Atherosclerosis serves as the fundamental pathological process underlying numerous cardiovascular disorders, and the change of macrophage polarisation is the key to regulate the inflammatory response Show more
Atherosclerosis serves as the fundamental pathological process underlying numerous cardiovascular disorders, and the change of macrophage polarisation is the key to regulate the inflammatory response of AS. SIRT6 plays a protective effect in AS, but whether it regulates macrophage polarisation in AS remains uncertain. We aimed to characterise the mechanistic role of SIRT6 in atherosclerosis development mediated by macrophage polarisation. ApoE Show less
Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), a transmembrane protein widely localized to synaptic vesicles, serves as a key indicator of synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, adeno-ass Show more
Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), a transmembrane protein widely localized to synaptic vesicles, serves as a key indicator of synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, adeno-associated virus (AAV) was injected by brain stereotactic injection technique to construct SV2A-overexpressing APP/PS1 mice, then the effects of SV2A on amyloid precursor protein (APP) degradation and its molecular mechanism were further explored in vivo or in vitro. Our results demonstrated that SV2A overexpression significantly reduced Aβ plaque deposition in brain tissue of APP/PS1 mice. Mechanistically, SV2A was identified as a novel APP-binding protein that attenuated the amyloidogenic processing of APP by inhibiting its interaction with β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). Furthermore, SV2A overexpression altered the subcellular distribution of APP, shifting its localization away from the endosomal-lysosomal compartments. Collectively, our findings unveil SV2A as a critical regulator of APP metabolism and propose it as a promising therapeutic target for intervening in the early pathological progression of AD. Show less
Human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived hepatocytes (hEHs) display functional deficits, particularly impaired albumin secretion and ammonia metabolism, compared to primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). H Show more
Human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived hepatocytes (hEHs) display functional deficits, particularly impaired albumin secretion and ammonia metabolism, compared to primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Here, we investigated the regulatory role of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) in hepatocyte maturation. Forced C/EBPβ expression enhanced hepatocyte functionality and upregulated hepatocyte-specific genes, while suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via downregulating canonical EMT markers. Mechanistically, CUT&Tag and luciferase reporter assays confirmed C/EBPβ directly binds to the promoter regions of CDH1 (E-cadherin) and CPS1 (carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1). Co-immunoprecipitation identified an interaction between C/EBPβ and the MAPK pathway. RNA interference combined with Western blot analysis revealed that MAPK1-mediated phosphorylation of C/EBPβ at Thr-235 augmented its transactivation activity, accelerating hepatocyte maturation. Our findings establish C/EBPβ as a master regulator that coordinates transcriptional networks and post-translational modifications during hEHs maturation, providing novel insights for generating mature hepatocytes for disease modeling and regenerative medicine applications. The transcriptional activity of C/EBPβ is regulated by MAPK1 protein within the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. MAPK1 moves from the cytoplasm into the nucleus and transfers phosphate groups to C/EBPβ. This process reverses the "self-inhibition" state of C/EBPβ and enhances its transcriptional activity on downstream target genes. Show less
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
This study investigated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling components (BDNF-TrkB-AKT1) and apoptosis-related factors (Bcl-2 and Bax) in yak brain regions at different Show more
This study investigated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling components (BDNF-TrkB-AKT1) and apoptosis-related factors (Bcl-2 and Bax) in yak brain regions at different altitudes. The cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, thalamus, and medulla oblongata were collected from 3-year-old yaks living at low and high altitudes. The relative mRNA expression of BDNF, TrkB, AKT1, Bcl-2, and Bax was assessed by qRT-PCR. Protein abundance and cellular localization of BDNF, TrkB, AKT1, Bcl-2, and Bax were evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, with immunoreactivity quantified by optical density analysis. Within each altitude group, BDNF, TrkB, AKT1, and Bcl-2 mRNA expression and the corresponding protein levels (BDNF, TrkB, AKT1, and Bcl-2) were significantly higher in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus than in the cerebellum, thalamus, and medulla oblongata (P < 0.05). In contrast, Bax mRNA and Bax protein levels did not differ significantly among the five regions. Compared with low-altitude yaks, high-altitude yaks showed significantly higher BDNF, TrkB, AKT1, and Bcl-2 mRNA expression and higher BDNF, TrkB, AKT1, and Bcl-2 protein levels in brain tissues (P < 0.05), whereas Bax protein expression did not differ between altitude groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed immunoreactivity for BDNF, TrkB, AKT1, Bcl-2, and Bax in both altitude groups, with prominent labeling in cortical pyramidal neurons and across the pyramidal cell layer in the hippocampal CA region. Immunoreactivity was also detected in large neurons of the thalamus and medulla oblongata. In the cerebellum, labeling was strongest in Purkinje cells, with weaker signals in the granule cell layer and molecular layer. BDNF-TrkB-AKT1 pathway components and Bcl-2 showed relatively higher expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus within each altitude group, whereas Bax expression did not vary across regions. These patterns are consistent with an association between BDNF-TrkB-AKT1 signaling and increased Bcl-2 expression without a corresponding increase in Bax, which may support neuronal adaptation in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Elevated expression of BDNF, TrkB, AKT1, and Bcl-2 at high altitude suggests enhanced adaptation to hypoxia in high-altitude yaks; the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. Show less
