Both Apolipoprotein E-ε4 (APOE-ε4) and astrocytic activation, as measured by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), play critical roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the influence of astrocyt Show more
Both Apolipoprotein E-ε4 (APOE-ε4) and astrocytic activation, as measured by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), play critical roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the influence of astrocytic activation on the relationship between APOE-ε4 and AD pathologies remains unclear. This study investigates the interrelationships among astrocytic activation, APOE-ε4, and AD pathophysiology in 529 participants who underwent plasma biomarker measurements, APOE genotyping, and cognitive testing. Additionally, 277, 284, and 104 underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), amyloid-β (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET), and tau PET, respectively. The associations of plasma GFAP, APOE-ε4, and AD-related biomarkers, as well as whether plasma GFAP mediates APOE-ε4-related effects on AD, were investigated. Higher plasma GFAP and APOE-ε4 were independently associated with more severe Aβ and tau aggregation, as well as cognitive decline. Mediation analyses showed a significant indirect effect of APOE-ε4 on plasma p-tau biomarkers (21.1%-24.9%), Aβ PET (16.4%), and cognition (19.6%), while the indirect effect on tau PET was trend-level (29.1%, p Show less
Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that can lead to adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that can lead to adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a pivotal role in its development and progression, but the upstream regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely defined. Here, we identify ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1), a ubiquitin-like protein, as a critical regulator of VSMCs plasticity and atherogenesis. In VSMCs stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), UFM1 overexpression markedly attenuated phenotypic switching, restoring contractile features and suppressing synthetic activation, accompanied by reduced proliferation and migration. In contrast, UFM1 knockdown further exacerbated these phenotypic alterations. In ApoE Show less
Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT relate Show more
Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT related genes, proteins and pathways. We first explored the clinical associations between OA and MTs based on UK Biobank data. Using GWAS statistics for 9 OA subtypes and 51 MTs, we identified both global and regional genetic correlations. Multi-trait GWAS helped revealed credible genes and relevant pathways through various methods. Protein-level analyses were also conducted to identify key proteins. We developed polygenic scores (PGS), machine learning models and drug repurposing strategies were explored to translate these findings into clinical applications. We identified 152 trait pairs with significant associations and 709 local regions linked to OA-MT. Key SNVs like rs13135092 (SLC39A8) and rs34811474 (ANAPC4) were associated with multiple OA-MT pairs. Lipid and glucose metabolism emerged as central pathways, with tissue-specific enrichment analyses revealing key gene clusters in hepatocytes, arteries, and brain regions. Protein-level analyses identified 205 protein subgroups. PGS integrating MTs outperformed model based solely on OA, improving AUC by 17.5%. Causal gene-based models showed strong diagnostic accuracy (average AUC = 0.875 in external cohorts). Drug prediction highlighted fenofibrate as a promising treatment among 71 candidates. This study provides new insights into the genetic links between OA and MTs. We identified genes, proteins, and pathways related to comorbidities, revealing shared mechanisms, highlighting the potential of integrating metabolic factors to improve OA prediction, diagnosis, and treatment. Show less
While VPS13C is a recessively inherited Parkinson's disease (PD) gene, its potential dominant effects in idiopathic Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) remain unexplored. The relat Show more
While VPS13C is a recessively inherited Parkinson's disease (PD) gene, its potential dominant effects in idiopathic Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) remain unexplored. The relation between its monogenic form and the onset of PD suggested that subtype specificity may need to be considered. We examined the presence of likely pathogenic VPS13C variants in 150 iRBD and 180 α-synucleinopathy patients (iRBD-first and movement disorder-first). VPS13C variants were significantly enriched in iRBD patients, and ten iRBD risk variants have been identified. iRBD risk VPS13C variant carriers demonstrated more severe RBD symptoms and greater autonomic dysfunction, correlating with REM sleep EEG and autonomic network activity abnormalities. Notably, enrichment was specific to the iRBD-first α-synucleinopathy subtype, and iRBD risk VPS13C variant carriers showed accelerated progression to overt α-synucleinopathy. These results suggest that VPS13C not only contributes to iRBD susceptibility but also serves as a marker for the iRBD-first α-synucleinopathy and faster disease conversion. Show less
Sepsis triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a life-threatening condition. Inspired by the specific capture mechanism of innate proteins like LBP and CD14, we develop oxidized chitosan microspheres Show more
