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
Periodontitis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which oxidative stress plays a crucial role in its progression. Mitophagy eliminates damaged mitochondria and alleviates oxidative stress; howev Show more
Periodontitis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which oxidative stress plays a crucial role in its progression. Mitophagy eliminates damaged mitochondria and alleviates oxidative stress; however, its specific regulatory mechanisms in PD remain unclear. This study utilized single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data to identify core genes and investigate their potential roles. We utilized single-cell RNA sequencing data and applied 4 algorithms - area under the curve cell level enrichment, U-statistics-based single-cell signature scoring, single-sample gene set scoring, and AddModuleScore - to assess mitophagy activity and identify candidate genes. Subsequently, based on bulk RNA-seq data, 5 machine learning algorithms, including Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Regression, random forest, Boruta, gradient boosting machine, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting, were employed to further screen core genes from the candidate gene set. Finally, immune infiltration analysis, cell communication analysis, and gene interaction network construction were integrated to systematically elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of core genes in the progression of PD. Single-cell RNA sequencing combined with multiple algorithms revealed significantly elevated mitophagy activity in PD tissues, particularly in monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells. Additionally, we identified 4 core genes: BNIP3L, VPS13C, CTTN, and MAP1LC3B. BNIP3L and CTTN were downregulated in periodontitis, correlating negatively with disease prevalence, immune infiltration, and inflammatory pathways, whereas VPS13C and MAP1LC3B were upregulated, showing positive correlations. CellChat analysis highlighted monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells with high core gene expression as key mediators of intercellular communication. This study identified BNIP3L, VPS13C, CTTN, and MAP1LC3B as core mitophagy-related genes associated with PD, and highlighted the pivotal roles of monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells in disease progression. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of PD and offer a theoretical foundation for mitophagy-targeted diagnosis, biomarker identification, and precision therapy. Show less
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminatin Show more
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminating in septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. A pivotal element in the pathogenesis and progression of sepsis involves the significant disruption of oncological metabolic networks, where cells within the pathological milieu exhibit metabolic functions that diverge from their healthy counterparts. Among these, purine metabolism plays a crucial role in nucleic acid synthesis. However, the contribution of Purine Metabolism Genes (PMGs) to the defense mechanisms against sepsis remains inadequately explored. Leveraging bioinformatics, this study aimed to identify and substantiate potential PMGs implicated in sepsis. The approach encompassed a differential expression analysis across a pool of 75 candidate PMGs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were employed to assess the biological significance and pathways associated with these genes. Additionally, Lasso regression and Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) methodologies were implemented to identify key hub genes and evaluate the diagnostic potential of nine selected PMGs in sepsis identification. The study also examined the correlation between these hub PMGs and related genes, with validation conducted through expression level analysis using the GSE13904 and GSE65682 datasets. The study identified twelve PMGs correlated with sepsis, namely AK9, ENTPD3, NUDT16, GMPR2, PKM, RRM2B, POLR2J, POLE3, ADCY3, ADCY4, ADSSL1, and AMPD1. Functional analysis revealed their involvement in critical processes such as purine nucleotide and ribose phosphate metabolism. The diagnostic capability of these PMGs to effectively differentiate sepsis cases underscored their potential as biomarkers. This research elucidates twelve PMGs associated with sepsis, providing valuable insights into novel biomarkers for this condition and facilitating the monitoring of its progression. These findings highlight the significance of purine metabolism in sepsis pathogenesis and open avenues for further investigation into therapeutic targets. 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
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
Pediatric primary cardiomyopathies (PCMs) are rare diseases with complex causes and nonspecific treatment. The influence of electrolytes and amino acids (AAs) on cardiomyopathies has not been extensiv Show more
