To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying EA(elaidic acid)-induced lipid accumulation in VSMCs(vascular smooth muscle cells). CCK-8 assay determined the effects of EA(0-2.8 mmol/L) on MOVAS(m Show more
To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying EA(elaidic acid)-induced lipid accumulation in VSMCs(vascular smooth muscle cells). CCK-8 assay determined the effects of EA(0-2.8 mmol/L) on MOVAS(murine aortic vascular smooth muscle cells)to select experimental concentrations. Oil Red O staining combined with quantitative lipid droplet analysis was conducted to examine the effects of EA on intracellular lipid droplet accumulation. Intracellular total cholesterol(TC) and triglyceride(TG) levels were quantified spectrophotometrically to assess EA's effects on intracellular lipid levels. Western blot analyzed protein expression of PPARγ, LXRα, ABCA1, and ABCG1 to delineate EA's pro-foamogenic mechanism. EA dose-dependently suppressed MOVAS viability(P<0.01). EA-treated groups exhibited significant increases in lipid droplet area/number and TC/TG content versus controls(P<0.01). EA downregulated PPARγ and LXRα protein expression(P<0.05), subsequently suppressing downstream targets ABCA1 and ABCG1(P<0.05). EA disrupts lipid metabolism in VSMCs by inhibiting the PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1/ABCG1 signaling pathway, thereby inducing lipid accumulation and promoting foam cell formation. Show less
no PDFDOI: 10.19813/j.cnki.weishengyanjiu.2025.04.021
The interplay between intracellular and intravascular lipolysis is crucial for maintaining circulating lipid levels and systemic energy homeostasis. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and lipoprotein Show more
The interplay between intracellular and intravascular lipolysis is crucial for maintaining circulating lipid levels and systemic energy homeostasis. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the primary triglyceride (TG) lipases responsible for these two spatially separate processes, are highly expressed in adipose tissue. Yet the mechanisms underlying their coordinated regulation remain undetermined. Here, we demonstrate that genetic ablation of G0S2, a specific inhibitory protein of ATGL, completely abolished diet-induced hypertriglyceridemia and significantly attenuated atherogenesis in mice. These effects were attributable to enhanced whole-body TG clearance, not altered hepatic TG secretion. Specifically, G0S2 deletion increased circulating LPL concentration and activity, predominantly through LPL production from white adipose tissue (WAT). Strikingly, transplantation of G0S2-deficient WAT normalized plasma TG levels in mice with hypertriglyceridemia. In conjunction with improved insulin sensitivity and decreased ANGPTL4 expression, the absence of G0S2 enhanced the stability of LPL protein in adipocytes, a phenomenon that could be reversed upon ATGL inhibition. Collectively, these findings highlight the pivotal role of adipocyte G0S2 in regulating both intracellular and intravascular lipolysis, and the possibility of targeting G0S2 as a viable pharmacological approach to reducing levels of circulating TGs. Show less
The present case report presents the diagnostic challenges of pediatric diffuse low-grade glioma (pDLGG) with oligodendroglioma-like features. The patient, an 11-year-old girl, presented with refracto Show more
The present case report presents the diagnostic challenges of pediatric diffuse low-grade glioma (pDLGG) with oligodendroglioma-like features. The patient, an 11-year-old girl, presented with refractory epilepsy and brain imaging did not provide a clear diagnosis. Intraoperatively, the tumor appeared gray-yellow to gray-red, with moderate texture and unclear borders, consistent with LGG. Postoperative pathology showed diffuse infiltrative growth of the tumor, with pleomorphic cell morphology and oligodendroglioma-like gliocyte proliferation. Staining was positive for markers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein and Olig-2. Genomic analysis revealed BRAF V600E, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1 and FGFR4 mutations, but no IDH mutations or other related mutations. The final diagnosis was pDLGG with alterations in the MAPK pathway. The present case underscores the importance of molecular and histological features in the diagnosis of pDLGG, especially when clinical and imaging characteristics are atypical, as molecular diagnostics provide key insights for disease classification. Show less
Limited identification of insulin resistance-associated loci hinders understanding of its role in cardiometabolic health, impeding therapeutic strategies. We apply three multivariate genome-wide assoc Show more
Limited identification of insulin resistance-associated loci hinders understanding of its role in cardiometabolic health, impeding therapeutic strategies. We apply three multivariate genome-wide association study approaches on homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, insulin resistance index, fasting insulin, and ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol from MAGIC and UK Biobank to develop a comprehensive phenotype ('mvIR'), and identify 217 independent loci, including 24 novel loci. The mvIR is causally associated with higher risks of 17 cardiometabolic diseases and five aging phenotypes, independent of adiposity and sarcopenia. We outline 21 of 2644 druggable genes for insulin resistance by Mendelian randomization and colocalization, where six genes (AKT1, ERBB3, FCGR1A, FGFR1, LPL, NR1H3) encode targets for approved drugs with consistent directions in alleviating insulin resistance, with no significant side effects revealed by phenome-wide association study. This study uncovers novel loci and therapeutic targets to inform strategies promoting insulin resistance-centered cardiometabolic health and longevity. Show less
