Despite the high morbidity and mortality, the effective therapies for heart failure with preserved fraction (HFpEF) are limited as the poor understand of its pathophysiological basis. This study was a Show more
Despite the high morbidity and mortality, the effective therapies for heart failure with preserved fraction (HFpEF) are limited as the poor understand of its pathophysiological basis. This study was aimed to characterize the cellular heterogeneity and potential mechanisms of HFpEF at single-cell resolution. An HFpEF mouse model was induced by a high-fat diet with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Cells from the hearts were subjected to single-cell sequencing. The key protein expression was measured with Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. In HFpEF hearts, myocardial fibroblasts exhibited higher levels of fibrosis. Furthermore, an increased number of fibroblasts differentiated into high-metabolism and high-fibrosis phenotypes. The expression levels of genes encoding certain pro-angiogenic secreted proteins were decreased in the HFpEF group, as confirmed by bulk RNA sequencing. Additionally, the proportion of the endothelial cell (EC) lineages in the HFpEF group was significantly downregulated, with low angiogenesis and high apoptosis phenotypes observed in these EC lineages. Interestingly, the fibroblasts in the HFpEF heart might cross-link with the EC lineages via over-secretion of ANGPTL4, thus displaying an anti-angiogenic function. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining then revealed the downregulation of vascular density and upregulation of ANGPTL4 expression in HFpEF hearts. Finally, we predicted ANGPTL4as a potential druggable target using DrugnomeAI. In conclusion, this study comprehensively characterized the angiogenesis impairment in HFpEF hearts at single-cell resolution and proposed that ANGPTL4 secretion by fibroblasts may be a potential mechanism underlying this angiogenic abnormality. Show less
Death anxiety is a critical mental-health concern among young adults; however, its heterogeneity and underlying psychological mechanisms remain understudied. This study aimed to identify latent profil Show more
Death anxiety is a critical mental-health concern among young adults; however, its heterogeneity and underlying psychological mechanisms remain understudied. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of death anxiety in Chinese youth and examine the predictive roles of self-esteem, perceived social support, and security. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 623 young adults ( Three latent death anxiety profiles emerged, High Death Anxiety (56.2%), Moderate Cognition and Low Death Anxiety (8.8%), and Low Cognition and Moderate Death Anxiety (35%). Higher self-esteem ( Death anxiety among young adults is heterogeneous, influenced by distinct psychological profiles and demographic factors. Interventions should prioritize enhancing self-esteem, social support networks, and security to mitigate death anxiety, especially in high-risk subgroups. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and cross-cultural samples to validate causal pathways and refine targeted strategies. Show less
The present case report presents the diagnostic challenges of pediatric diffuse low-grade glioma (pDLGG) with oligodendroglioma-like features. The patient, an 11-year-old girl, presented with refracto Show more
The present case report presents the diagnostic challenges of pediatric diffuse low-grade glioma (pDLGG) with oligodendroglioma-like features. The patient, an 11-year-old girl, presented with refractory epilepsy and brain imaging did not provide a clear diagnosis. Intraoperatively, the tumor appeared gray-yellow to gray-red, with moderate texture and unclear borders, consistent with LGG. Postoperative pathology showed diffuse infiltrative growth of the tumor, with pleomorphic cell morphology and oligodendroglioma-like gliocyte proliferation. Staining was positive for markers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein and Olig-2. Genomic analysis revealed BRAF V600E, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1 and FGFR4 mutations, but no IDH mutations or other related mutations. The final diagnosis was pDLGG with alterations in the MAPK pathway. The present case underscores the importance of molecular and histological features in the diagnosis of pDLGG, especially when clinical and imaging characteristics are atypical, as molecular diagnostics provide key insights for disease classification. 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
Postnatal cardiac function in mammals is closely associated with cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy h Show more
Postnatal cardiac function in mammals is closely associated with cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, phenotypic measurements and transcriptomic sequencing were performed on myocardial tissues from 7-day-old (P7) and 3-month-old (3m) female C57BL/6 mice to investigate changes in cardiomyocytes during growth and development and to identify key genes regulating myocardial growth and development. In comparison to 7-day-old mice, 3-month-old mice exhibited a significant increase in heart weight ( Show less
