Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) and adriamycin (also named doxorubicin, DOX)-induced acute myocardial injuries have a significant impact on health, causing serious economic and medical burdens. Therefore, w Show more
Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) and adriamycin (also named doxorubicin, DOX)-induced acute myocardial injuries have a significant impact on health, causing serious economic and medical burdens. Therefore, we need to explore and identify drugs with potential therapeutic value for treating I/R- and DOX-induced myocardial injury. In the present study, we explored the therapeutic potential of FGF4 for I/R and DOX-induced myocardial injury. We found that FGF4 showed good improvement in acute cardiac injury. However, due to the short half-life of FGF4, we further prepared a myocardial-targeted FGF4-sustained release nanoliposome (named FGF4-NANO-IMTP). We investigated the effect of FGF4-NANO-IMTP on myocardial injury caused by I/R and DOX. Show less
Tumor fibrosis is recognized as a malignant hallmark in various solid tumors; however, the clinical importance and associated molecular characteristics of tumor fibrosis in liver metastases (LM) from Show more
Tumor fibrosis is recognized as a malignant hallmark in various solid tumors; however, the clinical importance and associated molecular characteristics of tumor fibrosis in liver metastases (LM) from colorectal cancer (CRLM) remain poorly understood. Here we show that patients with CRLM whose liver metastases (LM) exhibited tumor fibrosis (Fibrosis+ LM) had significantly worse progression-free survival (P = 0.025) and overall survival (P = 0.008). Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that the tumor microenvironment of the Fibrosis+ LM was characterized by T cells with an exhausted phenotype, macrophages displaying a profibrotic and suppressive phenotype and fibrosis-promoting fibroblasts. Further investigation highlighted the pivotal role of VCAN_eCAF in remodeling the tumor fibrosis in the tumor microenvironment of Fibrosis+ LM, emphasizing potential targetable interactions such as FGF23 or FGF3-FGFR1. Validation through multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics supported these findings. Here we present a comprehensive single-cell atlas of tumor fibrosis in LM, revealing the intricate multicellular environment and molecular features associated with it. These insights deepen our understanding of tumor fibrosis mechanisms and inform improved clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies. Show less
Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) stands as an unavoidable complication arising from kidney surgery, profoundly intertwined with its prognosis. The role of differentially expressed in FDCP 6 ho Show more
Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) stands as an unavoidable complication arising from kidney surgery, profoundly intertwined with its prognosis. The role of differentially expressed in FDCP 6 homolog (DEF6) in RIRI remains elusive, despite its confirmation as a potential therapeutic target for diverse diseases. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which DEF6 regulated RIRI. RNA sequencing data and IP-MS were used to identify the expression and potential targets of DEF6 through bioinformatics analysis. To elucidate the impact of DEF6 on RIRI, both an in vivo model of RIRI in mice and an in vitro model of kidney cell hypoxia/reoxygenation were established. Biochemical and histological analyses were used to investigate the influence of DEF6 on kidney damage mediated by RIRI. We confirmed that DEF6 was upregulated during RIRI and had a close correlation with RIRI-related inflammation and apoptosis. Moreover, inhibition of DEF6 could mitigate RIRI-induced kidney damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. Through our comprehensive mechanistic investigation, we revealed that DEF6 interacts with poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1) and suppresses the ubiquitination of PARP1. Inhibition of DEF6 resulted in reduced cleaveage of PARP1, leading to a marked suppression of PARP1-mediated apoptosis activation. The aggravation effect on inflammation and apoptosis achieved through DEF6 was nullified by the inhibition of NF-κB and Bax/Bcl2 signaling activation through PARP1 deletion. The findings from our study indicate that DEF6 suppressed the WWP2 mediated ubiquitination of PARP1 and modulates the activation of NF-κB and Bax/Bcl2 pathway, thus involved in RIRI-induced inflammation and apoptosis. These results suggest that DEF6 holds promise as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating RIRI. Show less
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in plants and soil poses significant risks to livestock, particularly sheep. Cd exposure often leads to severe gastrointestinal diseases in sheep that are difficult to treat Show more
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in plants and soil poses significant risks to livestock, particularly sheep. Cd exposure often leads to severe gastrointestinal diseases in sheep that are difficult to treat. Milk-derived exosomes, particularly those from sheep milk (SM-Exo), have shown potential in treating gastrointestinal disorders, though their efficacy in Cd-induced colitis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of SM-Exo in a Cd-induced colitis model. Hu sheep were exposed to Cd, and their fecal microbiota were collected to prepare bacterial solutions for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in mice. The changes in gut microbiota and gene expression were analyzed through microbiome and transcriptomics. Our results showed that prior to treatment, harmful bacteria (e.g., Show less
