The pathogenesis of hereditary multiple exostoses is mainly related to genetic variants and often requires surgical resection when it causes clinical symptoms. This case report describes a variant in Show more
The pathogenesis of hereditary multiple exostoses is mainly related to genetic variants and often requires surgical resection when it causes clinical symptoms. This case report describes a variant in the We present the case of an 11-year-old boy who developed hereditary multiple exostoses. The patient presented with multiple bone swellings throughout his body and difficulty squatting due to a swelling in his right thigh. Genetic testing showed that the child had a heterozygous variant in the The diagnosis of hereditary multiple exostoses relies on a clinical examination and genetic testing. Surgical resection is indicated for symptomatic cases with functional impairments. To prevent vascular injuries such as femoral artery rupture, meticulous surgical technique is essential, including thorough smoothing of the resected bone surface and a careful intraoperative assessment of the adjacent neurovascular structures. In cases of postoperative bleeding or suspected pseudoaneurysm, prompt imaging and surgical exploration are critical for timely vascular repair. Show less
The widely accepted theory of endometriosis posits that endometriosis stems from the translocation of endometrial tissue through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. However, the exact patho Show more
The widely accepted theory of endometriosis posits that endometriosis stems from the translocation of endometrial tissue through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. However, the exact pathogenesis and critical molecules of endometriosis remain unclear. Here, we find that alanyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (AARS1) is abundantly expressed in endometrial tissues and promotes the proliferation, migratory capability, and invasive potential in endometriotic stromal cells (EESC) and 11Z cells. Moreover, AARS1 enhances epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in EESC and 11Z cells. In addition, AARS1 could lactylate Snail1 to maintain its protein stability. In summary, this work identifies a crucial role of AARS1 in advancing endometriosis, which may provide new insights into its pathogenesis and future disease management. Show less
Stroke is a life‑threatening cerebrovascular disorder categorized into two major subtypes: Ischemic and hemorrhagic. Characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, its clinical management remain Show more
Stroke is a life‑threatening cerebrovascular disorder categorized into two major subtypes: Ischemic and hemorrhagic. Characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, its clinical management remains challenging due to limited therapeutic options. Interleukin (IL)‑27, a pleiotropic cytokine with demonstrated neuroprotective potential, has emerged as a promising candidate for stroke intervention. IL‑27 exerts immunomodulatory effects within the central nervous system, including suppression of proinflammatory T‑cell proliferation and induction of regulatory T‑cell differentiation. These mechanisms collectively attenuate neuroinflammation, mitigate neuronal apoptosis and prevent neurodegenerative processes. The efficacy of IL‑27 in reducing cerebral damage in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke models has been validated, although clinical translation remains to be achieved. The present review summarizes: i) The epidemiology of stroke; ii) the immunoregulatory functions of IL‑27 and its neuroprotective mechanisms across stroke subtypes; iii) innovative brain‑targeted delivery approaches; iv) IL‑27 clinical applicability with supporting evidence; and v) possible risks and solutions in clinical applications. By collating the current knowledge, the present study provides a translational framework for advancing IL‑27‑based therapies in stroke management. Show less
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in Show more
D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), an oncometabolite derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Previous studies have reported the diverse effects of D-2HG in pathophysiological processes, yet its role in breast cancer remains largely unexplored. We applied an advanced biosensor approach to detect the D-2HG levels in breast cancer samples. We then investigated the biological functions of D-2HG through multiple in vitro and in vivo assays. A joint MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq strategy was used to identify the target genes regulated by D-2HG-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m We found that D-2HG accumulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), exerting oncogenic effects both in vitro and in vivo by promoting TNBC cell growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, D-2HG enhanced global m Our study unveils a previously unrecognized role for D-2HG-mediated RNA modification in TNBC progression and targeting the D-2HG/FTO/m Show less
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal which induces vascular disorders. Previous studies suggest that Cd in the bloodstream affects vascular endothelial cells (ECs), potentially contributing to vascular Show more
