👤 Fangzhu Hu

Due to the growth in the global consumption of assisted reproductive technology (ART), it is possible that long-term health impacts on offspring have come into focus. ART has offered a welcome solution to infertility, but the fear has been on its effect on the metabolic health of children born on their behalf. Past studies indicate that ART-conceived individuals can have characteristic metabolic profiles relative to their naturally conceived (NC) peers and are therefore potentially predisposed to changes in lipid and glucose handling. Physiopathological glycolipid metabolism, a hallmark of cardiometabolic health, is believed to be modulated not only by environmental and other external factors but also by intracellular regulation proteins, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) and miR-33, although there is little evidence on the effects of ART on these regulatory pathways in early childhood. This paper sought to compare the glycolipid metabolic profile of the kids who are in preschool age and who were conceived through ART and kids who were NC. The second aim was to study the expression of SREBP-1/2 and miR-33 in peripheral blood and the possible nature of the role of these players in regulating early-life metabolism. A total of 220 children aged between 3 and 6 years were recruited of which complete data has been obtained from 206 children out of 98 that were conceived via in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (ART group) and 108 that were conceived naturally (NC group). Anthropometric measures-such as body weight, height, and waist circumference-to determine physical growth and obesity status were taken. Biochemical variables, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), fasting serum insulin (FINS), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were determined. A centrifugal column was used to obtain peripheral blood RNA, and relative gene expression levels of SREBP-1, SREBP-2, miR-33a, and miR-33b were measured by qPCR. Compared with the IVF group, children in the ICSI group had significantly lower weight, height, and waist circumference ( Our data suggest that although children born by means of ART are otherwise normal in their glycolipid metabolism, they are more prone to overweight and obesity and have different biochemical and molecular characteristics than NC children. The upregulation of miR-33b, SREBP-1, and SREBP-2 observed indicates that ART can play a role in regulating the process of glycolipid metabolism during early childhood at a molecular level. Such alterations might not present the form of a blatant metabolic condition at this age but may consist of initial symptoms of future troublesome metabolic health. Prolonged follow-up of the ART offspring and additional mechanistic work are desirable to be able to determine whether these early changes are the underlying reasons behind higher metabolic risk as adults. Show less

Mendelian randomization studies have identified that apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the primary genetic determinant of ischemic stroke, rather than other lipid markers. However, its association with recurrent non-cardioembolic acute ischemic stroke (NCAIS) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate this association. This study recruited 578 patients with acute ischemic stroke, excluding those with cardiogenic embolism. After a 3-year follow-up, a total of 428 patients completed the prospective cohort study. A Cox regression model was used to evaluate the association between ApoB levels at admission and the recurrence rate. Additionally, a nested case-control study was conducted by comparing blood samples collected at the time of recurrence from recurrent patients with those from non-recurrent patients. Binary logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to assess the association between serum ApoB, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and recurrent stroke at the time of recurrence. The Cox regression model demonstrated that ApoB levels at admission were independently associated with an increased risk of recurrent NCAIS (HR=6.697; 95%CI 2.581-17.374, P < 0.001). Recurrent stroke patients had significantly higher serum ApoB levels at admission than non-recurrent ones [0.85 g/L (IQR 0.21) vs. 0.63 g/L (IQR 0.15)]. In ROC analysis, ApoB (AUC = 0.732) showed a greater discriminatory ability for recurrent stroke than LDL-C (AUC = 0.685). Higher serum ApoB levels increased the risk of recurrence in patients with NCAIS, and ApoB demonstrated better discriminatory ability than LDL-C after therapy. These findings suggest that routine ApoB measurement may help improve secondary stroke risk assessment. Show less

Among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), an abnormal accumulation of visceral fat heightens the cardiovascular risk (CVR), and the major reason for death for these people is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This study aimed to gain further insights into the longitudinal relationship between CVR and visceral fat area (VFA) in patients with T2DM, and to compare the predictive performance of additional abdominal obesity measures and VFA for changes in CVR. This prospective cohort study included 316 patients with T2DM who were followed up for more than one year, and VFA was measured by the bioimpedance method. This study investigated the prospective association between a VFA percentage change (∆VFA, %) and CVR, and evaluated the potential nonlinear relationships between ∆VFA (%) and the increase 10-year ASCVD risk. Furthermore, the area under the pooled curve (AUC) was contrasted for both ∆VFA (%) and other abdominal obesity indices. The excessive VFA loss group showed lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride-glucose index, LDL-C/HDL-C, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, 10-year ASCVD risk, atherogenic index of plasma, TC/HDL-C, and apolipoproteins B/apolipoproteins A-1 than the VFA gain group (all β [Formula: see text] 0, HR [Formula: see text] 1, all P [Formula: see text] 0.05) after covariate controlling. VFA reduction of more than 14.82% led to a reduction in the stated risk. Moreover, ∆VFA (%) demonstrated superior predictive value for changes in ASCVD risk, with an AUC of 0.585 (95% CI: 0.513-0.656), compared to other obesity indices. Excessive VFA reduction improved 10-year ASCVD risk in patients diagnosed with T2DM. VFA was a more effective predictor of 10-year ASCVD risk changes than other abdominal obesity measures. This investigation has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400086569). Show less

