With the advancement of genomic technologies, precision lifestyle interventions tailored to individual genetic backgrounds have emerged as a novel approach for preventing and managing chronic diseases Show more
With the advancement of genomic technologies, precision lifestyle interventions tailored to individual genetic backgrounds have emerged as a novel approach for preventing and managing chronic diseases such as obesity. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting obese or overweight populations have found that individuals with different genotypes exhibit varying responses to the same lifestyle intervention (gene-lifestyle intervention interactions). To date, more than 20 genes, including Show less
Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), as ubiquitous emerging contaminants, present undercharacterized neuropsychiatric hazards through environmental exposure. This investigation employs c Show more
Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), as ubiquitous emerging contaminants, present undercharacterized neuropsychiatric hazards through environmental exposure. This investigation employs convergent multi-omics strategies - integrating toxicogenomic discovery, disease-associated genomic mapping, and transcriptomic profiling - to elucidate mechanistic linkages between PPCPs bioactivity and depressive pathogenesis. Through systematic analysis of Nanjing's aquatic chemical burden (prioritizing dimenhydrinate, ibuprofen, padimate-O, caffeine, and roxithromycin), we identified 3073 conserved molecular targets bridging PPCPs toxicity and depression etiology via Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and GeneCards interrogation. Functional ontology revealed dysregulated pathways encompassing lipidomic remodeling, IL-17-mediated neuroinflammation, and synaptic transmission deficits. Ensembled machine learning algorithms (Lasso regression, XGBoost, random forest) converged on seven high-fidelity candidate biomarkers (HSPA8, CBX1, CD59, CHAF1A, CUX1, ID2, RPL3) demonstrating stress-adaptive, chromatin regulatory, and immunomodulatory functions. Molecular docking predicted strong binding affinities between PPCPs and depression-related proteins, notably dimenhydrinate with CHAF1A (- 6.1 kcal/mol) and HSPA8 (- 6.1 kcal/mol), suggesting multi-target modulation. This work proposes a computational framework to map molecular interactions between specific PPCPs and depression-associated pathways. Candidate targets highlight testable hypotheses for future experimental validation. These findings suggest selected PPCPs with neuroactive properties may warrant further investigation as environmental modifiers of depression risk. Show less
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor in infants, often requiring intervention due to potential functional impairment and cosmetic concerns. Propranolol, a nonselective β-adrener Show more
Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common benign vascular tumor in infants, often requiring intervention due to potential functional impairment and cosmetic concerns. Propranolol, a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor blocker, is the first-line therapy for IH, yet its mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. This prospective study investigated the systemic angiogenic protein profile changes in response to propranolol in 14 treatment-naïve IH infants compared to 14 healthy controls using antibody array analysis. We identified twenty-six angiogenic proteins significantly downregulated in pretreatment IH patients compared to healthy controls. After 3 months of propranolol treatment, six proteins including HB-EGF, TGFα, ANGPTL4, Follistatin, Tie-1 and PLGF were significantly upregulated. Bioinformatic enrichment analysis revealed that these proteins are involved in key biological processes and signaling pathways, including epithelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis regulation, VEGF signaling, ERBB-EGFR axis, Ras-MAPK, and PI3K-Akt pathways. These results suggest that propranolol treatment is associated with a rebalancing of dysregulated angiogenic proteins in IH, through modulating both pro- and anti-angiogenic factors to rebalance vascular homeostasis. Our study provides novel insights into the systems-level pharmacological actions of propranolol and proposes potential biomarkers for treatment response evaluation. Show less
Several protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in statin-intolerant patients, but none Show more
Several protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in statin-intolerant patients, but none have been verified in Chinese patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ongericimab, a novel PCSK9 monoclonal antibody, in Chinese statin-intolerant patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. This was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study designed to enroll 120 statin-intolerant adult patients. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive ongericimab 150 mg or placebo subcutaneously every 2 weeks for 12 weeks in the double-blind treatment period, followed by 40 weeks of ongericimab treatment during the open-label period. The primary endpoint was a percentage change in LDL-C from baseline to week 12. The key secondary endpoints included percentage change from baseline to week 12 in non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), total cholesterol (TC), and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. From February 6, 2023, to September 23, 2024, a total of 139 patients were enrolled. The least-squares (LS) mean difference between ongericimab and placebo groups in LDL-C from baseline to week 12 was -66.2 % (95 % CI: 74.2 %, -58.2 %; p < 0.0001), with reductions sustained up to week 52. Ongericimab also significantly reduced levels of non-HDL-C, ApoB, TC, and Lp(a). The overall incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was comparable between the ongericimab and placebo groups. Ongericimab significantly reduced LDL-C as well as other atherogenic lipid levels and was well tolerated in Chinese statin-intolerant patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. http://www. gov; Unique Identifier: NCT05621070. Show less
