Alzheimer's disease (AD) is frequently complicated by vascular co-morbidities. However, the specific mechanistic pathways by which vascular lesions interact with genetic susceptibility to accelerate c Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is frequently complicated by vascular co-morbidities. However, the specific mechanistic pathways by which vascular lesions interact with genetic susceptibility to accelerate cognitive decline remain unclear. This study investigated whether cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and cortical microinfarcts mediate the impact of AD pathology on cognition and evaluated the modifying role of APOE genotype. We conducted a retrospective clinico-pathological study using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) database. The cohort included autopsy-confirmed participants aged 50 and older. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to quantify the pathways linking AD pathology (Thal phase) to CAA severity, microinfarcts, and cognitive performance (CDR-Sum of Boxes). We further assessed the cumulative burden of pathology by comparing "Pure AD" cases against those with a "Triple Hit" of AD, CAA, and microvascular injury. SEM analysis identified a significant statistical mediation pathway wherein parenchymal amyloid is strongly associated with CAA, which correlates with an increased risk of microinfarcts and subsequent cognitive dysfunction. We observed a significant gene-pathology interaction: APOE ε4 carriers demonstrated a steeper trajectory of cognitive decline for a given severity of CAA compared to non-carriers. Furthermore, the "Triple Hit" group exhibited significantly worse cognitive impairment than the "Pure AD" group (P < 0.001), independent of age and education. Vascular pathology is a critical mediator of cognitive failure in AD, particularly in APOE ε4 carriers. The concurrent "Triple Hit" of proteinopathy and vasculopathy is associated with a profound failure of cognitive reserve, likely reflecting a more advanced global disease state. These findings highlight the urgent need to target vascular resilience as a disease-modifying strategy in Alzheimer's disease. Show less
The clinical interpretation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is frequently complicated by the prevalence of missense variants designated as being of uncertain significance within associated genes. Conventi Show more
The clinical interpretation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is frequently complicated by the prevalence of missense variants designated as being of uncertain significance within associated genes. Conventional computational prediction tools often overlook disease-specific pathophysiological contexts and lack pertinence and interpretability. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a novel, interpretable framework for predicting the pathogenicity of AD missense variants by integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data enrichment patterns with machine learning methods. A cross-sectional variant-level analysis was performed using publicly available databases. Missense variants in APOE, APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, SORL1, and TREM2 reported in AD patients were retrieved from Alzforum and compared with missense variants from individuals without neurological diseases, as cataloged in the gnomAD v2.1.1 non-neuro subset. Variants were annotated with tissue-specific expression, secondary structure, relative solvent accessibility, and other functional features using tools like AlphaFold. Enrichment of specific features was assessed with Fisher's exact tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Given that PSEN1 showed the strongest enrichment signals, six machine-learning algorithms were trained on PSEN1 variants to distinguish AD-associated variants from gnomAD variants, using a 10 × 5 nested cross-validation scheme. External validation was conducted using PSEN1 missense variants from ClinVar annotated as pathogenic/likely pathogenic or benign/likely benign. Model performance was compared with SIFT and PolyPhen-2, and interpretability was evaluated by feature ablation and SHapley Additive exPlanations analyses. AD-associated variants exhibited statistically significant enrichment within some transcriptomic or proteomic features, with PSEN1 contributing significantly to the enrichment observed across these features. Random forest and gradient boosting models achieved high performance in the internal training dataset and maintained high recall in the external validation dataset, outperforming SIFT and approaching the performance of PolyPhen-2. Relative solvent accessibility was the most discriminative individual feature, while regional and topological features provided complementary discriminative power. This integrative, multi-omics framework links disease-specific enrichment patterns with interpretable gene-level machine learning for AD missense variants. The results highlight the importance of expression level, structural context, etc. for PSEN1 variant pathogenicity and may help prioritize variants for functional studies. Further validation in additional genes and independent cohorts is warranted prior to any clinical application. Show less
The bioactive peptide setmelanotide is a validated MC4R agonist, yet its clinical utility is constrained by poor aqueous solubility and dose-limiting, off-target hyperpigmentation. To overcome these d Show more