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a significant contributor to cardiac mortality in Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients. Inflammatory processes and oxidative stress play pivotal roles in the advancement of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). The Monocyte-to-High-- Density-Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (MHR), a newly identified biomarker indicative of inflammatory and oxidative stress, has not been extensively researched in the context of pulmonary hypertension, especially within the scope of dilated cardiomyopathy. Given the reason mentioned above, our research explores the correlation between the MHR and the severity of PH in patients suffering from DCM. In this study, we conducted a retrospective review of medical data from 107 individuals diagnosed with non-ischemic DCM, evaluating their clinical profiles, biochemical indicators, MHR, and echocardiographic parameters. We analyzed the relationships between Pulmonary Arterial Systolic Pressure (PASP) and the Ejection Fraction of the Left Ventricle (LVEF). Utilizing logistic regression analysis, we determined the predictors of PH. Findings indicated that the DCM-PH group exhibited a significantly larger male population and elevated New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification scores (both with p-values <0.001 and 0.01, respectively) compared to the DCM-only group. A positive association was observed between the PASP and parameters, such as the Dimensions of the Left Atrium (LAD) and Left Ventricle in Systole (LVDs), Monocyte (M) levels, Direct Bilirubin (DB), and MHR. Conversely, an inverse relationship was noted with serum lipid profiles, including Total Cholesterol (TC), HDL Cholesterol (HDL-c), and apolipoprotein A1. LVEF demonstrated positive linkage with the same lipid profiles and the Left Ventricular Posterior Wall Thickness (LVPWT) yet showed negative correlations with the NYHA classification, Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Standard Deviation (RDW-SD), Total Bilirubin (TB), Direct Bilirubin (DB), and dimensions of the left ventricle in diastole and systole, as well as MHR. Through logistic regression analysis, several factors were recognized as significant predictors for the severity of PH within the DCM cohort, with weight (OR1.20, CI 1.022-1.409, p=0.026), RDW-SD (OR1.988, CI 1.015-3.895, p=0.045), LVPW (OR3.577, CI 1.307-9.792, p=0.013), LVDd (OR1.333, CI 1.058-1.680, p=0.015), MHR (OR3.575, CI 1.502-8.506, p=0.032), and TB (OR1.416, CI 1.014-1.979, p=0.041) showing positive associations, while apoB (OR0.001 CI0.001-0.824, p=0.045) exhibiting negative associations, all with p-values <0.05. Higher MHR and LVD correlate with increased PASP and reduced LVEF in DCMPH patients. MHR and LVPW are independent predictors of PH severity, indicating their potential as novel severity markers in DCM-related PH. Show less

Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is steadily rising worldwide with no effective pharmacological agents available. Observational studies implicated dyslipidaemia as a risk factor for CAVS. Whether dyslipidaemia is causative for CAVS and the therapeutic potential of different lipid-modifying drug targets for CAVS treatment remains unclear. We appraised the relationship of genetically-proxied lipid traits and 12 lipid-modifying drug targets with CAVS risk using Mendelian randomization (MR). Genetic variants associated with lipid traits and variants in genes encoding lipid-modifying drug targets were retrieved from GLGC. Summary-level data for CAVS were obtained from the TARGET consortium and FinnGen. Validation analyses were performed using genetic instruments retrieved from liver-derived gene expression and circulation plasma levels of targets. Colocalisation and mediation analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of our findings and explore potential mediators (i.e., lipoprotein a (Lp(a)), body mass index, apolipoprotein B (ApoB)). The MR analyses supported that total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level were independent causal risk factors. The drug-target MR analysis suggested that genetic mimicry of PCSK9 inhibition should reduce CAVS risk (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.56-0.70), which was corroborated by colocalisation analysis. Secondary analyses supported a genetically proxied effect of liver-specific PCSK9 expression (OR = 0.94 per SD reduction in PCSK9 expression, 95% CI = 0.88-1.00) and circulating plasma levels of PCSK9 (OR = 0.86 per SD reduction in PCSK9 protein, 95% CI = 0.83-0.88) on CAVS risk. ApoB and Lp(a) mediated 55.9% and 4.5%, respectively, of the total effect of PCSK9 on CAVS risk. Multiple sensitivity analyses supported this observation. Our study supports total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol as a causal factor for CAVS, and genetically proxied inhibition of PCSK9 may reduced its risk. Show less

