Flourishing is a key positive psychological construct that has been linked to favorable health-related outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in prior research. However, current research Show more
Flourishing is a key positive psychological construct that has been linked to favorable health-related outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in prior research. However, current research often overlooks the variations in flourishing levels within this population, as well as the mechanisms through which flourishing interacts with disease progression. This study aimed to identify latent categories of flourishing among patients with inflammatory bowel disease and to analyze the potential influencing factors. This study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive exploratory design involving 316 patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Data collection was carried out using a general information questionnaire, the Flourishing Scale (FS), the IBD Self-Efficacy Scale (IBD-SES), the Resilience Scale for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (RS-IBD), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was utilized to identify potential subgroups exhibiting flourishing, while multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influencing factors. The flourishing of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease was classified into three latent groups: the low flourishing-low support beneficiary group ( Patients with inflammatory bowel disease demonstrate three distinct latent categories of flourishing. Healthcare professionals should implement more accurate and targeted intervention measures based on the characteristics and influencing factors of different potential categories, in order to improve the flourishing levels of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Show less
Lewy body dementia (LBD), encompassing dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia, is neuropathologically defined by neuronal accumulation of α-synuclein encoded by the SNCA gene. Gene Show more
Lewy body dementia (LBD), encompassing dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia, is neuropathologically defined by neuronal accumulation of α-synuclein encoded by the SNCA gene. Genetic risk factors strongly influence LBD susceptibility, including SNCA multiplication, particularly triplication, and the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE4), the strongest common genetic risk factor for LBD. While SNCA is predominantly expressed in neurons and APOE primarily in glial cells, how these genetic factors converge to impact neuronal vulnerability and regional pathology in the human brain remains poorly understood. Here, we applied spatial transcriptomics to postmortem temporal cortex tissue from LBD cases with SNCA triplication or different APOE genotypes, alongside age- and sex-matched controls, to map gene expression within intact cortical architecture. We identified layer 5 of the gray matter as a particularly vulnerable region, characterized by elevated SNCA expression, pronounced synaptic and metabolic dysregulation, and exacerbation of these alterations in APOE4 carriers. Reelin signaling emerged as a core Lewy body-associated pathway disrupted across cortical layers, validated in independent postmortem cohorts and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical organoids. In contrast, white matter exhibited distinct molecular alterations, including disrupted myelination pathways, with APOE4 carriers showing increased myelin debris and glial responses compared with non-carriers. Cell-type deconvolution informed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing further revealed APOE4-associated impairments in neuronal vulnerability and intercellular communication. Together, these findings define spatially and cell-type-specific mechanisms through which SNCA dosage and APOE4 genotype impact LBD pathology, providing insight into regionally distinct disease processes and potential targets for genetically stratified therapeutic interventions. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease driven significantly by metabolic reprogramming (MR). However, the core MR-related genes and their specific functions in AS remain incompletely u Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease driven significantly by metabolic reprogramming (MR). However, the core MR-related genes and their specific functions in AS remain incompletely understood, thus creating an urgent need for reliable diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Two AS-related microarray datasets (GSE100927 and GSE28829) were integrated and normalized. Differential expression analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were intersected with an MR-related gene set to obtain MR-related DEGs (MRDEGs). Functional enrichment analyses-including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses-were conducted. Subsequently, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was combined with multiple machine learning algorithms to screen for hub genes. These candidate genes were further validated using an external dataset (GSE43292) and evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Additionally, a multi-gene diagnostic model was constructed and assessed using both nomogram and SHAP analysis. Single-gene Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) elucidated the biological functions of core genes. Immune infiltration and single-cell analyses investigated microenvironment remodeling. Moreover, transcription factor (TF) prediction via hTFtarget, integrated with transcriptome sequencing of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), identify upstream regulators. Finally, Experimental validation was performed in ApoE We identified 57 MRDEGs and selected four core genes-LYN, FABP5, MMP9, and ANPEP-which demonstrated high diagnostic value. The multi-gene model showed strong clinical predictive performance. GSEA further revealed significant involvement of these genes in immune-inflammatory pathways. Immune infiltration and single-cell analyses confirmed substantial immune microenvironment remodeling and altered cell-cell communication. EGR1 was identified as a key upstream transcription factor. Ultimately, Experimental validation in ApoE This study identifies LYN, FABP5, MMP9, and ANPEP as core MR-related genes in AS, clarifies their roles in immune microenvironment regulation, and confirms their value as diagnostic biomarkers, thereby providing new insights for precise diagnosis and targeted therapy 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