The bioactive peptide setmelanotide is a validated MC4R agonist, yet its clinical utility is constrained by poor aqueous solubility and dose-limiting, off-target hyperpigmentation. To overcome these dual liabilities, we executed a synergistic optimization strategy guided by detailed SAR investigation. This approach unveiled two critical design principles: a C-terminal "cationic imperative", where lysine uniquely conferred a > 20-fold solubility enhancement while retaining potency, and rational manipulation of the core pharmacophore, which imparted >100-fold selectivity over MC1R/MC3R. This synergy yielded the lead compound SC19, which integrates these features into a balanced profile of sub-nanomolar potency (EC₅₀ = 0.12 nM; pEC₅₀ = 9.93), exceptional selectivity, and high aqueous solubility. In a diet-induced obesity model, SC19 demonstrated robust efficacy comparable to setmelanotide in reducing weight gain and improving lipid profiles, affirming its therapeutic potential. This work not only presents a promising lead compound but also validates a synergistic optimization blueprint for concurrently enhancing the pharmacological and drug-like properties of therapeutic peptides. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid plaques that form complex microenvironments in the brain. However, the molecular composition of these plaques and their temporal regulation are not Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid plaques that form complex microenvironments in the brain. However, the molecular composition of these plaques and their temporal regulation are not well defined. Here, we developed a sensitive workflow for quantitative proteomic profiling of single plaques using refined laser capture microdissection and data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (LCM-DIA-MS). From >200 plaques and control regions in AD mouse models (5xFAD and APP-KI) and human brains, we quantified >7,000 proteins, revealing stage-dependent, cell-type-related remodeling of the amyloid proteome (amyloidome). Temporal profiling uncovered early immune and lysosomal activation followed by engagement of RNA processing and synaptic pathways. Cross-model and cross-species analyses determined a conserved amyloidome including APOE, MDK, PTN, and HTRA1, validated by co-localization in imaging analysis. Network analysis highlighted modules in lipid transport, vesicle organization, and autophagy. These findings establish amyloid plaques as conserved, dynamic multicellular hubs that link amyloid accumulation to downstream cellular events. Show less
The We employed a multi-omics approach, combining snRNA-seq and locus-specific epigenetic analysis, alongside microglia-specific gene manipulation in ApoE-targeted replacement (TR) mice. Primary micro Show more
The We employed a multi-omics approach, combining snRNA-seq and locus-specific epigenetic analysis, alongside microglia-specific gene manipulation in ApoE-targeted replacement (TR) mice. Primary microglia were challenged with cholesterol to simulate lipid overload conditions. In mid-life ApoE4-TR mice, microglia within the dentate gyrus developed pronounced lipid droplet accumulation, concurrent with impaired Aβ clearance and a pro-inflammatory shift. snRNA-seq unveiled a unique microglial cluster in ApoE4 mice, enriched for lipid-metabolism genes and marked by the pronounced downregulation of the hub gene Asxl1. Mechanistically, ApoE4 attenuated the Asxl1–LXRα interaction, leading to reduced H3K4me3 occupancy at promoters of lipid-efflux genes such as Abca1. Crucially, CRISPR-mediated, microglia-specific overexpression of Asxl1 restored H3K4me3 levels, normalized cholesterol efflux, and rescued Aβ phagocytic deficits in vivo. Our findings define an epigenetic pathway whereby ApoE4 drives microglial dysfunction via the Asxl1–LXRα–H3K4me3 axis, fostering the LDAM phenotype. Enhancing Asxl1 function presents a promising therapeutic avenue for countering ApoE4-mediated pathogenesis in AD. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-026-03740-3. Show less
Atherosclerotic plaque destabilization during acute infections such as pneumonia represents a critical clinical challenge, yet the underlying molecular dynamics remain poorly characterized. This study Show more
Atherosclerotic plaque destabilization during acute infections such as pneumonia represents a critical clinical challenge, yet the underlying molecular dynamics remain poorly characterized. This study introduces a furin-responsive photoacoustic/fluorescence dual-modal probe (FRP) to investigate intraplaque furin activity in ApoE Show less
Jianyi Li, Luyao Zhang, Jiapei Xu+7 more · 2026 · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · added 2026-04-24
Chronic stress is associated with inflammatory activation and oxidative stress responses leading to endothelial dysfunction, which promotes the development of atherosclerosis (AS). SGLT2 inhibitors, s Show more
Chronic stress is associated with inflammatory activation and oxidative stress responses leading to endothelial dysfunction, which promotes the development of atherosclerosis (AS). SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Dapagliflozin (DAPA), exhibit a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects and mechanisms of DAPA on chronic stress-induced AS are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether DAPA confers a protective effect against chronic stress-induced AS and to elucidate its further molecular mechanisms. The combined high-fat diet-fed and chronic unpredictable mild stress in ApoE-/- mice and lipopolysaccharides- and corticosterone-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were employed to evaluate the antiatherosclerotic effect of DAPA under chronic stress in vivo and in vitro. Histological staining, western blot analysis, siRNA transfection, reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining, and apoptosis assessment were used to investigate the potential mechanisms of DAPA against AS under chronic stress. The results indicate that DAPA significantly improved plaque size and increased plaque stability in the aorta under chronic stress and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress and inhibited apoptosis in the aorta and HUVECs. Chronic stress upregulated regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1) expression, which exacerbated cellular inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis levels, leading to endothelial dysfunction. In contrast, DAPA downregulated REDD1 expression and activated the AKT/FoxO1 pathway. In addition, p53 was a transcriptional regulator of REDD1 under chronic stress. More importantly, p53 agonists prevented DAPA from downregulating REDD1 and inhibited AKT/FoxO1 activation, thereby exacerbating chronic stress-induced endothelial dysfunction. These results suggest that DAPA effectively attenuates chronic stress-induced endothelial dysfunction and AS by downregulating REDD1 to activate the AKT/FoxO1 pathway. Show less