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are resident stem cells within hair follicles (HFs) that possess self-renewal and differentiation capacities, serving as a critical model for regenerative medicine res Show more
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are resident stem cells within hair follicles (HFs) that possess self-renewal and differentiation capacities, serving as a critical model for regenerative medicine research. Their dynamic interaction with dermal papilla cells (DPCs) plays a decisive role in HF development and cycling. Show less
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the effects of different exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and to explore regu Show more
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the effects of different exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and to explore regulatory factors.MethodsSearched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CNKI and Cochrane Library databases up to March 15, 2025. Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted using R software, and meta-regression analyzed the moderating effects of training period and frequency.Results42 randomized controlled trials covering 1482 patients were included. The Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) indicated that stretching training (SUCRA = 78.92) and high-intensity interval training (SUCRA = 69.73) were ranked higher than other exercise modalities and exhibited more favorable effect on BDNF enhancement, although neither demonstrated statistically significant superiority over the blank control. In contrast, combined training (SUCRA = 35.58), aerobic training (SUCRA = 35.17), and resistance training (SUCRA = 12.98) showed relatively lower potential for BDNF enhancement (blank control SUCRA = 67.62). Meta-regression analysis showed that the effect of combined training was significantly and positively correlated with intervention period ( Show less
To identify the connections between lipid biomarkers and the anti-VEGF therapy response in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). A bidirectional and multivariable Mendelia Show more
To identify the connections between lipid biomarkers and the anti-VEGF therapy response in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). A bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian randomization study. The summary statistics for anti-VEGF nAMD treatment response included a total of 128 responders, 51 nonresponders, and 6 908 005 genetic variants available for analysis. The sample size of lipid biomarkers is 441 016 and 12 321 875 genetic variants available for analysis. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was conducted to exhaustively appraise the causalities among 13 lipid biomarkers and the risk of different anti-VEGF treatment responses (including visual acuity [VA] and central retinal thickness [CRT]) for nAMD subtypes. Thirteen lipid biomarkers, VA, and CRT. A positive causal relationship was identified between triglycerides (TGs), apolipoproteins (Apos) E2, ApoE3, total cholesterol (TC), and VA response to anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD, as confirmed by MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode models. The MR-Egger model yielded statistically significant results for TC, ApoA-I, ApoB, and ApoA-V in relation to the CRT response to anti-VEGF treatment in patients with nAMD. In the reverse MR, the MR-Egger model identified significant causal relationships between ApoA-I, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), ApoE3, and ApoF and the VA response. However, this was not the case in the weighted median and weighted mode models. In the MR-Egger model, ApoB, LDL-c, ApoE3, and ApoM were identified as significantly influencing the CRT response. In the multisample MR analysis, TC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-c, and TG were found to be causally related to VA response, and TC was also identified as being causally related to the CRT response to anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD. This MR study suggests unidirectional causality between TG and ApoE3 and the response to anti-VEGF treatment in patients with nAMD. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. Show less
Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease caused by multiple factors. Anti-inflammatory treatment is an effective approach to treat atherosclerosis. Talin1 is a cell membrane-associat Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease caused by multiple factors. Anti-inflammatory treatment is an effective approach to treat atherosclerosis. Talin1 is a cell membrane-associated cytoskeletal protein that is widely expressed in mammals and plays essential roles in angiogenesis and endothelial cell barrier function. However, the role of Talin1 in atherosclerosis and the related mechanisms remains unclear. ApoE-KO mice were subjected to partial carotid artery ligation to establish an atherosclerosis model, and the expression of Talin1 in atherosclerotic plaques was verified in vivo. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated with tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (10 ng/mL) and subjected to low oscillatory shear stress (OSS) (approximately ± 4 dyn/cm2) to establish cellular inflammation models. A lentivirus was used to regulate Talin1 expression in HUVECs and HAECs. Talin1 levels were increased in the serum of subjects with coronary heart disease (CHD) compared with those without CHD. We also found that Talin1 levels were increased in the serum of ApoE-KO mice in the operation group compared with the sham operation group. In addition, Talin1 expression was increased in endothelial cells in atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, neither TNF-α nor OSS promoted inflammation in endothelial cells with Talin1 knockdown. Moreover, we found that TNF-α and OSS could activate Piezo1 to mediate Ca²⁺ influx and subsequently activate Talin1 to regulate YAP and promote inflammation. The results of this study suggest that Talin1 plays a vital role in endothelial inflammation and may be a novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. Show less
The Kirgiz, a Turkic-speaking ethnic group with a rich nomadic heritage, represent a pivotal population for understanding human migration and adaptation in Central Asia. However, their genetic origins Show more
The Kirgiz, a Turkic-speaking ethnic group with a rich nomadic heritage, represent a pivotal population for understanding human migration and adaptation in Central Asia. However, their genetic origins and admixture history remain largely unexplored. Here, we present the first comprehensive genomic study of Kirgiz populations from Xinjiang, China (XJ.KGZ, n = 36) and their counterparts in Kyrgyzstan (KRG), integrating genome-wide data of 2,406 global individuals. Our analyses reveal four primary ancestry components in XJ.KGZ: East Asian (41.7%), Siberian (25.6%), West Eurasian (25.2%), and South Asian (7.6%). Despite close genetic affinity (FST = 0.13%), XJ.KGZ and KRG diverged ∼447 years ago, with limited gene flow post-split. A two-wave admixture model elucidates their demographic history: an initial East-West Eurasian mixture ∼2,225 years ago, likely reflecting west-east contacts during the period of the Warring States and the Qin Dynasty, followed by secondary admixture events (∼875 to 425 years ago) linked to historical migrations under Mongol and post-Mongol rule. Local adaptation signatures implicate genes critical for cellular tight junction (e.g. PATJ), pathogen invasion (e.g. OR14I1), and cardiac functions (e.g. RYR2) with allele frequency deviations suggesting ancestry-specific selection. While no classical high-altitude adaptation genes (e.g. EPAS1) showed selection signals, RYR2 and C10orf67-implicated in hypoxia response in Tibetan fauna-displayed Western ancestry bias, hinting at convergent adaptation mechanisms. This study advances our understanding of the genetic makeup and admixture history of the Kirgiz people and provides novel insights into human dispersal in Central Asia. Show less
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells ( Show more
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of POU6F2 in conversion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into CAFs in liver metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). POU6F2 expression was examined by real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The functional roles of POU6F2 in GAC liver metastasis were investigated both cellular experiments in vitro and in vivo using a mouse model of subcutaneous splenic injection. ChIP and ELISA assays were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of POU6F2 in liver metastasis of GAC. Here we reported that POU6F2 was upregulated in GAC tissue with liver metastasis, which predicted poor early liver metastasis. Upregulating POU6F2 promoted EMT, invasion and migration of GAC cells in vitro, and the liver metastasis of GAC cells in vivo. Mechanic investigation further revealed that upregulating POU6F2 promoted the invasion and metastasis of GAC by transcriptional upregulation of EMT-inducer SNAI1, and promoting the conversion of HSCs into CAFs dependent on transcriptional upregulation of IGF2-induced activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Our findings uncover a novel dual mechanism by which POU6F2 promotes liver metastasis of GAC. 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
Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understandin Show more
Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understanding of the genetic basis of HF and more specific NICM subtype in the East Asian populations and evaluate the biological pathways underlying subclinical left ventricular dysfunction. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for all-cause HF in the East Asian populations (N cases ~ 13,385) and a more precise definition of nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) subtype in multi-ancestry populations (N cases~3,603). We identified a low-frequency East-Asian enriched coding variant near MYBPC3 and a NICM specific locus. Follow up analyses demonstrated male-specific HF association at the MYBPC3 locus, and highlighted SVIL as a candidate causal gene for NICM. Moreover, we demonstrated that SVIL deficiency aggravated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and impaired cell viability in phenylephrine (PE)-treated H9C2 cells. In addition, the gene expression level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) which was deemed as a hallmark for HF was further elevated by SVIL silencing in PE-stimulated H9C2 cells. RNA-sequencing analysis of H9C2 cells revealed that the function of SVIL might be mediated through pathways relevant to regulation and differentiation of heart muscle. These results enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of HF in the East Asian populations, and provide important insight into the biological pathways underlying NICM and sex-specific relevance of the MYBPC3 locus that warrants further replication in another datasets. Show less
