C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD Show more
C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD), and investigate the effect of CTRP4 on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms. CTRP4 levels were examined in serum and epicardial adipose tissue (a major PVAT) from patients with CAD. Atherosclerotic lesions were analysed in CTRP4 CTRP4 levels were lower in serum and epicardial adipose tissue of patients with CAD compared to non-CAD controls. CTRP4 knockout promoted atherosclerosis in ApoE Decreased CTRP4 levels in serum and epicardial adipose tissue are associated with CAD in patients. CTRP4 deficiency promotes the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The phenotypic conversion and death mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle cel Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The phenotypic conversion and death mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are crucial during its development. This study reveals the molecular mechanisms of the C1qbp-DLAT axis and the U2AF2 (U2 Small Nuclear RNA Auxiliary Factor 2)-NEAT1 network in regulating cuproptosis in AS. In this study, an ApoE The study revealed elevated copper ion levels and dysregulated cuproptosis-related genes in an AS model. U2AF2 stabilized C1qbp mRNA, enhancing C1qbp protein expression, which promoted DLAT oligomerization to regulate cuproptosis. LncRNA NEAT1 facilitated this process by scaffolding U2AF2-C1qbp mRNA interaction. Targeted inhibition of U2AF2 significantly improved AS pathological characteristics, reduced lipid deposition, collagen deposition and macrophage infiltration within the plaque, increased smooth muscle cell content and lowered serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This study revealed the role of the U2AF2-C1qbp-copper death regulatory axis in the development of AS, providing new targets and a theoretical basis for the treatment of AS. Targeted inhibition of U2AF2 may become an effective strategy to delay progression of AS. Show less
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by compulsive drinking and withdrawal-related negative affect. Histamine (HA) signaling, particularly via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), may Show more
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by compulsive drinking and withdrawal-related negative affect. Histamine (HA) signaling, particularly via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), may modulate alcohol-related behaviors. We investigated the effects of pitolisant, an FDA-approved H3R antagonist, on ethanol (EtOH)-related behaviors in mice. Adult male C57BL/6J mice underwent acute or chronic (2 or > 8 weeks) intermittent alcohol exposure. Pitolisant pretreatment was administered, and then pharmacological behavior, histologic, and molecular assays were conducted. Pitolisant administration reduced acute EtOH-induced locomotor activation, conditioned place preference, and sedative effects, and also curtailed EtOH intake. It alleviated anxiety and depression-like behavior during 24-h withdrawal (Post-EtOH). Mechanistically, the Post-EtOH condition was featured by complicated brain cFos expression mapping, including elevated cFos, [HA] and [glutamine]/[glutamate] ratio in the lateral habenula (LHb). However, systemic pitolisant treatment significantly increased [norepinephrine]/[normetanephrine] ratio, and restored the diminished phosphorylated CREB and BDNF levels in the LHb. Intra-LHb H2R antagonist cimetidine infusion partly blocked the pitolisant therapeutic effect on alcohol-related behavior. These findings highlight the HAergic system as a critical regulator of alcohol-related behaviors. The LHb HA signaling and norepinephrine neurotransmission might underlie pitolisant's potential novel therapeutic strategy for AUD. 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
Sex differences in the association between vascular factors and cognitive outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the associations of blood pressure metrics (hypertension, systolic blood pres Show more
Sex differences in the association between vascular factors and cognitive outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the associations of blood pressure metrics (hypertension, systolic blood pressure [SBP), pulse pressure, ankle and brachial pressures, and ankle to brachial pressure index [ABI]) with the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. We conducted a population-based longitudinal analysis using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (begun in 1987-1989) in the United States. We analyzed a total of 12,268 participants aged 45-64 years who had validated exposure measurements, cognitive function tests (first administrated 1990-1992), and followed up for incidence of dementia through December 2019. Cognitive function was assessed using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, the Delayed Word Recall Test, and the Word Fluency Test. Dementia cases were identified through a standardized clinical evaluation process, mostly adjudicated by expert reviewers. We performed sex-stratified analyses to examine the associations of blood pressure metrics and APOE ε4 allele with the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Over a median follow-up of 26.4 years, 2698 participants developed dementia. Women aged 55-64 had a significantly higher incidence of dementia than men aged 55-64 (14.8 vs. 11.8 per 1000 person-years; p < These findings highlight notable sex differences in the association between vascular factors and cognitive decline and dementia risk. Women appear more vulnerable to both genetic and vascular risk factors, emphasizing the need for sex-specific approaches in research, prevention, and intervention strategies for cognitive impairment. NIH. Show less
