Fusion genes are pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis, often generating oncogenic chimeric RNAs and fusion circular RNAs. However, the mechanisms by which these transcripts synergistically contribute to c Show more
Fusion genes are pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis, often generating oncogenic chimeric RNAs and fusion circular RNAs. However, the mechanisms by which these transcripts synergistically contribute to cancer progression remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a lung cancer-specific chimeric RNA KANSL1-ARL17A (chKANSARL) and its circular variant fusion circular RNA KANSL1-ARL17 A (F-circKA), both derived from the fusion gene KANSARL. Functional assays revealed that overexpression of either chKANSARL or F-circKA significantly enhanced lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while their knockdown suppressed these malignant phenotypes. In vivo experiments demonstrated that chKANSARL overexpression accelerated tumor growth in immunodeficient mice. Notably, coexpression experiments uncovered a synergistic regulatory interaction between F-circKA and chKANSARL, amplifying oncogenic effects. Mechanistically, miRNA sequencing and dual-luciferase assays revealed that F-circKA acts as a molecular sponge for miR-6860, thereby derepressing chKANSARL expression. Rescue experiments further validated this regulatory axis, wherein miR-6860 inhibition reversed the tumor-suppressive effects of F-circKA knockdown. Collectively, our study identifies and characterizes a novel F-circKA/miR-6860/chKANSARL regulatory axis, revealing how dual transcriptional outputs from the KANSARL fusion gene can synergistically drive lung cancer progression. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized layer of cooperative regulation between linear and circular fusion RNAs in oncogenesis and provide a new framework for understanding fusion gene-mediated tumorigenesis. Show less
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a pervasive environmental pollutant, has been implicated in cardiovascular injury, yet its mechanistic contribution to atherosclerosis remains unclear. Here, we combined network Show more
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a pervasive environmental pollutant, has been implicated in cardiovascular injury, yet its mechanistic contribution to atherosclerosis remains unclear. Here, we combined network toxicology, RNA-seq profiling, molecular simulations, and cellular validation to elucidate BaP-driven vascular effects. Integration of BaP-associated targets with atherosclerosis gene sets identified SPP1 as a key hub. Transcriptomic analysis of aortas from BaP-treated ApoE Show less
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver disorder driven by metabolic dysregulation and chronic inflammation, for which targeted pharmacotherapies remain limited. Rutin, a bioact Show more
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver disorder driven by metabolic dysregulation and chronic inflammation, for which targeted pharmacotherapies remain limited. Rutin, a bioactive flavonoid from Sophora japonica and Fagopyrum esculentum, possesses notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study explored its pharmacological effects and underlying mechanism in NAFLD using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches. We found that rutin administration markedly attenuated hepatic steatosis, reduced oxidative stress, restored mitochondrial function, and improved liver injury markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), in both high-fat diet (HFD)-fed ApoE Show less
Pulmonary infections and fibrosis remain difficult to treat because current interventions target isolated pathways rather than the coupled axes of inflammation, barrier integrity, and tissue remodelin Show more
Pulmonary infections and fibrosis remain difficult to treat because current interventions target isolated pathways rather than the coupled axes of inflammation, barrier integrity, and tissue remodeling. Here, it is shown that inhalationally delivered, lung-targeted antisense oligonucleotides against angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4-ASO) attenuate both infectious and fibrotic lung disease. In murine models of bacterial and viral pneumonia, Angptl4-ASO reduces inflammatory cell infiltration, preserves alveolar architecture, and improves host defence. In bleomycin-induced fibrosis, treatment lowered Ashcroft scores, collagen deposition, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression, indicating broad efficacy across acute and chronic injury. Comparative transcriptomics reveal model-specific responses, immune and oxidative-stress programs in pneumonia versus extracellular matrix (ECM)-remodeling pathways in fibrosis, yet nearly half of all changes converge on a shared ANGPTL4-regulated network linking hypoxic, inflammatory, apoptotic, and stress response programs. This conserved signature suggests that ANGPTL4 functions as a central regulator of injury resolution regardless of the initiating insult. Mechanistically, Angptl4-ASO reinforced epithelial barrier integrity through coordinated regulation of tight junction and glycoprotein pathways. Longitudinal tracking of a Sulfo-Cyanine 5 (Cy5)-conjugated Angptl4-ASO confirmed a lung-retentive biodistribution, with sustained intrapulmonary localization and minimal systemic dissemination over a 144-hour window. Collectively, these findings position inhaled ANGPTL4-ASO as a host-directed, multi-axis therapeutic strategy that addresses shared and context-specific drivers of diverse pulmonary pathologies. Show less
Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Despite overlapping remodeling features, their disti Show more
Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Despite overlapping remodeling features, their distinct mechanisms and therapeutic responses remain unclear. This study integrated genetic, imaging, and proteomic data to identify key mediators underlying β1-adrenergic receptor blockers (β1-blockers)-related therapeutic heterogeneity between HHD and HCM. Genetic instruments for β1-blockers were derived from two genome-wide association studies and integrated with cardiac magnetic resonance radiomic traits and plasma proteomic data from the UK Biobank, along with disease outcomes from FinnGen. A refined two-stage network Mendelian randomization framework with pleiotropy-robust estimators identified mediators of treatment response. To further elucidate their biological and clinical significance, additional analyses were performed, including drug-target profiling, molecular docking, adverse events (AEs) assessment, and drug prediction. We identified three types of imaging features and ten mediator proteins that contributed to therapeutic responses in HHD and HCM. These mediators were categorized as either mediating (aligned with therapeutic outcomes) or suppressing (opposing therapeutic outcomes). Left ventricular regional radial strain acted as a suppressing factor in HHD but a mediating factor in HCM, whereas end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes consistently showed suppressing effects in both. Regional myocardial wall thickness also exerted a suppressing role in HCM. Among protein mediators, APOE, CGREF1, ITGA5, LSP1, NOS3, and NPPB were linked to HHD, whereas DUSP13, ITGA11, NID1, and SERPINA4 were related to HCM. Specifically, APOE, ITGA5, NOS3, NPPB, DUSP13, and ITGA11 acted as mediating factors, while CGREF1, LSP1, NID1, and SERPINA4 served as suppressing ones. These findings remained robust after pleiotropy adjustment and other genetic analyses. Molecular docking revealed interactions between ADRB1, the β1-blockers target, and downstream proteins, while drug prediction identified eight potential compounds linked to these mediators. Additionally, AE analyses indicated that some targets, such as DUSP13, could both mitigate and aggravate common AEs while contributing to cardiac therapy. This integrative multi-omics analysis revealed distinct imaging and proteomic mechanisms of genetically proxied β1-blockers in HHD and HCM, providing genetic evidence for differential therapeutic responses and highlighting molecular targets for precision cardiovascular therapy. Show less
Prednisone is used clinically during pregnancy. This study investigates whether prenatal prednisone exposure (PPE) affects susceptibility to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysfunction-associate Show more
Prednisone is used clinically during pregnancy. This study investigates whether prenatal prednisone exposure (PPE) affects susceptibility to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in adult offspring and explores underlying mechanisms. Pregnant Kunming mice were administered prednisone (0.25 or 1 mg/kg; PPE-L or PPE-H) or vehicle control (5% carboxymethyl cellulose; Ctrl) by daily gavage from gestational days 0-18. Offspring were assessed metabolically, histologically, and via RNA-Seq. Primary hepatocytes were treated with fatty acids with or without the epigenetic inhibitors to evaluate Nr1h3 expression and lipid deposition. Offspring body weight was similar in PPE-L vs Ctrl, but was reduced in PPE-H group followed by delayed growth. After 6-week HFD feeding, PPE-L offspring showed mild metabolic issues, while PPE-H males exhibited significant glucose/lipid disorders and hepatic steatosis compared to controls. RNA-Seq showed upregulation of hepatic lipid pathways in the PPE-H male offspring when challenged by HFD. The liver X receptor alpha (LXRα)-sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) signaling pathway and the expression of genes involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis were increased in PPE-H offspring under HFD. A485 significantly downregulated the expression of Nr1h3 in primary hepatocytes from male PPE-H offspring and alleviated lipid deposition in these hepatocytes treated with fatty acids. The H3K27ac level in the Nr1h3 promoter in the PPE-H offspring's liver was significantly upregulated. PPE-L impairs offspring glucose/lipid homeostasis, whereas PPE-H increase MAFLD risk of the offspring by epigenetic programming of the hepatic LXRα-SREBP1 pathway, especially in the males. Show less
Our understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms that drive the regeneration of damaged axons after a spinal cord injury is still limited. Microtubules are core components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton Show more
Our understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms that drive the regeneration of damaged axons after a spinal cord injury is still limited. Microtubules are core components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton and are essential for axonal growth, in part because their stability is governed by post-translational modifications in mature neurons. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and its receptor (GIPR) are expressed in multiple extra-pancreatic tissues, suggesting biological functions beyond classical endocrine signaling; however, their roles in neuronal cytoskeletal regulation are not well defined. Here, we investigated the effects of GIP in cultured cortical neurons. GIP enhanced microtubule stability and increased the number of axons crossing an inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) border. Mechanistically, GIP promoted microtubule acetylation via α-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1 (αTAT1), the major acetyltransferase for α-tubulin, by suppressing αTAT1 ubiquitination and thereby reducing its proteasomal degradation in inhibitory environments. Although the upstream mechanism remains to be determined, this study provides the first evidence that GIP/GIPR signaling modulates microtubule dynamics, highlighting a potential strategy to re-activate neuronal growth machinery after injury. Show less
The high global prevalence of anxiety disorders, coupled with the limitations of existing treatments, constitutes a severe public health challenge. Chronic stress, as a core environmental trigger, has Show more