Aging-related lipid metabolic disorder is related to oxidative stress. Selenium (Se)-enriched Cardamine violifolia (SEC) is known for its excellent antioxidant function. The objective of this study wa Show more
Aging-related lipid metabolic disorder is related to oxidative stress. Selenium (Se)-enriched Cardamine violifolia (SEC) is known for its excellent antioxidant function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of SEC on antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in the liver of aged laying hens. A total of 450 sixty-five-wk-old Roman laying hens were randomly divided into 5 treatments: a basal diet (without Se supplementation, CON) and basal diets supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite (SS), 0.3 mg/kg Se from Se-enriched yeast (SEY), 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEC (SEC), or 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEC and 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEY (SEC + SEY). The experiment lasted for 8 wk. The results showed that dietary SEC + SEY supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) triglyceride (in the plasma and liver) and total cholesterol levels (in the plasma), and increased (P < 0.05) HDL-C concentration in plasma compared to CON diet. Compared with CON diet, SEC and/or SEY supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of hepatic ACC, FAS and HMGCR, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARα, VTG-II, Apo-VLDL II and ApoB expression. Dietary SEC + SEY and SEY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) Se content in egg yolk and breast muscle compared to CON diet. Dietary SEC, SEY or SEC + SEY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-PX, T-AOC and T-SOD) in the plasma and liver and decreased (P < 0.05) MDA content in the plasma compared to CON diet. Dietary Se supplementation promoted (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Nrf2 in the liver. In contrast, dietary SEY and SEC supplementation resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) of hepatic Keap1 mRNA expression compared to CON diet. Dietary SEC + SEY and/or SEC supplementation increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Selenof, GPX1 and GPX4 in the liver compared with CON diet. In conclusion, dietary SEC (0.3 mg/kg Se) or SEC (0.3 mg/kg Se) + SEY (0.3 mg/kg Se) improved the antioxidant capacity and the lipid metabolism in the liver of aged laying hens, which might be associated with regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Show less
Tianhe Ye, Cong Liu · 2025 · Frontiers in pediatrics · Frontiers · added 2026-04-24
Pulmonary artery sling (PAS) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly in which the left pulmonary artery (LPA) originates from the right pulmonary artery (RPA), forming a ring around the tracheobronchial Show more
Pulmonary artery sling (PAS) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly in which the left pulmonary artery (LPA) originates from the right pulmonary artery (RPA), forming a ring around the tracheobronchial tree. Due to non-specific respiratory symptoms, it is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to significant delays in diagnosis. This report emphasizes the crucial role of quantitative multimodal imaging in establishing a definitive diagnosis, stratifying risk, and guiding optimal surgical planning. A 4-year-and-7-month-old boy presented with a 4-year history of recurrent cough and wheezing that was refractory to standard medical therapy. Echocardiography revealed a dilated main pulmonary artery (MPA) measuring 1.9 cm ( This case of isolated PAS underscores the indispensable role of a multimodal imaging strategy. While echocardiography can provide initial clues, quantitative CTA is paramount for definitive anatomical classification, precise stenosis quantification, and comprehensive preoperative planning. Early consideration of PAS in children presenting with refractory respiratory symptoms, coupled with advanced imaging, can prevent misdiagnosis and optimize outcomes. Show less
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-se Show more