This study investigated longitudinal plasma serotonin dynamics across the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum (cognitively normal [CN], mild cognitive impairment [MCI], and AD) to determine whether bas Show more
This study investigated longitudinal plasma serotonin dynamics across the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum (cognitively normal [CN], mild cognitive impairment [MCI], and AD) to determine whether baseline serotonin and its 24-month change are associated with CSF amyloid-β (Aβ42), tau biomarkers, amyloid PET burden, structural brain integrity, and cognitive decline. Data from 959 ADNI participants (CN = 306, MCI = 421, AD = 232) with baseline and 24-month follow-up were analyzed. Measures included plasma serotonin, CSF biomarkers (Aβ42, total tau, p-tau181), florbetapir PET, MRI (hippocampal volume, cortical thickness), and cognitive tests (MMSE, ADAS-Cog 11, CDR-SB). Group differences were tested using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis, and associations were examined via partial correlations and mixed-effects models adjusted for age, sex, education, and APOE ε4, with FDR correction. The results revealed that baseline plasma serotonin levels showed a stepwise decline across the clinical continuum (CN > MCI > AD; p ≤ 0.05), consistent with progressive serotonergic dysregulation. In AD participants, higher baseline serotonin was significantly associated with less amyloid pathology and preserved brain structure, including higher CSF Aβ42 (β = 0.28, FDR p = 0.01), lower florbetapir PET SUVR (β = -0.31, FDR p = 0.02), and larger hippocampal volume (β = 0.33, FDR p = 0.02). Higher serotonin was also linked to better cognitive performance (MMSE: β = 0.22, FDR p = 0.02; ADAS-Cog 11: β = -0.24, FDR p = 0.02). Longitudinally, decreases in serotonin over 24 months in AD were associated with worsening amyloid burden (ΔPET SUVR: β = -0.29, FDR p = 0.02) and accelerated hippocampal atrophy (β = 0.32, FDR p = 0.01). Baseline serotonin predicted smaller 24-month declines in CSF Aβ42 (β = 0.28, FDR p = 0.01) and reduced hippocampal volume loss (β = 0.31, FDR p = 0.01). In CN and MCI groups, associations between serotonin and AD biomarkers or cognitive outcomes were not significant after FDR correction. On the whole, lower plasma serotonin levels are linked to amyloid pathology, hippocampal neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline in AD, supporting serotonin's potential as a stage-specific biomarker and mechanistic contributor to disease progression. Integrative longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causality and evaluate serotonergic pathways as therapeutic targets. Show less
Current in vitro enzyme inhibition assays often involve subjective data analysis based on the researcher's experience. In this study, we developed a multi-dimensional quantitative integration platform Show more
Current in vitro enzyme inhibition assays often involve subjective data analysis based on the researcher's experience. In this study, we developed a multi-dimensional quantitative integration platform (MDQIP) that uses a model to objectively calculate and rank compound activities, addressing the limitations of traditional "experience-driven" evaluations, accelerates the screening and evaluation of potential AChE inhibitors from Red Gastrodia elata, offering a more efficient approach to drug discovery. Ultrafiltration-LC screening identified parishin A as having the most stable binding, with binding degree and recovery rates of 98.85% and 99.39%, respectively. Molecular docking revealed that parishins A and C were the strongest AChE inhibitors, exhibiting stable binding through hydrogen bonds, π-alkyl, and π-π interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these compounds, with binding energies of -82.65 ± 4.24 and - 80.69 ± 4.19 kcal/mol. Enzyme kinetics showed that parishins A and C are mixed-type inhibitors, with IC Show less
This study aimed to identify blood pressure-associated metabolites and explore their underlying pathways using multiomics data from 1188 Chinese participants. Serum metabolite levels were profiled usi Show more
This study aimed to identify blood pressure-associated metabolites and explore their underlying pathways using multiomics data from 1188 Chinese participants. Serum metabolite levels were profiled using untargeted and widely targeted metabolomic technologies. The associations of metabolites as well as ratios with blood pressure were assessed using generalized linear models (GLM). Targeted metabolomics was used to replicate a subset of metabolites. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed on all metabolites identified. Potential causality was examined using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, with partial validation against GWAS results from an independent cohort. This study identified 10 blood pressure-associated metabolites supported by GLM and MR analyses. Cortisol demonstrated the strongest association with blood pressure, with l-glutamic acid and its ratios identified as key drivers. Multiomics integration revealed that a genetic variant near the omega-3 metabolism genes ( 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
