Silica exposure precipitates irreversible lung injury; however, its long-term neurological sequelaeβand the microglial mechanisms underlying these effectsβremain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrat Show more
Silica exposure precipitates irreversible lung injury; however, its long-term neurological sequelaeβand the microglial mechanisms underlying these effectsβremain 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-ΞΊB 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 LCN2βMC4RβC1q 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
Speed capability is critical for early childhood development, but troubling patterns are emerging in the motor fitness of Chinese preschoolers (3-6βyears). This study investigated how compositional 24 Show more
Speed capability is critical for early childhood development, but troubling patterns are emerging in the motor fitness of Chinese preschoolers (3-6βyears). This study investigated how compositional 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour [SB], light physical activity [LPA] and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) relate to speed capability. Via compositional data analysis and isotemporal substitution modelling, we assessed relationships between 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, SB, LPA and MVPA) and speed capability in 275 preschoolers (mean age 4.98βΒ±β0.76βyears). Participants completed 20-m sprint tests and 7-day accelerometry. Time-reallocation effects were quantified through pairwise behavioural substitutions (5- to 30-min durations), with all models adjusted for age, sex and BMI z scores (z-BMI). Higher relative MVPA time significantly predicted faster sprint times (Ξ²β=β-1.302, pβ<β0.001), while higher LPA predicted slower times (Ξ²β=β1.570, pβ=β0.003). Reallocating 15βmin from sleep, SB or LPA to MVPA reduced sprint times by 0.176, 0.201 and 0.385βs, respectively (all pβ<β0.05). Conversely, reallocating MVPA to other behaviours worsened performance. The effects exhibited asymmetry: displacing time away from MVPA impaired speed capability to a greater extent than equivalent gains in MVPA time improved it. MVPA is the strongest positive predictor of speed capability in preschoolers. Optimizing 24-h movement patterns by reallocating time from LPA or SB to MVPA is associated with enhanced speed performance, supporting targeted interventions for early childhood development. Show less
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed de Show more
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 signaling induce tumor regression in some patients with NSCLC, but most patients with NSCLC exhibit resistance to ICIs therapy. NSCLC shapes the potent tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) that underlies tumor immune tolerance and acquired resistance. Therefore, elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which NSCLC establishes and sustains the TIME is essential for developing novel strategies to overcome immune resistance and enhance the clinical benefit of ICIs. The correlation between sterile alpha motif domain and histidine-aspartate domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) expression and ICIs was analyzed via immunohistochemistry. Cell migration assay was performed to assess the effect of SAMHD1 on macrophage recruitment. Multicolor flow cytometry was performed to analyze the effect of SAMHD1 knockdown on the tumor microenvironment. SAMHD1 regulation of the dual specificity phosphatase 6-extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (DUSP6-ERK1/2) pathway was verified by RNA sequencing and western blotting. Here, we identify the SAMHD1 as a potential therapeutic target and a major determinant of poor response to ICIs in patients with NSCLC. Tumors with high SAMHD1 expression show resistance to anti-PD-1 antibody (Ξ±PD-1) treatment, whereas tumors with low SAMHD1 expression are highly sensitive. SAMHD1-dependent resistance to Ξ±PD-1 is characterized by increased tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) infiltration and reduced CD8+Tβcell numbers. Mechanistically, SAMHD1 regulates the expression of macrophage-associated chemokines by influencing the activation of the DUSP6-ERK1/2 pathway, which contributes to TAMs aggregation within NSCLC tumors to shape an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The HIV accessory protein viral protein-x (VPX) specifically degrades SAMHD1 to promote HIV replication. Similarly, the vpx-engineered oncolytic adenovirus (oAd-vpx) targets SAMDH1 degradation to enhance oncolytic adenovirus replication and weaken the hostile immune microenvironment shaped by TAMs, thereby triggering a CD8+T-cell-dependent antitumor immune response. The combination of oAd-vpx and Ξ±PD-1 inhibits tumor growth and enhances sensitivity to ICIs in both mouse and human NSCLC. This research identifies a key mechanism of SAMHD1-driven immunosuppression and highlights its important role in oncolytic adenovirus therapy. This study provides a theoretical basis for targeting SAMHD1 as a drug therapy strategy in patients with NSCLC. Show less
