Lipid metabolism abnormalities and inflammation have been implicated in gallstone disease (GSD) development, but the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among lipid metabolites, infla Show more
Lipid metabolism abnormalities and inflammation have been implicated in gallstone disease (GSD) development, but the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among lipid metabolites, inflammatory factors, and GSD remain unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the causal relationships among these 3 factors. This study employed 2-sample Mendelian Randomization (TSMR) and 2-step MR to investigate the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among 91 inflammatory factors, 6 lipid metabolism-related molecules (HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, total cholesterol, ApoA1, and ApoB), and GSD. We opted for 4 distinct MR analysis methods including inverse variance weighted method, weighted median method, MR-Egger regression method and MR-PRESSO analysis. Sensitivity analyses included MR-Egger intercept tests, Cochran's Q statistic, Steiger tests, and leave-one-out analyses. Product of coefficients method was used to estimate mediation proportion. TSMR analysis revealed that every 1-unit increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the risk of GSD decreased by 16.5%, 10.2%, 8.4%, and 13.1%, respectively. Inflammatory factors such as Natural killer cell receptor 2B4 (CD244), Macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), and interleukin-18 receptor 1 (IL-18R1) were identified as risk factors for GSD, while Fibroblast growth factor 19 levels (FGF19), Interleukin-1-alpha levels (IL-1α), and Interleukin-8 levels (IL-8) were found to be protective. Mediation analysis through 2-step MR identified potential pathways involving ApoA1--IL-8--GSD (P = .084) and IL-1α--ApoB--GSD (P = .117). This study provides robust evidence of causal links between specific lipid metabolites and GSD, as well as suggestive causal associations for several inflammatory factors. However, mediation analysis did not support significant roles for lipids or inflammatory factors as mediators in GSD pathogenesis. Future research could be further pursued in areas such as drug target intervention and mechanistic studies. Show less
The seven-transmembrane (7TM) receptors are the largest superfamily of cell-surface receptors and are involved in various physiological processes of vertebrate species. In our previous study, a new ch Show more
The seven-transmembrane (7TM) receptors are the largest superfamily of cell-surface receptors and are involved in various physiological processes of vertebrate species. In our previous study, a new chicken 7TM receptor (Ch-7TM) was discovered in mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) derived from chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). To explore the functions of Ch-7TM, RNA interference (RNAi) was used to silence the Ch-7TM messenger RNA (mRNA) of MNPs, using small interfering RNA (siRNA) designed with BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Designer. Herein we demonstrated that silencing of the Ch-7TM mRNA induced apoptosis of MNPs, suggesting that Ch-7TM contributed to the survival of MNPs. Moreover, chicken sera could inhibit the Ch-7TM-silencing-induced apoptosis in MNPs. The survival factor presented in fraction 16 (F16) of chicken sera was highly protective against the Ch-7TM-silencing-induced apoptosis in MNPs. The proteins from F16 were identified as vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV), which might be potential candidates for survival factors. The protective effect of vitamin D and ApoA-IV indicated that Ch-7TM might involve the intracellular oxidation-reduction balance, although more evidence is needed to confirm this function. The siRNA screening serves as an excellent model for studying the functions of chicken MNPs receptors. Show less
Growing evidence suggests that lipid metabolism may play a crucial role in mood disorder pathophysiology, and the correlation between blood lipids and mood disorder remains further clarified. This pro Show more
Growing evidence suggests that lipid metabolism may play a crucial role in mood disorder pathophysiology, and the correlation between blood lipids and mood disorder remains further clarified. This prospective, population-based cohort study utilized data from the UK Biobank. The study included 268,098 and 292,121 participants who had never been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder and who had complete data at both the baseline and follow-up points. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on seven blood lipids, and the first three principal components (PCs) were derived. Cox regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between the risk of mood disorders and the PCs. Multiplicative interaction and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. The relationship between blood lipids and neurological biomarkers was explored using Spearman's analysis. PC1, primarily reflecting levels of Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), showed a protective effect against depression, with HRs of 0.98 (95 % CI: 0.96,1.00) in the fully adjusted Cox regression model. In contrast, PC2, characterized by opposite loadings for triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), was positively associated with the risk of depression and bipolar disorder.(HR = 1.03,95 % CI: 1.01,1.06; HR = 1.11, 95 % CI: 1.01,1.23). Increased PC2 level was related to a significant increase in bipolar disorder risk among participants with high genetic risk (genetic risk score > 90 %, HR = 1.22, 95 % CI: 1.02,1.46). Complicated correlations between blood lipids and serum neuroproteins were detected. These findings suggest complex associations between blood lipid profiles and the risk of depression and bipolar disorder. Show less