To investigate the potential impact of lipidaemic and clinical factors on the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) following uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RR Show more
To investigate the potential impact of lipidaemic and clinical factors on the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) following uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery in nondiabetic individuals. This was a retrospective, single-center, case-control study of consecutive patients who underwent primary RRD surgery. The study group comprised 145 patients who developed PVR within 3y of follow-up, while the control group comprised 161 patients with RRD who did not develop PVR. Cox regression analysis was utilized to identify independent associations between various risk markers and the occurrence of PVR. The mean age of patients was 52.31y (SD=13.29), and 54.25% ( Apart from macular involvement and smoking, the lipidaemic factors ApoA1 and ApoE are risk factors of PVR after primary RRD surgery. Show less
Although immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) and major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly co-occur, the bidirectional relationship between them remains to be fully elucidated. Using data from the prospect Show more
Although immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) and major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly co-occur, the bidirectional relationship between them remains to be fully elucidated. Using data from the prospective UK Biobank cohort, we evaluated the bidirectional associations by time-varying Cox proportional hazards regression models and assessed shared genetic architecture using genome-wide association study summary statistics. Additionally, we employed collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) mouse models to investigate the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and depression. Over 5,226,841 person-years of follow-up, 23,534 incident MDD cases were identified. The presence of any IMD was associated with higher MDD risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.89-2.01). Conversely, 59,742 incident cases of IMD were documented. MDD was associated with increased IMD risk (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.40-1.54). We observed significant global genetic correlations between IMDs and MDD (r Show less
Clutch length is a key determinant of reproductive efficiency in geese and strongly positively correlates with egg production. We recorded daily egg production in 280 individually housed Zi geese, cal Show more
Clutch length is a key determinant of reproductive efficiency in geese and strongly positively correlates with egg production. We recorded daily egg production in 280 individually housed Zi geese, calculated clutch-related indices, and selected 12 geese to form long-clutch (LC) and short-clutch (SC) groups for ovarian transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses. The results showed that egg number, large clutch length, large clutch number, average clutch length, and average clutch number were significantly higher in LC than in SC groups (P < 0.0001). Transcriptomic analysis identified 885 differentially expressed genes enriched in oocyte development and ovarian steroidogenesis, with APOB, PLA2G4C, MMP2, MMP9, and NOBOX as key genes; proteomic analysis identified 437 differentially abundant proteins enriched in arachidonic acid metabolism and mitophagy, with CXCL12, RARB, and MAD2L1 as key proteins; and metabolomic analysis identified 35 differentially abundant metabolites enriched in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, with lactic acid, guanidinoacetic acid, and 3-hydroxybutyrylcarnitine as key metabolites. Integration of multi-omics datasets highlighted a lactate-associated cross-omics signature supported by YWHAZ at the protein level and by the lactate transporter SLC16A3. Collectively, these findings deepen our understanding of the molecular basis underlying clutch-length variation in goose ovaries and highlight candidate genes, proteins, and metabolites for future functional validation. Show less
Moutan Cortex, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Paeonol (Pae), a key bioactive compound, is responsible for its anti-atherosclerotic effects. Although CD Show more
Moutan Cortex, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Paeonol (Pae), a key bioactive compound, is responsible for its anti-atherosclerotic effects. Although CD8 We investigated whether Pae inhibits atherosclerosis by targeting the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK)/nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1 (NFATc1) pathway, thereby reducing CD8 High-fat diet-fed apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE Pae attenuated plaque formation and T-cell activation in ApoE SYK in CD8 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
Brusatol (BRU), a major bioactive quassinoid isolated from Brucea javanica, has shown potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. As mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in chronic i Show more
