To investigate the key regulatory genes and pathways related to growth traits in the Dongtingking crucian carp (Carassius auratus indigentiaus), the transcriptomes of brain, intestine, and muscle tiss Show more
To investigate the key regulatory genes and pathways related to growth traits in the Dongtingking crucian carp (Carassius auratus indigentiaus), the transcriptomes of brain, intestine, and muscle tissues were sequenced at early juvenile stage using RNA-Seq from two groups with extreme growth rates (fast-growing and slow-growing). A total of 65, 184, and 130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the brain, intestine, and muscle, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis highlighted that the PPAR signaling pathway, Insulin/PI3K/Akt/mTOR/FoxO/AMPK pathway, and Protein digestion and absorption pathways are crucial for growth in this species. Based on the transcriptome data, 32 key DEGs were identified, mainly participating in processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation, growth, development, and metabolism. Prominent examples are cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 5 (creb5b), forkhead box protein O1-A (foxo1a), transcription factor AP-1-like (jun), lipoprotein lipase-like (lpl), angiopoietin-like 4 (angptl4), and egl nine homolog 3-like (egln3). This study enhances the understanding of the genetic factors and regulatory mechanisms responsible for variations in growth rates and provides a valuable basis for further studies on the regulatory mechanisms of growth in C. auratus indigentiaus. Show less
Lipid metabolism abnormalities and inflammation have been implicated in gallstone disease (GSD) development, but the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among lipid metabolites, infla Show more
Lipid metabolism abnormalities and inflammation have been implicated in gallstone disease (GSD) development, but the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among lipid metabolites, inflammatory factors, and GSD remain unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the causal relationships among these 3 factors. This study employed 2-sample Mendelian Randomization (TSMR) and 2-step MR to investigate the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among 91 inflammatory factors, 6 lipid metabolism-related molecules (HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, total cholesterol, ApoA1, and ApoB), and GSD. We opted for 4 distinct MR analysis methods including inverse variance weighted method, weighted median method, MR-Egger regression method and MR-PRESSO analysis. Sensitivity analyses included MR-Egger intercept tests, Cochran's Q statistic, Steiger tests, and leave-one-out analyses. Product of coefficients method was used to estimate mediation proportion. TSMR analysis revealed that every 1-unit increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the risk of GSD decreased by 16.5%, 10.2%, 8.4%, and 13.1%, respectively. Inflammatory factors such as Natural killer cell receptor 2B4 (CD244), Macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), and interleukin-18 receptor 1 (IL-18R1) were identified as risk factors for GSD, while Fibroblast growth factor 19 levels (FGF19), Interleukin-1-alpha levels (IL-1α), and Interleukin-8 levels (IL-8) were found to be protective. Mediation analysis through 2-step MR identified potential pathways involving ApoA1--IL-8--GSD (P = .084) and IL-1α--ApoB--GSD (P = .117). This study provides robust evidence of causal links between specific lipid metabolites and GSD, as well as suggestive causal associations for several inflammatory factors. However, mediation analysis did not support significant roles for lipids or inflammatory factors as mediators in GSD pathogenesis. Future research could be further pursued in areas such as drug target intervention and mechanistic studies. 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
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a biological process that converts endothelial cells to mesenchymal cells with increased proliferative and migrative abilities. EndMT has been implicat Show more
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a biological process that converts endothelial cells to mesenchymal cells with increased proliferative and migrative abilities. EndMT has been implicated in the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a fatal and progressive lung vascular disease. Transforming growth factor β Show less
The development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment is a critical factor in stomach carcinogenesis. Polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) serve a pivotal function in medi Show more
The development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment is a critical factor in stomach carcinogenesis. Polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) serve a pivotal function in mediating immune suppression. However, the precise mechanisms underlying PMN-MDSCs infiltration into the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and their immunosuppressive functions remain poorly understood. In this investigation, we observed that PMN-MDSCs were up-regulated during stomach carcinogenesis, with gastric cancer (GC) cells secreting CCL26 to promote the infiltration of PMN-MDSCs into the TIME via the CX3CR1 receptor. The infiltrating CX3CR1 Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by foam cell formation and persistent inflammation as central pathological drivers. Although colchicine (Col) exhibits potent