Currently, understanding of the nonlinear relationship between age and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis is insufficient. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between age at HCC d Show more
Currently, understanding of the nonlinear relationship between age and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis is insufficient. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between age at HCC diagnosis and overall survival (OS) and identify possible influencing mechanisms. Clinical data from the TCGA public database were analyzed. Restricted cubic spline and segmented logistic regression were employed to explore the nonlinear relationship between age at diagnosis and mortality risk following hepatectomy. Furthermore, bioinformatics methods were employed to understand the possible mechanisms of this nonlinear relationship at the genetic level. The results indicated a nonlinear relationship between age at diagnosis and OS, with the age of 60 years identified as a critical point. Segmented regression showed that age ≥60 years is an unfavorable prognostic factor. The "DNA mismatch repair" pathway was considerably enriched in patients aged <60 years. However, the gene mutation rate of "APOB," "MUC16," "ALB," and "PCLO" and the median tumor mutation burden were relatively more evident in patients aged ≥60 years. MGEA12 was more highly expressed in tumor tissues than in normal ones, particularly in patients aged ≥60 years. The survival rate of the high-expression group was lower than that of the low-expression group. At the mRNA level, the MGEA12 expression in Huh-7 and SUN449 was higher than that in the HSC-LX2 cell line. A nonlinear relationship was found between age at HCC diagnosis and OS, with the age of 60 years being the critical point. MGEA12 may affect the prognosis of elderly people. Show less
To establish the reference interval for the serum lipid index in pregnant women and to explore the relationship between lipid metabolism levels and pregnancy outcomes. Data were derived from 446 pregn Show more
To establish the reference interval for the serum lipid index in pregnant women and to explore the relationship between lipid metabolism levels and pregnancy outcomes. Data were derived from 446 pregnancy women and 317 healthy non-pregnant women. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured in both groups. The mean and standard deviation of each index were calculated to establish the reference range of normal serum lipid levels in pregnant women in mid-to-late pregnancy. The associations between serum lipid levels and perinatal outcomes were assessed statistically. There were no significant differences in age, pregnancy, or parity between the adverse outcome and normal delivery groups, but the caesarean section rate was significantly higher in the adverse outcome group. The levels of hs-CRP, TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and ApoA1 were significantly higher in the adverse outcome group. Elevated hs-CRP, TG, and HDL-C levels were risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal threshold of the combined diagnosis of these three indicators to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes was 0.534, and the area under the curve was 0.822. The establishment of lipid reference intervals in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can effectively evaluate lipid metabolism in pregnant women, and the measurement of lipid metabolism in pregnant women is helpful in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. Show less
Osteosarcoma demonstrates limited responsiveness to PD-1 blockade, largely due to its immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The specific mechanisms by which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CA Show more
Osteosarcoma demonstrates limited responsiveness to PD-1 blockade, largely due to its immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The specific mechanisms by which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to immunosuppression in osteosarcoma are not fully understood. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on osteosarcoma tissues from patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy to investigate the tumor microenvironment. Cellular composition, gene expression programs, and signaling pathways were analyzed. Functional assays, pull-down and PLA-flow binding validation, and in vivo mouse models were used to dissect the mechanisms by which CAF-derived factors influence CD8⁺ T cell function and contribute to immunotherapy response. We identified a subpopulation of CD36⁺ CAFs, characterized by adaptive uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and activation of the PPARG-FABP4 axis. This metabolic program promoted ANGPTL4 secretion, which bound integrin on CD8⁺ T cells and activated the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, leading to T cell exhaustion and impaired effector function. In vivo, administration of VitE effectively scavenged OxLDL, reprogrammed the TME, enhanced CD8⁺ T cell infiltration, and synergized with PD-1 blockade to improve tumor control. CD36⁺ CAFs drive immunosuppressive metabolic reprogramming via the OxLDL-PPARG-ANGPTL4 axis, promoting CD8⁺ T cell exhaustion and resistance to immunotherapy in osteosarcoma. Targeting this pathway with VitE alleviated CAF-mediated immune suppression and enhanced PD-1 blockade responses in preclinical models, providing a rationale for metabolism-based combinatorial strategies in osteosarcoma. Show less
