Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder shaped not only by central neurodegeneration but also by peripheral metabolic and immune dysregulation. Growing evidence h Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder shaped not only by central neurodegeneration but also by peripheral metabolic and immune dysregulation. Growing evidence highlights the gut microbiota and its metabolites as key modulators of amyloid accumulation, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and microglial dysfunction. This review aims to synthesize current advances on how plant-derived bioactive compounds modulate AD pathophysiology through microbiota-dependent metabolic and neuroimmune mechanisms, and to establish a systems-level framework linking botanical interventions to gut microbiota remodeling and metabolite signaling. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2010 to 2026. Studies investigating gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and plant-derived bioactive compounds in AD-related metabolic, immune, and neurodegenerative pathways were systematically reviewed and integrated. Plant-derived bioactive compounds, including phytochemicals, polysaccharides, and multi-herb formulations, interact extensively with the gut microbiota, undergoing microbial biotransformation to yield more active metabolites while simultaneously reshaping microbial community structure and metabolite profiles. These bidirectional interactions position the microbiota as a central mediator of plant-derived therapeutic activity. We summarize current evidence on how plant-derived compounds influence AD pathophysiology through microbiota-dependent metabolic and neuroimmune pathways. Major microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), bile acids (BAs), and indole derivatives, are discussed, together with their regulatory roles in signaling networks such as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt), cAMP response element-binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (CREB/BDNF), and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2)-associated microglial states. We further summarize evidence for synergistic strategies combining plant bioactives with probiotics and highlight advances in microbial biotransformation, precision metabolite modulation, and engineered microbial systems. Finally, future directions integrating multi-omics, personalized microbiota-guided interventions, and synthetic biology are outlined to support the development of targeted, mechanism-based therapies. By framing AD through a gut microbiota-centered perspective, this review provides a unified mechanistic foundation for the development of next-generation interventions based on plant-derived compounds and microbiota regulation. Show less
Family members of patients with digestive tract cancer represent a high-risk population for cancer development due to shared genetic and lifestyle factors, yet their own disease self-monitoring behavi Show more
Family members of patients with digestive tract cancer represent a high-risk population for cancer development due to shared genetic and lifestyle factors, yet their own disease self-monitoring behaviors remain largely uncharacterized. Understanding the typologies and determinants of these behaviors is essential for precision prevention. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 family members of hospitalized patients with esophageal, gastric, or colorectal cancer in Sichuan Province, China (March-October 2023). Self-reported data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, cancer risk perception, and digestive tract cancer self-monitoring behaviors. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was applied to identify subgroups of monitoring behaviors, and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine influencing factors. LPA revealed three distinct behavioral profiles: poor behavior group (47.10%), average behavior group (38.16%), and good behavior group (14.74%). The mean total self-monitoring score was 2.76 ± 0.69. Multivariate analysis showed that low educational level, family per capita monthly income ≤ 2000 CNY, and not living with patient were significant risk factors for poor monitoring behaviors. Conversely, having existing chronic disease and higher cancer risk perception were strongly associated with better monitoring performance. Nearly half of family members of digestive tract cancer patients exhibit insufficient self-monitoring of early symptoms. Education level, family per capita monthly income, cohabitation, comorbidity, and cancer risk perception are key determinants of behavioral heterogeneity. Tailored, risk-profile-based interventions that enhance risk awareness and promote regular screening are urgently needed to strengthen family-centered cancer prevention. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases, with hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory responses, and macrophage polarization being established key contributors. The role Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases, with hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory responses, and macrophage polarization being established key contributors. The roles of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage polarization in AS pathogenesis have garnered significant research interest. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Schisandrol B (Sol B) against AS using an in vivo model of ApoE Show less
Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) hold great promise for periodontal regeneration therapy. However, their self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capabilities are often compromised by adv Show more
Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) hold great promise for periodontal regeneration therapy. However, their self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capabilities are often compromised by adverse factors in the periodontal microenvironment. Therefore, identifying novel therapeutic targets and elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms to protect the proliferative and differentiation potential of PDLSCs is of significant importance. PDLSCs were exposed to electronic cigarette extract and various common oral stressors to evaluate the expression of glucagon such as peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR). PDLSCs isolated from patients with periodontitis and PDLSCs from a mouse periodontitis model were also analyzed. Functional studies were performed by GLP1R or GIPR knockdown, overexpression, and treatment with single or dual receptor agonists, followed by assessment of cell proliferation and multilineage differentiation capacities. Transcriptome (RNA-seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), and RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) were applied to delineate downstream signaling pathways and RNA–protein interactions. Protein synthesis regulation was further investigated by immunoprecipitation of interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats (IFIT)-associated translation initiation factors. For in vivo validation, wild-type and GLP1R/GIPR double-knockout periodontitis mice were transplanted with CRISPR-Cas9 mCherry-labeled PDLSCs and treated with receptor agonists. Disease severity and PDLSC fate were evaluated by histology and lineage tracing. Finally, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 150 patients with periodontitis, including 74 individuals with long-term use (> 1 month) of GLP1R or GLP1R/GIPR dual agonists (e.g., semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide), to assess their periodontal outcomes. GLP1R and GIPR expression were markedly downregulated in PDLSCs exposed to multiple stressors and in PDLSCs isolated from periodontitis specimens. RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and RIP-seq identified downstream pathways and RNA–protein interactions implicated in receptor-mediated regulation. Functionally, GIPR agonism promoted PDLSC proliferation via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, whereas GLP1R agonist enhanced multilineage differentiation capacity in vitro. Mechanistically, GLP1R knockdown induced robust upregulation of IFIT1/2/3, while GLP1R agonist suppressed IFIT expression. IFIT1/2/3 were shown to interact with eIF3C and to inhibit translation of differentiation-related mRNAs, linking GLP1R signaling to translational control of PDLSC fate. In vivo, transplantation experiments in both wild-type and GLP1R/GIPR double-knockout periodontitis mice demonstrated that single and dual receptor agonists significantly improved endogenous and exogenous PDLSC-mediated periodontal regeneration. Consistently, a clinical survey of 150 patients with periodontitis (74 receiving GLP1R or dual agonists) revealed significantly better periodontal staging and grading in treated individuals, with longer agonist exposure associated with greater improvement. Our findings uncover the different molecular roles of GIPR and GLP1R in self-renewal capacity and multipotency of PDLSCs, and open new avenues for developing therapeutic targets and strategies in oral tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-026-00867-2. Show less
While the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the role of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 40 (TOMM40)-an adjacent gene involved in mitoch Show more
While the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the role of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 40 (TOMM40)-an adjacent gene involved in mitochondrial protein import-is not known. Human brain tissue, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons (iNeurons), and mice were used for study of gene expression, cholesterol metabolism, mitochondrial function, and animal cognition. Human brain transcriptomics showed reduced TOMM40 expression that correlated with cholesterol regulatory gene expression, amyloid burden, and clinical AD diagnosis. In human iNeurons, TOMM40 knockdown (KD) disrupted mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites (MERCs), causing mitochondrial dysfunction and promoting reactive oxygen species that led to activation of liver X receptor beta (NR1H2), upregulation of APOE and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and increased cellular cholesterol and amyloid beta (Aβ)42 independent of APOE ε4. Consistently, Tomm40 KD in mice induced increased brain cholesterol, Aβ42 content, and impaired memory. TOMM40 is a novel mediator of AD pathology through dual effects on MERCs that regulate cholesterol homeostasis and mitochondrial function. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with gut microbiota that plays an important role in regulating intestinal mucosal barrier function, chronic inflammation, and immune homeostasis. Thus, targe Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with gut microbiota that plays an important role in regulating intestinal mucosal barrier function, chronic inflammation, and immune homeostasis. Thus, targeting the modulation of gut microbitoa repesents a promising strategy for the control of AS. Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) serving as a kind of probiotics has shown a variety of biological benefits, but it's impact on atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. Sixty male ApoE C. butyricum ameliorated dyslipidemia and attenuated atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE C. butyricum intervention may exert anti-AS effects by reshaping gut homeostasis via the regulation of immune cells, providing a potential strategy for clinical treatment. Show less
