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
Residual cardiovascular risk persists in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets are met. Excess apolipoprotein B (apo Show more
Residual cardiovascular risk persists in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets are met. Excess apolipoprotein B (apoB), defined as measured apoB minus LDL-C-predicted apoB, may capture atherogenic particle burden beyond LDL-C, but its prognostic value for long-term mortality in secondary prevention remains uncertain. We conducted a pooled analysis of two nationwide Chinese cohorts (CIN-II and RED-CARPET) comprising 68,616 statin-treated CAD patients. Excess apoB was calculated using an internal reference population (triglyceridesββ€β1.0 mmol/L). Associations with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were assessed using multivariable Cox models, with adjustment for clinical covariates including nutritional status. External validation was performed in 13,702 participants from the UK Biobank. Over a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 10,835 deaths occurred (5,090 cardiovascular). Each 1-standard deviation (15.4Β mg/dL) increase in excess apoB was associated with a 12% higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18) and a 24% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (aHR 1.24, 95% CI 1.15-1.34). Patients in the highest excess apoB quartile (β₯β11.5Β mg/dL) had significantly worse survival. Notably, these associations persisted consistently across all achieved LDL-C strata (<β2.0 to >β4.0 mmol/L). These findings were robustly confirmed in the external validation cohort. Excess apoB is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in statin-treated CAD patients, even among those with well-controlled LDL-C. Its incorporation into risk assessment could improve prognostic stratification and guide personalized management in secondary prevention. CIN-II: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05050877 (Retrospectively registered, 21 September 2021); RED-CARPET: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000039901 (Prospectively registered, 14 November 2020). The UK Biobank study is covered by generic ethical approval from the NHS National Research Ethics Service (Ref: 99231). 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
Current infant formulas lack the native multilayer structure of breast milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), impacting lipid digestion. In this study, the inner layer material and concentration of the bio Show more
Current infant formulas lack the native multilayer structure of breast milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), impacting lipid digestion. In this study, the inner layer material and concentration of the biomimetic fat globule membrane were optimized by comparing particle size, Zeta-potential and interface protein load. It was found that compared with sodium caseinate (CN) and whey protein (WP), when the lactoferrin (LF) concentration was 2Β %, the particle size was lower (277.85Β Β±Β 6.15Β nm) and Zeta-potential value was higher (19.67Β Β±Β 1.27 mv). Using milk phospholipid (MPL) as the outer layer material, when the MPL concentration was 2Β %, the emulsion had a smaller particle size (291.33Β Β±Β 1.15Β nm) and a better stability (10.22Β Β±Β 0.62Β %). Therefore, the biomimetic multilayer membrane was constructed by electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition of 2Β % LF and 2Β % MPL. Combining Fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the interaction between LF and MPL molecules in the LF-MPL multilayer structure is primarily a spontaneous, endothermic process driven by hydrophobic forces, exhibited superior stability (except thermal stability) than LF monolayer membrane. The results of in vitro digestion showed that compared with LF, WP and WP-MPL emulsions, LF-MPL emulsions had the highest free fatty acid (FFA) release rate of 69.97Β %. LF-MPL enhanced gastric stability and promoted intestinal lipolysis and improved the degree of lipid digestion. In addition, LF-MPL promoted the absorption and utilization of triglyceride (TAG) in cells and animals, and secretion and upregulated lipid absorption genes (FATP4, DGAT1, APOB, APOA4, MTTP). These findings demonstrate that biomimetic LF-MPL multilayers improve lipid digestion, absorption, and bioavailability, providing a theoretical basis for designing more breast milk-like infant formulas. 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 Ξ²1-adrenergic receptor blockers (Ξ²1-blockers)-related therapeutic heterogeneity between HHD and HCM. Genetic instruments for Ξ²1-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 Ξ²1-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 Ξ²1-blockers in HHD and HCM, providing genetic evidence for differential therapeutic responses and highlighting molecular targets for precision cardiovascular therapy. 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 Ξ±-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1 (Ξ±TAT1), the major acetyltransferase for Ξ±-tubulin, by suppressing Ξ±TAT1 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
Researchers have postulated a link between higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and more favorable outcomes in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). However, there is Show more