High-intensity exercise promotes visceral adipose tissue (VAT) breakdown in females via the hypothalamic ERα pathway, and exogenous lactate infusion combined with aerobic training (AT) mimics this eff Show more
High-intensity exercise promotes visceral adipose tissue (VAT) breakdown in females via the hypothalamic ERα pathway, and exogenous lactate infusion combined with aerobic training (AT) mimics this effect. However, whether lactate administration can independently mediate hypothalamic plasticity and VAT catabolism as a standalone nutritional strategy remains unexplored. Firstly, using a two-factor design (Lactate × AT) in female SD rats, we showed that long-term exogenous lactate infusion independently induced co-expression of Estrogen receptor α (ERα) and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and elevated local field potential spectral power in specific bands. These neural adaptations were accompanied by increased resting metabolic rate, enhanced fat oxidation, and enhanced lipolysis, thereby preventing excessive VAT accumulation induced by a high-fat diet. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition confirmed that Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) acts as a co-upstream signal of ERα and BDNF mediating this process. Our findings reveal that standalone lactate administration induces functional plasticity and metabolic reprogramming through the VMH PGC-1α-ERα pathway, independent of exercise, and effectively suppresses pathological VAT accumulation in female rats. This study identifies potential nutritional interventions and mechanistic targets for preventing female-centered obesity. Show less
This study aimed to identify heterogeneous patterns of medical coping modes (MCM) and to examine the moderating role of social support in the relationship between these patterns and social disability Show more
This study aimed to identify heterogeneous patterns of medical coping modes (MCM) and to examine the moderating role of social support in the relationship between these patterns and social disability in young and middle-aged patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 129 post-PCI patients from a single center in China. Participants completed the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify distinct coping patterns. The moderation effect of social support was tested using the Johnson-Neyman technique. Two distinct coping profiles were identified via LPA: "Adaptive Copers" (55.1%), characterized by higher confrontation and lower avoidance/resignation, and "Maladaptive Copers" (44.9%), showing the opposite pattern. A counterintuitive finding emerged, with the Maladaptive Copers reporting significantly lower social disability scores. Furthermore, beyond this profile differentiation, social support demonstrated a significant U-shaped moderating effect in the coping-disability relationship. Its moderating role was statistically significant only at very low (<39.884) and very high (>52.924) levels of support. This study reveals two key findings: first, post-PCI patients are heterogeneous in coping, comprising adaptive and maladaptive subgroups; second, the impact of these coping styles on social disability is non-linearly moderated by social support. Clinicians should assess both coping profiles and social support levels to tailor interventions effectively. Show less
Injectable hydrogel implants represent a promising therapeutic approach for ischemic heart failure; but their efficacy is often limited by low bioactivity, poor durability, and inadequate injection te Show more
Injectable hydrogel implants represent a promising therapeutic approach for ischemic heart failure; but their efficacy is often limited by low bioactivity, poor durability, and inadequate injection techniques. Herein, a unique hydrogel incorporating extracellular matrix from fish swim bladder (FSB-ECM), which has distinct advantages over mammalian derived ECM, such as low antigenicity, bioactivity, and source safety, is developed. It consists of collagen, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, including 13 proteins common in the myocardial matrix and three specific proteins: HSPG, Col12a1, and vWF. This hydrogel enhances cardiac cell adhesion and stretching while promoting angiogenesis and M2 macrophage polarization. In addition, its storage modulus (G') increases over time, reaching about 1000 Pa after 5 min, which facilitates transcatheter delivery and in situ gelling. Furthermore, this hydrogel provides sustained support for cardiac contractions, exhibiting superior longevity. In a rat model of ischemic heart failure, the ejection fraction significantly improves with FSB-ECM treatment, accompanied by increased angiogenesis, reduced inflammation, and decreased infarct size. Finally, RNA sequencing combined with in vitro assays identifies ANGPTL4 as a key protein involved in mediating the effects of FSB-ECM treatment. Overall, this new injectable hydrogel based on FSB-ECM is suitable for transcatheter delivery and possesses remarkable reparative capabilities for treating heart failure. Show less