anti Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by foam cell formation and persistent inflammation as central pathological drivers. Although colchicine (Col) exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activities, its clinical application is limited by a narrow therapeutic window. In the present study, we developed phosphatidylserine-exposing nanovesicles (Col@PSVs) that leverage the innate phagocytic capacity of macrophage-derived foam cells by presenting surface "eat-me" signals, thereby enabling targeted immune modulation. The synergistic collaboration between Col and PSVs allows low-dose Col to retain robust anti-inflammatory efficacy while mitigating dose-dependent toxicity. Mechanistically, Col@PSVs potently suppress CCR7-mediated NF-κB signaling activation in foam cells, leading to a marked downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine and disruption of inflammatory cascades. In ApoE Show less
Many patients are suffering from atherosclerosis without typical risk factors, which can cause severe cardiovascular complications. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), derived from gut microbes, is a key u Show more
Many patients are suffering from atherosclerosis without typical risk factors, which can cause severe cardiovascular complications. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), derived from gut microbes, is a key unconventional contributor to the development of atherosclerosis. Here we present a strategy performed by orally administered nano-functionalized probiotics (PDMF@LGG) to inhibit TMAO through the gut microbiota-trimethylamine (TMA)-TMAO axis. PDMF@LGG, composed of polydopamine-coated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and nanoparticles based on a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polymeric prodrug of fluoromethylcholine (FMC), can promote the retention of probiotics and nanoparticles in the intestine to persistently scavenge elevated ROS and release drugs. This process suppresses TMA production and absorption, lowering plasma TMAO levels. The therapeutic effects on male ApoE 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
Previous experiments have demonstrated that BGM0504, a GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonist drug by molecular dynamics-guided optimization, had enhanced agonistic activity compared to tirzepatide. This study aims Show more
Previous experiments have demonstrated that BGM0504, a GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonist drug by molecular dynamics-guided optimization, had enhanced agonistic activity compared to tirzepatide. This study aims to investigate its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) in Chinese healthy volunteers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and dose-escalation Phase I study was conducted as follows: a single dose (2.5 mg) and once-weekly administration for 2 weeks to reach target doses (5, 10 and 15 mg) by titration. A total of 40 volunteers received at least one dose of BGM0504 or placebo. The PK profile of BGM0504 was investigated over a wide dose range and supported once-weekly administration. It was observed that C BGM0504 was generally safe and well tolerated with favourable PK profile and potential role in weight loss was also confirmed. These findings support subsequent development of BGM0504 for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Show less
Ruotong Li, Wenye Zhao, Jiaxin Zhang+7 more · 2025 · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · added 2026-04-24
The global increase in muscle weakness poses a critical public health concern. Nutritional interventions that improve muscular function hold promise as a therapeutic potential. Vitamin A (VA) and its Show more
The global increase in muscle weakness poses a critical public health concern. Nutritional interventions that improve muscular function hold promise as a therapeutic potential. Vitamin A (VA) and its active metabolites have been implicated in muscle development and the transformation of muscle fiber types. However, conventional VA formulations are restricted by poor stability and low bioavailability. In this study, a stable Nano VA was utilized to systematically evaluate its effects on muscle development and exercise performance in mice, as well as to explore its underlying mechanisms. A total of 44 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: (i) normal control (NC), (ii) 5 mg/kg Nano VA (5 NVA), (iii) 10 mg/kg Nano VA (10 NVA), and (iv) 10 mg/kg VA (10 VA). The 10 NVA group demonstrated significantly improved muscle strength and swimming endurance, compared with the NC group. Further examination suggested a significant increase in myofiber diameter, cross-sectional area, and the content of fast-twitch fibers. Additionally, Nano VA treatment improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. To elucidate the mechanism by which Nano VA enhances muscle locomotor ability, transcriptomics and metabolomics data identified 111 differentially expressed genes and 253 differential metabolites. Of these, Angptl4, Ppp1r3a, and Cyp26b1 were identified as candidate regulators of muscle development and myofiber type transformation. In conclusion, Nano VA regulates muscle development and promotes muscle fiber type conversion, thus improving muscle strength and endurance in mice. Moreover, Nano VA facilitates mitigating and improving myasthenia gravis-related conditions. Show less
Dynamic responsive structural colored materials have drawn increased consideration in a wide range of applications, such as colorimetric sensors and high-safety tags. However, the sophisticated intera Show more