The high global prevalence of anxiety disorders, coupled with the limitations of existing treatments, constitutes a severe public health challenge. Chronic stress, as a core environmental trigger, has garnered increasing attention for its mechanism of mediating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) imbalance through neuroinflammation. BDNF dysregulation may contribute to anxiety disorders, particularly in subtypes with heightened neuroinflammation. The objective of this review is to comprehensively and methodically explores the potential role of the "M1-like microglia-A1-like astrocyte axis (M1-A1 axis)" in linking chronic stress to BDNF dysregulation in anxiety disorders, and to provide a theoretical basis for intervention strategies targeting this axis. By synthesizing recent relevant clinical and preclinical evidence, this review integrates evidence from molecular to systems levels, focusing on the activation mechanisms of neuroinflammation under chronic stress, the crosstalk between glial cells, and their regulatory network on BDNF. Chronic stress is associated with peripheral and central cascades through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation and gut microbiota disruption. Within the central nervous system (CNS), stress induces microglial polarization toward the pro-inflammatory microglial subpopulations (hereinafter referred to as M1-like microglia). The signals released by M1-like microglia, such as Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Complement Component 1q (C1q) (ITC), drive astrocytes to transform into the neurotoxic astrocyte states (hereinafter referred to as A1-like astrocyte), forming the "M1-A1 axis". This axis contributes to BDNF dysregulation through the following mechanisms: (1) Release of pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibits BDNF transcription and translation; (2) Induction of astrocytic lactate metabolism disruption, which impairs neuronal energy supply and acidifies the microenvironment, further amplifying inflammation and affecting BDNF expression; (3) Compromise of the blood-brain barrier(BBB)enables peripheral immune cells to penetrate into the CNS, and these cells work in synergy with central glial cells to amplify inflammation. The reduction in BDNF and the imbalance in the ratio of its precursor to mature form ultimately lead to impaired synaptic plasticity in brain regions like the hippocampus (HIP) and amygdala, precipitating anxiety-like behaviors. Existing pharmacological interventions are inadequate to reverse this pathological process. The M1-A1 axis may serve as a key node linking chronic stress to BDNF dysregulation and anxiety disorders. Targeting the phenotypic transformation of glial cells, repairing the BBB, or modulating glial cell metabolism (e.g., lactate shuttle) may represent potential strategies requiring further validation. Future research should focus on the spatiotemporal dynamics of this axis and its clinical translation. Show less
Sodium perfluorononenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS), a substitute for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), has been frequently detected in the environment and human blood. Although OBS exposure has been iden Show more
Sodium perfluorononenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS), a substitute for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), has been frequently detected in the environment and human blood. Although OBS exposure has been identified as a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis associated with endothelial dysfunction, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) demonstrated that OBS exposure induced oxidative stress, activated the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and triggered NF-κB signaling. Pharmacological inhibition with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, an antioxidant), 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, an ERS inhibitor), and BAY 11-7082 (an inhibitor for NF-κB signaling pathway) revealed a sequential pathogenic cascade, in which oxidative stress acts upstream to initiate ERS and compromise endothelial barrier function, leading to NF-κB activation, which drives inflammatory responses, monocyte adhesion, and impaired endothelial migration. Consistent with these findings, in vivo experiments in ApoE Show less
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by the deposition of lipids within the arterial wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, culminating in the development of atheroscle Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by the deposition of lipids within the arterial wall and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, culminating in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Ubiquitin-specific protease 18, USP18, a specific deubiquitinating enzyme, has been demonstrated to exert protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Pathological studies were performed utilizing human coronary arteries obtained from the Forensic Medical Examination Center of Guizhou Medical University, in conjunction with the aorta from experimental ApoE knockout mice. The ApoE knockout mice underwent intervention with adenovirus carrying USP18-RNAi and a control adenovirus containing hU6-MCS-CMV-EGFP, after which pathological analyses were conducted. In vitro, THP-1 cells, induced with phorbol ester, were subjected to treatment with si-USP18 or si-NC, followed by exposure to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. The expression levels of USP18 and proteins associated with the TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the interaction between USP18 and TAK1, were assessed using Western blotting, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence techniques.The interaction between USP18 and TAK1 was confirmed using molecular docking techniques, co-immunoprecipitation assays, and immunofluorescence analysis. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of USP18 on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanism. The expression of USP18 is elevated in early-stage human coronary atherosclerotic plaques but decreases in advanced lesions. Treatment of macrophages derived from THP-1 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in reduced USP18 expression. In ApoE USP18 modulates TAK1 to suppress the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophages, consequently exerting an anti-atherosclerotic effect and offering a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis treatment. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction that is closely associated with cholinergic system damage. Estrogen deficiency is a well-est Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction that is closely associated with cholinergic system damage. Estrogen deficiency is a well-established risk factor for AD in women. Osthole (OST), a phytoestrogen with mild, bidirectional regulatory properties, has been proposed as a potential estrogen replacement. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which OST ameliorates cognitive impairment. Cognitive deficits were induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), and OST was subsequently administered by oral gavage. Behavioral tests revealed that OST significantly improved learning and memory and reduced anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in OVX rats. H&E staining and Nissl staining demonstrated that OST reversed neuronal damage in the hippocampus and cortex. Western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining indicated that OST treatment restored the estrogen-cholinergic-NGF axis: E Show less
To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) protects human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury, focusing on its regulation of aut Show more
To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) protects human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury, focusing on its regulation of autophagic flux and the TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathway. HBE cells were treated with LPS (1-100 ng/mL) to induce autophagy dysregulation and inflammation. G-Rg3 (2-16 μM) was administered to evaluate its protective effects. Western blotting was used to detect autophagy-related proteins (ATG4B, ATG7, PIK3C3, LC3B, p62) and TLR4/NF-κB signaling molecules; ELISA quantified proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8); PI staining and flow cytometry analyzed cell death and apoptosis. LPS dose-dependently upregulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins (ATG4B, ATG7, PIK3C3, p62, LC3B-II), with accumulated p62 and LC3B-II indicating impaired clearance of autophagic substrates. Additionally, G-Rg3 inhibited LPS-induced TLR4/NF-κB activation, suppressed proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and attenuated HBE cell apoptosis/necrosis. G-Rg3 mitigates LPS-induced HBE cell injury by dual mechanisms: restoring impaired autophagic flux and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory cascade. These findings identify G-Rg3 as a promising therapeutic agent targeting the crosstalk between autophagy and inflammation in respiratory diseases such as COPD and acute lung injury. Show less
This study aims to examine the health characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) in entertainment venues and to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and sleep quality. This stu Show more
This study aims to examine the health characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) in entertainment venues and to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and sleep quality. This study employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted from January to April 2024 in Wuhan, China. Participants were FSWs recruited through snowball sampling from entertainment venues, including hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, karaoke bars and dance halls. Data were collected via structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, work experience, psychological stress, health status, sleep quality and circadian rhythms. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify health characteristic profiles among FSWs, and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between these profiles and sleep quality. Among the 1,036 FSWs surveyed, 45.1% had poor sleep quality. LPA classified FSWs’ health characteristics into three profiles: the high overall functioning group, the lower physical–emotional functioning group and the lower psychosocial functioning group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FSWs in the lower physical–emotional functioning group had higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 2.184) compared with those in the high overall functioning group. FSWs in the lower psychosocial functioning group had substantially higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 7.755) than that in the high overall functioning group. FSWs demonstrate substantial heterogeneity in health characteristics and exhibit lower overall sleep quality compared with the general population. Psychological and physiological factors are major influencing factors for their sleep quality, suggesting the importance of prioritising mental and physical health in this population. Show less
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury commonly occurs in patients undergoing cardiac or noncardiac surgeries, increasing perioperative mortality risk. Although numerous endogenous mediators rel Show more