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-serving as promising reservoirs of such inhibitors. Nevertheless, comprehensive screening and mechanistic characterization of their inhibitory potential remain limited. This study sought to identify potent AChE inhibitors from YGE, investigate their mechanisms of action, and assess their therapeutic prospects for AD. Methodologically, an integrated approach was employed, combining ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography (UF-LC) for rapid inhibitor screening, molecular docking and dynamics simulations for mechanistic insight, two-stage high-speed countercurrent chromatography for compound isolation, enzyme kinetics to delineate inhibition modalities, and network pharmacology to uncover relevant AD-related targets. The findings identified seven active constituents with notable AChE inhibition, among which parishins A and G were obtained at high purity (98.26% and 97.26%, respectively) and exhibited mixed-type inhibition with low IC Show less
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a particularly aggressive form of cancer, characterized by its rapid progression and a complex interplay with the surrounding immune cellular environment. The Show more
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a particularly aggressive form of cancer, characterized by its rapid progression and a complex interplay with the surrounding immune cellular environment. The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the role of ANGPTL4 in the context of HCC, utilizing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) techniques to explore its impact on the M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and to uncover potential mechanisms driving HCC progression. To achieve this, we performed a transcriptome analysis of HCC cell lines, alongside cells obtained after co-culturing these lines with macrophages. By comparing gene expression profiles between the experimental groups exposed to ANGPTL4 and control groups, we aimed to identify specific molecular pathways associated with ANGPTL4's function. In addition to gene expression analysis, we employed flow cytometry to assess the polarization status of TAM. Furthermore, we utilized immunohistochemistry to evaluate the distribution of macrophages within HCC tissues and to quantify the expression levels of M2 macrophage markers. The results derived from RNA-seq analysis were particularly revealing; treatment with ANGPTL4 led to a significant upregulation of genes linked to M2 polarization, notably including CD206 and Arg1. In subsequent experimental observations, it became evident that ANGPTL4 not only facilitated the M2 polarization of macrophages but also enhanced the proliferation and migratory capacity of HCC cells through the upregulation of these same cytokines. Show less
This study aimed to investigate the expression pattern of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase class III (PIK3C3/vps34) in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and their juxtaposed normal counterparts and its correla Show more
This study aimed to investigate the expression pattern of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase class III (PIK3C3/vps34) in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and their juxtaposed normal counterparts and its correlation with the clinicopathological attributes and prognostic outlook of afflicted individuals. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to ascertain the expression levels of PIK3C3/vps34 across 60 GC tissues juxtaposed with their normal counterparts. Statistical methodologies were used to scrutinize the correlation between PIK3C3/vps34 expression and clinicopathological features, along with prognostic implications for GC patients. In GC tissues, the positive expression rate of PIK3C3/vps34 was 23.3% (14/60), which contrasted sharply with the markedly elevated rate of 66.7% (40/60) observed in adjacent tissues. The positive expression proportion of PIK3C3/vps34 within GC tissues exhibited a notable decrease than in adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of PIK3C3/vps34 inversely correlated with tumor size, degree of tissue differentiation, depth of tumor infiltration, and incidence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), whereas no significant associations were found with patient sex, age, tumor location, TNM staging, or distant metastasis (P > 0.05). As the tumor diameter increases, the degree of tissue differentiation diminishes, tumor infiltration depth intensifies, lymph node metastasis emerges, the TNM stage progresses, and PIK3C3/vps34 expression level within GC tissues declines correspondingly. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis unveiled a prolonged survival duration among GC patients exhibiting heightened PIK3C3/vps34 expression than in their counterparts with diminished expression (HR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.80), demonstrating statistical significance (P < 0.05). Protein interaction analysis revealed noteworthy interactions involving PIK3C3 with Beclin 1, UVRAG, and ATG14. PIK3C3/vps34 is downregulated in GC tissues, exerting a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, and is intimately linked with the prognostic trajectory of GC patients. It may serve as a significant biomarker for prognostic evaluation and a promising molecular therapeutic target for GC. Show less
To investigate the role of lncRNA BACE1-AS in neuronal injury and neurological deficits after ischemic stroke and explore its underlying molecular mechanism. MCAO rat model and OGD/R cell model were e Show more