Pediatric primary cardiomyopathies (PCMs) are rare diseases with complex causes and nonspecific treatment. The influence of electrolytes and amino acids (AAs) on cardiomyopathies has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to explore clinical characteristics and the usage of electrolytes and AAs in children with PCMs. Children diagnosed with PCMs who had genetic test reports were included. Relevant information was collected and processed, and clinical characteristics and mutated genes were clarified. Gene databases were searched to explore related electrolytes and AAs in the treatment of PCMs. The effect of calcium was explored in children with DCM. Paired samples T tests and nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed for comparison between before and after using calcium. In this study, 27 children with gene test results were enrolled to perform gene-related analysis. The median age was 2.5 years old. Mutated genes were collected, including pathogenic, likely pathogenic, uncertain significance, and other mutations. The most frequently mutated genes related to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were For children with DCM, calcium supplements may be beneficial. AAs, including serine, cysteine, and arginine, could be used for supplementary treatment in children with DCM and HCM. Show less
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study aimed to identify key genes involved in HCC development and elucidate their molecular mech Show more
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study aimed to identify key genes involved in HCC development and elucidate their molecular mechanisms, with a particular focus on mitochondrial function and apoptosis. Differential expression analyses were performed across three datasets-The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC), GSE36076, and GSE95698-to identify overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A prognostic risk model was then constructed. Cysteine/serine-rich nuclear protein 1 ( A six-gene prognostic model was established, comprising downregulated genes ( Show less
Liver cancer, encompassing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma, the latter of which primarily occurs in early childhood, is the most common malignant tumor arising from liver and is resp Show more
Liver cancer, encompassing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma, the latter of which primarily occurs in early childhood, is the most common malignant tumor arising from liver and is responsible for a significant number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Targeted drugs have been used for anti-liver cancer treatment in the advanced stage, while their efficacy is greatly compromised by development of drug resistance. Drug resistance is a complicated process regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic signals and has been associated with poorer prognosis in cancer patients. In the current study, online available dataset analysis uncovered that angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) manifested lower expression in sorafenib-resistant liver cancer cell lines. Additionally, ANGPTL3 was downregulated in HCC tissues, with its expression positively correlated with good prognosis. Functionally, ectopic expression of ANGPTL3 re-sensitized sorafenib-resistant cells, enhancing the sorafenib-induced reduction in cell viability and migration by suppressing zinc finger protein SNAI1 (SNAI1) expression and the protein stability of carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 1, liver isoform (CPT1A). Clinical correlation analysis revealed that ANGPTL3 was negatively associated with SNAI1 expression. In conclusion, we identify a novel association between ANGPTL3, SNAI1 and CPT1A on sorafenib therapeutic response. Targeting ANGPTL3/SNAI1/CPT1A axis may serve as a therapeutic approach to improve prognosis of liver cancer patients with sorafenib resistance. Show less
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second common dementia, with unclear mechanisms and limited treatment options. Dyslipidemia has been implicated in LBD, but the role of lipid-lowering drugs remains und Show more
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second common dementia, with unclear mechanisms and limited treatment options. Dyslipidemia has been implicated in LBD, but the role of lipid-lowering drugs remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the association between lipid traits, drug targets, and LBD risk using Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. We performed univariable and multivariable MR analyses to evaluate the causal effects of lipid traits on the risk of LBD. Then, drug-target MR analysis and subtype analysis were conducted to evaluate the effects of lipid-lowering therapies on LBD. In univariable MR, genetically predicted low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and remnant cholesterol (RC) levels were associated with an increased risk of LBD. Mediation analysis suggested a potential interaction between LDL-C and RC in influencing LBD risk. Drug-target MR analysis identified significant associations between genetically proxied inhibition of ANGPTL3, CETP, and HMGCR and LBD risk. This MR analysis provided evidence that elevated LDL-C and RC may increase the risk of LBD. Additionally, targeting ANGPTL3, CETP, and HMGCR may represent potential therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of LBD. Show less
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common progressive joint disorder marked by synovial inflammation, cartilage degeneration, the formation of osteophytes, though its underlying molecular mechanisms remain uncl Show more