Occupational stress in nursing is a critical issue that can have significant implications for both workforce stability and personal health. This study aimed to identify subgroups of occupational stres Show more
Occupational stress in nursing is a critical issue that can have significant implications for both workforce stability and personal health. This study aimed to identify subgroups of occupational stress among Chinese female clinical nurses using latent profile analysis, compare sociodemographic differences across these subgroups, and examine their associations with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A cross-sectional study was conducted among female nurses in tertiary hospitals in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China, from November to December 2023. We recruited participants via convenience sampling, and 400 valid questionnaires were collected. Data were collected using a researcher-developed general information questionnaire, the standardized Chinese Nurses Stressor Scale (35 items), and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed with Mplus 8.0 to identify occupational stress subtypes. Sociodemographic predictors of these subtypes were explored using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression in SPSS 25.0. The association between stress subtypes and PMS symptoms was assessed using ANOVA. A Three clinical female nurse occupational stress subtypes were identified: overall low-stress (38.3%, This study identified significant heterogeneity in occupational stress among clinical female nurses, categorized into three distinct subtypes differing in stress levels and demographic characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences when developing interventions to address occupational stress. The study advocates for the implementation of intervention strategies targeting different types of stress in nursing education and organizational reform to better support nurses in fulfilling their responsibilities. Show less
Corneal transparency maintenance relies on the water-pumping function of the corneal endothelium. Currently, corneal transplantation remains the only available treatment for corneal endothelial dysfun Show more
Corneal transparency maintenance relies on the water-pumping function of the corneal endothelium. Currently, corneal transplantation remains the only available treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction, therefore, the development of alternative therapies is critical due to the global shortage of donor corneas. In our previous study, we confirmed that corneal stromal cells (CSCs) secretion can promote corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs) proliferation. This effect can be enhanced by treatment with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid. Nevertheless, the components involved in CSC secretion remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of CSC-derived exosomes and exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) for enhancing CEnCs proliferation and corneal endothelial healing. CSC exosomes were characterized via nanoparticle tracking (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunoassays. The miRNA expression profiles of CSC exosomes were identified via RNA sequencing, revealing a total of 767 distinct miRNAs. The proliferative effects of CSC exosomes and exosomal miR-221-3p were increased by LPA. Ectopic expression of miR-221-3p further increased CEnC proliferation and suppressed the expression of the CDK inhibitor p27 Show less
Ting Fang, Xinyu Yang, Xiaoqing Deng+5 more · 2026 · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · added 2026-04-24
Excessive fructose intake is strongly associated with metabolic diseases, with the carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) playing a key role in its metabolism, particularly in renal tu Show more
Excessive fructose intake is strongly associated with metabolic diseases, with the carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) playing a key role in its metabolism, particularly in renal tubules. However, the role of its active form, ChREBP-β, was previously unclear. In this study, ChREBP-β overexpression and ChREBP knockout mouse models were utilized to investigate the effects of excessive fructose intake in vivo. In addition, primary renal tubular epithelial cells from mice and human kidney-2 (HK2) cells were applied for further validation in vitro. We found that ChREBP-β leads to increased transcription to mediate endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which ultimately impairs renal function. Our findings underscore the critical role of ChREBP-β in fructose-related renal disorders. 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
Steroid-refractory (SR) disease develops in a substantial fraction of patients with grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) and is associated with poor long-term survival. Improved mechani Show more