To investigate the role of lncRNA BACE1-AS in neuronal injury and neurological deficits after ischemic stroke and explore its underlying molecular mechanism. MCAO rat model and OGD/R cell model were established. BACE1-AS expression was detected by RT-qPCR. Neurological function was evaluated by mNSS and MWM test. Inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10), neuronal injury markers (NSE, GFAP), and apoptosis-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3) were detected by ELISA and RT-qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and RIP assay were used to validate the targeting relationship between BACE1-AS and miR-103a-3p. BACE1-AS was significantly upregulated in both MCAO rats and OGD/R-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Silencing BACE1-AS alleviated neurological deficits, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. Mechanistically, BACE1-AS targeted miR-103a-3p, and inhibiting miR-103a-3p reversed the neuroprotective effects of BACE1-AS silencing in vivo and in vitro. Silencing BACE1-AS mitigates neuronal injury and neurological deficits after ischemic stroke by targeting miR-103a-3p, providing a novel therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. Show less
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study Show more
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study analyzed cognitive function, gut microbiota changes, and inflammatory factor levels in 39 unmedicated MDD patients and 41 healthy controls, employing correlation and moderation effect analysis. MDD patients scored lower than controls in cognitive functions like information processing speed, attention/vigilance, verbal learning, visual learning and social cognition. They showed reduced gut microbiota diversity and increased levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-27, IL-33). Sellimonas abundance correlated negatively with attention/vigilance, moderated by TNF-α, IL-27, and IL-33. This relationship was stronger at lower inflammation levels. MDD patients exhibit multi-domain cognitive dysfunction alongside pro-inflammatory states and disrupted gut microbiota. The abundance of Sellimonas significantly predicts attention/vigilance deficits. Inflammatory factors modulate the impact of gut microbiota on cognitive function, suggesting chronic low-grade inflammation as a key risk factor for cognitive impairment in MDD. Show less
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in Show more
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in breast cancer remains largely unexplored. We applied an advanced biosensor approach to detect the D-2HG levels in breast cancer samples. We then investigated the biological functions of D-2HG through multiple in vitro and in vivo assays. A joint MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq strategy was used to identify the target genes regulated by D-2HG-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m We found that D-2HG accumulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), exerting oncogenic effects both in vitro and in vivo by promoting TNBC cell growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, D-2HG enhanced global m Our study unveils a previously unrecognized role for D-2HG-mediated RNA modification in TNBC progression and targeting the D-2HG/FTO/m Show less
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensive Show more
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensively assessed the toxicity and function of novel selenium nanoparticles and traditional sodium selenite fertilizers across cell, zebrafish, and murine models. Both fertilizers enhanced antioxidant pathways at low doses, but selenium nanoparticles exhibited stronger antioxidant and ferroptosis-modulating effects with lower toxicity at a high dose. Sodium selenite increased total and lipid ROS production, leading to decreased viability of cells and increased distortion and mortality of zebrafish. In mice, sodium selenite induced hepatic toxicity and decreased GPX4. Transcriptome analysis revealed that sodium selenite downregulated c-JUN and APOA4, weakening the antioxidant defense, whereas selenium nanoparticles promoted ferroptosis resistance through FGF21. These findings suggest selenium nanoparticles as a safer alternative for Se biofortification, mitigating health risks while supporting food security and environmental sustainability. Show less
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, is a key pathogenic ev Show more
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, is a key pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) have shown great potential for disease treatment by specifically silencing target genes. However, the poor brain delivery efficiency of siRNAs limits their therapeutic efficacy against AD. We designed a simplified and effective BACE1 siRNA (siBACE1) delivery system, namely, dendritic polyamidoamine modified with the neurotropic virus-derived peptide RVG29 and polyethylene glycol (PPR@siBACE1). PPR@siBACE1 crossed the blood-brain barrier efficiently and entered brain parenchyma in large amount, with subsequent neurotropism and potential microglia-targeting ability. Both in vitro and in vivo studies validated the effective brain delivery of siBACE1 and strong BACE1 silencing efficiency. Treatment of AD mice with PPR@siBACE1 inhibited the production of Aβ, potentiated Aβ phagocytosis by microglia, improved the memory deficits and reduced neuroinflammatory response in AD mice. This study provides a reliable delivery platform for gene therapies for AD. Show less
