Dormant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells in the bone microenvironment can re-emerge as metastatic disease through osteoclast interactions. Using a 3D dormancy model and a mouse bone metastasis model, Show more
Dormant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells in the bone microenvironment can re-emerge as metastatic disease through osteoclast interactions. Using a 3D dormancy model and a mouse bone metastasis model, this study reveals that arachidonic acid (AA) is the initiating molecule transferred from osteoclasts to dormant LUAD cells, triggering their activation. Dormant LUAD cells uptake AA through CD36, which activates the PPARγ-ANGPTL4 pathway and activates tumor cells. There is a dose-response relationship in the activation effect of AA, and inhibiting AA metabolism prevents this reactivation. The study also finds that the serum levels of AA and ANGPTL4 are significantly elevated in patients with clinical bone metastases compared to those without. This research confirms that osteoclasts transmit AA via the CD36-PPARγ-ANGPTL4 axis to activate dormant LUAD cells, suggesting that AA and ANGPTL4 may serve as valuable biomarkers and potential clinical applications in treatment and prediction of LUAD bone metastasis. Show less
Lipid ratio is a balance between atherogenesis and antiatherogenesis. it is an important predictive marker of carotid plaque. The lipid ratios, which include non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( Show more
Lipid ratio is a balance between atherogenesis and antiatherogenesis. it is an important predictive marker of carotid plaque. The lipid ratios, which include non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), remnant cholesterol (RC)/HDL-C, apolipoprotein B (ApoB)/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C, ApoB/HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C, were included and analyzed. Sex differences in the relationship between lipid ratios and carotid plaque were discussed. The risk of carotid plaque was found to be significantly associated with the Non-HDL-C /HDL-C, RC/HDL-C, ApoB/ApoA1, LDL-C /HDL-C, ApoB/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C in females but not in males. The ApoB/HDL risk presented the highest relationship with carotid plaque in females only. The predictive value of the aforementioned lipid ratios for carotid plaque was observed in females only. Show less
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and regulate food intake. Here, we demonstr Show more
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and regulate food intake. Here, we demonstrate that a peptide-antibody conjugate that blocks GIPR while simultaneously activating GLP-1R (GIPR-Ab/GLP-1) requires both CNS GIPR and CNS GLP-1R for maximal weight loss in obese, primarily male, mice. Moreover, dulaglutide produces greater weight loss in CNS GIPR knockout (KO) mice, and the weight loss achieved with dulaglutide + GIPR-Ab is attenuated in CNS GIPR KO mice. Wild-type mice treated with GIPR-Ab/GLP-1 and CNS GIPR KO mice exhibit similar changes in gene expression related to tissue remodelling, lipid metabolism and inflammation in white adipose tissue and liver. Moreover, GIPR-Ab/GLP-1 is detected in circumventricular organs in the brain and activates c-FOS in downstream neural substrates involved in appetite regulation. Hence, both CNS GIPR and GLP-1R signalling are required for the full weight loss effect of a GIPR-Ab/GLP-1 peptide-antibody conjugate. Show less
The APOE4 variant was the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with APOE4 have an increased risk of developing the disease at an early age of onset. Similar Show more
The APOE4 variant was the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with APOE4 have an increased risk of developing the disease at an early age of onset. Similarly, APOE4 carriers are predisposed to high cholesterol levels and tend to have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The global allele frequency of APOE4 was 13.7%, underlining its widespread impact on global human health. Conversely, the relatively rare APOE2 allele was a genetic protective factor against AD and CVD. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain to be elucidated. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) protein coats lipoprotein particles and mediates lipid transport and metabolism in the peripheral circulation and central nervous system (CNS). Although initial studies causally linked APOE lipoprotein particles (APOE particles) with lipid homeostasis, our understanding of the physiological and pathological effects of APOE particles has extended to amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation and spread, as well as neuroinflammation in AD initiation and progression. Moreover, the most examined functions of APOE particles are reverse cholesterol transport, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, and improvement of endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerotic CVD. This review outlines what is known about the structure and functions of APOE particles, emphasizing their involvement in AD and CVD pathogenesis, while also considering the crosstalk between the peripheral circulation and CNS. In addition, we discuss how these APOE particles act as therapeutic targets. Show less
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations are established therapeutic targets in cholangiocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma but remain understudied in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study i Show more