Brusatol (BRU), a major bioactive quassinoid isolated from Brucea javanica, has shown potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. As mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in chronic inflammatory disorders, modulation of mitochondrial homeostasis may offer a potential approach for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and atherosclerosis (AS). To develop a novel BRU derivative through rational modification at the C11‑hydroxyl group and to compare the therapeutic effects of BRU and its derivative BRUD in experimental models of RA and AS, with particular focus on mitochondrial regulation and Drp1-associated signaling. This study combined in vivo and in vitro experiments to evaluate the pharmacological effects of BRU and BRUD and investigate the underlying mechanisms. The chemical constituents of BRU and BRUD were confirmed by HPLC and NMR spectroscopy ( In vivo studies demonstrated that both compounds ameliorated joint damage in CIA rats and reduced atherosclerotic lesion burden in ApoE These findings suggest that BRUD exhibits improved activity compared with BRU in RA and AS models, with protective effects associated with modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, supporting its further evaluation as a lead compound. 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
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of global mortality, with hypercholesterolemia serving as a critical driver of atherogenesis. Although current lipid-lowering therapies Show more
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of global mortality, with hypercholesterolemia serving as a critical driver of atherogenesis. Although current lipid-lowering therapies substantially improve circulating lipid profiles, strategies that provide more durable, safe, and efficient control of lipid metabolism are still needed. Epigenome editing offers a promising approach for long-lasting repression of disease-modifying genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Here, we develop CRISPRoff platforms delivered by adeno-associated virus or lipid nanoparticle to epigenetically silence hepatic Hmgcr or Pcsk9 in vivo. In both C57BL/6J wild-type and ApoE Show less
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms rema Show more
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that cerebral FURIN-deficient mice exhibit cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Lipid droplets (LDs) that are preferentially accumulated in astrocytes correlate with an increase of the LD markers PLIN2 and PLIN3, and conversely a decreased level of autophagic proteins including ATG5, BECN1 and MAP1LC3/LC3 as well as LAMP1. Accordingly, silencing of Show less
Conversion of cholesterol into bile acids is a central pathway for cholesterol disposal, which was mainly controlled by cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1). In present study, we aimed to investiga Show more
Conversion of cholesterol into bile acids is a central pathway for cholesterol disposal, which was mainly controlled by cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1). In present study, we aimed to investigate the effect and the potential underlying mechanism of microRNA-96 (miR-96) on atherosclerosis development. The anti-atherosclerosis effects of a miR-96 inhibitor (miR-96i) were evaluated using ApoE KO mice fed a high-fat diet, which was treated with miR-96i for 8 weeks. The regulatory mechanism was revealed and validated by RNA-seq transcriptomics, quantitative PCR and western blotting analyses in hepatic cells. The authors identified that miR-96i significantly decreased serum cholesterol and bile acid levels and attenuated arterial plaque in mice. We further revealed that miR-96 regulated Cyp7a1 via a FOXO1-involved indirect pathway, in which miR-96 directly modulated FOXO1 in a posttranscriptional manner. A coordinated regulatory effect of miR-96 and miR-185 on FOXO1 was also observed. The full spectrum of mechanisms underlying the antiatherosclerotic activity beside miR-96-FOXO1-CYP7A1 axis remains to be elucidated. This study provides convincing evidence for the pivotal role of miR-96 in FOXO1 modulation and CYP7A1-involved cholesterol-bile acid metabolism, suggesting that miR-96 is a novel therapeutic target for the discovery and development of drugs against ACVD. Show less
To investigate the association between quantitative retinal vascular parameters and coronary artery disease (CAD) and to evaluate the efficacy of a retinal phenotype-based diagnostic model as a non-in Show more
To investigate the association between quantitative retinal vascular parameters and coronary artery disease (CAD) and to evaluate the efficacy of a retinal phenotype-based diagnostic model as a non-invasive tool for early CAD screening. A retrospective cross-sectional study. A single-centre study conducted at the Cardiovascular Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, China, between January and October 2024. 