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by compulsive drinking and withdrawal-related negative affect. Histamine (HA) signaling, particularly via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), may Show more
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by compulsive drinking and withdrawal-related negative affect. Histamine (HA) signaling, particularly via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), may modulate alcohol-related behaviors. We investigated the effects of pitolisant, an FDA-approved H3R antagonist, on ethanol (EtOH)-related behaviors in mice. Adult male C57BL/6J mice underwent acute or chronic (2 or >β8βweeks) intermittent alcohol exposure. Pitolisant pretreatment was administered, and then pharmacological behavior, histologic, and molecular assays were conducted. Pitolisant administration reduced acute EtOH-induced locomotor activation, conditioned place preference, and sedative effects, and also curtailed EtOH intake. It alleviated anxiety and depression-like behavior during 24-h withdrawal (Post-EtOH). Mechanistically, the Post-EtOH condition was featured by complicated brain cFos expression mapping, including elevated cFos, [HA] and [glutamine]/[glutamate] ratio in the lateral habenula (LHb). However, systemic pitolisant treatment significantly increased [norepinephrine]/[normetanephrine] ratio, and restored the diminished phosphorylated CREB and BDNF levels in the LHb. Intra-LHb H2R antagonist cimetidine infusion partly blocked the pitolisant therapeutic effect on alcohol-related behavior. These findings highlight the HAergic system as a critical regulator of alcohol-related behaviors. The LHb HA signaling and norepinephrine neurotransmission might underlie pitolisant's potential novel therapeutic strategy for AUD. Show less
To investigate the potential impact of lipidaemic and clinical factors on the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) following uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RR Show more
To investigate the potential impact of lipidaemic and clinical factors on the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) following uncomplicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery in nondiabetic individuals. This was a retrospective, single-center, case-control study of consecutive patients who underwent primary RRD surgery. The study group comprised 145 patients who developed PVR within 3y of follow-up, while the control group comprised 161 patients with RRD who did not develop PVR. Cox regression analysis was utilized to identify independent associations between various risk markers and the occurrence of PVR. The mean age of patients was 52.31y (SD=13.29), and 54.25% ( Apart from macular involvement and smoking, the lipidaemic factors ApoA1 and ApoE are risk factors of PVR after primary RRD surgery. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with gut microbiota that plays an important role in regulating intestinal mucosal barrier function, chronic inflammation, and immune homeostasis. Thus, targe Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with gut microbiota that plays an important role in regulating intestinal mucosal barrier function, chronic inflammation, and immune homeostasis. Thus, targeting the modulation of gut microbitoa repesents a promising strategy for the control of AS. Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) serving as a kind of probiotics has shown a variety of biological benefits, but it's impact on atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. Sixty male ApoE C. butyricum ameliorated dyslipidemia and attenuated atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE C. butyricum intervention may exert anti-AS effects by reshaping gut homeostasis via the regulation of immune cells, providing a potential strategy for clinical treatment. 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, Ο-alkyl, and Ο-Ο interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these compounds, with binding energies of -82.65Β Β±Β 4.24 andΒ -Β 80.69Β Β±Β 4.19Β kcal/mol. Enzyme kinetics showed that parishins A and C are mixed-type inhibitors, with IC Show less
This study aimed to identify blood pressure-associated metabolites and explore their underlying pathways using multiomics data from 1188 Chinese participants. Serum metabolite levels were profiled usi Show more
This study aimed to identify blood pressure-associated metabolites and explore their underlying pathways using multiomics data from 1188 Chinese participants. Serum metabolite levels were profiled using untargeted and widely targeted metabolomic technologies. The associations of metabolites as well as ratios with blood pressure were assessed using generalized linear models (GLM). Targeted metabolomics was used to replicate a subset of metabolites. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed on all metabolites identified. Potential causality was examined using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, with partial validation against GWAS results from an independent cohort. This study identified 10 blood pressure-associated metabolites supported by GLM and MR analyses. Cortisol demonstrated the strongest association with blood pressure, with l-glutamic acid and its ratios identified as key drivers. Multiomics integration revealed that a genetic variant near the omega-3 metabolism genes ( Show less
