vascular disease with high fatality upon rupture. While physical activity (PA) reduces cardiovascular risk, its role in AA prevention remains uncertain, particularly when assessed objectively. We analyzed 93,165 UK Biobank participants (56% women; median age 57 years) with valid 7-day wrist-worn accelerometer data. PA was categorized as light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA), and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA). Diagnosed AA was ascertained through linked hospital, death, and primary care records. Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for AA across quartiles and per-standard deviation (SD) increments, with adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and cardiometabolic factors. Over a median 7.9-year follow-up, 499 clinically recorded AA cases occurred. Higher accelerometer-measured PA was inversely associated with AA risk. Per-SD increments in total PA, MPA, VPA, and MVPA corresponded to 17%, 22%, 19%, and 23% lower risks, respectively. Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest MVPA quartile had a 44% lower AA risk (HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.76). Subtype analyses revealed stronger protective effects for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) than thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), while LPA was not significantly associated. These findings demonstrate that higher levels of accelerometer-measured MVPA are robustly associated with a decreased risk of clinically detected AA in a dose-dependent manner. The associations were particularly pronounced for AAA. This study provides objective evidence supporting the potential benefits of MVPA for aortic health. Show less
High-density lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a well-established independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). However, the interaction between Lp(a), low-density lipoprotein c Show more
High-density lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a well-established independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). However, the interaction between Lp(a), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and polygenic risk score (PRS) in cardiovascular diseases has been the subject of relatively limited research. The present study included a total of 346,751 participants from the UK Biobank. According to the guideline of Lp(a), the study subjects were divided into 3 groups: the first group was <75 mmol/L (n = 272,643), the second group was 75 to 125 mmol/L (n = 35,792), and the third group was >125 mmol/L (n = 38,316). Elevated Lp(a) levels were associated with a progressively increased risk of overall cardiovascular events (CVEs), including ischemic stroke (IS), coronary heart disease (CHD), angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction (MI). In contrast, the risks of atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) decreased with higher Lp(a) levels. Additive interaction analyses revealed significant synergistic effects between Lp(a) and LDL-C for CHD (relative excess risk interaction [RERI] = 0.081, attributable proportion of interaction [AP] = 0.046, synergy index [SI] = 1.117), angina pectoris (RERI = 0.112, AP = 0.055, SI = 1.121), and MI (RERI = 0.183, AP = 0.079, SI = 1.161), with MI showing the strongest synergy. Incorporating PRS further amplified these effects, and the RERI (CHD: RERI = 0.721; angina pectoris: RERI = 0.781; MI: RERI = 1.318) and SI (CHD: SI = 2.218; angina pectoris: SI = 1.97; MI: SI = 2.326) were significantly higher than those of the interaction model containing only Lp(a) and LDL-C. In conclusion, Lp(a) and LDL-C show a significant synergistic effect in ASCVD, and this effect is more prominent in individuals with a higher PRS, suggesting that dual lipid management should be strengthened for such populations. While AF and HF may require alternative risk factor management. Show less
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed de Show more
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 signaling induce tumor regression in some patients with NSCLC, but most patients with NSCLC exhibit resistance to ICIs therapy. NSCLC shapes the potent tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) that underlies tumor immune tolerance and acquired resistance. Therefore, elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which NSCLC establishes and sustains the TIME is essential for developing novel strategies to overcome immune resistance and enhance the clinical benefit of ICIs. The correlation between sterile alpha motif domain and histidine-aspartate domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) expression and ICIs was analyzed via immunohistochemistry. Cell migration assay was performed to assess the effect of SAMHD1 on macrophage recruitment. Multicolor flow cytometry was performed to analyze the effect of SAMHD1 knockdown on the tumor microenvironment. SAMHD1 regulation of the dual specificity phosphatase 6-extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (DUSP6-ERK1/2) pathway was verified by RNA sequencing and western blotting. Here, we identify the SAMHD1 as a potential therapeutic target and a major determinant of poor response to ICIs in patients with NSCLC. Tumors with high SAMHD1 expression show resistance to anti-PD-1 antibody (αPD-1) treatment, whereas tumors with low SAMHD1 