Studying the molecular properties of drugs and their interactions with human targets aids in better understanding the clinical performance of drugs and guides drug development. In computer-aided drug Show more
Studying the molecular properties of drugs and their interactions with human targets aids in better understanding the clinical performance of drugs and guides drug development. In computer-aided drug discovery, it is crucial to utilize effective molecular feature representations for predicting molecular properties and designing ligands with high binding affinity to targets. However, designing an effective multi-task and self-supervised strategy remains a significant challenge for the pretraining framework. In this study, a multi-task self-supervised deep learning framework is proposed, MTSSMol, which utilizes ≈10 million unlabeled drug-like molecules for pretraining to identify potential inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). During the pretraining of MTSSMol, molecular representations are learned through a graph neural networks (GNNs) encoder. A multi-task self-supervised pretraining strategy is proposed to fully capture the structural and chemical knowledge of molecules. Extensive computational tests on 27 datasets demonstrate that MTSSMol exhibits exceptional performance in predicting molecular properties across different domains. Moreover, MTSSMol's capability is validated to identify potential inhibitors of FGFR1 through molecular docking using RoseTTAFold All-Atom (RFAA) and molecular dynamics simulations. Overall, MTSSMol provides an effective algorithmic framework for enhancing molecular representation learning and identifying potential drug candidates, offering a valuable tool to accelerate drug discovery processes. All of the codes are freely available online at https:// github.com/zhaoqi106/MTSSMol. Show less
This study aimed to investigate serum inflammatory factor levels of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) to explore the related inflammatory molecular mechani Show more
This study aimed to investigate serum inflammatory factor levels of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) to explore the related inflammatory molecular mechanisms preliminarily. The study recruited 72 female drug-naïve patients with BD and 98 female healthy controls (HCs). Demographic information, menstrual cycles, sex hormone levels, and ovarian ultrasound data were collected from them. Additionally, their serum inflammatory factor levels and the proteomics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed. The levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-13 were significantly higher in patients with BD than in HCs (p < 0.05), and the IL-8 level was higher in BD patients with PCOS than in those without (adjusted p = 0.07). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that downregulated genes with significant differences between the two groups were all involved in immune-inflammatory-related pathways, and the expression of downregulated genes BTN3A2, MAP2K5, JCHAIN-B, and DMAP1 showed substantial differences and consistent trends between the two groups. IL-8-related chronic inflammatory response is closely associated with PCOS in BD patients, and genes such as BTN3A2 may mediate this chronic inflammatory response by negatively regulating the abnormal differentiation of T helper 17 cells, serving as one of the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Show less
Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common complication following thoracic surgery and often leading to poor outcomes. Despite ongoing research, effective treatments for late PND remain l Show more
Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common complication following thoracic surgery and often leading to poor outcomes. Despite ongoing research, effective treatments for late PND remain limited. Identifying reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis is, therefore, essential. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 60 elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Serum samples were collected within 10 minutes prior to anesthesia and following extubation to measure adiponectin (APN), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Among PND patients, serum APN, PKA, AQP4, and BDNF levels were markedly decreased compared with the normal group. While serum cAMP (HR = 1.087, p = 0.695, 95% CI [0.284-4.166]) and PKA (HR = 0.996, p = 0.09, 95% CI [0.491-0.947]) were not significantly correlated with PND, serum APN (HR = 0.307, 95% CI [0.113-0.835], p = 0.021), AQP4 (HR = 0.204, 95% CI [0.060-0.697], p = 0.011), and BDNF (HR = 0.382, 95% CI [0.177-0.823], p = 0.014) were protective factors against PND. ROC analysis demonstrated that APN (AUC = 0.68, 95% CI [0.51-0.87]), AQP4 (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.59-0.87]), BDNF (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.59-0.87]), and the model of combining those biomarkers (AUC = 0.91, 95% CI [0.83-0.99]) could predict PND. PND patients exhibited a lower protective stress response to surgical trauma. High serum APN, AQP4, and BDNF levels were independent protective factors for PND, and a combined model of these biomarkers showed predictive potential for PND. Show less
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism, and its activity has been linked to the risk of atherosclerosis (AS). CETP inhibitors, such as obicetrapib, repres Show more