Obesity is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which promotes the progression of metabolic disorders. MicroRNA (miR)-6838-5p is dysregulated and participates in the progression of several disorder models Show more
Obesity is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which promotes the progression of metabolic disorders. MicroRNA (miR)-6838-5p is dysregulated and participates in the progression of several disorder models. To explore the role and mechanism of miR-6838-5p in insulin resistance. Mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) to construct an obesity animal model. The role of miR-6838-5p was evaluated by insulin tolerance test (ITT), glucose tolerance test (GTT), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot assays. The potential target of miR-6838-5p was screened through the starBase online website and confirmed by the luciferase assay. HFD supply induced a prominent increase in the body weight, white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, the area under the curve (AUC) of GTT and ITT, HOMA-IR, the serum level of insulin and the serum concentrations and relative protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) accompanied with reduced levels of IL-10 in mice. The level of miR-6838-5p was reduced in HFD-fed mice. Upregulation of miR-6838-5p partly reversed the above-mentioned indicators. Moreover, miR-6838-5p directly targeted to β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme1 (BACE1) and negatively regulated the BACE1 expression. Downregulation of BACE1 improved insulin sensitivity and inflammatory mediators release involving in AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway in HFD-fed mice. Besides, overexpression of BACE1 counteracted the depressant role of miR-6838-5p overexpression in insulin resistance and inflammatory factors release in HFD-fed mice. MiR-6838-5p/BACE1 axis regulated insulin resistance and inflammatory factors release in HFD-fed mice. Show less
This study explored latent mental health profiles among adolescents in southwestern China and the association with emotional regulation using the dual-factor model framework. 1,682 junior middle schoo Show more
This study explored latent mental health profiles among adolescents in southwestern China and the association with emotional regulation using the dual-factor model framework. 1,682 junior middle school students completed the LPA revealed three profiles: Troubled (31.51%, high negative symptoms/low well-being), complete mental health (61.30%, low negative symptoms/high well-being), and more troubled (7.19%, severe negative symptoms/extremely low well-being). Cognitive reappraisal positively predicted complete mental health (vs. Troubled; Three distinct profiles emerged, differing from the traditional dual-factor model. Cognitive reappraisal protects mental health, while expressive suppression correlates with poorer outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions promoting cognitive reappraisal. Show less
The beak bean, found only in waterfowl and Galliformes, aids in foraging, self-defense and pecking hard objects. Its rich coloration results from prolonged evolutionary adaptation. This study analyzed Show more
The beak bean, found only in waterfowl and Galliformes, aids in foraging, self-defense and pecking hard objects. Its rich coloration results from prolonged evolutionary adaptation. This study analyzed beak bean phenotypes of duck at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days of age, revealing that the most common type is the black beak bean, characterized by melanin deposition on the beak surface. This study performed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to investigate the genetic basis of beak bean color, identifying signals on chromosome 1. The copy number variation region-based GWAS revealed a consistent candidate region overlapping with the SNP-based GWAS signals, further supporting the importance of this genomic region. Locus zoom analysis further refined the candidate regions to 48.5-50.5 and 50.8-52.8 Mb. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted six candidate genes within these regions: KITLG, DUSP6, GALNT4, MGAT4C, ATP2B1 and NTS. Notably, KITLG and DUSP6, which are linked to melanin production, were identified as key candidate genes for beak bean color. Our finding revealed the genetic basis of the bean color traits for the first time in ducks, providing a theoretical foundation and technological framework for enhancing duck beak coloration. Show less
Gallstone disease (GD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a significant genetic component. Despite known risk factors, the genetic basis of GD remains incompletely understood. We aimed to iden Show more
Gallstone disease (GD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a significant genetic component. Despite known risk factors, the genetic basis of GD remains incompletely understood. We aimed to identify novel genetic loci associated with GD, explore their clinical implications and investigate their therapeutic potential. We conducted a genome-wide association study from the UK Biobank followed by a meta-analysis, integrating summary statistics from the FinnGen R11, with further replication from Biobank Japan. Using systematic bioinformatic approaches, we performed gene prioritisation, colocalisation analysis, transcriptome-wide association study, Mendelian randomisations, cross-trait genetic correlations, phenome-wide association study, clinical investigations and gene-environment interactions by leveraging data from the FinnGen, Genotype-Tissue Expression project and Liver Cell Atlas single-cell transcriptomics data set. Our study highlighted novel susceptibility loci near candidate genes (ie, This study provides new insights into the genetic basis of GD and highlights the role of hepatocytes in GD pathogenesis. These findings have implications for the personalised prevention strategies and new therapeutic interventions in individuals predisposed to GD. Show less