Increasing evidence underscores the driving role of coding and non-coding variants in cancer development. Analyzing gene sets in biological processes offers deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Here, we developed geMER to identify candidate driver genes genome-wide by detecting mutation enrichment regions within coding and non-coding elements. We subsequently designed a pipeline to identify a core driver gene set (CDGS) that broadly promotes carcinogenesis across multiple cancers. CDGS comprising 25 genes for 25 cancers displayed instability in DNA aberrations. Variants within the TTN enrichment region may influence the folding of the I-set domain by altering local polarity or side-chain chemistry properties of amino acids, potentially disrupting its antigen-binding capacity in LUAD. Multi-omics analysis revealed that APOB emerged as a candidate oncogene in LIHC, whose genetic alterations within the enrichment region may activate key TFs, upregulate DNA methylation levels, modulate critical histone modifications, and enhance transcriptional activity in the HepG2 and A549 cell lines compared to Panc1. Additionally, CDGS mutation status was an independent prognostic factor for the pan-cancer cohort. High-risk patients tended to develop an immunosuppressive microenvironment and demonstrated a higher likelihood of responding to ICI therapy. Finally, we provided a user-friendly web interface to explore candidate driver genes using geMER ( http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/geMER/ ). Show less

Cardiac arrest (CA) prevention continues to be a substantial hurdle for global public health. Although dyslipidemia and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) insufficiency are recognized contributing factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), their causal relationship with CA risk is still uncertain. Here, we explored these correlations and pinpointed possible therapeutic targets for CA prevention though Mendelian randomization (MR). Both two-sample and multivariable MR analysis methods were conducted to assess how serum lipid traits and 25(OH)D influence the susceptibility to develop CA. Nine thousand nine hundred eighty-eight participants in total from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) engaged in validating the relationship between the concentrations of 25(OH)D and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with dyslipidemia. The integration of MR with expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis enabled the identification of druggable targets, and molecular docking was used to screen small molecules, which were subsequently validated in animal models. The MR results revealed that both elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), as well as triglycerides (TGs), significantly contributed to an increased CA risk ( Show less

Apolipoprotein B concentration reflects the number of atherogenic lipoproteins and is recognized as a key lipid risk marker. Whether the type or size of apoB particle (apoB-P) adds predictive value for coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. A prospective analysis of 207 368 UK Biobank participants with comprehensive lipoprotein profiling and no prior history of atherosclerotic disease, diabetes, or active lipid-lowering therapy was conducted. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models were used to examine the association between each of the following lipid parameters with incident CAD: (i) nuclear magnetic resonance-measured apoB-P, (ii) concentrations of individual lipoprotein classes [very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)], (iii) size subclasses, (iv) average particle diameter, and (v) immunoassay-measured lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. A one standard deviation (SD) increase in apoB-P was associated with a 33% higher CAD risk [hazard ratio (HR): 1.33, 95% CI: 1.30-1.36]. Although VLDL particles were observed to carry a higher per-particle risk (HR per 100 nmol/L: 1.22, 1.11-1.34) compared with LDL (HR per 100 nmol/L: 1.07, 1.05-1.08), this difference was counterbalanced after considering relative particle abundance (LDL 91% vs VLDL 9% of total apoB-P). Thus the respective HR per 1-SD were 1.09 (1.05-1.14) and 1.24 (1.19-1.30). Particle diameter or size subclasses were not associated with CAD after apoB-P adjustment. The association of Lp(a) was robust even after apoB-P adjustment (HR:1.18, 1.16-1.20) and added independent prognostic value for CAD (area under curve: 0.769 vs 0.774, P < .001). Lipid-related atherosclerotic risk is most accurately reflected by the total count of apoB-P and is largely unaffected by the major particle type (VLDL, LDL) or size. Elevated count of Lp(a) adds additional risk, and thus adequate assessment of atherogenic risk from dyslipidemia is best accomplished by consideration of both apoB-P and Lp(a) concentrations. Show less

Exosomes play important role in biological functions, including both normal and disease process. Multiple cell types can secret exosomes, which act as message carriers. Increased evidences reveal that exosomes are promising diagnosis biomarkers in malignant tumors. In this study, we enrolled 78 participants, including 20 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), 18 lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC), 20 lung benign diseases (LUBN) and 20 healthy controls (NL) and we performed parallel reaction-monitoring (PRM)-mass spectrometry to screening the proteomic variation by label free analysis in exosomes from all groups, which has been widely used to quantify and detect target proteins. Total 14 protein were identified as candidate biomarkers, complement components C9, apolipoprotein B (APOB), filamin A (FLNA), guanine nucleotide binding protein G subunit 2 (GNB2), fermitin family homolog 3 (FERMT3) showed significantly differentiation in total lung cancer (LUAD and LUSC together), we then obtained combination analysis of 5 proteins and the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) were 63.0%, 65.0%, and 75.0%, respectively, in comparison to NL group. And the LUAD combination panel, peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), integrin alpha-IIb (ITGA2B) and hemoglobin subunit delta (HBD) revealed AUC was 95.0%, SN was 90.0% and SP was 95.0% in comparison to NL controls. In LUSC analysis, combination analysis of fibronectin 1 (FN1), pregnancy zone protein (PZP) and complement C1q tumor necrosis factor related protein 3 (C1QTNF3) showed that AUC was 88.1%, SN was 75.0%, SP was 100% in paralleled with NL group. Finally C9, FLNA, PZP were overexpressed in lung cancer H1299 and A549 cell lines and the results indicated that C9 acted as oncogenic role by increasing proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells, while FLNA and PZP played tumor-suppression by inhibition biological functions of lung cancer cells. Taken together, our study revealed multiple exosomal proteins which could be applied as candidate biomarkers in diagnosis of lung cancer. Show less