While active ingredients from compound Chinese herbal medicines (CCHMs) have demonstrated potential in alleviating symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), their mechanisms of action remain insuf Show more
While active ingredients from compound Chinese herbal medicines (CCHMs) have demonstrated potential in alleviating symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), their mechanisms of action remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to identify key active ingredients and gene targets in Xiaochaihu Decoction, Sijunzi Decoction, and Shensiwei that contribute to their efficacy against PCOS. Transcriptomic data of PCOS were obtained from public databases. Information on gut microbiota metabolite-related targets and active ingredients of CCHMs was retrieved from relevant databases. Key gene targets and active ingredients were identified using Graph-based Bioactive Network Analysis (GraphBAN) and toxicological assessments. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations were conducted to validate interactions. Functional enrichment and regulatory network analysis were performed. LCT, FADS1, and CYP11A1 were identified as key genes associated with α-β T cell activation, immune receptor signaling, and adaptive immune responses. LCT and FADS1 were targeted by linolenic acid, while CYP11A1 was regulated by mandenol, EIC, and linolenic acid. Three microRNAs (hsa-miR-320a-3p, hsa-miR-4487, hsa-miR-6090) co-regulated these genes. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding between key genes and active ingredients, with binding energies < -5.0 kcal/mol. The findings indicate that CCHMs exert therapeutic effects on PCOS by multi-target regulation of key genes involved in androgen synthesis, metabolic regulation, and immune-inflammatory activation. The observed strong binding affinities provide a structural basis for these interactions. This study identified three key genes and three core active ingredients in CCHMs for PCOS treatment, laying a theoretical foundation for developing multi-target therapeutics. Show less
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a common malignancy of the female reproductive system. Rab35 is widely recognized as an oncogenic driver and has been implicated in the progression of various malignant t Show more
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a common malignancy of the female reproductive system. Rab35 is widely recognized as an oncogenic driver and has been implicated in the progression of various malignant tumors. However, its regulatory mechanism and pathobiological roles in EC remain unclear. Rab35 expression in EC was systematically profiled via integrative analysis of clinical endometrial specimens and multi-omics databases (CPTAC and GEO). The association between clinical prognosis and Rab35 expression was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Mechanistic investigations included transwell assays, western blotting, and immunofluorescence in Rab35-overexpressing and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Rab35-knockout EC cells. A mouse xenograft tumor model was established to confirm the effects of Rab35 in vivo. The Rab35 content increased gradually from normal endometrium to atypical hyperplastic endometrium to EC. Moreover, the findings indicated that elevated Rab35 expression was significantly associated with advanced disease characteristics and poor overall survival in patients with EC. In addition, Rab35 enhanced the migratory and invasive nature of EC cells. The expression of Rab35 was inversely linked to that of the β-catenin destruction complex-related proteins Axin-1 and GSK3β, leading to the increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin in EC cells. Animal experiments further verified that Rab35 augmented EC progression by regulating the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. The study revealed that high expression of Rab35 was strongly correlated with EC progression and a poor clinical outcome. Furthermore, Rab35 promoted EC cell metastasis by accelerating the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. These findings suggest that Rab35 serves as a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target for EC. Show less
This study aimed to analyze the clinical features, genetic basis, and management of late-onset carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency (CPS1D) through a pediatric case report and literature review Show more
