Hyperlipidemia and its associated hepatic steatosis pose significant global health burdens, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice received TAC (2.5, 5.0, 10. Show more
Hyperlipidemia and its associated hepatic steatosis pose significant global health burdens, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice received TAC (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 g/L) or simvastatin for 2 weeks. Metabolic parameters, serum lipid profiles, hepatic function markers, and histopathology were systematically analyzed. Molecular pathways were interrogated through qPCR, Western blot, and pharmacological inhibition of AMPK (Compound C) and PPARα (GW6471). TAC treatment demonstrated significant dose-dependent improvements across multiple parameters. Compared to HFD controls, TAC reduced body weight by 21.3% and liver index by 18.7%, while lowering fasting blood glucose levels by 32.4%. Serum analyses showed substantial reductions in total cholesterol (46.2%), triglycerides (38.5%), and LDL-cholesterol (52.1%), accompanied by a 29.8% increase in HDL-cholesterol. Hepatic function improved markedly, with ALT and AST levels decreasing by 57.3% and 49.6% respectively. Histopathological examination revealed a 68.4% reduction in hepatic lipid accumulation. At the molecular level, TAC treatment resulted in a 2.7-fold increase in AMPK phosphorylation while significantly reducing HMGCR expression by 63.1% and nuclear SREBP-1c levels by 71.5%. Concurrently, TAC upregulated PPARα and LXRα expression by 3.1-fold and 2.4-fold respectively, leading to enhanced expression of lipolytic enzymes LPL and HL by 2.8-fold and 2.1-fold. These beneficial effects were completely abolished by co-treatment with pathway-specific inhibitors. TAC ameliorates hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis through dual modulation of AMPK/SREBP-1c-mediated lipid synthesis and PPARα/LXRα-driven lipolysis, presenting a multifaceted therapeutic approach for metabolic disorders. Show less
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most intractable complication of diabetes. Despite decades of research, accurate diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic drugs are still elusive. Abnormal copper Show more
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most intractable complication of diabetes. Despite decades of research, accurate diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic drugs are still elusive. Abnormal copper metabolism is also implicated in diabetes and its complications. This study aims to identify copper metabolism-related biomarkers and potential drugs for DN. DN datasets and copper metabolism-related genes (CMGs) were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and GeneCards. Differentially expressed CMGs (DE-CMGs) were identified using the limma package and the Venn algorithm. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were performed to identify candidate hub genes. The single gene with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve > 0.7 was identified as a potential diagnostic biomarker of DN. Finally, these biomarkers were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in high-glucose-treated human proximal tubular (HK-2) cells. These validated hub genes were used to construct a combined prediction model, confirmed by additional GSE30528 and GSE30529 datasets. The correlation analysis between the expression level of the hub genes and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was carried out. Additionally, immune cell infiltration and potential target drugs were investigated for these biomarkers. Five hub genes associated with copper metabolism, namely CD36, CCL2, CASP3, LPL, and APOC3, were identified as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of DN. Utilizing multiple biomarkers enhanced diagnostic accuracy and specificity. CD36, CCL2, and CASP3 correlated negatively with eGFR levels, while LPL and APOC3 correlated positively. Additionally, these hub genes were significantly linked to various immune cell types, including macrophages M1 and M2, T cells, gamma delta resting dendritic cells, neutrophils, and NK cells. Furthermore, 15 agents targeting these biomarkers were retrieved from the DrugBank database. Our study identified key genes possibly related to copper metabolism in the pathological mechanism of DN that could serve as novel targets for the diagnosis and therapy of DN. Show less
Discs large homolog 2 (DLG2) has been implicated in cancer development, yet its role in cervical cancer remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of DLG2 in cervical cancer Show more
Discs large homolog 2 (DLG2) has been implicated in cancer development, yet its role in cervical cancer remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of DLG2 in cervical cancer and its clinical implications. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays were employed to detect RNA and protein expression, respectively. Colony formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were conducted for cell functional analysis. A xenograft mouse model assay was performed to analyze tumor tumorigenesis in vivo. m6A RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to analyze the association of METTL3 and DLG2. DLG2 was underexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells. Elevating DLG2 levels significantly suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis. Additionally, DLG2 overexpression led to the deactivation of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. In vivo, DLG2 overexpression was shown to reduce tumor formation. We also discovered that METTL3 destabilized DLG2 mRNA through an m6A-dependent mechanism. Moreover, lowering DLG2 expression mitigated the effects of METTL3 silencing on cervical cancer cell malignancy. DLG2 acted as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer by inhibiting the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. The METTL3-dependent regulation of DLG2 mRNA stability could be a critical factor in cervical cancer progression. Show less