Dynamic responsive structural colored materials have drawn increased consideration in a wide range of applications, such as colorimetric sensors and high-safety tags. However, the sophisticated interactions among the individual responsive parts restrict the advanced design of multimodal responsive photonic materials. Inspired by stimuli-responsive color change in chameleon skin, a simple and effective photo-crosslinking strategy is proposed to construct hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) based hydrogels with multiple responsive structured colors. By controlling UV exposure time, the structural color of HPC hydrogels can be effectively controlled in a full-color spectrum. At the same time, HPC hydrogels showcase temperature and mechanical dual-responsive structural colors. In particular, the microstructure of HPC hydrogels undergoes a transition from the chiral nematic phase to the nematic phase under the action of external stretching, leading to a significant reflection of circularly polarized light (CPL) to linearly polarized light (LPL). Given the diverse responsiveness exhibited by HPC hydrogels and their unique structural transition properties under external forces, we have explored their potential applications as dynamic anti-counterfeiting labels and optical skins. This work reveals the great possibility of using structural colored cellulose hydrogels in multi-sensing and optical displays, opening up a new path for the exploration of next-generation flexible photonic devices. Show less
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. FOXO1 fusion indicates poor prognosis and lead to dysregulation of transcriptioanal network. This study aims to investigate cli Show more
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. FOXO1 fusion indicates poor prognosis and lead to dysregulation of transcriptioanal network. This study aims to investigate clinical characteristics and therapeutic targets concerning FOXO1 fusion status. 65 pediatric RMS patients were enrolled. Clinical data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression. Surgically resected tumor tissues were subject to single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) was establish and dissociated to cells for high-throughput drug screening. Among the 65 patinets (36 patients with embryonal RMSs (ERMSs), 15 patients with alveolar RMSs (ARMSs) and 14 patients with other types of RMSs), 73.3% of ARMSs were defined as fusion positive (FP) while 6 ERMS (ERMS)s were also FP. Cox regression analysis identified FOXO1 fusion as a risk factor alone and combined with pathologic subtype, sex and age or metastasis status. scRNA-seq revealed distinct transcription factor networks between FP and FN RMS, showing up-regulated activity of OLIG2, NHLH1, SNAI1, TFF3 and other TFs related to neural development and differentiation. MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and mTOR pathways were enriched in FP-RMS tumor cells. High-throughput drug screening of PDX-derived cells identified sensitive drugs targeting FP-RMS specific signatures. AMG-337 was selected and validated for its anti-tumor effect. FOXO1 fusion status influences RMS clinical outcomes, including rare FP-ERMS cases. scRNA-seq combined with drug screening identified MET as a promising therapeutic target in FP-RMS. Show less
Some individuals are more susceptible to developing or suffering from pain states than others. However, the brain mechanisms underlying the susceptibility to pain responses are unknown. In this study, Show more
Some individuals are more susceptible to developing or suffering from pain states than others. However, the brain mechanisms underlying the susceptibility to pain responses are unknown. In this study, we defined pain susceptibility by recapitulating inter-individual differences in pain responses in mice exposed to a paradigm of socially transferred allodynia (STA), and with a combination of chemogenetic, molecular, pharmacological and electrophysiological approaches, we identified GABA-ergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) as a cellular target for the development and maintenance of STA susceptibility. We showed that DRN GABA-ergic neurons were selectively activated in STA-susceptible mice when compared with the unsusceptible (resilient) or control mice. Chemogenetic activation of DRN GABA-ergic neurons promoted STA susceptibility; whereas inhibiting these neurons prevented the development of STA susceptibility and reversed established STA. In in vitro slice electrophysiological analysis, we demonstrated that melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) enriched in DRN GABA-ergic neurons was a molecular target for regulating pain susceptibility, possibly by affecting DRN GABA-ergic neuronal activity. These results establish the DRN GABA-ergic neurons as an essential target for controlling pain susceptibility, thus providing important information for developing conceptually innovative and more accurate analgesic strategies. Show less
Evidence of the benefits of cordycepin (Cpn) for treating obesity is accumulating, but detailed knowledge of its therapeutic targets and mechanisms remains limited. This study aimed to systematically Show more