Steroid-refractory (SR) disease develops in a substantial fraction of patients with grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) and is associated with poor long-term survival. Improved mechanistic insight is needed to identify reliable predictors of steroid resistance. We retrospectively profiled peripheral blood collected prior to glucocorticoid treatment from allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients without aGvHD, with steroid-sensitive aGvHD, and with SR-aGvHD using an integrated multi-omics approach, and validated findings in an independent multicenter cohort. Mass cytometry revealed expansion of activated CD28+ CD8+ effector-memory T (Tem) cells in SR-aGvHD. Absolute counts of these cells at neutrophil engraftment predicted subsequent steroid resistance in the multicenter cohort and performed comparably to established clinical classifiers. This phenotype was associated with a proinflammatory milieu enriched for IL-2, IL-27, and IFN-γ. Single-cell RNA sequencing and functional assays implicated a STAT1-glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulatory axis in which inflammatory cytokines induce STAT1 phosphorylation and suppress GR expression, consistent with intrinsic glucocorticoid resistance. JAK inhibition rescued cytokine-induced steroid resistance in vitro, while in SR-aGvHD patients, clinical response to ruxolitinib was accompanied by reduced STAT1 activation, restoration of GR expression, and contraction of the expanded CD8+ Tem pool. These findings identify immune dysregulation at SR-aGvHD centered on CD8+ Tem cells with a STAT1-dependent GR deficit and support a mechanistic link to steroid refractoriness. CD28+ CD8+ Tem cell counts may serve as a biomarker of SR-aGvHD and inform development of pre-emptive, pathway-targeted strategies. Show less
Enhancing memory and alleviating amnesia are among the conditions that Ganoderma lucidum has historically been used to treat. However, there are relatively few studies on the potential therapeutic eff Show more
Enhancing memory and alleviating amnesia are among the conditions that Ganoderma lucidum has historically been used to treat. However, there are relatively few studies on the potential therapeutic effects of active ingredients derived from Ganoderma lucidum in the treatment of memory impairment. This study investigated the ameliorative effect of Lucidenic acid A (LAA) on memory impairment via in vivo and in vitro experiments using experimental pharmacology approaches. In vivo, behavioral tests were used to evaluate memory impairment in mice. Transmission electron microscopy, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, and Nissl staining were employed to observe pathological changes in mice. Western blotting (WB) was used for protein expression analysis. In vitro, CCK-8 assay and cell scratch test were used to evaluate changes in cell viability. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) immunofluorescence staining was used to assess intracellular oxidative stress changes. WB was also used for protein expression analysis. The results show that LAA can not only improve spatial learning and memory abilities and alleviate cholinergic system impairments in mice with memory impairment, but also mitigate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and reduce pathological changes in brain tissue. In addition to improving memory impairment in mice, LAA can also alleviate inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis induced in cells. LAA can induce the activation of the PI3K/AKT/BDNF pathway, thereby alleviating inflammation, oxidative stress, and cholinergic system impairments caused by scopolamine (SCOP) administration, and improving memory impairment. Show less
Current in vitro enzyme inhibition assays often involve subjective data analysis based on the researcher's experience. In this study, we developed a multi-dimensional quantitative integration platform Show more
Current in vitro enzyme inhibition assays often involve subjective data analysis based on the researcher's experience. In this study, we developed a multi-dimensional quantitative integration platform (MDQIP) that uses a model to objectively calculate and rank compound activities, addressing the limitations of traditional "experience-driven" evaluations, accelerates the screening and evaluation of potential AChE inhibitors from Red Gastrodia elata, offering a more efficient approach to drug discovery. Ultrafiltration-LC screening identified parishin A as having the most stable binding, with binding degree and recovery rates of 98.85% and 99.39%, respectively. Molecular docking revealed that parishins A and C were the strongest AChE inhibitors, exhibiting stable binding through hydrogen bonds, π-alkyl, and π-π interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these compounds, with binding energies of -82.65 ± 4.24 and - 80.69 ± 4.19 kcal/mol. Enzyme kinetics showed that parishins A and C are mixed-type inhibitors, with IC Show less
Tianpei Ma, Xin Chen, Qingwen Zhao+19 more · 2026 · The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences · Oxford University Press · added 2026-04-24
Cognitive impairment is a significant health concern in aging populations, but the interplay between biological aging, lifestyle factors, and genetic susceptibility remains unclear. This study examine Show more
Cognitive impairment is a significant health concern in aging populations, but the interplay between biological aging, lifestyle factors, and genetic susceptibility remains unclear. This study examined whether accelerated biological aging is associated with cognitive impairment, whether lifestyle modifies this association, and how genetic background influences these relationships in Chinese older adults. In this cross-sectional study (2022-2023), 7033 participants from southwestern China were included. Accelerated biological aging was calculated as the residual difference between biological age (based on 10 biomarkers) and chronological age. Lifestyle was assessed via a composite index (smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet, sleep). Cognitive function was measured using the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE), and genetic risk was evaluated through polygenic scores and APOE ε4 status. Linear and logistic regression models assessed associations between accelerated aging and cognition. Accelerated biological aging was associated with lower MMSE scores ( β = -0.243, 95% CI: -0.354, -0.133) and higher cognitive impairment prevalence (OR = 1.098, 95% CI: 1.040, 1.158). An unhealthy lifestyle exacerbated cognitive impairment in biologically older individuals (RERI = 0.25). Those with both accelerated aging and unhealthy lifestyle had the lowest MMSE scores ( β = -1.424, 95% CI: -1.846, -1.003) and highest odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 1.467, 95% CI: 1.194, 1.803). These effects were consistent across all genetic background subgroups. Accelerated aging was associated with lower cognitive function, especially in individuals with unhealthy lifestyles, regardless of genetic susceptibility. This highlights lifestyle modification as a potential intervention target for aging-related cognitive impairment. Show less