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations are established therapeutic targets in cholangiocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma but remain understudied in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigates the prevalence, clinicopathological correlates, and prognostic impact of FGFR alterations in CRC. We analyzed 608 stage I-IV CRC samples (2014-2024) through next-generation sequencing (NGS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). FGFR genomic status was correlated with survival outcomes using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. External validation of FGFR genomic alterations was carried out using the 19 datasets (n = 6998) with prognostic impact validated through The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon and Rectum Adenocarcinoma (COREAD) dataset (Firehose Legacy, n = 640), both accessed via cBioPortal database. Large-scale genomic profiling of CRC [n = 7606 (608 in-house + 6998 public cohorts)] identified FGFR1 amplification (3.8% prevalence) as the predominant FGFR alteration subtype. Multivariable analysis confirmed FGFR alterations as independent predictors of poor disease-free survival [DFS; hazard ratio (HR) 2.58, P = 0.0002] and progression-free survival (PFS; HR 2.17, P = 0.0011), with FGFR1 amplification showing strongest prognostic impact (DFS HR 2.91, PFS HR 2.52, P < 0.01). Notably, the prognostic magnitude of FGFR alterations was comparable to KRAS/BRAF mutations in both localized and metastatic CRC. In addition, we established a semiquantitative immunoreactive score (IRS) system achieving 95.2% concordance with NGS (κ = 0.901), enabling reliable FGFR1 screening in routine pathology workflows. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of FGFR genomic alterations in CRC through large-scale profiling (n = 7606), establishing FGFR1 amplification as the predominant alteration. Unlike FGFR2/3-driven malignancies, FGFR1-amplified CRC exhibited aggressive clinical behavior and inferior survival outcomes across disease stages. To address the diagnostic challenges in routine practice, we further developed a validated immunohistochemical scoring system (IRS), establishing a cost-effective and clinically feasible alternative to molecular assays for identifying FGFR1-driven CRC subsets. Show less
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascu Show more
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascular niche to maintain stemness. However, the effect of abnormal communication between endothelial cells (ECs) and GSCs on GBM progression remains unknown. Here, we reveal that ECs-derived SEMA3G, which is aberrantly expressed in GBM patients, impairs GSCs by inducing c-Myc degradation. SEMA3G activates NRP2/PLXNA1 in a paracrine manner, subsequently inducing the inactivation of Cdc42 and dissociation of Cdc42 and WWP2 in GSCs. Once released, WWP2 interacts with c-Myc and mediates c-Myc degradation via ubiquitination. Genetic deletion of Sema3G in ECs accelerates GBM growth, whereas SEMA3G overexpression or recombinant SEMA3G protein prolongs the survival of GBM bearing mice. These findings illustrate that ECs play an intrinsic inhibitory role in GSCs stemness via the SMEA3G-c-Myc distal regulation paradigm. Targeting SEMA3G signaling may have promising therapeutic benefits for GBM patients. Show less
Cholesterol plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic membrane fluidity and ion channels. Due to the blood-brain barrier, cholesterol in the brain is primarily self-synthesized by astrocytes. Howeve Show more
Cholesterol plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic membrane fluidity and ion channels. Due to the blood-brain barrier, cholesterol in the brain is primarily self-synthesized by astrocytes. However, limited research has been conducted on the effects of polystyrene nanoplastic (PS-NPs) on intracranial cholesterol metabolic pathways. In this study, we exposed whole-brain organoids (WBOs) to PS-NPs and identified significant changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways through whole-transcriptome sequencing. To investigate potential mechanisms of altered cholesterol pathways, we constructed a Transwell neuronal-astrocyte co-culture model. Results demonstrated that PS-NPs induced significant endoplasmic reticulum stress in astrocytes, specifically manifested by elevated levels of ATF4 and CHOP, along with increased autophagy indicated by the elevated LC3-II/I ratio. PS-NPs significantly inhibited the AKT/ACLY pathway of cholesterol biosynthesis, leading to marked reductions in acetyl-CoA and cholesterol within astrocytes (P < 0.05). In addition, PS-NPs led to a significant reduction of apolipoprotein APOE, which hindered cholesterol transport and ultimately inhibited synaptin (SYN) formation. In summary, PS-NPs induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy in astrocytes, impair cholesterol de novo synthesis and apolipoprotein-mediated transport, ultimately inhibiting neuronal synaptogenesis. Furthermore, specific inhibition of ERs restored cholesterol synthesis in astrocytes and neuronal synapses. This study demonstrates that PS-NPs produce neurotoxic effects by affecting cholesterol homeostasis in the brain. Show less
BackgroundSchatzker IV-C tibial plateau fractures pose a significant challenge for adequate visualization and reduction of the lateral articular surface through a solitary posteromedial (PM) approach. Show more
BackgroundSchatzker IV-C tibial plateau fractures pose a significant challenge for adequate visualization and reduction of the lateral articular surface through a solitary posteromedial (PM) approach. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an adjunctive lateral patellar ligament (LPL) approach in enhancing articular exposure, assessed through cadaveric modeling and a clinical case series.MethodsIn a cadaveric study, eight preserved knee specimens were dissected using a combined PM and LPL approach. The exposed articular area was quantitatively measured using calibrated digital imaging and ImageJ software before and after the LPL approach was established. Clinically, a case series of 10 patients with Schatzker IV-C fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation via the combined approach between October 2021 and December 2023. Outcome measures included intraoperative exposure, 12-month postoperative Knee Society Score (KSS), and complications.ResultsThe addition of the LPL approach resulted in a 96% increase in the mean exposed articular area (from 8.4 cm² to 16.5 cm²; Show less
