This study aims to investigate the molecular differences and commonalities between systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by analyzing RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data. By focusi Show more
This study aims to investigate the molecular differences and commonalities between systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by analyzing RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data. By focusing on differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways, the investigation seeks to identify unique biomarkers, shared pathways, and potential therapeutic targets for these autoimmune diseases. This study involved 10 patients with SSc and 24 with SLE who did not receive immunosuppressants. RNA-seq data from patients with SSc and SLE were analyzed using DESeq2 to identify differentially expressed genes. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted and comparative analyses were performed. We identified 2055 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between patients with SSc and controls. Notably, the expression of the shared gene RGS5 was significantly downregulated in both SLE and SSc, with a more pronounced downregulation in SSc. Additionally, the expression of the key transcription factor EGR1 was upregulated in SSc, whereas that of BLK, ITGAM, and IFNG was upregulated in SLE. Network analysis identified hub genes-AP3D1, FTX, USP47, CUX1, ZC3H4, CAND1, INTS1, TRNT1, MTERF1, and SETD1B-that may play critical roles in the progression of both SLE and SSc. These findings suggest that RGS5 could serve as a shared biomarker for vascular dysfunction, while EGR1 and BLK may represent therapeutic targets in SSc and SLE. Overall, this analysis enhances understanding of distinct and overlapping gene expression signatures in SSc and SLE, providing a foundation for future targeted treatment strategies and requiring further validation in larger cohorts. Show less
One of the recognized effects of systematic physical activity is the improvement of physical fitness, with a negative correlation found between physical fitness and cardiovascular and cardiometabolic Show more
One of the recognized effects of systematic physical activity is the improvement of physical fitness, with a negative correlation found between physical fitness and cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adenylate cyclase 3 ( In the 12-week HIIT program, a total of 237 Chinese Han college students with non-regular exercise habits were recruited, and these volunteers participated in the training three times a week. Baseline and after the HIIT program, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured, respectively. DNA was extracted from the white blood cells of volunteers and genotyping was carried out. The PLINK v1.09 software was used to conduct quality control screening on the obtained SNPs, and a linear regression model was constructed to analyze the association between (1) Through the analysis of Illumina CGA chip scanning, a total of 22 SNPs of the (1) The implementation of a 12-week HIIT regimen can significantly enhance the blood lipid status of college students. (2) The locus rs2241759 of the Show less
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is marked by cognitive deterioration and heightened neuroinflammation. The influence of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R Show more
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is marked by cognitive deterioration and heightened neuroinflammation. The influence of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R) and its post-translational modifications, especially sumoylation, is crucial in understanding the progression of AD and exploring novel therapeutic avenues. This study investigates the impact of exercise on the sumoylation of IGF1R and its role in ameliorating AD symptoms in APP/PS1 mice, with a specific focus on neuroinflammation and innovative therapeutic strategies. APP/PS1 mice were subjected to a regimen of moderate-intensity exercise. The investigation encompassed assessments of cognitive functions, alterations in hippocampal protein expressions, neuroinflammatory markers, and the effects of exercise on IGF1R and SUMO1 nuclear translocation. Additionally, the study evaluated the efficacy of KPT-330, a nuclear export inhibitor, as an alternative to exercise. Exercise notably enhanced cognitive functions in AD mice, possibly through modulations in hippocampal proteins, including Bcl-2 and BACE1. A decrease in neuroinflammatory markers such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was observed, indicative of reduced neuroinflammation. Exercise modulated the nuclear translocation of SUMO1 and IGF1R in the hippocampus, thereby facilitating neuronal regeneration. Mutant IGF1R (MT IGF1R), lacking SUMO1 modification sites, showed reduced SUMOylation, leading to diminished expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis. KPT-330 impeded the formation of the IGF1R/RanBP2/SUMO1 complex, thereby limiting IGF1R nuclear translocation, inflammation, and neuronal apoptosis, while enhancing cognitive functions and neuron proliferation. Moderate-intensity exercise effectively mitigates AD symptoms in mice, primarily by diminishing neuroinflammation, through the reduction of IGF1R Sumoylation. KPT-330, as a potential alternative to physical exercise, enhances the neuroprotective role of IGF1R by inhibiting SUMOylation through targeting XPO1, presenting a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. Show less
Lipid ratio is a balance between atherogenesis and antiatherogenesis. it is an important predictive marker of carotid plaque. The lipid ratios, which include non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( Show more
