While active ingredients from compound Chinese herbal medicines (CCHMs) have demonstrated potential in alleviating symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), their mechanisms of action remain insuf Show more
While active ingredients from compound Chinese herbal medicines (CCHMs) have demonstrated potential in alleviating symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), their mechanisms of action remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to identify key active ingredients and gene targets in Xiaochaihu Decoction, Sijunzi Decoction, and Shensiwei that contribute to their efficacy against PCOS. Transcriptomic data of PCOS were obtained from public databases. Information on gut microbiota metabolite-related targets and active ingredients of CCHMs was retrieved from relevant databases. Key gene targets and active ingredients were identified using Graph-based Bioactive Network Analysis (GraphBAN) and toxicological assessments. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations were conducted to validate interactions. Functional enrichment and regulatory network analysis were performed. LCT, FADS1, and CYP11A1 were identified as key genes associated with α-β T cell activation, immune receptor signaling, and adaptive immune responses. LCT and FADS1 were targeted by linolenic acid, while CYP11A1 was regulated by mandenol, EIC, and linolenic acid. Three microRNAs (hsa-miR-320a-3p, hsa-miR-4487, hsa-miR-6090) co-regulated these genes. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding between key genes and active ingredients, with binding energies < -5.0 kcal/mol. The findings indicate that CCHMs exert therapeutic effects on PCOS by multi-target regulation of key genes involved in androgen synthesis, metabolic regulation, and immune-inflammatory activation. The observed strong binding affinities provide a structural basis for these interactions. This study identified three key genes and three core active ingredients in CCHMs for PCOS treatment, laying a theoretical foundation for developing multi-target therapeutics. Show less
To evaluate the preventive effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and concurrent acute ischemi Show more
To evaluate the preventive effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and concurrent acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 236 patients with T2DM+AIS recruited from April 2021 to October 2024. Patients were grouped based on DPP-4i use: an observation group (107 cases) with DPP-4i therapy and a control group (129 cases) without. Patients' baseline demographics, clinical features, laboratory indices, and follow-up data were extracted from the electronic medical record system. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of PSCI, defined as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) score <26 at six months after AIS. Secondary outcomes included inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, neuroprotective factors (BDNF), glycemic metabolism indicators, and life quality [Barthel Index (BI), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)]. At 6 months after AIS, the incidence of PSCI was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, inflammatory and oxidative stress marker levels were decreased whereas BDNF level was significantly elevated in the observation group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). According to the quality-of-life assessment, patients receiving DPP-4i had higher BI, FIM, and IADL scores (P<0.05), along with a lower all-cause readmission rate (P<0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that different DPP-4i types (e.g., sitagliptin, saxagliptin) had consistent cognitive protective effects (P>0.05). DPP-4i can lower PSCI risk in T2DM+AIS patients. Its mechanism involves multi-dimensional effects like anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, insulin sensitivity enhancement, and neuroprotection. Show less
Residual cardiovascular risk persists in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets are met. Excess apolipoprotein B (apo Show more
Residual cardiovascular risk persists in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets are met. Excess apolipoprotein B (apoB), defined as measured apoB minus LDL-C-predicted apoB, may capture atherogenic particle burden beyond LDL-C, but its prognostic value for long-term mortality in secondary prevention remains uncertain. We conducted a pooled analysis of two nationwide Chinese cohorts (CIN-II and RED-CARPET) comprising 68,616 statin-treated CAD patients. Excess apoB was calculated using an internal reference population (triglycerides ≤ 1.0 mmol/L). Associations with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were assessed using multivariable Cox models, with adjustment for clinical covariates including nutritional status. External validation was performed in 13,702 participants from the UK Biobank. Over a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 10,835 deaths occurred (5,090 cardiovascular). Each 1-standard deviation (15.4 mg/dL) increase in excess apoB was associated with a 12% higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18) and a 24% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (aHR 1.24, 95% CI 1.15-1.34). Patients in the highest excess apoB quartile (≥ 11.5 mg/dL) had significantly worse survival. Notably, these associations persisted consistently across all achieved LDL-C strata (< 2.0 to > 4.0 mmol/L). These findings were robustly confirmed in the external validation cohort. Excess apoB is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in statin-treated CAD patients, even among those with well-controlled LDL-C. Its incorporation into risk assessment could improve prognostic stratification and guide personalized management in secondary prevention. CIN-II: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05050877 (Retrospectively registered, 21 September 2021); RED-CARPET: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000039901 (Prospectively registered, 14 November 2020). The UK Biobank study is covered by generic ethical approval from the NHS National Research Ethics Service (Ref: 99231). Show less
Depression and anxiety disorders are highly comorbid, yet their complex pathogenesis often limits the efficacy of monotherapy. Growing evidence implicates neuroinflammation in their pathogenesis. Co-d Show more