Cardiac hypertrophy as one of the major predisposing factors for chronic heart failure lacks effective interventions. It has been shown that protein ubiquitination plays an important role in cardiac h Show more
Cardiac hypertrophy as one of the major predisposing factors for chronic heart failure lacks effective interventions. It has been shown that protein ubiquitination plays an important role in cardiac hypertrophy. SMURF2 (SMAD-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase 2) is an important member of NEDD4 (neuronal precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4) family of HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases. In this study we investigated the regulatory role of SMURF2 in cardiac hypertrophy. Experiment models were established in mice by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in vivo, as well as in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) by treatment with angiotensin II (Ang II, 1 μM) in vitro. We showed that the expression levels of SMURF2 were significantly elevated in cardiac tissues from patients with cardiac hypertrophy and the two experiment models. In NRCMs, SMURF2 knockdown or treatment with a specific SMURF2 inhibitor heclin (8 μM) significantly inhibited Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, evidenced by reduced mRNA levels of Anp, Bnp and β-Mhc as well as cell surface. Prophylactic or therapeutic administration of heclin (10 mg·kg 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
Women diagnosed with PCOS exhibit a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aims to assess risk factors of OSA among patients with PCOS. This retrospective study included 126 pati Show more
Women diagnosed with PCOS exhibit a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study aims to assess risk factors of OSA among patients with PCOS. This retrospective study included 126 patients with PCOS who were categorized into an OSA group (n = 30) and a non-OSA group (n = 96) according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). A control group comprised 72 patients without PCOS who presented during the same period for infertility due to fallopian tube, pelvic, or male factors. Patients with PCOS A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze independent risk factors for OSA in the PCOS group. Patients with PCOS had significantly higher AHI values and elevated values for various physical indicators, including body mass index (BMI) and neck, waist, and hip circumferences; prolactin (PRL); fasting plasma glucose (FPG); insulin (FINS); triglycerides (TG); homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); 2-hour postprandial glucose (2-hPG) and insulin (2-hINS); AHI; and oxygen desaturation index (ODI). Conversely, levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO OSA in PCOS patients is linked to metabolic indicators. High neck circumference and BMI levels were independent risk factors, highlighting the need for OSA in routine PCOS screening, particularly in the context of metabolic dysregulation. Show less
Obesity is a global health challenge marked by substantial inter-individual differences in responses to dietary and lifestyle interventions. Traditional weight loss strategies often overlook critical Show more
Obesity is a global health challenge marked by substantial inter-individual differences in responses to dietary and lifestyle interventions. Traditional weight loss strategies often overlook critical biological variations in genetics, metabolic profiles, and gut microbiota composition, contributing to poor adherence and variable outcomes. Our primary aim is to identify key biological and behavioral effectors relevant to precision medicine for weight control, with a particular focus on nutrition, while also discussing their current and potential integration into digital health platforms. Thus, this review aligns more closely with the identification of influential factors within precision medicine (e.g., genetic, metabolic, and microbiome factors) but also explores how these factors are currently integrated into digital health tools. We synthesize recent advances in nutrigenomics, nutritional metabolomics, and microbiome-informed nutrition, highlighting how tailored dietary strategies-such as high-protein, low-glycemic, polyphenol-enriched, and fiber-based diets-can be aligned with specific genetic variants (e.g., FTO and MC4R), metabolic phenotypes (e.g., insulin resistance), and gut microbiota profiles (e.g., Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, characterized by intricate interactions between immune dysregulation and lipid metabolism abnormalities-identify Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, characterized by intricate interactions between immune dysregulation and lipid metabolism abnormalities-identifying key mediators in its pathogenesis is critical for improving diagnostics and therapies. This study focuses on Transmembrane Protein 106A (TMEM106A) to clarify its role and clinical relevance in AS progression. Public transcriptomic datasets (GSE43292, GSE100927, GSE28829) were analyzed to assess TMEM106A expression and diagnostic value; single-cell RNA-seq data (GSE159677) defined its cellular localization. Immune infiltration (ssGSEA, Cibersort, xCell) and CellChat (intercellular communication) analyses explored its immune associations. TMEM106A was significantly upregulated in AS samples across datasets, with strong diagnostic efficacy (AUC 0.80-0.95). Single-cell analysis confirmed its specific enrichment in macrophages, with functional links to immune-related pathways. TMEM106A promoted macrophage infiltration, foam cell formation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses, while regulating PLCB2 in chemokine signaling; silencing TMEM106A alleviated these pro-atherosclerotic effects. TMEM106A contributes to AS progression by modulating macrophage-mediated immune responses and chemokine signaling, as validated in experimental models. These findings support its potential as a clinically relevant biomarker and promising therapeutic target for AS intervention. Show less
To establish the reference interval for the serum lipid index in pregnant women and to explore the relationship between lipid metabolism levels and pregnancy outcomes. Data were derived from 446 pregn Show more
To establish the reference interval for the serum lipid index in pregnant women and to explore the relationship between lipid metabolism levels and pregnancy outcomes. Data were derived from 446 pregnancy women and 317 healthy non-pregnant women. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured in both groups. The mean and standard deviation of each index were calculated to establish the reference range of normal serum lipid levels in pregnant women in mid-to-late pregnancy. The associations between serum lipid levels and perinatal outcomes were assessed statistically. There were no significant differences in age, pregnancy, or parity between the adverse outcome and normal delivery groups, but the caesarean section rate was significantly higher in the adverse outcome group. The levels of hs-CRP, TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and ApoA1 were significantly higher in the adverse outcome group. Elevated hs-CRP, TG, and HDL-C levels were risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal threshold of the combined diagnosis of these three indicators to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes was 0.534, and the area under the curve was 0.822. The establishment of lipid reference intervals in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can effectively evaluate lipid metabolism in pregnant women, and the measurement of lipid metabolism in pregnant women is helpful in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. Show less
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative non-invasive therapy for human cancer treatment. The significance of apoptosis-related genes (ARGs) in the prognosis of bladder cancer (BLCA) has gradually Show more
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative non-invasive therapy for human cancer treatment. The significance of apoptosis-related genes (ARGs) in the prognosis of bladder cancer (BLCA) has gradually emerged. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prognostic significance and pathogenesis of PDT related genes (PDTRGs)-ARGs in BLCA cases. Based on the BLCA data in TCGA, PDTRGs-ARGs with prognostic value in BLCA patients were screened. Subsequently, the prognostic value and diagnostic performance of all candidate genes were evaluated by univariate Cox regression analysis and ROC curves. Then, GSEA, GSVA and immune microenvironment analysis were conducted based on candidate genes. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of key candidate genes in BLCA patients were initially explored by qRT-PCR, CCK-8 analysis, Transwell Assay and Western Blotting. A total of 5 ARGs-PDTRGs (EMP1, FGFR1, PLPPR4, JUN, TNFRSF25) were screened as prognostic biomarkers for BLCA. Survival analysis revealed significant differences in overall survival of the five prognostic biomarkers in the high/low expression groups. ROC curve analysis revealed that the five prognostic biomarkers had strong prognostic predictive ability. QRT-PCR proved that the expression of EMP1, FGFR1, PLPPR4 and JUN was obviously reduced, while TNFRSF25 was markedly increased in BLCA tissue samples and cell lines. The following research confirmed that FGFR1 inhibited the biological process of T24 cells by activating cGMP-PKG pathway. Five ARGs-PDTRGs (EMP1, FGFR1, PLPPR4, JUN, TNFRSF25) were screened as prognostic biomarkers for BLCA. Among them, FGFR1 inhibits the biological process of T24 cells via activating cGMP-PKG pathway. Show less
Declining mitochondrial function is an established feature of aging and contributes to most aging-related diseases through its impact on various pathologies such as chronic inflammation, fibrosis and Show more