This study aimed to analyze the clinical features, genetic basis, and management of late-onset carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency (CPS1D) through a pediatric case report and literature review, highlighting diagnostic challenges and therapeutic strategies. We present a 19-year-old female with recurrent neurological symptoms since age 8. She underwent comprehensive metabolic screening, neuroimaging, and whole-exome sequencing of theCPS1gene. Identified variants were assessed for pathogenicity using multiple orthogonalin silicoprediction tools. The patient's initial hyperammonemic crisis at age 8 was misdiagnosed as encephalitis. Workup at age 13 confirmed hyperammonemia (peak 168 µmol/L), hypocitrullinemia, and elevated glutamine. Genetic analysis identified compound heterozygousCPS1variants: a novel c.1058 T > C (p.F353S) and known pathogenic c.1145C > T (p.P382L). A self-selected low-protein diet controlled acute crises but led to severe growth failure (height 145 cm, weight 30 kg). Late-onset CPS1D's nonspecific neurological symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, integrating metabolic profiling with genetic confirmation. This case expands the pathogenic genotypic spectrum of CPS1D. It crucially highlights that while dietary management is life-saving, it requires expert multidisciplinary oversight to prevent devastating consequences like growth failure, especially in resource-limited settings. Routine ammonia testing in unexplained encephalopathy is paramount. Show less
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet primary and acquired resistance remain major clinical obstacles. Dysregulated angiogenesis fue Show more
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet primary and acquired resistance remain major clinical obstacles. Dysregulated angiogenesis fuels the development of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, while crosstalk between immunity and angiogenesis further propels tumor immune evasion and treatment resistance. The present study aimed to establish a penpulimab-resistant model, delineate anti-PD-1 resistance traits via single-cell RNA sequencing, and unravel the precise mechanisms through which anlotinib-an anti-angiogenic agent-mitigates penpulimab resistance. These findings offer insights to guide clinical management of immune-pretreated patients. Single-cell sequencing analyses demonstrated that anlotinib reverses penpulimab resistance by reprogramming the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby boosting PD-1 blockade efficacy via modulation of immune infiltration and tumor signaling pathways. Identifying Apoe⁺ M2 macrophages, Srgn⁺ M1 macrophages, and Cxcl2⁺ T cells provides key cellular and molecular targets for developing clinically actionable immunotherapies. Taken together, this work validates the preclinical potential of anlotinib combined with immunotherapy for immunotherapy-resistant tumors. Show less
Post-cardiac surgery anxiety or depression (PCPAD) is a common neuropsychiatric complication following cardiovascular interventional procedures, which significantly increases the risk of adverse cardi Show more
Post-cardiac surgery anxiety or depression (PCPAD) is a common neuropsychiatric complication following cardiovascular interventional procedures, which significantly increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and long-term mortality. Existing treatment strategies have limitations, and clinical needs remain unmet. The gut-brain axis (GBA) serves as a core network regulating neuroimmune and endocrine responses, and its imbalance involves key links such as intestinal flora dysbiosis and neuroimmune crosstalk disorders. It is closely related to the pathogenesis of this complication, providing a novel perspective for targeted interventions. This review aims to systematically clarify the mechanism of GBA in PCPAD, comprehensively explore therapeutic strategies targeting this axis, and focus on the intervention value and application potential of natural products. The study was designed and conducted in strict accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Relevant literatures were searched from PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, ScienceDirect, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases from their inception to December 2025. Literatures focusing on GBA-related mechanisms of PCPAD or investigating the mechanisms and clinical applications of natural products targeting GBA for PCPAD treatment were included. Conference abstracts, case reports, duplicate publications, and other ineligible literatures were excluded. Through quality control strategies including double independent screening and verification, priority inclusion of high-credibility evidence, and data cross-validation, 168 eligible literatures were finally included. The composition and functions of GBA, its imbalance mechanisms, and the basic and clinical evidence of natural product-based interventions were systematically analyzed. Studies have shown that GBA imbalance is the core pathogenesis of PCPAD, among which the inflammatory cascade initiated by intestinal flora dysbiosis, abnormal activation of the neuroendocrine axis, disorder of immune-nerve crosstalk, and abnormal gene and epigenetic regulation are key pathological links. In summary, GBA imbalance, especially gut microbiota dysbiosis and neuroimmune interactions, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of PCPAD. Natural products (including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers, TCM compound prescriptions, patented TCM drugs, and natural products from other plant sources worldwide) can exert therapeutic effects by synergistically regulating GBA homeostasis through multiple targets. Specifically, they include increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, promoting the production of anti-inflammatory metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, repairing intestinal barrier function, inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome, and regulating the levels of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors such as 5-HT and BDNF. Basic and clinical studies have confirmed that these natural products have high biocompatibility and low toxic side effects, and are compatible with the safe medication needs of patients during the organ function recovery