Depression and anxiety disorders are highly comorbid, yet their complex pathogenesis often limits the efficacy of monotherapy. Growing evidence implicates neuroinflammation in their pathogenesis. Co-drugs that linked two active molecules into a single compound and released the drugs after administration, which offering improved efficacy and tolerability than individual drug mixtures or monotherapy. In this work, five new co-drugs ODV-NSAIDs were synthesized from O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to achieve synergistic antidepression and anxiolytic effects. In vitro stability studies exhibited that these co-drugs can be metabolized into two single drugs within 60 min in simulated intestinal fluid. In both acute and chronic LPS-induced models, co-drug ODV-NAP significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors, evidenced by increased sucrose preference, reduced immobility in the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST), and enhanced locomotion in the open field test (OFT). Furthermore, ODV-NAP decreased brain levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while elevating serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Nissl staining confirmed ODV-NAP significantly attenuated hippocampal neuronal damage. Moreover, western blotting revealed ODV-NAP inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulated BDNF and p-TrkB protein expression. ODV-NAP also inhibited LPS-induced p65 nuclear translocation in BV-2 microglia in vitro, and caused no toxicity in histology. Thus, co-drug ODV-NAP represented a promising novel candidate for treating depression and anxiety. Show less
Precise identification of vulnerable plaque (VAP) is essential for the prevention of acute cardiovascular diseases, yet current molecular probes are hampered by poor VAP lesion penetration and high ba Show more
Precise identification of vulnerable plaque (VAP) is essential for the prevention of acute cardiovascular diseases, yet current molecular probes are hampered by poor VAP lesion penetration and high background. Here, the innate tropism of circulating inflammatory monocytes for VAP, and their differentiation-driven expression of legumain (Lgmn) in response to the VAP microenvironment is exploited. A monocyte differentiation-activated fluorescent (MDAF) probe is conceived that hitchhikes monocytes to precisely migrate to VAP and is activated by Lgmn during monocyte differentiation. This activation triggers in situ self-assembly, resulting in spatiotemporally controlled aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescence signals, and turning the monocyte itself into an on-site "scout" that reports plaque instability. In Apoe Show less
Lecanemab has been approved for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild AD dementia based on the efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and preliminary safet Show more
Lecanemab has been approved for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild AD dementia based on the efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and preliminary safety data from the phase Ⅲ Clarity AD trial. However, this trial excluded patients with high risk of cerebral hemorrhage, such as individuals with intracranial aneurysms or > 4 microhemorrhages. A 70-year-old male with mild AD, intracranial aneurysm, microhemorrhages, and APOE ε3/ε4 genotype received lecanemab after multidisciplinary evaluation and informed consent. Over six months of intensive monitoring, cognitive function stabilized with no deterioration, daily activities were preserved, microhemorrhages remained stable (with one new small lesion noted at 3 months), and no aneurysm rupture or severe adverse events (including amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) occurred. This case suggests that, despite hemorrhage risks, lecanemab may have a manageable risk-benefit profile in selected real-world AD patients under intensive monitoring and multidisciplinary care, with its application beyond clinical trial criteria requiring more nuanced and individualized consideration. Show less
The large-scale development of pig farming has introduced significant stressors that negatively affect pigs' mental health, behavior, and production efficiency. The hippocampus, crucial for cognition Show more
The large-scale development of pig farming has introduced significant stressors that negatively affect pigs' mental health, behavior, and production efficiency. The hippocampus, crucial for cognition and stress response regulation, plays a central role in these processes. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying hippocampal function across pig breeds with different domestication statuses and their implications for behavior and breeding strategies remain unclear. We performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on hippocampal tissues from 22,342 cells across three pig breeds: Asian wild boar, Jinhua, and Duroc, representing different domestication statuses. We identified six major hippocampal cell types and annotated 108 breed-specific transcription factors, including GATA2, SPI1, and EBF1. Additionally, we characterized 83 co-expression modules and 50 significant ligand-receptor pairs, such as TGFβ, WNT, and SPP1, revealing complex intercellular communication networks. Oligodendrocyte expression patterns were conserved across all breeds. We identified 194 candidate genes linked to stress resilience, mental health, and feeding behavior, including MC4R, RYR2, PDE10A, and ABCG2. Alzheimer's disease-related gene enrichment was lower in Duroc pigs, consistent with reduced APOE expression. We also developed the Pig Hippocampus Single-cell Atlas (PHiSA, http://alphaindex.zju.edu.cn:8503/ ), an open-access database allowing breed-specific hippocampal analyses and validation of gene expression at the single-nucleus level. This study offers insights into hippocampal function regulation in pigs, focusing on stress resilience, behavior, and productivity. It highlights conserved and breed-specific molecular features of hippocampal cell types and their roles in adaptability and mental health. By integrating single-nucleus data, the research suggests that genetic strategies could be used to improve animal welfare, stress management, and production efficiency in pig breeding programs. Show less
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a complicated pathological cancer, which has a close association with pyroptosis and abnormal alternative splicing (AS). However, the molecular changes and functions Show more