Endothelial lipase (LIPG), a member of the triglyceride lipase family, plays an essential role in human diseases and lipid metabolism. However, its function in goat intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition Show more
Endothelial lipase (LIPG), a member of the triglyceride lipase family, plays an essential role in human diseases and lipid metabolism. However, its function in goat intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of the LIPG gene in IMF deposition by knocking down and overexpressing it in goat intramuscular preadipocytes. We successfully cloned the full-length LIPG gene, which spans 2,131 bp, including a 94 bp 5' untranslated region (5'UTR), a 1,503 bp coding sequence (CDS), and a 534 bp 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Tissue expression profiles showed that LIPG is expressed in the heart, liver, spleen, Kidney, longest dorsal muscle, and small intestine tissues of goats. LIPG knockdown significantly inhibited both the proliferation of intramuscular preadipocytes and lipid deposition. Moreover, LIPG knockdown markedly decreased mRNA expression of FASN, LPL, CPT1A, CPT1B, FABP3, while increasing the mRNA expression of ATGL, ACOX1, FADS1, and ELOVL6. These findings were further corroborated through LIPG overexpression experiments. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we identified 1695 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the negative control (NC) and LIPG knockdown (Si-LIPG) groups, with KEGG pathway analysis revealing significant enrichment in the PPAR signaling pathway. Additionally, LIPG knockdown significantly upregulated the expression of both mRNA and protein levels of PPARα. The PPARα agonist WY14643 was able to reverse the enhanced lipid deposition induced by LIPG overexpression. In conclusion, our study highlights a key role for LIPG in the regulation of goat intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation and lipid deposition, potentially through the PPARα signaling pathway. These findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing IMF deposition and suggest potential strategies for improving goat meat quality. Show less
Recent researches highlight the interdependence of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and Lp(a)-associated cardiovascular risk with the background inflammatory burden. This study aimed to investigate whether syst Show more
Recent researches highlight the interdependence of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and Lp(a)-associated cardiovascular risk with the background inflammatory burden. This study aimed to investigate whether systemic inflammation modulates Lp(a)-associated coronary stenosis in chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). A total of 1513 participants undergoing angiography at a tertiary cardiology center in China were included in our retrospective, cross-sectional study. Participants were categorized into normal, mild, and severe groups based on the Gensini Scores, which quantitatively assess stenosis severity. Multinomial logistic models were calculated according to accompanying systemic inflammation concentration. Participants with elevated Lp(a) levels had a high coronary stenosis risk: fully adjusted model odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for the mild vs. normal and severe vs. normal groups were 1.47 (1.11-1.96) and 1.68 (1.21-2.33). Notably, the strongest Lp(a)-coronary stenosis associations after multi-variable adjustment persisted only in low inflammation concentration [systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) < 0.64)] [mild vs. normal, OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.17-3.54, Elevated Lp(a) correlates with coronary stenosis only in low inflammation concentration. Considering systemic inflammation in personalized Lp(a)-lowering therapies is more conducive for CCS managements. 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 explore the career adaptability status of cardiovascular specialist nurses (CSNs) through latent profile analysis (LPA), identify distinct subgroups and their demographic features, Show more
This study aimed to explore the career adaptability status of cardiovascular specialist nurses (CSNs) through latent profile analysis (LPA), identify distinct subgroups and their demographic features, and determine factors influencing different adaptability categories. CSNs play a vital role in treating and rehabilitating patients with cardiovascular conditions. However, the existing literature offers limited insights into the career adaptability of CSNs in China. A multicenter, cross-sectional survey involving 659 Chinese CSNs was conducted. LPA was utilized to classify career adaptability profiles based on responses to the Career Adaptation Abilities Scale Short Form (CAAS-SF). Influencing factors were assessed using the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II (CWEQ-II) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Differences among identified profiles were analyzed through ANOVA, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression to explore relevant socio-demographic characteristics and influencing variables. A four-profile model provided the best fit, identifying groups labeled as “high adaptability” (Class 4, These findings provide evidence to assist nursing administrators in developing training programs to enhance CSNs’ career adaptability. The variables identified as associated with profile membership may enable more tailored training strategies. Show less