period after cardiac surgery. Several natural products have been proven to modulate GBA dysfunction, with potential for clinical therapeutic application. This review systematically elucidates a new paradigm of precise intervention for PCPAD via natural products that regulate GBA through multiple targets, addressing the limitation of traditional single-target therapies and providing a low-cost, easily promotable solution for clinical translation. Additionally, natural product-based interventions offer a novel approach for treating post-cardiac surgery complications. In the future, it is necessary to further conduct large-sample, multicenter clinical trials to clarify their mechanisms of action and standardized dosage regimens, strengthen toxicological research, facilitate the translation from basic research to clinical practice, and provide more precise therapeutic strategies for patients. Show less
DUSP6, a dual-specificity phosphatase, has become a focal point in understanding the pathogenesis of various liver disorders. This study aims to investigate the role of DUSP6 in liver fibrosis and exp Show more
DUSP6, a dual-specificity phosphatase, has become a focal point in understanding the pathogenesis of various liver disorders. This study aims to investigate the role of DUSP6 in liver fibrosis and explore the underlying mechanism. Using a CCL4-induced mouse model, the consistent upregulation of DUSP6 expression was observed. Notably, when Dusp6 was knocked down, liver fibrosis showed significant improvement, revealing a protective effect intricately linked to the ERK pathway. This was accompanied by an increase in ferroptosis-related proteins SLC7A11 and GPX4, underscoring the role of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, in this process. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed a crucial downregulation of Cyp2e1 following Dusp6 knockdown. In vitro, DUSP6 knockdown not only promoted ERK phosphorylation but also suppressed CYP2E1 expression, enhancing cell proliferation, bolstering hepatocyte resistance to ferroptosis, and alleviating hepatocyte injury. Importantly, inhibiting CYP2E1 in mouse models of liver fibrosis effectively slowed the progression. These findings illuminate a critical regulatory mechanism that DUSP6 regulates liver fibrosis via targeting ferroptosis, offering new a direction for therapeutic strategies in liver disease. Show less
With the widespread use of smartphones among adolescents, smartphone addiction has become a growing mental health concern. Adolescents' limited self-regulation makes them particularly vulnerable to us Show more
With the widespread use of smartphones among adolescents, smartphone addiction has become a growing mental health concern. Adolescents' limited self-regulation makes them particularly vulnerable to using smartphones to escape real-life stress, heightening addiction risk. However, the heterogeneity of addictive behaviors and the dynamic role of experiential avoidance have been underexplored. This 6-month longitudinal study surveyed 547 Chinese primary and secondary students using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II). Latent profile analysis (LPA) and latent transition analysis (LTA) were applied to identify subgroups and examine transitions between these subgroups. Cross-lagged panel network analysis (CLPN) revealed key symptom interactions between experiential avoidance and addiction. The study identified two addiction subgroups: a stable "low-risk group" (84.9 percent) and a "high-risk group," 51.4 percent of whom transitioned to low risk over time. Logistic regression showed that experiential avoidance significantly predicted high-risk membership (odds ratios [OR] = 1.083-1.102) and deterioration within the low-risk group (OR = 1.036). The CLPN identified "online intimacy" (SPA-3) and "hesitation and overcautious" (EA-7) as driver nodes, with "withdrawal symptoms" (SPA-2) serving as a central node. These findings emphasize the crucial role of experiential avoidance in adolescent smartphone addiction and suggest symptom-level targets for early intervention. The results support acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as a promising approach for reducing smartphone addiction among youth. Show less
We examined whether the excess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among adults with steatotic liver disease (SLD) subtypes could be reduced or eliminated through joint control of low-density lipoprotei Show more
We examined whether the excess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among adults with steatotic liver disease (SLD) subtypes could be reduced or eliminated through joint control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This prospective cohort study included 291,995 participants from the UK Biobank, comprising 77,187 with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), 22,190 with metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), 5474 with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and 187,144 without SLD. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess CVD risk associated with numbers of LDL-C, Lp(a), and hs-CRP controlled within the target range. During 12 years of median follow-up, 24,251 CVD events were documented, with 19,661 coronary heart disease and 5600 stroke. Among individuals with various SLD subtypes, those with all three factors controlled had the lowest risks of CVD, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.65 (0.58, 0.72) in MASLD, 0.61 (0.49, 0.76) in MetALD, and 0.57 (0.35, 0.93) in ALD when comparing to zero-factor control. In addition, among individuals with SLD subtypes achieving all three factors within target ranges, the HRs (95% CIs) of CVD were 0.97 (0.88, 1.07) in MASLD, 0.90 (0.75, 1.08) in MetALD, and 0.63 (0.42, 0.95) in ALD, as compared with non-SLD controls. Similar association patterns were observed for coronary heart disease and stroke. Participants with various SLD subtypes who had optimally controlled LDL-C, Lp(a), and hs-CRP showed no excess or even lower risk of CVD as compared with the general population. Not available. Show less
