Individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are at an increased risk of bone fracture, while osteoporosis in women is one of the earliest predictors of AD. Yet the mechanisms linking cognitive decline a Show more
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are at an increased risk of bone fracture, while osteoporosis in women is one of the earliest predictors of AD. Yet the mechanisms linking cognitive decline and skeletal deterioration remain poorly defined. Proteomic analysis of cortical bone from aged 21-month-old mice revealed strong enrichment of neurodegeneration-associated proteins, including apolipoprotein E (Apoe) and amyloid precursor protein. Apoe localized specifically to osteocytes, with expression in aged female bone nearly twice that of young 4-month-old male bone. Because human APOE alleles confer different age-related AD risks, we examined their roles in bone using humanized APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4 knock-in mice and analyzed bone and hippocampus from the same animals. APOE4 produced marked sex-specific effects on the bone transcriptome and proteome compared with APOE2 or APOE3. Strikingly, APOE4-associated proteomic disruptions were stronger in female bone than in the hippocampus. Functionally, APOE4 caused bone fragility in females without altering cortical structure. These deficits stemmed from impaired osteocyte perilacunocanalicular remodeling. Our findings identify APOE4 as a molecular driver of early osteocyte dysfunction and reduced bone quality, disproportionately affecting females. These findings highlight osteocytes as potential targets for early diagnosis of age-related cognitive impairment and treatment for bone fragility, in females. Show less
This study investigated the impact of This retrospective case-control study involved 628 CAD patients and 628 matched controls without CAD. ApoE genotyping was conducted using PCR-chip technology, and Show more
This study investigated the impact of This retrospective case-control study involved 628 CAD patients and 628 matched controls without CAD. ApoE genotyping was conducted using PCR-chip technology, and genotype and allele frequencies were compared between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the link between ApoE polymorphisms and CAD risk in populations at middle and high altitudes. The data revealed significant differences in These findings validated that the Show less
Accumulating evidence suggested that bile acids play a significant role in modulating metabolic and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the roles of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) an Show more
Accumulating evidence suggested that bile acids play a significant role in modulating metabolic and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the roles of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and its endogenous antagonist hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). We found that serum HDCA was significantly reduced in patients with AS, and systemic HDCA therapy attenuated plaque burden in vivo. Adoptive transfer of HDCA-treated Foxp3+ Tregs into ApoE-deficient recipients reduced lesion growth, whereas FXR-deficient Tregs failed to confer benefit. HDCA enhanced Treg migration and accumulation within plaques and reprogrammed Treg metabolism by antagonizing FXR and modulating PD-1/mTORC1 signaling. This shift relieved CPT1a-driven fatty acid oxidation bias, increased glycolysis and ATP production, and improved migratory capacity and effector function. We further identify ZNF671 as a transcriptional inhibitor of Treg migration that is mitigated by HDCA-dependent metabolic switching. Collectively, HDCA reduced FXR-mediated metabolic constraints while activating glycolytic and migratory programs in Tregs, thereby improving lipid handling and immune regulation within the plaque microenvironment. These findings position the HDCA-FXR-PD-1/mTORC1 axis as a novel immunometabolic target for AS. Show less
The yellow oil crab is a highly valuable aquatic species, with the accumulation of nutritional and flavor compounds closely linked to the degree of gonadal degeneration. However, the molecular mechani Show more
The yellow oil crab is a highly valuable aquatic species, with the accumulation of nutritional and flavor compounds closely linked to the degree of gonadal degeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms of gonadal degeneration remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed the differences in gene expression and metabolite accumulation across three gonadal degeneration stages (QX, GX, and TSX) in yellow oil crab using transcriptome and non-targeted metabolomics approaches, and identified key genes and metabolites involved. A total of 240 differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, most of which were significantly more highly accumulated in GX and TSX than in QX. K-means clustering analysis of DAMs and gene expression data revealed distinct stage-specific expression patterns from QX to TSX stage. Moreover, the “steroid hormone biosynthesis” pathway was significantly enriched, with 15 highly expressed steroid hormones and their derivatives in GX and TSX. 7 types of key genes involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis (such as Therefore, the identified differential steroid hormones and seven key genes were positively associated with gonadal degeneration in yellow oil crab. These results offer a theoretical basis for understanding the formation and aquaculture of the yellow oil crab. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-026-12597-y. Show less
Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen that poses a threat to both human and animal health. Its pathogenicity in humans has been extensively studied, however, the signaling pathways and key g Show more
Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen that poses a threat to both human and animal health. Its pathogenicity in humans has been extensively studied, however, the signaling pathways and key genes in Koi Carp responding to S. aureus from human rhinitis remain unclear. In this study, we established an intraperitoneal infection model in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) using an S. aureus isolate from patients with rhinitis and integrated RNA-seq, qPCR, and ELISA to dissect the host response. Our findings reveal a dual-module immune evasion strategy employed by S. aureus in koi carp. Module I: The pathogen down-regulated the entire complement coagulation cascade (C3, C9, CFH, F7/9/10) and apolipoprotein-mediated opsonins (APOA1, APOB, APOC1/2), thereby crippling innate clearance. Module II: The host mounted a restricted but potent counter-response, characterized by type I IFN signalling (gvin1, MHC-I), NK/T-cell co-stimulation (CD244, SLAMF5), and the selective induction of IL-8 and IL-1β, while IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α remained unchanged. Functionally, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lysozyme (LZM) activities surged, confirming an oxidative burst, whereas splenic CD22R protein decreased, indicating B-cell disinhibition. These results establish a molecular basis for understanding the interaction between human-derived S. aureus and the immune system of aquatic organisms. Show less
Precise identification of vulnerable plaque (VAP) is essential for the prevention of acute cardiovascular diseases, yet current molecular probes are hampered by poor VAP lesion penetration and high ba Show more
Precise identification of vulnerable plaque (VAP) is essential for the prevention of acute cardiovascular diseases, yet current molecular probes are hampered by poor VAP lesion penetration and high background. Here, the innate tropism of circulating inflammatory monocytes for VAP, and their differentiation-driven expression of legumain (Lgmn) in response to the VAP microenvironment is exploited. A monocyte differentiation-activated fluorescent (MDAF) probe is conceived that hitchhikes monocytes to precisely migrate to VAP and is activated by Lgmn during monocyte differentiation. This activation triggers in situ self-assembly, resulting in spatiotemporally controlled aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescence signals, and turning the monocyte itself into an on-site "scout" that reports plaque instability. In Apoe Show less
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a major complication of diabetes, and its pathogenesis remains incompletely elucidated. Converging evidence indicates that oxidative stress and dysregulated mitochondria Show more
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a major complication of diabetes, and its pathogenesis remains incompletely elucidated. Converging evidence indicates that oxidative stress and dysregulated mitochondrial polarization participate in DFU progression, nominating these processes as therapeutically actionable targets. This study integrates bulk and single-cell transcriptomic data with machine learning to reconstruct cross-scale, cell type-resolved molecular atlases and regulatory networks. Macrophages and fibroblasts emerged as communication hubs, dominating pathway enrichment and ligand-receptor programs such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor signaling pathway (MIF), ANNEXIN signaling pathway, and COMPLEMENT signaling pathway. Peptidylprolyl isomerase F (PPIF), which encodes cyclophilin D (CypD) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) were further prioritized as putative drivers within macrophages and fibroblasts, and a five-gene classifier was derived with robust performance (internal/external AUC = 0.833/0.933). Within DFU lesions, under the control of non-coding RNA circuitry, SOX5 may shape the inflammatory microenvironment, APOE may participate in lipid-metabolic remodeling, and PPIF (CypD) likely links reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation to a p53-dependent mitochondrial death pathway (necroptosis/apoptosis). Orthogonal validation showed significantly increased CypD in diabetic foot ulcer skin (DFUS) and diabetic foot ulcer tendon (DFUT) relative to diabetic foot skin (DFS) and DFT (Diabetic foot tendon), with up-regulated p53 and Cytc and down-regulated ApoE in DFUS; in primary foot-skin fibroblasts, a high-glucose plus tert-butyl hydroperoxide (HG+TBHP) model reproduced elevated ROS, loss of mitochondrial Δψm (mitochondrial membrane potential), growth restriction, and apoptosis, supporting a ROS-CypD/mPTP (mitochondrial permeability transition pore)-Δψm depolarization-p53/Cytc apoptosis axis. The delineated PPIF-centered regulatory network includes upstream transcription factors CEBPB/REL/SPI1 and a downstream ceRNA axis comprising miR-128-3p/miR-23a-3p-long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1. Additionally, the significant role of polarization-specific reprogramming in regulating macrophage function highlights therapeutic strategies focused on metabolic reprogramming and inhibition of the PPIF/mPTP pathway. Collectively, a cell type-resolved molecular map of DFU is provided, healing-relevant cell populations and regulatory circuits are prioritized, and a translational, testable intervention framework is proposed. Show less