Aβ is believed to play a significant role in synaptic degeneration observed in Alzheimer's disease and is primarily investigated as a secreted peptide. However, the contribution of intracellular Aβ or Show more
Aβ is believed to play a significant role in synaptic degeneration observed in Alzheimer's disease and is primarily investigated as a secreted peptide. However, the contribution of intracellular Aβ or other cleavage products of its precursor protein (APP) to synaptic loss remains uncertain. In this study, we conducted a systematic examination of their cell-autonomous impact using a sparse expression system in rat hippocampal slice culture. Here, these proteins/peptides were overexpressed in a single neuron, surrounded by thousands of untransfected neurons. Surprisingly, we found that APP induced dendritic spine loss only when co-expressed with BACE1. This effect was mediated by β-CTF, a β-cleavage product of APP, through an endosome-related pathway independent of Aβ. Neuronal expression of β-CTF in mouse brains resulted in defective synaptic transmission and cognitive impairments, even in the absence of amyloid plaques. These findings unveil a β-CTF-initiated mechanism driving synaptic toxicity irrespective of amyloid plaque formation and suggest a potential intervention by inhibiting the endosomal GTPase Rab5. Show less
FGFR1 amplification and FGFR1/2 activating mutations have been associated with antiestrogen resistance in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, there are no approved FGFR1-targeted Show more
FGFR1 amplification and FGFR1/2 activating mutations have been associated with antiestrogen resistance in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, there are no approved FGFR1-targeted therapies for breast cancers harboring these alterations. In this study, we investigated the selective degradation of FGFR1/2 using the proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) DGY-09-192 as a novel therapeutic strategy in ER + breast cancers harboring FGFR1/2 somatic alterations. Treatment of ER+/FGFR1-amplified breast cancer cells and patient-derived xenografts with DGY-09-192 resulted in sustained degradation of FGFR1 in a proteasome-dependent manner and suppressed downstream signal transduction. The combination of DGY-09-192 and the ERα degrader fulvestrant resulted in complete cell growth arrest and tumor regression of ER+/FGFR1-amplified patients-derived xenografts. In addition, we tested the effect of DGY-09-192 on breast cancer cells expressing FGFR1 Show less
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers exhibit aberrant lipid metabolism, yet the causal mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we integrated Mendelian randomization (MR) and multi-omics data to dissect metabolic dr Show more
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers exhibit aberrant lipid metabolism, yet the causal mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we integrated Mendelian randomization (MR) and multi-omics data to dissect metabolic drivers of 20 GI diseases. Focusing on colorectal (CC) and esophageal cancer (EC), we identified five metabolites (e.g., 1,2-di-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and arachidonic acid ethyl ester as causal drivers. Summary-data-based MR and colocalization analysis (PP.H4 > 0.75) revealed FADS1 as a master regulator of these metabolites, with genetic variants exhibiting tissue-specific lipidomic effects. Functional validation using FADS1-knockout cell lines and mouse models demonstrated that FADS1 inhibition suppresses tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. In vivo, FADS1 deletion reduced chemically induced CC/EC tumor burden by 62-75%, accompanied by decreased Ki-67/MMP-9 expression and inflammatory infiltration. Mechanistically, FADS1 ablation disrupted lipid metabolism (reduced linoleic acid and arachidonic acid) and attenuated PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling. Multi-omics integration further corroborated FADS1-mediated epigenetic regulation (e.g., mQTL-driven DNA methylation). This study establishes FADS1 as a pivotal orchestrator of GI carcinogenesis via metabolic reprogramming and signaling dysregulation, offering a compelling therapeutic target for precision oncology in CC and EC. Regulatory mechanisms of FADS1 in CC and EC. Show less
Some individuals are more susceptible to developing or suffering from pain states than others. However, the brain mechanisms underlying the susceptibility to pain responses are unknown. In this study, Show more
Some individuals are more susceptible to developing or suffering from pain states than others. However, the brain mechanisms underlying the susceptibility to pain responses are unknown. In this study, we defined pain susceptibility by recapitulating inter-individual differences in pain responses in mice exposed to a paradigm of socially transferred allodynia (STA), and with a combination of chemogenetic, molecular, pharmacological and electrophysiological approaches, we identified GABA-ergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) as a cellular target for the development and maintenance of STA susceptibility. We showed that DRN GABA-ergic neurons were selectively activated in STA-susceptible mice when compared with the unsusceptible (resilient) or control mice. Chemogenetic activation of DRN GABA-ergic neurons promoted STA susceptibility; whereas inhibiting these neurons prevented the development of STA susceptibility and reversed established STA. In in vitro slice electrophysiological analysis, we demonstrated that melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) enriched in DRN GABA-ergic neurons was a molecular target for regulating pain susceptibility, possibly by affecting DRN GABA-ergic neuronal activity. These results establish the DRN GABA-ergic neurons as an essential target for controlling pain susceptibility, thus providing important information for developing conceptually innovative and more accurate analgesic strategies. Show less