Pathological ocular neovascularization is closely linked to aberrant histone modifications, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigates the role of the Show more
Pathological ocular neovascularization is closely linked to aberrant histone modifications, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigates the role of the histone demethylase JMJD1C and its encoding gene Jmjd1c in driving pathological angiogenesis and evaluates its therapeutic potential in ocular proliferative vascular diseases. Jmjd1c expression was examined in mouse models of ocular neovascularization and in endothelial cells (ECs) using immunostaining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. The pro-angiogenic functions of JMJD1C were assessed through EdU incorporation, Transwell migration, tube-formation, and spheroid-sprouting assays in vitro, as well as retinal flat-mount isolectin-B4 staining and H&E staining in vivo. RNA sequencing, immunostaining, qPCR, Western blotting, and ChIP-qPCR were employed to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which JMJD1C regulates pathological angiogenesis. Endothelial-specific deletion of Jmjd1c markedly reduced pathological neovascularization in both oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) models. Loss of JMJD1C impaired endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and sprouting angiogenesis. Mechanistically, Jmjd1c deletion suppressed Srebf2 transcription and cholesterol biosynthesis by increasing repressive H3K9me2 histone marks in endothelial cells. Pharmacological inhibition of JMJD1C similarly attenuated neovascularization in wild-type mice. JMJD1C acts as a key regulator of pathological ocular angiogenesis through histone demethylation-mediated control of endothelial cholesterol biosynthesis. These findings establish JMJD1C and the Jmjd1c-Srebf2 regulatory axis as promising therapeutic targets for ocular vascular diseases. Show less
The incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) is strongly correlated with aging. It has been shown that the accumulation of senescent cells in the synovium precedes chondrocyte senescence and cartilage degrada Show more
The incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) is strongly correlated with aging. It has been shown that the accumulation of senescent cells in the synovium precedes chondrocyte senescence and cartilage degradation, suggesting that synovial cell senescence plays a key role in OA pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying synovial cell senescence and its influence on intercellular communication within the joint. Using multiplex immunofluorescence, gene regulatory network reconstruction, and single-cell RNA sequencing analyses, we identified senescent cells and characterized the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in the synovium. A series of in vivo and in vitro functional experiments is conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of fibroblast senescence and its effects on macrophages and chondrocytes. We found that synovial intimal fibroblasts (SIF) display more marked premature senescence compared to other synovial cell types. A specific senescent subpopulation within SIF is identified, and we demonstrated that the transcription factors EGR1 and ATF3 regulate senescence-related pathways in these cells. Furthermore, we showed that senescent SIF promote M1 macrophage polarization and cartilage degeneration through paracrine secretion of ANGPTL4. Additionally, senescent SIF may facilitate OA progression through direct cell-cell contact with macrophages. Show less
Depression has emerged as a concerning factor in colon cancer progression and treatment, yet its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets remain poorly defined. This study aimed to elucidate how Show more
Depression has emerged as a concerning factor in colon cancer progression and treatment, yet its underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets remain poorly defined. This study aimed to elucidate how depression affects colon cancer progression and chemotherapeutic response, and to explore potential molecular targets and therapeutic interventions involving the traditional Chinese medicine formula Sinisan (SNS) and its bioactive component Quercetin. A mouse model combining depression and colon cancer was established to evaluate behavioral alterations, tumor progression, and pathological features. RNA sequencing was performed to screen the differentially expressed genes. The effects of corticosterone (CORT) on proliferation, colony formation, migration, and GSTM2 expression were examined in HCT116 cells, followed by functional validation through GSTM2 overexpression and inhibition assays. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) were used to validate the binding of Quercetin to GSTM2. The therapeutic efficacy of SNS and Quercetin was assessed with respect to depressive symptoms, serum BDNF levels, NLRP3 inflammasome activity, and the potency of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. Mice with depression and colon cancer exhibited aggravated depressive behaviors and accelerated tumor progression. RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology analyses identified GSTM2 as a promising candidate target in colon cancer treatment, which was markedly down-regulated in the DP-CC group. CORT enhanced proliferation, colony formation, and migration of HCT116 cells while simultaneously suppressing GSTM2 expression. Conversely, GSTM2 levels negatively correlated with cell proliferation, colony formation, and chemoresistance in HCT116 cells. Treatment with SNS alleviated depressive symptoms, elevated serum BDNF, reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activity, and potentiated the efficacy of 5-FU chemotherapy. Quercetin, a bioactive component of SNS, bound to GSTM2 through hydrogen-bond and van-der-Waals interactions, up-regulated GSTM2 expression, and mitigated CORT-induced proliferation, colony formation, and chemoresistance. Our findings suggest that depression promotes colon-cancer progression by down-regulating GSTM2, whereas SNS restores GSTM2 expression and enhances chemotherapeutic response. Show less