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a pervasive and persistent environmental pollutant, has been epidemiologically linked to thyroid disorders, but its toxic effects on papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) Show more
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a pervasive and persistent environmental pollutant, has been epidemiologically linked to thyroid disorders, but its toxic effects on papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain unclear. This study provides the clinical evidence that PFOS accumulates at significantly higher levels in human PTC tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (p = 0.037), indicating tissue-specific bioaccumulation. To investigate its health impact, we modeled chronic environmental exposure by treating human PTC cells with low, environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOS (0.01, 0.05 μM). Chronic exposure markedly enhanced malignant phenotypes, including proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, PFOS activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which subsequently drove epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by upregulation of β-catenin and SNAI1, and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9). These pro-tumor effects were partially reversed by the pharmacological inhibitor BEZ235, which targets PI3K/mTOR. In vivo validation using a mouse xenograft model confirmed that PFOS exposure promotes tumor growth and upregulates the same pathway and effector molecules. This study provides integrated clinical and experimental evidence that PFOS exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations promotes PTC progression by inducing PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated EMT and associated enzyme secretion. These findings offer crucial experimental insight into the toxic role of PFOS as an environmental contaminant in thyroid tumors and underscore the urgent need for enhanced environmental health risk assessment and regulatory action. Show less
To explore the association between 24-h movement behaviours and fundamental motor skills in children with intellectual disabilities using compositional data analyses and to investigate the 'dose-effec Show more
To explore the association between 24-h movement behaviours and fundamental motor skills in children with intellectual disabilities using compositional data analyses and to investigate the 'dose-effect' characteristics of the reallocation between 24-h movement behaviours and fundamental motor skills. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 children with intellectual disabilities aged 6-10 years from 12 special education schools in Beijing and Jinan between 10 September 2023 and 27 March 2024. The ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer was used to estimate the amount of time spent in 24-h movement behaviours. The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 was applied to assess fundamental motor skills. The compositional isotemporal substitution was utilized to analyse the relationship between 24-h movement behaviours and fundamental motor skills. (1) After controlling the gender, age and intellectual disability level, MVPA of children with intellectual disabilities was positively associated with their FMS total score, locomotor skills and object control skills (β Special education school administrators, teachers, parents and guardians should consider 24-h movement behaviours as a whole and pay attention to their impact on children with intellectual disabilities. In the process of promoting FMS in children with intellectual disabilities, ensuring adequate sleep and trying to reallocate time from SB to MVPA and LPA may be effective methods. Show less
Acute kidney injury (AKI), a critical clinical syndrome marked by high incidence and mortality, is currently diagnosed mainly by serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which have high m Show more
Acute kidney injury (AKI), a critical clinical syndrome marked by high incidence and mortality, is currently diagnosed mainly by serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which have high miss rates. This study innovatively proposes using urinary hydrogen peroxide (H Show less
The large-scale development of pig farming has introduced significant stressors that negatively affect pigs' mental health, behavior, and production efficiency. The hippocampus, crucial for cognition Show more
The large-scale development of pig farming has introduced significant stressors that negatively affect pigs' mental health, behavior, and production efficiency. The hippocampus, crucial for cognition and stress response regulation, plays a central role in these processes. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying hippocampal function across pig breeds with different domestication statuses and their implications for behavior and breeding strategies remain unclear. We performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on hippocampal tissues from 22,342 cells across three pig breeds: Asian wild boar, Jinhua, and Duroc, representing different domestication statuses. We identified six major hippocampal cell types and annotated 108 breed-specific transcription factors, including GATA2, SPI1, and EBF1. Additionally, we characterized 83 co-expression modules and 50 significant ligand-receptor pairs, such as TGFβ, WNT, and SPP1, revealing complex intercellular communication networks. Oligodendrocyte expression patterns were conserved across all breeds. We identified 194 candidate genes linked to stress resilience, mental health, and feeding behavior, including MC4R, RYR2, PDE10A, and ABCG2. Alzheimer's disease-related gene enrichment was lower in Duroc pigs, consistent with reduced APOE expression. We also developed the Pig Hippocampus Single-cell Atlas (PHiSA, http://alphaindex.zju.edu.cn:8503/ ), an open-access database allowing breed-specific hippocampal analyses and validation of gene expression at the single-nucleus level. This study offers insights into hippocampal function regulation in pigs, focusing on stress resilience, behavior, and productivity. It highlights conserved and breed-specific molecular features of hippocampal cell types and their roles in adaptability and mental health. By integrating single-nucleus data, the research suggests that genetic strategies could be used to improve animal welfare, stress management, and production efficiency in pig breeding programs. Show less
To investigate the controversial association between exogenous hormone use (EHU) and dementia, with a focus on subtype-specific risks. This prospective cohort study followed 273,069 women in the UK Bi Show more
To investigate the controversial association between exogenous hormone use (EHU) and dementia, with a focus on subtype-specific risks. This prospective cohort study followed 273,069 women in the UK Biobank over 3,802,608 person-years, identifying 4,710 dementia cases. Cox models assessed use of oral contraceptive (OC) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in relation to all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) across treatment durations. Subgroup analyses were stratified by age, ethnicity, APOE status, education, income, and reproductive factors. A systematic review was conducted to synthesize existing evidence. In the cohort study, OC use was associated with reduced risks of all-cause dementia (HR 0.90, 95%CI 0.84-0.95), AD (HR 0.87, 95%CI 0.79-0.95), and VaD (HR 0.81, 95%CI 0.70-0.93), particularly after 4-14 years of use. HRT showed no significant association with increased dementia risk. Synthesized results largely corroborated these findings: OC use was associated with reduced risks of dementia (HR 0.90, 95%CI 0.89-0.92); and although four European studies reported a moderately increased AD risk after post-menopausal HRT use, neither cohort-based studies (HR 0.98, 95%CI 0.90-1.06) nor traditional case-control studies (OR 1.00, 95%CI 0.90-1.11) found an association between HRT and dementia. Our combined evidence does not support an increased risk of dementia associated with OC use; similarly, no clear association was observed between HRT and increased dementia risk. Clinical decisions on EHU should be individualized, balancing overall benefits against potential risks. Show less
Haojie Ni, Yiyi Xiong, Min Liu+14 more · 2026 · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
The pathological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complex. The binding of Aβ to α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) contributes to neuronal damage. Sinomenine (SIN) is an alkaloid ex Show more
The pathological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complex. The binding of Aβ to α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) contributes to neuronal damage. Sinomenine (SIN) is an alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Qingfengteng (Sinomenium acutum). The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of SIN were confirmed to be closely associated with the α7nAChR. This study aimed to investigate whether α7nAChR serves as a pharmacological target of SIN against AD, and to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of SIN both in vivo and in vitro, focusing on the α7nAChR/Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. In this study, the effects of SIN in both APP/PS1 transgenic mice and SH-SY5Y cells subjected to Aβ1-42-induced injury were assessed. The selective antagonist α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX), the agonist nicotine (Nic) of α7nAChR, and α7nAChR siRNA were employed. The cognitive function, Aβ deposition, synaptic plasticity markers, the tau protein phosphorylation, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress and the α7nAChR/Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway were analyzed in vivo and/or in vitro. SIN significantly enhanced learning and memory abilities in APP/PS1 mice, reduced Aβ plaque deposition and synaptic dysfunction, and inhibited hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and oxidative stress in the brain. In Aβ1-42-induced neuronal injury model, SIN alleviated apoptosis, increased BDNF and ACh levels, inhibited mitochondrial damage, stabilized calcium homeostasis, and suppressed oxidative stress. Meanwhile, SIN disrupted Nrf2-Keap1 binding to promote the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Nevertheless, SIN effects above were inhibited by α-BTX. The knockdown of α7nAChR in vitro significantly promoted Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and BDNF expression. SIN exerts neuroprotective effect in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and Aβ1-42-induced neuronal injury by inhibiting oxidative stress via α7nAChR/Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. This study provides evidence for α7nAChR as a new target and the clinical application potential of SIN in AD treatment. Show less