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain α-keto-ac Show more
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain α-keto-acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) has been implicated in promoting RCC metastasis, but its specific substrates and the mechanisms underlying its regulation of RCC progression remain poorly understood. This study uncovers a novel mechanism whereby BCKDK-mediated AKT phosphorylation drives RCC tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Elevated BCKDK expression correlates with poor prognosis in RCC clinical samples. BCKDK deficiency inhibits RCC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations reveal that BCKDK directly binds to and regulates the phosphorylation of AKT. BCKDK-mediated phosphorylation of AKT decreases ubiquitin-mediated AKT protein degradation, and promotes tumorigenesis via activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. RNA sequencing identifies BCKDK's involvement in the drug metabolism network and apoptotic signaling pathways. The BCKDK/AKT/ABCB1 axis mediates doxorubicin resistance. Targeting BCKDK/AKT inhibits the growth of RCC patient-derived organoids (PDOs), enhances doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in RCC cells, and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. These findings identify a previously unrecognized phosphorylation substrate of BCKDK and highlight the critical role of the BCKDK/AKT signaling axis in RCC progression, offering a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Show less
First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations show responses in subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Nearly half of HCCs are Wnt-active with mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding fo Show more
First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations show responses in subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Nearly half of HCCs are Wnt-active with mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding for β-catenin), AXIN1/2, or APC, and demonstrate heterogeneous and limited benefit to ICI due to an immune excluded tumor microenvironment. We show significant tumor responses in multiple β-catenin-mutated immunocompetent HCC models to a novel siRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticle targeting CTNNB1 (LNP-CTNNB1). Both single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal cellular and zonal reprogramming, along with activation of immune regulatory transcription factors IRF2 and POU2F1, re-engaged type I/II interferon signaling, and alterations in both innate and adaptive immunity upon β-catenin suppression with LNP-CTNNB1 at early- and advanced-stage disease. Moreover, ICI enhances response to LNP-CTNNB1 in advanced-stage disease by preventing T cell exhaustion and through formation of lymphoid aggregates (LA). In fact, expression of an LA-like gene signature prognosticates survival for patients receiving atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in the IMbrave150 phase III trial and inversely correlates with CTNNB1-mutatational status in this patient cohort. In conclusion, LNP-CTNNB1 is efficacious as monotherapy and in combination with ICI in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs through impacting tumor cell-intrinsic signaling and remodeling global immune surveillance, providing rationale for clinical investigations. Show less
Skin color of poultry, an important economic trait, is related to breed, feed, environment, and other factors. In recent years, China's duck industry has developed rapidly, and duck products are welco Show more
Skin color of poultry, an important economic trait, is related to breed, feed, environment, and other factors. In recent years, China's duck industry has developed rapidly, and duck products are welcomed by consumers. Different skin colors of ducks have different cooking methods. Black skinned duck, such as Yulin black duck, is more popular in China because they are considered more suitable for making soup, while other skin colors, such as Pekin duck, is used for roasting. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic factors associated with differences in duck skin color, the transcriptomes and metabolomes of skin between Yulin black duck and Pekin duck from 15 (BSE15 vs. PSE15), 21 (BSE21 vs. PSE21) and 27 (BSE27 vs. PSE27) days of incubation were compared and analyzed. The transcriptome results showed that a total of 187 (118 up-regulated and 69 down-regulated), 417 (91 up-regulated and 326 down-regulated) and 137 (55 up-regulated and 82 down-regulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from BSE15 vs. PSE15, BSE21 vs. PSE21 and BSE27 vs. PSE27, respectively. The significantly enriched GO terms of biological process were positive regulation of melanin biosynthetic process, melanin biosynthetic process, cuticle development, melanin biosynthetic process from tyrosine, and melanocyte differentiation, which were potentially related to skin growth and development. Eleven significant pathways, highly enriched by DCT, TYR, ASIP, TYRP1, KIT, PHOSPHO2, CERS3, SGPP2, SPTLC3, DEGS2, PATJ, RBP7, AOX1, ETNPPL, HPGDS, and GAD1, were melanogenesis, tyrosine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, tight junction, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, which participated in regulating the development of duck skin during embryonic stage. The significantly different metabolites (SDMs) were mainly organoheterocyclic compounds, lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic oxygen compounds, organic acids and derivatives, including L-tyrosine, N-arachidonyl maleimide, glycerophospho-N-palmitoyl ethanolamine, LPE 22:4, and PC(0:0/18:0). which were mainly enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, alpha-linoleic acid metabolism, and melanogenesis in metabolome, suggesting that these pathways may play important roles in skin development of duck during embryonic stage. Besides, the analysis of integrated transcriptome and metabolome indicated that the pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, could contribute to regulating skin development in embryonic duck. Our findings could help elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the development differences in duck skin color. Furthermore, the candidate genes and metabolites can be used to provide a valuable breeding strategy for the selection of specific duck breeds with ideal skin coloration. Show less