Lipid ratio is a balance between atherogenesis and antiatherogenesis. it is an important predictive marker of carotid plaque. The lipid ratios, which include non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), remnant cholesterol (RC)/HDL-C, apolipoprotein B (ApoB)/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C, ApoB/HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C, were included and analyzed. Sex differences in the relationship between lipid ratios and carotid plaque were discussed. The risk of carotid plaque was found to be significantly associated with the Non-HDL-C /HDL-C, RC/HDL-C, ApoB/ApoA1, LDL-C /HDL-C, ApoB/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C in females but not in males. The ApoB/HDL risk presented the highest relationship with carotid plaque in females only. The predictive value of the aforementioned lipid ratios for carotid plaque was observed in females only. Show less
Previous studies have investigated the role of metabolic factors in risk of hematological malignancies with contradicting findings. Existing studies are generally limited by potential concern of rever Show more
Previous studies have investigated the role of metabolic factors in risk of hematological malignancies with contradicting findings. Existing studies are generally limited by potential concern of reverse causality and confounding by inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the associations of glucose, lipid, and apolipoprotein biomarkers with the risk of hematological malignancy. We performed a study of over 560,000 individuals of the Swedish AMORIS cohort, with measurements of biomarkers for carbohydrate, lipid, and apolipoprotein metabolism during 1985-1996 and follow-up until 2020. We conducted a prospective cohort study and used Cox models to investigate the association of nine different metabolic biomarkers (glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C, triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA I), and ApoB/ApoA-I) with risk of hematological malignancy, after excluding the first five years of follow-up and adjustment for inflammatory biomarkers. We observed a decreased risk of hematological malignancy associated with one SD increase of TC (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.91-0.96), LDL-C (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.91-0.97), HDL-C (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86-0.99), and ApoA-I (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.996). Our study highlights a decreased risk of hematological malignancy associated with a higher level of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and ApoA-I. 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
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to its high aggressive potential and drug resistance. Previous studies have revealed an impor Show more
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to its high aggressive potential and drug resistance. Previous studies have revealed an important function of HECT And RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 5 (HERC5) in cancer. Six GEO gene microarrays identified HERC5 as a significant upregulated gene in OSCC tissues or cells (log2 Fold change > 1 and adj.p < 0.05). This study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of HERC5 in OSCC development. High HERC5 expression in OSCC tissues was confirmed by our hospital validation cohort and positively correlated with primary tumor stages. Subsequent functional studies demonstrated that knockdown of HERC5 inhibited the migratory and invasive capabilities with decrease of Vimentin and increase of E-cadherin in OSCC cells. In cisplatin treatment, cell survival rates were significantly reduced in HERC5-silencing OSCC cells, accompanied by the increase in cytotoxicity, DNA damage and apoptosis. OSCC cell-derived tumor xenograft displayed that HERC5 depletion inhibited pulmonary metastasis as well as restored the cisplatin-induced tumor burden. In line with this, overexpression of HERC5 yielded the opposite alterations both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH) was identified as a HERC5-binding protein. Cysteine residue at position 994 in the HECT domain of HERC5 catalyzed the conjugation of ubiquitin-like protein Interferon-induced 15 kDa protein (ISG15) to UGDH (ISGylation of UGDH) and facilitated its phosphorylation, therefore enhancing SNAI1 mRNA stability. SNAI1 depletion inhibited HERC5 overexpression-triggered invasion and cisplatin resistance of OSCC cells. Our study indicates that HERC5 may be a promising therapeutic target for OSCC. Show less
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, and most CRCs arise from colorectal adenomas. Early detection and removal of precancerous lesions during the adenoma-carci Show more
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, and most CRCs arise from colorectal adenomas. Early detection and removal of precancerous lesions during the adenoma-carcinoma sequence can significantly reduce CRC risk. However, current clinical practice lacks rapid, noninvasive screening tools for reliable adenoma detection. Proteomic analysis was performed on serum samples from patients with inflammatory polyps (non-neoplastic), patients with adenomas, and healthy controls to identify key differentially expressed proteins capable of distinguishing adenoma patients. The alterations in these candidate proteins were further validated by ELISA to evaluate their potential as diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal adenoma. In two independent cohorts, we identified two candidate biomarkers, apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) and filamin A (FLNA), through a multi-step selection process involving ANOVA p-value screening, sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA), and LASSO regression analysis. These candidates were subsequently validated in a third cohort using ELISA. The ELISA results for APOA4 were discordant with the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) findings. In contrast, FLNA levels measured by ELISA showed a progressive decrease from healthy controls to patients with inflammatory polyps and further to those with adenomas. We propose FLNA as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of colorectal adenomas. The areas under the ROC curves exceeded 0.7 for both key clinical comparisons: 0.810 for adenomas versus healthy controls, and 0.734 for adenomas versus inflammatory polyps. Overall, this study not only enhances our understanding of the serum proteome in colorectal adenoma but also identifies FLNA as a promising biomarker for its clinical diagnosis. Show less