Retigabine (RTG) shows notable neuroprotective efficacy in multiple brain injury models; however, its interplay with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is poorly understood. This study was designed to Show more
Retigabine (RTG) shows notable neuroprotective efficacy in multiple brain injury models; however, its interplay with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is poorly understood. This study was designed to explore the therapeutic potential of RTG against CRS-induced depression-like behaviors and cognitive deficits in mice and to uncover the associated molecular mechanisms. A depression-like and cognitive impairment model was established in C57BL/6 male mice using chronic restraint stress (CRS). Six-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to the following groups: control (Con), model (CRS), RTG (10 mg/kg), XE-991 (2 mg/kg) or tunicamycin (Tm, 2 mg/kg). Behavioral tests were conducted to assess depression-like behaviors and cognitive function. Hippocampal neuronal morphology was examined by H&E and immunofluorescence staining, while changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related signaling pathways were analyzed by Western blot. Retigabine treatment reduced hippocampal neuronal damage and the expression of ERS-related factors (GRP78, CHOP) and the pro-apoptotic factor BAX in CRS-induced mice, while it increased the levels of BDNF. These effects were antagonized by XE-991 and the ERS agonist tunicamycin (Tm). Retigabine may alleviate CRS-induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment by inhibiting ERS-mediated apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for depression. Show less
Xinyi Ma, Yang Xu, Yeqi Nian+9 more · 2026 · American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a common food emulsifier, induces microbiota dysbiosis and systemic inflammation; however, its impact on transplant immunity remains unclear. Allogenic heart rejection wa Show more
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a common food emulsifier, induces microbiota dysbiosis and systemic inflammation; however, its impact on transplant immunity remains unclear. Allogenic heart rejection was observed in CMC-fed recipient mice, with increased abundance of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-producing bacteria and increased serum LPA concentration. CMC-induced transplant rejection was caused by the gut microbiota, as confirmed by fecal microbiota transplantation and gut microbiota depletion. Furthermore, LPA-treated macrophages demonstrated a proinflammatory ability to accelerate allograft rejection in cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 immunoglobulin-induced allograft survival by upregulating glycolysis. Conversely, the administration of a glycolysis inhibitor resulted in allograft survival and abrogated the detrimental effect of LPA. Mass spectrometry and single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed that transplant patients with rejection showed significantly elevated serum LPA levels and LPA receptor 6 (LPAR6) expression in graft-infiltrate macrophages. Mechanistically, LPA preferentially promoted LPAR6 expression, which interacted with Rho-associated protein kinase 2 to activate the mammalian target of rapamycin/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha pathway, thereby enhancing glycolysis and inducing proinflammatory macrophage polarization. Treatment with Ki16425, an LPAR antagonist, prolonged allograft survival in CMC-fed recipients. Our findings reveal a major detrimental effect of CMC on macrophage physiology and suggest that controlling LPAR6 expression or glycolysis in macrophages may improve allograft survival in transplant recipients. Show less
Improved internet access has exposed rural adolescents in China to a greater risk of internet addiction. However, existing studies seldom examine the relationship between dynamic changes in internet a Show more
Improved internet access has exposed rural adolescents in China to a greater risk of internet addiction. However, existing studies seldom examine the relationship between dynamic changes in internet addiction and psychosocial maladjustment. This study aims to explore the transition patterns of internet addiction and its associations with emotional and interpersonal problems over time. A one-year longitudinal survey was conducted among 782 middle school students in rural China. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify internet addiction profiles at two time points. Latent Profile Transition Analysis (LPTA) was then used to examine the transition patterns between profiles over time. Subsequently, statistical analyses were conducted to explore how these transitions were associated with emotional and interpersonal problems. Three profiles of internet addiction were identified: minimal-internet addiction, low-internet addiction, and high-internet addiction. Based on LPTA, most adolescents with higher internet addiction at T1 shifted to lower-severity profiles over time (high → minimal: 35.3%; low → minimal: 39.8%; high → low: 33.3%), while some with initially lower levels transitioned to more severe profiles (minimal → high: 6.9%; low → high: 12.2%; minimal → low: 25.7%). Transition into higher addiction profiles predicted increased depression, anxiety, and poorer relationships with parents, peers, and teachers. Conversely, reductions in addiction were linked to improved depressive symptoms. Changes in internet addiction have an impact on adolescent psychosocial maladjustment. Early detection and flexible interventions are essential in rural settings. Show less