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating condition characterized by rapid onset, high rates of disability and mortality, and prolonged recovery. Dysregulated Ξ³-aminobutyric acid type A receptor Show more
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating condition characterized by rapid onset, high rates of disability and mortality, and prolonged recovery. Dysregulated Ξ³-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) signaling contributes to ICH-induced neurotoxicity, presenting a promising therapeutic target. To assess the neurorestorative effects of the GABAAR Ξ±1-selective partial positive allosteric modulator (PAM) CL218872 and the Ξ±5-selective negative allosteric modulator (NAM) MRK-016 on synaptic plasticity and neural repair following ICH. An ICH mouse model was constructed using collagenase IV, and ICH mice were administered the GABAAR modulators CL218872 or MRK-016. Differences in inflammation and neurological deficit score were compared between different groups of mice. Morphologic and functional changes in mouse neuronal cells were next determined by Nissl and Golgi-Cox staining. Synaptic structural changes in ICH mice were visualized by transmission electron microscopy, and changes in synaptic plasticity-related molecules were quantified to assess the effects of GABAAR modulators on synapses in ICH mice. Treatment with CL218872 resulted in a reduction in hemorrhage and improved neurobehavioral outcomes in ICH mice. Additionally, CL218872 mitigated inflammation by downregulating phospho-p65, IL-6 and TNF-Ξ± expression. Histological analysis revealed an increase in neuronal density, preservation of cell morphology, and enhanced synaptic connectivity following CL218872 treatment. Furthermore, synaptic structure was restored, and there was an upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and synaptophysin in ICH mice. However, treatment with MRK-016 yielded the opposite result. The GABAAR Ξ±1-selective PAM CL218872 exerts neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects in ICH, suggesting its therapeutic potential for ICH management. Show less
Families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter significant challenges, manifesting in elevated stress levels and compromised physical and mental well-being. This Show more
Families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter significant challenges, manifesting in elevated stress levels and compromised physical and mental well-being. This study employed Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to comprehensively examine family resilience attributes among 328 Chinese parents of children with ASD. Drawing on Walsh's family resilience framework and the Double ABCX stress-adaptation model, the research examined how protective factors (social support, posttraumatic growth) and risk factors (family stressors) distinctively characterize resilience profiles and predict profile membership, alongside sociodemographic correlates. Through rigorous statistical analysis, the following three distinct family resilience profiles emerged: adversity (32.31%; characterized by low resilience), ordinary (46.65%; demonstrating moderate resilience) and growth (21.03%; exhibiting high resilience). Critically, the findings revealed that higher family income, perceived social support and posttraumatic growth were associated with higher family resilience, while family stressors were associated with lower family resilience. These insights underscore the importance of developing targeted, personalized intervention strategies that can effectively enhance familial coping mechanisms and psychological adaptation for families navigating the complex challenges of ASD. Show less
Moutan Cortex, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Paeonol (Pae), a key bioactive compound, is responsible for its anti-atherosclerotic effects. Although CD Show more
Moutan Cortex, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Paeonol (Pae), a key bioactive compound, is responsible for its anti-atherosclerotic effects. Although CD8 We investigated whether Pae inhibits atherosclerosis by targeting the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK)/nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1 (NFATc1) pathway, thereby reducing CD8 High-fat diet-fed apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE Pae attenuated plaque formation and T-cell activation in ApoE SYK in CD8 Show less
Clutch length is a key determinant of reproductive efficiency in geese and strongly positively correlates with egg production. We recorded daily egg production in 280 individually housed Zi geese, cal Show more