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreat Show more
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC). A retrospective cohort of 364 pathologically confirmed PC patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2019 and December 2022 was analyzed. The optimal cutoff for Lp(a) was identified using X-tile software, allowing categorization into high and low Lp(a) groups. To minimize selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized. Survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify independent prognostic variables affecting OS and PFS. Patients with high Lp(a) had significantly shorter OS and PFS both before and after PSM (post-PSM OS: 12.28 vs. 27.67 months, P = 0.003; PFS: 7.00 vs. 11.30 months, P = 0.002). Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed high Lp(a) as an independent predictor of poor OS [HR = 2.11 (1.17-3.81), P = 0.013] and PFS [HR = 2.14 (1.20-3.83), P = 0.010]. In the surgical subgroup (n = 215), high Lp(a) was also associated with worse OS (16.43 vs. 35.47 months, P = 0.02) and PFS (8.40 vs. 11.77 months, P = 0.036). Multivariate analysis in this subgroup showed that high Lp(a) remained an independent risk factor for OS [HR = 2.82 (1.36-5.87), P = 0.006] and PFS [HR = 2.01 (1.06-3.86), P = 0.034]. Elevated serum Lp(a) is an independent predictor of reduced OS and PFS in patients with pancreatic cancer. In contrast to conventional lipid profiles, the genetic stability of Lp(a) makes it a reliable baseline prognostic marker. Show less
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Show more
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Our study aims to explore the heterogeneity of IA, identify bridge connectors, and compare the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with mindfulness-based intervention (CBT+MBI) versus CBT alone in reducing IA levels among Chinese college students. In study 1, 1,030 Chinese college students completed assessments of IA, automatic thoughts, self-control, and anxiety. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct symptom profiles of IA across individuals. Network analysis (NA) identified bridge connectors for targeted intervention. In study 2, 36 participants randomly selected from the high IA and low IA groups of study 1 were randomly assigned to CBT+MBI, CBT alone, or a control group. The CBT+MBI group received an 8-week dual-modality intervention and the CBT alone received an 8-week CBT intervention, both designed to target the bridge connectors identified via NA in Study 1, while the control group only completed basic questionnaires. In study 1, LPA identified four subgroups: regular, at-risk, low IA, and high IA groups. NA pinpointed automatic thoughts and anxiety as bridge connectors. In study 2, targeted interventions significantly reduced college students' levels of IA. CBT+MBI resulted in greater and more sustained improvements compared to CBT alone, with effects maintained for six-month post-intervention. Our study not only reinforces the I-PACE model but also provides actionable strategies for designing evidence-based, multidimensional interventions to reduce addictive behaviors among college students. Show less
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective po Show more
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of orlistat (ORL), a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, in a murine TBI model. Behavioral, histological, and molecular analyses demonstrated that ORL significantly attenuated TBI-induced neurological damage. Microglial depletion experiments revealed that ORL's neuroprotective effects were largely mediated through microglial modulation. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that ORL suppressed microglial activation, phagocytosis, and migration. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified upregulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in a TBI-induced microglial subpopulation. Molecular docking predicted ORL-LPL binding, suggesting direct enzymatic inhibition. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further revealed ORL's modulation of microglial metabolic pathways and inflammatory responses. Our findings position ORL as a promising repurposed therapeutic for TBI through its novel mechanism of targeting microglial LPL-mediated neuroinflammation. Show less
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback imm Show more
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback immunomodulator in TAO. Serum IL-27α levels were significantly elevated in patients with TAO compared with healthy and inflammatory disease controls. In orbital fibroblasts (OFs), exogenous IL-27 suppressed IL-1β-induced proinflammatory cytokines and reduced hypoxia-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. IL-27 also attenuated TGF-β-driven fibrosis via p38 MAPK signaling in CD90 Show less