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common progressive joint disorder marked by synovial inflammation, cartilage degeneration, the formation of osteophytes, though its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study integrated bioinformatics and experimental validation to identify key genes in OA synovium and their association with immune infiltration. Analysis of the GSE82107 dataset (10 OA, 7 controls) revealed 909 differentially expressed genes (525 upregulated, 384 downregulated). WGCNA identified the "midnightblue" module, and its intersection with DEGs yielded 122 genes enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, JAK-STAT signaling, and autophagy pathways. Protein-protein interaction analysis highlighted FLT3LG, MC4R, CXCL10, CARTPT, and LHX2 as core genes (AUC 0.743-0.871). Immune infiltration analysis showed elevated M0 macrophages in OA, with CXCL10 showing a strong positive correlation with M1 macrophage infiltration (r = 0.74), and MC4R correlating with the presence of follicular helper T cells (r = 0.85). In vitro, OA-derived fibroblast-like synoviocytes exhibited CXCL10 upregulation, MC4R downregulation, and increased IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α secretion, which were markedly reduced by CXCL10 knockdown or MC4R overexpression. Synovial tissue assays confirmed these expression patterns. CXCL10 and MC4R may represent promising diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, offering new insights into OA immunopathogenesis and precision intervention. Show less
Ruotong Li, Wenye Zhao, Jiaxin Zhang+7 more · 2025 · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · added 2026-04-24
The global increase in muscle weakness poses a critical public health concern. Nutritional interventions that improve muscular function hold promise as a therapeutic potential. Vitamin A (VA) and its Show more
The global increase in muscle weakness poses a critical public health concern. Nutritional interventions that improve muscular function hold promise as a therapeutic potential. Vitamin A (VA) and its active metabolites have been implicated in muscle development and the transformation of muscle fiber types. However, conventional VA formulations are restricted by poor stability and low bioavailability. In this study, a stable Nano VA was utilized to systematically evaluate its effects on muscle development and exercise performance in mice, as well as to explore its underlying mechanisms. A total of 44 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: (i) normal control (NC), (ii) 5 mg/kg Nano VA (5 NVA), (iii) 10 mg/kg Nano VA (10 NVA), and (iv) 10 mg/kg VA (10 VA). The 10 NVA group demonstrated significantly improved muscle strength and swimming endurance, compared with the NC group. Further examination suggested a significant increase in myofiber diameter, cross-sectional area, and the content of fast-twitch fibers. Additionally, Nano VA treatment improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. To elucidate the mechanism by which Nano VA enhances muscle locomotor ability, transcriptomics and metabolomics data identified 111 differentially expressed genes and 253 differential metabolites. Of these, Angptl4, Ppp1r3a, and Cyp26b1 were identified as candidate regulators of muscle development and myofiber type transformation. In conclusion, Nano VA regulates muscle development and promotes muscle fiber type conversion, thus improving muscle strength and endurance in mice. Moreover, Nano VA facilitates mitigating and improving myasthenia gravis-related conditions. Show less
Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that nucleic acid-based therapies are promising for atherosclerosis. However, nearly all nucleic acid delivery systems developed for atherosclerosis necessitate Show more
Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that nucleic acid-based therapies are promising for atherosclerosis. However, nearly all nucleic acid delivery systems developed for atherosclerosis necessitate injection, which results in rapid elimination and poor patient compliance. Consequently, oral delivery strategies capable of targeting atherosclerotic plaques are imperative for nucleic acid therapeutics. Herein we report the development of yeast-derived capsules (YCs) packaging an antisense oligonucleotide (AM33) targeting microRNA-33 (miR-33) for the oral treatment of atherosclerosis. YCs provide stability for AM33, preventing its premature release in the gastrointestinal tract. AM33-containing YCs, defined as YAM33, showed high transfection in macrophages, thus promoting cholesterol efflux and inhibiting foam cell formation by regulating the target genes/proteins of miR-33. Orally delivered YAM33 effectively accumulated within atherosclerotic plaques in Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory condition of the vasculature, is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity. Yaoshi Tongyuan Tablet (YTT) is a food-medicine homology (FMH) formulatio Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory condition of the vasculature, is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity. Yaoshi Tongyuan Tablet (YTT) is a food-medicine homology (FMH) formulation containing A combination of network pharmacology, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-MS), and molecular docking was employed to predict potential bioactive compounds and their molecular targets. ApoE Integrated analyses revealed kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and quercetin as central bioactive molecules acting on AKT1, a key node within the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade. YTT ameliorates atherosclerosis by counteracting dyslipidemia and inflammation, primarily through modulation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway. This study offers novel integrative insights into the anti-atherogenic properties of YTT and pinpoint crucial bioactive constituents worthy of further pharmacological investigation. Show less
Little is known about the association between physical activity and the risk of pre-sarcopenic obesity (pre-SO) among adolescents. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between physical a Show more