Evidence of the benefits of cordycepin (Cpn) for treating obesity is accumulating, but detailed knowledge of its therapeutic targets and mechanisms remains limited. This study aimed to systematically identify Cpn's therapeutic targets and pathways in Western diet (WD)-induced obesity using integrated network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and experimental validation. A Western diet (WD)-induced mice model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of Cpn in ameliorating obesity. A network pharmacology analysis was then employed to identify the potential anti-obesity targets of Cpn. GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed to elucidate the potential functions of the identified targets, followed by constructing a protein-protein interaction network to screen the core targets. Meanwhile, quantitative transcriptomics was conducted to validate and broaden the network pharmacology findings. Finally, molecular docking and quantitative real-time PCR assay were used for the core target validation. Cpn treatment effectively alleviated obesity-related symptoms in WD-induced mice. The metabolic pathway, insulin signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis pathway, and core targets including CPS1, HRAS, MAPK14, PAH, ALDOB, AKT1, GSK3B, HSP90AA1, BHMT2, EGFR, CASP3, MAT1A, APOM, APOA2, APOC3, and APOA1 are involved in regulating the therapeutic effect of Cpn. This study comprehensively uncovers the potential mechanism of Cpn against obesity based on network pharmacology and quantitative transcriptomics, which provides evidence for revealing the pathogenesis of obesity, suggesting that Cpn is a possible lead compound for anti-obesity treatment. Show less
Fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) is significantly and specifically upregulated following diabetic corneal injury. However, its role in diabetic keratopathy remains unclear. This study aimed to investig Show more
Fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) is significantly and specifically upregulated following diabetic corneal injury. However, its role in diabetic keratopathy remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of FADS1 on wound healing and functional recovery of the diabetic corneal epithelium and explore its potential mechanisms. Using high-glucose-induced corneal epithelial cells and a streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mouse model, FADS1 expression was suppressed via FADS1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell migration was assessed using scratch and transwell assays. Wound healing and functional recovery of the corneal epithelium were evaluated using sodium fluorescein staining, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunofluorescence staining. FADS1 knockdown promoted wound healing and functional recovery of the diabetic corneal epithelium both in vivo and in vitro. Suppression of FADS1 enhanced high-glucose-induced corneal epithelial cell migration, which was dependent on elevated levels of the upstream metabolite γ-linolenic acid. This effect was mediated through the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and the accumulation of autophagosomes. After diabetic corneal epithelial injury, FADS1 expression is specifically upregulated. Knockdown of FADS1 promotes wound healing and functional recovery, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic keratopathy. Show less
In recent years, accumulating evidence has highlighted the critical role of miR-627-5p in the occurrence and progression of various cancers. However, its specific role and mechanism in cervical cancer Show more
In recent years, accumulating evidence has highlighted the critical role of miR-627-5p in the occurrence and progression of various cancers. However, its specific role and mechanism in cervical cancer (CC) remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which miR-627-5p inhibits the malignant progression of CC and assess its potential clinical implications. In C33A cells, the mRNA expression levels of ANGPTL4 and miR-627-5p were analyzed using qRT-PCR. The miR-627-5p mimics and their control (miR-NC) were transfected into C33A cells to determine whether miR-627-5p directly regulates ANGPTL4 expression. A comprehensive suite of assays, including CCK-8, migration, transwell, flow cytometry, and Western blotting, was conducted to evaluate how miR-627-5p modulates the malignant biological behavior of CC cells. Rescue experiments were performed by overexpressing ANGPTL4. In C33A cells, miR-627-5p expression was reduced, whereas ANGPTL4 expression was elevated. Further analysis confirmed that miR-627-5p negatively regulates ANGPTL4 by directly targeting its 3'-UTR. Functional assays demonstrated that miR-627-5p inhibits proliferation, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) while promoting apoptosis and S-phase arrest in C33A cells, effects that were reversed by ANGPTL4 overexpression. These findings highlight the potential of miR-627-5p as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target for CC. By inhibiting EMT and regulating ANGPTL4 expression, miR-627-5p may provide a novel avenue for improving therapeutic strategies, particularly in advanced or metastatic CC. Moreover, miRNA-based therapies, supported by advanced delivery systems such as nanoparticle carriers, could enhance the stability and precision of miR-627-5p applications. This study lays the groundwork for future research integrating miR-627-5p into precision medicine approaches for CC treatment. Show less
Insulin supply is the golden standard for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) therapy. Is there a drug-reduction application for reversing glucose metabolism disabled and diabetic neuropathy (DN), and is Show more