417 patients with suspected angina undergoing their first coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years and high-quality fundus photography within 24 hours pre-CAG. Major exclusions were prior coronary interventions, severe systemic/valvular heart diseases and ocular conditions impairing retinal vascular visualisation. The primary outcome was the association between quantitative retinal vascular parameters and the presence of CAD (defined as ≥50% stenosis). Secondary outcomes included the diagnostic performance area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of three predictive models: one based on quantitative retinal vascular parameters alone, one based on traditional risk factors and a combined model integrating both retinal and clinical variables. This study enrolled 417 patients undergoing initial CAG. Compared with non-CAD controls (n=190), patients with CAD (n=227) had higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes, along with elevated levels of fasting blood glucose, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), triglyceride (TG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (all p<0.05). Quantitative fundus analysis revealed that multiple retinal vascular parameters were independently associated with CAD after multivariable adjustment, including fractal dimension (FD), vessel density (VD) and specific zonal measures of vessel diameter and tortuosity (all p<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression incorporating both fundus and clinical variables identified the following independent predictors of CAD: a decrease in FD (OR=0.26, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.41, p<0.01), reduced optic disc long-to-short axis ratio (OR=0.04, 95% CI 0.004 to 0.46, p=0.01) and optic disc-to-macula distance (OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97, p<0.01), male sex, dyslipidaemia and elevated levels of Lp(a), TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and HbA1c (all p<0.05). The final diagnostic model achieved an AUROC of 0.802 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.845), with a sensitivity of 0.797 and a specificity of 0.679 at the optimal cut-off. Internal validation via bootstrap resampling (1000 iterations) confirmed the robustness of the identified predictors. Our findings, derived from an artificial intelligence-based fully automated quantitative retinal vascular parameters measurement method, revealed that multiple quantitative fundus parameters-including FD, VD and other morphological parameters were significantly associated with CAD risk. The CAD diagnostic model we developed demonstrates strong performance and high interpretability, making it suitable for early CAD screening and diagnosis. Show less
Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) involves recurrent pelvic pain (RPP), alongside menstruation and psychological comorbidity, yet existing models inadequately capture its recurrent nature. In this study, we Show more
Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) involves recurrent pelvic pain (RPP), alongside menstruation and psychological comorbidity, yet existing models inadequately capture its recurrent nature. In this study, we established a pharmacologically induced rat model of RPP, using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin over six 4-day cycles. The RPP model produced robust and sustained writhing responses, with writhing latency dropping from 30 to 4 min ( Show less
Mind-body exercises (MBEs), including Tai Chi (TC), Qigong (QG), Yoga (YG), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), show promise in neuropsychiatric rehabilitation by modulating neuroinflammati Show more
Mind-body exercises (MBEs), including Tai Chi (TC), Qigong (QG), Yoga (YG), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), show promise in neuropsychiatric rehabilitation by modulating neuroinflammation. This study systematically examines the effects of MBEs on neuroinflammation-related biomarkers in neuropsychiatric disorders, aiming to identify optimal modalities, dosages, and key moderators. Databases were systematically searched for eligible RCTs from inception until February 2025. Data were analyzed using R packages (" Twenty-nine RCTs involving 2253 participants were included. MBEs significantly reduced IL-6 [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.47] and IL-1β [SMD = -0.90], while increasing BDNF [SMD = 1.08] and IL-10 [SMD = 0.87]. Effects on TNF-α [SMD = -0.33] and CRP [SMD = -0.12] showed a non-significant trend toward benefit. Dosages between 600 and 1000 MET-min/week yielded the most pronounced anti-inflammatory effects. Network meta-analysis ranked TC and MBSR as the most effective for reducing proinflammatory cytokines, while QG showed the greatest benefits for neurotrophic outcomes. Participant characteristics (age, population, clinical conditions) and MBE parameters (duration, frequency, session length) significantly moderated neuroprotective effects. MBEs effectively reduce proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) and enhance anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) and neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in neuropsychiatric disorders. The optimal dosage ranges from 600 to 1000 MET-min/week. Given the impact of participant characteristics and MBE parameters, personalized prescriptions may enhance clinical outcomes and long-term neuroprotective effects. Show less
Families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter significant challenges, manifesting in elevated stress levels and compromised physical and mental well-being. This Show more