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury commonly occurs in patients undergoing cardiac or noncardiac surgeries, increasing perioperative mortality risk. Although numerous endogenous mediators released during I/R contribute to myocardial damage, their mechanisms require further elucidation. We investigated whether lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid, mediates myocardial I/R injury by interacting with cardiac transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). A TRPV1K710N knock-in mouse model was generated by CRISPR/Cas9, introducing a point mutation at K710, the known LPA-binding site on TRPV1. Langendorff perfused isolated hearts from TRPV1K710N and wild-type (WT) mice underwent global I/R injury with or without exogenous LPA (10 μM). Myocardial infarct size, coronary effluent LDH levels, and mitochondrial ultrastructure/function were assessed. Additionally, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were transfected with a pCMV6-entry plasmid carrying TRPV1-K710N or TRPV1-WT for mitochondrial calcium influx and cell viability assays. The V1-Cal peptide (1μM), targeting the K710 region, was applied ex vivo and in vitro to block LPA-TRPV1 interaction. TRPV1K710N hearts exhibited resistance to global I/R injury versus WT hearts, with reduced infarct size (28.3 ± 2.4% vs 39.9 ±2.3%, respectively, P= 0006), lower LDH levels, and attenuated mitochondrial damage. Exogenous LPA exacerbated I/R injury in WT hearts, increasing infarct size (63.7 ± 1.2% vs vehicle: 38.4 ± 2.4%; P <.0001), LDH release, and mitochondrial damage. TRPV1K710N hearts were resistant to LPA-induced injury, with no significant increase in infarct size after LPA treatment. Exogenous LPA induced pronounced swelling in mitochondria isolated from WT hearts, while mitochondria from TRPV1K710N hearts showed resistance to LPA challenge. In H9c2 cells, LPA significantly decreased viability in rTRPV1-WT cells and elevated mitochondrial calcium influx relative to rTRPV1-K710N cells. V1-Cal peptide attenuated LPA-mediated myocardial injury in WT hearts and reduced mitochondrial calcium overload in H9c2 cells. Blockade of the TRPV1 K710 site by K710N mutation or V1-Cal peptide mitigates LPA-mediated myocardial injury and mitochondrial damage/dysfunction in isolated mouse hearts. Targeting the cardiac LPA-TRPV1 interaction represents a promising therapeutic strategy against perioperative myocardial injury. Show less
The ratio of uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (UHR) is a novel comprehensive indicator related to dyslipidemia. However, the association between UHR and coronary artery disease (CAD) Show more
The ratio of uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (UHR) is a novel comprehensive indicator related to dyslipidemia. However, the association between UHR and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. After matching based on age and gender propensity scores, 2124 subjects were included and divided into the CKD group (708 cases) and the non-CKD group (1416 cases). The predictive performance of UHR for CAD was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), and the independent association between UHR and the risk of CAD onset was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. The correlation and dose-response relationship between the ratio of uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (UHR) and the risk of CAD were analyzed using LOESS fitting and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. After matching, the multiple lipid-related indices (Triglycerides (TG), Remnant Cholesterol (RC), Atherogenic Index (AI), Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG), Lipoprotein Composite Index (LCI), Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (TG/HDL-C), Total Cholesterol to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (TC/HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C), UHR) in the CKD group were significantly higher than those in the non-CKD group. The AUC analysis showed that HDL-C, AIP, TG/HDL-C, and UHR had strong predictive performance in the overall cohort and the non-CKD group, while in the CKD group, HDL-C, AI, and TC/HDL-C are better predictive indicators. After adjusting for all confounding factors, multivariate regression analysis revealed that HDL-C, apolipoprotein A-1 (APOA-1), and the APOA-1/APOB ratio were independent protective factors for CAD in the entire cohort. Among them, the protective effect of HDL-C was the most stable (overall population aOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.17-0.39, p < 0.001), and it was significantly in both the CKD (aOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.40, p < 0.001) and non-CKD subgroups (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.52, p < 0.001). In CKD, UHR is significantly correlated with CAD (aOR = 6.23, 95% CI: 1.89-20.60, p = 0.003), and the association was more significant in the non-CKD group (aOR = 15.15, 95% CI: 4.20-54.72, p < 0.001). CKD status significantly modified the association between UHR and CAD (P for interaction = 0.015). LOESS fitting suggested that UHR was positively correlated with the probability of CAD occurrence (the correlation was more significant at low UHR, and it slowed down when UHR > 0.5, r = 0.2, p < 0.001), and negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.38, p < 0.001). RCS analysis confirmed a significant nonlinear association between UHR and CAD (overall P < 0.001, nonlinear P = 0.002), and the risk of CAD increased when UHR was > 0.41 in CKD patients. UHR is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, with higher adjusted OR values and more significant independent risk effects in non-CKD populations. Show less
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is highly heritable; however, its estimated incidence across populations remains unclear. We computed family-based heritability leveraging Alzheimer's Disease Seq Show more