Insulin supply is the golden standard for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) therapy. Is there a drug-reduction application for reversing glucose metabolism disabled and diabetic neuropathy (DN), and is it suitable for the young and elderly populations? Reducing T1DM-associated DN, and maintaining glucose metabolism require using the anti-aging gene Klotho to regulate specific signaling cascades. This study applied five 16:8 intermittent fasting (16-h fasting, 8-h eating; 168if) protocols by different executing times to young and elderly diabetic mice to evaluate whether 168if is age-dependent and how it alters Klotho-related signaling molecules. Blood glucose levels were efficiently reduced when 168if was implemented in the early stage of T1DM onset (DNf group) of young and elderly mice. Another four groups failed to reduce blood sugar. However, the DNf protocol was unsuitable for diabetic elderly mice because it posed a higher mortality risk for this population. Young DNf mice exhibited reduced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia and reversed Klotho downregulation and protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) upregulation compared with DN mice. Furthermore, young DNf mice exhibited normalization of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) expression, which is involved in Klotho-related glucose metabolism and anti-inflammation. The expression densities of PKCε, Klotho, FGFR1, and NF-κB were linear to neuropathic manifestations. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of 168if application in the early stage of T1DM onset, a straightforward and convenient dietary control method, as a blood glucose control for achieving pharmaceutical reduction and relieving neuropathic pain in young T1DM patients. Show less
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) can be measured directly and accurately, and better predicts atherogenic risk than conventional lipid profiles. We aimed to investigate whether total and regional (trunk or leg Show more
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) can be measured directly and accurately, and better predicts atherogenic risk than conventional lipid profiles. We aimed to investigate whether total and regional (trunk or leg) fat deposits are associated with apoB levels in general US adults. 4585 participants were enrolled from the US National Health and Nutritional Surveys from 2011 to 2016. Overall and regional body fat were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The associations of total and regional fat with apoB levels were evaluated using linear regression models. Following adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical risk factors, whole-body fat percentage was positively associated with apoB levels. Additionally, percent trunk fat was positively associated (highest vs. lowest tertile beta = 17.73 for men and 14.89 for women, respectively), whereas percent leg fat was inversely associated (highest vs. lowest tertile beta = - 4.84 for men and - 6.55 for women, respectively) with apoB levels in both sexes. The association for trunk fat and leg fat remained significant after further adjustment for body mass index or waist circumference. Higher percent trunk fat combined with lower percent leg fat was associated with particularly higher apoB. In conclusion, among general US adults, both elevated trunk fat and reduced leg fat are associated with higher levels of apoB. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Show less
Despite advancements in treatment, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a significant global health concern. Although lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as a crucial cardiovascular risk factor asso Show more
Despite advancements in treatment, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a significant global health concern. Although lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as a crucial cardiovascular risk factor associated with increased risk, the prognostic value of using Lp(a) levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains debatable. This review aimed to investigate the association between Lp(a) levels and recurrent ischemic events in patients with ACS undergoing PCI. This systematic review included studies with individuals aged ≥18 years diagnosed with ACS who underwent PCI and had Lp(a) measurements. The included studies were sourced from the PubMed database, with a focus on articles published between January 2020 and January 2025. Keywords related to Lp(a) and cardiovascular diseases were used in the search. Data extraction involved a review of titles and abstracts followed by quality assessment using the QUADAS-2 tool. The final analysis included 10 studies with a combined population of 20,896 patients from diverse regions, including Japan, India, Egypt, China, and South Korea. Key findings indicate that elevated Lp(a) levels are significantly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including myocardial infarction and mortality, both in hospital and during long-term follow-up. This review highlights Lp(a) as a critical biomarker for predicting recurrent cardiovascular events in ACS patients post-PCI. The consistent correlation between elevated Lp(a) levels and adverse outcomes underscores the necessity of routine monitoring and targeted management of Lp(a) to mitigate residual cardiovascular risk. Show less
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-se Show more