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a severe complication of diabetes. Although dysregulated M2 macrophage polarization is recognized as a key driver of chronic inflammation in DFU, the molecular checkpoin Show more
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a severe complication of diabetes. Although dysregulated M2 macrophage polarization is recognized as a key driver of chronic inflammation in DFU, the molecular checkpoints that can be therapeutically targeted to restore M2 bias remain poorly defined. Here, we aimed to determine whether the RNA-binding protein TAF15 acts as a post-transcriptional stabilizer of the M2-promoting CEBPB/APOE/PTX3 axis, thereby accelerating DFU healing. First, we confirmed that APOE positively regulates PTX3, which supports M2 polarization and the proliferation and migration of HDF. CEBPB transcriptionally activated APOE and promoted M2 macrophage polarization. TAF15 stabilized CEBPB mRNA and affected HDF cell proliferation and migration by promoting M2 macrophage polarization. Additionally, TAF15 overexpression partially counteracted the disruption of M2 macrophage polarization caused by APOE silencing and facilitated DFU wound healing. Collectively, our findings establish TAF15-driven stabilization of CEBPB mRNA as a target point that sequentially activates APOE/PTX3 signaling to enforce M2 polarization and accelerate DFU closure. This study provides a preclinical rationale for the development of TAF15-targeted oligonucleotides or small-molecule strategies to reprogram wound macrophages and improve DFU outcomes in patients with diabetes. Show less
To investigate the dose-response relationship between e-health literacy and light physical activity (LPA) in older adults is to provide evidence for targeted interventions that enhance e-health litera Show more
To investigate the dose-response relationship between e-health literacy and light physical activity (LPA) in older adults is to provide evidence for targeted interventions that enhance e-health literacy and promote LPA, thereby advancing healthy aging. This study used a convenience sampling method to select two residential neighborhoods. Subsequently, a random cluster sampling approach was employed, resulting in a total final sample of 105 community-dwelling older adults (aged 60 and above) from these neighborhoods. A three-axis accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) recorded the older adults' LPA, and the Electronic Health Literacy Scale assessed their e-health literacy. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the dose-response relationship between LPA and e-health literacy and sub-dimension scores. Multiple linear regression revealed that both the overall e-health literacy score and its components were positively associated with daily LPA (Tables 2 and 3). However, the empirical impact varied substantially across components. For each 1-point increase, LPA increased by 2.8 min for the overall score, 11 min for judgment ability, and 19.4 min for decision-making ability, whereas the effect of application ability was statistically significant but minimal. Notably, the effect sizes of all e-health literacy components were substantially smaller than that of educational attainment (β = 0.638-0.947), which was the strongest predictor in all models. This study provides empirical evidence that higher e-health literacy and its specific sub-dimensions are positively associated with light physical activity (LPA) among community-dwelling older adults, with educational attainment emerging as a key independent predictor. These findings suggest that public health interventions aimed at promoting LPA could be enhanced by incorporating strategies to improve e-health literacy, particularly targeting older adults with lower educational backgrounds. The development of tailored, theory-informed programs based on these insights holds promise for fostering healthy aging at the community level. Show less
To describe the network structure and heterogeneity of symptom burden in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to examine factors associated w Show more
To describe the network structure and heterogeneity of symptom burden in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to examine factors associated with different symptom burden profiles to inform risk-stratified management after PCI. A convenience sample of 261 patients with ACS who underwent PCI at a tertiary hospital in Chongqing between November 2024 and August 2025 was recruited. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Cardiac Symptom Survey, and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Network analysis was conducted to identify inter-symptom associations and the structural characteristics of the symptom network. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to classify symptom burden patterns, and multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with profile membership. Network analysis indicated that depression was the most central symptom (strength Symptom burden in patients with ACS after PCI demonstrates substantial individual heterogeneity. Depression occupies a central position within the symptom network, and BMI is associated with moderate and high symptom burden profiles. These findings suggest that integrating symptom network characteristics and BMI status into post-PCI assessment may facilitate risk-stratified management and targeted psychological and weight-related interventions to improve recovery outcomes. Show less