Little is known about the association between physical activity and the risk of pre-sarcopenic obesity (pre-SO) among adolescents. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and pre-SO in a sample of 2143 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years from Yinchuan, China. The pre-SO was defined by three criteria: low skeletal muscle mass adjusted by weight (SMM/W) combined with body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage (FMP), and waist circumference (WC). After adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, sleep time, and high-fat food consumption, participants with high physical activity (HPA) had a lower risk of pre-SO compared to those with low physical activity (LPA) according to the obesity criteria of FMP (OR 0.63, 95% CI, 0.48-0.83, P < 0.05), and WC (OR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.52-0.96, P < 0.05). Additionally, restricted cubic spline models showed a linear dose-response association between total physical activity (TPA) and pre-SO no matter what obesity criteria were adopted (all P overall trend < 0.05, all P non-linear > 0.50). Subgroup analyses revealed that individuals with higher TPA levels exhibited a decreased risk of pre-SO in boys according to the obesity criteria of FMP, and WC. In conclusion, HPA is associated with a reduced risk of pre-SO in adolescents, especially among boys. Show less
Renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, and its relationship with kidney fibrosis and inflammatory responses has attracted considerable attention. However, whether c Show more
Renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, and its relationship with kidney fibrosis and inflammatory responses has attracted considerable attention. However, whether causal relationships exist among these associations remains unclear, as traditional observational studies are susceptible to confounding factors. To evaluate causal relationships between kidney cancer, kidney fibrosis, and inflammatory factors using Mendelian randomization, and explore tumor microenvironment heterogeneity through single-cell analysis. Based on large-scale GWAS data, bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to assess causal relationships between kidney cancer and kidney fibrosis, using MR Egger, inverse variance weighted (IVW), and weighted mode methods. Causal associations between kidney cancer and inflammatory factors including Axin-1, C-C motif chemokine 28, and interleukin-10 receptor subunit were analyzed. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the GEO database (GSM4819725) was integrated for tumor microenvironment analysis. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis revealed no significant causal relationship between kidney cancer and kidney fibrosis [kidney cancer→kidney fibrosis: IVW OR=0.992(95%CI: 0.913-1.077, P=0.842); kidney fibrosis→kidney cancer: IVW OR=0.922(95%CI: 0.824-1.030, P=0.151)]. However, significant positive causal associations were identified between kidney cancer and multiple inflammatory factors: Axin-1 levels [OR=1.448(95%CI: 1.107-1.894, P=0.007)], C-C motif chemokine 28 [OR=1.287(95%CI: 1.076-1.540, P=0.006)], and interleukin-10 receptor subunit [OR=1.135(95%CI: 1.032-1.248, P=0.009)]. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of results. Single-cell analysis revealed cellular heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment, including various cell types such as immune cells, T cells, and NK cells, with pseudotime analysis demonstrating cell differentiation trajectories and dynamic gene expression changes. Mendelian randomization analysis provides genetic evidence for causal relationships between kidney cancer and inflammatory factors, while excluding direct causal associations between kidney cancer and kidney fibrosis. Show less
Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the potential interactions of RDW with genetic risk of incident RA remain unclear. Show more
Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the potential interactions of RDW with genetic risk of incident RA remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between RDW, genetics, and the risk of developing RA. We analysed data from 145,025 healthy participants at baseline in the UK Biobank. The endpoint was diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (ICD-10 codes M05 and M06). Using previously reported results, we constructed a polygenic risk score for RA to evaluate the joint effects of RDW and RA-related genetic risk. Two-sample mendelian randomization and bayesian colocalization were used to infer the causal relation between them. A total of 675 patients with RA were enrolled and had a median followed up of 5.1 years, with an incidence rate of 0.57/1000 person-years. The hazard ratio of RA was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.45, 2.47) in highest RDW quartile group compared with the lowest RDW quartile group. Individuals within the top quintile of PRS showed a significantly high risk of RA. Moreover, Participants with high genetic risk and those in highest RDW group exhibited a significantly elevated hazard ratio (7.67, 95% CI: 3.98, 14.81), as opposed to participants with low genetic risk and those in lowest RDW group. Interactions between PRS and RDW on the multiplicative and additive scale were observed. Mendelian randomization provided suggestive evidence of a bi-directional causal relationship between RDW and RA. Loci near IL6R, IL1RN, FADS1/FADS2, UBE2L3 and HELZ2 showed colocalization. Increased RDW is associated with elevated risk of incident RA especially in the high genetic risk populations, but only suggestive evidence supports a causal relationship between them. Show less