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major malignancy with rising global incidence and mortality. Clinical treatment is limited by molecular heterogeneity and drug resistance. In recent years, endocrin Show more
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major malignancy with rising global incidence and mortality. Clinical treatment is limited by molecular heterogeneity and drug resistance. In recent years, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have attracted attention as emerging risk factors, but systematic pathogenic evidence for their roles in HCC initiation and progression remains insufficient. First, we predicted potential targets of EDCs using SwissTargetPrediction, STITCH, and ChEMBL, and intersected them with differentially expressed genes and key module genes from WGCNA in the GEO database to screen candidate key genes. Second, based on these candidates, we constructed diagnostic models using 14 machine-learning algorithms and evaluated feature importance via the SHAP framework to identify key biomarkers and their functional contributions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to validate interaction mechanisms between EDCs and key target proteins. We then built a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model in the TCGA-LIHC cohort and performed stratified survival analysis, somatic mutation profiling, and immune evasion characterization. Subsequently, we evaluated the tumor immune microenvironment using CIBERSORT and ssGSEA, and integrated single-cell transcriptomic data to resolve cell-subtype heterogeneity, target expression distributions, and cell-cell communication. Meanwhile, we integrated the GDSC drug-sensitivity database to evaluate associations between risk scores and drug response, and conducted pan-cancer analyses to examine cross-cancer applicability. We identified 18 genes jointly associated with EDCs and HCC, significantly enriched in AMPK, p53, and FoxO signaling pathways and cell cycle-related pathways. Among models built with 14 machine-learning algorithms, CatBoost showed the best discriminative performance and identified CCNB2 and AKR1C3 as core driver genes. Docking and dynamics simulations indicated strong binding affinities and stable binding conformations between EDCs and target proteins including CCNB1 (-8.9 kcal/mol), AKR1C3 (-8.4 kcal/mol), and FADS1 (-8.5 kcal/mol). A multivariable Cox risk model based on nine key genes served as an independent prognostic predictor for HCC (HR = 1.746, 95% CI: 1.477-2.064, P < 0.001). The nomogram achieved AUCs of 0.836, 0.810, and 0.788 at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, indicating good predictive performance. The high-risk group was significantly associated with high tumor mutational burden (TMB), TP53 mutations, and low immune evasion scores. Regarding the tumor immune microenvironment, CIBERSORT and ssGSEA analyses showed marked enrichment of Tregs and M0 macrophages, while most effector immune cells and functions were suppressed. Single-cell transcriptomics further showed enrichment of endothelial cells, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, and macrophages in HCC tissues, with notable reductions in T cells, B cells, NK cells, and neutrophils, indicating an immunosuppressive microenvironment with stromal remodeling. Cell-cell communication analysis indicated that the MIF-CD74 receptor axis is central in immune-cell interactions. Drug-sensitivity analysis suggested that the high-risk group was more sensitive to GDC0810, BPD-00008900, and Fulvestrant, indicating potential beneficiary populations. Pan-cancer analysis showed that the risk model also had diagnostic and prognostic value in LUAD, KIRP, KIRC, and KICH, suggesting cross-cancer generalizability. This study systematically reveals that EDCs promote HCC initiation and progression by perturbing cell cycle, metabolic, and immune homeostasis through multi-target, multi-pathway mechanisms. The nine-gene risk model demonstrates superior performance in HCC diagnosis and prognosis and shows potential clinical translational value in drug-sensitivity prediction and pan-cancer analyses. This work provides a new perspective at the intersection of environmental toxicology and precision oncology and informs individualized therapeutic strategies. Show less
Chronic pain, marked by nociceptive sensitization and maladaptive neuroplasticity, affects 30% of the global population with escalating socioeconomic burdens. Epidemiological data show a 2-3-fold incr Show more
Chronic pain, marked by nociceptive sensitization and maladaptive neuroplasticity, affects 30% of the global population with escalating socioeconomic burdens. Epidemiological data show a 2-3-fold increase in neuropsychiatric co-morbidities among individuals with chronic pain, where epigenetic dysregulation serves as a key mechanism linking ongoing pain to emotional disorders. This review systematically explores epigenetic signatures in supraspinal integration hubs, notably the limbic-paralimbic networks and prefrontal regulatory circuits. The identified epigenetic signatures encompass dysregulation of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), RNA modifications, histone post-translational modifications and locus-specific alterations, including aberrant methylation at the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), opioid μ receptor and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) gene loci. Additionally, they involve dysfunction