expression are highly sensitive. SAMHD1-dependent resistance to αPD-1 is characterized by increased tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration and reduced CD8+T cell numbers. Mechanistically, SAMHD1 regulates the expression of macrophage-associated chemokines by influencing the activation of the DUSP6-ERK1/2 pathway, which contributes to TAMs aggregation within NSCLC tumors to shape an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The HIV accessory protein viral protein-x (VPX) specifically degrades SAMHD1 to promote HIV replication. Similarly, the vpx-engineered oncolytic adenovirus (oAd-vpx) targets SAMDH1 degradation to enhance oncolytic adenovirus replication and weaken the hostile immune microenvironment shaped by TAMs, thereby triggering a CD8+T-cell-dependent antitumor immune response. The combination of oAd-vpx and αPD-1 inhibits tumor growth and enhances sensitivity to ICIs in both mouse and human NSCLC. This research identifies a key mechanism of SAMHD1-driven immunosuppression and highlights its important role in oncolytic adenovirus therapy. This study provides a theoretical basis for targeting SAMHD1 as a drug therapy strategy in patients with NSCLC. Show less
This study aims to examine the health characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) in entertainment venues and to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and sleep quality. This stu Show more
This study aims to examine the health characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) in entertainment venues and to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and sleep quality. This study employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted from January to April 2024 in Wuhan, China. Participants were FSWs recruited through snowball sampling from entertainment venues, including hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, karaoke bars and dance halls. Data were collected via structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, work experience, psychological stress, health status, sleep quality and circadian rhythms. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify health characteristic profiles among FSWs, and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between these profiles and sleep quality. Among the 1,036 FSWs surveyed, 45.1% had poor sleep quality. LPA classified FSWs’ health characteristics into three profiles: the high overall functioning group, the lower physical–emotional functioning group and the lower psychosocial functioning group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FSWs in the lower physical–emotional functioning group had higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 2.184) compared with those in the high overall functioning group. FSWs in the lower psychosocial functioning group had substantially higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 7.755) than that in the high overall functioning group. FSWs demonstrate substantial heterogeneity in health characteristics and exhibit lower overall sleep quality compared with the general population. Psychological and physiological factors are major influencing factors for their sleep quality, suggesting the importance of prioritising mental and physical health in this population. Show less
As sports socializing is becoming a dominant lifestyle that integrates physical health with social interaction in China, understanding the underlying drivers of participation is crucial. However, trad Show more
As sports socializing is becoming a dominant lifestyle that integrates physical health with social interaction in China, understanding the underlying drivers of participation is crucial. However, traditional research predominantly relies on a “variable-centered” paradigm, which assumes population homogeneity and focuses on linear relationships between single motives and behaviors. This approach often fails to capture the complexity of how multiple motivations are configured within individuals (heterogeneity), and how these internal configurations are associated with external behavioral choices. To address this gap, this study employed a novel hybrid methodological framework combining Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) and Random Forest (RF) modeling. Based on data from 1,104 adults, LPA was first used to identify distinct motivational subgroups. Subsequently, RF algorithms, utilizing feature importance ranking and “One-vs-Rest” strategies, were applied to identify the associative patterns between these motivational profiles and key behavioral indicators, including sports types, media usage, and economic investment. The analysis identified four distinct motivational profiles: (1) Psychologically Introverted (3.6%), prioritizing internal psychological rewards over social status; (2) Physiologically Oriented (44.1%), the largest group, driven primarily by physical health needs; (3) Balanced (39.0%), exhibiting moderate levels across all motivational dimensions; and (4) High-Motivation/Comprehensively Oriented (13.3%), showing high intensity in both internal and external rewards. The RF model achieved a training accuracy of 99.9% and identified that Sports Type (specifically large-ball games), Media Channels (particularly Douyin/Rednote), and Annual Spending were the top three salient behavioral markers distinguishing these profiles. Notably, the High-Motivation