Lipoproteins are essential for lipid transport in all bilaterians. A single Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) molecule is the inseparable structural scaffold of each ApoB-containing lipoprotein (B-lps), which a Show more
Lipoproteins are essential for lipid transport in all bilaterians. A single Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) molecule is the inseparable structural scaffold of each ApoB-containing lipoprotein (B-lps), which are responsible for transporting lipids to peripheral tissues. The cellular mechanisms that regulate ApoB and B-lp production, secretion, transport, and degradation remain to be fully defined. In humans, elevated levels of vascular B-lps play a causative role in cardiovascular disease. Previously, we have detailed that human B-lp biology is remarkably conserved in the zebrafish using an Show less
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fatty acids (FA) saturation and lysophospholipids supplementation on growth, meat quality, oxidative stability, FA profiles, and lipi Show more
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fatty acids (FA) saturation and lysophospholipids supplementation on growth, meat quality, oxidative stability, FA profiles, and lipid metabolism of finishing beef bulls. Thirty-two Angus bulls (initial body weight: 623 ± 22.6 kg; 21 ± 0.5 months of age) were used. The experiment was a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 2 diets with FA of different degree of unsaturation [high saturated FA diet (HSFA) vs. high unsaturated FA diet (HUFA)] combined with (0.075%, dry matter basis) and without lysophospholipids supplementation. The bulls were fed a high-concentrate diet (forage to concentrate, 15:85) for 104 d including a 14-d adaptation period and a 90-d data and sample collection period. No interactions were observed between dietary FA and lysophospholipids supplementation for growth and meat quality parameters. A greater dietary ratio of unsaturated FA (UFA) to saturated FA (SFA) from 1:2 to 1:1 led to lower DM intake and backfat thickness, but did not affect growth performance and other carcass traits. Compared with HSFA, bulls fed HUFA had greater shear force in Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle, but had lower intramuscular fat (IMF) content and SOD content in LT muscle. Compared with HUFA, feeding the HSFA diet up-regulated expression of ACC, FAS, PPARγ, and SCD1, but down-regulated expression of CPT1B. Compared with feeding HSFA, the HUFA diet led to greater concentrations of c9-C18:1 and other monounsaturated FA in LT muscle. Feeding HUFA also led to lower plasma concentrations of cholesterol, but there were no interactions between FA and lysophospholipids detected. Feeding lysophospholipids improved growth and feed conversion ratio and altered meat quality by increasing muscle pH Results indicated that supplementing a high-concentrate diet with lysophospholipids to beef bulls can enhance growth rate, feed efficiency, meat quality, and beneficial FA. Increasing the dietary ratio of UFA to SFA reduced DM intake and backfat thickness without compromising growth, suggesting potential improvements in feed efficiency. Show less
The melanocortin system centrally regulates energy homeostasis, with key components such as melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) and adenylyl cyclase 3 (ADCY3) in neuronal primary cilia. Mutations in
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common respiratory emergency, but current clinical treatment remains at the level of symptomatic support and there is a lack of effective targeted treat Show more
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common respiratory emergency, but current clinical treatment remains at the level of symptomatic support and there is a lack of effective targeted treatment measures. Our previous study confirmed that inhalation of hydrogen gas can reduce the acute lung injury of ARDS, but the application of hydrogen has flammable and explosive safety concerns. Drinking hydrogen-rich liquid or inhaling hydrogen gas has been shown to play an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species and maintaining mitochondrial quality control balance, thus improving ARDS in patients and animal models. Coral calcium hydrogenation (CCH) is a new solid molecular hydrogen carrier prepared from coral calcium (CC). Whether and how CCH affects acute lung injury in ARDS remains unstudied. In this study, we observed the therapeutic effect of CCH on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute lung injury in ARDS mice. The survival rate of mice treated with CCH and hydrogen inhalation was found to be comparable, demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the untreated ARDS model group. CCH treatment significantly reduced pulmonary hemorrhage and edema, and improved pulmonary function and local microcirculation in ARDS mice. CCH promoted mitochondrial peripheral division in the early course of ARDS by activating mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), improved lung mitochondrial dysfunction induced by LPS, and reduced oxidative stress damage. The results indicate that CCH is a highly efficient hydrogen-rich agent that can attenuate acute lung injury of ARDS by improving the mitochondrial function through Trx2 activation. Show less
Disrupting liver immune homeostasis drives inflammation. Recent evidence shifts immunoregulatory focus to hepatocytes, though the mechanisms remain poorly defined. Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) is a critica Show more