Evidence of the benefits of cordycepin (Cpn) for treating obesity is accumulating, but detailed knowledge of its therapeutic targets and mechanisms remains limited. This study aimed to systematically Show more
Evidence of the benefits of cordycepin (Cpn) for treating obesity is accumulating, but detailed knowledge of its therapeutic targets and mechanisms remains limited. This study aimed to systematically identify Cpn's therapeutic targets and pathways in Western diet (WD)-induced obesity using integrated network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and experimental validation. A Western diet (WD)-induced mice model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of Cpn in ameliorating obesity. A network pharmacology analysis was then employed to identify the potential anti-obesity targets of Cpn. GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed to elucidate the potential functions of the identified targets, followed by constructing a protein-protein interaction network to screen the core targets. Meanwhile, quantitative transcriptomics was conducted to validate and broaden the network pharmacology findings. Finally, molecular docking and quantitative real-time PCR assay were used for the core target validation. Cpn treatment effectively alleviated obesity-related symptoms in WD-induced mice. The metabolic pathway, insulin signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis pathway, and core targets including CPS1, HRAS, MAPK14, PAH, ALDOB, AKT1, GSK3B, HSP90AA1, BHMT2, EGFR, CASP3, MAT1A, APOM, APOA2, APOC3, and APOA1 are involved in regulating the therapeutic effect of Cpn. This study comprehensively uncovers the potential mechanism of Cpn against obesity based on network pharmacology and quantitative transcriptomics, which provides evidence for revealing the pathogenesis of obesity, suggesting that Cpn is a possible lead compound for anti-obesity treatment. 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
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
Dysregulated fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling - driven by amplifications, mutations, or fusions - represents a clinically validated oncogenic driver across diverse malignancies. Pan- Show more
Dysregulated fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling - driven by amplifications, mutations, or fusions - represents a clinically validated oncogenic driver across diverse malignancies. Pan-FGFR-selective inhibitors (erdafitinib, pemigatinib, and futibatinib) have been developed in clinical practice. However, their therapeutic efficacy is substantially limited by inevitable on-target resistance mutations and toxicities via FGFR1/4 inhibition. Next-generation FGFR isoform-selective small-molecule inhibitors are emerging and represent active research frontiers. FGFR2-selective inhibitor lirafugratinib, FGFR3-selective inhibitors LOXO-435 and TYRA-300, FGFR2/3-selective inhibitor ABSK061, and FGFR4-selective inhibitors are in clinical development. Additionally, novel isoform-selective FGFR-targeting degraders, FGFR2b/FGFR3-selective antibodies, and de novo-designed 'c' isoform-selective proteins provide novel treatment strategies. This review provides an overview of the current FGFR-targeted therapeutics and limitations and evaluates next-generation inhibitor development to guide future research. Show less
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health issue due to its high prevalence, yet the impact of accelerometer-measured physical activity on clinical outcomes re Show more
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health issue due to its high prevalence, yet the impact of accelerometer-measured physical activity on clinical outcomes remains unclear. This study aims to examine the associations of physical activity with the risk of liver cirrhosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. 32 681 MASLD participants with accelerometer-derived physical activity data from the UK Biobank were analysed. Physical activity intensity was categorised into light (LPA), moderate (MPA) and vigorous (VPA) intensity. Cox proportional hazard and acceleration failure models were employed to assess associations between physical activity duration and outcomes. During a median follow-up of 7.5-7.9 years, 1883 deaths, 151 liver cirrhosis, 3312 cancers and 6657 CVD events were recorded. Physical activity, regardless of intensity, was consistently associated with a reduced risk of liver cirrhosis, CVD and all-cause mortality. Compared with non-MASLD individuals, our analysis indicates that longer duration of physical activity, specifically >1945 min/week of LPA or >383 min/week of MPA may theoretically eliminate the excess risk of mortality associated with MASLD. Among MASLD individuals, longer physical activity duration, regardless of intensity, was associated with reduced risks of liver cirrhosis and mortality. MPA and VPA were associated with lower CVD risk, while VPA was associated with reduced cancer risk, highlighting the potential benefits of increasing the intensity and duration of physical activity in MASLD management. Show less