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is highly heritable; however, its estimated incidence across populations remains unclear. We computed family-based heritability leveraging Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project pedigrees from non-Hispanic White (404 pedigrees), non-Hispanic Black (13 pedigrees), Dominican (100 pedigrees), and Dutch isolate (10 pedigrees), with four models incorporating age, sex, apolipoproten E epsilon4 (APOE ε4), and contributing study using two methods. Heritability estimates varied by method, model, and study populations. Statistical Analysis for Genetic Epidemiology (S.A.G.E.) estimates were highest for Dutch isolate (78.3%), followed by non-Hispanic Blacks (39.1%), Dominicans (31.7%), and non-Hispanic Whites (29.1%), adjusted for age and sex. APOE adjustment reduced estimates (4.9% on average), while study adjustment primarily affected groups that included multiple studies. Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR-Eclipse) estimates were higher (45.2% to 80.2%) than S.A.G.E. (20.4% to 80.9%) but behaved in parallel, except for the Dutch isolate. LOAD heritability estimates are dependent on study population and may reflect or indicate differences in LOAD risk by population. Show less
Anoikis resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are crucial factors in tumor invasiveness and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Identifying anoikis-EMT-related genes could be be Show more
Anoikis resistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are crucial factors in tumor invasiveness and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Identifying anoikis-EMT-related genes could be beneficial for predicting prognosis and immunotherapeutic efficacy in patients with LUAD. This study aims to establish and validate a novel prognostic signature based on anoikis-EMT-related genes for LUAD and to identify the potential biomarkers encapsulated within it. Anoikis-related genes and EMT-related genes were retrieved from the GeneCards and dbEMT 2.0 databases. Univariate Cox regression analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted to define anoikis and EMT levels. Gene expression and clinical information of patients with LUAD were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to construct a risk score model. Immune correlation and drug sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the association of the risk score with the immune profile and antitumor treatment. Three essential genes in the model were examined for messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and for protein levels via the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. LUAD patients demonstrating low Anoikis Potential Index (API) combined with high EMT Potential Index (EPI) exhibited the poorest overall survival (OS). We further constructed a nine-gene prognostic risk model that combines anoikis and EMT. High-risk patients demonstrated significantly shorter survival duration. The clinical-prognostic nomogram accurately predicted outcomes at 1, 3, and 5 years. In addition, patients in low-risk group demonstrated superior immune responses to treatment and were more sensitive to commonly used chemotherapy drugs. Our validation studies confirmed upregulated expression of ANGPTL4, SLC2A1, and BIRC5 in LUAD, observed at both transcriptional and translational levels. The anoikis-EMT-based risk model effectively forecasts both OS and immunotherapy response in LUAD patients, accelerating the identification of groundbreaking molecular biomarkers and prospective molecular targets. Show less
Impaired synaptic plasticity underlies cognitive impairment as a core pathological substrate. While aerobic exercise represents a significant non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing synaptic pl Show more
Impaired synaptic plasticity underlies cognitive impairment as a core pathological substrate. While aerobic exercise represents a significant non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing synaptic plasticity, its precise molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigated whether aerobic exercise ameliorates synaptic plasticity and synaptic loss in Apolipoprotein E homozygous knockout (APOE Show less
Naringenin (NGN), a flavonoid widely utilized in agricultural and pharmaceutical applications, has increasingly become a source of environmental concern. This study systematically evaluated the develo Show more
Naringenin (NGN), a flavonoid widely utilized in agricultural and pharmaceutical applications, has increasingly become a source of environmental concern. This study systematically evaluated the developmental toxicity of NGN in zebrafish embryos. Our results showed that NGN exposure caused dose-dependent increases in embryonic mortality and induced a range of developmental malformations, including reduced body length, impaired eye and ear development, and cardiac dysfunction. Behavioral analyses revealed significant deficits in locomotor activity and sensory responses at concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/L. Molecular assessments via RT-qPCR demonstrated that NGN disrupted the expression of multiple genes critical for cardiac (kcnh2a, kcnh2b, hand2, has2, myh7, tnnt2a), otic (col2a1a, sox9a, sox9b), liver (hhex, leg1.1), visual (gnat1, gnat2), apoptotic (bax, casp9, casp3), and neurodevelopmental (pomca, bdnf, gfap, mbpa, s100b) pathways. Notably, NGN at 10 mg/L inhibited apoptosis and altered liver function, whereas a concentration of 15 mg/L promoted apoptosis, and these results suggest that NGN may interfere with the developmental processes of zebrafish embryos through different mechanisms at low and high concentrations, exhibiting a non-monotonic dose-response relationship. These findings highlight the potential ecological hazards of NGN contamination in aquatic environments, emphasizing the need for stricter management and further research into its long-term and combined effects with other pollutants. Our research offers new perspectives into the molecular and phenotypic mechanisms of NGN toxicity and underscores the importance of comprehensive risk assessment for emerging environmental contaminants. Show less
Alzheimer' s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a spectrum of cognitive impairments, ranging from mild memory loss to severe cognitive decline and, ultimately, d Show more