Disrupting liver immune homeostasis drives inflammation. Recent evidence shifts immunoregulatory focus to hepatocytes, though the mechanisms remain poorly defined. Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) is a critical homeostasis regulator, but its function in liver immune homeostasis is unknown. We aimed to clarify the role of hepatocyte FoxO1 in liver immune homeostasis and inflammation. Human liver FoxO1 expression and its association with inflammation were analyzed in patients with various inflammation-related liver diseases. Hepatocyte-specific Foxo1 knockout (FoxO1 △hepa ) mice were established. Hepatocyte-specific gene interference was employed in alcoholic hepatitis and hepatic schistosomiasis murine models. Transcriptomic, single-cell RNA sequencing, and CUT&Tag analyses were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Hepatocyte FoxO1 levels in human inflammatory livers declined prevalently and were inversely correlated with inflammation and fibrosis. Around 15-18 weeks after birth, FoxO1 △hepa mice exhibited mild spontaneous hepatic inflammation with natural killer T (NKT) cell and neutrophil accumulation. NKT cell depletion in FoxO1 △hepa mice with alcoholic hepatitis or hepatic schistosomiasis (HS) significantly reduced neutrophil accumulation and protected against liver inflammation and damage. Mechanistically, FoxO1 promoted retinoic acid synthesis to induce hepatocyte CD1d expression, which is necessary for regulating NKT cell apoptosis. Innovatively, decreased JMJD1C expression in hepatocytes caused histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) dimethylation at the Foxo1 promoter, repressing its transcription and disrupting local immune homeostasis. Our findings uncover a hitherto unrecognized mechanism for hepatocyte-based control of liver inflammation, in which hepatocyte FoxO1 maintained by JMJD1C restrains local NKT cells and neutrophils via CD1d induction, providing promising targets for inflammatory liver diseases. Show less
Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a significant contributor to cardiac mortality in Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients. Inflammatory processes and oxidative stress play pivotal roles in the advancemen Show more
Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a significant contributor to cardiac mortality in Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients. Inflammatory processes and oxidative stress play pivotal roles in the advancement of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). The Monocyte-to-High-- Density-Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (MHR), a newly identified biomarker indicative of inflammatory and oxidative stress, has not been extensively researched in the context of pulmonary hypertension, especially within the scope of dilated cardiomyopathy. Given the reason mentioned above, our research explores the correlation between the MHR and the severity of PH in patients suffering from DCM. In this study, we conducted a retrospective review of medical data from 107 individuals diagnosed with non-ischemic DCM, evaluating their clinical profiles, biochemical indicators, MHR, and echocardiographic parameters. We analyzed the relationships between Pulmonary Arterial Systolic Pressure (PASP) and the Ejection Fraction of the Left Ventricle (LVEF). Utilizing logistic regression analysis, we determined the predictors of PH. Findings indicated that the DCM-PH group exhibited a significantly larger male population and elevated New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification scores (both with p-values <0.001 and 0.01, respectively) compared to the DCM-only group. A positive association was observed between the PASP and parameters, such as the Dimensions of the Left Atrium (LAD) and Left Ventricle in Systole (LVDs), Monocyte (M) levels, Direct Bilirubin (DB), and MHR. Conversely, an inverse relationship was noted with serum lipid profiles, including Total Cholesterol (TC), HDL Cholesterol (HDL-c), and apolipoprotein A1. LVEF demonstrated positive linkage with the same lipid profiles and the Left Ventricular Posterior Wall Thickness (LVPWT) yet showed negative correlations with the NYHA classification, Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Standard Deviation (RDW-SD), Total Bilirubin (TB), Direct Bilirubin (DB), and dimensions of the left ventricle in diastole and systole, as well as MHR. Through logistic regression analysis, several factors were recognized as significant predictors for the severity of PH within the DCM cohort, with weight (OR1.20, CI 1.022-1.409, p=0.026), RDW-SD (OR1.988, CI 1.015-3.895, p=0.045), LVPW (OR3.577, CI 1.307-9.792, p=0.013), LVDd (OR1.333, CI 1.058-1.680, p=0.015), MHR (OR3.575, CI 1.502-8.506, p=0.032), and TB (OR1.416, CI 1.014-1.979, p=0.041) showing positive associations, while apoB (OR0.001 CI0.001-0.824, p=0.045) exhibiting negative associations, all with p-values <0.05. Higher MHR and LVD correlate with increased PASP and reduced LVEF in DCMPH patients. MHR and LVPW are independent predictors of PH severity, indicating their potential as novel severity markers in DCM-related PH. Show less
The aim of this study was to obtain goat CRTC2 gene sequence and elucidate its biological properties, and further study the impact of overexpression and interference of CRTC2 on the cell differentiati Show more