The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) continues to rise steadily, significantly impacting human health. Early prediction of pre-diabetic risks has emerged as a crucial public health concern in recent years. Machine learning methods have proven effective in enhancing prediction accuracy. However, existing approaches may lack interpretability regarding underlying mechanisms. Therefore, we aim to employ an interpretable machine learning approach utilizing nationwide cross-sectional data to predict pre-diabetic risk and quantify the impact of potential risks. The LASSO regression algorithm was used to conduct feature selection from 30 factors, ultimately identifying nine non-zero coefficient features associated with pre-diabetes, including age, TG, TC, BMI, Apolipoprotein B, TP, leukocyte count, HDL-C, and hypertension. Various machine learning algorithms, including Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Decision Trees (DT), and Logistic Regression (LR), were employed to compare predictive performance. Employing an interpretable machine learning approach, we aimed to enhance the accuracy of pre-diabetes risk prediction and quantify the impact and significance of potential risks on pre-diabetes. From the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) data, a cohort of 8,277 individuals was selected, exhibiting a disease prevalence of 7.13%. The XGBoost model demonstrated superior performance with an AUC value of 0.939, surpassing RF, SVM, DT, ANNs, Naive Bayes, and LR models. Additionally, Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) analysis indicated that age, BMI, TC, ApoB, TG, hypertension, TP, HDL-C, and WBC may serve as risk factors for pre-diabetes. The constructed model comprises nine easily accessible predictive factors, which prove highly effective in forecasting the risk of pre-diabetes. Concurrently, we have quantified the specific impact of each predictive factor on the risk and ranked them based on their influence. This result may serve as a convenient tool for early identification of individuals at high risk of pre-diabetes, providing effective guidance for preventing the progression of pre-diabetes to T2DM. Show less

The objective was to assess the clinical efficacy of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) alpha-2-macroglobulin-antisense 1 (A2M-AS1) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). One hundred patients with AMI and eighty patients with chest pain were recruited in the case-control study. A2M-AS1 expression was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was utilized for evaluating the diagnostic value. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between A2M-AS1 and conventional AMI biomarkers. AMI-associated risk indicators were identified using logistic regression analysis. A significant reduction of serum A2M-AS1 was measured in AMI patients relative to chest pain patients. A2M-AS1 had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.927 to distinguish AMI patients from those with chest pain. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that A2M-AS1 was adversely correlated with white blood cell (WBC) (r=-0.6682, P < 0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r=-0.5795, P < 0.001), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) (r=-0.6022, P < 0.001) and cTnl (r=-0.5473; P < 0.001), while positively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r = 0.6445, P < 0.001). Relative to non-Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (non-MACE) group, serum A2M-AS1 was obviously declined in the MACE group of AMI patients with high capacity to distinguish the MACE group from the non-MACE patients (AUC = 0.802). Additionally, A2M-AS1 (P = 0.013; OR = 0.268; 95%CI = 0.095-0.760) was a risk indicator for predicting MACE with AMI patients, as well as age (P = 0.014; OR = 3.478; 95%CI = 1.285-9.414). A reduction in A2M-AS1 expression was observed in AMI patients, suggesting its potential as an underlying indicator for AMI diagnosis. Show less

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of siRNA drugs that lower Lp(a) in patients with dyslipidaemia. A network meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted to compare siRNA drugs targeting Lp(a), based on relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library (up to October 24, 2024). RCTs with an intervention duration of at least 12 weeks were included. Eligible studies compared siRNA drugs that reduce Lp(a), including both Lp(a)-targeted and non-targeted agents, with placebo or other siRNA drugs that reduce Lp(a). The primary outcomes were the percentage reduction and absolute reduction in Lp(a), percentage reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), percentage reduction in apolipoprotein B (apo(B)), adverse events and serious adverse events, including injection-site reactions. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (ROB2), and a random-effects network meta-analysis was performed using the frequentist approach. Confidence in effect estimates was evaluated using the Confidence In Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) framework. A total of 14 trials involving 5646 participants were included. Lp(a)-targeted siRNA agents, particularly Olpasiran, demonstrated strong efficacy in significantly reducing Lp(a) levels, with the greatest percentage reduction in Lp(a) (mean difference [MD]: -92.06%; 95% CI: -102.43% to -81.69%; P-score: 0.98). Olpasiran also showed the greatest absolute reduction in Lp(a) (MD: -250.70 nmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -279.89 to -221.50; P-score: 0.99). Certain non-Lp(a)-targeted siRNA agents, such as inclisiran and zodasiran, also showed modest reductions in Lp(a) levels, reducing Lp(a) by approximately 15%. Lp(a)-targeted siRNA agents reduced LDL-C by more than 20% and decreased apo(B) by approximately 15%. In terms of safety, most drugs exhibited favourable safety profiles with no significant differences compared to placebo. However, zerlasiran raised concerns regarding injection-site reactions and other adverse events when compared to placebo. Lp(a)-targeted siRNA agents have shown robust effectiveness in substantially reducing Lp(a) levels, including both percentage and absolute reductions, with moderate improvements in LDL-C and apo(B) concentrations. Non-Lp(a)-targeted siRNA agents also demonstrate modest reductions in Lp(a) levels. The safety profile is generally favourable, but zerlasiran and inclisiran may increase the incidence of injection-site reactions. Show less