Clutch length is a key determinant of reproductive efficiency in geese and strongly positively correlates with egg production. We recorded daily egg production in 280 individually housed Zi geese, calculated clutch-related indices, and selected 12 geese to form long-clutch (LC) and short-clutch (SC) groups for ovarian transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses. The results showed that egg number, large clutch length, large clutch number, average clutch length, and average clutch number were significantly higher in LC than in SC groups (P < 0.0001). Transcriptomic analysis identified 885 differentially expressed genes enriched in oocyte development and ovarian steroidogenesis, with APOB, PLA2G4C, MMP2, MMP9, and NOBOX as key genes; proteomic analysis identified 437 differentially abundant proteins enriched in arachidonic acid metabolism and mitophagy, with CXCL12, RARB, and MAD2L1 as key proteins; and metabolomic analysis identified 35 differentially abundant metabolites enriched in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, with lactic acid, guanidinoacetic acid, and 3-hydroxybutyrylcarnitine as key metabolites. Integration of multi-omics datasets highlighted a lactate-associated cross-omics signature supported by YWHAZ at the protein level and by the lactate transporter SLC16A3. Collectively, these findings deepen our understanding of the molecular basis underlying clutch-length variation in goose ovaries and highlight candidate genes, proteins, and metabolites for future functional validation. Show less
Although immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) and major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly co-occur, the bidirectional relationship between them remains to be fully elucidated. Using data from the prospect Show more
Although immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) and major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly co-occur, the bidirectional relationship between them remains to be fully elucidated. Using data from the prospective UK Biobank cohort, we evaluated the bidirectional associations by time-varying Cox proportional hazards regression models and assessed shared genetic architecture using genome-wide association study summary statistics. Additionally, we employed collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) mouse models to investigate the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and depression. Over 5,226,841 person-years of follow-up, 23,534 incident MDD cases were identified. The presence of any IMD was associated with higher MDD risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.89-2.01). Conversely, 59,742 incident cases of IMD were documented. MDD was associated with increased IMD risk (HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.40-1.54). We observed significant global genetic correlations between IMDs and MDD (r Show less
Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the efficacy and mechanism of Ginger juice processed Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (GJPZSS) for treating insomnia, particularly stress-related types, were Show more
Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the efficacy and mechanism of Ginger juice processed Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (GJPZSS) for treating insomnia, particularly stress-related types, were investigated to provide empirical evidence. An insomnia model was induced in mice by DL-4-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and chronic tail clamping. The sedative effect was evaluated by behavioral tests. Serum components from GJPZSS were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and 64 potential targets were identified. The cAMP signaling pathway was enriched as the core pathway by Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis and was validated by molecular docking. GJPZSS was demonstrated to prolong sleep time, reduce immobility time, increase 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, decrease hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis levels, and suppress neuronal death. The reduction of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain was also significantly inhibited. It was concluded that the sleep-improving effect of GJPZSS was mediated through the regulation of the HPA axis and the cAMP/PKA/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. Show less
Alzheimer's disease, a progressively degenerative neurological disorder, is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. While its precise etiology remains unclear, researchers have identified di Show more
Alzheimer's disease, a progressively degenerative neurological disorder, is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. While its precise etiology remains unclear, researchers have identified diverse pathological characteristics and molecular pathways associated with its progression. Advances in scientific research have increasingly highlighted the crucial role of non-coding RNAs in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. These non-coding RNAs regulate several biological processes critical to the advancement of the disease, offering promising potential as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease onset, with a particular focus on microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs associated with the disease. The review elucidates the potential pathogenic processes of Alzheimer's disease and provides a detailed