Breast cancer has seriously affected women's physical and mental health. This investigation aims at screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in breast cancer and illuminating the potential biol Show more
Breast cancer has seriously affected women's physical and mental health. This investigation aims at screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in breast cancer and illuminating the potential biological functions of Leiomodin 1 (LMOD1) and its behind mechanisms against breast cancer. The common DEGs (co-DEGs) between the GSE22820 and GSE29431 data sets and pivotal genes were screened out using bioinformatics methods. The biological roles of LMOD1 overexpression on malignant phenotypes were validated by functional assays and the impact on fatty acid synthesis was also elucidated in breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, colivelin, a STAT3 activator, was applied for further investigating the role of LMOD1 on the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in vitro. A total of 208 co-DEGs and 5 focal genes were screened through bioinformatics analysis, and 5 focal genes were downregulated in breast cancer cell lines. LMOD1 overexpression retarded proliferative, migratory, invasive capabilities of breast cancer cells. LMOD1 overexpression suppressed fatty acid synthesis. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects on malignant phenotypes of breast cancer cells with LMOD1 overexpression were partially abolished after colivelin treatment. Additionally, LMOD1 could impede fatty acid synthesis in breast cancer cells. Our study highlighted LMOD1 exerted as a tumor-suppressive role in breast cancer, which was correlated with restraining the JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation. Show less
Integrated multi-omics analysis has revolutionized the investigation of plant-derived compounds for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Solanesol, a bioactive constituent from Solanaceae plants, exhibits Show more
Integrated multi-omics analysis has revolutionized the investigation of plant-derived compounds for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Solanesol, a bioactive constituent from Solanaceae plants, exhibits high oral bioavailability and translational potential for multi-target therapeutics. This study aimed to elucidate the multi-target mechanisms and multi-organ protective effects of solanesol in T2DM management through integrated multi-omics approaches, to bridge the gap between phytochemical discovery and clinical translation. In Lepr Solanesol improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and reduced serum lipids, hepatic gluconeogenesis, uric acid, white adipose mass, pancreatic/hepatic inflammation, and renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, solanesol: 1) enriched beneficial gut microbiota (Alistipes, Anaerotruncus, and Parasutterella) and increased levels of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids; 2) rebalanced the dysfunctional mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation microenvironment by modulating the expression and the activities of respiratory chain Complexes I-V; 3) modulated hepatic lipid metabolism by inhibiting de novo lipogenesis via the Acly-Acaca-Fasn pathway, promoting cholesterol efflux and fatty acid oxidation through Abca1/Fabp5, and attenuating inflammation via Lpl-PPARδ downregulation. Solanesol demonstrates multi-organ protective effects through gut microbiota-metabolite crosstalk and hepatic lipid/redox homeostasis regulation. Its multi-target efficacy and oral bioavailability position it as a novel, clinically translatable candidate for T2DM management. Show less
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), characterized by ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis, frequently progresses to heart failure. Although metabolic dysregulation is implicated in HCM pathophysiology, Show more
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), characterized by ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis, frequently progresses to heart failure. Although metabolic dysregulation is implicated in HCM pathophysiology, the role of PDK4 (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4), a key regulator of cardiac glucose and fatty acid oxidation, in HCM-related heart failure remains unknown. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing was performed to analyze gene expression in patients with HCM (n=12), categorized into the following groups: normal, reduced, and heart failure. We validated our findings in additional cohorts of patients undergoing septal resection or heart transplantation. Cardiac-specific Single-nucleus RNA sequencing identified distinct cardiomyocyte clusters, with cardiomyocyte cluster 4 ( Our findings highlight metabolic disturbance, specifically PDK4-driven suppression of glucose oxidation, as crucial in HCM progression to heart failure. PDK4 represents a promising therapeutic target for preventing or treating heart failure in patients with HCM. Show less
Despite the well-established association between the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (apoB/apoA1) ratio and ischemic stroke, its specific relationship with the underlying vascular pathologies contr Show more