The transcription factor carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) activates genes of glucose, fructose, and lipid metabolism in response to carbohydrate feeding. Integrated transcriptomi Show more
The transcription factor carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) activates genes of glucose, fructose, and lipid metabolism in response to carbohydrate feeding. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses in rats with GalNac-siRNA-mediated suppression of ChREBP expression in liver reveal other ChREBP functions. GalNac-siChREBP treatment reduces expression of genes involved in coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis, with lowering of CoA and short-chain acyl-CoA levels. Despite suppression of pyruvate kinase, pyruvate levels are maintained, possibly via increased expression of pyruvate and amino acid transporters. In addition, expression of multiple anaplerotic enzymes is decreased by GalNac-siChREBP treatment, affecting TCA cycle intermediates. Finally, GalNAc-siChREBP treatment suppresses late steps in purine and NAD synthesis, with increases in precursors and lowering of end products in both pathways. In sum, our study reveals functions of ChREBP beyond its canonical roles in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism to include regulation of substrate transport, mitochondrial function, and energy balance. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents significant challenges due to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms and the limited efficacy of single-target therapies. In this study, we investigated the potential of Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents significant challenges due to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms and the limited efficacy of single-target therapies. In this study, we investigated the potential of chlorogenic acid (CHA), a multifunctional natural active compound, in AD therapy by developing a trifunctional nanocarrier (MC-H/R/si). CHA was effectively conjugated with iron-based metal-organic frameworks (MIL/Fe-100) through chelation interaction. The resulting nanocomplex (MC) not only enhances the bioavailability of CHA but also facilitates a synergistic antioxidant effect between CHA and MIL/Fe-100. Importantly, CHA can chelate Zn Show less
Meng Xiong, Renjie Luo, Zhijiao Zhang+4 more · 2025 · Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.] · Springer · added 2026-04-24
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Sepsis-induced ARDS involves excessive inflammatory responses, which are modulate Show more
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Sepsis-induced ARDS involves excessive inflammatory responses, which are modulated by macrophages. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of Recombinant Mouse IL-27 Protein on macrophage ferroptosis and polarization, as well as its impact on sepsis-induced ARDS. A cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis model was established using wild-type (WT) or IL27R In vitro, IL-27 alone did not alter the expression of proteins linked to the ferroptosis pathway or macrophage polarization. Contrastingly, the combination of IL-27 with LPS further amplified LPS-induced alterations in the ferroptosis pathway, thereby promoting macrophage M1 polarization and inhibiting M2 polarization. Additionally, IL-27 + LPS increased ROS levels in macrophages. A sepsis-induced ARDS mouse model was then established via CLP. In vivo, IL-27 exacerbated CLP-induced lung injury in WT mice. Additionally, it decreased the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (Nrf2, HO-1, GPX4) and increased those of Ptgs2 in the lung tissue of septic mice. Besides, GSH and SOD levels in lung tissue were also reduced. Moreover, IL-27 also promoted M1 polarization and inhibited M2 polarization in macrophages. In IL27R Oltipraz may alleviate ARDS-related lung injury by up-regulating Nrf2 expression and concurrently inhibiting macrophage ferroptosis. Show less
The existence of a definite direct causal relationship between vitiligo and diverse autoimmune disorders remains unknown due to the influence of confounding factors and potential reverse causality. Me Show more
The existence of a definite direct causal relationship between vitiligo and diverse autoimmune disorders remains unknown due to the influence of confounding factors and potential reverse causality. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a technique employed to explore causal connections between two phenotypes. In our research, bidirectional two-sample MR analyses were utilized to evaluate the causal connections between vitiligo and multiple autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, Graves' disease, inflammatory bowel disease, alopecia areata [AA], type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1MD], and rheumatoid arthritis [RA]). Furthermore, we utilized summary-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis to search for common susceptibility loci between two diseases that reciprocally elevate each other's risk. Finally, colocalization analyses were used to validate the robustness of the selected genes. There was an indication of potential causation between RA and vitiligo (IVW OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.05-1.13; p = 0.008). Furthermore, evident causal connections exist between vitiligo and AA (IVW OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.04-1.26; p = 0.008), T1MD (IVW OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.06-1.23; p < 0.001), and RA (IVW OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.03-1.13; p < 0.001). In SMR analyses and colocalization analyses, we identified three shared genes associated with both vitiligo and RA, including: FCRL3, FADS1, and FADS2. Our findings demonstrated that vitiligo and RA mutually act as risk factors for each other. Additionally, vitiligo had significant causal relationships with AA and type 1 diabetes. Show less
Apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) and angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) genes are related to lipid metabolism. The relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the APOC3 and ANGPTL8 gen Show more
Apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) and angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) genes are related to lipid metabolism. The relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the APOC3 and ANGPTL8 genes with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate the associations between specific SNPs in the APOC3 and ANGPTL8 genes and MASLD risk, with a particular focus on the mediating role of triglycerides (TG). A total of 440 participants were enrolled and categorised into MASLD and control groups. Genotyping of APOC3 SNPs (rs5128, rs2854116 and rs2854117) and ANGPTL8 SNP (rs2278426) was conducted using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism or Sanger sequencing methods. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to estimate the associations between these SNPs and MASLD risk, and mediation analysis was performed to assess the potential mediating effect of TG. We found that APOC3 SNPs were associated with MASLD risk, with increased odds ratios (ORs) indicating a higher risk of MASLD: rs5128 CG + GG genotype (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-2.8), rs2854116 TC + CC genotype (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.1) and rs2854117 CT + TT genotype (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.2-3.2). No association was found between ANGPTL8 rs2278426 and MASLD (p > 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that TG significantly mediated these relationships, accounting for 80.25% of the effect for rs5128, 64.61% for rs2854116 and 62.59% for rs2854117. In summary, polymorphisms in APOC3 (rs5128, rs2854116 and rs2854117) were associated with MASLD risk, with TG serving as a potential mediating factor. In contrast, ANGPTL8 rs2278426 polymorphism did not show any association with MASLD. Show less
Yunqi Xie, Haochen Wang, Yajie Zhang+5 more · 2025 · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Smoking is harmful to health. Cigarette smoke (CS) contains a variety of toxic substances. Studies have found that nicotine, tar, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc. in CS can pass through the bloo Show more
Smoking is harmful to health. Cigarette smoke (CS) contains a variety of toxic substances. Studies have found that nicotine, tar, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc. in CS can pass through the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain to exert their effects. Moreover, some existing studies have pointed out that CS exposure is closely related to the accelerated pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Transgenic mice with the five familial AD mutations (5xFAD), which are 1-month-old, were used for chronic CS exposure for 100 days. Subsequently, cognitive function and behavioral changes were evaluated through morris water maze and new object recognition tests. The acceleration of pathological changes due to CS exposure was assessed by HE, Tunel and Aβ immunohistochemical staining. Differential expression proteins and metabolites were screened through hippocampal proteomics and metabolomics analyses. Finally, the expression levels of key proteins were verified by Western blot. Compared with unexposed 5xFAD mice, the behavioral results of mice showed that FAD mice after CS exposure exhibited poorer cognitive abilities, with longer latencies in the Morris water maze, and decreased time spent and entries in the target quadrant. The results of pathological sections indicated that the total nuclei density in the DG and CA3 regions of the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice decreased significantly after chronic CS exposure, the number of TUNEL-positive cells increased, and the expression of Aβ42 increased. Multi - omics analysis revealed that CS exposure up - regulated the expression of 46 proteins and down - regulated the expression of 80 proteins in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice, and caused changes in 92 metabolites. Analysis of the correlation between differential proteins and differential metabolites revealed six key cross-node proteins: Kng1, Hbb-b1, Fabp3, Apoa1, Ilk, and Apoa4. CS exposure may accelerate pathological changes and cognitive impairment in 5xFAD mice by affecting energy metabolism through the PPAR signaling pathway. Show less
This study aimed to analyse the relationship of the blood lipid profile and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with osteoporosis and osteopenia and to explore the predictive value of the combined application of the Show more
This study aimed to analyse the relationship of the blood lipid profile and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with osteoporosis and osteopenia and to explore the predictive value of the combined application of these biomarkers in osteoporosis and osteopenia. Data from 276 patients treated in the orthopaedics department were retrospectively analysed. Their general information was collected, and the relationships among the blood lipid profile, IL-6 with bone turnover markers, and bone mineral density (BMD) were analysed. Patients were categorized based on their T scores for intergroup comparisons. Finally, the diagnostic efficiency of lipid metabolism markers and IL-6 for osteoporosis and osteopenia was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. (1) In both males and females, a negative relationship was observed between BMD and several biomarkers, including total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acids (FFAs), and IL-6. Additionally, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) was negatively correlated with BMD only in females, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was positively correlated with BMD only in males. (2) FFAs and IL-6 were positively correlated with β-CrossLaps peptide in males. However, for females, TC, ApoB, LDL-C, and IL-6 were negatively correlated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D. FFAs, IL-6, and age were negatively correlated with osteocalcin in males and females. (3) According to the T scores for the lumbar spine, the TC, ApoA1, ApoB, HDL-C, LDL-C, FFA, and IL-6 levels in the osteoporosis group and the TC, ApoB, LDL-C, and FFA levels in the osteopenia group were significantly greater than those in the normal bone mass group. Additionally, the osteoporosis group presented substantially higher levels of ApoA1, FFAs, and IL-6 than the osteopenia