The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, is supported by positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations Show more
The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, is supported by positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations, suggesting a shared genetic basis. However, the precise genetic mechanisms underlying these associations remain elusive. By assessing genetic correlations, genetic overlap, and causal connections, we aim to shed light on common genetic underpinnings among major CVDs. Employing multi-trait analysis, we pursue diverse strategies to unveil shared genetic elements, encompassing SNPs, genes, gene sets, and functional categories with pleiotropic implications. Our study systematically quantifies genetic overlap beyond genome-wide genetic correlations across CVDs, while identifying a putative causal relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF). We then pinpointed 38 genomic loci with pleiotropic influence across CVDs, of which the most influential pleiotropic locus is located at the LPA gene. Notably, 12 loci present high evidence of multi-trait colocalization and display congruent directional effects. Examination of genes and gene sets linked to these loci unveiled robust associations with circulatory system development processes. Intriguingly, distinct patterns predominantly driven by atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and venous thromboembolism underscore the significant disparities between clinically defined CVD classifications and underlying shared biological mechanisms, according to functional annotation findings. Show less
As one of the most common malignant tumors in men, prostate cancer (PCa) still lacks convenient, non-invasive and highly specific diagnostic markers. The advantages of Extracellular vesicle (EV) DNA i Show more
As one of the most common malignant tumors in men, prostate cancer (PCa) still lacks convenient, non-invasive and highly specific diagnostic markers. The advantages of Extracellular vesicle (EV) DNA in tumor diagnosis have gradually attracted the attention of researchers. However, methylation detection, which is more advantageous than mutation detection in tumor diagnosis, has not been widely practiced in EV DNA, and its value in PCa diagnosis also remains underexplored. This study aims to establish and optimize an EV DNA methylation detection system and evaluate its diagnostic and classification potential for PCa. We characterized EV DNA biological properties, optimized pretreatment strategies, validated its correlation with genomic DNA methylation, and explored urine EV DNA methylation targets in 86 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 109 PCa patients across three cohorts (screening: 30 BPH/33 PCa; training: 27 BPH/30 PCa; validation: 29 BPH/46 PCa). Heterogeneous biological characteristics were observed among DNA from different subtypes of EV, but methylation profiles remained consistent across subtypes and post-DNase I treatment. EV DNA accurately reflected the methylation state of source cell genomic DNA. By combining our screening results with data from the TCGA database and previously reported, we developed a panel consisting of 667 PCa-specific methylation targets for detection. Among these, six methylation sites (MACF1、LINC01359-1、LINC01359-2、ADCY4、GAPLINC、C19orf25) demonstrated high diagnostic value for PCa, enabling construction of PCa and aggressive PCa differential diagnosis model with AUCs up to 0.74 and 0.91 respectively. The diagnostic value of these six markers was further confirmed using methylight PCR in the validation cohort which also displayed promising performance as a tool for diagnosing PCa. This study highlights the potential of urine EV DNA methylation as a novel diagnostic marker for PCa and lays a foundation for future EV DNA research. Show less
Individual differences in immune responses to African swine fever virus (ASFV), whether induced by vaccination or natural infection, may be linked to genetic variation in the genes involved in antigen Show more
Individual differences in immune responses to African swine fever virus (ASFV), whether induced by vaccination or natural infection, may be linked to genetic variation in the genes involved in antigen presentation. A total of nine pigs from the 112-population were selected for RNA-seq analysis. To pinpoint key transcription factors (TFs) regulating gene expression in the lymph nodes, weighted Kendall's Tau rank correlation analysis was performed to link the TF binding potential with the extent of differential expression of target genes. CD8 These mutations may disrupt TFs binding to the ELK4 promoter, potentially reducing ELK4 expression and impairing antigen processing and presentation. Show less
The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway serves as a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, coordinating metabolic stress responses, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptional programs. Its dysfunc Show more