Despite the well-established association between the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (apoB/apoA1) ratio and ischemic stroke, its specific relationship with the underlying vascular pathologies contributing to stroke remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the association between the apoB/apoA1 ratio and intracranial or extracranial atherosclerosis. We enrolled 408 patients with acute ischemic stroke who had never been treated with statins or fibrates. Based on the images from computed tomography angiography (CTA), the patients were categorized into four groups: intracranial atherosclerosis stenosis (ICAS, n = 136), extracranial carotid atherosclerosis stenosis (ECAS, n = 45), combined intracranial and extracranial atherosclerosis stenosis (COAS, n = 73), and non-cerebral atherosclerosis stenosis (NCAS, n = 154). Demographic characteristics, clinical factors, and serum lipid levels were collected and then compared across groups. The apoB/apoA1 ratio was significantly higher in patients with ICAS, ECAS and COAS compared to those in the NCAS group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was independently associated with ICAS, but not with ECAS. ROC curve analysis showed that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio had a good diagnostic ability for ICAS, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.764, an optimal cut-off value of 0.8122, a sensitivity of 81.3%, and a specificity of 59.8%. An higher apoB/apoA1 ratio is associated with ICAS in ischemic stroke patients. Show less
For small ruminants, meat quality-an economically significant characteristic-results from the combined effects of genetic, dietary, and physiological elements. However, the contribution of gastrointes Show more
For small ruminants, meat quality-an economically significant characteristic-results from the combined effects of genetic, dietary, and physiological elements. However, the contribution of gastrointestinal (GI) tract gene expression to meat quality remains unclear. Here, we performed bulk RNA-seq on 130 samples from Liangshan Black Sheep and Meigu Black Goats, including 10 GI tract segments and semitendinosus muscle, integrating these data with measurements of amino acid composition, fatty acid profiles, and volatile flavor compounds. We found distinct, segment-specific transcriptional programs across the GI tract, with major functional shifts at the rumen-reticulum, omasum-abomasum, and abomasum-duodenum transitions. In the ileum and jejunum, genes involved in lipid metabolism showed links to fatty acid profiles, whereas genes governing amino acid metabolism in the small intestine were connected to the amino acid composition of muscle. Cecum- and colon-enriched genes were linked to flavor precursor biosynthesis. Species-specific differences revealed that sheep muscle contained higher levels of key amino acids (Asp, Glu, Hyp, Cys, Tyr), whereas goats showed higher α-linolenic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids. This work establishes a gut-muscle transcriptomic axis in small ruminants, identifying candidate genes (e.g., Show less
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of disability and mortality, but its genetic basis remains poorly understood. This study integrates data from three large-scale genome-wide association studies (G Show more
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of disability and mortality, but its genetic basis remains poorly understood. This study integrates data from three large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs), the GWAS Catalog, MEGASTROKE, and Open GWAS, to identify novel genetic loci linked to IS. Our meta-analysis revealed 124 new IS-associated loci, with enrichment in genes involved in cerebrovascular function, inflammation, and metabolism. Candidate genes like Show less
Recent evidence suggests that elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The predictive value of specific Lp(a) cutoff points of 30 mg/dL remains to Show more
Recent evidence suggests that elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The predictive value of specific Lp(a) cutoff points of 30 mg/dL remains to be established. This study investigated the relationship between Lp(a) concentrations and cardiovascular outcomes in Taiwanese individuals, stratified by pre-existing ASCVD status. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 51,934 subjects from the Chang Gung Research Database (January 2004 to June 2019), comprising 49,363 individuals without ASCVD and 2,571 with established ASCVD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), encompassing acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, revascularization procedures, peripheral arterial interventions, and cardiovascular mortality. Individuals were followed until their last visit to our institutions or December 31, 2019. During a mean follow-up of 6.6 years (standard deviation: 5.0 years), the study population demonstrated a median Lp(a) of 9.6 mg/dL (interquartile range: 4.6-18.5). In ASCVD-free individuals, Lp(a) concentrations ≥30 mg/dL were associated with increased MACE risk (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR]: 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.43). Similarly, in the ASCVD cohort, elevated Lp(a) predicted higher MACE occurrence (aSHR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.07-1.74). Restricted cubic spline analysis confirmed a progressive risk elevation beyond the 30 mg/dL threshold in both groups. Lp(a) levels ≥30 mg/dL independently predicted adverse cardiovascular outcomes, regardless of baseline ASCVD status. This threshold appears suitable for cardiovascular risk stratification in both primary and secondary prevention settings. Show less