Alzheimer' s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a spectrum of cognitive impairments, ranging from mild memory loss to severe cognitive decline and, ultimately, death. The global incidence of AD is projected to increase significantly, with late-onset AD being predominantly sporadic in nature. Over the past three decades, the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene has been recognized as the most important single genetic determinant of sporadic AD risk. The APOE4 allele is a major risk factor for AD and is known to exacerbate the pathological process for AD. Identifying protective variants that may reduce the risk or delay the onset of AD is of great significance for the development of effective treatments. This review comprehensively examines the protective effects of APOE and its related protective mutations. It also explores the impact of these unique protective variants at the cellular level during the pathological progression of AD. Furthermore, the review compiles new insights for AD treatment offered by these protective mutations, exploring the potential applications of APOE and its related protective variants in advanced therapeutic strategies, including gene editing, RNA editing, and stem cell therapy. Show less
Pine nut oil (PNO) is a candidate alternative to corn oil (CO) owing to comparable unsaturated fatty-acid profiles and enrichment in pinolenic acid (Δ5-18:3) and lipid-soluble micronutrients. We syste Show more
Pine nut oil (PNO) is a candidate alternative to corn oil (CO) owing to comparable unsaturated fatty-acid profiles and enrichment in pinolenic acid (Δ5-18:3) and lipid-soluble micronutrients. We systematically compared extraction routes (solvent, supercritical CO₂, pressing), established solvent extraction as the optimal balance of yield and bioactive retention, and then characterized solvent-extracted oils from eight provenances using a weighted composite score to nominate Pinus tabuliformis for in vivo testing. In diet-induced obese mice (12-week Western diet, then 12-week intervention, n = 10 per group), replacing CO with PNO lowered body-mass gain and liver weight and improved serum lipids (triglycerides ↓ ∼ 28 %, total cholesterol ↓ ∼ 15 %, LDL-C ↓ ∼ 20 %) without affecting HDL-C or glucose; ALT and AST fell by ∼30 %, indicating hepatoprotection. Hepatic multi-omics revealed coherent remodeling toward PUFA-rich phospholipid species, activation of PPAR-centered peroxisomal/mitochondrial fatty-acid degradation and circadian pathways, and integrative correlations implicating Cyp4a10/14, Ehhadh, Slc27a2, Fgf21, Angptl4, and Plin5. Collectively, PNO reoriented hepatic lipid flux toward oxidation and membrane remodeling, supporting its development as a nutritionally advantaged culinary oil. Show less
Hyperlipidemia is highly prevalent worldwide and can affect cardiac pathophysiology. This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuou Show more
Hyperlipidemia is highly prevalent worldwide and can affect cardiac pathophysiology. This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on the molecular mechanisms of myocardial stress and pathological remodeling in non-obese apolipoprotein E knockout ( Thirty-five 8-week-old male The HFD condition increased serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels, but did not increase body weight, consistent with a lean hyperlipidemia model. Compared with the MICT condition, the HIIT condition demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing HFD-induced TC, TG and BNP levels ( In a non-obese, hypercholesterolemic Show less
Sepsis is a syndrome caused by the host's inflammatory response to an infection with an unknown mechanism. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) potentially involved in th Show more
Sepsis is a syndrome caused by the host's inflammatory response to an infection with an unknown mechanism. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) potentially involved in the development and recovery of tracheal injury from septic shock. Nine New Zealand white rabbits were randomized to control (CON), septic shock model (SS), and septic shock norepinephrine treatment (SSNE) groups (each group n = 3). The SS and SSNE groups were injected with lipopolysaccharide to induce septic shock. The SSNE group was administered Ringer lactate with norepinephrine to maintain normal blood pressure. All animals underwent cuffed endotracheal intubation for 2 h. The injured tracheal segment was harvested. RNA sequencing was performed to identify the DEGs, followed by bioinformatics analysis, and pathological staining (both HE and Masson) was performed for pathological evaluation. Bioinformatics analysis included principal component analysis (PCA), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Key findings were validated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. We obtained 124 upregulated and 28 downregulated DEGs in SS vs. CON groups, along with 60 upregulated and 178 downregulated DEGs in SSNE vs. SS groups. The pathological score showed that trachea tissue in the SS group had the highest score. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) prediction identified APOB and CD36 as the hub genes. The molecular experiments further confirmed that at mRNA and protein levels, APOB was significantly upregulated, while CD36 was significantly downregulated. Subsequent qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that APOB expression was significantly upregulated while CD36 was downregulated in the septic shock group, a trend partially reversed by norepinephrine treatment. Our study results suggest that APOB and CD36 may be involved in the pathogenesis of tracheal injury recovery in septic shock patients treated with NE. Not applicable. Show less
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is n Show more