Accelerating ammonium metabolism of hepatocyte like cells (HLCs) is critical for various functions of hepatocytes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) ag Show more
Accelerating ammonium metabolism of hepatocyte like cells (HLCs) is critical for various functions of hepatocytes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, obeticholic acid (OCA), accelerated ammonium metabolism of HLCs, which was derived from adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). Human ADSCs were seed in flat bottom plate, then our differentiation protocol was used for 21 days. OCA treatment had been performed in Step3 for 10days. Then, 1) hepatic maturation, 2) urea cycle genes, 3) urea production, and 4) ammonium metabolism was compared depend on the presence or absence of OCA. HLCs had been successfully produced for 21 days. HLCs with OCA showed significantly higher mRNA expressions of AAT than those without OCA. HLCs with OCA showed significantly higher mRNA expressions of urea cycle genes such as SLC25A13, CPS1, and OTC. Urea production was also tended to be upregulated by OCA addition. HLCs with OCA showed significantly higher clearance of NH4Cl at 6hr and 24 hr after addition of NH4Cl. FXR agonist, OCA, accelerates ammonium metabolism of ADSCs derived HLCs. HLCs could be one of treatment options of hepatic encephalopathy of patients with liver failure or urea cycle disorder in the future. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 54-59, February, 2025. Show less
Previous experiments have demonstrated that BGM0504, a GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonist drug by molecular dynamics-guided optimization, had enhanced agonistic activity compared to tirzepatide. This study aims Show more
Previous experiments have demonstrated that BGM0504, a GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonist drug by molecular dynamics-guided optimization, had enhanced agonistic activity compared to tirzepatide. This study aims to investigate its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) in Chinese healthy volunteers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and dose-escalation Phase I study was conducted as follows: a single dose (2.5 mg) and once-weekly administration for 2 weeks to reach target doses (5, 10 and 15 mg) by titration. A total of 40 volunteers received at least one dose of BGM0504 or placebo. The PK profile of BGM0504 was investigated over a wide dose range and supported once-weekly administration. It was observed that C BGM0504 was generally safe and well tolerated with favourable PK profile and potential role in weight loss was also confirmed. These findings support subsequent development of BGM0504 for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Show less
Recent evidence suggests that elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The predictive value of specific Lp(a) cutoff points of 30 mg/dL remains to Show more
Recent evidence suggests that elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The predictive value of specific Lp(a) cutoff points of 30 mg/dL remains to be established. This study investigated the relationship between Lp(a) concentrations and cardiovascular outcomes in Taiwanese individuals, stratified by pre-existing ASCVD status. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 51,934 subjects from the Chang Gung Research Database (January 2004 to June 2019), comprising 49,363 individuals without ASCVD and 2,571 with established ASCVD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), encompassing acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, revascularization procedures, peripheral arterial interventions, and cardiovascular mortality. Individuals were followed until their last visit to our institutions or December 31, 2019. During a mean follow-up of 6.6 years (standard deviation: 5.0 years), the study population demonstrated a median Lp(a) of 9.6 mg/dL (interquartile range: 4.6-18.5). In ASCVD-free individuals, Lp(a) concentrations ≥30 mg/dL were associated with increased MACE risk (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR]: 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.43). Similarly, in the ASCVD cohort, elevated Lp(a) predicted higher MACE occurrence (aSHR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.07-1.74). Restricted cubic spline analysis confirmed a progressive risk elevation beyond the 30 mg/dL threshold in both groups. Lp(a) levels ≥30 mg/dL independently predicted adverse cardiovascular outcomes, regardless of baseline ASCVD status. This threshold appears suitable for cardiovascular risk stratification in both primary and secondary prevention settings. Show less
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain α-keto-ac Show more
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain α-keto-acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) has been implicated in promoting RCC metastasis, but its specific substrates and the mechanisms underlying its regulation of RCC progression remain poorly understood. This study uncovers a novel mechanism whereby BCKDK-mediated AKT phosphorylation drives RCC tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Elevated BCKDK expression correlates with poor prognosis in RCC clinical samples. BCKDK deficiency inhibits RCC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations reveal that BCKDK directly binds to and regulates the phosphorylation of AKT. BCKDK-mediated phosphorylation of AKT decreases ubiquitin-mediated AKT protein degradation, and promotes tumorigenesis via activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. RNA sequencing identifies BCKDK's involvement in the drug metabolism network and apoptotic signaling pathways. The BCKDK/AKT/ABCB1 axis mediates doxorubicin resistance. Targeting BCKDK/AKT inhibits the growth of RCC patient-derived organoids (PDOs), enhances doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in RCC cells, and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. These findings identify a previously unrecognized phosphorylation substrate of BCKDK and highlight the critical role of the BCKDK/AKT signaling axis in RCC progression, offering a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Show less