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism, and its activity has been linked to the risk of atherosclerosis (AS). CETP inhibitors, such as obicetrapib, represent a novel approach in immunotherapy to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by targeting lipid metabolism. In addition, CETP vaccines are being explored as a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD by inducing the body to produce antibodies against CETP, which is expected to reduce CETP activity, thereby increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure of CETP, the mechanisms of lipid transfer and the progress of immunotherapy in the last decade, which provides possible ideas for future development of novel drugs and optimization of immunization strategies. Show less
As global population aging intensifies, mental health issues in older adults are increasingly prominent, with depression being particularly prevalent and detrimental. The study investigated how substi Show more
As global population aging intensifies, mental health issues in older adults are increasingly prominent, with depression being particularly prevalent and detrimental. The study investigated how substituting sedentary behavior (SB) and sleep (SLP) with physical activity (PA) affects depression risk in this population. Meta-analysis was conducted by searching four databases: PubMed, Scopus, SPORTdiscus, and PsycINFO (via EBSCOhost platform) for relevant studies published until January 2025. Regression coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for depressive symptoms were estimated. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's tests, and heterogeneity was evaluated using Q tests and the I Among 18,912 participants (53.45% female, ≥60 years) across nine studies, replacing SB with MVPA significantly reduced depression (β = -0.12, 95% CI: -0.20, -0.04), subgroup analyses indicated that reallocating 10, 30 and 60 min/day of SB to MVPA ( Substituting SB and SLP with MVPA is significantly associated with a reduction in depression, whereas no significant association is observed when replaced by LPA. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=546666, identifier CRD42024546666. Show less
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascu Show more
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascular niche to maintain stemness. However, the effect of abnormal communication between endothelial cells (ECs) and GSCs on GBM progression remains unknown. Here, we reveal that ECs-derived SEMA3G, which is aberrantly expressed in GBM patients, impairs GSCs by inducing c-Myc degradation. SEMA3G activates NRP2/PLXNA1 in a paracrine manner, subsequently inducing the inactivation of Cdc42 and dissociation of Cdc42 and WWP2 in GSCs. Once released, WWP2 interacts with c-Myc and mediates c-Myc degradation via ubiquitination. Genetic deletion of Sema3G in ECs accelerates GBM growth, whereas SEMA3G overexpression or recombinant SEMA3G protein prolongs the survival of GBM bearing mice. These findings illustrate that ECs play an intrinsic inhibitory role in GSCs stemness via the SMEA3G-c-Myc distal regulation paradigm. Targeting SEMA3G signaling may have promising therapeutic benefits for GBM patients. Show less
Stroke is a life‑threatening cerebrovascular disorder categorized into two major subtypes: Ischemic and hemorrhagic. Characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, its clinical management remain Show more
Stroke is a life‑threatening cerebrovascular disorder categorized into two major subtypes: Ischemic and hemorrhagic. Characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, its clinical management remains challenging due to limited therapeutic options. Interleukin (IL)‑27, a pleiotropic cytokine with demonstrated neuroprotective potential, has emerged as a promising candidate for stroke intervention. IL‑27 exerts immunomodulatory effects within the central nervous system, including suppression of proinflammatory T‑cell proliferation and induction of regulatory T‑cell differentiation. These mechanisms collectively attenuate neuroinflammation, mitigate neuronal apoptosis and prevent neurodegenerative processes. The efficacy of IL‑27 in reducing cerebral damage in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke models has been validated, although clinical translation remains to be achieved. The present review summarizes: i) The epidemiology of stroke; ii) the immunoregulatory functions of IL‑27 and its neuroprotective mechanisms across stroke subtypes; iii) innovative brain‑targeted delivery approaches; iv) IL‑27 clinical applicability with supporting evidence; and v) possible risks and solutions in clinical applications. By collating the current knowledge, the present study provides a translational framework for advancing IL‑27‑based therapies in stroke management. Show less
While spermatogenesis has been extensively characterized in mammals, its molecular underpinnings in avian species remain largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we performed single-cell tra Show more
While spermatogenesis has been extensively characterized in mammals, its molecular underpinnings in avian species remain largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of duck testes across developmental stages (10-week immature vs. 23-week mature). Our analysis generated a comprehensive cellular atlas comprising 54,702 cells, resolving eight germ cell clusters (three spermatogonia [SPG], three spermatocytes [SPC], two spermatozoa [SPT]) and nine somatic populations, including peritubular myoid cells, immune subsets (T cells, macrophages, granulocytes), endothelial cells, Leydig cells, and three Sertoli cell subtypes, each defined by unique marker gene signatures. Furthermore, novel marker genes were identified, including EXFABP for granulocyte, ARHGAP15 for T cell regulation, FDX1 specific to Leydig cells (LC), and TSSK3/TSSK2 linked to elongated spermatid formation (SPT). Notably, we identified some novel molecular markers distinguishing these populations. Pseudotemporal trajectory reconstruction of germline development revealed stage-specific enrichment of ribosome, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, and autophagy pathways. Core regulators MRPL13, MRPL2, MRPL22, MRPS14, MRPS7 (ribosome), HSPA5 (ER stress response), and PIK3C3 (autophagy) emerged as molecular hubs showing progressive downregulation during differentiation. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of germ cells and Sertoli cells between immature (IMT) and mature (MT) testes revealed significant enrichment of the spliceosome pathway in both germ and Sertoli cells. Critical spliceosome components SNRPG, SF3B3, and SNRPF exhibited coordinated downregulation during testicular maturation, suggesting their role as negative regulators of spermatogenic progression. This study establishes the first high-resolution cellular blueprint of avian spermatogenesis, delineating regulatory networks of duck testis cell development. Our findings provide valuable datasets and mechanistic insights into the evolutionary specialization of reproductive strategies in poultry. Show less
Disrupting liver immune homeostasis drives inflammation. Recent evidence shifts immunoregulatory focus to hepatocytes, though the mechanisms remain poorly defined. Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) is a critica Show more
Disrupting liver immune homeostasis drives inflammation. Recent evidence shifts immunoregulatory focus to hepatocytes, though the mechanisms remain poorly defined. Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) is a critical homeostasis regulator, but its function in liver immune homeostasis is unknown. We aimed to clarify the role of hepatocyte FoxO1 in liver immune homeostasis and inflammation. Human liver FoxO1 expression and its association with inflammation were analyzed in patients with various inflammation-related liver diseases. Hepatocyte-specific Foxo1 knockout (FoxO1 △hepa ) mice were established. Hepatocyte-specific gene interference was employed in alcoholic hepatitis and hepatic schistosomiasis murine models. Transcriptomic, single-cell RNA sequencing, and CUT&Tag analyses were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Hepatocyte FoxO1 levels in human inflammatory livers declined prevalently and were inversely correlated with inflammation and fibrosis. Around 15-18 weeks after birth, FoxO1 △hepa mice exhibited mild spontaneous hepatic inflammation with natural killer T (NKT) cell and neutrophil accumulation. NKT cell depletion in FoxO1 △hepa mice with alcoholic hepatitis or hepatic schistosomiasis (HS) significantly reduced neutrophil accumulation and protected against liver inflammation and damage. Mechanistically, FoxO1 promoted retinoic acid synthesis to induce hepatocyte CD1d expression, which is necessary for regulating NKT cell apoptosis. Innovatively, decreased JMJD1C expression in hepatocytes caused histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) dimethylation at the Foxo1 promoter, repressing its transcription and disrupting local immune homeostasis. Our findings uncover a hitherto unrecognized mechanism for hepatocyte-based control of liver inflammation, in which hepatocyte FoxO1 maintained by JMJD1C restrains local NKT cells and neutrophils via CD1d induction, providing promising targets for inflammatory liver diseases. Show less
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become the most prevalent type of heart failure, but effective treatments are lacking. Cardiac lymphatics play a crucial role in maintaining Show more
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become the most prevalent type of heart failure, but effective treatments are lacking. Cardiac lymphatics play a crucial role in maintaining heart health by draining fluids and immune cells. However, their involvement in HFpEF remains largely unexplored. We examined cardiac lymphatic alterations in mice with HFpEF with comorbid obesity and hypertension, and in heart tissues from patients with HFpEF. Using genetically engineered mouse models and various cellular and molecular techniques, we investigated the role of cardiac lymphatics in HFpEF and the underlying mechanisms. In mice with HFpEF, cardiac lymphatics displayed substantial structural and functional anomalies, including decreased lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) density, vessel fragmentation, reduced branch connections, and impaired capacity to drain fluids and immune cells. LEC numbers and marker expression levels were also decreased in heart tissues from patients with HFpEF. Stimulating lymphangiogenesis with an adeno-associated virus expressing an engineered variant of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC Our study provides evidence that cardiac lymphatic disruption, driven by impaired BCAA catabolism in LECs, is a key factor contributing to HFpEF. These findings unravel the crucial role of BCAA catabolism in modulating lymphatic biology, and suggest that preserving cardiac lymphatic integrity may present a novel therapeutic strategy for HFpEF. Show less
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common and serious complication of diabetes, affecting approximately 40% of patients with the condition. The pathogenesis of DKD is complex, involving multiple proce Show more