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a complicated pathological cancer, which has a close association with pyroptosis and abnormal alternative splicing (AS). However, the molecular changes and functions of AS-mediated pyroptosis in cisplatin-resistant NPC cells remain poorly understood. The expression patterns of different splicing isomers of dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) were evaluated by semi-quantitative PCR. The effects of DUSP6 knockdown on cisplatin sensitivity and pyroptosis in NPC were examined by CCK-8 assay, immunofluorescence and ELISA. The occurrence mechanism of DUSP6 AS was explored by RNA pull down, mass spectrometry and MeRIP-PCR. DUSP6 underwent AS, among which the intron retention isoform DUSp6-IR1 increased in expression dependent on the dose and time of cisplatin. Knockdown of DUSP6-IR1 significantly suppressed viability and cisplatin resistance and promoted apoptosis of C666-1 cells upon cisplatin treatment. In vivo, sh-DUSP6-IR1 reduced the weight and volume of tumors. While DUSP6-IR1 knockdown in C666-1 cells enhanced pyroptosis (evidenced by elevated LDH release, Gasdermin D (GSDMD)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) expression, and IL-18/IL-1β levels, along with reduced cell viability), these effects were reversed by a pyroptosis inhibitor. The m6A reader protein insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) enhanced the splicing generation of the DUSP6-IR1 isoform through its KH3-4 domains, thereby suppressing pyroptosis in NPC cells and ultimately conferring cisplatin resistance. These findings revealed a promising novel direction to investigate cisplatin resistance and suggested potential therapeutic target for overcoming chemotherapy resistance in NPC. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-025-15337-9. Show less
Validate the clinical utility of exosome cargo (miRNAs/proteins) and NLRP3/BDNF as key regulatory molecules for acupuncture-mediated spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery. From the establishment of the da Show more
Validate the clinical utility of exosome cargo (miRNAs/proteins) and NLRP3/BDNF as key regulatory molecules for acupuncture-mediated spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery. From the establishment of the database to May 2025, a literature search was conducted on PubMed, and Embase, using keywords ["exosome cargo" or "exosome"], ["acupuncture" or "acupuncture and moxibustion" or "electroacupuncture" or "EA"], ["spinal cord injury" or "SCI"], ["immune regulation"], ["inflammatory reaction"], ["neuroregeneration" or "nerve"]. Including peer-reviewed studies on human/animal models, articles that do not meet the requirements are excluded. Preclinically, MSC-exosomal miR-145-5p suppressed TLR4/NF-κB signaling, reducing spinal IL-1β by 47% in SD rats. Schwann cell-exosomal MFG-E8 activated SOCS3/STAT3, increasing M2 macrophage CD206 by 63% and raising rat BBB scores by 3.8 points; Treg-exosomal miR-2861 upregulated tight junction proteins (occludin/ZO-1) to repair the blood-spinal cord barrier. Acupuncture (EA at GV14/GV4) upregulated spinal BDNF by 72% and NGF by 58% via Wnt/β-catenin, while EA at GV6/GV9 downregulated NLRP3 by 42-58% and TNF-α by 35-47%. Clinically, EA at EX-B2 increased ASIA scores by 3.2±1.1 points (Guo et al). Besides, 5x/week EA improved ASIA vs 3x/week (+6.4 points). EA+exercise reduced MAS by 1.6-2.9 points, with outcomes correlated to peripheral NLRP3 reduction, BDNF elevation, and MBI/WISCIII increases. Exosome cargo (miR-145-5p/MFG-E8) and NLRP3/BDNF are key regulatory molecules underlying acupuncture-mediated SCI recovery. However, limitations (small RCT samples, heterogeneous acupuncture protocols, unstandardized exosome isolation) hinder translation. Future work should focus on standardized biomarker detection, exosome engineering, and large-scale clinical trials. Show less
Zi-Hao Liu, Min Xiao, Xiao-Cui Jiang+4 more · 2026 · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica · added 2026-04-24
This study aims to investigate the effects of aged male parents on the learning ability of offspring and the intervention effect of Wuzi Yanzong Pills based on the microRNA-34a-5p(miR-34a-5p)/silent i Show more
This study aims to investigate the effects of aged male parents on the learning ability of offspring and the intervention effect of Wuzi Yanzong Pills based on the microRNA-34a-5p(miR-34a-5p)/silent information regulator 1(SIRT1) signaling pathway. Thirty-two SD male rats of 15 months old were randomized into aged model, model+high-dose(8 g·kg~(-1)) Wuzi Yanzong Pills, model+low-dose(2 g·kg~(-1)) Wuzi Yanzong Pills, and model+vitamin C(100 mg·kg~(-1)) groups(n=8). In addition, 8 SD male rats of 3 months old were selected as the control group. Rats in treatment groups were fed the diets containing different doses of Wuzi Yanzong Pills or vitamin C, and the control and model groups received a regular diet for 12 weeks. After 5 days of co-caging with 3-month-old female mice, the fertilization rate was recorded. An automated sperm analyzer was used to examine the sperm motility and count, and the testicular spermatogenesis was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The senescence cells in the testicular tissue was detected by β-galactosidase staining, and miR-34a-5p expression was quantified via qPCR. The litter size was counted, and the body mass and body length were measured on days 1 and 30 to assess offspring development. For the offspring of 30 days old, their learning ability was examined via Morris water maze, and Nissl staining was employed to count hippocampal neurons. The miR-34a-5p expression in the hippocampal tissue of the offspring was determined by qPCR, and the protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and SIRT1 were determined by Western blot. Compared with the control group, the model group exhibited reductions in fertility rate, litter size, and sperm motility and count, as well as impaired testicular spermatogenesis(P<0.01). In addition, the model group showed increased senescence cells in testicular and epididymal tissue, accompanied by elevated miR-34a-5p expression in sperms. The 30-day-old offspring showed slow growth, reduced hippocampal neurons, up-regulated miR-34a-5p expression, and down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1 and BDNF in the hippocampus(P<0.01), along with impaired learning and memory performance(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both high-dose Wuzi