Tianpei Ma, Xin Chen, Qingwen Zhao+19 more · 2026 · The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences · Oxford University Press · added 2026-04-24
Cognitive impairment is a significant health concern in aging populations, but the interplay between biological aging, lifestyle factors, and genetic susceptibility remains unclear. This study examine Show more
Cognitive impairment is a significant health concern in aging populations, but the interplay between biological aging, lifestyle factors, and genetic susceptibility remains unclear. This study examined whether accelerated biological aging is associated with cognitive impairment, whether lifestyle modifies this association, and how genetic background influences these relationships in Chinese older adults. In this cross-sectional study (2022-2023), 7033 participants from southwestern China were included. Accelerated biological aging was calculated as the residual difference between biological age (based on 10 biomarkers) and chronological age. Lifestyle was assessed via a composite index (smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet, sleep). Cognitive function was measured using the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE), and genetic risk was evaluated through polygenic scores and APOE ε4 status. Linear and logistic regression models assessed associations between accelerated aging and cognition. Accelerated biological aging was associated with lower MMSE scores ( β = -0.243, 95% CI: -0.354, -0.133) and higher cognitive impairment prevalence (OR = 1.098, 95% CI: 1.040, 1.158). An unhealthy lifestyle exacerbated cognitive impairment in biologically older individuals (RERI = 0.25). Those with both accelerated aging and unhealthy lifestyle had the lowest MMSE scores ( β = -1.424, 95% CI: -1.846, -1.003) and highest odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 1.467, 95% CI: 1.194, 1.803). These effects were consistent across all genetic background subgroups. Accelerated aging was associated with lower cognitive function, especially in individuals with unhealthy lifestyles, regardless of genetic susceptibility. This highlights lifestyle modification as a potential intervention target for aging-related cognitive impairment. 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
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
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
Human genetic analyses have identified numerous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci in noncoding regions associated with obesity-related traits; however, the functional contributions of such SNP Show more
Human genetic analyses have identified numerous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci in noncoding regions associated with obesity-related traits; however, the functional contributions of such SNP loci to obesity are largely unknown. The noncoding variant rs713586, with its risk allele C, is linked to two candidate genes, DNAJC27 and ADCY3, potentially implicated in obesity. However, whether rs713586 primary targets ADCY3 or DNAJC27 gene to regulate body weight and what molecular mechanisms underlie this process remain unclear. We conducted bioinformatics analyses using BMI data from the UK biobank and GIANT consortium, and prioritised functional variants on chromosome 2 linked to ADCY3 gene for experimental validation. The variant rs713586 was identified as a functional regulator of ADCY3 and DNAJC27 expression. We investigated the molecular mechanisms by which rs713586 participates in obesity through epigenetic regulation. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and genome-editing in cell lines were conducted to assess the impacts of the rs713586-C risk allele or a proximal enhancer (Enh) on ADCY3 and DNAJC27 promoter activity and expression levels. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Dnajc27 was performed in mice to evaluate its role in obesity. Mechanistic studies examined the interactions between the rs713586-T or -C alleles and the transcription factor ZFP42. Additionally, we assessed the DNA methylation patterns within the Enh and promoter regions of ADCY3 to evaluate their impact on ADCY3 expression. First, the rs713586-C risk allele significantly reduced the promoter activity of ADCY3 and DNAJC27 and thus reduced their expression levels. However, Dnajc27 knockout mice did not develop obesity, thereby excluding DNAJC27 as the target gene through which rs713586 mediates obesity. Further, we demonstrate that the rs713586-C allele impaired ZFP42 binding, leading to decreased TET1 recruitment and increased DNA methylation in the Enh and promoter regions of ADCY3, ultimately suppressing its expression. Given that ADCY3 is a well-established gene involved in obesity, we conclude that the rs713586-C risk allele may associated with obesity susceptibility, concomitant with downregulated ADCY3 expression. Our findings establish the rs713586-ZFP42-TET1-ADCY3 epigenetic regulatory axis, providing insights into the mechanism of rs713586-mediated obesity pathogenesis. National Natural Science Foundation of China and Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province of China (32470645, 32070567, 32202840), and Priority-Funded Postdoctoral Research Project, Zhejiang Province (ZJ2025118). Full funding details are provided in the Acknowledgements. Show less
Pemigatinib is a selective, potent, orally administered inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1-3 with antitumor activity in multiple solid tumors. Pemigatinib is used to treat adults w Show more
Pemigatinib is a selective, potent, orally administered inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1-3 with antitumor activity in multiple solid tumors. Pemigatinib is used to treat adults with previously treated metastatic or surgically unresectable cholangiocarcinoma with Show less
Early-life stress (ELS) is a key risk factor for adolescent depression. Si-Ni-San (SNS), a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, has shown antidepressant potential, yet its effects on the dors Show more