Some studies suggest that statins could reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is unclear if this effect is related to their lipid-lowering properties. The causal link Show more
Some studies suggest that statins could reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is unclear if this effect is related to their lipid-lowering properties. The causal link between serum lipid levels and COPD risk remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify this potential causal relationship and evaluate the impact of lipid-lowering drug target genes on COPD. Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to investigate causal associations between lipid levels, lipid-lowering drug target genes, and COPD risk. Data were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association study databases. The inverse variance weighted method was the primary statistical approach for evaluating causal effects, complemented by various sensitivity analyses. MR analysis demonstrated a causal relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a reduced risk of COPD (odds ratio [OR]=0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.85-0.95, P=1.50×10⁻⁴). Causal relationships were also identified for 2 lipid-lowering drug target genes, This study genetically identified causal relationships between serum LDL-C levels, the 2 coding genes Show less
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fatty acids (FA) saturation and lysophospholipids supplementation on growth, meat quality, oxidative stability, FA profiles, and lipi Show more
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fatty acids (FA) saturation and lysophospholipids supplementation on growth, meat quality, oxidative stability, FA profiles, and lipid metabolism of finishing beef bulls. Thirty-two Angus bulls (initial body weight: 623 ± 22.6 kg; 21 ± 0.5 months of age) were used. The experiment was a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 2 diets with FA of different degree of unsaturation [high saturated FA diet (HSFA) vs. high unsaturated FA diet (HUFA)] combined with (0.075%, dry matter basis) and without lysophospholipids supplementation. The bulls were fed a high-concentrate diet (forage to concentrate, 15:85) for 104 d including a 14-d adaptation period and a 90-d data and sample collection period. No interactions were observed between dietary FA and lysophospholipids supplementation for growth and meat quality parameters. A greater dietary ratio of unsaturated FA (UFA) to saturated FA (SFA) from 1:2 to 1:1 led to lower DM intake and backfat thickness, but did not affect growth performance and other carcass traits. Compared with HSFA, bulls fed HUFA had greater shear force in Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle, but had lower intramuscular fat (IMF) content and SOD content in LT muscle. Compared with HUFA, feeding the HSFA diet up-regulated expression of ACC, FAS, PPARγ, and SCD1, but down-regulated expression of CPT1B. Compared with feeding HSFA, the HUFA diet led to greater concentrations of c9-C18:1 and other monounsaturated FA in LT muscle. Feeding HUFA also led to lower plasma concentrations of cholesterol, but there were no interactions between FA and lysophospholipids detected. Feeding lysophospholipids improved growth and feed conversion ratio and altered meat quality by increasing muscle pH Results indicated that supplementing a high-concentrate diet with lysophospholipids to beef bulls can enhance growth rate, feed efficiency, meat quality, and beneficial FA. Increasing the dietary ratio of UFA to SFA reduced DM intake and backfat thickness without compromising growth, suggesting potential improvements in feed efficiency. Show less
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, is a key pathogenic ev Show more
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, is a key pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) have shown great potential for disease treatment by specifically silencing target genes. However, the poor brain delivery efficiency of siRNAs limits their therapeutic efficacy against AD. We designed a simplified and effective BACE1 siRNA (siBACE1) delivery system, namely, dendritic polyamidoamine modified with the neurotropic virus-derived peptide RVG29 and polyethylene glycol (PPR@siBACE1). PPR@siBACE1 crossed the blood-brain barrier efficiently and entered brain parenchyma in large amount, with subsequent neurotropism and potential microglia-targeting ability. Both in vitro and in vivo studies validated the effective brain delivery of siBACE1 and strong BACE1 silencing efficiency. Treatment of AD mice with PPR@siBACE1 inhibited the production of Aβ, potentiated Aβ phagocytosis by microglia, improved the memory deficits and reduced neuroinflammatory response in AD mice. This study provides a reliable delivery platform for gene therapies for AD. Show less
Parkinson's disease (PD), as a neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized primarily by damage to the central nervous system, accompanied by astrocyte dysfunction and the activation of ferroptosis. R Show more