The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway serves as a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, coordinating metabolic stress responses, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptional programs. Its dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of complex modern diseases, spanning neurodegeneration, metabolic syndromes, and chronic inflammatory conditions. This review examines the pathway's role as an integrative hub and its potential as a therapeutic target. We synthesize current mechanistic evidence from molecular, cellular, and preclinical studies to elucidate the pathway's operational logic and the consequences of its dysregulation. The analysis is structured around key disease paradigms-including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, cardiovascular injury, stroke, and chronic kidney disease-to dissect its tissue-specific pathophysiological impacts. The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis operates through a core positive feedback loop: AMPK activation elevates NAD+, thereby activating SIRT1, which in turn deacetylates and activates PGC-1α to drive mitochondrial biogenesis and function, further reinforcing SIRT1 activity. Disruption of this cascade manifests in disease-specific mechanisms: promoting Aβ production via BACE1/γ-secretase in Alzheimer's; impairing α-synuclein clearance in Parkinson's; disrupting GLUT4 translocation and insulin signaling in diabetes; exacerbating oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiovascular and neuronal injury; and accelerating fibrosis and sustained inflammation in renal and pulmonary diseases via NLRP3 and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway represents a cornerstone target at the intersection of metabolism, aging, and disease. Current therapeutic strategies-including pharmacological activators (e.g., metformin, SRT1720), natural compounds (e.g., resveratrol), lifestyle interventions (e.g., exercise, caloric restriction), and emerging technologies (e.g., gene editing, exosomal miRNAs)-offer multidimensional avenues for intervention. Future research must prioritize elucidating tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms, such as AMPK isoform diversity and PGC-1α interactome dynamics, to enable precision therapeutics and successful clinical translation for a range of complex disorders. Show less
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a substantial global threat. SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins (NSPs) are essential for impeding the host replication mechanism while Show more
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a substantial global threat. SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins (NSPs) are essential for impeding the host replication mechanism while also assisting in the production and organization of new viral components. However, NSPs are not incorporated into viral particles, and their subsequent fate within host cells remains poorly understood. Additionally, their role in viral pathogenesis requires further investigation. This study aimed to discover the ultimate fate of NSP6 in host cells and to elucidate its role in viral pathogenesis. We investigated the effects of NSP6 on cell death and explored the underlying mechanism; moreover, we examined the degradation mechanism of NSP6 in human cells, along with analysing its correlation with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity in patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). NSP6 was demonstrated to induce cell death. Specifically, NSP6 interacted with EI24 autophagy-associated transmembrane protein (EI24) to increase intracellular Ca This study reveals that KLHL22-mediated ubiquitination controls NSP6 stability and that NSP6 induces autophagic cell death via calcium overload, highlighting its cytotoxic role and suggesting therapeutic strategies that target calcium signaling or promote NSP6 degradation as potential interventions against COVID-19. Show less
The common variant PNPLA3-I148M, globally, is the most significant genetic risk factor for fatty liver disease. However, it is unclear precisely how I148M drives disease risk. Using human hepatoma cel Show more
The common variant PNPLA3-I148M, globally, is the most significant genetic risk factor for fatty liver disease. However, it is unclear precisely how I148M drives disease risk. Using human hepatoma cells expressing endogenous I148M, we find that the variant impairs cellular secretion of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the scaffolding protein of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). This is not due to loss-of-function of wild-type PNPLA3. Expression of human I148M in primary hepatocytes and mice also hinders VLDL secretion. Lipidomic profiling reveals a shift from polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine to polyunsaturated triglycerides in I148M cells, reducing membrane fluidity and, concomitantly, VLDL biogenesis. ApoB secretion is substantially rescued in I148M cells overexpressing ABHD5/CGI-58, an I148M-binding partner that normally activates ATGL/PNPLA2-mediated triglyceride lipolysis. Conversely, knocking down CGI-58 or PNPLA2 mimics I148M. We propose that I148M is a neomorph that exacerbates fatty liver risk by simultaneously impeding two major CGI-58-dependent pathways for liver triglyceride clearance: lipolysis and secretion. Show less
Zhige Yan, Xiajun Guo, Ying Hu+2 more · 2025 · Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · Springer · added 2026-04-24
To elucidate the accurate roles of dysfunctional sleep beliefs in modulating cancer-related fatigue (CRF), identify distinct sleep hygiene profiles, and assess whether and how these profiles serve as Show more