To ascertain the level of psychological resilience, examine the latent profiles of individuals within infertile couples who experience recurrent implantation failure (RIF), identify the relevant influ Show more
To ascertain the level of psychological resilience, examine the latent profiles of individuals within infertile couples who experience recurrent implantation failure (RIF), identify the relevant influencing factors, and lay a foundation for developing customized intervention strategies. Convenience sampling was adopted in this study. Participants were selected from individuals in infertile couples with RIF who attended the Second West China Hospital of Sichuan University between November 2024 and July 2025. Data were collected via a general information questionnaire and validated scales assessing psychological resilience, social support, sleep quality, family adaptability and cohesion, anxiety, and depression. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to explore the psychological resilience profiles of individuals with RIF, while univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the influencing factors associated with different profile categories. A total of 303 valid questionnaires were collected, including 194 from females and 109 from males. The overall psychological resilience score was (26.66 ± 6.319). Latent profile analysis categorized psychological resilience into three subgroups: the low tenacity-low strength subgroup (31.4%), the moderate tenacity-moderate strength subgroup (53.1%), and the high tenacity-high strength subgroup (15.5%); Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, family adaptability and depression severity (all Marked interindividual heterogeneity exists in the psychological resilience of individuals with RIF. Gender, family adaptability and depression severity serve as the core influencing factors. In clinical practice, stratified and targeted interventions should be delivered according to distinct psychological resilience subgroups. It yields clinical implications for an association between improved psychological resilience among individuals from couples with RIF and enhanced treatment adherence. 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
Older adults' social participation is associated with frailty, but the transition patterns and their relationship with frailty remain unclear. This longitudinal study aims to explore the latent classe Show more
Older adults' social participation is associated with frailty, but the transition patterns and their relationship with frailty remain unclear. This longitudinal study aims to explore the latent classes and transition patterns of social participation in older adults with chronic non-communicable diseases and to assess their relationship with subsequent frailty. The data set from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2018 (T1) and 2020 (T2) was analyzed, including 4793 older adults. Latent profile analyses (LPA) and latent transition analyses (LTA) were employed to identify latent classes and the transition probabilities of social participation at T1 and T2. The ANCOVA was employed to examine the frailty index at T2 was compared across transition patterns. The LPA results supported a 4-class model labeled as inactive group, voluntary group, social interaction group, and omni-engaged group. The probability of transition from the other groups to the inactive group was significant (33.3 %, 53.8 %, 54.4 %). Age, residence, marital status, and other demographic characteristics can significantly impact transition patterns. However, after controlling for baseline frailty and other covariates, transition patterns were not significantly associated with T2 frailty levels. The short-term (two-year) effect of qualitative shifts in social participation on frailty may be limited when pre-existing health status is accounted for. Future interventions should prioritize sustained engagement and investigate the longer-term effects of both qualitative and quantitative changes in social participation. Show less
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy whose initiation and progression may be closely linked to the gut microbiota. Previous research indicates that Scutellaria barbata D. Don Show more
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy whose initiation and progression may be closely linked to the gut microbiota. Previous research indicates that Scutellaria barbata D. Don and Scleromitrion diffusum (Willd.) R.J. Wang (SB-SD) exhibit diverse biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects, though their precise regulatory mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Here, we treated PC cells with SB-SD to assess its impact on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and cell cycle progression, while Western blotting analyzed the expression of HSP90AA1, MAPK3, p53, CDK1, and p21. We also established a pancreatic cancer xenograft model in nude mice to evaluate the in vivo inhibitory effect of SB-SD on tumor growth. Furthermore, we employed metagenomic sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and quantitative proteomics to comprehensively profile changes in the gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and differentially expressed proteins, with Western blotting subsequently validating BCKDK, GATM and p53 expression. The results show that SB-SD significantly inhibited PC cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and induced S/G2 phase cell cycle arrest, potentially via modulation of the HSP90AA1/MAPK3 signaling pathway. Measurements of tumor volume and weight, complemented by histopathological analysis, confirmed that SB-SD effectively suppressed the growth of PANC-1 xenograft tumors. Integrated multi-omics analyses suggest that the antitumor effects of SB-SD may involve the modulation of key gut microbes like Bacteroides caccae and Lactobacillus, the promotion of choline metabolism, and the regulation of BCKDK and GATM. Together, these findings not only corroborate the direct antitumor activity of SB-SD against pancreatic cancer but also offer novel mechanistic insights by constructing a microbiota-metabolite-protein interaction network. Show less