Parkinson's disease (PD), as a neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized primarily by damage to the central nervous system, accompanied by astrocyte dysfunction and the activation of ferroptosis. Recent studies have shown that oligodendrocytes also exhibit functional abnormalities in the brains of PD patients and are involved in the ferroptotic process. However, it remains unclear whether there is an interaction between oligodendrocytes and astrocytes and how they induce neuronal ferroptosis. Here, we employed single-nucleus sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to characterize the intercellular communication network between oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in the PD environment. Among these, astrocytes are the primary recipients of signals sent by oligodendrocytes in the FGF (Fibroblast growth factors) signaling pathway. In PD, the communication intensity is weakened, involving FGF1 and FGF9 and their receptors FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3. Subsequently, we further validated the significant activation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation processes within oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in PD mice, and that astrocytes might also involve the interaction of Mt1 and Ca Show less
Postmenopausal women are at elevated risk for osteoporosis and dysregulated lipid metabolism. While the relationship between conventional lipid markers and bone mineral density (BMD) remains controver Show more
Postmenopausal women are at elevated risk for osteoporosis and dysregulated lipid metabolism. While the relationship between conventional lipid markers and bone mineral density (BMD) remains controversial, the association between apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB-100) (an established independent predictor of atherosclerosis) and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women remains poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between ApoB-100 and lumbar BMD in postmenopausal women, with specific focus on potential inflammatory and platelet-mediated pathways. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,429 postmenopausal women who underwent health screening at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University between January 2022 and December 2024. ApoB-100 levels were measured by immunoturbidimetry, and lumbar BMD was assessed using low-dose chest CT imaging. Participants were stratified into tertiles based on ApoB-100 levels. We employed univariate and multivariate regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between lumbar BMD and ApoB-100. Generalized additive models with smooth curve fitting were used to characterize the linear relationship. Subgroup analyses assessed the consistency of associations across different populations, while mediation models quantified the intermediary roles of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet count. After multivariate adjustment, ApoB-100 demonstrated a significant independent negative correlation with lumbar BMD (β=-6.37, 95%CI: -9.26 to -3.49). This association was more pronounced in women younger than 60 years (β=-10.18, 95%CI: -13.94 to -6.42), those with BMI≥28kg/m² (β=-10.73, 95%CI: -15.31 to -0.86), and those without hypertension (β=-7.3, 95%CI: -10.42 to -4.19). Mediation analysis revealed that NLR accounted for 8.17% of the negative association between ApoB-100 and lumbar BMD, while platelet count showed a suppressive indirect association (20.60%). ApoB-100 exhibits an independent negative association with lumbar BMD in postmenopausal women, partially mediated through inflammatory and platelet pathways. These findings support the potential utility of ApoB-100 as a biomarker for osteoporosis risk assessment in postmenopausal women, particularly within specific high-risk subgroups. Show less
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Although Tuina has shown neuroprotective effects, it remains unclear whether these benefits invol Show more
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Although Tuina has shown neuroprotective effects, it remains unclear whether these benefits involve regulation of the gut-brain axis. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Tuina in CP rats, with emphasis on its potential regulation of the gut-brain axis. CP was induced in 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats through hypoxia-ischemia. Beginning on postnatal day 8 (P8), the Tuina group received daily Tuina therapy for 32 consecutive days. Motor function was assessed using the negative geotaxis test (P6-P12), the beam balance test (P36-P39), and the modified neurological severity score on P40. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Brain and intestinal histopathology were evaluated histologically via hematoxylin-eosin and Luxol fast blue staining. Protein expression of BDNF, Nrf2, GPX4, ZO-1, and occludin was assessed via western blotting and immunofluorescence. Serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by mass spectrometry, whereas oxidative stress and intestinal barrier markers (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, lipopolysaccharide [LPS], diamine oxidase [DAO], and D-lactate [D-LA]) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In CP models induced by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, significant brain injury and motor dysfunction were observed, accompanied by gut microbiota dysbiosis and impaired intestinal barrier function. Tuina intervention improved motor function and growth, regulated gut microbiota, and increased serum SCFA levels. It also enhanced intestinal barrier proteins (occludin, ZO-1), reduced serum levels of LPS, DAO, and D-LA, and increased the expression of brain-derived BDNF, Nrf2, and GPX4. Tuina significantly alleviated brain injury and improved motor function in CP rats. These effects were associated with modulation of the gut microbiota and restoration of intestinal barrier integrity, suggesting that the gut-brain axis may mediate the neuroprotective effects of Tuina. Show less