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human health, but its impact on lipid metabolism remains unclear. Understanding the causal relationship between gut bacteria and lipid profiles is essential for developing strategies to prevent and treat dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess this relationship using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Data for both exposure and outcomes were obtained from the IEU-GWAS database, with lipid profile data sourced from a publication. Genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were independent of outcome factors but correlated with exposure variables, were identified as instrumental variables. Several MR methods, including weighted analysis, maximum likelihood, inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median, were applied. Colocalization analysis further validated the findings. The analysis revealed microbial groups with causal relationships to ApoA1, ApoB, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Reverse MR and colocalization analysis provided additional confirmation of these results. This study offers new evidence of the causal link between gut microbiota and lipid profiles, providing insights for improving lipid profiles and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Show less

To investigate the causal relationship between various lipid-modifying drugs and new-onset diabetes, as well as the mediators contributing to this relationship. Mediation Mendelian randomization was performed to investigate the causal effect of lipid-modifying drug targets on type 2 diabetes (T2D) outcomes and the proportion of this association that is mediated through ectopic fat accumulation traits. Specific sets of variants in or near genes that encode 11 lipid-modifying drug targets (LDLR, HMGCR, NPC1L1, PCSK9, APOB, ABCG5/ABCG8, LPL, PPARA, ANGPTL3, APOC3, and CETP; for expansion of gene symbols, use search tool at www.genenames.org) were extracted. Random effects inverse variance weighted were performed to evaluate the causal effects among outcomes. Mediation analyses were performed to identify the mediators of the association between lipid-modifying drugs and T2D. The study was conducted from November 10, 2023, to April 2, 2024 RESULTS: The genetic mimicry of HMGCR and APOB inhibition was associated with an increased T2D risk, whereas the genetic mimicry of LPL enhancement was linked to a lower T2D risk. Gluteofemoral adipose tissue volume was a mediator for explaining 9.52% (P=.002), 16.90% (P=.03), and 10.50% (P=.003) of the total effect of HMGCR, APOB, and LPL on T2D susceptibility, respectively. Liver fat was a mediator for explaining 21.12% (P=.005), 12.28% (P=.03), and 9.84% (P=.005) of the total effect of HMGCR, APOB, and LPL on T2D susceptibility, respectively. Our findings support the hypothesis that liver fat and gluteofemoral adipose tissue play a mediating role in the prodiabetic effects of HMGCR and APOB inhibition, as well as in the antidiabetic effects of LPL enhancement. Show less

Ovarian cancer presents a significant treatment challenge due to its insidious nature and high malignancy. As autophagy is a vital cellular process for maintaining homeostasis, targeting the autophagic pathway has emerged as an avenue for cancer therapy. In the present study, we identify apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100), a key modulator of lipid metabolism, as a potential prognostic biomarker of ovarian cancer. ApoB100 functioned as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer, and the knockdown of ApoB100 promoted ovarian cancer progression in vivo. Moreover, ApoB100 blocked autophagic flux, which was dependent on interfering with the lipid accumulation/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress axis. The effects of LFG-500, a novel synthetic flavonoid, on ApoB100 induction were confirmed using proteomics and lipidomics analyses. Herein, LFG-500 induced lipid accumulation and ER stress and subsequently blocked autophagy by upregulating ApoB100. Moreover, data from in vivo experiments further demonstrated that ApoB100, as well as the induction of the lipid/ER stress axis and subsequent blockade of autophagy, were responsible for the anti-tumor effects of LFG-500 on ovarian cancer. Hence, our findings support that ApoB100 is a feasible target of ovarian cancer associated with lipid-regulated autophagy and provide evidence for using LFG-500 for ovarian cancer treatment. Show less