This study was conducted to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of a family affected by hereditary spherocytosis (HS) combined with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), identify t Show more
This study was conducted to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of a family affected by hereditary spherocytosis (HS) combined with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), identify the pathogenic cause, and provide a basis for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and genetic counseling of affected children. Clinical data were collected from family members. High-throughput sequencing was performed to identify pathogenic variants in genes associated with HS and FCS in the proband. Suspected pathogenic mutations were confirmed in family members via PCR-Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis and three-dimensional protein structure prediction were also conducted. The proband presented with severe anemia, splenomegaly, and jaundice. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous mutation, c.6005G>A (p.Trp2002*), in the spectrin beta chain ( The heterozygous mutations Show less
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, with metastasis accounting for the majority of cancer-related deaths. The mechanisms of early-stage breast cancer metastasis to regional immune s Show more
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, with metastasis accounting for the majority of cancer-related deaths. The mechanisms of early-stage breast cancer metastasis to regional immune sites like lymph nodes remain elusive. Here, we performed an in-depth proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of a substantial series of breast cancer samples, alongside genomic and transcriptomic evaluations. This cohort encompasses 195 specimens: 65 primary breast tumors, their corresponding normal tissues, and metastatic axillary lymph nodes. We offer an overview of the molecular alterations at the transcriptomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic levels during lymph node metastasis. Notably, the findings indicate that regional lymph node metastasis is primarily influenced by proteomic and phosphoproteomic alterations, rather than genomic or transcriptomic changes. We found the ANGPTL4 and HMGB1 could serve as the biomarker of lymph node metastasis. Data analysis and cell experiments involving silencing of the alternative splicing factor HNRNPU demonstrated that alternative splicing plays a significant role in modulating protein expression, phosphorylation profiles and cell proliferation. The key phosphorylation sites, including MARCKSL1-S104 and FKBP15-S320, as well as the upstream kinase PRKCB, were identified as playing crucial roles in breast cancer lymph node metastasis. Targeted intervention of the kinase PRKCB resulted in effectively suppressing the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer tumor cells. Immune profiling analysis and experimental validation of breast cancer cell cocultured with CD8+ T cell reveals correlations between phosphorylation of MARCKSL1-S104 and FKBP15-S320 with immune checkpoint PD-L1 expression, and their impact on tumor cell apoptosis, suggesting a potential mechanism of immune evasion in metastasis. This study systematically characterizes the molecular landscape and features of primary breast tumors and their matched metastatic lymph nodes. These insights enhance our understanding of early-stage breast cancer metastasis and may pave the way for improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic strategies. Show less
To investigate the causal relationship between inflammatory proteins and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the mediating role of plasma metabolites therein. Using Mendelian mandomization (MR) methods and p Show more
To investigate the causal relationship between inflammatory proteins and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the mediating role of plasma metabolites therein. Using Mendelian mandomization (MR) methods and publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we selected 91 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were strongly linked to inflammatory proteins without reverse causality with AD as the outcome. A bidirectional two-sample MR analysis was performed. Inflammatory proteins with causal links to AD were identified via inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis. A mediation MR analysis was then performed using 1400 plasma metabolites to assess their mediating role in this causal pathway. The preliminary bidirectional MR analysis identified 3 inflammatory proteins that had a potential positive causal association with AD without reverse causality: Axin-1, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL11), and interleukin-12β (IL-12β). Elevated levels of Axin-1 were positively causally associated with AD risk (OR=1.082, 95% This study reveals how specific inflammatory proteins influence AD risk via plasma metabolites and provides genetic evidence for inflammatory-metabolic interactions in AD to facilitate the identification of potential biomarkers and targets for early detection and intervention of AD. Show less
Long-term alcohol consumption drives systemic damage through metabolites such as acetaldehyde, which trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. This study evaluated the protective effe Show more