The increasing global aging population presents significant challenges related to cognitive decline, mental health disorders, and social isolation. Martial arts exercise emerges as a multifaceted inte Show more
The increasing global aging population presents significant challenges related to cognitive decline, mental health disorders, and social isolation. Martial arts exercise emerges as a multifaceted intervention promoting mental health and cognitive vitality among older adults by integrating physical activity, cognitive engagement, and social interaction. This review synthesizes evidence on the neural mechanisms underlying the benefits of martial arts, highlighting their role in enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, neuroplasticity, and neural connectivity, which support improved executive functions, memory, and emotional regulation. Both hard martial arts and soft practices, such as Tai Chi, offer distinct advantages in addressing age-related cognitive and psychosocial challenges. Additionally, martial arts foster strong social support systems, reducing loneliness and enhancing emotional resilience through community engagement and shared achievement. Physical and functional benefits, including improved strength, balance, and cardiovascular health, further contribute to overall well-being. Despite promising results, current studies are limited by heterogeneity in martial arts styles, short intervention durations, and variable methodologies. Future research should focus on long-term, standardized interventions employing advanced neuroimaging and biomarker assessments to better elucidate mechanisms and optimize training protocols. Integrating martial arts into health promotion strategies holds substantial potential for enhancing mental health, cognitive resilience, and quality of life in aging populations. Show less
Sperm flagellum defects are tightly associated with male infertility. Centriolar satellites are small multiprotein complexes that recruit satellite proteins to the centrosome and play an essential rol Show more
Sperm flagellum defects are tightly associated with male infertility. Centriolar satellites are small multiprotein complexes that recruit satellite proteins to the centrosome and play an essential role in sperm flagellum biogenesis, but the precise mechanisms underlying this role remain unclear. Show less
The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the research progress of nattokinase in lowering blood lipid, including its source, structure and physicochemical properties, mechanisms of funct Show more
The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the research progress of nattokinase in lowering blood lipid, including its source, structure and physicochemical properties, mechanisms of functions, clinical research status, and safety considerations, so as to provide reference for further research on the application of nattokinase in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Natto is a traditional Japanese fermented food, which is made from soybeans fermented by Bacillus natto. During the fermentation process, natto will produce a variety of biologically active substances, including nattokinase. Nattokinase (NK) is a serine protease with stable enzyme activity and good freeze-thaw tolerance, which exerts lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects by activating hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), inhibiting hydroxymethylglutaryl monoacyl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), and enhancing lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity. Large-scale clinical trials have confirmed that nattokinase significantly improves the lipid profile and reduces the atherosclerotic plaque area and intima-media thickness with a favorable safety profile. Compared with traditional lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., statins and fibrates), nattokinase has a multifaceted lipid-lowering mechanism and lower risk of side effects, which makes it suitable for patients intolerant of traditional drugs; when combined with natural products such as statins, fibrates, red yeast, and lifestyle interventions, it can play a synergistic role and further reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. There are various types of nattokinase preparations on the market, and consumers should choose regular products with high activity and purity, and pay attention to their safety and applicable population. Show less
Yuanpeng Zhu, Di Liu, Xiangjie Yin+3 more · 2025 · The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Current clinical guidelines lack clear, quantitative recommendations on intensity-specific physical activity (PA) levels for preventing back pain. Moreover, accelerometer-based evidence regarding dose Show more
Current clinical guidelines lack clear, quantitative recommendations on intensity-specific physical activity (PA) levels for preventing back pain. Moreover, accelerometer-based evidence regarding dose-response relationships and interactions between PA and genetic susceptibility remains limited. To determine the relationships between accelerometer-measured total and intensity-specific PA and incident back pain, and to assess potential effect modification by polygenic risk scores (PRS). Prospective, large-scale, population-based study using UK Biobank data. UK Biobank participants who wore wrist accelerometers for 7 days (N=71,601). Incident back pain, defined as the first recorded ICD-10 dorsalgia code (M54). Total PA, light PA (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were derived using validated machine-learning algorithms from raw accelerometer data. Dose-response relationships were modeled using restricted cubic splines within Cox proportional hazards models, with adjustment for and stratification by