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal which induces vascular disorders. Previous studies suggest that Cd in the bloodstream affects vascular endothelial cells (ECs), potentially contributing to vascular-related diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of effects of Cd on ECs remain poorly understood. Notch signaling pathway abnormalities have been implicated in ECs disruption. The present study aims to investigate the effect of low Cd concentrations on the Notch signaling pathway in ECs. Mice were treated with low concentration of Cd (2.28 mg/kg), and tissues were collected for examination of mRNA and protein levels of Notch pathway components and VE-cadherin, a major junctional protein in ECs. We found that Cd treatment increases expression of NICD1, Hes1, Hey1, Hey2 and decreases expression of VE-cadherin in brain and kidney tissues. In vitro, a low concentration of Cd (1 μM) also induces increase expression of NICD1, Hes1, Hey1, Hey2, and decrease expression of VE-cadherin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Low concentration of Cd increased the permeability of HUVECs. We also found that Notch signaling negatively regulates the expression of VE-cadherin. In addition, DAPT, a Notch pathway inhibitor, prevents Cd-induced reduction in VE-cadherin expression in HUVECs. In summary, these findings revealed that Cd exposure decreases VE-cadherin expression through activation of the Notch signaling pathway. 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
Age-related retinal degeneration, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, are major causes of blindness in modern society. Recent studies suggest that dysbiosis and intraocu Show more
Age-related retinal degeneration, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, are major causes of blindness in modern society. Recent studies suggest that dysbiosis and intraocular translocation of bacteria from the blood circulation are critically involved in retinal degeneration. We hypothesise that the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) cells can protect the neuroretina from blood-borne pathogens by producing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The antimicrobial activity may decline during ageing, putting the retina at risk of low-degree chronic inflammation and degeneration. Here, we found that the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which form the outer BRB, express a variety of AMPs/AMP precursors, including APP, RARRES2, FAM3A, HAMP, CAMP, GNLY, and PI3. Senescent RPE cells expressed lower levels of APP and RARRES2 mRNA, accompanied by increased intracellular retention of E. coli in a bactericidal assay. Silencing APP, not RARRES2, with shRNA reduced the antibacterial activity of RPE cells. Senescent RPE cells had lower levels of α-secretase and higher levels of β-secretase (BACE1) and γ-secretase (PS1), accompanied by reduced soluble APPα and increased amyloid beta (Aβ) production, particularly the Aβ42 isoform. Eyes from aged donors showed a higher Aβ accumulation within RPE cells. Our results suggest that while RPE cells possess antimicrobial activity, this ability declines with age and is impaired in senescent cells. The impaired antimicrobial activity and augmented Aβ deposition in senescent RPE cells may contribute to age-related retinal para-inflammation and neurodegeneration. Show less
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited cardiovascular disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death. Cardiac myosin binding protein C ( Show more
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited cardiovascular disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death. Cardiac myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) is the most frequently mutated gene leading to HCM. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from an HCM patient harboring a heterozygous MYBPC3 missense mutation (c.3072C > A; p.S1024R) were reprogrammed via Sendai virus vectors to generate a patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line. The iPSC line exhibits normal morphology and karyotype, alongside definitive hallmarks of pluripotency, including trilineage differentiation potential. Show less
The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, is supported by positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations Show more
The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, is supported by positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations, suggesting a shared genetic basis. However, the precise genetic mechanisms underlying these associations remain elusive. By assessing genetic correlations, genetic overlap, and causal connections, we aim to shed light on common genetic underpinnings among major CVDs. Employing multi-trait analysis, we pursue diverse strategies to unveil shared genetic elements, encompassing SNPs, genes, gene sets, and functional categories with pleiotropic implications. Our study systematically quantifies genetic overlap beyond genome-wide genetic correlations across CVDs, while identifying a putative causal relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF). We then pinpointed 38 genomic loci with pleiotropic influence across CVDs, of which the most influential pleiotropic locus is located at the LPA gene. Notably, 12 loci present high evidence of multi-trait colocalization and display congruent directional effects. Examination of genes and gene sets linked to these loci unveiled robust associations with circulatory system development processes. Intriguingly, distinct patterns predominantly driven by atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and venous thromboembolism underscore the significant disparities between clinically defined CVD classifications and underlying shared biological mechanisms, according to functional annotation findings. 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
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has serious harm to human hearing health, where blood lipid and inflammatory levels may play a key role in it. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to Show more