Early-life stress (ELS) is a key risk factor for adolescent depression. Si-Ni-San (SNS), a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, has shown antidepressant potential, yet its effects on the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN)-nucleus accumbens (NAc) serotonergic circuit remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether SNS alleviates adolescent depression by restoring DRN-NAc serotonergic circuit function and to identify the serotonin receptor mediating its synaptic effects in the NAc. Firstly, the antidepressant efficacy of SNS was evaluated in a mouse model of ELS. Subsequently, its underlying mechanism was explored through integrated neurophysiological, molecular, and pharmacological analyses. Depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using behavioral tests (sucrose preference, tail suspension, forced swim, open field, and elevated plus maze). In vivo electrophysiolog was employed to monitor DRN neuronal activity. Chemogenetic manipulation was employed to regulate the DRN-NAc serotonergic circuit, while 5-HT4R function was assessed through pharmacological intervention and viral knockdown. Synaptic and molecular mechanisms were examined using Western blotting, qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. SNS alleviated depressive-like behaviors, enhanced neural activity and low-frequency oscillations in the DRN, and restored 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the NAc. Mechanistically, SNS upregulated tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) while downregulating indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), thus promoting 5-HT synthesis. Critically, the antidepressant effects of SNS were blocked by either chemogenetic inhibition of the DRN-NAc serotonergic circuit or pharmacological blockade of 5-HT4R in the NAc. Meanwhile, the knockdown of 5-HT4R abolished the ameliorative effects of SNS on depressive-like behaviors and associated synaptic remodeling, including the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, postsynaptic density protein 95, and mushroom spine density. These results demonstrate that SNS alleviates depressive-like behaviors in adolescent male mice by restoring DRN-NAc serotonergic circuit function, enhancing 5-HT bioavailability, and promoting 5-HT4R-dependent synaptic plasticity in the NAc, revealing a circuit- and receptor-specific therapeutic mechanism. Show less
Anxiety and depression are highly comorbid mental health disorders with heterogeneous symptom patterns and poorly understood transdiagnostic mechanisms. This study aims to characterize latent subgroup Show more
Anxiety and depression are highly comorbid mental health disorders with heterogeneous symptom patterns and poorly understood transdiagnostic mechanisms. This study aims to characterize latent subgroups, risk factors, and symptom-level interactions underlying depression-anxiety comorbidity across adolescents and adults in multi-ethnic Southwest China. The study included a total of 41,394 adolescents (aged 9-19) and 17,345 adults (aged 18-80). Adolescents were recruited using multistage stratified cluster sampling, whereas adults were recruited by convenience sampling. All participants completed a self-designed sociodemographic questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Latent profile analysis identified subgroups, logistic regression analyzed risk/protective factors, and network analysis mapped symptom interactions and bridge nodes. This study found that three adolescent profiles emerged: high (11.66 %), moderate (31.95 %), and low/no depression-anxiety (56.39 %). Adults were classified into low/no comorbidity (90.63 %) and comorbid depression-anxiety (9.37 %). Risk factors for adolescents included female gender (OR = 2.77, 95 %CI: 2.55-3.00; OR = 1.59, 95 %CI: 1.52-1.67), higher grade levels (OR = 3.45, 95 %CI: 3.10-3.84; OR = 3.56, 95 %CI: 3.33-3.80), smoking (OR = 1.72, 95 %CI: 1.51-1.96; OR = 1.28, 95 %CI: 1.17-1.41),drinking (OR = 2.45, 95 %CI: 2.23-2.70; OR = 1.66, 95 %CI: 1.55-1.77), family instability (OR = 1.16, 95 %CI: 1.02-1.31; OR = 1.33, 95 %CI: 1.14-1.56) and "other" ethnic minority (OR = 1.15, 95 %CI: 1.04-1.26). For adults, female gender(OR = 1.68; 95 %CI: 1.44-1.97), living alone(OR = 1.37; 95 %CI: 1.14-1.65), poor self-rated health (OR = 0.13, 95 %CI: 0.11-0.15), and Dai ethnicity (OR = 0.70, 95 %CI: 0.49-0.96) predicted comorbidity. Network analysis revealed distinct bridge symptoms: adolescents in the high depression-anxiety group had five symptoms: depressed or sad mood (phq2), psychomotor agitation/retardation (phq8), nervousness or anxiety (gad1), restlessness (gad5), and irritable (gad6); however, adults with comorbidity had one symptom: afraid something will happen (gad7). This study identified three patterns of depression-anxiety comorbidity in adolescents and two in adults. Efforts should prioritize adolescents from "other" ethnic minorities, strengthening family and peer support, as well as smoking and drinking interventions for adolescents, and addressing social isolation, physical health, and catastrophizing cognition in adults may mitigate the comorbidity burden. Show less
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in older adults is strongly linked to neuroinflammation driven by microglial activation and NF-κB signaling. Runx1 has emerged as an upstream regulator of NF Show more