description of the synthesis mechanisms of the three aforementioned non-coding RNAs. It comprehensively summarizes the various non-coding RNAs that have been identified to play key regulatory roles in Alzheimer's disease, as well as how these non-coding RNAs influence the disease's progression by regulating gene expression and protein functions. For example, miR-9 targets the UBE4B gene, promoting autophagy-mediated degradation of Tau protein, thereby reducing Tau accumulation and delaying Alzheimer's disease progression. Conversely, the long non-coding RNA BACE1-AS stabilizes BACE1 mRNA, promoting the generation of amyloid-Ξ² and accelerating Alzheimer's disease development. Additionally, circular RNAs play significant roles in regulating neuroinflammatory responses. By integrating insights from these regulatory mechanisms, there is potential to discover new therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers for early detection and management of Alzheimer's disease. This review aims to enhance the understanding of the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and non-coding RNAs, potentially paving the way for early detection and novel treatment strategies. Show less
Brusatol (BRU), a major bioactive quassinoid isolated from Brucea javanica, has shown potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. As mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in chronic i Show more
Brusatol (BRU), a major bioactive quassinoid isolated from Brucea javanica, has shown potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. As mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in chronic inflammatory disorders, modulation of mitochondrial homeostasis may offer a potential approach for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and atherosclerosis (AS). To develop a novel BRU derivative through rational modification at the C11βhydroxyl group and to compare the therapeutic effects of BRU and its derivative BRUD in experimental models of RA and AS, with particular focus on mitochondrial regulation and Drp1-associated signaling. This study combined in vivo and in vitro experiments to evaluate the pharmacological effects of BRU and BRUD and investigate the underlying mechanisms. The chemical constituents of BRU and BRUD were confirmed by HPLC and NMR spectroscopy ( In vivo studies demonstrated that both compounds ameliorated joint damage in CIA rats and reduced atherosclerotic lesion burden in ApoE These findings suggest that BRUD exhibits improved activity compared with BRU in RA and AS models, with protective effects associated with modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, supporting its further evaluation as a lead compound. Show less
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of global mortality, with hypercholesterolemia serving as a critical driver of atherogenesis. Although current lipid-lowering therapies Show more
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of global mortality, with hypercholesterolemia serving as a critical driver of atherogenesis. Although current lipid-lowering therapies substantially improve circulating lipid profiles, strategies that provide more durable, safe, and efficient control of lipid metabolism are still needed. Epigenome editing offers a promising approach for long-lasting repression of disease-modifying genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Here, we develop CRISPRoff platforms delivered by adeno-associated virus or lipid nanoparticle to epigenetically silence hepatic Hmgcr or Pcsk9 in vivo. In both C57BL/6J wild-type and ApoE Show less
Jianyi Li, Luyao Zhang, Jiapei Xu+7 more Β· 2026 Β· FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Β· 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 inΒ vivo and inΒ 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
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms rema Show more
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that cerebral FURIN-deficient mice exhibit cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Lipid droplets (LDs) that are preferentially accumulated in astrocytes correlate with an increase of the LD markers PLIN2 and PLIN3, and conversely a decreased level of autophagic proteins including ATG5, BECN1 and MAP1LC3/LC3 as well as LAMP1. Accordingly, silencing of Show less
To investigate the association between quantitative retinal vascular parameters and coronary artery disease (CAD) and to evaluate the efficacy of a retinal phenotype-based diagnostic model as a non-in Show more