Yanzong Pills and vitamin C improved the fertilization rate, litter size, sperm motility, sperm count, and testicular spermatogenesis(P<0.05). The 30-day-old offspring in the two groups showed accelerated growth and development, increased hippocampal neurons, and elevated BDNF protein level in the hippocampus(P<0.05), along with enhanced learning and memory capabilities(P<0.05). Compared with the vitamin C group, the high-dose Wuzi Yanzong Pills group exhibited accelerated offspring growth(P<0.05), increases in fertilization rate and litter size(P<0.05), and improved learning and memory abilities(P<0.05). These findings indicate that Wuzi Yanzong Pills can improve testicular spermatogenesis and sperm quality in aged rats, thereby enhancing offspring's learning and memory performance. Specifically, Wuzi Yanzong Pills regulate miR-34a-5p expression to delay spermatogenic cell senescence in the testicular tissue and improve the offspring's cognitive function by miR-34a-5p mediated intergenerational transmission. Show less
C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD Show more
C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD), and investigate the effect of CTRP4 on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms. CTRP4 levels were examined in serum and epicardial adipose tissue (a major PVAT) from patients with CAD. Atherosclerotic lesions were analysed in CTRP4 CTRP4 levels were lower in serum and epicardial adipose tissue of patients with CAD compared to non-CAD controls. CTRP4 knockout promoted atherosclerosis in ApoE Decreased CTRP4 levels in serum and epicardial adipose tissue are associated with CAD in patients. CTRP4 deficiency promotes the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE Show less
Compound Nujia honey paste (Nujia), a classic formulation from Traditional Uyghur Medicine, has been historically used for depression treatment and is listed in the Catalog of Ancient Classical Famous Show more
Compound Nujia honey paste (Nujia), a classic formulation from Traditional Uyghur Medicine, has been historically used for depression treatment and is listed in the Catalog of Ancient Classical Famous Formulas issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Medical Products Administration. Clarifying its pharmacodynamic material basis is essential for understanding its efficacy, yet this remains incompletely characterized. This study aimed to systematically elucidate Nujia's antidepressant efficacy and mechanisms by combining chemical analysis, computational prediction, and experimental validation in a CUMS rat model, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding its action. This study employed LC/MS to analyze the chemical constituents and blood-absorbed compounds of Nujia. This was combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking to predict and verify its potential antidepressant targets and signaling pathways. Using behavioral tests, ELISA, histopathology, Western blot, and qRT-PCR in a CUMS rat model, the research thoroughly evaluated Nujia's therapeutic effects and mechanisms, fostering trust in the findings. In this study, LC/MS analysis identified 124 chemical constituents from Nujia, and further analysis determined 26 blood-absorbed compounds (including 10 prototype compounds). Network pharmacology analysis revealed that its potential antidepressant effects are closely associated with core targets such as AKT1 and TNF, a prediction subsequently verified by molecular docking results. In the CUMS-induced rat model of depression, intervention with Nujia significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviors in the animals and alleviated neuropathological damage in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Nujia upregulated the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters (5-HT, DA, NE) and neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF) in serum, while downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18). Further molecular experiments confirmed that Nujia likely mitigates neuroinflammation by inhibiting the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway, and inhibits neuronal apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream anti-apoptotic proteins. Furthermore, Nujia significantly upregulated the expression of key synaptic plasticity proteins (SYP, GAP43, and PSD95) in hippocampal tissue, thereby enhancing synaptic structure and function. These findings underscore the complex, multi-target mechanisms underlying Nujia's antidepressant effects, encouraging further exploration of its therapeutic potential. This study systematically elucidates that Nujia achieves its antidepressant therapeutic effects by mediating multi-pathway synergistic actions, including but not limited to the TNF-α/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, to ameliorate neuroinflammation, attenuate apoptosis, and enhance synaptic plasticity. Show less
Fear of progression (FoP) is a prevalent psychological issue among stroke patients. Previous studies failing to distinguish characteristics of patient groups with varying FoP levels. Latent profile an Show more
Fear of progression (FoP) is a prevalent psychological issue among stroke patients. Previous studies failing to distinguish characteristics of patient groups with varying FoP levels. Latent profile analysis (LPA) classifies individuals into distinct subgroups via continuous FoP indicators, boosting classification accuracy by accounting for variable uncertainty. Given FoP's heterogeneity, investigating FoP profiles and their influencing factors in stroke patients is clinically significant for personalized psychological care and improved patient quality of life. A total of 366 stroke patients were selected as study subjects through convenience sampling, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted. FoP was assessed using the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF, 2 dimensions, 12 items). Independent variables included demographic characteristics, clinical indicators, the Recurrence Risk Perception Scale for Stroke patients (RRPSS), and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ). LPA was performed on the FoP-Q-SF items to identify subgroups. The R3STEP method was used to analyze influencing factors of subgroup membership, and the BCH method was applied to compare differences in distal outcomes across subgroups. Statistical significance was set at The study sample had a mean age of 63.93 ± 10.58 years, with 70.5% males and 65.0% first-ever stroke patients. Two latent profiles were identified: Low-FoP Adaptive Type (C1, 48.6%) and High-FoP Sustained Type (C2, 51.4%). The R3STEP showed that age 18-59 years (OR = 0.476, 95%CI = 0.245-0.924, This study revealed significant heterogeneity in FoP among stroke patients. Age, hypertension comorbidity, excessive recurrence risk perception, MCMQ-confrontation, and MCMQ-avoidance were associated with high FoP. Healthcare providers should prioritize identifying high-risk individuals and develop tailored interventions to reduce FoP and improve rehabilitation outcomes. Show less