Sepsis triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a life-threatening condition. Inspired by the specific capture mechanism of innate proteins like LBP and CD14, we develop oxidized chitosan microspheres functionalized with hyperbranched polylysine (OCS-HBPL) as a sepsis detoxification agent. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) reveals that HBPL-LPS binding is an enthalpy-driven process, distinct from the entropy-driven interaction of linear polylysine (LPL)-LPS. Validated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), HBPL demonstrates superior affinity with a dissociation constant (K Show less
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the most critical polyunsaturated fatty acids, is vital for the neurological growth and cognitive function of infants and children. Approximately 98% of DHA in breas Show more
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the most critical polyunsaturated fatty acids, is vital for the neurological growth and cognitive function of infants and children. Approximately 98% of DHA in breast milk exists as triglycerides, with 60% esterified at the sn-2 position. To demonstrate the necessity of mimicking the form of DHA present in breast milk in nutritional food for young children, this study administered diets with varying sn-2 DHA contents (10%, 30%, and 50%) to four groups of mice and analyzed their behavioral performance, brain DHA concentration, expression of brain fatty acid transport proteins, histopathology, and expression of synaptic-related proteins in the hippocampus after 4 weeks. The results showed that compared with the control group, mice in the 50% sn-2 DHA group exhibited superior learning and memory capabilities in behavioral tests, with the most pronounced behavioral improvements in mice, which correlated with higher brain DHA accumulation (from 0.870 ± 0.055 mg/g brain to 1.809 ± 0.132 mg/g brain, p < 0.05), increased levels of MFSD2A (1.40-fold, p > 0.05), FABP5 (2.36-fold, p < 0.05), FATP1 (1.47-fold, p < 0.05), and ACSL6 (1.48-fold, p < 0.05), improved hippocampal neuron morphology, and enhanced the level of BDNF (1.55-fold, p < 0.05), SYN (1.45-fold, p < 0.05), and PSD-95 (1.57-fold, p < 0.05). These findings establish a foundation for developing DHA nutritional supplements. Show less
Shuhe Wang, Zhongguo Liu · 2026 · Frontiers in psychology · Frontiers · added 2026-04-24
This study aimed to use latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify heterogeneous configurational patterns of short video addiction and emotion dysregulation among college students, and to systematicall Show more
This study aimed to use latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify heterogeneous configurational patterns of short video addiction and emotion dysregulation among college students, and to systematically examine the predictive effects of cognitive reappraisal, emotional loneliness, and sociodemographic factors on latent profile membership. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. From April to July 2025, full-time undergraduate students were recruited from multiple universities in Shandong Province using a combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling. Participants completed online questionnaires including the Short Video Addiction Scale, the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory (EDI), the Cognitive Reappraisal Scale, and the Emotional Loneliness Scale. A total of 1,168 valid questionnaires were obtained. LPA identified four optimal profiles: Profile 1 ("low short video addiction-low emotion dysregulation"), Profile 2 ("medium to lower short video addiction-medium to lower emotion dysregulation"), Profile 3 ("medium to upper short video addiction-medium to upper emotion dysregulation"), and Profile 4 ("high short video addiction-high emotion dysregulation"). Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that, with Profile 4 as the reference category, cognitive reappraisal significantly increased the likelihood of membership in lower-risk profiles, whereas emotional loneliness significantly decreased the likelihood of membership in lower-risk profiles. Among sociodemographic factors, being female and having an urban background significantly increased the likelihood of membership in Profile 1 (vs. Profile 4); being a non-only child and having no part-time work experience significantly predicted membership in Profile 3. Marked heterogeneity exists among college students in the measured dimensions of short-form video addiction and emotion dysregulation, and the two constructs exhibit highly concordant co-variation. The findings provide empirical support for developing risk-stratified and precision-oriented mental health intervention strategies. 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
Tc17 cells (IL-17 The percentage of Tc17 cells, monocytes and IL-1β Higher populations of Tc17 cells, IL-1β The present results show that suppressing IL-1β expression by preventing CD80 [Figure: see t Show more
Tc17 cells (IL-17 The percentage of Tc17 cells, monocytes and IL-1β Higher populations of Tc17 cells, IL-1β The present results show that suppressing IL-1β expression by preventing CD80 [Figure: see text] The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-026-02785-4. Show less
Nurses' voice behavior is critical for patient safety and organizational improvement. However, its manifestation is not uniform among nurses. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of nurses' vo Show more