Asthma severity assessment is essential for asthma management. Transcriptomics contributes substantially to asthma pathogenesis. Then, this study aimed to explore asthma severity-associated transcript Show more
Asthma severity assessment is essential for asthma management. Transcriptomics contributes substantially to asthma pathogenesis. Then, this study aimed to explore asthma severity-associated transcriptomics profile and promising biomarkers for asthma severity prediction. In discovery cohort, induced sputum cells from 3 non-severe and 3 severe asthma patients were collected and analyzed using RNA-seq. Multivariate analysis was performed to explore asthma severity-associated transcriptomics profile and differential expressed genes (DEGs). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) were used for pathway enrichment analysis. Subsequently, based on the previous study and clinical experience, the mRNA expressions of 6 overlapped asthma severity-associated DEGs and Distinct asthma severity-associated transcriptomics profile was identified in induced sputum cells in discovery cohort. Then, 345 DEGs were found, of which 38 terms and 32 pathways were enriched using GO and KEGG, respectively. In validation cohort, the mRNA expressions of Collectively, this study provides the first identification of the association between induced sputum cells transcriptomics profile and asthma severity, indicating the potential value of transcriptomics for asthma management. The study also reveals the promising value of serum C3 for predicting asthma severity in clinical practice. Show less
Sepsis is the dysregulated immune response to an infection and is a leading cause of mortality. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated with increased risk of death fro Show more
Sepsis is the dysregulated immune response to an infection and is a leading cause of mortality. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated with increased risk of death from sepsis, and increasing levels of HDL by inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has been shown to decrease mortality in mouse models of sepsis. The objective of this study was to investigate the cellular mechanisms by which CETP inhibition and HDL lead to improved survival during sepsis. We found that HDL inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of IL-1β in a mouse model of sepsis. The activation of IL-1β was dependent on the activity of scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), and knockdown of SR-B1 significantly attenuated LPS-induced production of IL-1β in macrophages. Additionally, we found that LPS-induced SR-B1 internalization occurs through the endosome-lysosome pathway, which is also likely responsible for LPS degradation in the macrophages. Furthermore, we revealed that raising HDL by CETP inhibition markedly enhanced HDL-mediated anti-inflammatory effects in response to LPS stimulation, and these effects were not due to CETP itself but rather were HDL-dependent. Finally, we show that pharmacological inhibition of CETP significantly improved endotoxemia-induced mortality by inhibiting IL-1β production in the liver and circulation after LPS injection. Pathologically, CETP inhibition attenuated LPS-induced diffuse alveolar damage and hepatocyte necrosis, which may contribute to the improved mortality in mice treated with the CETP inhibitor anacetrapib. Taken together, our findings uncover a cellular mechanism by which HDL attenuates LPS-induced pro-inflammatory response via SR-B1-mediated LPS degradation. Show less
The aim of this study was to determine if retatrutide, a triple agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor and glucagon (GCG) rece Show more
The aim of this study was to determine if retatrutide, a triple agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor and glucagon (GCG) receptor, may lower serum triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in part by decreasing circulating concentrations of the angiopoietin-like protein 3/8 complex (ANGPTL3/8). In post-hoc analyses of two phase 2 retatrutide trials, concentrations of ANGPTL3/8, ANGPTL4/8 complex (ANGPTL4/8), ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 were measured using dedicated immunoassays to determine percent changes from baseline. Correlations of ANGPTL protein and complex levels with lipid and metabolic parameters at baseline were analysed. Correlations of the changes in ANGPTL protein and complex levels versus the changes in lipid and metabolic parameters at study endpoints were also analysed. Direct effects of retatrutide itself, GIP, GLP-1, GCG and a GCG receptor (GCGR) antagonist antibody on ANGPTL3/8 secretion were studied in vitro using primary human hepatocytes. ANGPTL3/8 reductions were observed with 8 and 12 mg retatrutide doses in participants with type 2 diabetes, and with 1, 4, 8 and 12 mg retatrutide doses in participants with obesity or overweight but without diabetes. In both cases, ANGPTL3/8 decreases paralleled retatrutide-induced reductions in TG and LDL-C. In primary human hepatocytes, both glucagon and retatrutide decreased ANGPTL3/8 secretion, and these reductions were blocked with the GCGR antagonist antibody. Together, these results suggest that the GCGR agonism of retatrutide could lead to reduced circulating ANGPTL3/8 concentrations, which may then contribute to decreases in TG and LDL-C levels. Show less