Families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter significant challenges, manifesting in elevated stress levels and compromised physical and mental well-being. This study employed Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to comprehensively examine family resilience attributes among 328 Chinese parents of children with ASD. Drawing on Walsh's family resilience framework and the Double ABCX stress-adaptation model, the research examined how protective factors (social support, posttraumatic growth) and risk factors (family stressors) distinctively characterize resilience profiles and predict profile membership, alongside sociodemographic correlates. Through rigorous statistical analysis, the following three distinct family resilience profiles emerged: adversity (32.31%; characterized by low resilience), ordinary (46.65%; demonstrating moderate resilience) and growth (21.03%; exhibiting high resilience). Critically, the findings revealed that higher family income, perceived social support and posttraumatic growth were associated with higher family resilience, while family stressors were associated with lower family resilience. These insights underscore the importance of developing targeted, personalized intervention strategies that can effectively enhance familial coping mechanisms and psychological adaptation for families navigating the complex challenges of ASD. Show less
The Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong Herb Pair (DC) serves as a core pairing in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating blood stasis and blood deficiency syndromes, which are frequently a Show more
The Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong Herb Pair (DC) serves as a core pairing in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating blood stasis and blood deficiency syndromes, which are frequently associated with depressive-like symptoms in clinical practice. The antidepressant potential of this combination aligns with its traditional functions of promoting qi circulation, activating blood flow, and alleviating depression. This study aims to investigate the antidepressant effects of DC and its potential mechanisms through a combination of network pharmacology prediction and in vitro and in vivo experimental validation. Network pharmacology screening identified active components and target molecules in DC, constructing a component-target network and validating binding activity through molecular docking. A CUMS-induced rat model of depression was established, with drug efficacy evaluated via behavioral tests (forced swim, sucrose preference, and open field tests) and blood rheology parameters measured. ELISA assay of neurotransmitter and inflammatory factor levels in serum and hippocampal tissue, Observation of histopathological changes in hippocampal tissue using HE and Nissl staining, Western blot and immunofluorescence assays were performed to detect the expression of proteins in the PI3K/AKT pathway. An in vitro inflammatory model was established by inducing BV-2 cells with LPS. The MTT assay was used to screen for the safe concentration of drug-containing serum and observe cell morphology, the Gries method for detecting NO release, ELISA for detecting inflammatory cytokines, Western blot analysis of PI3K/AKT pathway proteins was performed, and pathway inhibition was validated using LY294002. Through network pharmacology analysis, seven major active components of DC and 197 related functional targets for depression treatment were identified, with the majority enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Behavioral studies and in vivo experiments indicate that DC significantly ameliorates depressive-like behaviors in CUMS rats, reduces blood viscosity, increases hippocampal tissue levels of 5-HT, NE, and DA, decreases IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α content, and mitigates hippocampal neuronal damage. Western blot and immunofluorescence results indicate that DC can activate the PI3K/AKT pathway, upregulating p-AKT and BDNF expression. In vitro experiments further confirmed that the drug-containing serum could suppress LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BV-2 cells, reducing the release of factors such as NO and IL-1β. This effect was reversible upon treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. DC exhibits potent antidepressant effects by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway to enhance neurotransmitter release and reduce inflammatory factor levels. This mechanism protects neurons and alleviates neuroinflammation, thereby exerting antidepressant effects. 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
DNA double-strand break repair has emerged as a vital pathway to repair DNA damage seriously related to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). To explore valid susceptible biomarkers of CRC via investig Show more