Nurses' voice behavior is critical for patient safety and organizational improvement. However, its manifestation is not uniform among nurses. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of nurses' voice behavior using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to understand this heterogeneity and explore its influencing factors, with a specific focus on differences across work motivation dimensions (rooted in Self-Determination Theory, SDT). A multicenter cross-sectional design was adopted. Data from 701 clinical nurses across six hospitals in Guangxi Province were analyzed: LPA identified four distinct profiles, and Multinomial Logistic Regression was used to examine predictors. Work motivation was measured by the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale (MWMS), and voice behavior by the Voice Behavior Scale (VBS). LPA identified four distinct profiles (Conservative, 5.42%; Balanced Risk-Taker, 26.39%; Transitional, 34.38%; Challenging, 33.8%), and Multinomial Logistic Regression was used to examine predictors. Work motivation was measured by the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale (MWMS), and voice behavior by the Voice Behavior Scale (VBS). Results showed autonomous motivation (e.g., intrinsic drive) strongly predicted active voice behavior, while amotivation predicted conservative profiles. Nurses exhibited high work motivation (MWMS: 93.02 ± 21.09) and moderately high voice behavior (VBS: 39.27 ± 8.736). The research found that nurses exhibited high work motivation and moderately high voice behavior, with autonomous motivation being a pivotal predictor. Differentiated strategies targeting intrinsic motivation enhancement are critical for fostering nursing innovation and improving care quality. Show less
BackgroundAmyloid accumulation and degeneration of the cholinergic white matter pathways are key factors in early Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and progression. However, the relationship between th Show more
BackgroundAmyloid accumulation and degeneration of the cholinergic white matter pathways are key factors in early Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and progression. However, the relationship between them remains unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between amyloid accumulation, the integrity of cholinergic white matter pathways, and cognitive performance.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 109 individuals, including 37 controls with normal cognition and 72 patients with early Alzheimer's disease. All participants underwent neuropsychological testing: the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating scale with sum of box (CDR-SB), and verbal fluency tests. Cholinergic white matter integrity and amyloid burden were assessed through diffusion tensor imaging study (DTI) and amyloid positron emission tomography (PET). Stepwise linear regression analyses were performed. Partial correlations between amyloid burden and cholinergic integrity were also evaluated according to apolipoprotein E4 ( Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases, with hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory responses, and macrophage polarization being established key contributors. The role Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases, with hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory responses, and macrophage polarization being established key contributors. The roles of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage polarization in AS pathogenesis have garnered significant research interest. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Schisandrol B (Sol B) against AS using an in vivo model of ApoE Show less
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) represents a severe vascular complication of type 2 diabetes, primarily driven by impaired angiogenic capacity, and frequently results in limb amputation or mortality. Her Show more
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) represents a severe vascular complication of type 2 diabetes, primarily driven by impaired angiogenic capacity, and frequently results in limb amputation or mortality. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of tirzepatide in promoting perfusion recovery in diabetic hindlimb ischemia and delineated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to high glucose were employed to evaluate tirzepatide's effects on endothelial proliferation, migration, and tube formation, alongside the activation of Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling, assessed by western blotting. Knockdown of GLP-1R or GIPR abrogated the pro-angiogenic effects of tirzepatide, while pharmacological inhibition of the Akt/eNOS or ERK1/2 pathways attenuated endothelial responses. In vivo, tirzepatide treatment significantly enhanced perfusion recovery and increased capillary density in the ischemic limbs of diabetic mice, corroborating its angiogenic effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that tirzepatide facilitates angiogenesis and accelerates ischemic limb revascularization through dual GLP-1R/GIPR activation and subsequent engagement of Akt/eNOS and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for diabetic CLI. Show less
The causal links between gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and chronic rhinosinusitis are unclear. A Mendelian randomization study used data from the MiBioGen consortium (211 microbiota taxa, n Show more