Pancreatic cancer (PC), characterized by the absence of effective biomarkers and therapies, remains highly fatal. Data regarding the correlations between PC risk and individual plasma proteome known f Show more
Pancreatic cancer (PC), characterized by the absence of effective biomarkers and therapies, remains highly fatal. Data regarding the correlations between PC risk and individual plasma proteome known for minimally invasive biomarkers are scarce. Here, we analyzed 1,345 human plasma proteins using proteome-wide association studies, identifying 78 proteins significantly associated with PC risk. Of these, four proteins (ROR1, FN1, APOA5, and ABO) showed the most substantial causal link to PC, confirmed through Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses. Data from two clinical cohorts further demonstrated that FN1 and ABO were notably overexpressed in both blood and tumor samples from PC patients, compared to healthy controls or para-tumor tissues. Additionally, elevated FN1 and ABO levels correlated with shorter median survival in patients. Multiple drugs targeting FN1 or ROR1 are available or in clinical trials. These findings suggest that plasma protein FN1 associated with PC holds potential as both prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Show less
Pentadecanoic acid (PEA), an odd-chain fatty acid derived from diet by the gut microbiome, has garnered increasing attention for its systemic health-promoting properties. Its potential role in bladder Show more
Pentadecanoic acid (PEA), an odd-chain fatty acid derived from diet by the gut microbiome, has garnered increasing attention for its systemic health-promoting properties. Its potential role in bladder cancer (BC) occurrence and invasion, however, remains unclear. Large-scale cohorts' analyses were performed to assess the association between dietary PEA and BC occurrence and invasion. In vitro and in vivo experiments, including EJ and T24 BC cell assays and a BBN-induced mouse model, were conducted to experimentally assess the impact of PEA on BC. Serum proteomics, gut microbiome, and targeted fecal lipidomics analyses were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Dietary PEA was negatively associated with BC occurrence and invasion in cohort analyses. PEA suppressed EJ and T24 BC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, while inhibiting BC development in a BBN-induced mouse model. In vivo serum proteomics identified differentially expressed lipid-related proteins (e.g., Apoe and Apob) following PEA treatment, implicating its modulation of lipid metabolism pathways. Considering the essential role of the gut-bladder axis, the gut microbiome analysis exhibited that PEA markedly altered bacteria (e.g., g_Alistipes) and fungi (e.g., o_Erysiphales, g_Teberdinia, and g_Gibberella), with concomitant lipid metabolism changes. Furthermore, targeted fecal lipidomics demonstrated the shifts in key lipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) involved in essential lipid clusters, suggesting regulation by gut microbiome linked to BC development. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that PEA mitigates BC by reshaping the gut microbiome and modulating lipid metabolism, providing new insights into its molecular and therapeutic potential. Show less
Traumatic defects or non-union fractures presents a substantial challenge in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although synthetic calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaPs) Show more
Traumatic defects or non-union fractures presents a substantial challenge in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although synthetic calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaPs) such as dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrate (DCPA) are commonly employed for bone repair, their inadequate cellular immune responses significantly impede sustained degradation and optimal osteogenesis. In this study, drawing inspiration from the key structure of an acidic non-collagenous protein-CaP complex (ANCPs-CaP) essential for natural bone formation, we prepared biomimetic mineralized dibasic calcium phosphate (MDCPA). This preparation utilized plant-derived non-collagenous protein Zein as the organic template and acidic artificial saliva as the mineralization medium. Physicochemical property analysis revealed that MDCPA is a complex of Zein and DCPA, which mimics the composite of the natural ANCP-CaP. Moreover, MDCPA exhibited enhanced biodegradability and osteogenic potential. Mechanistic insight revealed that MDCPA can be phagocytized and degraded by macrophages via the FCγRIII receptor, leading to the release of interleukin 27 (IL-27), which promotes osteogenic differentiation by osteoimmunomodulation. The critical role of IL-27 in osteogenesis is further confirmed using IL-27 gene knockout mice. Additionally, MDCPA demonstrates effective healing of critical-sized defects in rat cranial bones within only 4 w, providing a promising basis and valuable insights for critical-sized bone defects regeneration. Show less
This study integrated the the effects of dietary Lys/Met ratio in a low protein diet on the meat quality in Tibetan sheep. A total of 90 weaned Tibetan sheep, 2 months old with initial weight of 15.37 Show more