The differential diagnosis between Tuberculosis (TB) and Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) has historically been constrained by the inadequate sensitivity and specificity of current diagnostic methods. Furthermore, distinguishing between Active Tuberculosis (ATB) and Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) poses significant challenges. This study aims to develop a molecular differentiation system for ATB, LTBI, and NTM by integrating plasma proteomics with multi-dimensional analytical techniques, while also exploring key biomarkers associated with disease progression and treatment response. Using label-free quantitative technology, we conducted a plasma proteomics analysis across five groups: ATB, LTBI, NTM, Cured Patients (CPs), and Healthy Donors (HD). Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) were identified through screening (FC > 1.5 or <0.67, P < 0.05), followed by Gene Ontology/KEGG pathway enrichment, STRING interaction network, and Mfuzz dynamic clustering analysis to systematically elucidate molecular characteristics. Experimental data were validated through a multidimensional quality control system (Pearson correlation coefficient, peptide distribution, molecular weight distribution, etc.). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect the plasma expression levels of target proteins across the groups and to facilitate comparisons. This study identified 1,338 non-redundant proteins across five cohorts. Comparative analysis revealed 142 DEPs across the three comparative groups (ATB, LTBI, and NTM), which were primarily localized in the extracellular domain. Key findings include: 27 DEPs in the ATB-LTBI group, primarily enriched in inflammatory responses (such as A2M, IL-1R2) and epithelial barrier functions (TGM3, KRT3); 69 DEPs in the ATB-NTM group, characterized by significant changes in immunoglobulin light chains (IGLV2-11) and innate immune effector molecules (S100A8); 46 DEPs in the NTM-LTBI group, closely related to lipid metabolism (APOC3) and extracellular matrix remodeling (FN1). KEGG pathway analysis revealed that DEPs in the ATB-LTBI group were enriched in nitrogen metabolism pathways, those in the ATB-NTM group were associated with thyroid hormone synthesis, and the NTM-LTBI group was involved in phagosome function. Dynamic clustering results showed six treatment response modules: Cluster 1/2 (riboflavin metabolism, complement coagulation pathway) were activated post-treatment, Cluster 3/4 (proteasome, cardiac signaling pathway) exhibited partial reversal in expression, and Cluster 5/6 (platelet activation, cytoskeleton) showed delayed regression. Research confirmed 10 differential proteins between the ATB-CPs and ATB-HD groups, including S100A8, LTA4H, and DEFA1B, which constitute a molecular fingerprint specific to ATB. ELISA validation confirmed significantly elevated S100A8 and GPX3 in ATB group, while NTM group showed higher FGB and lower ATRN levels. This study systematically reveals the plasma proteomic characteristics under infection statuses caused by different mycobacteria. A discrimination framework for ATB/LTBI/NTM was constructed based on disease-specific differential proteins, overcoming the limitations of traditional diagnostic techniques in distinguishing infection states. Through dynamic analysis of six temporal therapeutic modules, the reprogramming patterns of the host protein network during tuberculosis treatment were elucidated. This research lays a multidimensional molecular foundation for the precise typing, personalized treatment, and prognostic evaluation of mycobacterial infections. Show less

The intricate shared genetic architecture underlying halitosis and its related disorders-including salivary secretion disorders, chronic periodontitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dental caries, chronic sinusitis, helicobacter pylori infection, and porphyromonas genus abundance-remains incompletely characterized. Our study employed genomic structural equation modeling (Genomic SEM) to define the halitosis common factor (HCF) representing the shared genetic architecture of halitosis-related disorders. Coupled with diverse post-GWAS analytical methods, we aimed to discover susceptible loci and investigate genetic associations with external traits. Furthermore, we explored enriched genetic pathways, cellular layers, and genomic elements. Polygenic risk score analyses, leveraging our integrated GWAS data, were conducted to assess chromosomal-level risk associations for the HCF. A well-fitted genomic SEM integrated GWAS data, revealing the shared genetic architecture of halitosis-related disorders. We identified 23 independent genome-wide significant SNP loci, all previously unreported for this HCF relative to the input single-trait GWAS. Fine-mapping of variants and gene prioritization pinpointed numerous high-confidence putative causal variants and candidate susceptible genes. Subsequent analyses further illuminated the shared genetic architecture underlying HCF and multiple external traits, notably neuropsychiatric characteristics, cognitive function, and inflammatory or metabolic conditions. Notably, this study presents the first comprehensive genetic characterization of halitosis and its related disorders through a GWAS analysis of an unmeasured composite phenotype, providing novel insights into shared etiological pathways potentially linking oral health to systemic factors across these conditions. Show less

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), and effective lipid-lowering therapies are critical for reducing ASCVD risk. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the latest advancements in lipid-lowering therapies, focusing on emerging therapeutic targets and innovative biotechnological approaches that have shown promise in clinical research. Recent years have witnessed significant progress in lipid-lowering therapies beyond traditional statins and ezetimibe. Novel therapeutic targets, such as PCSK9 inhibitors, angiopoietin-like 3 protein inhibitors, APOC3 inhibitors, and omega-3 fatty acids, have demonstrated potent lipid-lowering efficacy. Additionally, advancements in biotechnology have led to the development of innovative agents, including monoclonal antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNA, and cholesterol vaccines, all of which have shown encouraging results in clinical trials. These therapies offer new mechanisms of action and improved efficacy in managing dyslipidemia and reducing ASCVD risk. This article comprehensively reviews the latest clinical research on emerging lipid-lowering targets and cutting-edge therapies, emphasizing their mechanisms, efficacy, and potential impact on dyslipidemia and ASCVD management. The rapid evolution of these therapies highlights a transformative era in cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, offering hope for improved patient outcomes. Show less