Microglia-neuron contacts have been shown to regulate neural network activity through the formation and elimination of synapses. The pathogenesis of major depressive disorder is accompanied by a decli Show more
Microglia-neuron contacts have been shown to regulate neural network activity through the formation and elimination of synapses. The pathogenesis of major depressive disorder is accompanied by a decline in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, associated with increased microglia activity that disrupts cognitive function. The actions of both typical and rapid-acting antidepressant drugs, which have been shown to increase BDNF signaling through the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor, decrease microglia activation and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Examining the link between BDNF signaling and the microglial pro-inflammatory response, we demonstrate that TrkB signaling elicits the neuronal secretion of CD22 (Siglec-2), a sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectin, to inhibit microglial activation and alleviate depression-like symptoms. In a male chronic mild stress (CMS) mouse model of depression decreased expression of the postsynaptic scaffolding protein PSD-95 and Gαi1/3 were found to compromise TrkB signaling leading to reduced CD22 levels in hippocampal tissue. Restoration of TrkB-Gαi1/3-Akt signaling with dSyn3, a peptidomimetic compound targeting the PDZ3 domain of PSD-95, enhanced CD22 expression to inhibit microglial activation, promote dendritic spine formation and rapidly mitigate depression-like symptoms. Furthermore, hippocampal overexpression of CD22 in neurons was sufficient to reduce microglial activation and depressive-like behaviors in male CMS mice. S-ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant, increased CD22 expression to mitigate depression-like symptoms. While neuronal knockdown of CD22 in the hippocampus did not significantly impair the rapid (within 4 h) antidepressant effects typically observed with S-ketamine or dSyn3 administration, strikingly, knockdown of CD22 attenuated the long-acting (within 3 days) antidepressant effects of S-ketamine or dSyn3, as evidenced by sustained immobility in the TST (tail suspension test) and FST (forced swim test), and a lack of improvement in sucrose preference. In contrast, a single dose of fluoxetine failed to increase CD22 expression or inhibit microglia activity. These results suggest that rapidly-acting anti-depressant drugs enhance TrkB-induced neuronal expression and secretion of CD22 to promote the homeostatic state of microglia required for antidepressant actions. In male depression mice, dSyn3 facilitates BDNF-induced TrkB-PSD-95-Gαi1/3 complex formation to increase Akt-mTOR activation as well as synaptic and spine density in the hippocampus. TrkB signaling increases CD22 expression and secretion from neurons blocking microglial activation in the hippocampal region of male CMS mice. Show less
This study aims to systematically investigate the multi-target mechanisms of cobalamin in the treatment of ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. We screened data Show more
This study aims to systematically investigate the multi-target mechanisms of cobalamin in the treatment of ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. We screened databases to identify the targets of cobalamin and performed intersected with with ischemic stroke-related targets to construct a “drug-target-disease” interaction network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to identify key biological processes and signaling pathways. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were performed to assess the binding affinity between cobalamin and hub proteins. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to assess the stability of the protein–ligand complexes over a 500 ns simulation period. Additionally, ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability predictions were made using ADMETlab 3.0 and admetSAR 3.0. A total of 95 therapeutic targets of cobalamin for ischemic stroke were identified. Network analysis and molecular docking highlighted eight core targets—ALB, TIMP1, PLG, FN1, AGT, SERPINE1, APOE, and SPP1—with high binding affinities to cobalamin. GO analysis suggested that cobalamin regulates inflammatory responses, post-translational modifications, complement binding, and lipoprotein particle binding. KEGG analysis identified complement and coagulation cascades, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and inflammation-related signaling as central to its therapeutic effects. Molecular docking showed strong binding to ALB and TIMP1, which was further confirmed by MD simulations, with minimal conformational changes. The PLG-cobalamin complex exhibited more fluctuations. ADME analysis revealed low passive permeability, particularly across the blood–brain barrier, but moderate distribution and high plasma protein binding. This study provides evidence that cobalamin may offer neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke by interacting with key target proteins involved in coagulation, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. The findings highlight the potential of cobalamin as a therapeutic agent, although its limited ability to cross the blood–brain barrier may restrict its oral use. Further experimental validation and development of suitable delivery methods are needed to fully realize cobalamin’s potential in stroke therapy. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-41564-6. Show less
Abnormalities in protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are one of the primary drivers of cancer. As a receptor subfamily, fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) comprise four subtypes-FGFR1 to FGFR4. Th Show more