group. (4) IL-6 was positively correlated with FFAs, while a negative correlation was observed with TC, ApoA1, ApoB, HDL-C, and LDL-C. (5) The ROC curve revealed that the areas under the curve (AUCs) of TC, FFAs, IL-6, ApoA1, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio for predicting osteoporosis or osteopenia were 0.634, 0.713, 0.670, 0.628, and 0.516, respectively, whereas the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and ApoA1 was 0.846, and the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was 0.842. In the sex stratification analysis, in males, the AUCs of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio for the prediction of osteoporosis or osteopenia were 0.596, 0.688, 0.739, and 0.539, respectively. In contrast, the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was 0.838. In females, the AUCs of TC, FFAs, IL-6, ApoA1, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio for predicting osteoporosis or osteopenia were 0.620, 0.728, 0.653, 0.611, and 0.502, respectively, whereas the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and ApoA1 was 0.841, and the AUC of the combination of TC, FFAs, IL-6, and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio was 0.828. The levels of TC, FFAs, IL-6, ApoA1, and ApoB could contribute to changes in bone metabolism, moreover, FFAs could induce an increase in IL-6 further aggravating bone mass loss and leading to osteoporosis. Based on the comparison of the AUC results, the combination of TC, FFAs, and IL-6 with ApoA1 or the ApoA1/ApoB ratio can better predict osteoporosis or osteopenia in patients, and the diagnostic efficiency is significantly better than that of any individual indicator. The regulation of blood lipid levels should become a new target for clinicians to treat osteoporosis and osteopenia. Show less
Obesity-induced metabolic inflammation is a key driver of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with immune dysregulation, particularly among lymphocytes, contributing to early disease pathology. To explore t Show more
Obesity-induced metabolic inflammation is a key driver of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with immune dysregulation, particularly among lymphocytes, contributing to early disease pathology. To explore the role of apolipoprotein A4 (Apoa4) in regulating immune cell metabolism and function, we establish high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) models using wild-type and Show less
Accelerated population aging and rising incidence of bone defects have intensified the need for advanced bone regeneration strategies. While tissue-engineered scaffolds fabricated via 3D printing offe Show more
Accelerated population aging and rising incidence of bone defects have intensified the need for advanced bone regeneration strategies. While tissue-engineered scaffolds fabricated via 3D printing offer promising alternatives to conventional grafts, most techniques fail to replicate the multi-scale fibrous architecture of native bone extracellular matrix, limiting their biofunctionality. To address this, we developed a hybrid manufacturing strategy integrating low-temperature thermally induced phase separation with extrusion-based 3D printing of polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds. By optimizing solvent ratios (THF: DMF = 3:1) and freezing temperatures (-196 °C-4 °C), we produced scaffolds with tunable micro-nano fibrous surfaces and macroporous structures. Key findings revealed that scaffolds processed at -196 °C (PLA-196) exhibited the highest porosity (pore size: 6.01 ± 2.06 μm), superior hydrophilicity, and enhanced compressive modulus. These scaffolds significantly promoted BMSC adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation via activation of Show less
Biomarker profiling from biofluids such as blood are widely measured in clinical research, using for example Olink proteomics panels. One such research focus area is cardiovascular disease (CVD), for Show more
Biomarker profiling from biofluids such as blood are widely measured in clinical research, using for example Olink proteomics panels. One such research focus area is cardiovascular disease (CVD), for which chronic sleep restriction (SR) is a risk factor. However, it remains unclear whether blood levels of commonly measured CVD biomarkers are sensitive to acute dynamic factors such as SR, physical exercise (PEx), and time of day. In this crossover design, 16 normal-weight, healthy men underwent three highly standardized in-lab nights of SR (4.25 h/night) and normal sleep (NS, 8.5 h/night) in randomized order, with 88 CVD blood protein biomarkers quantified using the Olink technology (and selected validation using ELISA) in the morning, evening, and immediately before and repeatedly after 30 min of high-intensity exercise. We found significant time-of-day-dependent changes in several CVD biomarkers. Whereas several proteins were exercise-induced across sleep conditions (such as the canonical exerkines IL- 6 and BDNF), exercise-induced proteomic dynamics differed in response to recurrent SR, compared with following NS. Moreover, SR compared with NS resulted in a biomarker profile previously associated with increased prospective risk of several CVDs across large-scale cohorts (such as higher circulating levels of IL-27 and LGALS9). Our findings highlight how dynamic physiology can modulate CVD biomarker levels. These results also underscore the need to consider sleep duration as a key determinant of cardiovascular health-an emphasis reflected in recent American Heart Association guidelines. Further studies in women, older individuals, and patients with prior CVD, and across different chronotypes and dietary schedules are warranted. Show less
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia an Show more