This study integrated the the effects of dietary Lys/Met ratio in a low protein diet on the meat quality in Tibetan sheep. A total of 90 weaned Tibetan sheep, 2 months old with initial weight of 15.37 ± 0.92 kg were randomly divided into 3 treatments, which were supplemented with Lys/Met ratio at 3 (LP-H), 2 (LP-M), and 1 (LP-L) in the basal diet (10 % crude protein), respectively. After slaughter (150 days of age), the growth performances and meat quality of longissimus dorsi muscle were evaluated. The LP-L group showed significantly higher final body weight compared to the LP-M group (P < 0.05). Serum albumin and total protein levels were significantly higher in the LP-L group than in the LP-H group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, meat from the LP-L group had significantly higher protein, calcium, and vitamin E content compared to the LP-M group (P < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed 3,479 differentially expressed genes enriched in pathways related to muscle growth, energy metabolism, and signaling transduction. Metabolomic analysis identified 771 differential metabolites, significantly enriched in ABC transporters, beta-alanine metabolism, and taste transduction pathways. Integrated analysis highlighted the upregulation of the ABCD4 gene and L-valine metabolite in the LP-L group, contributing to improved phenotypic traits. These findings provide molecular insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying the effects of dietary Lys/Met ratios on Tibetan sheep meat quality and offer a basis for developing nutritional strategies to enhance premium meat production. Show less
Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a secreted glycoprotein that was discovered in 2000 by three independent laboratories. In the ensuing two and a half decades, extensive work has been conducted to dete Show more
Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a secreted glycoprotein that was discovered in 2000 by three independent laboratories. In the ensuing two and a half decades, extensive work has been conducted to determine its physiological and pathological functions. ANGPTL4 has been shown to be involved in many biological processes, including glucose and lipid metabolism, angiogenesis, and wound healing, with implications in diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular (e.g., atherosclerosis) and renal diseases, and cancer. For instance, ANGPTL4 is upregulated in several cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Interestingly, ANGPTL4 has been shown to exhibit both pro-tumor-promoting tumor growth, cell survival, angiogenesis and metastasis-as well as anti-tumor activities, underscoring its complex roles in cancer biology. This review examines the comprehensive biological functions of ANGPTL4 and its contributions to disease mechanisms with a specific emphasis on cancer, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target across different types of human cancers. Show less
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer (BC), characterized by limited treatment options and poor clinical outcomes. Aberrant FGFR signaling has been implic Show more
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer (BC), characterized by limited treatment options and poor clinical outcomes. Aberrant FGFR signaling has been implicated in TNBC; however, the therapeutic potential of targeting FGFRs for TNBC treatment remains unclear. This study investigated the anti-cancer activity of the selective pan-FGFR inhibitor Erdafitinib and its underlying mechanisms using both in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrated that Erdafitinib suppressed TNBC tumorigenicity by promoting FGFR1/4 degradation, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing DNA damage, and ultimately triggering cell death. Mechanistic analyses revealed that Erdafitinib facilitated FGFR1/4 degradation through ubiquitination, enhanced interaction between TRIM25 and FGFR1/4, and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Furthermore, RNA-seq data from the TCGA and GEO databases, along with paired tumor tissues from TNBC patients, indicated that FGFR4 was significantly upregulated in TNBC. Notably, co-knockdown of FGFR1 and FGFR4 induced cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells, highlighting the therapeutic relevance of FGFR1/4 degradation by Erdafitinib in TNBC. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer efficacy of Erdafitinib, supporting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for TNBC. Show less
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, normally associated with dysfunction and degeneration of the trabecular meshwork (TM) as the primary cause. Trabecular meshwork stem cells (TMSCs Show more
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, normally associated with dysfunction and degeneration of the trabecular meshwork (TM) as the primary cause. Trabecular meshwork stem cells (TMSCs) have emerged as promising candidates for TM regeneration toward glaucoma therapies, yet their molecular characteristics remain poorly defined. In this study, we performed a comprehensive transcriptomic comparison of human TMSCs and human TM cells (TMCs) using RNA sequencing and microarray analyses, followed by qPCR validation. A total of 465 differentially expressed genes were identified, with 254 upregulated in TMSCs and 211 in TMCs. A functional enrichment analysis revealed that TMSCs are associated with development, immune signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling pathways, while TMCs are enriched in structural, contractile, and adhesion-related functions. A network topology analysis identified Show less
This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating post-stroke cognitive im Show more