Researchers have postulated a link between higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and more favorable outcomes in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). However, there is no clear evidence regarding the causal association between neurotrophins and NPH. To delve deeper into this potential connection, scientists employed a rigorous method known as bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR). This technique was utilized to explore the causal impact of various neurotrophins-such as BDNF, nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), NT-4, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-on the development or progression of NPH. To investigate the causal relationship between five neurotrophin subtypes and NPH, we designed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Our primary approach involved the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. We also conducted reverse causality analysis to ensure robustness. Furthermore, we implemented complementary methods like the weighted median (WM), weighted mode, and MR-Egger to strengthen our findings. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out, and Cochran's Q tests, were employed to validate results, explore heterogeneity and pleiotropy, and pinpoint potential biases. MR analysis of genetic prediction showed no statistical association of neurotrophins on NPH. However, a reverse analysis indicated a causal association between NPH and two neurotrophins: CNTF and GDNF. Specifically, individuals with NPH had a lower risk of CNTF (odds ratio: 0.7963, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.6537 to 0.9701, p = 0.0237) and a slightly reduced risk of GDNF (odds ratio: 0.9576, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.9226 to 0.9940, p = 0.0230). MR-Egger regression showed that pleiotropy did not affect the analysis. In addition, MR-PRESSO detected no outliers, and a leave-one-out analysis verified the robustness of the results. NPH was negatively and causally associated with CNTF and GDNF. Additional research is crucial to uncover the underlying mechanisms and devise strategies, including nutritional guidelines, to prevent NPH. 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 ΞΌM). 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 (1ΞΌM), 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 Β± 2.4% vs 39.9 Β±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 Β± 1.2% vs vehicle: 38.4 Β± 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
C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD Show more
C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD), and investigate the effect of CTRP4 on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms. CTRP4 levels were examined in serum and epicardial adipose tissue (a major PVAT) from patients with CAD. Atherosclerotic lesions were analysed in CTRP4 CTRP4 levels were lower in serum and epicardial adipose tissue of patients with CAD compared to non-CAD controls. CTRP4 knockout promoted atherosclerosis in ApoE Decreased CTRP4 levels in serum and epicardial adipose tissue are associated with CAD in patients. CTRP4 deficiency promotes the development of atherosclerosis 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-ΞΊB 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-ΞΊB signaling pathway in macrophages, consequently exerting an anti-atherosclerotic effect and offering a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis treatment. Show less
This study evaluated the efficacy of combining personalized acupuncture with accelerated deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (adTMS) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this randomized, double- Show more
This study evaluated the efficacy of combining personalized acupuncture with accelerated deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (adTMS) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 120 MCI patients were assigned to a Combined group (personalized acupuncture + active adTMS), a Single Stimulation group (active adTMS + sham acupuncture), or a Placebo group (sham TMS + sham acupuncture). The primary outcome was the change in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included P300 latency, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) NAA/Cr ratio, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). The Combined group showed a significantly greater improvement in MoCA scores (3.2 Β± 1.3 points) compared to the Single Stimulation (1.9 Β± 1.2 points; mean difference 1.3, 95 % CI 0.4 to 2.2) and Placebo groups (1.1 Β± 1.0 points; mean difference 2.1, 95 % CI 1.2 to 3.0). The Combined group also demonstrated greater reductions in P300 latency and increases in NAA/Cr ratio and serum BDNF levels than the other groups. The combination of personalized acupuncture and adTMS significantly improves cognitive function in MCI patients, supported by positive changes in electrophysiological and metabolic markers. This integrative approach represents a promising non-pharmacological strategy for MCI.Trial registration: International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trials Registry (ITMCTR2025000652). 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-ΞΊB-mediated inflammatory pathway. HBE cells were treated with LPS (1-100 ng/mL) to induce autophagy dysregulation and inflammation. G-Rg3 (2-16Β ΞΌM) was administered to evaluate its protective effects. Western blotting was used to detect autophagy-related proteins (ATG4B, ATG7, PIK3C3, LC3B, p62) and TLR4/NF-ΞΊB signaling molecules; ELISA quantified proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-Ξ±, IL-1Ξ², 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-ΞΊB 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-ΞΊB 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
Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a hepatokine involved in metabolism and inflammation and has been implicated in oncogenesis, yet its relationship with cancer risk in humans remains unclear. We analyz Show more
Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a hepatokine involved in metabolism and inflammation and has been implicated in oncogenesis, yet its relationship with cancer risk in humans remains unclear. We analyzed 35,716 cancer-free UK Biobank participants with baseline plasma ANGPTL4. Multivariable Cox models and restricted cubic splines assessed associations with 24 site-specific incident cancers; bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) evaluated causality. During a median follow-up of 12.5Β years, 9304 incident cancer cases occurred. Compared with the lowest quartile (Q1), the higher quartiles (Q2, Q3, and Q4) of ANGPTL4 levels were significantly associated with the risks of ten cancers, including cancers of the bladder, breast, cervix uteri, colorectum/anus, esophagus, kidney, liver, mesothelial/soft tissues, multiple myeloma, and ovary (hazard ratios ranging from 1.02 to 3.98). Risks generally increased across ANGPTL4 quartiles, and spline analyses supported approximately linear dose-response patterns. Adding ANGPTL4 to an age-sex model improved discrimination across several sites (ΞC-index 0-0.071), with statistical significance observed only for breast cancer. Associations were directionally consistent but heterogeneous by age, sex, and BMI. Forward MR provided no evidence that genetically proxied ANGPTL4 causally increases cancer risk. In reverse MR, genetic liability to liver cancer showed a nominal positive association with circulating ANGPTL4, suggesting ANGPTL4 may be elevated as part of tumor-related biology. Higher circulating ANGPTL4 is associated with increased risk of multiple cancers, with sex-and tissue-specific heterogeneity. Although MR does not support a universal causal role, ANGPTL4 remains a promising pan-cancer biomarker for risk stratification and early prevention. Show less
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic condition with comorbidities beyond the lung (eg, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders), and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are also commo Show more
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic condition with comorbidities beyond the lung (eg, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders), and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are also common. The shared genetic basis of COPD-GI comorbidity and its mediating factors remain unclear. We hypothesized that COPD and GI diseases share pleiotropic genetic architecture implicating lipid-metabolic pathways, with smoking mediating part of the association. We analyzed publicly available European-ancestry GWAS summary statistics for COPD (Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative), 15 GI diseases (FinnGen), and smoking phenotypes (UK Biobank). Genetic correlation was estimated using linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and high-definition likelihood (HDL). Multi-trait analysis of GWAS (MTAG) boosted COPD discovery by leveraging genetically correlated GI traits. We integrated locus-to-gene mapping with multi-tissue expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and plasma protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) evidence to prioritize shared loci, genes, and proteins. Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) tested causal directions, and two-step mediation MR evaluated smoking. COPD showed significant genetic correlation with nine GI diseases. We identified six comorbidity-associated loci (three with CADD > 12.37) and 13 unique candidate pleiotropic genes; APOE was supported by proteomic evidence. Enrichment analyses highlighted lipid-metabolism pathways. MR suggested COPD increases risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acute appendicitis, and gastric ulcer, while diverticular disease showed reverse causality toward COPD. Smoking partially mediated the COPD effect on GERD, acute appendicitis, and gastric ulcer. COPD and multiple GI disorders share a distributed pleiotropic genetic basis within the broader systemic comorbidity spectrum of COPD. Multi-omics evidence supports a genomic pulmonary-intestinal axis in which lipid metabolism and smoking-related mechanisms contribute to COPD and GI comorbidity, providing targets for risk stratification and potential intervention. 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 aORβ=β0.26, 95% CI: 0.17-0.39, pβ<β0.001), and it was significantly in both the CKD (aORβ=β0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.40, pβ<β0.001) and non-CKD subgroups (aORβ=β0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.52, pβ<β0.001). In CKD, UHR is significantly correlated with CAD (aORβ=β6.23, 95% CI: 1.89-20.60, pβ=β0.003), and the association was more significant in the non-CKD group (aORβ=β15.15, 95% CI: 4.20-54.72, pβ<β0.001). CKD status significantly modified the association between UHR and CAD (P for interactionβ=β0.015). 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 UHRβ>β0.5, rβ=β0.2, pβ<β0.001), and negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.38, pβ<β0.001). RCS analysis confirmed a significant nonlinear association between UHR and CAD (overall Pβ<β0.001, nonlinear Pβ=β0.002), and the risk of CAD increased when UHR was >β0.41 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
Shiying Liu, William S Bush, Brian W Kunkle+15 more Β· 2026 Β· Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association Β· Wiley Β· added 2026-04-24