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in older adults is strongly linked to neuroinflammation driven by microglial activation and NF-κB signaling. Runx1 has emerged as an upstream regulator of NF-κB, but its role in POCD is unknown. Dendrobine, a sesquiterpenoid alkaloid from Dendrobium species, exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity. POCD was induced in aged C57BL/6 mice via sevoflurane anesthesia combined with exploratory laparotomy. Dendrobine (10 or 20 mg/kg) was administered, and cognitive outcomes were evaluated by Morris Water Maze and Novel Object Recognition. RNA sequencing, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and in vitro microglia-neuron co-culture systems were employed to investigate inflammatory responses, apoptosis, synaptic plasticity, and signaling pathway activation. Functional roles of Runx1 were validated via siRNA knockdown, pharmacological inhibition (Ro5-3335), and overexpression in BV2 cells. Dendrobine improved spatial and recognition memory in POCD mice, reduced hippocampal microglial activation, proinflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and neuronal apoptosis while enhancing synaptic protein levels (BDNF, PSD95, SYN1). Transcriptomic and KEGG analyses revealed suppression of NF-κB signaling by dendrobine, with Runx1 identified as an upstream modulator. Dendrobine downregulated Runx1 expression in vivo and in vitro. Runx1 inhibition enhanced dendrobine's anti-inflammatory effects, whereas RUNX1 overexpression abolished them. Dendrobine ameliorates POCD by inhibiting the Runx1/NF-κB signaling pathway, suppressing neuroinflammation, promoting synaptic resilience, and preventing neuronal apoptosis. Runx1 appears to act as a key upstream mediator of NF-κB signaling in POCD. Targeting the Runx1/NF-κB axis represents a promising strategy for perioperative neuroprotection. 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
Negative Emotional symptoms such as depression and anxiety do not exist independently, often co-occurring in the same individual, and heterogeneity exists between individuals suffering from depression Show more
Negative Emotional symptoms such as depression and anxiety do not exist independently, often co-occurring in the same individual, and heterogeneity exists between individuals suffering from depression and anxiety; however, prior research has rarely investigated heterogeneity in a person-centered manner and from the perspective of college students. The main purpose of this study was to explore this heterogeneity and its association with e-Health literacy (e-HL) using Latent profile analysis (LPA), a person-centered statistical method. A total of 7,503 Chinese college students from 10 regions (including Guangdong Province, Shanghai Municipality, and Jiangsu Province) were surveyed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms. LPA was employed to identify potential profiles of negative emotional symptoms and validate their robustness; binary logistic regression was used to explore differences in demographic characteristics (sex, grade ranking), sociological factors (family residential background, per capita monthly family income), and lifestyle factors (adherence to physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption) across profiles; analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare e-HL levels among different profiles. The two-class model was identified as the optimal classification of negative emotional symptoms: low/no negative emotional symptoms (61.49%) and high negative emotional symptoms (38.51%). Female college students, those with low per capita monthly family income, lack of regular physical exercise, and alcohol consumption habits were more likely to be categorized into the high negative emotional symptoms group (all Reliance on self-report measures may lead to recall bias and social desirability bias; the cross-sectional design cannot establish causal relationships between variables; digital addiction, a potential confounding factor that may co-occur with negative emotional symptoms and influence e-HL, was not included in the analysis. This study identified two distinct latent profiles of negative emotional symptoms among Chinese college students and their key predictive factors using LPA. The findings highlight the need for stratified early screening for high-risk groups (females, low-income families, inactive individuals, and drinkers) and the development of targeted interventions. Enhancing e-HL could be a potential pathway to improve mental health outcomes, providing actionable insights for scientific and effective mental health management in colleges and universities. Show less
Aging and age-related diseases share convergent pathways at the proteome level. Here, using plasma proteomics and machine learning, we developed organismal and ten organ-specific aging clocks in the U Show more
Aging and age-related diseases share convergent pathways at the proteome level. Here, using plasma proteomics and machine learning, we developed organismal and ten organ-specific aging clocks in the UK Biobank (n = 43,616) and validated their high accuracy in cohorts from China (n = 3,977) and the USA (n = 800; cross-cohort r = 0.98 and 0.93). Accelerated organ aging predicted disease onset, progression and mortality beyond clinical and genetic risk factors, with brain aging being most strongly linked to mortality. Organ aging reflected both genetic and environmental determinants: brain aging was associated with lifestyle, the GABBR1 and ECM1 genes, and brain structure. Distinct organ-specific pathogenic pathways were identified, with the brain and artery clocks linking synaptic loss, vascular dysfunction and glial activation to cognitive decline and dementia. The brain aging clock further stratified Alzheimer's disease risk across APOE haplotypes, and a super-youthful brain appears to confer resilience to APOE4. Together, proteomic organ aging clocks provide a biologically interpretable framework for tracking aging and disease risk across diverse populations. Show less
(1) Background: The increasing environmental concentration of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) may pose a risk of human exposure and health threats. Previous studies have demonstrated that exposure t Show more