The aim of this study was to obtain goat CRTC2 gene sequence and elucidate its biological properties, and further study the impact of overexpression and interference of CRTC2 on the cell differentiation of goat subcutaneous precursor adipocytes. The sequence of goat CRTC2 was cloned by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its molecular characterization was analyzed. The expression of CRTC2 gene in goat tissues and subcutaneous precursor adipocytes differentiated from 0 to 120 h was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effects of CRTC2 on the subcutaneous precursor adipocyte differentiation were investigated by using liposome transfection, Bodipy, Oil Red O staining and qPCR. The results showed that the cloned goat CRTC2 gene was 2363 bp long (coding sequence [CDS] 2082 bp), encoding 693 amino acids. The relative expression levels of CRTC2 gene were highest in liver and then in kidney (p<0.05). During differentiation, the highest expression of CRTC2 in subcutaneous precursor adipocytes was observed at 120 of differentiating (p<0.01). In addition, we found that overexpression of CRTC2 significantly increased the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, PPARγ, DGAT1, DGAT2, ACC, FASN, SREBP1, AP2, LPL, ATGL) and promoted lipid accumulation. We then chemically synthesized goat CRTC2 small interfering RNA and transfected it into goat subcutaneous precursor adipocytes. The results revealed that SiRNA-mediated interference with CRTC2 significantly inhibited its differentiation and suppressed lipid droplet aggregation. So, this study indicates that CRTC2 is a positive regulator that promoting cell differentiation of subcutaneous adipocyte in goats, which lays the foundation for an in-depth study of the role of CRTC2 in lipid deposition in goats. Show less
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism, and its activity has been linked to the risk of atherosclerosis (AS). CETP inhibitors, such as obicetrapib, repres Show more
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism, and its activity has been linked to the risk of atherosclerosis (AS). CETP inhibitors, such as obicetrapib, represent a novel approach in immunotherapy to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by targeting lipid metabolism. In addition, CETP vaccines are being explored as a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD by inducing the body to produce antibodies against CETP, which is expected to reduce CETP activity, thereby increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure of CETP, the mechanisms of lipid transfer and the progress of immunotherapy in the last decade, which provides possible ideas for future development of novel drugs and optimization of immunization strategies. Show less
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a significant complication following radiotherapy for brain tumors, leading to neurocognitive deficits and other neurological impairments. This study aims to i Show more
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a significant complication following radiotherapy for brain tumors, leading to neurocognitive deficits and other neurological impairments. This study aims to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RIBI by utilizing advanced proteomic techniques to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying RIBI. A rat model of RIBI was established and subjected to whole-brain irradiation (30 Gy). Tandem mass tagging (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics, combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry, was used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the brain tissues of irradiated rats. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted to identify the biological processes and pathways involved. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify key hub proteins. A total of 35 DEPs were identified, including PHLDA3, APOE and CPE. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the DEPs were mainly involved in lipid transport, cell adhesion, and metabolic processes. KEGG analysis highlighted the enrichment of pathways related to metabolism, tight junctions, and PPAR signaling. APOE was identified as a key hub protein through PPI network analysis, indicating its potential role in RIBI pathophysiology. Immunohistochemistry further validated the increased expression of PHLDA3, APOE, and CPE in the brain tissue of irradiated rats. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of RIBI by identifying key proteins and their associated pathways. The findings suggest that these proteins, particularly APOE and PHLDA3, could serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for clinical intervention in RIBI. These results not only enhance our understanding of RIBI's molecular pathology but also open new avenues for the development of targeted therapies to mitigate radiation-induced neurotoxicity. Show less
This study aimed to investigate serum inflammatory factor levels of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) to explore the related inflammatory molecular mechani Show more