To investigate the association between quantitative retinal vascular parameters and coronary artery disease (CAD) and to evaluate the efficacy of a retinal phenotype-based diagnostic model as a non-invasive tool for early CAD screening. A retrospective cross-sectional study. A single-centre study conducted at the Cardiovascular Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, China, between January and October 2024. 417 patients with suspected angina undergoing their first coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years and high-quality fundus photography within 24 hours pre-CAG. Major exclusions were prior coronary interventions, severe systemic/valvular heart diseases and ocular conditions impairing retinal vascular visualisation. The primary outcome was the association between quantitative retinal vascular parameters and the presence of CAD (defined as β₯50% stenosis). Secondary outcomes included the diagnostic performance area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of three predictive models: one based on quantitative retinal vascular parameters alone, one based on traditional risk factors and a combined model integrating both retinal and clinical variables. This study enrolled 417 patients undergoing initial CAG. Compared with non-CAD controls (n=190), patients with CAD (n=227) had higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes, along with elevated levels of fasting blood glucose, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), triglyceride (TG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (all p<0.05). Quantitative fundus analysis revealed that multiple retinal vascular parameters were independently associated with CAD after multivariable adjustment, including fractal dimension (FD), vessel density (VD) and specific zonal measures of vessel diameter and tortuosity (all p<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression incorporating both fundus and clinical variables identified the following independent predictors of CAD: a decrease in FD (OR=0.26, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.41, p<0.01), reduced optic disc long-to-short axis ratio (OR=0.04, 95% CI 0.004 to 0.46, p=0.01) and optic disc-to-macula distance (OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97, p<0.01), male sex, dyslipidaemia and elevated levels of Lp(a), TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and HbA1c (all p<0.05). The final diagnostic model achieved an AUROC of 0.802 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.845), with a sensitivity of 0.797 and a specificity of 0.679 at the optimal cut-off. Internal validation via bootstrap resampling (1000 iterations) confirmed the robustness of the identified predictors. Our findings, derived from an artificial intelligence-based fully automated quantitative retinal vascular parameters measurement method, revealed that multiple quantitative fundus parameters-including FD, VD and other morphological parameters were significantly associated with CAD risk. The CAD diagnostic model we developed demonstrates strong performance and high interpretability, making it suitable for early CAD screening and diagnosis. Show less
Conventional nanocarriers are readily cleared by macrophages in the liver, with only a minimal fraction reaching hepatocytes. This limitation has been effectively overcome in clinically approved lipid Show more
Conventional nanocarriers are readily cleared by macrophages in the liver, with only a minimal fraction reaching hepatocytes. This limitation has been effectively overcome in clinically approved lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) through the incorporation of ionizable lipids. Inspired by this property, we explored whether incorporating ionizable lipids into the lipid bilayer membrane of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (silicasomes) could similarly enhance their hepatic cellular uptake. We developed ionizable silicasomes (I-silicasomes) and systematically compared them with ionizable liposomes (I-liposomes), as well as their conventional counterparts (C-silicasomes and C-liposomes). Surprisingly, I-silicasomes did not enhance hepatocyte uptake Show less
Recent studies have indicated that stem cells could provide therapeutic benefits in several neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) offer many a Show more
Recent studies have indicated that stem cells could provide therapeutic benefits in several neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) offer many advantages in that they are readily available from individual hosts, are robust, and secrete many factors that promote neuronal growth and homeostasis. We transfected ADSCs with a viral construct for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and examined the effects of transplanting these cells into the hippocampus of 7-mo-old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. After 6 mo, the hippocampus was examined for stem-cell survival, effects on BDNF and neprilysin-2 (NEP-2) levels, dendritic morphology using microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunohistochemistry, and amyloid plaque load. We found that transplanted BDNF-ADSCs had survived after 6 mo. BDNF and NEP-2 levels were higher than sham controls, and dendritic architecture was improved. In addition, amyloid plaque numbers were reduced. BDNF-ADSCs appear to confer benefits by simultaneously enhancing amyloid clearance and promoting neuronal structural repair. This multifaceted approach highlights the potential of engineering stem cells to target multiple pathophysiological hallmarks of AD, positioning BDNF-ADSCs as a powerful and synergistic cell-gene therapy strategy for this devastating disorder. Show less