The causal links between gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and chronic rhinosinusitis are unclear. A Mendelian randomization study used data from the MiBioGen consortium (211 microbiota taxa, n = 18,340), genome-wide association studies of 91 inflammatory cytokines, and chronic rhinosinusitis data from the FinnGen consortium. Five microbiota taxa were causally linked to chronic rhinosinusitis. The genera Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group and Victivallis were risk factors, while Lachnospiraceae NC2004 group, Ruminococcus2, and Subdoligranulum were protective. Elevated levels of axin-1, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, interleukin-18 receptor 1, interleukin-1-alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor A increased risk, whereas C-C motif chemokine 19, CD40L receptor, and Fractalkine were protective. The Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group id.11358 increased risk through reduced Fractalkine and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor A levels. The study supports a causal link between Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group id.11358 and chronic rhinosinusitis, mediated by Fractalkine and vascular endothelial growth factor A levels. Show less
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes debilitating nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety stemming from a catastrophic, often life-threatening traumatic event. Originally described in soldiers expo Show more
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes debilitating nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety stemming from a catastrophic, often life-threatening traumatic event. Originally described in soldiers exposed to the horrors of battle, PTSD is now recognized in civilian victims of assault, natural disasters and mass casualty events. Most people experiencing trauma do not develop PTSD, so understanding neurobiological mechanisms is crucial to predicting risk and developing targeted treatments. There have been many studies seeking to find biomarkers for PTSD, and their results have converged on several brain regions, molecular pathways and neuropsychological functions. In this review, we focus on selected findings about the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the chaperone protein FKBP51 (FK506 binding protein 51), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), fear memory reconsolidation and epigenetic regulation of gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, amygdala and hippocampus. Together, these disparate aspects of brain function provide an emerging model for understanding the etiology and pathophysiology of PTSD. Avoidance of lethal threats is fundamental for survival, and this stringent evolutionary requirement has conserved many components of fear memory storage and behavioural response to danger. PTSD research can therefore rely on non-human animal model systems with better face and construct validity than most other psychiatric disorders. With this advantage, advances in PTSD biomarker identification are likely closer to clinical translation than in other mental illnesses. We attempt to highlight the most promising biomarkers that could be targeted by novel treatments and propose a map for future research work. 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
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a key regulator of lipid metabolism that binds to lipid nanoparticle (LNP) surfaces to mediate cellular interactions. However, the ApoE-LNP behavior is highly dependent on t Show more
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a key regulator of lipid metabolism that binds to lipid nanoparticle (LNP) surfaces to mediate cellular interactions. However, the ApoE-LNP behavior is highly dependent on the LNP composition, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that subtle alterations in LNP surface lipids profoundly reshape the ApoE-LNP structure and intracellular trafficking. Using cryogenic electron microscopy and live-cell imaging, we demonstrate that replacing 10 mol % 1,2-distearoyl- 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
Silica exposure precipitates irreversible lung injury; however, its long-term neurological sequelae—and the microglial mechanisms underlying these effects—remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrat Show more
Silica exposure precipitates irreversible lung injury; however, its long-term neurological sequelae—and the microglial mechanisms underlying these effects—remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that inhaled crystalline silica induces persistent hippocampal inflammation, anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, and neuronal loss in mice. Bulk RNA sequencing, immunophenotyping, and pharmacological depletion studies revealed that microglia are the primary source of complement C1q in silica-exposed brains. Mechanistically, silica-induced lipocalin-2 (LCN2) engages the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) on microglia, activating a cAMP/PKA/NF-κB cascade that transcriptionally upregulates C1q. Pharmacological blockade of MC4R (using PF) abolished C1q overproduction, normalized brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and restored both synaptic integrity and behavioral performance. Our findings establish the LCN2–MC4R–C1q axis as a critical microglial pathway in silica-related neurotoxicity and identify MC4R antagonism as a promising, readily translatable intervention for occupational neuroinflammation. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-026-03695-5. Show less