This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) through meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA), moreover to provide an evidence-based basis for the treatment of PSCI in clinical practice. The study conducted a comprehensive search of eight major domestic and international databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP and China Biology Medicine (CBM). Four English and four Chinese databases of randomized controlled trials of acupuncture combined with rTMS for the treatment of PSCI from inception until July 2025. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted based on the Cochrane systematic review method by using RevMan5.4 and Stata/MP 18.0, and trial sequential analyses were performed by TSA 0.9. Sixteen RCTs involving 1,058 patients were included, including 532 patients in the experimental group and 526 patients in the control group. Meta-analysis results showed that the experimental group had a higher clinical effectiveness rate in treating patients with PSCI compared to the control group [RR = 1.29, 95% CI (1.08, 1.55), Acupuncture combined with rTMS can improve cognitive function, regulate daily living ability, and regulate neurotransmitter levels in patients with PSCI, which is worthy recommended in the clinic. However, due to limitations in sample size, inclusion quality and incomplete reporting, it is worth noting that more rigorously designed and high-quality studies are needed to further validate these conclusions. Show less
Zhigancao Decoction (ZGCD) is derived from "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" and is traditionally prescribed for treating a variety of cardiovascular conditions. As of now, there are no data to support i Show more
Zhigancao Decoction (ZGCD) is derived from "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" and is traditionally prescribed for treating a variety of cardiovascular conditions. As of now, there are no data to support its use as a treatment for diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and the mechanism behind the effect is unclear as well. In the present study, clinical evidence for the efficacy of ZGCD in patients with DCM was examined using a meta-analysis and its underlying anti-DCM molecular mechanisms were explored via network pharmacology. The current study utilized an extensive search strategy encompassing various domestic and foreign databases databases to retrieve pertinent articles published up to June 2024. In light of this, a thorough evaluation of the benefits and safety of Zhigancao decoction (ZGCD) was conducted in this study using RevMan and Stata. Subsequently, a number of active compounds and target genes for ZGCD were gathered from the TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases, while the main targets for DCM were obtained from databases such as GenCards, OMIM, TTD, and DrugBank. To select core genes, protein-protein interaction networks were generated using the STRING platform, and enrichment analyses were completed using the Metascape platform. Meta-analysis results were ultimately derived from 9 studies involving 661 patients in total. In comparison with WM therapy alone, the pooled results showed that ZGCD significantly enhanced overall effectiveness. Additionally, the utilization of ZGCD was leading to a reduction in LVEDV, LVESV and LVDD, also a greater increase in LVEF. Meanwhile, the utilization of ZGCD during intervention was more effective in reducing SBP, and DBP. In addition, the ZGCD showed potential in reducing the occurrence of adverse events. In the context of network pharmacology, five constituents of ZGCD-namely lysine, quercetin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol-are posited to exert anti-diabetic cardiomyopathy (anti-DCM) effects through interactions with the molecular targets ASS1, SERPINE1, CACNA2D1, AVP, APOB, ICAM1, EGFR, TNNC1, F2, F10, IGF1, TNNI2, CAV1, INSR, and INS. The primary mechanisms by which ZGCD may achieve its anti-DCM effects are likely mediated via the AGEs/RAGE signaling pathway, as well as through pathways related to lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. In comparison to WM therapy alone, ZGCD demonstrates greater efficacy and safety in the management of DCM. ZGCD not only significantly reduces blood pressure, but also enhances cardiac function while producing fewer adverse effects. The therapeutic effects of ZGCD on DCM can likely be ascribed to its capacity to modulate the AGEs-RAGE signaling pathway, as well as its efficacy in enhancing lipid metabolism and mitigating atherosclerosis. identifier (INPLASY202430133). Show less
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in Show more
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in breast cancer remains largely unexplored. We applied an advanced biosensor approach to detect the D-2HG levels in breast cancer samples. We then investigated the biological functions of D-2HG through multiple in vitro and in vivo assays. A joint MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq strategy was used to identify the target genes regulated by D-2HG-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m We found that D-2HG accumulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), exerting oncogenic effects both in vitro and in vivo by promoting TNBC cell growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, D-2HG enhanced global m Our study unveils a previously unrecognized role for D-2HG-mediated RNA modification in TNBC progression and targeting the D-2HG/FTO/m Show less
This study aimed to investigate the effects of perioperative esketamine on postoperative depression and pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy. 135 patients undegoing laparoscopic Show more