Abnormal lipid accumulation is an important cause of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) progression and can induce several stress responses within cells. This study is the first to explore the role and molecular mechanism of stress granules (SGs) in MAFLD. A gene knock-down model of G3BP1, a core SG molecule in mice and HepG2 cells, was constructed to explore the role of SGs in MAFLD induced in vivo by a high-fat diet or in vitro by palmitic acid (PA). Methods included metabolic phenotyping; western blotting; qPCR; and immunofluorescence, haematoxylin/eosin and masson staining. The downstream molecules of G3BP1 and its specific molecular mechanism were screened using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). G3BP1 and TIA1 expression were upregulated in high-fat diet-fed mouse liver tissues and PA-induced HepG2 cells, and the two molecules showed significantly increased colocalisation. G3BP1 knock-down slightly increased TIA1 expression in the livers of obese mice but not in lean mice. G3BP1 deficiency aggravated liver lipid deposition and insulin resistance in obese mice, and this phenotype was confirmed in vitro in PA-induced hepatocytes. RNA-seq demonstrated that G3BP1 slowed down MAFLD progression by inhibiting APOC3, possibly through a mechanistic suppression of APOC3 entry into the nucleus. This study reveals for the first time a protective role for SGs in MAFLD. Specifically, knocking down the core G3BP1 molecule in SGs aggravated the progression of fatty acid-induced MAFLD through a mechanism that may involve the nuclear entry of APOC3. These findings provide a new therapeutic direction for MAFLD. Show less

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas13 effectors are used for RNA editing but the adeno-associated virus (AAV) packaging limitations because of their big sizes hinder their therapeutic application. Here we report the identification of the Cas13j family, with LepCas13j (529 aa) and ChiCas13j (424 aa) being the smallest and most highly efficient variants for RNA interference. The miniaturized Cas13j proteins enable the development of compact RNA base editors. Chi-RESCUE-S, by fusing dChiCas13j with hADAR2dd, demonstrates high efficiency and specificity in A-to-G and C-to-U conversions. Importantly, this system is compatible with single-AAV packaging without the need for protein sequence truncation. It successfully corrected pathogenic mutations, such as APOC3 Show less

Neuroprotective properties of estrogen have poorly translated to reduced neurodegeneration in clinical trials of systemic estrogen replacement therapy. To more directly assess biological processes associated with brain estrogen (estrone, estradiol) levels, we recruited 81 women (42 non-white) and 28 men (13 non-white) for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hormone, targeted proteomic, and volumetric brain analysis. In the mostly post-menopausal women, we found CSF estrogen levels to only modestly correlate with their corresponding plasma levels, and were additionally influenced by body mass index or age. CSF estrone was also correlated with a marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathologic change (CSF Aβ42/Aβ40), but this was not the case for the more biologically active CSF estradiol. Aptamer-based proteomic analysis of 1,075 CSF markers for inflammation, proteolysis, signaling, and DNA/RNA regulation revealed CSF estrogen levels to associate with alternative complement pathway proteins, and shifts observed in AD (apoE, RAGE). Parallel MRI analysis correlated higher CSF estrogen with smaller volumes of the brain somatosensory and posterior-medial networks without influence from cognition or neurodegeneration. Analysis using plasma estrogens only partially reproduced CSF estrogens’ biochemical correlates but provided inconclusive relationships with brain volume correlates. These findings highlight the association between CSF levels of the more biologically active estradiol and CSF inflammatory pathways involving AD risk genes as potential mechanisms linking hormone status to AD risks, and suggest caution in using CSF estrone or plasma estrogens when interpreting treatment or preventive studies. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-025-03657-3. Show less

Endothelial cells (ECs) senescence has emerged as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, contributing to vascular aging and plaque formation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial senescence in atherosclerosis remain poorly understood. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from atherosclerotic core plaques and adjacent normal tissues were analyzed using the Seurat package to identify cell subpopulations and senescence markers. RNA-seq data from early and late atherosclerotic plaques were used for differential gene expression analysis. Subsequently, the candidate gene was identified and validated in the atherosclerotic plaques of Single-cell analysis revealed elevated levels of senescence markers in ECs within atherosclerotic plaques. Combined with bulk RNA-seq analysis, This study highlights the critical role of endothelial senescence in atherosclerosis and identifies Show less