a polygenic risk score (PRS). Point estimates for the population attributable fraction (PAF) were then calculated. Body mass index (BMI) mediation was assessed. Over a median follow-up of 7.0 years, total PA and MVPA exhibited nonlinear inverse associations with incident back pain, independent of genetic risk, with thresholds at approximately 35 milli-g (total PA) and 60 min/day (MVPA). The adjusted PAF was 15.9% for low MVPA and 9.9% for low total PA. Associations were strongest for MVPA, followed by total PA; no significant association was observed for LPA. Within both PRS strata, risk declined monotonically across PA quartiles, with similar effect sizes and no PA × PRS interaction. Notably, participants with high PRS and high PA had lower risk than those with low PRS and low PA. BMI mediated 26.2% of the total PA association and 15.5% of the MVPA association. Accelerometer-measured MVPA robustly reduces back-pain risk, independent of genetic predisposition. Future guidelines should provide clear, intensity-specific recommendations and account for the observed nonlinear dose-response to optimize prevention. Show less
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with antiangiogenic agents have become a standard strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There remains an urgent need for effective biomarke Show more
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with antiangiogenic agents have become a standard strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There remains an urgent need for effective biomarkers to guide treatment, with C-reactive protein and alpha-fetoprotein in immunotherapy (CRAFITY) scores and cytokine levels representing promising candidates. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and potential biomarkers of anlotinib plus TQB2450 in patients with advanced HCC. This study was a single-arm, phase Ib trial. Twenty-five patients with advanced HCC were enrolled. Patients received an intravenous infusion of TQB2450 (1200 mg, on Day 1) and oral administration of anlotinib (initiated at 10 mg, once a day, from Day 1 to Day 14), which was repeated every 3 weeks. Blood was collected at baseline for serum cytokine analysis. After a median follow-up of 41.80 months, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 5.49 months, and the median overall survival (mOS) was 8.94 months. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 22 patients, with grade ⩾3 TRAEs observed in 12 patients. Patients who achieved clinical benefit (CB) had higher baseline serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels than non-CB patients (median, 227.97 vs 129.26 pg/ml, Anlotinib plus TQB2450 demonstrated promising efficacy with manageable safety in advanced HCC. Elevated serum BDNF levels might serve as a potential positive prognostic marker and, together with ECOG score, may help complement the CRAFITY score in identifying subgroups that could benefit from ICIs and antiangiogenic therapy. Show less
Sijie Gu, Haoran Feng, Xiaomei Li+10 more · 2025 · Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the A Show more
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the AKI-to-CKD transition and its underlying mechanisms. Renal biopsies from patients with AKI showed marked upregulation of WNT5A and its receptor, CD146, in proximal tubules, with higher expression in patients with CKD progression. In murine AKI models, Wnt5a knockdown attenuated CKD progression. Conversely, proximal tubular overexpression of Wnt5a exacerbated renal fibrosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) mice, which was alleviated by Box5, a specific WNT5A antagonist. In vitro, WNT5A overexpression in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-stimulated HK-2 cells promoted CD146 upregulation, activated JNK phosphorylation, and enhanced SNAI1 expression. The genetic silencing of WNT5A/CD146 and JNK inhibition suppresses SNAI1 expression and attenuates fibrotic responses. Mechanistically, JNK-mediated c-JUN phosphorylation promoted its interaction with KLF5 at the SNAI1 promoter, driving renal fibrosis. Elevated serum levels of soluble CD146 correlated with renal function in patients with AKI and were higher in patients exhibiting CKD progression. Inhibition of WNT5A could serve as a therapeutic target for delaying renal fibrosis in AKI progression. Show less
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminatin Show more
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminating in septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. A pivotal element in the pathogenesis and progression of sepsis involves the significant disruption of oncological metabolic networks, where cells within the pathological milieu exhibit metabolic functions that diverge from their healthy counterparts. Among these, purine metabolism plays a crucial role in nucleic acid synthesis. However, the contribution of Purine Metabolism Genes (PMGs) to the defense mechanisms against sepsis remains inadequately explored. Leveraging bioinformatics, this study aimed to identify and substantiate potential PMGs implicated in sepsis. The approach encompassed a differential expression analysis across a pool of 75 candidate PMGs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were employed to assess the biological significance and pathways associated with these genes. Additionally, Lasso regression and Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) methodologies were implemented to identify key hub genes and evaluate the diagnostic potential of nine selected PMGs in sepsis identification. The study also examined the correlation between these hub PMGs and related genes, with validation conducted through expression level analysis using the GSE13904 and GSE65682 datasets. The study identified twelve PMGs correlated with sepsis, namely AK9, ENTPD3, NUDT16, GMPR2, PKM, RRM2B, POLR2J, POLE3, ADCY3, ADCY4, ADSSL1, and AMPD1. Functional analysis revealed their involvement in critical processes such as purine nucleotide and ribose phosphate metabolism. The diagnostic capability of these PMGs to effectively differentiate sepsis cases underscored their potential as biomarkers. This research elucidates twelve PMGs associated with sepsis, providing valuable insights into novel biomarkers for this condition and facilitating the monitoring of its progression. These findings highlight the significance of purine metabolism in sepsis pathogenesis and open avenues for further investigation into therapeutic targets. Show less