Despite of the highly potent antiretroviral therapies, HIV-1 establishes persistent infection and causes chronic inflammation in AIDS patients. Beyond CD4+ T cells, HIV-1 infects myeloid cells, includ Show more
Despite of the highly potent antiretroviral therapies, HIV-1 establishes persistent infection and causes chronic inflammation in AIDS patients. Beyond CD4+ T cells, HIV-1 infects myeloid cells, including circulating monocytes and tissue-resident macrophages, and integrates with host genomes to form stable viral reservoirs. To achieve a functional HIV cure, latency-promoting agents (LPAs) have been developed for the "block-and-lock" strategy to reinforce deep HIV-1 latency and permanently silence proviruses. However, most LPAs have been tested mainly in CD4 Show less
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) toward their disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Show more
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) toward their disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 tertiary hospitals in Chengdu between August 2023 and January 2024 and included patients with lower limb ASO. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire that captured demographic information and KAP scores. A latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify the KAP patterns among participants. A total of 515 nonproblematic questionnaires were collected, yielding an effective response rate of 95.72%. Among the respondents, 395 (76.85%) were male, with a disease course of 15.96 ± 17.55 months. The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 5.27 ± 4.69 (possible range: 0-22), 17.65 ± 2.86 (possible range: 5-25), and 107.63 ± 17.15 (possible range: 33-165), respectively. LPA identified 4 participant profiles: Profile 1 (high attitude, low practice), Profile 2 (low attitude, high practice), Profile 3 (low attitude, low practice), and Profile 4 (high attitude, high practice). Significant differences were found among profiles in residence (P = 0.028), medical insurance (P = 0.043), self-efficacy (P < 0.001), and patient activation (P < 0.001). Patients with lower limb ASO demonstrated inadequate knowledge but moderate levels of attitude and practice. Residence, medical insurance, self-efficacy, and patient activation may affect the KAP patterns of the patients. These findings suggest that tailored interventions targeting distinct patient profiles, while considering broader social determinants of health, may be critical to improving self-management and outcomes. Show less
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics offers insights into molecular changes in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Key AD biomarkers, in particular amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, in CSF are strongly associat Show more
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics offers insights into molecular changes in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Key AD biomarkers, in particular amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, in CSF are strongly associated with Show less
Chaihu Shugan San (CSS), a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, was first recorded in Jingyue Quanshu (1624 AD) for treating "liver qi stagnation" (Yu Syndrome), a TCM diagnostic patt Show more
Chaihu Shugan San (CSS), a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, was first recorded in Jingyue Quanshu (1624 AD) for treating "liver qi stagnation" (Yu Syndrome), a TCM diagnostic pattern analogous to modern mood disorders. Although CSS has been prescribed for emotional distress, irritability, and depressive symptoms for centuries, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying its antidepressant efficacy, particularly in the context of gender-specific pathology, remain poorly revealed. The present study probed the antidepressant effects of CSS in female mice, while elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms involving hippocampal neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity. We hypothesized that CSS reverses chronic stress-induced depressive phenotypes by suppressing interleukin-6 (IL-6), which in turn facilitates cAMP-CaMKII-BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Adult female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a 5-week chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) regimen to evoke depressive-like behaviors. During the final 2 weeks of the regimen, CSS was administered intragastrically at 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 g/kg, with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) as the positive control. Behavioral assessments included forced swimming test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), and tail suspension test (TST). Hippocampal IL-6, cAMP, CaMKII, and BDNF levels were quantified by ELISA. Mechanistic validation employed acute hippocampal microinjection of recombinant IL-6 (1 μg/site) and systemic administration of the CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 (6 mg/kg). Chemical constituents were identified by UHPLC-QTOF MS. CSS alleviated CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in a dose-dependent manner, cutting down immobility time in TST/FST and reinstating sucrose preference, similar to the action of fluoxetine. CSS significantly