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance, hallmark features of type 2 diabetes. While SEC16 homologue B (SEC16B), an endoplasmic reticulum export factor, has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and lipid metabolism, its role in glucose regulation remains poorly defined. This study aims to investigate SEC16B's contribution to glucose homeostasis by systematically dissecting its conserved physiological mechanisms across species. To interrogate SEC16B's role, we combined Drosophila genetics (RNA interference-mediated dSec16 knockdown) with murine models (Sec16b deletion) under standard or high-fat diet conditions. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests assessed glucose homeostasis. Mechanistic insights into beta cell dysfunction were derived from immunostaining, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays and RNA-seq profiling of murine pancreatic islets. Both disruption of dSec16 in Drosophila and Sec16b deletion in mice triggered glucose intolerance under standard diet conditions, recapitulating conserved metabolic dysfunction. In addition, Sec16b loss impaired glycaemic control in mice fed a high-fat diet. Mechanistically, Sec16b deficiency impairs insulin secretion by downregulating cholinergic signalling and compromising intracellular Ca Our study reveals SEC16B, a genome-wide association study-identified obesity risk gene, as an evolutionarily conserved regulator of glucose homeostasis. By linking SEC16B to cholinergic-driven insulin secretion and calcium dynamics, we resolve a mechanistic gap in beta cell dysfunction and metabolic disease. This finding provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying glucose homeostasis and may enhance our understanding of potential treatments for metabolic diseases. Show less
The natural compound pterostilbene (PTE) has multiple cardiovascular protective effects. However, its effects on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-associated vascular remodeling remain to be eluci Show more
The natural compound pterostilbene (PTE) has multiple cardiovascular protective effects. However, its effects on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-associated vascular remodeling remain to be elucidated. This study investigated the effects of PTE on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH in rats Experimental PAH was established by subcutaneous injection of MCT (50 mg/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats, which were then randomly divided into vehicle or PTE (15 mg/kg via gavage) treatment groups. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was modeled in hPAECs by treating with transforming growth factor-β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β in combination. In rats with MCT-induced PAH, administration of PTE resulted in a reduction in right ventricular systolic pressure, thereby alleviating right ventricular hypertrophy. This was accompanied by mitigation of the remodeling of pulmonary arteries. PTE mitigates MCT-induced PAH and vascular remodeling in rats, at least in part, by inhibiting HMGA-mediated EndMT, suggesting that PTE may be a useful complementary medicine in the treatment of PAH. Show less
Graphical Abstract Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mediates peripheral tissue triglyceride (TG) uptake. Hepatic ANGPTL3 (A3) and ANGPTL8 (A8) form a complex and inhibit LPL activity in the white adipose tiss Show more
Graphical Abstract Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mediates peripheral tissue triglyceride (TG) uptake. Hepatic ANGPTL3 (A3) and ANGPTL8 (A8) form a complex and inhibit LPL activity in the white adipose tissue (WAT) via systematic circulation. ANGPTL4 (A4) is expressed in WAT and inhibits LPL activity locally. Feeding increases hepatic A8 expression and increases its inhibition for WAT LPL activity together with A3, while feeding suppresses WAT A4 expression and releases its inhibition on LPL. At room temperature, the feeding-suppressed A4 overrides the feeding-increased A3/A8, resulting in increased LPL activity in WAT by food intake. Browning improves hepatic insulin sensitivity and increases postprandial A8 expression. The feeding-increased A3/A8 overrides the feeding-suppressed A4, resulting in suppressed LPL activity in WAT by food intake. This reprogrammed LPL regulation plays an important role in reprogramming TG metabolism during adipose tissue browning. Show less
Interleukin-27 receptor alpha (IL27RA), a key subunit of the interleukin-27 receptor, plays an essential role in T cell-mediated immunity. However, its relevance in breast cancer and response to immun Show more
Interleukin-27 receptor alpha (IL27RA), a key subunit of the interleukin-27 receptor, plays an essential role in T cell-mediated immunity. However, its relevance in breast cancer and response to immunotherapy remains unexplored. We integrated bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data from TCGA, GEO, and scRNA-seq datasets to analyze IL27RA expression, prognosis, immune infiltration, and treatment response. TIDE and immune checkpoint-treated clinical cohorts were used to assess immunotherapy responsiveness. Chemotherapy sensitivity was predicted using GDSC data, and IL27RA protein expression was validated by Western blot. IL27RA was downregulated in breast cancer but high expression correlated with favorable survival. It was primarily expressed in T cells, particularly CD8⁺ subsets, and associated with enriched immune infiltration and elevated checkpoint gene expression. IL27RA high-expression patients showed lower TIDE scores, better outcomes in ICI-treated cohorts, and higher sensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic agents. IL27RA is a potential immune biomarker that reflects an inflamed tumor microenvironment and predicts benefit from immunotherapy and chemotherapy in breast cancer. These findings provide novel insights into immune-based stratification using single-cell transcriptomic data. Show less
The existing evidence regarding the impact of tamoxifen on lipoprotein(a) and apolipoproteins remains inconsistent. Therefore, this updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to Show more