To elucidate the accurate roles of dysfunctional sleep beliefs in modulating cancer-related fatigue (CRF), identify distinct sleep hygiene profiles, and assess whether and how these profiles serve as mediators in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study recruited 396 lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy between May and December 2023. Participants completed the Sleep Hygiene Index, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify profiles of sleep hygiene, and mediation analysis was performed to explore the impacts of sleep hygiene profiles and dysfunctional sleep beliefs on CRF. LPA revealed three distinct sleep hygiene profiles: normal (33.3%), excellent (50.3%), and poor (16.4%). Family monthly disposable income, radiotherapy, and performance status were identified as influential factors distinguishing these profiles. Additionally, the dimensions of dysfunctional sleep beliefs and sleep hygiene profiles showed different correlations with CRF. With the normal sleep hygiene group as reference, mediation analysis revealed that poor sleep hygiene serves as a mediator between sleep worry of dysfunctional sleep beliefs and CRF (SE = 0.010, 95% CI [0.006, 0.047]). This study contributes to understanding the heterogeneity in sleep hygiene in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and elucidates the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between sleep worry of dysfunctional cognitions and CRF. Clinical healthcare providers developing targeted interventions in terms of sleep beliefs and sleep hygiene might be helpful to alleviate CRF in this population. Show less
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is an advanced stage of AMD and is associated with an increased risk of visual impairment. Disturbances in lipid metabolism have been proposed as a Show more
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is an advanced stage of AMD and is associated with an increased risk of visual impairment. Disturbances in lipid metabolism have been proposed as a major contributing factor to the pathogenesis of AMD. This study aims to investigate whether lipid profiles in the serum and components of dyslipidemia can be used as indicators for predicting progression to nAMD. A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 125 participants with nAMD. 125 non-AMD controls, matched by age, sex, and BMI, were incorporated into the study. The comparative analysis between the groups involved six lipid biomarkers in the serum: HDL-C, LDL-C TG, TC, ApoA1, and ApoB. Moreover, the existence of dyslipidemia and its constituents was assessed through t-tests, as well as univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Individuals with nAMD exhibited significantly higher serum HDL-C (P = 0.02) compared to the controls without AMD. Furthermore, the concentrations of ApoB were significantly less in the nAMD cohort (P < 0.01) when compared to the control group. During the investigation of the correlation between levels of serum HDL-C (P < 0.01) and serum ApoB (P < 0.01) with nAMD through logistic regression analysis, notable findings indicated a significant association between both variables and nAMD. However, by multivariate logistic regression analysis, neither serum HDL-C nor serum ApoB was an independent risk factor for nAMD. While individuals with nAMD demonstrated elevated serum HDL-C and reduced serum ApoB levels, these lipid markers may not be suitable as biomarkers for monitoring or preventing nAMD. Show less
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the effects of different exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and to explore regu Show more
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the effects of different exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and to explore regulatory factors.MethodsSearched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CNKI and Cochrane Library databases up to March 15, 2025. Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted using R software, and meta-regression analyzed the moderating effects of training period and frequency.Results42 randomized controlled trials covering 1482 patients were included. The Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) indicated that stretching training (SUCRA = 78.92) and high-intensity interval training (SUCRA = 69.73) were ranked higher than other exercise modalities and exhibited more favorable effect on BDNF enhancement, although neither demonstrated statistically significant superiority over the blank control. In contrast, combined training (SUCRA = 35.58), aerobic training (SUCRA = 35.17), and resistance training (SUCRA = 12.98) showed relatively lower potential for BDNF enhancement (blank control SUCRA = 67.62). Meta-regression analysis showed that the effect of combined training was significantly and positively correlated with intervention period ( Show less
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a quarter of the global population and poses a remarkably serious threat to human health. The effect and potential molecular mechanisms of combined col Show more