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 Ξ΅4), 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
Qiang Li, Zhiqi Liao, Xinyao Hu+26 more Β· 2026 Β· Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy Β· Elsevier Β· added 2026-04-24
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In Show more
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells (IMRCs) for treating refractory moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesion (IUA). In a rabbit IUA model, sub-endometrial injection of IMRCs significantly reduced fibrosis and enhanced endometrial angiogenesis, outperforming uterine perfusion. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct pro-angiogenic gene expression profiles between the two delivery routes. In vitro, IMRCs co-cultured with endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) markedly enhanced angiogenic potential compared to either cell type alone. Protein array analysis of the co-culture supernatant showed elevated levels of angiogenic factors, with functional assays confirming that inhibition of ANGPTL4, a non-canonical pro-angiogenic mediator, impaired angiogenesis. In a first-in-human, single-center, phase 1 dose-escalation trial involving 18 patients with refractory IUA, high-dose sub-endometrial IMRC injection promoted angiogenesis, reduced uterine scarring, and improved pregnancy outcomes, with no safety concerns observed over 3 years of follow-up. These findings highlight the translational promise of IMRCs as a novel therapeutic strategy for endometrial regeneration in severe IUA. 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
This article presents a case of a rare lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) complicated by spherocytosis in a 74-year-old male. The patient reported progressive fatigue and anemia and had a medical histor Show more
This article presents a case of a rare lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) complicated by spherocytosis in a 74-year-old male. The patient reported progressive fatigue and anemia and had a medical history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cerebral infarction. Laboratory tests indicated moderate anemia (hemoglobin 80β―g/L) and a monoclonal increase in serum IgG. A bone marrow biopsy combined with immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (IgG-ΞΊ type, MYD88 L265P negative). A peripheral blood smear revealed an increase in spherocytes, a positive acidified glycerolysis test (AGLT50), abnormal erythrocyte osmotic fragility, and a negative direct antiglobulin test. Genetic screening for hereditary erythrocyte diseases showed no pathogenic variations. The patient's condition stabilized following targeted therapy with zanubrutinib and rituximab (ZR regimen). This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing dual hematological anomalies, highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, and seeks to explore the potential pathophysiological link between LPL and spherocytosis, offering a reference for diagnosis and treatment in similar clinical scenarios. Show less
Ashen L Vidanage, Tianyu Xu, Zihao Chen+9 more Β· 2026 Β· International journal of cardiology. Cardiovascular risk and prevention Β· Elsevier Β· added 2026-04-24
Serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, whether hypertension modifies the association between Lp(a) and adverse outcomes in acute Show more
Serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, whether hypertension modifies the association between Lp(a) and adverse outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains unclear. We investigated how hypertension status influences the relationship between Lp(a) and all-cause mortality in ADHF. We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study including 2610 patients hospitalized with ADHF. We normalized the distribution of Lp(a) by a logarithmic transformation and assessed the risk of all-cause mortality with Lp(a), using Cox regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Among 2610 patients (39.0% women; mean age, 68.8 years), 1606 (61.5%) had hypertension. Over 4.1 years (median), 1287 deaths occurred. In all patients, log-transformed Lp(a) was significantly associated with mortality (adjusted HR 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05-1.39; Increased admission Lp(a) levels were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in ADHF patients with hypertension. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanistic links among Lp(a), hypertension and ADHF. 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
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a key regulator of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the specific role of its receptor, Patched2 (Ptch2), in these processes remains unclear. Here, usi Show more
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is a key regulator of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the specific role of its receptor, Patched2 (Ptch2), in these processes remains unclear. Here, using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated 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
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
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-Ξ±-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 (0.02Β mg/kg) attenuated carotid artery endothelial inflammation and macrophage infiltration, consequently reducing early atherogenesis in partial carotid ligation model in ApoE 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