Declining mitochondrial function is an established feature of aging and contributes to most aging-related diseases through its impact on various pathologies such as chronic inflammation, fibrosis and cellular senescence. Our recent work suggests that benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is an aging-related disease frequently associated with inflammation, fibrosis and senescence, is characterized by a decline in mitochondrial function. Here, we utilize glycolytic restriction and pharmacologic inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain complex I to promote mitochondrial dysfunction and identify the cellular processes impacted by declining mitochondrial function in benign prostate stromal cells. Using this model, we show that mitochondrial dysfunction induced alterations in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, elevated fibronectin expression, resistance to anoikis and stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS). We also showed that ablation of ZC3H4, a transcription termination factor implicated in anoikis-resistance and reduced in BPH relative to normal prostates, phenocopied various phenotypes in the human BHPrS1 prostate stromal cell line that resulted from inhibition of complex I. Furthermore, ZC3H4 ablation resulted in the elevation of mitochondrial superoxide (mtROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential, altered mitochondrial morphology and NAD Show less
The association between gut microbes and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has not been entirely elucidated. We aimed to demonstrate the association between gut microbes and AD and to further investigate the p Show more
The association between gut microbes and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has not been entirely elucidated. We aimed to demonstrate the association between gut microbes and AD and to further investigate the pathogenesis of microbes with a causal relationship to AD. Mendelian randomization analyses were used to determine the significant causal relationship between gut microbes and AD. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was used to identify the hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis was used to reveal the pathogenesis theoretically between gut microbes and AD. In the present study, a total of 32 microbes were identified that were significantly associated with AD. Subsequently, DLGAP2, NRXN3, NEGR1, NTNAP2, MYH9, and SCN3A were identified as hub genes. The genes NRXN3, NEGR1, and NTNAP2 were enriched in the cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) signaling, and the taxons of gut microbes that corresponded to these were Show less
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently accompanied with metabolic dysfunctions, yet the causal relationships between metabolic factors and PCOS remain to be conclusively established and etiolo Show more
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently accompanied with metabolic dysfunctions, yet the causal relationships between metabolic factors and PCOS remain to be conclusively established and etiology-based therapies are lacking. To comprehensively identify the metabolic causal factors and potential drug targets for PCOS. This genetic association study was conducted using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR), multivariable MR (MVMR) and drug-target MR. Considering metabolic sexual dimorphism, female-specific genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for metabolic factors were obtained. To ensure the robustness of the findings, an additional independent PCOS GWAS dataset was utilized for replication. The PCOS cohort included 10,074 PCOS cases (mean age 28 to 45 years) and 103,164 controls (mean age 27 to 60 years) of European ancestry. All participants were female. Employing two-sample MR analysis, we found that genetically proxied body mass index (BMI) (OR = 3.40 [95 % CI, 2.65-4.36]), triglyceride (TG) (OR = 1.54 [95 % CI, 1.17-2.04]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (OR = 1.37 [95 % CI, 1.07-1.76]), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) (OR = 1.24 [95 % CI, 1.09-1.41]) were significantly associated with an increased risk of PCOS, whereas genetically predicted high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (OR = 0.61 [95 % CI, 0.47-0.80]) decreased the odds of PCOS. Stepwise MVMR established a hierarchy of interactions among these metabolic factors, identifying BMI and HDL-c as the most prominent causal factors. Notably, drug-target MR analysis identified incretin-based therapeutics, PCSK9 inhibitors, LPL gene therapy, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones as potential therapeutics for PCOS. All these findings were validated in an independent dataset. This study offered insights into the roles of obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in PCOS etiology and therapeutics, underscoring the necessity for managing metabolic health in women and paving the way for tailored therapeutic strategies for PCOS based on its metabolic underpinnings. Show less
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) exhibit the highest degree of heritability among all human tumors, yet the genetics of urinary bladder paragangliomas (UBPGLs) remains poorly understood. T Show more
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) exhibit the highest degree of heritability among all human tumors, yet the genetics of urinary bladder paragangliomas (UBPGLs) remains poorly understood. The present study aims to examine the characteristics of a cohort of Chinese patients with UBPGLs, focusing particularly on genetics. The study included 70 Chinese patients with UBPGLs from 15 centers in China, 240 patients with non-head and neck PGLs (non-HNPGLs) outside the urine bladder, and 16 Caucasian patients with UBPGLs. Tumor DNA samples were sequenced by next generation sequencing. All identified pathogenic variants (PVs) were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Among the 70 Chinese patients, PVs were identified in 38 cases: 23 in cluster 1 A (13 SDHB, 1 SDHD, 1 SDHA, 4 IDH1, 2 SLC25A11, and 2 FH), 4 in cluster 1B (3 EPAS1 and 1 EGLN1), and 11 in cluster 2 genes (7 HRAS, 1 FGFR1, 2 NF1, and 1 H3F3A). Compared with other non-HNPGLs, UBPGLs had more PVs in cluster 1 A genes (32.9% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.001), but fewer in cluster 1B (5.7% vs. 19.2%, p = 0.002) and cluster 2 genes (15.7% vs. 42.5%, p < 0.001). PVs in SDHB (18.6%) was the most common in Chinese patients with UBPGLs, followed by HRAS (10.0%). No PVs was found in 45.7% of all UBPGLs. PVs in HRAS, SLC25A11, EPAS1, and FH were also identified in Caucasians with UBPGLs. Chinese patients with UBPGLs have a diverse genetic profile. PVs in cluster 1 A genes underlie nearly 1/3 of patients, highlighting the importance of genetic testing. Diverse germline and somatic PVs are also present in Caucasian patients with UBPGLs. Show less