Cholesterol (CH) plays a crucial role in enhancing the membrane stability of drug delivery systems (DDS). However, its association with conditions such as hyperlipidemia often leads to criticism, over Show more
Cholesterol (CH) plays a crucial role in enhancing the membrane stability of drug delivery systems (DDS). However, its association with conditions such as hyperlipidemia often leads to criticism, overshadowing its influence on the biological effects of formulations. In this study, we reevaluated the delivery effect of CH using widely applied lipid microspheres (LM) as a model DDS. We conducted comprehensive investigations into the impact of CH on the distribution, cell uptake, and protein corona (PC) of LM at sites of cardiovascular inflammatory injury. The results demonstrated that moderate CH promoted the accumulation of LM at inflamed cardiac and vascular sites without exacerbating damage while partially mitigating pathological damage. Then, the slow cellular uptake rate observed for CH@LM contributed to a prolonged duration of drug efficacy. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that CH depended on LM and exerted its biological effects by modulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression in vascular endothelial cells and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) protein levels in myocardial cells, thereby enhancing LM uptake at cardiovascular inflammation sites. Proteomics analysis unveiled a serum adsorption pattern for CH@LM under inflammatory conditions showing significant adsorption with CH metabolism-related apolipoprotein family members such as apolipoprotein A-V (Apoa5); this may be a major contributing factor to their prolonged circulation Show less
Primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) often progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the absence of immunosuppressive therapy. The immunological mechanisms driving pMN progression remain insuffi Show more
Primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) often progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the absence of immunosuppressive therapy. The immunological mechanisms driving pMN progression remain insufficiently understood. We developed a single-cell transcriptomic profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 11 newly-diagnosed pMN patients and 5 healthy donors. Through correlation analysis, we identified potential biomarkers for disease stratification and poor prognosis. Expression levels of several proinflammatory factors were significantly increased in patients compared to healthy donors, such as interleukins ( Our study provides insight into the immunological mechanism of pMN and identifies numerous biomarkers and signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets for managing the progression of high-risk pMN. Show less
In school settings, nomophobia-a newly identified form of problematic mobile phone use characterized by anxiety and discomfort experienced when an individual is unable to use or access their smartphon Show more
In school settings, nomophobia-a newly identified form of problematic mobile phone use characterized by anxiety and discomfort experienced when an individual is unable to use or access their smartphone-poses significant challenges to students' learning and daily life. Prior research on nomophobia has predominantly adopted a variable-centered perspective. However, if nomophobia is heterogeneous across subgroups, acknowledging this heterogeneity may inform the advancement of more tailored and productive therapeutic methods. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted separately among high school students (N = 446) and college students (N = 667) to identify potential subgroup heterogeneity in nomophobia. To examine cross-group similarities in nomophobia profiles, a multi-group LPA was employed. Based on multiple model fit criteria, a three-profile solution-high nomophobia, moderate nomophobia, and low nomophobia-was identified for both groups. However, the multi-group LPA provided only partial support for the similarity of nomophobia profiles across educational stages, specifically in terms of configural and dispersion similarity. While similar nomophobia profiles emerged across groups, the partial equivalence suggests that intervention strategies for nomophobia may not be universally applicable across different educational levels. Additional studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying students' nomophobia profiles and to inform differentiated interventions for educators, institutions, and policymakers. Show less
Derazantinib (DZB), a pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, exhibits potent activity against FGFR1-3 kinases and has been clinically approved for antitumor therapy. However, its anti Show more
Derazantinib (DZB), a pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, exhibits potent activity against FGFR1-3 kinases and has been clinically approved for antitumor therapy. However, its antibacterial properties remain unknown. Here, we demonstrated that DZB displays broad-spectrum activity against Show less