This study aimed to investigate the effects of perioperative esketamine on postoperative depression and pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy. 135 patients undegoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy were recruited and randomly allocated to three groups. Finally, a total of 127 patients were selected into the statistical analysis, with the final grouping information as follows: sufentanil group (S1, n = 44), sufentanil combined with 0.25 mg/kg esketamine group (SK1, n = 42) and sufentanil combined with 0.5 mg/kg esketamine group (SK2,n = 41) intraoperatively, then postoperative analgesia was maintained with sufentanil (2 µg/kg) via patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) in all groups, while a 1 mg/kg dose of esketamine was added to the PCIA regimen for patients in groups SK1 and SK2. The peripheral blood serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) level, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) scores, visual analogue scale(VAS) scores and the number of PCIA button pressed times in perioperative period were collected. Meanwhile, the postoperative adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, respiratory depression and hallucinations were collected and compared between the three groups. Relative to preoperative baseline levels, BDNF and 5-HT levels decreased at the 1th day(1d) post surgery in all groups(P < 0.05), and then followed by a gradual increase thereafter. Compared with S1 group, the SK1 and SK2 group showed significantly higher serum BDNF and 5-HT levels at 1d, 2d and 5d after operation (P < 0.05), and revealed even higher at 1d and 2d after operation in SK2 group(P < 0.05). The HAM-D scores at 1d, 2d and 5d post operation were significantly reduced in SK1 and SK2 group (P < 0.05) compared to S1 group, and decreased even lower at 1d and 2d postoperative in SK2 group(P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found among three groups at 1d before and the 7d after operation. Simultaneously, the VAS scores decreased significantly in SK1 and SK2 group at the 1th hour(1 h), 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery (P < 0.05), and the PCIA button pressed times were also significantly reduced in SK1 and SK2 group (P < 0.05) during the postoperative 48 h. Furthermore, the SK1 and SK2 group showed the lower dosage of remifentanil during the surgery(P < 0.05). However, the postoperative adverse effects had no statistical differences among the three groups. The combined intraoperative and postoperative administration of esketamine was effective in alleviating postoperative depression and pain, without increasing adverse effects in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy. Moreover, the 0.5 mg/kg dosage intraoperatively may have the better alleviation property of depression-related indicators. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at www.chictr.org.cn (registration date: October 31, 2022; registration number: ChiCTR2200065198). Show less
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective po Show more
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of orlistat (ORL), a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, in a murine TBI model. Behavioral, histological, and molecular analyses demonstrated that ORL significantly attenuated TBI-induced neurological damage. Microglial depletion experiments revealed that ORL's neuroprotective effects were largely mediated through microglial modulation. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that ORL suppressed microglial activation, phagocytosis, and migration. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified upregulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in a TBI-induced microglial subpopulation. Molecular docking predicted ORL-LPL binding, suggesting direct enzymatic inhibition. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further revealed ORL's modulation of microglial metabolic pathways and inflammatory responses. Our findings position ORL as a promising repurposed therapeutic for TBI through its novel mechanism of targeting microglial LPL-mediated neuroinflammation. Show less
The chimeric cytokine IC7Fc conveys the metabolic signaling properties of the glycoprotein 130 receptor cytokines interleukin-6 and ciliary neurotrophic factor via membrane-bound signaling. IC7Fc was Show more
The chimeric cytokine IC7Fc conveys the metabolic signaling properties of the glycoprotein 130 receptor cytokines interleukin-6 and ciliary neurotrophic factor via membrane-bound signaling. IC7Fc was previously shown to slow the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and here, we demonstrate its effect on atherosclerotic development. In APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, an atherosclerosis-prone model with a humanized lipoprotein metabolism, IC7Fc markedly lowered plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. This was mechanistically explained by an inhibition of de novo lipogenesis in the liver, increased synthesis of bile acids from cholesterol, and down-regulated apolipoprotein B synthesis, which resulted in decreased cholesterol secretion in very low-density lipoprotein particles. As a consequence, IC7Fc treatment considerably reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation and vascular inflammation compared with current antihyperlipidemic therapy. In conclusion, IC7Fc is a promising pharmacological treatment for cardiometabolic diseases targeting hyperlipidemia and inflammation. Show less