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-serving as promising reservoirs of such inhibitors. Nevertheless, comprehensive screening and mechanistic characterization of their inhibitory potential remain limited. This study sought to identify potent AChE inhibitors from YGE, investigate their mechanisms of action, and assess their therapeutic prospects for AD. Methodologically, an integrated approach was employed, combining ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography (UF-LC) for rapid inhibitor screening, molecular docking and dynamics simulations for mechanistic insight, two-stage high-speed countercurrent chromatography for compound isolation, enzyme kinetics to delineate inhibition modalities, and network pharmacology to uncover relevant AD-related targets. The findings identified seven active constituents with notable AChE inhibition, among which parishins A and G were obtained at high purity (98.26% and 97.26%, respectively) and exhibited mixed-type inhibition with low IC Show less
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease with no effective pharmacological treatments. The causal role of triglycerides (TGs) in AAA development remains unclear and contr Show more
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease with no effective pharmacological treatments. The causal role of triglycerides (TGs) in AAA development remains unclear and controversial. Mendelian randomization was applied to assess causal relationships between lipoproteins, circulating proteins, metabolites, and the risk of AAA. To test the hypothesis that elevated plasma TG levels accelerate AAA development, we used Mendelian randomization analyses integrating genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic data identified causal relationships between elevated TG-rich lipoproteins, TG metabolism-related proteins/metabolites, and AAA risk. In the angiotensin II infusion AAA model, most These findings identify hypertriglyceridemia as a key contributor to AAA pathogenesis and suggest that targeting TG-rich lipoproteins may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AAA. Show less
Cardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor and the primary predictor of heart failure (HF). Mitochondria are crucial for the shift from hypertrophy to heart failure. The expression of fibroblas Show more
Cardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor and the primary predictor of heart failure (HF). Mitochondria are crucial for the shift from hypertrophy to heart failure. The expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a cardioprotective factor, is increased in patients with cardiac hypertrophy but fails to prevent heart failure. Additionally, the molecular mechanism through which FGF21 exerts its beneficial effects on hypertrophic myocardial mitochondria remains unclear. Our study investigated the effect of FGF21 on cardiac hypertrophy, elucidating its mechanism of action through the enhancement of mitophagy-mediated cardioprotection. A transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model and a phenylephrine (PE) model were applied to explore the effect and mechanism of FGF21. P62-mediated mitophagy inducer (PMI) and rapamycin (Rapa) were used to confirm that FGF21-regulated mitophagy under overload pressure conditions. FGF21 knockout markedly exacerbated TAC-induced cardiac function damage, mitochondrial damage, and mitophagy impairment. In vitro, FGF21 knockdown aggravated PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and mitophagy dysfunction. FGF21 treatment promoted mitophagy in the TAC and PE models, but this effect was abolished in the absence of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1). The increase in PINK1 expression induced by Rapa can rescue impaired cardiac function and mitophagy impairment in FGF21-deficient TAC mice. Similarly, PMI enhances mitophagy, which inhibits damage to cardiac functions. A further study revealed that the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and FGF21 was opposite in heart failure. Knockdown of FGFR1 inhibited FGF21-mediated mitophagy. FGF21 promotes PINK1-mediated mitophagy to attenuate cardiac hypertrophy, and mismatched FGFR1 expression may hamper the beneficial effect of FGF21 on cardiac hypertrophy. Show less
Recent evidence suggests that elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The predictive value of specific Lp(a) cutoff points of 30 mg/dL remains to Show more
Recent evidence suggests that elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The predictive value of specific Lp(a) cutoff points of 30 mg/dL remains to be established. This study investigated the relationship between Lp(a) concentrations and cardiovascular outcomes in Taiwanese individuals, stratified by pre-existing ASCVD status. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 51,934 subjects from the Chang Gung Research Database (January 2004 to June 2019), comprising 49,363 individuals without ASCVD and 2,571 with established ASCVD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), encompassing acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, revascularization procedures, peripheral arterial interventions, and cardiovascular mortality. Individuals were followed until their last visit to our institutions or December 31, 2019. During a mean follow-up of 6.6 years (standard deviation: 5.0 years), the study population demonstrated a median Lp(a) of 9.6 mg/dL (interquartile range: 4.6-18.5). In ASCVD-free individuals, Lp(a) concentrations ≥30 mg/dL were associated with increased MACE risk (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR]: 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.43). Similarly, in the ASCVD cohort, elevated Lp(a) predicted higher MACE occurrence (aSHR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.07-1.74). Restricted cubic spline analysis confirmed a progressive risk elevation beyond the 30 mg/dL threshold in both groups. Lp(a) levels ≥30 mg/dL independently predicted adverse cardiovascular outcomes, regardless of baseline ASCVD status. This threshold appears suitable for cardiovascular risk stratification in both primary and secondary prevention settings. Show less