This study investigates the relationship between serum homocysteine, blood lipids, and perinatal outcomes in patients with diet-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and those with normal glu Show more
This study investigates the relationship between serum homocysteine, blood lipids, and perinatal outcomes in patients with diet-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). A prospective cohort of 150 diet-controlled GDM patients and 150 pregnant women with NGT, all delivering at our hospital, were selected based on predefined criteria. Data on demographics, physical parameters, and perinatal outcomes were compiled. Blood samples for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homocysteine (Hcy), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apoB), and apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) were collected before delivery. GDM patients exhibited higher levels of FPG, Hcy, and the apoB/apoA1 ratio, but lower HDL-C and apoA1 levels compared to the NGT group. Adverse outcomes such as macrosomia, premature rupture of membranes, and postpartum hemorrhage were more prevalent in the GDM group. In GDM patients, neonatal birth weight positively correlated with FPG and TG levels. Stratified Hcy analysis in GDM showed no significant differences in perinatal outcomes. However, the third quartile of the apoB/apoA1 ratio had a lower incidence of macrosomia compared to the first quartile, and the second quartile showed a higher incidence of birth asphyxia. GDM patients demonstrated increased levels of Hcy, FPG, and the apoB/apoA1 ratio, correlating with more adverse perinatal outcomes than healthy pregnant individuals. The relationships between Hcy, lipids, and these outcomes remain inconclusive, highlighting the need for further research. Show less
Amyloid cerebrovascular disease, primarily driven by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, is intricately linked to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. BACE1 (beta-site amy Show more
Amyloid cerebrovascular disease, primarily driven by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, is intricately linked to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. BACE1 (beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1) plays a critical role in the production of Aβ, making it a key therapeutic target. In the current work, a CNS library of ChemDiv database containing 44085 compounds was screened against the BACE1 protein. Initially, a structure-based pharmacophore hypothesis was constructed, followed by virtual screening, with the screened hits docked to the BACE1 protein to determine the optimal binding modes. The docking results were examined using the glide gscore and chemical interactions of the docked molecules. The cutoff value of -5 kcal/mol was used to select hits with high binding affinities. A total of seven hits were chosen based on the glide g score. Furthermore, the possible binding mechanisms of the docked ligands were investigated, and it was discovered that all seven selected ligands occupied the same site in the predicted binding pocket of protein. The bioactivity scores of the compounds demonstrated that the chosen compounds possess the features of lead compounds. The toxicity risks and ADMET features of the selected hits were anticipated, and four compounds, J032-0080, SC13-0774, V030-0915, and V006-5608 were chosen for stability analysis. The selected hits were extremely stable and strongly bound to the BACE1 pocket, and conformational changes caused by RMSD, RMSF, and protein-ligand interactions were assessed using MD modeling. Similarly, principal component analysis revealed a large static number of hydrogen bonds. The MM/GBSA binding free energies maps revealed a significant energy contribution in the binding of selected hits to BACE1. The binding free energy landscapes indicated that the hits were bound with a high binding affinity. Thus, the hits could serve as lead compounds in biophysical investigations to limit the biological activity of the BACE1 protein. Show less
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal type of gynecological cancer, and platinum-resistance is a serious challenge in its treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical Show more
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal type of gynecological cancer, and platinum-resistance is a serious challenge in its treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in the occurrence and development of cancers. Here, using RNA sequencing of tumor small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from HGSOC patients, the lncRNA CATED is identified as significantly upregulated in both tumors and tumor-derived sEVs in platinum-resistant HGSOC, and low CATED levels correlate with good prognosis. Functionally, CATED enhances cisplatin resistance by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. These effects could be transferred via CATED-overexpressing sEVs from donor cells and HGSOC tumor sEVs. Mechanistically, CATED binds to and upregulates DHX36 via PIAS1-mediated SUMOylation at the K105 site, and elevated DHX36 levels increase downstream RAP1A protein levels by enhancing RAP1A mRNA translation, consequently activating the MAPK pathway to promote platinum-resistance in HGSOC. Antisense oligonucleotide mediated knockdown of CATED reverse platinum-resistance in sEV-transmitted mouse models via the DHX36-RAP1A-MAPK pathway. This study newly identifies a sEV-transmitted lncRNA CATED in driving HGSOC platinum-resistance and elucidates the mechanism it regulates the interacting protein through SUMOylation. These findings also provide a novel strategy for improving chemotherapy in HGSOC by targeting CATED. Show less