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common and serious complication of diabetes, affecting approximately 40% of patients with the condition. The pathogenesis of DKD is complex, involving multiple processes such as metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Given its increasing incidence and associated mortality, there is an urgent need to identify novel pathogenic genes and therapeutic targets. This study systematically identified hub DKD-associated genes and their potential molecular mechanisms through bioinformatic analysis. Gene expression datasets from DKD patients and healthy controls were obtained from the GEO database. Hub genes were screened using differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), LASSO regression, random forest (RF) algorithms, and consensus clustering for DKD patient classification. Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis was performed on differentially expressed genes to explore the relationship between hub genes and the immune microenvironment. Potential drugs targeting LPL were predicted based on gene-drug interaction analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the expression of LPL and TNF-α in kidney tissues from patients with varying degrees of DKD severity, as well as their relationship with kidney function impairment. This study revealed that LPL, a lipoprotein metabolism gene, plays a crucial role in DKD, participating in cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism as well as PPAR signaling. LPL expression was negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and various subsets of T cells, including naïve CD4 T cells and gamma delta T cells, while positively correlated with follicular helper T cells, suggesting its immune-regulation effects in DKD progression. Potential LPL-targeting drugs, such as Ibrolipim, anabolic steroid, and acarbose, might mitigate DKD. LPL expression was decreased with DKD severity and was correlated with TNF-α and kidney dysfunction markers, indicating its key role in DKD progression. LPL is a pivotal regulator of lipid metabolism and immune inflammation in DKD. Potential drugs targeting LPL offer new candidates for precision treatment of DKD. These findings lay a theoretical foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of DKD and developing LPL-based therapeutic strategies. Show less
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are established oncogenic drivers in various solid tumors. However, the approved FGFR inhibitors face challenges with acquired resistance and dose-limiting a Show more
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are established oncogenic drivers in various solid tumors. However, the approved FGFR inhibitors face challenges with acquired resistance and dose-limiting adverse effects associated with FGFR1/4 inhibition, limiting therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we systematically explored linker and electrophile moieties based on the pyrrolopyrazine carboxamide core and identified aniline α-fluoroacrylamide as an effective covalent warhead. Compound Show less
The treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is characterized by a prolonged duration and complex medication regimens, often resulting in a substantial medication-related burden that neg Show more
The treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is characterized by a prolonged duration and complex medication regimens, often resulting in a substantial medication-related burden that negatively impacts patients' adherence and quality of life. However, research on the heterogeneity of medication-related burden among MDR-TB patients and its influencing factors remains limited. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of medication-related burden among MDR-TB patients and examine differences in burden characteristics across these profiles, thereby providing evidence for tailored intervention strategies. A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit MDR-TB patients diagnosed at a tertiary infectious disease hospital in Chengdu between December 2024 and May 2025. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Living with Medicines Questionnaire (LMQ), and the Health Literacy Management Scale (HeLMS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify distinct profiles of medication-related burden, and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore associated factors for each profile. A total of 214 valid responses were analyzed. The LPA identified two distinct profiles of medication-related burden: C1 - "Low-Burden (Attitude & Practice-Dominated)" (44%) and C2 - "High-Burden (Daily Interference-Dominated)" (56%). Absence of side effects, not employing a caregiver, and higher levels of health literacy were positively associated with membership in the C1 group ( Medication-related burden among MDR-TB patients exhibits clear heterogeneity. Healthcare professionals should adopt stratified management and personalized interventions based on the identified influencing factors to alleviate the burden of medication in this population. Show less
Quinolinic acid (QA) is a metabolite of tryptophan catabolism involved in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). It has been extensively studied in the context of neuropsychiatri Show more
Quinolinic acid (QA) is a metabolite of tryptophan catabolism involved in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). It has been extensively studied in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders in the past decades. Recent studies have also linked high plasma QA levels to obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and diabetes. In the present study, we have explored the impact of long-term oral QA administration on glucose and lipid metabolism in mice. We observed a protective role for QA in preventing hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat-diet fed mice, whereas oral administration of NAD showed opposite effects. We further demonstrated that QA reduces hepatic lipid uptake by inhibiting the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and fatty acid translocase (CD36) in liver, thereby mitigating liver lipid accumulation in the context of a high-fat diet. Our data suggest that QA is an important regulator of lipid homeostasis and has potential as a therapeutic target for MASLD. Show less