Abnormalities in protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are one of the primary drivers of cancer. As a receptor subfamily, fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) comprise four subtypes-FGFR1 to FGFR4. Their abnormal intracellular expression is a significant cause of tumorigenesis, making FGFRs key therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. This paper primarily summarizes the latest research advances in FGFR inhibitors, aiming to provide insights for future design and synthesis studies of FGFR inhibitors. Show less
Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT relate Show more
Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT related genes, proteins and pathways. We first explored the clinical associations between OA and MTs based on UK Biobank data. Using GWAS statistics for 9 OA subtypes and 51 MTs, we identified both global and regional genetic correlations. Multi-trait GWAS helped revealed credible genes and relevant pathways through various methods. Protein-level analyses were also conducted to identify key proteins. We developed polygenic scores (PGS), machine learning models and drug repurposing strategies were explored to translate these findings into clinical applications. We identified 152 trait pairs with significant associations and 709 local regions linked to OA-MT. Key SNVs like rs13135092 (SLC39A8) and rs34811474 (ANAPC4) were associated with multiple OA-MT pairs. Lipid and glucose metabolism emerged as central pathways, with tissue-specific enrichment analyses revealing key gene clusters in hepatocytes, arteries, and brain regions. Protein-level analyses identified 205 protein subgroups. PGS integrating MTs outperformed model based solely on OA, improving AUC by 17.5%. Causal gene-based models showed strong diagnostic accuracy (average AUC = 0.875 in external cohorts). Drug prediction highlighted fenofibrate as a promising treatment among 71 candidates. This study provides new insights into the genetic links between OA and MTs. We identified genes, proteins, and pathways related to comorbidities, revealing shared mechanisms, highlighting the potential of integrating metabolic factors to improve OA prediction, diagnosis, and treatment. Show less
The protein corona formed upon systemic administration critically modulates the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of the nanomedicines. While emerging evidence links obesity Show more
The protein corona formed upon systemic administration critically modulates the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of the nanomedicines. While emerging evidence links obesity to heightened chemosensitivity, the underlying nanobio-interfacial mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) exhibits significantly enhanced antitumor and antimetastatic efficacy in obese breast tumor-bearing mice compared to normal controls. Mechanistic investigations reveal that obesity confers PLD with prolonged systemic circulation and improved tumor accumulation. Notably, preincubation of PLD with plasma from obese mice reduces macrophage uptake while promoting internalization by breast cancer cells compared to that from normal mice. Genetic ablation of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in obese mice abolishes obesity-associated improvements in PLD blood circulation, tumor accumulation, and uptake by cancer cells. Conversely, supplementation with recombinant ApoE restores these effects in ApoE-deficient mice and potentiates PLD's antitumor efficacy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate obesity-induced ApoE as a pivotal regulator of the protein corona that actively enhances tumor-targeted delivery of PLD, which offers a rational strategy for engineering protein-corona-mediated tumor-targeted nanomedicines. Show less
BackgroundCognitive impairment (CI) and its related risk factors (e.g., diabetes and stroke) are highly prevalent among Hispanic/Latinos (H/L); however, prior research in H/L focused on aging individu Show more
BackgroundCognitive impairment (CI) and its related risk factors (e.g., diabetes and stroke) are highly prevalent among Hispanic/Latinos (H/L); however, prior research in H/L focused on aging individuals (≥65 years old).ObjectiveTo comprehensively assess the associations between a wide-range of cardiometabolic health indicators and CI using a prospective study design in a younger cohort of H/L (majority <65 years old) from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC).MethodsWe identified a total of 1240 CCHC subjects with complete Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) data at study baseline and at 5-year follow-up. The outcome (i.e., CI) was based on MMSE scores of less than 24. We conducted univariate associations for multiple cardiometabolic indicators with CI; and mixed logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios for the associations between cardiometabolic indicators and CI adjusted for age, education, prior stroke, and Show less
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In Show more
Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for endometrial repair has been hampered by variability in cell quality, large-scale production, and uncertainty regarding the optimal delivery route. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell-derived immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells (IMRCs) for treating refractory moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesion (IUA). In a rabbit IUA model, sub-endometrial injection of IMRCs significantly reduced fibrosis and enhanced endometrial angiogenesis, outperforming uterine perfusion. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct pro-angiogenic gene expression profiles between the two delivery routes. In vitro, IMRCs co-cultured with endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) markedly enhanced angiogenic potential compared to either cell type alone. Protein array analysis of the co-culture supernatant showed elevated levels of angiogenic factors, with functional assays confirming that inhibition of ANGPTL4, a non-canonical pro-angiogenic mediator, impaired angiogenesis. In a first-in-human, single-center, phase 1 dose-escalation trial involving 18 patients with refractory IUA, high-dose sub-endometrial IMRC injection promoted angiogenesis, reduced uterine scarring, and improved pregnancy outcomes, with no safety concerns observed over 3 years of follow-up. These findings highlight the translational promise of IMRCs as a novel therapeutic strategy for endometrial regeneration in severe IUA. Show less