This study employed a latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify distinct subgroups of learned helplessness among Chinese breast cancer chemotherapy patients and examined influencing factors. Through c Show more
This study employed a latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify distinct subgroups of learned helplessness among Chinese breast cancer chemotherapy patients and examined influencing factors. Through convenience sampling, 260 breast cancer chemotherapy patients aged 18-74 years from a tertiary hospital in Henan Province were recruited between May 2024 and January 2025. Data were collected using a general demographic questionnaire, the Learned Helplessness Scale, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. An LPA was applied to classify learned helplessness patterns, followed by a multivariate logistic regression to determine the influencing factors. The latent profile analysis revealed three distinct profiles of learned helplessness among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a "low helplessness-low hopelessness stable profile" (17.0%), a "moderate helplessness-moderate hopelessness fluctuating profile" (52.0%), and a "high helplessness-high hopelessness profile" (31.0%). The multivariable logistic regression revealed that age range 18-44 years, low monthly household income per capita, fatigue, and illness perception were significantly associated with the "high helplessness-high hopelessness profile" (P < 0.05). Conversely, the age range 45-59 years was significantly associated with the "moderate helplessness-moderate hopelessness fluctuating profile" (P < 0.001). Furthermore, experiencing ≤2 chemotherapy-related side effects, a higher level of perceived social support, and greater self-efficacy were significant predictors of membership in the "low helplessness-low hopelessness profile" (P < 0.05). Breast cancer chemotherapy patients were categorized into three distinct subgroups, which were influenced by age, income, fatigue, treatment side effects, illness perception, self-efficacy, and social support. Show less
Overactivation of hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) contributes to fatty liver disease. Although glucose and fructose strongly promote DNL, diary-rich galactose is only weakly lipogenic. However, whet Show more
Overactivation of hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) contributes to fatty liver disease. Although glucose and fructose strongly promote DNL, diary-rich galactose is only weakly lipogenic. However, whether and how it regulates hepatic DNL remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether low-dose galactose supplementation attenuates glucose- or fructose-induced DNL activation and protects against fatty liver diseases driven by DNL overactivation, such as alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). In this study, we used integrated hepatocyte and mouse models to assess hepatic DNL and related signaling under high-glucose or high-fructose conditions, with or without low-dose galactose. Pharmacological and genetic interventions targeting the Leloir and hexosamine biosynthetic pathways (HBP) defined underlying mechanisms. For in vivo validation, male C57BL/6 mice were fed an isocaloric control or ethanol-containing diet for 4 wk. We found that glucose engages the HBP-mTORC1-SREBP-1c axis to stimulate hepatic DNL, whereas fructose acts predominantly through carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP). Low-dose galactose selectively suppressed glucose-induced hepatic fat accumulation, concomitant with the inhibition of the HBP-mTORC1-SERBP-1c pathway. These effects required an intact Leloir pathway for galactose metabolism and were not observed with fructose. In alcohol-fed mice, hepatic HBP-mTORC1-SREBP-1c signaling was markedly upregulated, contributing to steatosis and liver injury. Replacing even a small fraction of dietary glucose with galactose normalized these alterations, attenuating hepatic lipid accumulation and injury without altering systemic glucose levels. In conclusion, glucose-induced hepatic lipogenesis involves the HBP-mTORC1-SREBP-1c pathway, which is also activated during chronic alcohol exposure. Low-dose galactose, obtainable from dairy sources, attenuates this pathway, thereby limiting excessive lipogenesis and protecting against early-stage ALD. Show less
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms rema Show more
FURIN cleaves a subset of proproteins into functional mature fragments. Evidence suggests that FURIN is involved in brain development and the associated diseases, whereas the potential mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that cerebral FURIN-deficient mice exhibit cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Lipid droplets (LDs) that are preferentially accumulated in astrocytes correlate with an increase of the LD markers PLIN2 and PLIN3, and conversely a decreased level of autophagic proteins including ATG5, BECN1 and MAP1LC3/LC3 as well as LAMP1. Accordingly, silencing of Show less