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread environmental pollutant with known neurotoxic and cardiometabolic effects, and its influence on lipid metabolism during childhood remains insufficiently understood. Mitoch Show more
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread environmental pollutant with known neurotoxic and cardiometabolic effects, and its influence on lipid metabolism during childhood remains insufficiently understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction is proposed as a potential mechanism linking Hg exposure to metabolic disruption. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) is regarded as an indicator of mitochondrial biogenesis and functional capacity, where lower levels generally suggest mitochondrial damage or dysfunction. In contrast, ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and relative telomere length (RTL) reflect genomic stability and cellular aging. This study investigated the associations between blood Hg levels and serum lipid profiles in children and adolescents and assessed the mediating roles of mtDNA-CN, rDNA, and RTL. A cross-sectional study was performed among 352 children and adolescents aged 6–17 years in eastern China. Blood Hg levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and serum lipid markers, namely total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and lipoprotein(a), were assessed along with the genomic indicators such as mtDNA-CN, rDNA, and RTL. Multivariable linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted. Higher Hg levels were significantly related with increased TC (β = 0.144, Hg exposure in children and adolescents is linked to an atherogenic lipid profile, potentially through mitochondrial dysfunction. MtDNA-CN appears to be a sensitive molecular mediator of Hg-induced lipid disturbances, which highlights the relevance of mitochondrial health in early-life environmental epidemiology and cardiovascular risk prevention. The findings support early prevention strategies and environmentally focused health policies that reduce toxicant exposure and thus promote long-term cardiometabolic health in young populations. Show less
Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is a neurological disease that primarily affects premature infants and involves infiltration of blood into the brain's ventricles followed by excessive accumulatio Show more
Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is a neurological disease that primarily affects premature infants and involves infiltration of blood into the brain's ventricles followed by excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), leading to ventricular enlargement and increased intracranial pressure. The precise mechanisms driving PHH development and persistence are incompletely understood and lack disease-modifying treatments. Using a mouse model of PHH, we have identified transcriptomic, proteomic, and cellular features of PHH involving neuroimmune and neurovascular alterations recapitulating those reported in human disease. Improvement upon a lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-induced PHH mouse model was combined with unbiased proteomic and single-nucleus transcriptomics that identified microglial molecular pathways propagating PHH. Pharmacological depletion of microglia in vivo significantly reduced PHH-associated ventriculomegaly. These data identify microglial and neurovascular elements in the development of PHH, implicating them as other potentially tractable therapeutic targets beyond LPA receptors, towards developing medical treatments for PHH. Show less
The precise involvement of Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 3-Like Protein (GNL3L) in lung cancer progression and invasion remains unclear. In this study, we explored the impact and underlying Show more
The precise involvement of Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 3-Like Protein (GNL3L) in lung cancer progression and invasion remains unclear. In this study, we explored the impact and underlying mechanisms of GNL3L on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and evaluated the therapeutic potential of targeting GNL3L. Inhibition of GNL3L expression led to a notable decrease in the in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 and H1299 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Meanwhile, GNL3L silencing could significantly reduce the tumor volume of the nude mice and improve the outcomes of tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Additionally, inhibition of GNL3L expression dramatically suppressed NF-κB activation and Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 expression. Overexpression of Slug or treatment of the GNL3L-deficient cells with NF-κB activator can partially restore the growth suppressed by GNL3L deficiency, and combined treatment with Slug overexpression and NF-κB activator could totally restore the suppressed cell