This study investigated the impact of This retrospective case-control study involved 628 CAD patients and 628 matched controls without CAD. ApoE genotyping was conducted using PCR-chip technology, and Show more
This study investigated the impact of This retrospective case-control study involved 628 CAD patients and 628 matched controls without CAD. ApoE genotyping was conducted using PCR-chip technology, and genotype and allele frequencies were compared between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the link between ApoE polymorphisms and CAD risk in populations at middle and high altitudes. The data revealed significant differences in These findings validated that the Show less
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been found to promote Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major etiological factors for CMBs and an important risk factor for AD. Ho Show more
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been found to promote Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major etiological factors for CMBs and an important risk factor for AD. However, the association between HTN-related CMBs and AD pathology remains undetermined. This study aims to identify the relationship between HTN-related CMBs and amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42) and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) levels in plasma astrocyte-derived exosomes (ADEs). In total, 88 HTN participants including 30 with deep/infratentorial (D/I) CMBs, 30 with mixed CMBs, and 28 without CMBs were analyzed. Susceptibility-weighted imaging was performed to assess the location, presence, and number of CMBs. ELISA kits for BACE-1 and Aβ42 were employed to evaluate the levels of astrocyte-derived exosomal proteins. The results indicated that plasma ADE levels of Aβ42 were reduced in the HTN + D/I CMBs and HTN + Mixed CMBs groups relative to the HTN-CMBs group. Furthermore, the plasma ADE levels of Aβ42 were significantly associated with CMBs in patients with HTN. However, no significant differences were found in the plasma ADE levels of BACE-1 among the HTN + D/I CMBs, HTN + Mixed CMBs, and HTN-CMBs groups. The study revealed that reduced plasma ADE levels of Aβ42 were significantly associated with CMBs in HTN patients. This finding suggests a potential link between HTN-related CMBs and AD-related amyloid-β pathology, offering novel insights into the mechanisms by which HTN-related CMBs promote AD progression. Show less
To investigate longitudinal changes in neuroimmune biomarkers during acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), their modulation by standard therapy, and prognostic implica Show more
To investigate longitudinal changes in neuroimmune biomarkers during acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), their modulation by standard therapy, and prognostic implications for 90-day outcomes. In a prospective cohort, 266 hospitalized AECOPD patients were stratified into worsened ( Compared with controls, AECOPD patients exhibited higher IL-6, TNF-α, PD-1, and MMP-9, alongside reduced BDNF and IL-10. Stable patients demonstrated partial biomarker normalization, whereas worsened patients retained a pro-inflammatory profile. Corticosteroids and antibiotics attenuated cytokine elevations, and oxygen therapy facilitated BDNF recovery. Low BDNF and high MMP-9 predicted spirometric decline, while elevated PD-1 and MMP-9 were associated with increased 90-day readmission risk. A dual-axis model incorporating neurotrophic and immune exhaustion markers outperformed GOLD classification for risk prediction. Neuroimmune biomarkers capture recovery heterogeneity in AECOPD. The proposed dual-axis model improves prognostic accuracy and may inform personalized management strategies. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic vascular disease and the principal cause leading to ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). It involves complex metabolic dysregulation beyond the resolution of single-omics. Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic vascular disease and the principal cause leading to ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). It involves complex metabolic dysregulation beyond the resolution of single-omics. Emerging evidence implicates arginine-proline metabolism (APM) in driving inflammation and impairing efferocytosis, yet the cellular basis of plaque instability remains elusive. We employed a five-stage analytical framework. First, metabolomic profiling revealed shared pathways between AS and ICM. Second, single-cell RNA sequencing identified APM-enriched macrophage subtypes in both diseases. Pseudotime analysis, Scissor algorithm, and cell-cell communication analyses linked these subtypes to APM signaling, stroke prognosis, and key ligand-receptor interactions. Third, cNMF and unsupervised clustering defined APM-related gene signatures in macrophages, validated by survival analysis. Fourth, spatial transcriptomics confirmed their spatial distribution and colocalization within unstable plaques. Finally, key biomarkers were validated in atherosclerotic lesions using ApoE Metabolomic profiling revealed APM as a shared dysregulated pathway in AS and ICM. We identified a macrophage subset (SPP1⁺ macrophages and mono-macrophages), termed APM_high macrophages, enriched in the fibrous cap and characterized by elevated collagenase activity, heightened inflammation, and disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. Spatial and cell-cell communication analyses revealed strong interactions with dendritic cells via the MIF-(CD74 + CXCR4) axis, potentially contributing to plaque destabilization. Transcriptomic clustering uncovered a high-APM plaque subtype associated with worse ischemic outcomes. Six diagnostic biomarkers were identified through machine learning and validated across multiple cohorts and in ApoE In summary, our study decodes the metabolic basis of inflammation shared between AS and ICM, suggesting an APM_high macrophage-centered regulatory axis across multiple omics layers. This work advances our understanding of the cardio-metabolic axis and suggests new avenues for targeted therapy. Show less
This study aims to examine the health characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) in entertainment venues and to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and sleep quality. This stu Show more