The existing evidence regarding the impact of tamoxifen on lipoprotein(a) and apolipoproteins remains inconsistent. Therefore, this updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to enhance the quality of evidence concerning the effects of tamoxifen on these lipid parameters. Eligible RCTs published up to October 2024 were meticulously selected through a comprehensive search. A meta-analysis was then performed using a random-effects model, and results were presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Findings from the random-effects model revealed an increase in ApoA-I (WMD: 15.22 mg/dL, 95% CI: 6.43-24.01, P = 0.001), alongside decreases in ApoB (WMD: -9.33 mg/dL, 95% CI: -15.46 to -3.19, P = 0.003) and lipoprotein(a) (WMD: -3.35 mg/dL, 95% CI: -5.78 to -0.91, P = 0.007) levels following tamoxifen treatment in women. Subgroup analyses indicated a more significant reduction in lipoprotein(a) levels in RCTs with a duration of ≤24 weeks (WMD: -3.65 mg/dL) and in studies using tamoxifen doses of ≥20 mg/day (WMD: -4.53 mg/dL). This meta-analysis provides evidence that tamoxifen leads to a decrease in lipoprotein(a) levels, along with reductions in ApoB and increases in ApoA-I among women. Show less
The deer antler is a fully regenerable and the fastest-growing osseous organ. Circular RNA (circRNA), a novel member of the non-coding RNA family, has significant research potential and crucial roles Show more
The deer antler is a fully regenerable and the fastest-growing osseous organ. Circular RNA (circRNA), a novel member of the non-coding RNA family, has significant research potential and crucial roles in biological processes. This study aims to explore the impact and mechanisms of circRNA505 on antler chondrocytes. Functional experiments demonstrated that m5C-modified circRNA505 inhibits antler chondrocyte proliferation, enhances osteogenic differentiation, and facilitates cellular glycolysis. Mechanistically, dual luciferase and AGO2-RIP assays revealed a direct binding relationship between circRNA505, miR-127, and p53. Rescue assays further showed that circRNA505 affects cell proliferation and differentiation through the miR-127/p53 axis. Meanwhile, RNA Antisense Purification (RAP) screening and analysis of related proteins binding to circRNA505 demonstrated that circRNA505 binds to LDHA and increases the level of LDHA phosphorylation through FGFR1 to promote cellular glycolysis by FISH-IF, RIP, and Western blot experiments. Additionally, Me-RIP assays confirmed the m5C methylation modification of circRNA505. NSUN2 mediates the m5C modification of circRNA505, affecting its stability, while the m5C reader ALYREF promotes the nuclear export of circRNA505 in an ALYREF-dependent manner. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying rapid antler development. Show less
Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. However, its underlying pathogenesis and mechanisms driving metastasis remain poorly understood. Here, we i Show more
Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. However, its underlying pathogenesis and mechanisms driving metastasis remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a novel super-enhancer-associated long noncoding RNA (SE-lncRNA), Zinc Finger MIZ-Type Containing 1 Antisense RNA 1 (ZMIZ1-AS1), which is highly expressed in osteosarcoma and promoted tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, the m⁶A demethylase ALKBH5 post-transcriptionally stabilized ZMIZ1-AS1 through m⁶A demethylation. Furthermore, ZMIZ1-AS1 directly bound to the RNA-binding protein Polypyrimidine Tract Binding Protein 1 (PTBP1), facilitating the translocation of PTBP1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The relocalized PTBP1 then bound to and stabilized fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) mRNA. In nude mouse models, ZMIZ1-AS1 overexpression promoted tumor growth and lung metastasis. Notably, combined inhibition of ALKBH5 (using ALKBH5-IN-5) and FGFR1 (using BGJ398/infigratinib) synergistically suppressed ZMIZ1-AS1-driven oncogenesis in vivo. Our study establishes the ALKBH5/ZMIZ1-AS1/PTBP1/FGFR1 signaling axis as a key driver of osteosarcoma progression and a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Show less
Despite the increasing approval and ongoing clinical trials of FGFR-targeted therapies, accurately detecting FGFR fusions remains a challenge due to limited research, low incidence rates, complex fusi Show more
Despite the increasing approval and ongoing clinical trials of FGFR-targeted therapies, accurately detecting FGFR fusions remains a challenge due to limited research, low incidence rates, complex fusion partner distribution, and unique kinase domain distribution. We conducted a multicenter study to comprehensively profile FGFR fusions in the largest Chinese pan-cancer cohort to date, comprising 118 FGFR fusions from 114 individuals. Both DNA- and RNA-based sequencing approaches were utilized to reveal novel and fundamental features of FGFR fusion. Our research reveals an incidence rate of 0.96% for FGFR rearrangements within this Chinese cohort, including a high incidence rate of FGFR fusions (40%) in parotid gland carcinoma. However, this is based on a small sample size of 5 tumors and should be interpreted cautiously pending validation in larger cohorts. We also uncovered distinct breakpoint distribution patterns across various FGFR rearrangements. For example, a primary breakpoint in intron17 of FGFR2 was predominant (21/22), while FGFR1/3 breakpoints displayed substantial diversity. For the first time, we identified "hot" breakpoints in FGFR1 intron17, exon18, and FGFR3's 3' untranslated region. These findings underline the importance of incorporating these regions in targeted sequencing to ensure comprehensive detection of FGFR1/3 fusions. Notably, we observed a predilection for intrachromosomal distribution in common FGFR1/2/3 fusions. In contrast, most novel fusions (12/15) exhibited an interchromosomal distribution pattern, indicating variations in the fusion formation mechanism. Importantly, our study demonstrates the substantial incremental value of RNA-NGS or other orthogonal methods in confirming the functionality of FGFR rearrangements initially identified by DNA sequencing. In our cohort, 46% (6/13) of rare FGFR1/2/3 fusions lacked detectable RNA transcripts; however, this does not definitively indicate non-functionality as factors such as low RNA quality, expression below detection limits, or nonsense-mediated decay may contribute. Therefore, RNA-based validation is critical for accurately identifying potentially targetable FGFR fusions and guiding therapy. Our findings offer critical novel insights into functional FGFR fusions and bear considerable clinical implications for identifying individuals whose tumors are most likely to respond favorably to FGFR-targeted therapies. Show less