(1) Background: The increasing environmental concentration of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) may pose a risk of human exposure and health threats. Previous studies have demonstrated that exposure to PS-NPs poses a threat to neural synaptic plasticity, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. (2) Methods: Hippocampal astrocytes and neurons were co-cultured, exposed to PS-NPs at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL, and cytotoxicity was assessed. We investigated PS-NP-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity by regulating the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). (3) Results: Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a central molecular organizer of synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory, and its activity is intrinsically linked to intracellular calcium ion concentration. Our research indicates that PS-NPs may interfere with calcium ion signaling and CaMKIIα activity, thereby reducing CaMKIIα activity. This subsequently downregulates the expression of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), modulates BDNF expression, and impacts synaptic plasticity. (4) Conclusions: In summary, this study primarily focused on the effects of PS-NPs exposure on hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Show less
Zien Lin, Zhiye Wu, Lisha Li+9 more · 2026 · Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Atherosclerotic plaque rupture, driven by a vicious pathological cycle between endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and chronic inflammation, represents a major therapeutic challenge in cardi Show more
Atherosclerotic plaque rupture, driven by a vicious pathological cycle between endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and chronic inflammation, represents a major therapeutic challenge in cardiovascular disease. Current clinical strategies, including statins and antiplatelet agents, fail to disrupt the EndMT-inflammation axis, while conventional TGF-β pathway inhibitors-critical for EndMT regulation-exhibit narrow therapeutic windows and systemic toxicity owing to the pleiotropic nature of TGF-β signaling. Here, we reported VRBPC, a VCAM-1-targeting, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive baicalin-peptide conjugate that undergoes in situ self-assembly within atherosclerotic plaques to form a "molecular latch" that breaks the EndMT-inflammation loop. Upon VCAM-1-mediated endocytosis into activated endothelial cells, VRBPC responds to elevated ROS levels in the plaque microenvironment, triggering localized self-assembly that enhances baicalin retention and promotes its competitive binding to HSP90-a critical chaperone for TGF-β receptor stabilization. This mechanism inhibits Smad2/3 phosphorylation, reverses EndMT, and simultaneously suppresses inflammatory responses in macrophages. In vitro, VRBPC effectively restored endothelial phenotype, reduced aberrant migration, and diminished foam cell formation alongside pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. In ApoE Show less
Pharmacological preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising strategy to enhance their therapeutic efficacy for end-stage liver disease; however, maximizing this benefit remains a m Show more
Pharmacological preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising strategy to enhance their therapeutic efficacy for end-stage liver disease; however, maximizing this benefit remains a major clinical challenge. Senkyunolide H (SNH), a small-molecule compound derived from Angelica sinensis, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Nevertheless, its capacity to optimize MSCs-based therapy for liver disease has not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that SNH preconditioning significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a murine model of liver cirrhosis. Specifically, SNH-pretreated BMSCs markedly alleviated hepatocellular injury, promoted hepatocyte proliferation, and attenuated collagen deposition. Mechanistically, SNH augments the therapeutic potency of BMSCs by partly binding to macrophage erythroblast attacher (MAEA), a subunit of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. This interaction stabilizes MAEA, which in turn facilitates the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), thereby activating ERK/STAT3 signaling and upregulating the secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Collectively, our findings highlight SNH preconditioning as a robust approach to enhance the paracrine function and therapeutic potential of BMSCs, and identify MAEA as a novel therapeutic target for BMSCs-based interventions in liver cirrhosis. Show less
Atherosclerotic macrophages predominantly exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype, driving chronic inflammatory and accelerating atherosclerotic progression. Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is high Show more
Atherosclerotic macrophages predominantly exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype, driving chronic inflammatory and accelerating atherosclerotic progression. Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is highly expressed in lesional macrophages within advanced atherosclerotic plaques, where it promotes the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, current approaches lack an effective therapeutic strategy to specifically silence this gene in lesional macrophages for atherosclerosis treatment. This study aims to develop and evaluate a dual-targeted, siRNA-based nanotherapeutic platform that selectively acts on atherosclerosis-promoting genes in plaque macrophages, offering a potential strategy for treating atherosclerosis by reprogramming lesional macrophages. Here we designed and developed dual-targeted liposome-based nano-immunotherapeutics encapsulating small interfering RNA (siRNA) against IRF5 (siIRF5) to reprogram macrophage phenotypes within advanced plaques. In high-fat diet-fed Show less
Chronic psychological stress drives neuroimmune crosstalk and accelerates atherosclerosis progression. Physical exercise confers broad health benefits and is associated with reduced inflammation. Howe Show more