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play key roles in physiology and are central targets for drug discovery and development, yet the design of protein agonists and antagonists has been challenging as Show more
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play key roles in physiology and are central targets for drug discovery and development, yet the design of protein agonists and antagonists has been challenging as GPCRs are integral membrane proteins and conformationally dynamic. Here we describe computational Show less
Stroke, including cerebral ischemia and cerebral hemorrhage, is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The narrow therapeutic window limits the efficacy and applicability of current treatme Show more
Stroke, including cerebral ischemia and cerebral hemorrhage, is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The narrow therapeutic window limits the efficacy and applicability of current treatments such as thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy. This urgent need for effective therapies has shifted the focus towards mitigating the secondary inflammation and tissue damage that follow intracerebral hemorrhage. Spatial transcriptomic analysis of mouse brains post-ischemia has revealed that the ApoE-TREM2 signaling pathway is central to the complex interactions between microglia and various surrounding cells, coordinating the formation of neuroglial scars, suggesting that TREM2 is a key participant in post-stroke pathology and a potential therapeutic target. This review aims to provide an insightful synthesis of TREM2, including its structure, signaling pathways, and the role of its soluble form, sTREM2, in the nervous system. We systematically summarize the signaling pathways and mechanisms by which TREM2 modulates microglial function, including promoting phagocytosis, exerting anti-inflammatory properties, modulating lipid metabolism, and enhancing cell survival. We also highlight the TREM2's interactions with other cell types post-stroke, such as macrophages and B cells. Furthermore, we discuss advancements in TREM2-targeted drug development, emphasizing the potential of TREM2 agonists and antibodies to modulate microglial function and inflammation, which sets the stage for future research and drug development. Show less
Fish oil supplements (FOS) are known to alter circulating levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but in a heterogeneous manner across individuals. These varied responses may result from unident Show more
Fish oil supplements (FOS) are known to alter circulating levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but in a heterogeneous manner across individuals. These varied responses may result from unidentified gene-FOS interactions. To identify genetic factors that interact with FOS to alter the circulating levels of PUFAs, we performed a multi-level genome-wide interaction study (GWIS) of FOS on 14 plasma measurements in 200,060 unrelated European-ancestry individuals from the UK Biobank. From our single-variant tests, we identified genome-wide significant interacting SNPs (p < 5 × 10 Show less
The Kirgiz, a Turkic-speaking ethnic group with a rich nomadic heritage, represent a pivotal population for understanding human migration and adaptation in Central Asia. However, their genetic origins Show more
The Kirgiz, a Turkic-speaking ethnic group with a rich nomadic heritage, represent a pivotal population for understanding human migration and adaptation in Central Asia. However, their genetic origins and admixture history remain largely unexplored. Here, we present the first comprehensive genomic study of Kirgiz populations from Xinjiang, China (XJ.KGZ, n = 36) and their counterparts in Kyrgyzstan (KRG), integrating genome-wide data of 2,406 global individuals. Our analyses reveal four primary ancestry components in XJ.KGZ: East Asian (41.7%), Siberian (25.6%), West Eurasian (25.2%), and South Asian (7.6%). Despite close genetic affinity (FST = 0.13%), XJ.KGZ and KRG diverged ∼447 years ago, with limited gene flow post-split. A two-wave admixture model elucidates their demographic history: an initial East-West Eurasian mixture ∼2,225 years ago, likely reflecting west-east contacts during the period of the Warring States and the Qin Dynasty, followed by secondary admixture events (∼875 to 425 years ago) linked to historical migrations under Mongol and post-Mongol rule. Local adaptation signatures implicate genes critical for cellular tight junction (e.g. PATJ), pathogen invasion (e.g. OR14I1), and cardiac functions (e.g. RYR2) with allele frequency deviations suggesting ancestry-specific selection. While no classical high-altitude adaptation genes (e.g. EPAS1) showed selection signals, RYR2 and C10orf67-implicated in hypoxia response in Tibetan fauna-displayed Western ancestry bias, hinting at convergent adaptation mechanisms. This study advances our understanding of the genetic makeup and admixture history of the Kirgiz people and provides novel insights into human dispersal in Central Asia. Show less