This study aims to examine the health characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) in entertainment venues and to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and sleep quality. This study employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted from January to April 2024 in Wuhan, China. Participants were FSWs recruited through snowball sampling from entertainment venues, including hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, karaoke bars and dance halls. Data were collected via structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, work experience, psychological stress, health status, sleep quality and circadian rhythms. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify health characteristic profiles among FSWs, and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between these profiles and sleep quality. Among the 1,036 FSWs surveyed, 45.1% had poor sleep quality. LPA classified FSWs’ health characteristics into three profiles: the high overall functioning group, the lower physical–emotional functioning group and the lower psychosocial functioning group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FSWs in the lower physical–emotional functioning group had higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 2.184) compared with those in the high overall functioning group. FSWs in the lower psychosocial functioning group had substantially higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 7.755) than that in the high overall functioning group. FSWs demonstrate substantial heterogeneity in health characteristics and exhibit lower overall sleep quality compared with the general population. Psychological and physiological factors are major influencing factors for their sleep quality, suggesting the importance of prioritising mental and physical health in this population. Show less
Pathological ocular neovascularization is closely linked to aberrant histone modifications, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigates the role of the Show more
Pathological ocular neovascularization is closely linked to aberrant histone modifications, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigates the role of the histone demethylase JMJD1C and its encoding gene Jmjd1c in driving pathological angiogenesis and evaluates its therapeutic potential in ocular proliferative vascular diseases. Jmjd1c expression was examined in mouse models of ocular neovascularization and in endothelial cells (ECs) using immunostaining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. The pro-angiogenic functions of JMJD1C were assessed through EdU incorporation, Transwell migration, tube-formation, and spheroid-sprouting assays in vitro, as well as retinal flat-mount isolectin-B4 staining and H&E staining in vivo. RNA sequencing, immunostaining, qPCR, Western blotting, and ChIP-qPCR were employed to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which JMJD1C regulates pathological angiogenesis. Endothelial-specific deletion of Jmjd1c markedly reduced pathological neovascularization in both oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) models. Loss of JMJD1C impaired endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and sprouting angiogenesis. Mechanistically, Jmjd1c deletion suppressed Srebf2 transcription and cholesterol biosynthesis by increasing repressive H3K9me2 histone marks in endothelial cells. Pharmacological inhibition of JMJD1C similarly attenuated neovascularization in wild-type mice. JMJD1C acts as a key regulator of pathological ocular angiogenesis through histone demethylation-mediated control of endothelial cholesterol biosynthesis. These findings establish JMJD1C and the Jmjd1c-Srebf2 regulatory axis as promising therapeutic targets for ocular vascular diseases. Show less
Atherosclerosis is fundamentally a pathology of unresolved inflammation perpetuated by the collapse of Regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated tolerance. Emerging evidence indicates that Treg functional int Show more
Atherosclerosis is fundamentally a pathology of unresolved inflammation perpetuated by the collapse of Regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated tolerance. Emerging evidence indicates that Treg functional integrity is intrinsically dictated by mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO), a metabolic checkpoint often compromised under systemic metabolic stress. Current lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins, often fall short in correcting this maladaptive immunometabolic defect and may introduce collateral metabolic perturbations. This study aimed to elucidate the immunometabolic therapeutic mechanism of Dingxin Recipe III (DXR III) in ameliorating atherosclerosis. We employed an integrated systems pharmacology strategy-combining serum pharmacochemistry, multi-omics profiling, and extensive high-dimensional flow cytometry-to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of DXR III, a traditional Chinese herbal formula in an in vivo study. ApoE DXR III treatment effectively attenuating atherosclerotic progression. Serum pharmacochemistry identified 254 prototypical absorbed constituents, including Tanshinone I (a potential Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma agonist), as bioactive candidates. Multi-omics analysis revealed that DXR III modulated the metabolic environment, coinciding with restored FAO flux. This shift was associated with a favorable metabolic niche characterized by increased FAO substrates, which correlated with the rescue of Treg differentiation and phenotypic stability. Specifically, DXR III facilitated the redistribution of Tregs from the spleen to plaque sites and significantly inhibited their trans-differentiation into Th1-like or Th17-like phenotypes. Conversely, Simvastatin treatment, despite lowering lipids, resulted in peripheral Th17 accumulation and failed to alleviate hyperglycemia. In contrast, DXR III maintained Th17 homeostasis-abolishing the pathogenic non-classical Th17 subset-and exerted dual-regulatory effects on both lipid and glucose metabolism. DXR III ameliorates atherosclerosis, a process closely associated with the modulation of the FAO metabolic checkpoint to correct the immune imbalance driving plaque progression. By rescuing the Treg differentiation, functional integrity, and phenotypic fidelity while avoiding the immunological trade-offs associated with Th1/Th17, DXR III represents a promising candidate for comprehensive cardiovascular protection. Show less