Chronic psychological stress drives neuroimmune crosstalk and accelerates atherosclerosis progression. Physical exercise confers broad health benefits and is associated with reduced inflammation. However, the exercise-mediated factors and mechanisms that mitigate stress-induced vascular inflammation remain unclear. Chronic restraint stress (CRS) and voluntary exercise models were established to investigate the role of exercise in neuroimmune crosstalk. RNA sequencing identified kinesin family member 4 (Kif4) as a key gene associated with the attenuation of stress-induced inflammatory responses in peripheral blood monocytes following exercise. Combined co-immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry and membrane proteomics identified T cell-interacting activating receptors on myeloid cell 1 (TARM1) as the Kif4 cargo. The function of TARM1 was validated using an immobilized TARM1-Fc fusion protein. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key effector during exercise and stress, regulated the Kif4-TARM1 axis using recombinant BDNF (rBDNF) and the TrkB inhibitor ANA-12. Finally, exercise-mediated effects and mechanisms were examined in atherosclerotic CRS-exposed mouse models and in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) experiencing high psychological stress. Physical exercise alleviated stress-induced neuroimmune crosstalk, reduced the proinflammatory CD11b Physical exercise alleviates stress-induced neuroimmune crosstalk through the BDNF-Kif4-TARM1 axis, revealing a novel neuroimmune-mediated brain-heart axis that supports exercise-based therapeutic strategies for psychogenic CAD. Chronic psychological stress drives systemic inflammation through neuroimmune mechanisms, thereby accelerating the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Physical exercise alleviates stress-induced neuroimmune crosstalk, partly by suppressing proinflammatory responses in monocytes/macrophages. This study provides novel insights into exercise-regulated neuroimmune mechanisms involving the monocyte BDNF-Kif4-TARM1 axis. In both an atherosclerotic mouse model and patients with CAD, exercise mitigated stress-induced inflammation via the BDNF-Kif4-TARM1 axis. Show less
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder involving multiple pathological processes. Bergapten (BeG) exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, ant Show more
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder involving multiple pathological processes. Bergapten (BeG) exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, but its mechanism of action in PD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of BeG in PD models. An in vitro neuroinflammation model was established using LPS-treated astrocytes. In-vitro studies demonstrated that BeG counteracted LPS-induced astrocyte activation by reducing the expressions of GFAP, inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β), and A1 polarization markers. It alleviated ERS (as indicated by reduced levels of GRP78, CHOP) and apoptosis (as shown by changes in Bax, caspase-3) while enhancing Bcl-2. Mechanistically, BeG suppressed LCN2 expression and JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation, with LCN2 overexpression attenuating its protective effects. In MPTP-treated mice, BeG improved motor function, preserved dopaminergic neurons, and reduced astrocyte activation and A1 polarization. It increased neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF) while decreasing inflammation, ER stress and apoptotic markers. The inhibition of the LCN2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway was consistently observed in both models, suggesting its central role in BeG's neuroprotective mechanism. These findings suggest that BeG exerts neuroprotective effects in PD by inhibiting the LCN2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby effectively inhibiting astrocyte activation-mediated neuroinflammation and ERS. Show less
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating condition with limited treatment options. The ethanolic extract of Bauhinia brachycarpa Benth (EEBb) has demonstrated antinociceptive effects in NP, but its act Show more
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating condition with limited treatment options. The ethanolic extract of Bauhinia brachycarpa Benth (EEBb) has demonstrated antinociceptive effects in NP, but its active components and underlying mechanisms of action remain largely unexplored. Bauhinia brachycarpa Benth (BBB), an ethnic medicine in China, has antinociceptive effect on neuropathic pain (NP). In this study, an effective portion from BBB was screened and its antinociceptive mechanism was investigated. After the preparation of ethanolic extract from BBB (EEBb) and different soluble portion from EEBb (peEEBb, eaEEBb, nbEEBb), the total content of flavonoids and phenolic acids were measured. A partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) model in vivo was applied to evaluate the antinociceptive effect and the influence on microglia function of these samples. The possible acting target of BBB was predicted by network pharmacology. And the mechanism of nbEEBb, the most effective antinociceptive portion, were studied by PSNL model in vivo and ATP-induced activation of BV2 model in vitro. nbEEBb had the strongest ability of alleviating NP as well as the obvious effect on microglia polarization. The action of nbEEBb was positively correlated to the total content of flavonoids or phenolic acids. nbEEBb inhibited the protein and gene expressions of most key components in P2X4-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway. nbEEBb is the most effective portion from BBB on NP, and its mechanism refers to the inhibition of P2X4-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway, which involved in neuron-microglia interaction. Show less
Schizophrenia primarily depends on pharmacotherapy, which has demonstrated limited efficacy in enhancing cognitive impairments. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and co Show more