of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)/corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) axis via epigenetic modulation. Building on these findings, we evaluate therapeutic strategies addressing epigenetic dysregulation. While preclinical data demonstrate the efficacy of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNMT inhibitors, clinical translation faces significant barriers, including limited blood-brain barrier permeability. Notably, our analysis highlights the benefits of combining pharmacological interventions with non-invasive neuromodulation for enhanced co-morbidity management. Looking forward, this review proposes innovative approaches that leverage CRISPR-based chromatin editing platforms, biomimetic nanocarriers for neuron-specific delivery and closed-loop neuromodulation integrating real-time biomarker feedback, collectively establishing a precision medicine framework for pain or neuropsychiatric co-morbidities. Show less
The abuse of methamphetamine (METH) is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), whereas microglial polarization and glucose metabolism disorders are closely related to the progre Show more
The abuse of methamphetamine (METH) is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), whereas microglial polarization and glucose metabolism disorders are closely related to the progression of PD. This study aimed to investigate the specific molecular mechanism underlying the promotion of PD progression by METH through the regulation of microglial polarization and glycolysis. METH-induced C57BL/6 mice and BV2 cells were used to construct PD-like neurotoxicity animal and cell models for experimental investigation. Behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry and Nissl staining were used to assess the behavioral ability and neuronal damage of the animals. The levels of related proteins, inflammatory cytokines and glycolysis were detected using immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blotting, and CCK-8 assays. METH treatment significantly promoted behavioral disorders in PD mice, reduced the number of TH-positive neurons, and aggravated neuronal damage in the substantia nigra (SN). In addition, METH decreased the M2 marker proteins Arg-1 and CD206 and increased the M1 marker proteins iNOS and CD86; the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-β, and IL-6; and glucose uptake, glucose consumption and lactic acid production, thus promoting M1 polarization and glycolytic activity in BV2 cells. In terms of the underlying molecular mechanism, METH treatment significantly increased the level of LPA. METH promotes LPA expression via upregulation of LIPH expression, and activates the PI3K/AKT pathway. Knockdown of LIPH or treatment with BrP-LPA reduces the ability of METH to promote M1 microglial polarization and glycolytic activity. Furthermore, the addition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activator 740 YP weakened the inhibitory effect of BrP-LPA on the above process. METH may promote M1 polarization and glycolytic activity in microglia by activating LIPH/LPA/PI3K/AKT signaling, thus promoting the progression of PD. Show less
Atherosclerotic plaque instability is a direct cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. In this study, a mitochondria-targeted liposome (LIP), modified with triphenylphosphonium (TPP) to en Show more
Atherosclerotic plaque instability is a direct cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. In this study, a mitochondria-targeted liposome (LIP), modified with triphenylphosphonium (TPP) to enable specific mitochondrial delivery, was innovatively constructed to encapsulate a PCSK9 inhibitor (TPP-LIP@PCSK9). The aim was to explore a novel strategy for stabilizing plaques by restoring mitochondrial function in endothelial cells. Characterization results showed that TPP-LIP@PCSK9 possesses favorable nano-characteristics, and its targeting capability was confirmed through mitochondrial co-localization experiments. In an Apoe Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent typical chronic inflammation disease characterised by lipid deposition, immune cell infiltration and inflammatory response in the arterial intima. The long-term tre Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent typical chronic inflammation disease characterised by lipid deposition, immune cell infiltration and inflammatory response in the arterial intima. The long-term treatments of the existing drugs suffered safety concerns. Show less
Growing evidence implicates accelerated biological aging in environmentally induced psychiatric disorders, yet its role in metal-associated depression remains unclear. Using NHANES data, we evaluated Show more
Growing evidence implicates accelerated biological aging in environmentally induced psychiatric disorders, yet its role in metal-associated depression remains unclear. Using NHANES data, we evaluated associations between heavy metal mixtures and depression. Bidirectional mediation analysis was used to assess reciprocal pathways linking heavy metals, biological aging, and depression. Simultaneously, candidate genes linking heavy metal exposure to depression and biological aging were identified by mining the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the Gene Expression Omnibus, and integrating the resulting evidence within a toxicogenomic framework to explore potential molecular mechanisms. The prevalence of depression among participants was 8.66 %. Metal mixtures significantly increased depression risk. Notably, cadmium and antimony increased the risk of depression (OR: 1.52, 95 % CI: 1.19, 1.94 and OR: 1.54, 95 % CI: 1.22, 1.93). Both metals have low thresholds (0.227 μg/L and 0.053 μg/L, respectively). Additionally, lead, cobalt, and molybdenum showed positive associations in specific models. Although population-level exposure to