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has serious harm to human hearing health, where blood lipid and inflammatory levels may play a key role in it. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to assess the connection between inflammatory and lipid variables and SSNHL. Patients diagnosed with SSNHL had an analysis of serum lipid parameters, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, apolipoprotein A (apo A), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and lipoprotein A (Lp(a)), as well as inflammatory factors like TNF-α and IL-10. After that, risk factor analysis was carried out utilizing univariate, multivariate regression, and LASSO retrospective modeling. In all, 72 SSNHL patients and 67 healthy control individuals were involved. The LDL/HDL, total cholesterol, ApoB, LP(a), IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ considerably higher in the SSNHL group than in the healthy control group, however, nervonic acid and coenzyme Q were decreased significantly in SSNHL than Control group. The multivariate logistic regression model's analysis using multifactorial retrospective modeling revealed significant changes in LDL, LDL/HDL, IL-10, and TNF-α. In addition, in the LASSO regression model, the model demonstrated high discrimination, as evidenced by the C-index for the cohort's prediction nomogram, which was 0.998 (95% CI, 0.154-1.115) and confirmed to be 0.925 following bootstrapping validation. Finally, IL-10 and LDL/HDL were the main risk factors in SSNHL. LDL/HDL and IL-10 may be closely related to SSNHL's progress and should be evaluated promptly before treating patients with SSNHL. 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
Heat stress (HS) severely significantly reduces milk yield and causes substantial economic losses of dairy cows. TMT-based proteomes and an untargeted metabolomics approach were used to conduct the pr Show more
Heat stress (HS) severely significantly reduces milk yield and causes substantial economic losses of dairy cows. TMT-based proteomes and an untargeted metabolomics approach were used to conduct the proteomics and metabolomics in heat-stressed (HS, 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
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
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
RBM6, implicated in the progression of multiple tumour types but unexplored in prostate tumours, was found to indicate potential therapeutic implications due to its elevated expression in prostate tum Show more
RBM6, implicated in the progression of multiple tumour types but unexplored in prostate tumours, was found to indicate potential therapeutic implications due to its elevated expression in prostate tumours. To elucidate its molecular function, scratch tests, transwell migration and invasion assays were conducted, with PCR and western blot analyses verifying molecular regulatory relationships. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation tests were also employed to investigate underlying mechanisms. Results indicate that RBM6 enhances prostate cell migration by suppressing CDH1, yet ZEB1 overexpression alleviates this suppression. Notably, under these conditions, RBM6's inhibitory effect on MMP16 becomes more pronounced, reducing cell migration ability. Thus, under normal conditions, RBM6 promotes prostate tumour cell migration, but in the context of high ZEB1 expression, it inhibits migration. This shift in RBM6's regulatory capacity towards downstream genes underscores the importance of considering objective conditions in studying RBM6 molecules. 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
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
Long-term space missions are of growing research interest because of the space exploration. However, plenty of works focused on the impaired immune response, less attention has been paid to the activa Show more
Long-term space missions are of growing research interest because of the space exploration. However, plenty of works focused on the impaired immune response, less attention has been paid to the activation of immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory function. The molecular mechanism of immune disorder induced by microgravity still needs investigation. Here, we used a random positioning machine to generate a simulated microgravity environment and evaluated its effects on mouse RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. We used ATAC-seq and RNA-seq for revealing the mechanism at chromatin level and gene level. From ATAC-seq, we obtained an average of 75,700,675 paired-end clean reads for each library and the mapping rates averaged at 96.8 %. The number of differential accessible regions were 510 for increased peaks, 638 for decreased peaks. From RNA-seq, we obtained 278 differentially expressed genes, of which 104 were down-regulated and 174 were up-regulated genes. Through ATAC-seq and RNA-seq multi-omics analysis, we identified a group of 17 genes. Then we chose 6 up-regulated genes (CD83, CEBPD, CXCR5, DUSP6, SEMA4B, TNFRSF22) that related to immunosuppressive function for further confirmation. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with sequencing results, which indicated that simulated microgravity leads to the up-regulated expression of immunosuppressive genes of macrophages. Taken together, our results offered novel insights for understanding the brief principles and mechanisms of simulated microgravity induced immune dysfunction to macrophage. 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
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
The emerging N-acetylgalactosamine-small interfering RNA (GalNAc-siRNA) conjugates lead the way for liver-targeting delivery to exert gene-silencing therapeutic effects. To facilitate the drug develop Show more