This study aimed to elucidate the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between alexithymia and problematic eating behaviors (EB) among older adults. Specifically, we examined whether p Show more
This study aimed to elucidate the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between alexithymia and problematic eating behaviors (EB) among older adults. Specifically, we examined whether physical activity (PA) mediated this association, and we further explored the heterogeneity of alexithymia using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA). A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,773 community-dwelling older adults in China. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing alexithymia, PA, and EB. Mediation analysis tested the indirect effect of PA on the alexithymia-EB relationship, while LPA identified subgroups of individuals with distinct alexithymia profiles. Mediation analysis revealed that PA significantly mediated the relationship between alexithymia and maladaptive EB, accounting for 18% of the total effect. LPA supported a three-profile solution: pervasive alexithymia (21.15%), adaptive (72.81%), and affective-cognitive dissociation (6.04%). Profile membership was differentially associated with health behaviors, with the pervasive group showing the most unfavorable outcomes (high EB, low PA), and the adaptive group demonstrating the most favorable pattern. These findings highlight PA as a key behavioral pathway through which alexithymia contributes to maladaptive eating in older adults. Moreover, alexithymia is not uniform but heterogeneous, with distinct profiles that confer varied health behavior risks. Interventions to improve eating habits in elderly populations may benefit from tailoring strategies to alexithymia subtypes and systematically promoting PA as an adaptive regulatory mechanism. Show less
Dual-specificity protein phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), also known as mitogenactivated protein kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP-3), was considered as a functional candidate gene for white fat accumulation in mice. H Show more
Dual-specificity protein phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), also known as mitogenactivated protein kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP-3), was considered as a functional candidate gene for white fat accumulation in mice. However, the physiological function of the DUSP6 gene on white adipocyte adipogenesis in farm animals remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of DUSP6 on porcine subcutaneous preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation. We first make clear that the patterns of DUSP6 expression is associated with fat contents in porcine fat deposition related tissues. Porcine subcutaneous preadipocytes were isolated and induced to differentiation. Small interfering RNAs were applied to deplete DUSP6. MTT assay, CCK-8 analysis, Oil Red O staining, triglyceride determination and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were applied to study the regulatory role of DUSP6 during adipocyte adipogenesis in pigs. We found that the expression levels of DUSP6 were significantly higher in backfat and longissimus dorsi tissues from fat-type pigs than in those from lean-type pigs. Consistently, the significantly induced expression of DUSP6 was also observed in differentiated adipocytes. In addition, knockdown of DUSP6 greatly inhibited preadipocytes proliferation, through the decreased cell viability and downregulated mRNA expressions of cell proliferation-associated genes, including PCNA, CDK1, CDK2. Furthermore, knockdown of DUSP6 significantly inhibited preadipocytes differentiation, as evidenced by markedly reduced lipid droplet formation, attenuated triglyceride accumulation and downregulated expression levels of adipogenic transcription masters (PPARγ, C/EBPβ, FASN and FABP4) in DUSP6 knockdown cells. Our results demonstrate that DUSP6 is required for white adipocyte adipogenesis in pigs. Show less
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe aortic disease for which no pharmacological interventions have yet been developed. This investigation focused on identifying protein-based therapeutic targe Show more
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe aortic disease for which no pharmacological interventions have yet been developed. This investigation focused on identifying protein-based therapeutic targets and assessing how proteins mediate the interplay between modifiable risk factors and AAA development. Causal inferences between plasma proteins and AAA were drawn using 2-sample Mendelian randomization, followed by comprehensive sensitivity testing, colocalization, and replication efforts. Further analyses included database interrogation, single-cell RNA data analysis, enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction networks, and immunohistochemistry to map the tissue-specific expression of these proteins, their expression within AAA tissues, and their biological roles. Mediation Mendelian randomization was employed to evaluate the mediating effects of AAA-related proteins on the associations between AAA and 3 risk factors: hypertension, smoking, and obesity. A total of 43 proteins were identified as having causal links to AAA. Colocalization analysis pinpointed 13 proteins with strong evidence of colocalization with AAA. Of these, the causal involvement of 10 proteins was substantiated by external validation data. Consistent evidence for PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), IL6R (interleukin-6R), ECM1 (extracellular matrix protein 1), and ANGPTL4 (angiopoietin-related protein 4) was further validated through tissue immunohistochemistry and blood data. Moreover, Mendelian randomization analysis identified 10 proteins as mediators of the influence of hypertension, smoking, and obesity on AAA development. This analysis identifies 4 proteins (PCSK9, IL6R, ECM1, and ANGPTL4) as high-priority therapeutic targets for AAA and emphasizes the intermediary role of plasma proteins in linking hypertension, smoking, obesity, and AAA. Further investigations are needed to clarify the specific roles of these proteins in AAA pathology. Show less