suppressed hippocampal IL-6 while upregulating cAMP, CaMKII activity, and BDNF expression. Acute IL-6 elevation completely abolished both the behavioral antidepressant effects and molecular actions of CSS. Pharmacological inhibition of CaMKII blocked CSS-induced behavioral improvement and its upregulation of cAMP-BDNF signaling, without affecting basal behaviors. CSS exhibited no anxiogenic or locomotor side effects. CSS exerts potent antidepressant effects in female mice through coordinated suppression of hippocampal IL-6 and activation of the cAMP-CaMKII-BDNF neuroplasticity-related pathway, with CaMKII playing a critical role in this process. These findings offer scientific evidence for the traditional use of CSS in addressing emotional disorders and highlight its therapeutic potential as a multi-targeted, anti-inflammatory botanical medicine for female-specific depression. Show less
Diabetic refractory wounds are a severe complication of diabetes, often synchronized with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In this study, we demonstrated a significantly downregulated expression of cal Show more
Diabetic refractory wounds are a severe complication of diabetes, often synchronized with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In this study, we demonstrated a significantly downregulated expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the skin tissues of both diabetic patients and diabetic mouse models. This observation implies the crucial role of CGRP in diabetic wound healing. Based on this discovery, we engineered glucose-responsive along with sustained-release antibacterial hydrogel microspheres (BA-HPCS@CGRP) for the controlled delivery of CGRP and conducted systematic evaluation of its therapeutic efficacy. In vitro findings demonstrated that microspheres not only directly enhanced the migration and tube formation capabilities of endothelial cells impaired by high glucose but also further facilitated the restoration of endothelial cell function by promoting the secretion of angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) by macrophages after switching to M2 phenotype by CGRP. The results from diabetic mouse models showed that BA-HPCS@CGRP accelerated diabetic wound healing by modulating macrophage polarization towards to M2 phenotype and reduced inflammation, promoted neurovascular regeneration and restored the local CGRP expression. These findings suggest that sustained releasing of low concentration of CGRP provides novel therapeutic approaches for diabetic wounds via modulating macrophage. Moreover, BA-HPCS@CGRP achieves comprehensive sequential therapy through the synergistic modulation of the "neuro-immune-vascular" axis, which might open new perspective to chronic wounds and regenerative medicine. Show less
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent intermittent hypoxia (IH) and has been increasingly associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality. However, how IH-related biological Show more
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent intermittent hypoxia (IH) and has been increasingly associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality. However, how IH-related biological programs relate to immune remodeling, stemness-associated phenotypes, and therapeutic resistance in lung cancer remains incompletely understood. We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing data from IH-exposed murine lung tissues (GSE301350) with bulk transcriptomic datasets from TCGA-LUAD and GSE31210 to examine hypoxia-associated cellular and transcriptional patterns. Stemness was quantified using CytoTRACE and transcriptome-based stemness scoring, and its associations with immune infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, TIDE scores, predicted drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy response were evaluated. A stemness-based prognostic model was constructed using LASSO Cox regression and validated in independent cohorts. Single-cell analysis revealed marked immune remodeling under intermittent hypoxia (IH), including expansion of effector T cells, and monocytes/macrophages, populations alongside reduced B cells and dendritic cells. In human LUAD cohorts, stemness-high tumors were associated with mitochondrial and metabolic stress-related transcriptional programs, and increased expression of immune checkpoint genes (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA4, LAG3). Elevated stemness scores correlated with higher TIDE scores, poorer overall survival, and reduced predicted responsiveness to immunotherapy. LASSO modeling identified a six-gene stemness signature (EIF5A, MELTF, SEMA3C, CPS1, TCN1, SELENOK), that consistently stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups across TCGA and GSE31210 cohorts. Multivariate Cox regression confirmed the risk score as an independent prognostic factor. Drug sensitivity analyses further suggested that stemness-high tumors may exhibit increased susceptibility to selected kinase inhibitors (Dasatinib, A-770041) and metabolic modulators (Phenformin, Salubrinal). OSA-associated IH is linked to stemness-associated transcriptional plasticity, immune suppression, and adverse clinical outcomes in lung cancer. The identified stemness-based gene signature provides a robust prognostic biomarker and highlights potential therapeutic vulnerabilities, supporting integrative strategies that combine stemness and immune -targeted approaches with immunotherapy in OSA-associated lung cancer. Show less