To investigate potential types of food avoidance among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and identify the contributing factors. Food avoidance may be an important risk factor for poor phy Show more
To investigate potential types of food avoidance among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and identify the contributing factors. Food avoidance may be an important risk factor for poor physical and mental health in patients with IBD. However, there is limited research on food avoidance within the Chinese context. Between July 2022 and December 2023, patients with IBD during appointment at the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University was investigated with paper questionnaires to assess food avoidance, food category avoidance, fear of disease progression, negative illness perception, IBD-related self-efficacy, and social support. Demographic and disease-related characteristics were also collected. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to examine food avoidance in patients with IBD, and the correlates were investigated using regression analysis. LPA showed that respondents could be classified into three groups in terms of food avoidance, namely, the mild-food avoidance adaptation group ( Patients with IBD may exhibit long-term, spontaneous food avoidance, which often presents at high levels. Furthermore, patients with IBD exhibit considerable heterogeneity in their food avoidance patterns, categorizing them into three distinct categories. Future dietary management strategies should be tailored based on the specific characteristics and predictive factors of these food avoidance patterns. Given the prevalence and heterogeneity of food avoidance in patients with IBD, nurse managers should implement stratified interventions tailored to patient characteristics. Training nurses in culturally sensitive dietary education and emotional regulation strategies may improve the management of food-related behaviors and support patients' adaptive coping with the disease. Show less
This paper presents the Assimilation Modified Emotional (AME) algorithm, which is an enhanced version of the traditional label propagation algorithm (LPA) designed to address key challenges in social Show more
This paper presents the Assimilation Modified Emotional (AME) algorithm, which is an enhanced version of the traditional label propagation algorithm (LPA) designed to address key challenges in social network analysis and emotional feature extraction. Traditional LPA methods, such as asynchronous label propagation and the Louvain algorithm, do not incorporate emotional representations and are often limited by local structural dependencies. The AME algorithm addresses these limitations by applying spectral algorithms, Markov chains, graph coarsening, and link prediction to simulate and optimize emotional transitions within the network. In addition, the AME algorithm enhances label representation through multi-label encoding, which allows for more accurate simulation of dynamic emotional states. Experimental results show that the AME algorithm achieves better performance than traditional LPA methods in terms of both accuracy and loss values. These findings indicate that the AME algorithm has strong potential for improving AI models used in social network analysis and emotional feature extraction. Show less
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease whose complex cellular pathophysiology is studied using various mouse models. To systematically evaluate their fidelity, we performed cro Show more
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease whose complex cellular pathophysiology is studied using various mouse models. To systematically evaluate their fidelity, we performed cross-species single-cell RNA sequencing, integrating data from human aortic dissection with five mouse models (BAPN, Ang-II, Ang-II apoE Show less
Physical activity (PA) is known to enhance brain health; however, prior research has predominantly concentrated on the total volume of PA, often overlooking the frequency of daily PA on an hourly basi Show more
Physical activity (PA) is known to enhance brain health; however, prior research has predominantly concentrated on the total volume of PA, often overlooking the frequency of daily PA on an hourly basis. This prospective cohort study examined 69,393 middle-aged and older adults, utilizing wrist-worn accelerometer data to assess PA. A novel PA frequency score was developed, which integrated light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) across 18 hourly segments (6:00 AM-12:00 AM). Participants were categorized into Inactive, Active, and Very Active groups. After adjusting for potential confounders, it was observed that individuals in the Active and Very Active groups exhibited a reduced risk of developing brain disorders such as dementia, anxiety, depression, migraine, Parkinson's disease, and stroke over a median follow-up period of 7.41 years. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings demonstrated that each unit increase in the PA frequency score correlated with a 51.55 mm Show less
Brain metastasis significantly worsens prognosis in late-stage cancer., with Its treatment hindered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Within this enviro Show more