heavy metals declined from 1999 to 2020, concentrations remained sufficient to elevate depression risk. Our correlation analysis also identified a strong correlation between PhenoAge and chronological age (r = 0.84, P < 0.001). Mechanistically, we found that accelerated PhenoAge partially mediated the associations of several metals with depression risk, including monomethylarsonic acid (β = 0.004; 95 %CI: 0.003,0.006), cadmium (β = 0.006; 95 %CI: 0.003, 0.010), lead (β = 0.009; 95 %CI: 0.006, 0.011), cobalt (β = 0.010; 95 %CI: 0.006, 0.013), molybdenum (β = 0.009; 95 %CI: 0.006, 0.011), and antimony (β = 0.008; 95 %CI: 0.005, 0.011). Pathway analysis and DEGs implicated the contribution of neurodegeneration-multiple diseases pathway, with core molecular targets centering on BDNF, IL6, GSK3B, PTGS2, and SOD1. These findings, which imply biological aging as a potential link between metal exposure and depression, call for revised safety thresholds and pinpoint molecular targets for intervention. Show less
Severe peripheral nerve injury (PNI) remains a major clinical challenge, and functional recovery after conventional neurorrhaphy is often unsatisfactory due to fascicular mismatch, suture tension, and Show more
Severe peripheral nerve injury (PNI) remains a major clinical challenge, and functional recovery after conventional neurorrhaphy is often unsatisfactory due to fascicular mismatch, suture tension, and limited Schwann cell viability. To address these limitations, we previously developed a small-gap chitosan-based conduit that provides a controlled microenvironment for regenerative interventions. This study aimed to investigate whether SOX5 overexpression enhances Schwann cell regenerative potential and, when combined with this conduit, synergistically promotes peripheral nerve regeneration. Schwann cells were transduced with SOX5 lentivirus and assessed for proliferation, migration, and neurotrophic factor secretion in vitro. In a rat sciatic nerve transection model (2-mm gap), animals received a chitosan conduit with intraluminal injection of SOX5 lentivirus. Histological, electrophysiological, and behavioral assessments were conducted at 12 weeks post-surgery. SOX5 overexpression significantly enhanced Schwann cell proliferation, migration, and secretion of BDNF, NGF, CNTF, and VEGF, while maintaining the dedifferentiated repair phenotype. In vivo, the combination of SOX5 lentivirus and chitosan conduit improved axonal regeneration, reduced muscle atrophy, and increased conduction velocity and locomotor recovery relative to the empty conduit group. Lentivirus-mediated SOX5 overexpression drives Schwann cells toward a repair phenotype and, when integrated with a small-gap chitosan-based conduit, effectively promotes structural and functional nerve regeneration. Show less
We recently showed that METRNL (Meteorin-like) protects against atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism for METRNL in atherosclerosis is largely unclear. This study aimed to demonstrate the relative i Show more
We recently showed that METRNL (Meteorin-like) protects against atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism for METRNL in atherosclerosis is largely unclear. This study aimed to demonstrate the relative importance of endothelial METRNL in atherosclerosis by comparing the effects of whole-body METRNL deficiency to endothelial-specific deficiency, and to show the subcellular distribution of endothelial METRNL and its role in mitochondrial homeostasis against atherosclerosis. Our study demonstrated that a deficiency in either endothelial or global METRNL exacerbated atherosclerosis to a similar degree in both spontaneous (age-related) and high fat diet-induced atherosclerosis, suggesting that endothelial METRNL is pivotal in the progression of atherosclerosis due to METRNL deficiency. Endothelial METRNL was diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm with subcellular localization to mitochondria, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus (especially enriched in mitochondria and nucleus). In both an in vivo apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE Show less
Fear of progression (FoP) is a prevalent psychological issue among stroke patients. Previous studies failing to distinguish characteristics of patient groups with varying FoP levels. Latent profile an Show more
Fear of progression (FoP) is a prevalent psychological issue among stroke patients. Previous studies failing to distinguish characteristics of patient groups with varying FoP levels. Latent profile analysis (LPA) classifies individuals into distinct subgroups via continuous FoP indicators, boosting classification accuracy by accounting for variable uncertainty. Given FoP's heterogeneity, investigating FoP profiles and their influencing factors in stroke patients is clinically significant for personalized psychological care and improved patient quality of life. A total of 366 stroke patients were selected as study subjects through convenience sampling, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted. FoP was assessed using the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF, 2 dimensions, 12 items). Independent variables included demographic characteristics, clinical indicators, the Recurrence Risk Perception Scale for Stroke patients (RRPSS), and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ). LPA was performed on the FoP-Q-SF items to identify subgroups. The R3STEP method was used to analyze influencing factors of subgroup membership, and the BCH method was applied to compare differences in distal outcomes across subgroups. Statistical significance was set at The study sample had a mean age of 63.93 ± 10.58 years, with 70.5% males and 65.0% first-ever stroke patients. Two latent profiles were identified: Low-FoP Adaptive Type (C1, 48.6%) and High-FoP Sustained Type (C2, 51.4%). The R3STEP showed that age 18-59 years (OR = 0.476, 95%CI = 0.245-0.924, This study revealed significant heterogeneity in FoP among stroke patients. Age, hypertension comorbidity, excessive recurrence risk perception, MCMQ-confrontation, and MCMQ-avoidance were associated with high FoP. Healthcare providers should prioritize identifying high-risk individuals and develop tailored interventions to reduce FoP and improve rehabilitation outcomes. Show less