Long-term alcohol consumption drives systemic damage through metabolites such as acetaldehyde, which trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. This study evaluated the protective effects of fermented red quinoa (FRQ) in an alcohol-exposed mouse model, with a focus on cognitive function. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into three groups for a 28-day study: a normal control, an alcohol-treated group gavaged with ethanol (1 mL/100 g·BW), and a group receiving the same ethanol dose co-administered with FRQ powder (human equivalent dose: 9 g/60 kg·BW). Our results demonstrated that fermentation with Lactobacillus kisonensis significantly increased the content of phenolic compounds (e.g., quercetin and veratric acid) in FRQ. FRQ intervention improved cognitive function, ameliorated synaptic structural impairment and blood-brain barrier disruption, and attenuated hepatic steatosis. The protective mechanisms involved three pathways: 1) The specific phenolic compounds in FRQ promoted alcohol metabolism by regulating ADH/ALDH activity, leading to reduced acetaldehyde levels. As a primary initiating pathway, this metabolic enhancement dominantly attenuated subsequent oxidative stress and inflammation, mitigating injury in the liver, brain, and colon. 2) It directly modulated AP-1 subunits (ΔFOSB/JUND), restored BDNF, and rebalanced the glutamate/GABA systems. 3) It regulated the gut-liver-brain axis by remodeling the gut microbiota (e.g., enriching butyrate-producing Butyricicoccus), reinforcing intestinal barrier integrity, and thereby suppressing systemic LPS translocation and inflammation. In conclusion, FRQ mitigates alcohol-induced cognitive and hepatic damage via multiple mechanisms, highlighting its promise as an integrative dietary intervention. Show less
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists have gained significant attention in clinical applications because of their remarkable efficacy in reducing obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanisms by whi Show more
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists have gained significant attention in clinical applications because of their remarkable efficacy in reducing obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanisms by which these dual agonists affect systemic metabolism remain elusive. To investigate the effects of a novel dual-receptor agonist, THDBH120, on systemic metabolism in obese individuals and the specific roles of GIPR and GLP-1R in modulating systemic and adipose tissue metabolism. To evaluate the intrinsic properties of THDBH120, we conducted a potency assay by using HEK293 cell lines overexpressing either human GIPR or GLP-1R and measured the accumulation of cAMP as a downstream second messenger following receptor activation. To evaluate the efficacy of THDBH120 on systemic metabolism, we used obese rodents and nonhuman primate species that received various doses and frequencies of THDBH120. To determine the metabolic roles of GLP-1R and GIPR in mediating the beneficial effects of THDBH120, we used GLP-1R- and GIPR-knockout mouse models treated with THDBH120, the GLP-1R agonist semaglutide, or the GIPR agonist LAGIPRA and performed transcriptomic sequencing analyses of adipose tissues. THDBH120 is a novel long-acting dual GIPR/GLP-1R agonist that has superior weight loss and metabolic improvement effects in rodents and mammals. The activation of GLP-1R by semaglutide or THDBH120 improved lipid metabolism, whereas the activation of GIPR by LAGIPRA or THDBH120 alleviated inflammation. THDBH120 improved lipid metabolism via GLP-1R-mediated pathways and mitigated inflammation by activating GIPR-associated pathways in the adipose tissues of obese mice. Both GLP-1R and GIPR are important in mediating the beneficial effects of dual receptors on systemic metabolism. THDBH120 is a novel long-acting dual GIPR/GLP-1R agonist that has potential clinical applications. Show less
Junjie Hu, Pei-Yang Gao, Run Di+2 more · 2026 · The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience · Society for Neuroscience · added 2026-04-24
Chronic pain (CP) is increasingly recognized not only as a sensory and emotional condition but also as a significant contributor to cognitive dysfunction. Growing evidence indicates that CP-induced co Show more
Chronic pain (CP) is increasingly recognized not only as a sensory and emotional condition but also as a significant contributor to cognitive dysfunction. Growing evidence indicates that CP-induced cognitive dysfunction arises from a cascade of neurobiological processes, including persistent neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and impaired synaptic plasticity. These mechanisms particularly affect the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-regions essential for memory, attention, and executive function. Neuroimaging studies have documented structural atrophy and disrupted network connectivity in these brain areas in CP patients. At the molecular level, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) impair glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling, disrupt long-term potentiation (LTP), and inhibit neurogenesis. Additionally, dysregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling exacerbates synaptic vulnerability, contributing to cognitive decline. These mechanistic overlaps are particularly relevant in aging populations and in Alzheimer's disease (AD), where CP may act as a risk factor. This review integrates clinical and preclinical findings on CP-related cognitive dysfunction, outlines key molecular mechanisms, and explores emerging therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation, neurotransmitter systems, and synaptic repair. Understanding the interaction between chronic pain and cognition is critical for developing precision treatments that address both nociceptive and neurodegenerative pathways. Show less
ObjectiveThis review synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients, focusing on its mechanisms, clinical Show more
ObjectiveThis review synthesizes current evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients, focusing on its mechanisms, clinical applications, and future research directions.MethodsThis narrative review synthesizes and critically appraises findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and preclinical studies, evaluating acupuncture's impact on pain relief, neurological function, and quality of life. Key databases were searched for studies published up to 2024.ResultsNineteen RCTs ( Show less