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a quarter of the global population and poses a remarkably serious threat to human health. The effect and potential molecular mechanisms of combined cold exposure and exercise intervention on NAFLD remain unclear. A high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mouse model was used. Twenty-four NAFLD mice were divided into three groups and subjected to cold exposure (5°C), regular-temperature exercise (22°C), or combined cold exposure and exercise (5°C) for 8 wk, 5 d·wk -1 , once daily for 1 h each session. Intervention effects were evaluated through bodyweight, liver mass, liver/bodyweight ratio, blood lipid profile, circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels, and liver histopathology. Immunoblotting and quantitative PCR were used to assess the protein and gene expression of liver FGF21, β-klotho, and FGFR1 to preliminarily elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NAFLD improvement by combined cold exposure and exercise. Compared with cold exposure or regular-temperature exercise alone, combined cold exposure and exercise significantly reduced the bodyweight, liver weight, and liver/bodyweight ratio in the NAFLD mice. The levels of blood lipids, circulating FGF21, and liver glycogen also significantly decreased. Furthermore, the combined intervention significantly reduced liver fat deposition and fibrosis and significantly increased the expression of FGFR1 and β-klotho proteins, suggesting the activation of the FGF21-β-klotho/FGFR1 signaling pathway. This preclinical study demonstrates that combined cold exposure and exercise synergistically alleviates NAFLD progression in animal models, primarily by activating the FGF21-β-klotho/FGFR1 pathway to enhance lipid metabolism and reduce liver injury. These findings highlight the translational potential of dual environmental and behavioral interventions, providing a mechanistic foundation for developing nonpharmacological therapies targeting metabolic pathways in humans, particularly for NAFLD patients resistant to conventional lifestyle modifications or pharmacotherapy. Show less
The prognosis for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with liver metastasis remains poor, and the molecular mechanisms driving CRC liver metastasis are not fully understood. Tumor-derived hypoxia-induced Show more
The prognosis for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with liver metastasis remains poor, and the molecular mechanisms driving CRC liver metastasis are not fully understood. Tumor-derived hypoxia-induced extracellular vesicles have emerged as key players in inducing angiogenesis by transferring noncoding RNAs. However, the specific role of CRC-derived hypoxic extracellular vesicles (H-EVs) in regulating premetastatic microenvironment (PMN) formation by inducing angiogenesis remains unclear. Our study demonstrates that H-EVs induce angiogenesis and liver metastasis. Through microRNA microarray analysis, we identified a reduction in miR-6084 levels within H-EVs. We found that miR-6084 inhibited angiogenesis by being transferred to endothelial cells via EVs. In endothelial cells, miR-6084 directly targeted angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4) mRNA, thereby suppressing angiogenesis through the ANGPTL4-mediated JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Furthermore, we uncovered that specificity protein 1 (SP1) acted as a transcription factor regulating miR-6084 transcription, while hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A) decreased miR-6084 expression by promoting SP1 protein dephosphorylation and facilitating ubiquitin-proteasome degradation in SW620 cells. In clinical samples, we observed low expression of miR-6084 in plasma-derived EVs from CRC patients with liver metastasis. In summary, our findings suggest that CRC-derived H-EVs promote angiogenesis and liver metastasis through the HIF1A/SP1/miR-6084/ANGPTL4 axis. Additionally, miR-6084 holds promise as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CRC liver metastasis. Show less
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative non-invasive therapy for human cancer treatment. The significance of apoptosis-related genes (ARGs) in the prognosis of bladder cancer (BLCA) has gradually Show more
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative non-invasive therapy for human cancer treatment. The significance of apoptosis-related genes (ARGs) in the prognosis of bladder cancer (BLCA) has gradually emerged. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prognostic significance and pathogenesis of PDT related genes (PDTRGs)-ARGs in BLCA cases. Based on the BLCA data in TCGA, PDTRGs-ARGs with prognostic value in BLCA patients were screened. Subsequently, the prognostic value and diagnostic performance of all candidate genes were evaluated by univariate Cox regression analysis and ROC curves. Then, GSEA, GSVA and immune microenvironment analysis were conducted based on candidate genes. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of key candidate genes in BLCA patients were initially explored by qRT-PCR, CCK-8 analysis, Transwell Assay and Western Blotting. A total of 5 ARGs-PDTRGs (EMP1, FGFR1, PLPPR4, JUN, TNFRSF25) were screened as prognostic biomarkers for BLCA. Survival analysis revealed significant differences in overall survival of the five prognostic biomarkers in the high/low expression groups. ROC curve analysis revealed that the five prognostic biomarkers had strong prognostic predictive ability. QRT-PCR proved that the expression of EMP1, FGFR1, PLPPR4 and JUN was obviously reduced, while TNFRSF25 was markedly increased in BLCA tissue samples and cell lines. The following research confirmed that FGFR1 inhibited the biological process of T24 cells by activating cGMP-PKG pathway. Five ARGs-PDTRGs (EMP1, FGFR1, PLPPR4, JUN, TNFRSF25) were screened as prognostic biomarkers for BLCA. Among them, FGFR1 inhibits the biological process of T24 cells via activating cGMP-PKG pathway. Show less
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poor Show more