group was characterized by heavy reliance on visual social media for social display. Participation in sports socializing among Chinese residents is not characterized by a singular, homogeneous motivation but features a clear internal stratification structure. The specific pattern of motivational combinations (i.e., the type) systematically maps onto external behavioral choices, where the sociocultural attributes of the sport and the media characteristics of digital social platforms constitute the key predictive markers of behavioral differentiation. The establishment of this “Motivation Type—Behavioral Signal” integrated framework promotes a theoretical shift in the sports socializing research paradigm from “homogeneity” to “heterogeneity” and deepens the understanding of the complex manifestations of Self-Determination Theory and Social Capital Theory in a sports context. It also provides precise user profiles and behavioral insights for sports social platforms, commercial clubs, and public sports service departments. Exploring service customization and policy adjustments based on different motivation-behavior patterns could potentially enhance user engagement and satisfaction, suggesting a possible direction for the development of the sports socializing industry. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-026-26780-z. Show less
The trend of global population aging is closely associated with a rising incidence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including stroke, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and depression. These co Show more
The trend of global population aging is closely associated with a rising incidence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including stroke, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and depression. These conditions, characterized by progressive neuronal loss, currently pose a significant challenge due to the lack of curative therapies. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serves as a critical regulator of synaptic plasticity, a fundamental mechanism believed to underpin essential cognitive and motor functions such as learning, memory formation, and recovery. Decreased BDNF and deficits in BDNF signaling leads to the pathogenesis of NDs. Numerous studies support the therapeutic potential of acupuncture in managing NDs. Its beneficial effects are largely attributed to the ability to elevate BDNF expression and potentiate associated neurotrophic signaling. Beyond direct BDNF modulation, acupuncture exerts regulatory effects on specific micro-RNAs (miRNAs). This includes miRNAs that directly target BDNF transcripts for posttranscriptional control, as well as others that independently influence molecules critical for maintaining synaptic plasticity. The binding of acupuncture-elevated BDNF to its high-affinity receptor, Tropomyosin-related kinase B (Trk-B), initiates the activation of key downstream signaling cascades, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase (MAPK/ERK) and phospholipase C-γ (PLCγ) pathways which are involved in synaptic plasticity, survival, proliferation and differentiation of neurons. In this review, we present the effects of acupuncture on BDNF, miRNAs and the downstream signal transduction pathways of BDNF in NDs and the review may partly elucidate the biological molecular mechanisms of acupuncture in the therapy of NDs. Show less
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating condition characterized by rapid onset, high rates of disability and mortality, and prolonged recovery. Dysregulated γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor Show more
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating condition characterized by rapid onset, high rates of disability and mortality, and prolonged recovery. Dysregulated γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) signaling contributes to ICH-induced neurotoxicity, presenting a promising therapeutic target. To assess the neurorestorative effects of the GABAAR α1-selective partial positive allosteric modulator (PAM) CL218872 and the α5-selective negative allosteric modulator (NAM) MRK-016 on synaptic plasticity and neural repair following ICH. An ICH mouse model was constructed using collagenase IV, and ICH mice were administered the GABAAR modulators CL218872 or MRK-016. Differences in inflammation and neurological deficit score were compared between different groups of mice. Morphologic and functional changes in mouse neuronal cells were next determined by Nissl and Golgi-Cox staining. Synaptic structural changes in ICH mice were visualized by transmission electron microscopy, and changes in synaptic plasticity-related molecules were quantified to assess the effects of GABAAR modulators on synapses in ICH mice. Treatment with CL218872 resulted in a reduction in hemorrhage and improved neurobehavioral outcomes in ICH mice. Additionally, CL218872 mitigated inflammation by downregulating phospho-p65, IL-6 and TNF-α expression. Histological analysis revealed an increase in neuronal density, preservation of cell morphology, and enhanced synaptic connectivity following CL218872 treatment. Furthermore, synaptic structure was restored, and there was an upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and synaptophysin in ICH mice. However, treatment with MRK-016 yielded the opposite result. The GABAAR α1-selective PAM CL218872 exerts neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects in ICH, suggesting its therapeutic potential for ICH management. Show less