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) exhibit complex genotype-phenotype associations that frequently result in inconclusive variant interpretations, contributing to suboptimal diagnostic yields (~ 40%) Show more
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) exhibit complex genotype-phenotype associations that frequently result in inconclusive variant interpretations, contributing to suboptimal diagnostic yields (~ 40%). Koolen-de Vries syndrome (KdVS), an autosomal dominant NDD caused by KANSL1 haploinsufficiency, exemplifies this diagnostic challenge with its multisystem manifestations and lack of systematic genotype-phenotype associations. To address this gap, we constructed a comprehensive KdVS genotype-phenotype repository by systematically integrating all molecularly confirmed cases from global literature. Comprehensive phenotypic analysis revealed that core KdVS features include developmental delay/intellectual disability, characteristic craniofacial dysmorphism, hypotonia, and multisystem abnormalities. Phenotypic association analysis identified 249 significant correlations, demonstrating that KdVS clinical manifestations are highly interconnected rather than representing isolated features, such as the association between strabismus and hydrocephalus (OR = 14.26). Application of this repository to screen a Chinese rare disease cohort identified 53 KANSL1 variants. Among these, one de novo nonsense variant (NM₀₀₁₁₉₃₄₆₆.2: c.902T > G, p.Leu301Ter) was classified as pathogenic in a Chinese boy with classic KdVS features. The remaining 52 variants were categorized as variants of uncertain significance (VUS), approximately half of which were absent from gnomAD databases. Each VUS was comprehensively annotated with detailed clinical profiles to facilitate phenotype-driven reinterpretation. In conclusion, this study establishes KdVS as a highly interconnected multisystem disorder and demonstrates that deep phenotypic association analysis enhanced genetic diagnosis. This disease-specific repository approach provides a scalable framework for improving molecular diagnostics across rare NDDs. Show less
The deficiency of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1), a key enzyme of gluconeogenesis, causes fatty liver. However, its underlying mechanism and physiological significance are not fully understood. Show more
The deficiency of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1), a key enzyme of gluconeogenesis, causes fatty liver. However, its underlying mechanism and physiological significance are not fully understood. Here we demonstrate that carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) mediates lipid metabolic remodeling and promotes progressive triglyceride accumulation against metabolic injury in adult FBP1-deficient liver. Inducible liver-specific deletion of Fbp1 gene caused progressive hepatomegaly and hepatic steatosis, with a marked increase in hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) as well as a decrease in plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels. Notably, FBP1 deficiency resulted in a persistent activation of ChREBP and its target genes involved in glycolysis, lipogenesis, and fatty acid oxidation, even under fasting conditions. Furthermore, liver-specific ChREBP disruption could markedly restore the phenotypes of enhanced DNL and triglyceride accumulation in FBP1-deficient liver but exacerbated its hepatomegaly and liver injury, which was associated with remarkable energy deficit, impaired mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation, and increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis revealed a robust elevation of phosphoenolpyruvate, phosphoglycerates, phospholipids, and ceramides caused by ChREBP deletion in FBP1-deficient liver. Put together, these results suggest that overactivation of ChREBP pathway mediates liver metabolic remodeling in the absence of FBP1, which contributes to the pathogenesis of progressive hepatic steatosis and provides a protection against liver injury. Thus, our findings point to a beneficial role of ChREBP in metabolic remodeling in the context of excessive gluconeogenic intermediates. Show less
Studying the molecular properties of drugs and their interactions with human targets aids in better understanding the clinical performance of drugs and guides drug development. In computer-aided drug Show more
Studying the molecular properties of drugs and their interactions with human targets aids in better understanding the clinical performance of drugs and guides drug development. In computer-aided drug discovery, it is crucial to utilize effective molecular feature representations for predicting molecular properties and designing ligands with high binding affinity to targets. However, designing an effective multi-task and self-supervised strategy remains a significant challenge for the pretraining framework. In this study, a multi-task self-supervised deep learning framework is proposed, MTSSMol, which utilizes ≈10 million unlabeled drug-like molecules for pretraining to identify potential inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). During the pretraining of MTSSMol, molecular representations are learned through a graph neural networks (GNNs) encoder. A multi-task self-supervised pretraining strategy is proposed to fully capture the structural and chemical knowledge of molecules. Extensive computational tests on 27 datasets demonstrate that MTSSMol exhibits exceptional performance in predicting molecular properties across different domains. Moreover, MTSSMol's capability is validated to identify potential inhibitors of FGFR1 through molecular docking using RoseTTAFold All-Atom (RFAA) and molecular dynamics simulations. Overall, MTSSMol provides an effective algorithmic framework for enhancing molecular representation learning and identifying potential drug candidates, offering a valuable tool to accelerate drug discovery processes. All of the codes are freely available online at https:// github.com/zhaoqi106/MTSSMol. Show less