Given the potential of polyphenols to mitigate neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), this meta-analysis investigated whether clinical evidence supports the use of polyphenols for neuroprotection and as n Show more
Given the potential of polyphenols to mitigate neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), this meta-analysis investigated whether clinical evidence supports the use of polyphenols for neuroprotection and as nutritional strategies in NDDs. We analyzed different polyphenol types across seven NDDs, 13 studies involving 849 participants were included. Prespecified outcomes comprised global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), domain-specific cognition (Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Cognitive Subscale, ADCS-Cog), activities of daily living (Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living, ADCS-ADL), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory, NPI), and selected biomarkers (plasma amyloid-β40 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF). Reporting followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, methods conformed to the Cochrane Handbook, and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Overall, polyphenol supplementation was associated with improved global cognition (pooled MD in MMSE = 2.06; 95% CI 0.62-3.49). In subgroup analyses, flavonoids were associated with a modest but significant improvement in MMSE scores, whereas stilbenes produced a significant benefit in daily functioning (ADCS-ADL) without clear gains in MMSE or ADCS-Cog and no consistent effects on NPI. Anthocyanidins, phenolic acids, and lignans did not significantly affect cognitive outcomes (MMSE or ADCS-Cog), and polyphenol subclasses did not yield robust or consistent changes in NPI or biomarker endpoints (Aβ40 and BDNF). Specific polyphenol subclasses therefore appear to confer selective cognitive and functional benefits, with stilbenes primarily supporting functional outcomes and flavonoids potentially enhancing global cognition. Show less
High-dose methotrexate for pediatric cancer treatment is frequently associated with mucositis, which can lead to delayed or discontinued treatment and impact survival. While individual genetic variant Show more
High-dose methotrexate for pediatric cancer treatment is frequently associated with mucositis, which can lead to delayed or discontinued treatment and impact survival. While individual genetic variants have been implicated, the cumulative impact of genetic variation within relevant biological pathways remains unexplored. We evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms across 18 pathways previously identified as relevant to mucositis in 278 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia from six academic health centers across Canada. Pathway enrichment was assessed using the Joint Association of Genetic variants tool, and a predictive model was developed using XGBoost, a supervised machine learning algorithm based on gradient-boosted decision trees. Pathway enrichment identified significant associations in IL6 (P = 0.04) and WNT/β-catenin (P = 0.048) signaling pathways. The predictive model (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.76) highlighted single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with inflammation- and mucosa-related genes, including PRKCD, IL17B, MAST3, and CAPN9, with both risk and protective effects. Model performance dropped by 0.15 in AUC (from 0.76 to 0.61) after removing single nucleotide polymorphism features, underscoring their predictive value. This pathway-informed approach identifies genetic contributors to methotrexate-induced mucositis and supports polygenic risk prediction. Our findings provide a foundation for individualized toxicity risk profiling and suggest potential therapeutic targets to mitigate treatment-limiting mucositis in pediatric oncology. 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 α-glucosidase and α-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
This study examined how different photoperiods affect net energy partitioning and explored the mechanisms via blood biochemistry, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolites. Twelve healthy crossbred pigs ( Show more
This study examined how different photoperiods affect net energy partitioning and explored the mechanisms via blood biochemistry, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolites. Twelve healthy crossbred pigs (47.7 ± 7.5 kg) were randomly allocated to two groups and subjected to a self-controlled crossover design. Following an 8-day baseline under a normal photoperiod (12L:12D, 12 h light:12 h dark), pigs were assigned to two photoperiod treatment groups: prolonged photoperiod (18L:6D, 18 h light:6 h dark; P group) and shortened photoperiod (6L:18D, 6 h light:18 h dark; S group). Measurements during the baseline (12L:12D) and treatment phases are designated as N1/P (for the P group) and N2/S (for the S group), respectively. The treatment periods were interspersed with the baseline 12L:12D photoperiod and repeated six times. It was observed that, compared to N2, shortened photoperiod (S) had significantly higher net energy deposition, net energy for protein deposition, and net energy for fat deposition ( Show less
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