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer; however, the mechanisms driving metabolic heterogeneity across diverse cell types in the tumor microenvironment remain poorly understood. Most existing methods predict metabolic states at the pathway level but rarely map reaction-level alterations to their upstream regulators, thereby constraining both interpretability and translational relevance. We developed MetroSCREEN, a reference-guided computational framework that infers reaction-level metabolic flux propensity and nominates upstream regulators from bulk and single-cell transcriptomes. MetroSCREEN uses a fast enrichment-based procedure to quantify reaction-level metabolic activity. To characterize metabolic regulons, it integrates intrinsic gene-regulatory signals with extrinsic cell-cell interaction cues, then applies a robust multi-evidence ranking scheme to combine these information sources, and finally employs a constraint-based causal discovery module to infer regulatory directionality. MetroSCREEN accurately predicts reaction-level metabolic activities and their upstream regulators, as demonstrated using paired transcriptomic-metabolomic datasets from the cancer cell lines. We further validated predicted regulators with in-house single-cell CRISPR screens in PC9 cells targeting metabolic regulators. Applying MetroSCREEN to a pan-cancer single-cell atlas of more than 700,000 fibroblasts and myeloid cells across 36 cancer types, we identified ZNF281 and STAT1 as key regulators of collagen metabolism, which is elevated in extracellular-matrix-associated fibroblasts and macrophages at tumor margins. By contrast, APOE and KLF7 regulate sphingolipid metabolism and antigen presentation in macrophages. Leveraging extensive tumor profiles, MetroSCREEN also delineates metabolic subtypes and regulators associated with patient survival and response to immunotherapy. MetroSCREEN is a robust and scalable approach for characterizing metabolic heterogeneity and pinpointing metabolic regulators at single-cell resolution, unveiling novel antitumor targets for future metabolic interventions. The source codes of MetroSCREEN is available at the Github site https://github.com/wanglabtongji/MetroSCREEN . Show less

Extensive research has demonstrated that gut microbiota and its metabolites-including short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and bile acids-play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD).The bidirectional interaction between the gut microbiota and the cardiovascular system significantly influences host metabolic and inflammatory homeostasis. As a result, targeted modulation of the gut microbiota emerges as a promising adjunctive therapeutic strategy for CAD, offering potential benefits with minimal side effects. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of the clinically validated Chinese medicine formula HJ11 in mitigating coronary heart disease (CHD), with a particular focus on its regulation of the heart-gut axis and associated atherosclerotic processes. This study established an ApoE-/- mouse model of atherosclerosis and treated with HJ11 via gavage.We investigated the effects of HJ11 on the gut microenvironment in these atherosclerotic mice. Gut microbial composition and faecal metabolite profiles were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics. Additionally, an in vitro model of atherosclerosis was used to examine whether HJ11 exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the TLR4/MYD88/IκB-α signaling pathway. HJ11 exerted protective effects on coronary atherosclerosis by reducing systemic serum lipid levels and inhibiting plaque formation, vascular inflammation, and collagen deposition, while also alleviating aortic injury. It suppressed endothelial inflammation and inhibited the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. In the gut, HJ11 alleviated intestinal structural damage and enhanced barrier integrity. Notably, it promoted the function of Akkermansia, a beneficial bacterium known to influence TLR4 expression. Finally, in an in vitro atherosclerosis model, HJ11 decoction inhibited cell proliferation and migration by inactivating the TLR4/MYD88/IκB-α signaling pathway-an effect that was abolished by TLR4 overexpression. Show less

Many patients are suffering from atherosclerosis without typical risk factors, which can cause severe cardiovascular complications. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), derived from gut microbes, is a key unconventional contributor to the development of atherosclerosis. Here we present a strategy performed by orally administered nano-functionalized probiotics (PDMF@LGG) to inhibit TMAO through the gut microbiota-trimethylamine (TMA)-TMAO axis. PDMF@LGG, composed of polydopamine-coated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and nanoparticles based on a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polymeric prodrug of fluoromethylcholine (FMC), can promote the retention of probiotics and nanoparticles in the intestine to persistently scavenge elevated ROS and release drugs. This process suppresses TMA production and absorption, lowering plasma TMAO levels. The therapeutic effects on male ApoE Show less

Sleep Deprivation (SD) severely disrupts emotional regulation, predisposing individuals to mood disturbances and anxiety. However, the precise mechanisms underlying anxiety triggered by sleep loss remain elusive. In this study, a mouse model of chronic SD was established using a continuously running treadmill paradigm for 28 days. SD induced anxiety-like behaviors and hippocampal ApoE downregulation. Furthermore, SD downregulated the expression of the autophagy-related protein ATG5 and upregulated p62. In addition, SD inhibited AMPK phosphorylation and induced mTOR phosphorylation. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18, were markedly increased. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a notable increase in the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampi of SD mice. Either hippocampal overexpression of ApoE via bilateral AAV injection or rapamycin treatment significantly alleviated anxiety-like behaviors, enhanced autophagy, and reduced neuroinflammation in SD mice. Thus, SD induces anxiety by suppressing autophagy level. This effect is mediated through the inhibition of ApoE-dependent AMPK phosphorylation and the concomitant promotion of mTOR phosphorylation, revealing a potential therapeutic target. Show less

Regular exercise training has been shown to significantly decrease atherosclerosis (AS) related mortality and hospitalization rates. Recent research has identified that circulating exosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely related to the progression of AS through intercellular communication. But the role of exosome-derived miRNAs in exercise-mediated protection remains to be explored. This study proposes that exercise may ameliorate vascular dysfunction and plaque formation associated with AS by modulating the expression profile of exosomal miRNAs. In this study, ApoE Show less