Maternal circulating lipid concentrations impact the risk of pregnancy complications and infant health outcomes. The associations between physical activity and circulating lipids during pregnancy rema Show more
Maternal circulating lipid concentrations impact the risk of pregnancy complications and infant health outcomes. The associations between physical activity and circulating lipids during pregnancy remain inadequately understood. A study was conducted from July 2024 to March 2025, involving the recruitment of 520 pregnant women in Wuhan, China. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) scores were evaluated in trimesters. Circulating lipid profiles, including total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) concentrations, were assessed at each trimester. The daily energy expenditure of physical activity (EEPA) during the first, second, and third trimesters was recorded as 11.35, 9.07, and 9.48 metabolic equivalents-hour/day (METs-h/d). The EEPA in the first trimester was significantly greater than that in the second ( This study suggests that increased physical activity during pregnancy is associated with lower lipid levels. Moreover, maternal age appears to have a significant impact on physical activity and the metabolism of circulating lipids during pregnancy. Show less
Invertebrates constitute the largest group of animals on Earth, accounting for approximately 97 % of all animal species. Although the heart of invertebrates could be a sensitive target for environment Show more
Invertebrates constitute the largest group of animals on Earth, accounting for approximately 97 % of all animal species. Although the heart of invertebrates could be a sensitive target for environmental pollution, potential cardiotoxicity for most contaminants has received little attention. In this study, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and thick-shell mussels (Mytilus coruscus) were used to investigate the effect of PFOA on cardiac performance and the potential underlying mechanisms. Heart beat monitoring demonstrated that four-week exposure to 0.5 and 5.0 μg/L of PFOA resulted in bradycardia and arrhythmia in thick-shell mussels. Moreover, considerably more triglyceride (TG) accumulation, higher lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and lipase (LPS) activities, and disruption of lipid metabolism-related genes were observed in the hearts of PFOA-exposed mussels. In addition, comparable adverse impacts were detected in mussels treated with proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist whereas the PFOA-induced effects were fully or partially alleviated by PPARγ antagonist. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation revealed a high binding affinity of PFOA to the PPARγ of 12 invertebrates, including thick-shell mussels. In general, our data suggest that PFOA may pose a severe threat to cardiac performance of invertebrate species by inserting into the binding pocket of PPARγ, and thereby causing cardiac lipid metabolism disorders. Show less
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the major complications of diabetes, resulting in severe vision loss. Traction retinal detachment (TRD) is the main factor affecting the effect of proliferative dia Show more
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the major complications of diabetes, resulting in severe vision loss. Traction retinal detachment (TRD) is the main factor affecting the effect of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) surgery. Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was adopted to analyze the proteomes of the vitreous in the TRD, vitreous hemorrhage (VH) and macular hole (MH) groups. By employing bioinformatics tools for GO and KEGG pathway annotation, as well as conducting protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis, we investigated the functional enrichment of proteins in the TRD vitreous and their associated pathways. Additionally, peptide center analysis was performed on the proteomic data to identify key differentially expressed proteins based on screening results. Bioinformatics analysis showed that DEPs is mainly enriched in the complement, the coagulation cascade systems and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. The protein interaction network analysis showed that the central proteins were mainly related to sphingolipid metabolism. APOA4, CHI3L1, LTBP2 were significantly up-regulated in TRD, which were related to the complement system, coagulation cascade and platelet activation, sphingolipid metabolism and other pathways. APOA4 and CHI3L1 protein in patients with TRD group raised significantly in the vitreous humor, shows the potential biomarkers for TRD. Show less
Genome-wide human genetic studies have identified inherited cis-regulatory loci variants that predispose to cancers. However, the mechanisms by which these germline variants influence cancer progressi Show more
Genome-wide human genetic studies have identified inherited cis-regulatory loci variants that predispose to cancers. However, the mechanisms by which these germline variants influence cancer progression, particularly through gene expression and proteostasis control, remain unclear. By analyzing genomic data from a gastric cancer (GC) case-control study (2,117 individuals), focusing on the ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) family, we identify the SNP rs72856331 (G>A) in the promoter region of the proto-oncogene USP47 as a putative susceptibility allele for GC. Mechanistically, the risk allele G is associated with enhanced USP47 expression, mediated by altered recruitment of the transcription factor GLI3 and changes in the epigenetic status at promoter. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated single-nucleotide conversion into risk allele G results in increased GLI3 binding and subsequent USP47 upregulation. The depletion of GLI3 results in a reduction of cancer-related phenotypes, similar to those observed following USP47 knockdown. Furthermore, we identify Snai1 as a deubiquitination target of USP47, explaining USP47-dependent activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway and tumor progression. Our findings identify an important genetic predisposition that implicates the perturbation of transcription and proteostasis programs in GC, offering insights into prevention and therapeutic strategies for genetically stratified patients. Show less