growth caused by GNL3L deficiency. Moreover, the overexpression of MMP2 or MMP9 could partially enhance the reduced migration and invasion caused by GNL3L deficiency, and this GNL3L-deficiency-caused suppression of migration and invasion can be totally restored by the overexpression of MMP2 and MMP9 together. These results strongly indicated that GNL3L has the capability to activate the NF-κB and increase Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 expression, which in turn could stimulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells. NF-κB activation and Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 expression enhanced by GNL3L, leading to the promotion of proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells, indicating the therapeutic implications and potential significance of these pathways in the progression and invasion of NSCLCs that overexpress GNL3L protein. Show less
Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) infection is a major cause of coccidiosis in chickens, leading to significant economic losses in the poultry industry due to its impact on the cecum. This study presents a Show more
Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) infection is a major cause of coccidiosis in chickens, leading to significant economic losses in the poultry industry due to its impact on the cecum. This study presents a comprehensive single-cell atlas of the chicken cecal epithelium by generating 7,394 cells using 10X Genomics single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We identified 13 distinct cell types, including key immune and epithelial populations, and characterized their gene expression profiles and cell-cell communication networks. Integration of this single-cell data with bulk RNA-seq data from E. tenella-infected chickens revealed significant alterations in cell type composition and state, particularly a marked decrease in APOB 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
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is marked by cognitive deterioration and heightened neuroinflammation. The influence of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R Show more
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is marked by cognitive deterioration and heightened neuroinflammation. The influence of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R) and its post-translational modifications, especially sumoylation, is crucial in understanding the progression of AD and exploring novel therapeutic avenues. This study investigates the impact of exercise on the sumoylation of IGF1R and its role in ameliorating AD symptoms in APP/PS1 mice, with a specific focus on neuroinflammation and innovative therapeutic strategies. APP/PS1 mice were subjected to a regimen of moderate-intensity exercise. The investigation encompassed assessments of cognitive functions, alterations in hippocampal protein expressions, neuroinflammatory markers, and the effects of exercise on IGF1R and SUMO1 nuclear translocation. Additionally, the study evaluated the efficacy of KPT-330, a nuclear export inhibitor, as an alternative to exercise. Exercise notably enhanced cognitive functions in AD mice, possibly through modulations in hippocampal proteins, including Bcl-2 and BACE1. A decrease in neuroinflammatory markers such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was observed, indicative of reduced neuroinflammation. Exercise modulated the nuclear translocation of SUMO1 and IGF1R in the hippocampus, thereby facilitating neuronal regeneration. Mutant IGF1R (MT IGF1R), lacking SUMO1 modification sites, showed reduced SUMOylation, leading to diminished expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis. KPT-330 impeded the formation of the IGF1R/RanBP2/SUMO1 complex, thereby limiting IGF1R nuclear translocation, inflammation, and neuronal apoptosis, while enhancing cognitive functions and neuron proliferation. Moderate-intensity exercise effectively mitigates AD symptoms in mice, primarily by diminishing neuroinflammation, through the reduction of IGF1R Sumoylation. KPT-330, as a potential alternative to physical exercise, enhances the neuroprotective role of IGF1R by inhibiting SUMOylation through targeting XPO1, presenting a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. Show less
Inhibition of branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BDK or BCKDK), a negative regulator of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, is hypothesized to treat cardio-metabolic diseases. From Show more
Inhibition of branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BDK or BCKDK), a negative regulator of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, is hypothesized to treat cardio-metabolic diseases. From a starting point with potential idiosyncratic toxicity risk, modification to a benzothiophene core and discovery of a cryptic pocket allowed for improved potency with 3-aryl substitution to arrive at PF-07328948, which was largely devoid of protein covalent binding liability. This BDK inhibitor was shown also to be a BDK degrader in cells and in vivo rodent studies. Plasma biomarkers, including BCAAs and branched-chain ketoacids (BCKAs), were lowered in vivo with enhanced pharmacodynamic effect upon chronic dosing due to BDK degradation. This molecule improves metabolic and heart failure end points in rodent models. PF-07328948 is the first known selective BDK inhibitor candidate to be examined in clinical studies, with Phase 1 single ascending dose data showing good tolerability and a pharmacokinetic profile commensurate with once-daily dosing. Show less