Schizophrenia primarily depends on pharmacotherapy, which has demonstrated limited efficacy in enhancing cognitive impairments. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and computerized cognitive remediation therapy (CCRT) hold potential for improving cognitive impairments. This study aims to investigate the effects of combining HD-tDCS with CCRT on cognition and to explore the mechanisms of this approach in schizophrenia. This is the protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Schizophrenia patients will be randomly assigned to one of 4 groups: HD-tDCS + CCRT group (Group 1), HD-tDCS group (Group 2), CCRT group (Group 3), and a control group (Group 4). The central electrode will be personalized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided localization in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). CCRT includes 6 therapeutic modules and 10 distinct tasks. Both HD-tDCS and CCRT will be administered once daily, 5 days per week, for 4 consecutive weeks, culminating in a total of 20 sessions. Assessments will occur at baseline (T0), after 10 sessions (T1), after 20 sessions (T2), and after 6 months of follow-up (T3). The primary outcome measure is the change in cognition. We will employ multimodal MRI, serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to explore the underlying mechanisms. An involvement of mPFC and synaptic plasticity in response to HD-tDCS and CCRT is hypothesized. The study will provide empirical evidence for the effectiveness of combined therapy at an individual level, explore its mechanisms, and may ultimately result in personalized medicine. ChiCTR2500102731, https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowprojectEN.html?id=276964&v=1.0. Show less
Klotho is a longevity-associated protein with established neuroprotective properties. However, it is unclear how plasma klotho levels relate to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies and cognitive perfo Show more
Klotho is a longevity-associated protein with established neuroprotective properties. However, it is unclear how plasma klotho levels relate to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies and cognitive performance. In this study, we examined the associations between plasma klotho levels and plasma biomarkers, as well as amyloid beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET), tau PET, neurodegeneration, and cognition, in 354 older adults. Stratified association, interaction, and mediation analyses were conducted to elucidate apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4-dependent relationships and potential underlying pathways. Higher plasma klotho levels were associated with lower AD-related biomarkers and cognitive decline in APOE ε4 carriers. Plasma klotho and APOE ε4 exhibited significant or marginal interactions with less abnormal changes in plasma phosphorylated tau217, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light chain, Aβ PET, and cognition. These AD-related biomarkers mediated the protective effect of plasma klotho on cognitive function in APOE ε4 carriers. This study suggests that plasma klotho is an APOE ε4-dependent protective factor, which may attenuate AD-related pathology and improve cognitive performance. Show less
Suhua Wu, Juan Peng, Xiaodong Wang+11 more · 2026 · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · added 2026-04-24
Obesity has become a global epidemic and a major contributor to the development of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) through the promotion of insulin resistance. Emerging evidence has shown that GPX4 expression i Show more
Obesity has become a global epidemic and a major contributor to the development of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) through the promotion of insulin resistance. Emerging evidence has shown that GPX4 expression is reduced in macrophages under hyperglycemic conditions; however, the involvement of macrophage-specific GPX4 in obesity-associated insulin resistance remains unclear. We generated macrophage-specific Gpx4 knockout (Gpx4 Show less
Atherosclerosis is respectively correlated with interleukin-6/interleukin-6 receptor (IL6/IL6R) mediated inflammation signaling and macrophages ferroptosis. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism of IL Show more
Atherosclerosis is respectively correlated with interleukin-6/interleukin-6 receptor (IL6/IL6R) mediated inflammation signaling and macrophages ferroptosis. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism of IL6/IL6R signaling mediated macrophages ferroptosis in atherosclerosis remains unknown. This study aims to investigate whether IL6/IL6R signaling mediated macrophages ferroptosis through mitochondrial fragmentation and mitophagy impairment. Two human atherosclerotic transcriptomic datasets were used to conduct bioinformatic analysis. In vitro, counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) assay kits were employed to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and macrophages ferroptosis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), laser confocal microscope and seahorse experiments were used to evaluate changes of mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial function. Western blotting (WB) was used to quantify key markers of mitophagy and ferroptosis. In vivo, histological stainings and WB were used to determine the effects of IL6R deficiency on atherosclerosis, mitophagy and ferroptosis. Integrated bioinformatic analysis revealed that the IL6 expression could stratify early and advanced plaques. IL6 induced macrophages ferroptosis by increasing ROS and MDA levels, depleting GSH level, promoting lipid peroxidation and suppressing glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) mediated excessive mitochondrial fragmentation in IL6-induced macrophages, resulting in more shortened mitochondria, impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and ROS accumulation. Activation of mitophagy, the process of mitochondrial fragmentation clearance, could increase GPX4 expression and attenuate the lipid peroxidation level in IL6 induced macrophages. Aggravation of ferroptosis further compromised mitophagy-related proteins expression. Targeting IL6R signaling attenuated atherosclerotic burden in ApoE [Image: see text] The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10753-025-02359-5. Show less