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poorly defined. To address this, we performed circular RNA profiling of endothelial cells under ischemic-like conditions and identified a marked upregulation of a circular RNA, named circATXN1. Functional studies revealed that circATXN1 knockdown modulates endothelial phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Functional studies have shown that knockdown of circATXN1 can regulate the endothelial cell phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Mechanistically, circATXN1 knockdown enhances the demethylase protein ALKBH5 to reduce the RNA methylation level of the key transcription factor SLUG, thereby stabilizing SLUG. In animal models, suppression of circATXN1 enhances angiogenesis and improves recovery following ischemic injury. Here, we show that circATXN1 regulates partial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and angiogenesis by controlling SLUG mRNA methylation dynamics, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in ischemic disease. Show less
The differential impact of serum lipids and their targets for lipid modification on cardiometabolic disease risk is debated. This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relations Show more
The differential impact of serum lipids and their targets for lipid modification on cardiometabolic disease risk is debated. This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relationships and underlying mechanisms. Genetic variants related to lipid profiles and targets for lipid modification were sourced from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium. Summary data for 10 cardiometabolic diseases were compiled from both discovery and replication data sets. Expression quantitative trait loci data from relevant tissues were employed to evaluate significant lipid-modifying drug targets. Comprehensive analyses including colocalization, mediation, and bioinformatics were conducted to validate the results and investigate potential mediators and mechanisms. Significant causal associations were identified between lipids, lipid-modifying drug targets, and various cardiometabolic diseases. Notably, genetic enhancement of LPL (lipoprotein lipase) was linked to reduced risks of myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR] The study substantiates the causal role of lipids in specific cardiometabolic diseases, highlighting LPL as a potent drug target. The effects of LPL are suggested to be influenced by changes in glucose and blood pressure, providing insights into its mechanism of action. Show less
To investigate the effect of tannic acid (TA) on the growth, disease resistance, and intestinal health of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, individual turtles were fed with 0 g/kg (CG), 0.5 g/kg, 1 g/kg, Show more
To investigate the effect of tannic acid (TA) on the growth, disease resistance, and intestinal health of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, individual turtles were fed with 0 g/kg (CG), 0.5 g/kg, 1 g/kg, 2 g/kg, and 4 g/kg TA diets for 98 days. Afterwards, the turtles' disease resistance was tested using Show less
Spatial representation is a core element of spatial cognition in orienteering, but the visual-spatial neural modulation mechanisms underlying spatial representations with differently oriented maps hav Show more
Spatial representation is a core element of spatial cognition in orienteering, but the visual-spatial neural modulation mechanisms underlying spatial representations with differently oriented maps have not yet been systematically elucidated. This study recruited 67 orienteering athletes as participants and employed a single-factor (map orientation: normal vs. rotated) between-subjects experimental design. Eye-tracking and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) techniques were used simultaneously to collect behavioral, eye movement, and brain activity data, investigating the effects of map orientation on visual attention and brain activity characteristics during terrain symbol representation processing in orienteering athletes. The results revealed that compared to the normal orientation, the rotated orientation led to significantly decreased task accuracy, significantly prolonged reaction times, and significantly increased saccade amplitude and pupil diameter. Brain activation analysis showed that the rotated orientation elicited significantly higher activation levels in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (R-DLPFC), bilateral parietal lobe cortex (L-PL, R-PL), right temporal lobe (R-TL), and visual cortex (VC) compared to the normal orientation, along with enhanced functional connectivity. Correlation analysis revealed that under normal map orientation, accuracy was positively correlated with both saccade amplitude and pupil diameter; accuracy was positively correlated with activation in the R-DLPFC; saccade amplitude was positively correlated with activation in the R-DLPFC and R-PL; and pupil diameter was positively correlated with activation in the R-DLPFC. Under rotated map orientation, accuracy was positively correlated with saccade amplitude and pupil diameter, and pupil diameter was positively correlated with activation in both the L-PL and R-PL. The results indicate that map orientation significantly influences the visual search patterns and neural activity characteristics of orienteering athletes, impacting task performance through the coupling mode of visual-neural activity. Show less
Tumor fibrosis is recognized as a malignant hallmark in various solid tumors; however, the clinical importance and associated molecular characteristics of tumor fibrosis in liver metastases (LM) from Show more