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), a major cause of low back pain, is primarily characterized by compromised regeneration ability of nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells (NPSCs) owing to their se Show more
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), a major cause of low back pain, is primarily characterized by compromised regeneration ability of nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells (NPSCs) owing to their senescence. The role of NPSCs as major regenerative cells in IVDD is garnering attention. However, the drivers and mechanisms of NPSCs reactivation and regeneration are poorly understood, limiting the development of targeted therapies. The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family has shown increasing promise in tissue regeneration; however, the key factors involved in IVDD remain unclear. To elucidate the regenerative driver of NPSCs and the underlying anti-senescence mechanism to provide a potential therapeutic strategy. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing were performed to identify the key NPSCs clusters and regenerative drivers in IVDD. Clinical IVDD samples were collected to determine the alterations in the NPSCs subset proportion and the expression of regeneration factors. Further, NPSCs senescence and in vivo models were utilized to investigate the specific mechanisms and therapeutic effects. Thy-1 membrane glycoprotein (THY1) Our findings elucidate the pivotal roles of THY1 Show less
Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, and endothelial cells (ECs) senescence plays a key role in its initiation and progression. This study investigates the function and epigene Show more
Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, and endothelial cells (ECs) senescence plays a key role in its initiation and progression. This study investigates the function and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) OIP5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5-AS1) in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-induced senescence and atherosclerosis in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). The experiments show that Ox-LDL stimulation upregulates the expression of OIP5-AS1 and RASA1 while inhibiting miR-30b-5p. Silencing OIP5-AS1 significantly suppresses the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, alleviates HAECs senescence, and enhances proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Methylation-specific primers (MSP) and bisulfite-specific primers (BSP) analyses reveal that Ox-LDL stimulation activates OIP5-AS1 expression by reducing the DNA methylation level in its promoter region and altering histone modifications (increased H3K27ac and decreased H3K9me3). Luciferase assays show that OIP5-AS1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by binding to miR-30b-5p and upregulating RASA1. Animal experiments further confirm that the knockdown of OIP5-AS1 alleviates atherosclerosis in ApoE Show less
DNA double-strand break repair has emerged as a vital pathway to repair DNA damage seriously related to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). To explore valid susceptible biomarkers of CRC via investig Show more
DNA double-strand break repair has emerged as a vital pathway to repair DNA damage seriously related to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). To explore valid susceptible biomarkers of CRC via investigating the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in DSBR genes with CRC risk, seven polymorphisms located in 3'-untranslated regions of DSBR genes including RAD51 rs11852786, RAD51B rs963917, BRCA1 rs12516 and rs8176318, BRCA2 rs15869, XRCC4 rs2035990 and XRCC5 rs2440 were detected and analyzed in a CRC case-control study (cases (202) and also controls (202)). The PolymiRTs and miRSNP database were used to predict the microRNAs that can bind to 3'UTR SNPs. Since long non-coding RNA as a miRNA "sponge" played the role of competing endogenous RNA, DAVID database was used to find the lncRNAs that can bind to the candidate miRNA seed sequences. BRCA1 rs12516 minor A allele was found to be linked with a higher risk of CRC than its major G allele (ORβ=β2.716, 95%CI: 1.394-5.292, Pβ=β0.003). The stratified analyses demonstrated rs12516 AA genotype with a more elevated risk of CRC in male (ORβ=β3.089, 95% CI:1.315β~β7.255) or ageβ>β50 population (ORβ=β3.318, 95%CI:1.571β~β7.006) than its GG genotype. BRCA1 rs12516 A allele created a novel miR-4704-5p binding target, and there was a negative correlation between miR-4704-5p and BRCA1 expression (r =-0.7199, Pβ=β0.0440). Based on the theory of ceRNA network, it was predicted that lncRNA BDNF-AS can competitively bind to miR-4704-5p, whose expression was exhibited to be negatively correlated with BDNF-AS (r=-0.3481, Pβ=β0.0375). On the contrary, BDNF-AS expression showed a positive correlation with BRCA1 mRNA level in colorectal tissue carrying rs12516 of A allele (adjacent tissue: rβ=β0.7269, Pβ=β0.0411; cancer tissue: rβ=β0.7134, Pβ=β0.0469). ROC curve showed both BDNF-AS (AUCβ=β0.651, Pβ=β0.0277) and miR-4704-5p (AUCβ=β0.7215, Pβ=β0.0012) can distinguish CRC tissues from their adjacent tissues. BRCA1 rs12516 is characterized as a potential biomarker associated with CRC risk, via a possible functional ceRNA network of BDNF-AS, miR-4704-5p and BRCA1. The interaction of a lower expression of BDNF-AS, a higher expression of miR-4704-5p and rs12516 A allele could together increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Show less