This study aimed to investigate serum inflammatory factor levels of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) to explore the related inflammatory molecular mechanisms preliminarily. The study recruited 72 female drug-naïve patients with BD and 98 female healthy controls (HCs). Demographic information, menstrual cycles, sex hormone levels, and ovarian ultrasound data were collected from them. Additionally, their serum inflammatory factor levels and the proteomics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed. The levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-13 were significantly higher in patients with BD than in HCs (p < 0.05), and the IL-8 level was higher in BD patients with PCOS than in those without (adjusted p = 0.07). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that downregulated genes with significant differences between the two groups were all involved in immune-inflammatory-related pathways, and the expression of downregulated genes BTN3A2, MAP2K5, JCHAIN-B, and DMAP1 showed substantial differences and consistent trends between the two groups. IL-8-related chronic inflammatory response is closely associated with PCOS in BD patients, and genes such as BTN3A2 may mediate this chronic inflammatory response by negatively regulating the abnormal differentiation of T helper 17 cells, serving as one of the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Show less
Oocyte maturation-coupled mRNA post-transcriptional regulation is essential for the establishment of developmental potential. Previously, oocyte mRNA translation efficiencies focused on the trans-regu Show more
Oocyte maturation-coupled mRNA post-transcriptional regulation is essential for the establishment of developmental potential. Previously, oocyte mRNA translation efficiencies focused on the trans-regulation of key RNA-binding protein (RBPs), rarely related to RNA structure. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are four-stranded RNA secondary structures involved in many different aspects of RNA metabolism. In this study, we have developed a low-input technique for rG4 detection (G4-LACE-seq) in mouse oocytes and found that rG4s were widely distributed in maternal transcripts, with enrichment in untranslated regions, and they underwent transcriptome-wide removal during meiotic maturation. The rG4-selective small-molecule ligand BYBX stabilized rG4s in the oocyte transcriptome and impaired spindle assembly and meiotic cell cycle progression. The proteomic spectrum results revealed that rG4 accumulation weakened the binding of a large number of RBPs to mRNAs, especially those associated with translational initiation. Ribosomal immunoprecipitation and translational reporter assays further proved that rG4s in the untranslated regions negatively affected the translational efficiency of key maternal mRNAs. Overexpression DEAH/RHA family helicase-36 partially reverses BYBX-induced oocyte developmental defects, suggesting its importance in rG4 regulation. Collectively, this study describes the distribution, dynamic changes, and regulation of rG4s in the mouse maternal transcriptome. Before meiosis resumption, a large number of rG4s in oocytes are necessary to maintain the translatome at a low level, and DHX36-mediated rG4 removal promotes a translational switch and is required for successful maternal-to-zygotic transition. 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
Angiogenesis, a meticulously regulated process essential for both normal development and pathological conditions, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the endothelial mechanisms governing its Show more
Angiogenesis, a meticulously regulated process essential for both normal development and pathological conditions, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the endothelial mechanisms governing its progression. Leveraging the zebrafish model and NgAgo knockdown system to identify target genes influencing angiogenesis, our study highlights the significant role of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and its receptor (GIPR) in this process. While GIP has been extensively studied for its insulinotropic and glucagonotropic effects, its role in angiogenesis remains unexplored. This study demonstrated that GIPR knockdown induced developmental delays, morphological abnormalities, and pronounced angiogenic impairments in zebrafish embryos. Conversely, exogenous D-Ala2-GIP administration enhanced blood vessel formation in the yolk sac membrane of chick embryos. Consistent with these findings, D-Ala2-GIP treatment promoted microvessel formation in the tube formation assays and rat aortic ring models. Further investigation revealed that D-Ala2-GIP facilitated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration, a key step in angiogenesis, through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated activation of the Epac/Rap1/Cdc42 signaling pathway. This study provides novel insights into the angiogenic functions of GIP and its potential implications for cardiovascular biology. Show less
Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are used for glycemic control in diabetes and show potential Show more
Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are used for glycemic control in diabetes and show potential neuroprotective properties, but their effects on AD and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that GLP-1RAs can alleviate AD-related phenotypes by activating 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. We found that plasma GLP-1 levels were decreased in AD model mice and negatively correlated with amyloid-beta (Aβ) load in patients with AD. Enhancing GLP-1 signaling through GLP-1RAs increased CaMKK2-AMPK signaling, which subsequently reduced BACE1-mediated cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Aβ generation. GLP-1RAs also increased AMPK activity in microglia, inhibiting neuroinflammation and promoting Aβ phagocytosis. Consequently, GLP-1RAs inhibited plaque formation and improved memory deficits in AD model mice. Our findings indicate that AMPK activation mediates the effects of GLP-1RAs on AD, highlighting the therapeutic potential of GLP-1RAs for the treatment of AD. 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