Phytate (phytic acid, or InsP6), the primary phosphorus storage compound in plants, plays essential roles in nutrient homeostasis and cellular signaling. However, its strong metal-chelating properties Show more
Phytate (phytic acid, or InsP6), the primary phosphorus storage compound in plants, plays essential roles in nutrient homeostasis and cellular signaling. However, its strong metal-chelating properties make cytosolic accumulation cytotoxic, necessitating its sequestration into vacuoles for safe storage. Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of the rice vacuolar phytate transporter, OsMRP5, captured in distinct functional states. These structures reveal the molecular basis of OsMRP5 function as an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. OsMRP5 employs a specialized substrate-recognition mechanism, uniquely adapted to bind the fully hydrophilic InsP6 through extensive electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions within two distinct, highly polar binding sites in its central cavity. A distinctive electropositive tunnel, positioned above the central cavity, forms a continuous pathway connecting the InsP6-binding pocket to the vacuolar export site. This tunnel likely generates an electrostatic attraction that facilitates the movement of the highly anionic InsP6 through the transporter. By mapping mutations from low-phytic acid (lpa) crop variants onto the OsMRP5 structures, we pinpoint their conserved locations critical for transporter function and validate their impact experimentally. These results reveal how OsMRP5 recognizes and transports the highly charged InsP6 molecules into vacuoles, providing a molecular framework for targeted manipulation of this agriculturally important transporter. Show less
This study aims to elucidate the pharmacological basis and antidepressant mechanisms of a combined extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. And Gastrodia elata Bl. (Eucommia-Gastrodia extract), employing Show more
This study aims to elucidate the pharmacological basis and antidepressant mechanisms of a combined extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. And Gastrodia elata Bl. (Eucommia-Gastrodia extract), employing an integrated strategy that combines UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo validation. This research integrated computational approaches network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vivo experimental investigations. Initially, the active constituents of the EGE were identified through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). Potential targets related to depression were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) and SwissADME. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed via the STRING database, followed by the development of a comprehensive "drug-active ingredient-target-disease" network. Functional annotation through Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were conducted on the intersecting targets using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Molecular docking studies were erformed employing AutoDock software to validate the interactions. Finally, the antidepressant-like behavioral effects were evaluated in treated and non-treated corticosterone-induced mouse models using sucrose preference tests, forced swimming tests, open field tests, and tail suspension tests. The morphological impacts and molecular basis of disease on the hippocampal neurons were assessed using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (HE) staining, Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis to substantiate the identified through network pharmacology. Network pharmacology analysis revealed a complex interplay between identified active ingredients of Eucommia-Gastrodia extract and depression targets. From an initial pool of 131 active components, 34 identified as interacting with 233 shared depression related molecular targets. These targets were involved in 390 biological processes (BP), 60 cellular compounds (CC), 134 molecular functions (MF), and 148 KEGG-enriched signaling pathways. Molecular docking studies highlighted 20 principal compounds that bind to key targets such as AKT1, SRC, HIF-1, CREB, BDNF, and EPO. The Eucommia-Gastrodia extract alleviated depression like behaviors in a cortisol-induced mouse model, as indicated by increased sucrose preference and mobility time, etc. Additionally, the extract restored the levels of neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA), alleviated hippocampal neuronal damage, and increased the positive expression of EPO and BDNF in the hippocampus. Furthermore, treatment with the extract significantly upregulated the protein expression of HIF-1, EPO, EPOR, CREB, p-CREB, BDNF and p-TrkB, which were otherwise downregulated in cortisol-induced depressive mice. The results indicate that the Eucommia-Gastrodia extract containing bioactive compounds such as oxysophocarpine, aucubin, pinoresinol, leonurine, syringaresinol, formononetin, icaritin, casticin, and 6-gingerol mitigates cortisol-induced neurodegeneration and depressive-like behaviors. This effect is mediated through modulation of the of HIF-1α-EPO/cAMP-CREB-BDNF signaling pathways. Show less