As inflammatory processes may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN), the first aim of the present study was to determine the clinical characteristics of Show more
As inflammatory processes may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN), the first aim of the present study was to determine the clinical characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with distal sensorimotor polyneuorpathy (DSPN). Next goal was to investigate inflammatory biomarkers, insulin-like growth factor- 1 and lipid profile in these patients. Finally, we aimed to compare the renal function in these patients. In a cross-sectional study, we included 160 patients diagnosed with T2DM. The control group was included 22 non-diabetic healthy subjects (HC). The patients with diabetes were divided into four groups, absent (n = 74), mild (n = 38), moderate (n = 24), and severe (n = 24) using a nomogram based on the MNSI features for a DSPN severity grading probability. Patients with moderate and severe DSPN were a little older and had longer duration of diabetes compared to patients with absent and mild DSPNS (p < 0.05). Serum levels of interferon-gamma (INF-γ), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL- 6 levels in patients with severe DSPN were significantly higher than HC, absent, mild and moderate of DSPN (p < 0.05). The circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were significantly lower in patients with severe DSPN (p < 0.05) compared to absent, mild and moderate of DSPN and HC. Diabetic patients with moderate DSPN showed increased circulating levels of TC, LDL-C, APOB (p < 0.05) compared to HC and patients with absent, mild and severe DSPN. Moreover, APO-A1/APOB was significantly lower in patients with diabetes compared to HC. In addition, patients with severe DSPN showed increased Cystatin C (p < 0.05) compared to HC and absent, mild, and moderate DSPN. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of IL-6 (OR = 3.166, 95%CI 1.461-6.860, p = 0.003, IL-1β(OR = 1.148, 95%CI 1.070-2.232; p = 0.000), TC (OR = 1.174, 95%CI 1.011-1.364; p = 0.035), LDL-C (OR = 1.246, 95%CI 1.098-3.618; p = 0.003), Cystatin C (OR = 1.867, 95%CI 1.245-3.434; p = 0.004), ages (OR = 1.043, 95%CI 1.009-1.078; p = 0.012), and duration of diabetes (OR = 1.157, 95%CI 1.049-1.277; p = 0.004) were positively associated with increasing the odds ration of DSPN in T2DM. Conversely, the level of IGF-1 (OR = 0.922, 95%CI 0.961-0.982; p = 0.000) and ratio of APO-A1/APOB (OR = 0.212, 95%CI 0.078-0.567; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with decreasing the odds ratio of DSPN in T2DM. The levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as INF-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL- 6 were increased in patients with severe DSPN in T2DM. Ages, duration of diabetes as well as high circulating levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TC, LDL-C and Cystatin C were positively associated with DSPN in T2DM. Conversely, the level of IGF-1 and the ratio of APOA1/APOB were independent protective factors for DSPN in T2DM. Our results emphasize the importance of addressing issues related to inflammatory biomarkers, lipids and early impaired renal function in T2DM with DSPN, as these may be of potential relevance for deteriorating DSPN. Show less
BackgroundAlthough abnormalities in circulating lipids and lipoproteins are associated with increased cancer risk, their specific impact on lung cancer progression and prognosis is still unclear. This Show more
BackgroundAlthough abnormalities in circulating lipids and lipoproteins are associated with increased cancer risk, their specific impact on lung cancer progression and prognosis is still unclear. This study retrospectively assessed the influence of preoperative lipid and lipoprotein levels on non-small cell lung cancer progression and prognosis, stratified by age.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we analyzed 849 patients to investigate the association between lipid markers and lung cancer progression, and examined postoperative prognosis in a subset of 222 patients. Data was analyzed using restricted cubic spline curves, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsA significant nonlinear relationship was observed between total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), ApoB, ApoAI, ApoE, and baseline tumor diameter (BSLD) (PTC = 0.025; PHDL < 0.001; PApoB = 0.037; PApoAI =0.001; PApoE < 0.001). In contrast, Lp(a) showed a significant linear relationship with BSLD (P = 0.002). The Cox regression analysis revealed that triglyceride (TG) (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28-0.92, P = 0.025) was significantly negatively associated with lung cancer mortality in patients under 58 years. For patients over 58 years, higher ApoB levels were linked to a reduced risk of lung cancer death (HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36-0.97, P = 0.038).ConclusionThis study reveals a significant negative correlation between ApoAI and HDL levels with BSLD, while Lp(a) shows a positive correlation. In terms of long-term prognosis, high-serum ApoB are associated with a lower mortality risk in all lung cancer patients, and high-serum TG levels associated with reduced mortality risk in patients aged under 58 while high-serum TC levels associated with reduced mortality risk in patients over 58, with high Lp(a) levels indicating a greater risk of mortality in older patients. Show less