Diabetes mellitus is associated with morphological and functional impairment of the heart primarily due to lipid toxicity caused by increased fatty acid metabolism. Extracellular signal-regulated prot Show more
Diabetes mellitus is associated with morphological and functional impairment of the heart primarily due to lipid toxicity caused by increased fatty acid metabolism. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) have been implicated in the metabolism of fatty acids in the liver and skeletal muscles. However, their role in the heart in diabetes remains unclear. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that pharmacological inhibition of ERK1/2 alleviates cardiac remodeling in diabetic mice through a reduction in fatty acid metabolism. ERK1/2 phosphorylation in diabetes was determined both ERK1/2 phosphorylation was significantly increased in diabetic conditions. Inhibition of ERK1/2 by U0126 in both streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and ERK1/2 are potential therapeutic targets for diabetic cardiomyopathy by modulating fatty acid metabolism in the heart. Show less
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a set of rare diseases characterized by abnormal sexual development with clinical heterogeneity and genotypic complexity. This study aims to investiga Show more
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a set of rare diseases characterized by abnormal sexual development with clinical heterogeneity and genotypic complexity. This study aims to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of male IHH in southern China, and evaluate the therapeutic effects of current treatments. Fifty-one male IHH patients from southern China were enrolled in this study. Their clinical, imaging, hormonal and genetic findings were analyzed retrospectively. In this study, the most common causative gene of IHH was FGFR1 (45.10%), followed by ANOS1 (21.57%) and CHD7 (17.65%). Forty-five different variants, including 22 known and 23 novel variants, were found. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.84 ± 5.89 years, the most common clinical phenotype was micropenis (98.04%), the most frequent imaging feature was abnormal ultrasound of sexual glands (86.84%), and the most representative biochemical manifestations were low basal luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (98.04% and 100.00%, respectively). Age-phenotype and genotype-phenotype correlations were observed in this cohort. The penile length, testicular volume, basal testosterone, and the proportion of patients with low basal inhibin B were associated with age. Most patients with ANOS1 variant had a family history, impaired olfactory function, and much lower basal anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), whereas patients with CHD7 variant were younger, presented CHARGE phenotypes, and had higher basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH. Moreover, 34 patients were treated with different strategies for 2.75 ± 1.82 years. After treatment, the penile length, and the levels of FSH, LH and testosterone increased significantly. Our study adds 51 southern Chinese male patients, and expands the mutational spectrum for IHH. Our cohort suggests that a combination of clinical, biochemical and genetic criteria will facilitate early diagnosis. Our work also highlights the differentially diagnostic values of family history, impaired olfactory function, CHARGE features, and basal AMH, FSH and LH in distinguishing different molecular bases of IHH. Show less
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) ameliorate motor deficits in cerebral palsy (CP), but the effect of injection frequency remains unclear. Moreover, most studies have focu Show more
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) ameliorate motor deficits in cerebral palsy (CP), but the effect of injection frequency remains unclear. Moreover, most studies have focused on mild CP models (unilateral carotid artery occlusion [UCAO] model). This study explored the effect and mechanism of hUC-MSCs in a rat model of moderate-to-severe CP (bilateral carotid artery occlusion [BCAO] model). On postnatal Day 4 (P4), Wistar rat pups underwent BCAO induction. Subsequently, they received either a single intrathecal injection of hUC-MSCs on P21 or repeated injections on P21, P28, P35, and P42. Motor performance was assessed using the rotarod and front-limb suspension tests, while neuronal regeneration and inflammation were evaluated via biomarkers including neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). P18 model screening confirmed that the BCAO model resulted in more severe brain damage and motor impairment than the UCAO model. After injection of lentivirally transfected hUC-MSCs, it was found that hUC-MSCs could nest in the damaged area and survive for at least 3 days. Administration of hUC-MSCs following BCAO modeling led to notable improvements in both behavioral performance and histological outcomes. Furthermore, repeated injections offered greater therapeutic benefits compared to single injection. It indicated that the efficacy of repeated injections of hUC-MSCs in the treatment of moderate-to-severe CP was superior to that of single injection. Its mechanism was related to the improvement of damaged myelin structure, reduced immunoinflammatory responses, and increased neurotrophic support. Show less