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s), formed through guanine self-recognition into stacked tetrads, serve as critical regulators of gene expression, yet their comprehensive mapping and dynamic regulation in phys Show more
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s), formed through guanine self-recognition into stacked tetrads, serve as critical regulators of gene expression, yet their comprehensive mapping and dynamic regulation in physiological contexts remain technically challenging. Here, we develop Ultra-low-input rG4-seq (ULI-rG4-seq), enabling precise rG4 detection enabling precise rG4 detection with βΌ140 bp resolution in samples as small as 100 oocytes, and reveal notable enrichment of rG4s near crucial regulatory regions, particularly transcription start sites and end sites. This technological advance, combined with Trim-away or oocyte-specific knockout of DHX36 (also known as G4R1 or RHAU), an rG4-specific helicase, reveals acute and chronic loss of DHX36 leads to opposing effects on rG4 levels. This observation extends beyond the traditional view of helicases as unwinding enzymes and suggests sophisticated cellular mechanisms maintaining RNA structural homeostasis. Through integrated analysis of rG4 landscapes and DHX36-binding profiles, we demonstrate coordination between cytoplasmic rG4 regulation and nuclear gene expression, revealing how RNA structure dynamics orchestrate RNA stability and translation, thereby influencing transcriptional elongation, genome stability, and alternative splicing. Finally, we show that deletion of DHX36 resulted in decreased oocyte quality, premature ovarian failure and complete female infertility due to transcriptional defects and genome instability related to R-loop accumulation. These technological and conceptual advances not only deepen our understanding of RNA-based regulation but also open new therapeutic possibilities for diseases involving RNA structure. Show less
Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) involves recurrent pelvic pain (RPP), alongside menstruation and psychological comorbidity, yet existing models inadequately capture its recurrent nature. In this study, we Show more
Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) involves recurrent pelvic pain (RPP), alongside menstruation and psychological comorbidity, yet existing models inadequately capture its recurrent nature. In this study, we established a pharmacologically induced rat model of RPP, using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin over six 4-day cycles. The RPP model produced robust and sustained writhing responses, with writhing latency dropping from 30 to 4 min ( Show less
The polyphenols in grains are highly active, but some polyphenols in highland barley are in a bound form and have extremely low bioavailability. Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is capable o Show more
The polyphenols in grains are highly active, but some polyphenols in highland barley are in a bound form and have extremely low bioavailability. Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is capable of altering the functionality of foods. This research investigated the effects of fermentation with different LAB, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC), Lactobacillus casei (LCA), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LRH), Lactobacillus plantarum (LPL), and Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LBU), on the hypoglycemic activity and mechanism of polyphenols in highland barley. The hypoglycemic activity of the fermentation products was measured by in vitro antioxidant, enzyme activity, and glucose consumption experiments. Untargeted metabolomic analysis used UHPLC-Q Exactive HF-X/MS to reveal distinct metabolic profiles among the fermented groups. Molecular docking and western blot experiments were conducted to elucidate the mechanism underlying the hypoglycemic effect of fermentation products. Polyphenolic antioxidant activity in highland barley and its inhibitory activities against Ξ±-glucosidase and Ξ±-amylase were increased after LAC fermentation. Furthermore, the fermented extracts improved glucose consumption in HepG2 cells. The content determination and metabolomic analysis showed that fermented highland barley polyphenols were increased, and 113 differential phenolic metabolites were identified and annotated, among which 44 exhibited a significant upregulation compared with raw highland barley polyphenols. At the molecular level, the polyphenol extract upregulated PI3K and phosphorylated Akt expression in HepG2 cells. Overall, the results indicate that fermentation by LAC biotransformed highland barley polyphenols into smaller molecules with improved hypoglycemic activities, thereby enhancing their bioavailability. Show less