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis, driven by complex molecular mechanisms that remain inadequately understood. Among these, the ubiquitin-proteasome Show more
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis, driven by complex molecular mechanisms that remain inadequately understood. Among these, the ubiquitin-proteasome system plays a crucial role in regulating protein stability and function, with E3 ubiquitin ligases emerging as key players in cancer progression. Here, we identify Tripartite Motif-containing 6 (TRIM6), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as a critical regulator of HCC metastasis. We demonstrate that TRIM6 is significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and correlates with poor overall survival. Mechanistically, we uncover that STAT3 directly regulates TRIM6 by binding to its promoter and enhancing its transcription. Functionally, TRIM6 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell invasion by upregulating the key EMT transcription factor Snail1. Importantly, we reveal that TRIM6 interacts with and ubiquitinates DDX58 (RIG-I), leading to its proteasomal degradation. The degradation of DDX58 by TRIM6 alleviates its inhibitory effects on Snail1, thereby facilitating EMT and enhancing the invasive potential of HCC cells. These findings establish the STAT3-TRIM6-DDX58-Snail1 axis as a pivotal pathway in HCC progression, offering novel insights into the molecular underpinnings of HCC metastasis and highlighting TRIM6 as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in HCC. Show less
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, involving complex pathophysiological responses such as metabolic disturbance and systemic inflammation. This study ai Show more
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, involving complex pathophysiological responses such as metabolic disturbance and systemic inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of selected metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in predicting short- and medium-term mortality in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with TBI admitted between March 29, 2018, and July 31, 2023. Clinical data, including a panel of metabolic (eg, triglyceride-glucose index [TYG], APOB/A1 ratio) and inflammatory biomarkers (eg, neutrophil-to-platelet ratio [NPR]), were collected within 24 hours of admission. Mortality was assessed at 14 days, 30 days, and hospital discharge. Multivariate Cox regression models and ROC curve analysis were used to assess prognostic associations and model performance. A total of 2555 patients were enrolled, of whom 579 (22.67%) underwent surgical treatment. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the triglyceride-glucose index (TYG) was an independent predictor of short-term mortality in TBI patients, while the neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NPR) and apolipoprotein B/A1 (APOB/A1) ratio were independent predictors of both short- and mid-term mortality. In addition, surgical treatment was associated with an increased risk of mid-term mortality, while tracheostomy significantly reduced mortality risk across all time points. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the regression model incorporating inflammatory markers had the highest areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.904, 0.897, and 0.897, demonstrating superior performance in predicting short- and mid-term mortality. Additionally, in the subgroup analysis of non-operation patients, TYG and NPR had a more significant impact on mortality risk. Metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, including TYG, NPR, and APOB/A1 ratio, provide valuable prognostic information in patients with TBI. These markers may assist clinicians in early risk stratification and personalized treatment planning. Show less
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia an Show more
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance, hallmark features of type 2 diabetes. While SEC16 homologue B (SEC16B), an endoplasmic reticulum export factor, has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and lipid metabolism, its role in glucose regulation remains poorly defined. This study aims to investigate SEC16B's contribution to glucose homeostasis by systematically dissecting its conserved physiological mechanisms across species. To interrogate SEC16B's role, we combined Drosophila genetics (RNA interference-mediated dSec16 knockdown) with murine models (Sec16b deletion) under standard or high-fat diet conditions. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests assessed glucose homeostasis. Mechanistic insights into beta cell dysfunction were derived from immunostaining, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays and RNA-seq profiling of murine pancreatic islets. Both disruption of dSec16 in Drosophila and Sec16b deletion in mice triggered glucose intolerance under standard diet conditions, recapitulating conserved metabolic dysfunction. In addition, Sec16b loss impaired glycaemic control in mice fed a high-fat diet. Mechanistically, Sec16b deficiency impairs insulin secretion by downregulating cholinergic signalling and compromising intracellular Ca Our study reveals SEC16B, a genome-wide association study-identified obesity risk gene, as an evolutionarily conserved regulator of glucose homeostasis. By linking SEC16B to cholinergic-driven insulin secretion and calcium dynamics, we resolve a mechanistic gap in beta cell dysfunction and metabolic disease. This finding provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying glucose homeostasis and may enhance our understanding of potential treatments for metabolic diseases. Show less