The emerging N-acetylgalactosamine-small interfering RNA (GalNAc-siRNA) conjugates lead the way for liver-targeting delivery to exert gene-silencing therapeutic effects. To facilitate the drug development of GalNAc-siRNA, further detailed understanding of the key modality-specific mechanisms underlying the temporal discordance between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and how these processes can be extrapolated from animals to humans is needed. A mechanistic minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (mPBPK-PD) model for an investigational new apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3)-silencing GalNAc-siRNA (RBD5044) was developed using available pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data. The aim was to explore hepatic-targeting delivery processes, the PK/PD relationship, and interspecies translation. First, multiple PK/PD datasets from mice were satisfactorily fitted using the mPBPK-PD model. Second, we translated the mice model to the monkey model, validated it, and then extrapolated from mice and monkeys to humans to simulate the PK/PD characteristics. We then mechanistically summarized and proposed the essential in vivo delivery processes of GalNAc-siRNA after subcutaneous administration (termed "ADUEB": Absorption [into system circulation], Disposition [distribution to liver target and elimination], Uptake [into hepatocytes], Escape [from endosome and lysosome compartments], and Binding [with argonaute2 to form RNA-induced silencing complex]). The targeting delivery coefficients of these processes achieved with the model using RBD5044 and the published data of another GalNAc-siRNA (fitusiran) quantitatively reflected the delivery efficiency and rate-limiting factors in targeted hepatocytes. This study successfully constructed the mPBPK-PD model and conducted interspecies extrapolation for a GalNAc-siRNA targeting APOC3. Promising quantitative insights into a hepatic-targeted GalNAc-siRNA delivery system are provided to characterize the unique temporal disconnection of PK/PD properties and evaluate the key in vivo delivery processes. It will promote model-informed strategies and quantitative mechanistic understanding to support efficient drug development, evaluation, and clinical application of this modality in the future. 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
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is characterized by progressive leaflet thickening and calcification, with no available pharmacological treatments. Plasma proteins play a pivotal role in disease Show more
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is characterized by progressive leaflet thickening and calcification, with no available pharmacological treatments. Plasma proteins play a pivotal role in disease regulation. This study aimed to uncover novel therapeutic targets for CAVD using Mendelian randomization (MR) integrated with transcriptomic analysis. Protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) from the deCODE and UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP) plasma protein databases were used as exposure data. The FinnGen cohort (9870 cases, 402,311 controls) served as the discovery set, while the TARGET cohort (13,765 cases, 640,102 controls) provided validation. MR and summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) were employed to screen for potential causal targets of CAVD. Colocalization analysis was conducted to assess whether CAVD and target proteins shared common causal SNPs. Additional analyses included trancriptomic profiling at multiple RNA levels. Protein-level validation was conducted via Western blot and immunostaining. Six proteins (ANGPTL4, PCSK9, ITGAV, CTSB, GNPTG, and FURIN) with strong genetic colocalization were identified by MR and SMR analysis. Among these, cellular trancriptomic analysis revealed ANGPTL4 and ITGAV with significantly greater expression in osteogenic group, which was further validated in calcified aortic valves and osteogenic valvular interstitial cells in protein level. This study identified six causal proteins with strong genetic colocalization for CAVD, with ANGPTL4 and ITGAV emerging as the most promising targets for further investigation. Show less
Zhige Yan, Xiajun Guo, Ying Hu+2 more · 2025 · Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · Springer · added 2026-04-24
To elucidate the accurate roles of dysfunctional sleep beliefs in modulating cancer-related fatigue (CRF), identify distinct sleep hygiene profiles, and assess whether and how these profiles serve as Show more
To elucidate the accurate roles of dysfunctional sleep beliefs in modulating cancer-related fatigue (CRF), identify distinct sleep hygiene profiles, and assess whether and how these profiles serve as mediators in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study recruited 396 lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy between May and December 2023. Participants completed the Sleep Hygiene Index, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify profiles of sleep hygiene, and mediation analysis was performed to explore the impacts of sleep hygiene profiles and dysfunctional sleep beliefs on CRF. LPA revealed three distinct sleep hygiene profiles: normal (33.3%), excellent (50.3%), and poor (16.4%). Family monthly disposable income, radiotherapy, and performance status were identified as influential factors distinguishing these profiles. Additionally, the dimensions of dysfunctional sleep beliefs and sleep hygiene profiles showed different correlations with CRF. With the normal sleep hygiene group as reference, mediation analysis revealed that poor sleep hygiene serves as a mediator between sleep worry of dysfunctional sleep beliefs and CRF (SE = 0.010, 95% CI [0.006, 0.047]). This study contributes to understanding the heterogeneity in sleep hygiene in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and elucidates the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between sleep worry of dysfunctional cognitions and CRF. Clinical healthcare providers developing targeted interventions in terms of sleep beliefs and sleep hygiene might be helpful to alleviate CRF in this population. Show less
Agonists and antagonists of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) enhance body weight loss induced by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonism. However, while GIPR Show more
Agonists and antagonists of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) enhance body weight loss induced by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonism. However, while GIPR agonism decreases body weight and food intake in a GLP-1R-independent manner via GABAergic GIPR 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