Tumor fibrosis is recognized as a malignant hallmark in various solid tumors; however, the clinical importance and associated molecular characteristics of tumor fibrosis in liver metastases (LM) from colorectal cancer (CRLM) remain poorly understood. Here we show that patients with CRLM whose liver metastases (LM) exhibited tumor fibrosis (Fibrosis+ LM) had significantly worse progression-free survival (P = 0.025) and overall survival (P = 0.008). Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that the tumor microenvironment of the Fibrosis+ LM was characterized by T cells with an exhausted phenotype, macrophages displaying a profibrotic and suppressive phenotype and fibrosis-promoting fibroblasts. Further investigation highlighted the pivotal role of VCAN_eCAF in remodeling the tumor fibrosis in the tumor microenvironment of Fibrosis+ LM, emphasizing potential targetable interactions such as FGF23 or FGF3-FGFR1. Validation through multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics supported these findings. Here we present a comprehensive single-cell atlas of tumor fibrosis in LM, revealing the intricate multicellular environment and molecular features associated with it. These insights deepen our understanding of tumor fibrosis mechanisms and inform improved clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies. Show less
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor in infants, often requiring intervention due to potential functional impairment and cosmetic concerns. Propranolol, a nonselective β-adrener Show more
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor in infants, often requiring intervention due to potential functional impairment and cosmetic concerns. Propranolol, a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor blocker, is the first-line therapy for IH, yet its mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. This prospective study investigated the systemic angiogenic protein profile changes in response to propranolol in 14 treatment-naïve IH infants compared to 14 healthy controls using antibody array analysis. We identified twenty-six angiogenic proteins significantly downregulated in pretreatment IH patients compared to healthy controls. After 3 months of propranolol treatment, six proteins including HB-EGF, TGFα, ANGPTL4, Follistatin, Tie-1 and PLGF were significantly upregulated. Bioinformatic enrichment analysis revealed that these proteins are involved in key biological processes and signaling pathways, including epithelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis regulation, VEGF signaling, ERBB-EGFR axis, Ras-MAPK, and PI3K-Akt pathways. These results suggest that propranolol treatment is associated with a rebalancing of dysregulated angiogenic proteins in IH, through modulating both pro- and anti-angiogenic factors to rebalance vascular homeostasis. Our study provides novel insights into the systems-level pharmacological actions of propranolol and proposes potential biomarkers for treatment response evaluation. Show less
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular event Show more
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and hospital readmission risk within one year following PCI treatment. Additionally, it seeks to assess the clinical value of Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoB/ApoA-I) in predicting the risk of one-year MACEs and readmission post-PCI. A retrospective study included 1938 patients who underwent PCI treatment from January 2010 to December 2018 at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University. Patient demographics, medications, and biochemical indicators were recorded upon admission, with one-year follow-up post-operation. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized to establish the relationship between ApoB/ApoA-I levels and MACEs/readmission. Predictive nomograms were constructed to forecast MACEs and readmission, with the accuracy of the nomograms assessed using the concordance index. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the occurrence of MACEs and readmission. We observed a correlation between ApoB/ApoA-I and other lipid indices, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that ApoB/ApoA-I is an independent risk factor for MACEs in post-PCI patients (P = 0.038). Within one year, the incidence of MACEs significantly increased in the high-level ApoB/ApoA-I group (ApoB/ApoA-I ratio ≥ 0.824) (P = 0.038), while the increase in readmission incidence within one year was not statistically significant. Furthermore, a nomogram predicting one-year MACEs was established (Concordance Index: 0.668). Subgroup analysis revealed that ApoB/ApoA-I was associated with the occurrence of both MACEs and readmission in male patients, those using CCB/ARB/ACEI, those without multivessel diseases, or those with LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L. The ApoB/ApoA-I ratio serves as an independent risk factor for one-year MACEs in post-PCI patients and correlates closely with other blood lipid indicators. ApoB/ApoA-I demonstrates significant predictive value for the occurrence of MACEs within one year.Trial registration Chinese clinical trial registry: No.ChiCTR22000597-23. Show less
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used to treat schizophrenia (SCZ), but they often induce metabolic side effects like dyslipidemia and obesity. We conducted genome-wide association s Show more
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used to treat schizophrenia (SCZ), but they often induce metabolic side effects like dyslipidemia and obesity. We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to identify genetic variants associated with SGA-induced lipid and BMI changes in Chinese SCZ patients. A longitudinal cohort of Chinese SCZ receiving SGAs was followed for up to 18.7 years (mean = 5.7 years, SD = 3.3 years). We analysed the patients' genotypes (N = 669), lipid profiles, and BMI using 19 316 prescription records and 3 917 to 7 596 metabolic measurements per outcome. Linear mixed models were employed to evaluate seven SGAs' random effects on metabolic changes for each patient, followed by GWAS and gene set analyses with Bonferroni and FDR correction. Five SNPs achieved p-value < 5 × 10 Show less