To describe the clinical characteristics, natural history, genetic landscape, and phenotypic spectrum of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL)-associated retinal disease. Multicenter retrospective coho Show more
To describe the clinical characteristics, natural history, genetic landscape, and phenotypic spectrum of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL)-associated retinal disease. Multicenter retrospective cohort study complemented by a cross-sectional examination. Twelve pediatric subjects with biallelic variants in 5 NCL-causing genes (CLN3 lysosomal/endosomal transmembrane protein [ Review of clinical notes, retinal imaging, electroretinography (ERG), and molecular genetic testing. Two subjects underwent a cross-sectional examination comprising adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging of the retina and optoretinography (ORG). Clinical/demographic data, multimodal retinal imaging data, electrophysiology parameters, and molecular genetic testing. Our cohort included a diverse set of subjects with Our cohort data demonstrates that the underlying genetic variants drive the phenotypic diversity in different forms of NCL. Genetic testing can provide molecular diagnosis and ensure appropriate disease management and support for children and their families. With intravitreal enzyme replacement therapy on the horizon as a potential treatment option for NCL-associated retinal degeneration, precise structural and functional measures will be required to more accurately monitor disease progression. We show that adaptive optics imaging and ORG can be used as highly sensitive methods to track early retinal changes, which can be used to establish eligibility for future therapies and provide metrics for determining the efficacy of interventions on a cellular scale. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article. Show less
The gut-derived peptide hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) play important physiological roles including glucose homeostasis and appetite su Show more
The gut-derived peptide hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) play important physiological roles including glucose homeostasis and appetite suppression. Stabilized agonists of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and dual agonists of GLP-1R and GIP receptor (GIPR) for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity have generated widespread enthusiasm and have become blockbuster drugs. These therapeutics are refractory to the action of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), that catalyzes rapid removal of the two N-terminal residues of the native peptides, in turn severely diminishing their activity profiles. Here we report that a single atom change from carbon to nitrogen in the backbone of the entire peptide makes them refractory to DPP4 action while still retaining full potency and efficacy at their respective receptors. This was accomplished by use of aza-amino acids, that are bioisosteric replacements for α-amino acids that perturb the structural backbone and local side chain conformations. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that aza-amino acid can populate the same conformational space that GLP-1 adopts when bound to the GLP-1R. The insertion of an aza-amino acid at the second position from the N-terminus in semaglutide and in a dual agonist of GLP-1R and GIPR further demonstrates its capability as a viable alternative to current DPP4 resistance strategies while offering additional structural variation that may influence downstream signaling. Show less
Sesquiterpene lactones are secondary plant metabolites with a wide variety of biological activities. The process of lactone conjugation to other pharmacophores can increase the efficacy and specificit Show more
Sesquiterpene lactones are secondary plant metabolites with a wide variety of biological activities. The process of lactone conjugation to other pharmacophores can increase the efficacy and specificity of the conjugated agent effect on molecular targets in various diseases, including brain pathologies. Derivatives of biogenic indoles, including neurotransmitter serotonin, are of considerable interest as potential pharmacophores. Most of these compounds have neurotropic activity and, therefore, can be used in the synthesis of new drugs with neuroprotective properties. The aim of this experimental synthesis was to generate potential treatment agents for Alzheimer's disease using serotonin conjugated with natural sesquiterpene lactones. Three novel compounds were obtained via the Michael reaction and used for biological testing. The obtained conjugates demonstrated complex neuroprotective activities. Serotonin conjugated to isoalantolactone exhibited strong antioxidant and mitoprotective activities. The agent was also found to inhibit β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1), prevent the aggregation of β-amyloid peptide 1-42, and protect SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells from neurotoxins such as glutamate and H In conclusion, the obtained results indicate that serotonin conjugates to sesquiterpene lactones are promising agents for the treatment of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. Show less