DNA double-strand break repair has emerged as a vital pathway to repair DNA damage seriously related to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). To explore valid susceptible biomarkers of CRC via investigating the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in DSBR genes with CRC risk, seven polymorphisms located in 3'-untranslated regions of DSBR genes including RAD51 rs11852786, RAD51B rs963917, BRCA1 rs12516 and rs8176318, BRCA2 rs15869, XRCC4 rs2035990 and XRCC5 rs2440 were detected and analyzed in a CRC case-control study (cases (202) and also controls (202)). The PolymiRTs and miRSNP database were used to predict the microRNAs that can bind to 3'UTR SNPs. Since long non-coding RNA as a miRNA "sponge" played the role of competing endogenous RNA, DAVID database was used to find the lncRNAs that can bind to the candidate miRNA seed sequences. BRCA1 rs12516 minor A allele was found to be linked with a higher risk of CRC than its major G allele (OR = 2.716, 95%CI: 1.394-5.292, P = 0.003). The stratified analyses demonstrated rs12516 AA genotype with a more elevated risk of CRC in male (OR = 3.089, 95% CI:1.315 ~ 7.255) or age > 50 population (OR = 3.318, 95%CI:1.571 ~ 7.006) than its GG genotype. BRCA1 rs12516 A allele created a novel miR-4704-5p binding target, and there was a negative correlation between miR-4704-5p and BRCA1 expression (r =-0.7199, P = 0.0440). Based on the theory of ceRNA network, it was predicted that lncRNA BDNF-AS can competitively bind to miR-4704-5p, whose expression was exhibited to be negatively correlated with BDNF-AS (r=-0.3481, P = 0.0375). On the contrary, BDNF-AS expression showed a positive correlation with BRCA1 mRNA level in colorectal tissue carrying rs12516 of A allele (adjacent tissue: r = 0.7269, P = 0.0411; cancer tissue: r = 0.7134, P = 0.0469). ROC curve showed both BDNF-AS (AUC = 0.651, P = 0.0277) and miR-4704-5p (AUC = 0.7215, P = 0.0012) can distinguish CRC tissues from their adjacent tissues. BRCA1 rs12516 is characterized as a potential biomarker associated with CRC risk, via a possible functional ceRNA network of BDNF-AS, miR-4704-5p and BRCA1. The interaction of a lower expression of BDNF-AS, a higher expression of miR-4704-5p and rs12516 A allele could together increase the risk of colorectal cancer. 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
Recent studies have indicated that stem cells could provide therapeutic benefits in several neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) offer many a Show more
Recent studies have indicated that stem cells could provide therapeutic benefits in several neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) offer many advantages in that they are readily available from individual hosts, are robust, and secrete many factors that promote neuronal growth and homeostasis. We transfected ADSCs with a viral construct for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and examined the effects of transplanting these cells into the hippocampus of 7-mo-old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. After 6 mo, the hippocampus was examined for stem-cell survival, effects on BDNF and neprilysin-2 (NEP-2) levels, dendritic morphology using microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunohistochemistry, and amyloid plaque load. We found that transplanted BDNF-ADSCs had survived after 6 mo. BDNF and NEP-2 levels were higher than sham controls, and dendritic architecture was improved. In addition, amyloid plaque numbers were reduced. BDNF-ADSCs appear to confer benefits by simultaneously enhancing amyloid clearance and promoting neuronal structural repair. This multifaceted approach highlights the potential of engineering stem cells to target multiple pathophysiological hallmarks of AD, positioning BDNF-ADSCs as a powerful and synergistic cell-gene therapy strategy for this devastating disorder. Show less
The polyphenols in grains are highly active, but some polyphenols in highland barley are in a bound form and have extremely low bioavailability. Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is capable o Show more
The polyphenols in grains are highly active, but some polyphenols in highland barley are in a bound form and have extremely low bioavailability. Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is capable of altering the functionality of foods. This research investigated the effects of fermentation with different LAB, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC), Lactobacillus casei (LCA), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LRH), Lactobacillus plantarum (LPL), and Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LBU), on the hypoglycemic activity and mechanism of polyphenols in highland barley. The hypoglycemic activity of the fermentation products was measured by in vitro antioxidant, enzyme activity, and glucose consumption experiments. Untargeted metabolomic analysis used UHPLC-Q Exactive HF-X/MS to reveal distinct metabolic profiles among the fermented groups. Molecular docking and western blot experiments were conducted to elucidate the mechanism underlying the hypoglycemic effect of fermentation products. Polyphenolic antioxidant activity in highland barley and its inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase were increased after LAC fermentation. Furthermore, the fermented extracts improved glucose consumption in HepG2 cells. The content determination and metabolomic analysis showed that fermented highland barley polyphenols were increased, and 113 differential phenolic metabolites were identified and annotated, among which 44 exhibited a significant upregulation compared with raw highland barley polyphenols. At the molecular level, the polyphenol extract upregulated PI3K and phosphorylated Akt expression in HepG2 cells. Overall, the results indicate that fermentation by LAC biotransformed highland barley polyphenols into smaller molecules with improved hypoglycemic activities, thereby enhancing their bioavailability. Show less