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent digestive system malignancy accompanied by peritoneal metastasis occurring in 7% of cases. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) promoted the progression of CRC wher Show more
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent digestive system malignancy accompanied by peritoneal metastasis occurring in 7% of cases. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) promoted the progression of CRC whereas its function in peritoneal metastasis was incompletely understood. Here, we found that METTL3 was upregulated in peritoneal metastasis tissues of CRC patients compared with CRC tissues. By sequencing the mRNA of above tissues, we discovered that METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulated the downstream target Show less
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback imm Show more
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback immunomodulator in TAO. Serum IL-27α levels were significantly elevated in patients with TAO compared with healthy and inflammatory disease controls. In orbital fibroblasts (OFs), exogenous IL-27 suppressed IL-1β-induced proinflammatory cytokines and reduced hypoxia-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. IL-27 also attenuated TGF-β-driven fibrosis via p38 MAPK signaling in CD90 Show less
DHX36 plays a crucial role in regulating transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes through its interaction with G-quadruplexes (G4s). The mechanisms by which DHX36 regulates G4s vary across d Show more
DHX36 plays a crucial role in regulating transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes through its interaction with G-quadruplexes (G4s). The mechanisms by which DHX36 regulates G4s vary across different cell types and physiological conditions. Oocyte-specific conditional knockout (CKO) mice were utilized to study the impact of DHX36 deficiency on female fertility. The results show that the CKO mice exhibit severely impaired hormone response, ovulation, and complete infertility. The CKO germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes display large nucleoli, aberrant chromatin configuration, decreased chromatin accessibility, disturbed transcriptome, and inhibited meiosis progression. Following fertilization, the embryos derived from the CKO oocytes arrest at the zygote or 2-cell stage. Notably, we observed inadequate rRNA transcription in growing GV oocytes, as well as insufficient pre-rRNA processing and translation activity in fully-grown GV oocytes. Using a G4 probe and antibody, we found increased G4s formation at the chromatin and cytoplasm of CKO GV oocytes; these G4s mainly originate from the rDNA and pre-rRNA. Furthermore, the distribution of DHX36 was found to be spatiotemporally synchronized with that of pre-rRNA and G4s in early mouse embryos. In vitro experiments confirmed that DHX36 directly binds with pre-rRNA through the RHAU-specific motif (RSM). Overexpression of DHX36 could partially alleviate the pre-rRNA accumulation in fully-grown CKO oocytes. In conclusion, this study highlights the physiological significance of DHX36 in maintaining female fertility, underscoring its critical role in rRNA homeostasis and chromatin configuration through G4-unwinding mechanism in mouse oocytes. 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
Background Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and rearrangement of FGFR1(MLN-FGFR1), also referred to as 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS), arises from aberrant FGFR1 gene rearrangement Show more
Background Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and rearrangement of FGFR1(MLN-FGFR1), also referred to as 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome (EMS), arises from aberrant FGFR1 gene rearrangement in bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells, resulting in the transformation of myeloid/lymphoid cells into neoplastic growths. The clinical and laboratory features of affected individuals are influenced by the specific partner genes. Purpose This article aims to report a case of MLN-FGFR1 involving a novel CNTRL::FGFR1 splicing variant and to discuss its clinicopathological characteristics and treatment challenges. Methods/Results We report a case of MLN-FGFR1 in a 35-year-old male patient presenting with leukocytosis, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and a mixed population of B lymphoblasts, T lymphoblasts, and monoblasts in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. Comprehensive molecular profiling, including chromosomal karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), targeted transcriptome sequencing, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Sanger sequencing, identified a novel splicing variant of the CNTRL::FGFR1 fusion, resulting from a t(8;9)(p11;q33) translocation. This novel splicing variant involves an in-frame fusion between exon 38 of CNTRL and exon 11 of FGFR1, retaining the kinase domain of FGFR1 and leading to its constitutive activation. Despite multiple treatment regimens, the patient failed to achieve complete remission (CR). Conclusion The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted therapies, such as FGFR inhibitors, to improve outcomes in patients with FGFR1-rearranged malignancies. Show less