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is no effective treatment available. Various modalities of magnetic stimulation have emerged for recovery from spinal cord injuries; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, significantly hindering the application of magnetic stimulation technologies in treating such injuries. This study aims to elucidate these relevant mechanisms by establishing a simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation system. In this study, we established a right hemisection model at T8 in mice and administered continuous simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation targeting the left motor cortex and right L5 nerve root over six weeks. We subsequently utilized a spinal cord dorsal hemisection model to examine regeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST). Motor-evoked potential assessments and calcium imaging techniques were employed to explore neural circuit repair. Additionally, we integrated transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches to investigate related mechanisms. The findings indicate that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation effectively restores motor function in the hind limbs, promotes the regeneration of corticospinal tracts in mice with spinal cord injuries, and facilitates the reconstruction of sensorimotor circuits and functions within the spinal cord. Simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation significantly enhances axonal regeneration of the CST following SCI. This effect may be mediated through the activation of the AMPK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway, which promotes neurotrophic factor secretion and subsequently induces nerve axon regeneration. This study suggests that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment for impaired gait following SCI. Show less
Glycolysis-derived lactate serves as a substrate for lysine lactylation, an epigenetic modification playing critical transcriptional regulatory roles in inflammatory diseases. Endothelial inflammation Show more
Glycolysis-derived lactate serves as a substrate for lysine lactylation, an epigenetic modification playing critical transcriptional regulatory roles in inflammatory diseases. Endothelial inflammation, characterized by upregulated glycolysis, initiates atherosclerosis, yet the contribution of histone lactylation remains undefined. Although narciclasine exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, its impact on endothelial inflammation in atherosclerosis is unknown. Connectivity Map (CMap) analysis predicted narciclasine as an inhibitor of oscillatory shear stress and TNF-α-induced endothelial inflammation. In vitro, treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 20 nM narciclasine significantly suppressed ox-LDL-induced expression of VCAM1, ICAM1, SELE, and CCL2, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inhibited monocyte adhesion and migration. In vivo, administration of narciclasine (0.02 mg/kg) attenuated carotid artery endothelial inflammation and macrophage infiltration, consequently reducing early atherogenesis in partial carotid ligation model in ApoE Show less
Most brain organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) lack microglia and thus immune function. Microglia-like cells (MGCs) can be differentiated from iPSCs, while the characte Show more
Most brain organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) lack microglia and thus immune function. Microglia-like cells (MGCs) can be differentiated from iPSCs, while the characteristics of isogenic MGC-containing brain organoids in modeling neurodegeneration and cell-cell communications have not been well investigated. In this study, iPSC-derived MGCs are co-cultured with isogenic forebrain cortical organoids (iFCo), which are stimulated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) of brain organoids differentiated from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient-derived iPSCs (APOE ε4/ε4 and presenilin 1). The AD EV-stimulated co-culture organoids are treated with EVs from healthy MGCs or co-culture. Differential responses of the co-cultured organoids and the MGCs to AD EVs are demonstrated. The co-cultured organoids mitigated pro-inflammatory gene expressions. EVs from healthy MGCs or co-culture reduced the expression of IL-12β, iNOS, TREM2, and CASS4, which are associated with neural inflammation and degeneration, as well as showed regulation on genes involved in microglial activation and carbon metabolism. AD EV cargo analysis by proteomics and microRNA-sequencing revealed APOE and APP proteins and microRNAs regulated pathways such as mitophagy. This study paves the way for understanding the role of microglia and brain organoids in modeling neural degeneration and the development of EV-based cell-free therapeutics for AD treatment. Show less
About 20-40% of prostate cancer (PCa) develop biochemical recurrence (BCR) after surgery, and propionate metabolism may contribute to tumor progression. BCR remains a major clinical challenge in PCa, Show more
About 20-40% of prostate cancer (PCa) develop biochemical recurrence (BCR) after surgery, and propionate metabolism may contribute to tumor progression. BCR remains a major clinical challenge in PCa, as current tools based on histopathology and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) fail to capture the molecular heterogeneity driving the disease. While metabolic reprogramming is known to facilitate post-treatment adaptation, the specific role of propionate metabolism in this context remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically investigate propionate metabolism-related genes (PMRGs) to develop a novel prognostic model for the improved early prediction of recurrence. In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas-Prostate Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD), GSE70770 and 412 PMRGs were employed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCa and control and DEGs2 in BCR and no BCR samples obtained by differential analysis were intersected with PMRGs to get candidate genes. After Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses, biomarkers were identified to construct risk models. Biomarkers including In this study, PMRGs were regarded as biomarkers in PCa for risk model construction, which suggest that propionate metabolism represents a biologically relevant axis in PCa recurrence and may offer a novel framework for biomarker-driven risk assessment. Show less