Atherosclerosis is considered as a major contributor for cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality globally. However, the cross-talk between efferocytosis and inflammation in atheroscle Show more
Atherosclerosis is considered as a major contributor for cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality globally. However, the cross-talk between efferocytosis and inflammation in atherosclerosis remains elusive. ApoE (apolipoprotein E) YY1 and NEDD4L were upregulated, but MerTK was downregulated in the arteries of ApoE Our findings demonstrated that YY1 positively regulated NEDD4L to modulate MerTK-mediated efferocytosis and activate NLRP3-mediated inflammation and pyroptosis, thus exacerbating atherosclerosis. Show less
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a severe complication of diabetes, is a key risk factor for diabetic foot (DF) that contributes highly to amputation and mortality. The pathogenesis of DPN remain Show more
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a severe complication of diabetes, is a key risk factor for diabetic foot (DF) that contributes highly to amputation and mortality. The pathogenesis of DPN remains unclear and complex, with no effective treatments currently available. Monoamine oxidase (MAO), a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent enzyme, catalyzes the oxidative deamination of critical biogenic amines. The MAO family comprises two subtypes, MAOA and MAOB, which play distinct roles in pathophysiology. In this study, we identified that MAOB but not MAOA is pathologically upregulated in the sciatic nerve (SN) tissues of DPN patients and in the SN/dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues of DPN model mice. Notably, the selective MAOB inhibitor Khellin (Khe) effectively alleviated DPN-like pathology in mice. To explore the mechanistic role of MAOB in DPN, we performed proteomic profiling of DRG tissues from DPN mice and validated the findings using a MAOB-specific knockdown DPN mice model treated with adeno-associated virus (AAV) 8-MAOB-RNAi. Our results demonstrate that Khe targets MAOB to mitigate DPN pathology through HIF-1α/BACE1/Aβ/NLRP3/tau pathway, mediated by Schwann cell/DRG neuron crosstalk. All findings suggest that selective MAOB inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for DPN, with Khe as a potential candidate for clinical translation against this disease. Show less
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 13) are linked to dementia risk, and limited evidence suggests Vanderbilt Memory and Agi Show more
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 13) are linked to dementia risk, and limited evidence suggests Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project cohort participants (n=332, 73±7 years, 59% male) completed serial blood draw, neuropsychological assessment, and brain magnetic resonance imaging over 6.4 years (range 1.4-9.7 years). Baseline plasma VWF and ADAMTS13 levels were quantified using mass spectrometry and Olink. Fully adjusted linear mixed-effects models related Lower baseline ADAMTS13 predicted faster declines in language (β=0.11, ADAMTS13 shows promise as a potential plasma biomarker for brain aging outcomes, but additional research is warranted to understand the performance of VWF in the presence versus absence of an Show less
Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents is a critical public health concern, yet objective diagnostic biomarkers remain lacking. We conducted an integrative lipidomics study across human cohort Show more
Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents is a critical public health concern, yet objective diagnostic biomarkers remain lacking. We conducted an integrative lipidomics study across human cohorts and a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model. Targeted UPLC-MS/MS profiling was applied to a training cohort (95 MDD, 40 controls), and untargeted UPLC-HRMS profiling to an independent cohort (56 MDD, 37 controls). Candidate biomarkers were identified using univariate tests, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and three feature-selection methods (Boruta, LASSO, RFE), with predictive performance evaluated by cross-validation and external replication. Translational relevance was examined in CUMS rats through behavioral assays and lipidomic profiling of serum and brain tissues. Pathway enrichment and regression models explored metabolic context and clinical associations. In the training cohort, we found that 244 lipids were significantly altered, highlighting altered glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, and sphingolipid metabolism. A 29-lipid panel achieved 90.4% cross-validation accuracy, while a reduced 7-lipid subset reached 94.8%. In the validation cohort, an 8-lipid panel achieved 71.2% accuracy, and a minimal 2-lipid set-LPA(18:2) and SPH(d16:1)-reached 72.1%. Cross-species analysis confirmed consistent downregulation of SPH(d16:1) in serum of both humans and rats, and of LPC(0:0/16:0) specifically in the rat prefrontal cortex. Regression analyses linked sex, age, and anxiety severity to lipid alterations. This cross-platform, cross-species study identifies reproducible lipid signatures of adolescent MDD, highlights SPH(d16:1) and LPC(0:0/16:0) as translational biomarkers, and implicates glycerophospholipid metabolism in MDD pathophysiology, providing a foundation for biomarker-guided diagnostics and therapeutics. Show less