This study aimed to explore the effects of chili meal (CM), a by-product of chili pepper oil extraction, on the productive performance, intestinal health, and lipid metabolism of laying hens fed low-p Show more
This study aimed to explore the effects of chili meal (CM), a by-product of chili pepper oil extraction, on the productive performance, intestinal health, and lipid metabolism of laying hens fed low-protein (LP) diets. A total of 384 Hy-Line brown laying hens (32 weeks old) were divided into six groups: control (CON) diet with 16.5 % crude protein (CP), LP diet with 15 % CP, and LP diets supplemented with 3 %, 5 %, 7 %, and 9 % CM. Results showed that dietary CM supplementation of up to 5 % did not negatively affect the productive performance of laying hens fed LP diets. However, the groups receiving 7 % and 9 % CM exhibited a significant increase in the feed-to-egg ratio (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary CM supplementation effectively enhanced egg yolk color in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Intestinal morphology analysis indicated that the 5 % CM group had a higher villus height-to-crypt depth ratio than the LP and 9 % CM groups (P < 0.05), with no significant differences among the other groups. Dietary supplementation with 3 %-7 % CM did not significantly affect serum and jejunal antioxidant capacity, and the 9 % CM group exhibited the highest levels of serum and jejunal malondialdehyde among the groups (P < 0.05). Dietary CM supplementation significantly increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the serum and jejunal tissue of laying hens (P < 0.05). Moreover, CM supplementation significantly altered the cecal microbiota composition in laying hens, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Desulfovibrio and Megamonas. Furthermore, dietary CM supplementation significantly decreased serum triglyceride levels; downregulated liver mRNA levels of ACC, FAS, and SREBP-1C/2; and upregulated the mRNA levels of ACOX1, PPAR-α, Apob, and CPT in laying hens fed LP diets. In conclusion, CM supplementation should not exceed 5 % to avoid negative impacts on performance while supporting intestinal health and lipid metabolism. Show less
While most patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain recurrence-free after resection, some still develop recurrent disease. The surgical curative time window concept, defined as Show more
While most patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain recurrence-free after resection, some still develop recurrent disease. The surgical curative time window concept, defined as no recurrence through 5-year follow-up, helps identify potentially cured patients, yet predictive clinicopathologic features in stage I invasive NSCLC need clarification. This study sought to identify such features to enable risk-adapted surveillance. We analyzed a prospectively collected dataset of patients with stage I invasive NSCLC who underwent R0 resection between 2008 and 2015. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between clinicopathologic features and disease recurrence, aiming to identify independent prognostic factors. A total of 1,817 patients met the inclusion criteria. The 5-year cumulative incidence of recurrence was 14.6%. Female sex, tumor size ≤2 cm, lepidic-predominant adenocarcinoma (LPA) histologic type, presence of a ground-glass opacity (GGO) component, and solid component size ≤10 mm were identified as independent prognostic factors. A risk stratification system was subsequently developed, classifying patients into two groups: a low-risk group (with ≥4 factors; n=341) and an elevated-risk group (with <4 factors; n=1,476). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed statistically significant differences in recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) between the two groups (P<0.001). The low-risk group is considered to represent the population within the surgical curative time window. Patients with stage I invasive NSCLC who meet at least four of the following five criteria-female sex, tumor size ≤2 cm, solid component ≤10 mm, presence of a GGO component, and LPA histologic type-may be considered within the "surgical curative time window" and may therefore qualify for reduced surveillance intensity. Show less
Altered levels of human plasma metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the causality between metabolites and the disease was not well described. We performe Show more
Altered levels of human plasma metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the causality between metabolites and the disease was not well described. We performed a bidirectional metabolome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the potential causal relationships between 871 plasma metabolites and BD. We used DrugBank and ChEMBL to evaluate whether related metabolites are potential therapeutic targets. Finally, Bayesian colocalization analysis was performed to identify shared genomic loci BD and identified metabolites. Our MR results showed that six metabolites were significantly associated with a reduced risk of BD, including arachidonate (20:4n6) (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.95) and sphingomyelin (d18:2/24:1, d18:1/24:2) (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.96), while five metabolites were significantly associated with an increased risk of BD, including 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-GPE (16:0/18:2) (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05-1.13). However, our reverse MR analysis showed that BD was not associated with the levels of any metabolite. Additionally, the leave-one-out analysis revealed SNPs within chromosome 11 loci harboring MYRF, FADS1, and FADS2 as ones with the potential to influence partial causal effects. Druggability evaluation showed that 10 of the BD-related metabolites, such as sphingomyelin and cytidine, have been targeted by pharmacologic intervention. Colocalization analysis highlighted one colocalized region (chromosome 11q12) shared by 11 metabolites and BD and pointed to some genes as possible players, including FADS1, FADS2, FADS3, and SYT7. Our study supported a causal role of plasma metabolites in the susceptibility to BD, and the identified metabolites may provide a new avenue for the prevention and treatment of BD. Show less