Brain metastasis significantly worsens prognosis in late-stage cancer., with Its treatment hindered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Within this environment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the predominant immune population. Through their roles in immune modulation, angiogenesis, and tumor invasion, TAMs are critical drivers of disease progression. TAMs are highly heterogeneous. While traditionally categorized into M1 (anti-tumor) or M2 (pro-tumor) phenotypes, this dichotomy is an oversimplification. Recent single-cell studies have revealed a spectrum of functional subpopulations, such as lipid-associated, interferon-responsive, and pro-angiogenic TAMs, with M2-like states typically prevailing to mediate immunosuppression. This review explores the diversity and functions of TAMs in brain metastasis. We first detail their biological characteristics, including origins, heterogeneous subtype classifications (e.g., lipid-associated macrophages that extend beyond the simple M1/M2 dichotomy), and polarization states. We further discuss how polarization is regulated by signaling pathways (e.g., STAT, NF-κB) and microenvironmental factors (e.g., hypoxia, metabolic reprogramming). We examine TAM roles from pre-metastatic niche formation to tumor colonization, using breast and lung cancer brain metastases to illustrate how TAMs disrupt the BBB and facilitate immune evasion through molecules like ANGPTL4 (angiopoietin-like 4) and MMP9. Key pathways of TAM-tumor cell interactions, including neuro-cancer interactions, immune-metabolic regulation, and exosome-mediated communication, are also discussed. Targeting TAMs offers promising therapeutic avenues. These strategies include reprogramming TAMs (e.g., using CSF1R inhibitors), combining TAM-targeted therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, and developing novel approaches such as nanotechnology and CAR-macrophages. However, several challenges remain, including TAM heterogeneity, lack of targeting specificity, and the obstacle of BBB delivery. Future research should leverage technologies like single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to decode TAM heterogeneity, and develop personalized treatments based on biomarkers such as GPNMB and TRAIL, aiming to improve patient outcomes in brain metastasis. Show less
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of phytosterols (PSs) alone and in combination with phospholipids (PLs) on blood lipid levels, erythrocyte membrane fluidity (EMF) and lipid profiles in subjec Show more
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of phytosterols (PSs) alone and in combination with phospholipids (PLs) on blood lipid levels, erythrocyte membrane fluidity (EMF) and lipid profiles in subjects with borderline hyperlipidemia in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Among 144 initially screened participants, 87 were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups receiving PSs (2 g of PSs), PSs and PLs (2 g of PSs plus 0.825 g of PLs), or placebo for 60 days, respectively. A total of 83 subjects completed the entire trial. After 60 days of intervention, the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in the combined PSs and PLs group decreased by 7.8% and 6.4% ( Show less
Cerebral palsy (CP), the most prevalent pediatric motor disorder with significant cognitive comorbidity (> 50%), lacks therapies addressing both impairments in moderate-to-severe cases. This study dem Show more
Cerebral palsy (CP), the most prevalent pediatric motor disorder with significant cognitive comorbidity (> 50%), lacks therapies addressing both impairments in moderate-to-severe cases. This study demonstrates that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hUCMSC-Exos) exert profound therapeutic effects in a rat model of moderate-to-severe CP established via bilateral carotid artery occlusion with hypoxia. Intravenously administered hUCMSC-Exos displayed sustained brain retention and significantly restored motor coordination and cognitive function. The recovery was primarily mediated through enhanced remyelination driven by promoted oligodendrocyte maturation and differentiation (elevated oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2 and myelin basic protein). Concurrently, the treatment attenuated key pathological processes involving sustained neuroinflammatory responses (reduced ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6) while elevating brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Our findings establish hUCMSC-Exos as a promising dual-modality therapy for moderate-to-severe CP, mechanistically linked to robust remyelination and coordinated modulation of core disease mechanisms. Show less
Unhealthy diets characterized by high salt, fat, and fructose content are established risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders and may have indirect effects on cognitive function. Howev Show more
Unhealthy diets characterized by high salt, fat, and fructose content are established risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders and may have indirect effects on cognitive function. However, the combined impact of a high-salt, high-fat, and high-fructose diet (HSHFHFD) on systemic physiology and brain health remains to be fully elucidated. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received a customized high-salt, high-fat diet supplemented with 30% fructose water for 18 weeks. Physiological and brain parameters were assessed, in combination with multi-omics analyses including brain proteomics and metabolomics, serum metabolomics, and gut microbiota profiling. HSHFHFD significantly elevated blood glucose, blood pressure, and serum levels of TG, TC, and LDL in rats. Serum metabolomic profiling identified over 100 differentially abundant metabolites in the Model group. Proteomics, metabolomics, and gut microbiome integration revealed pronounced alterations in both brain proteomic and metabolomic profiles, with 155 differentially expressed proteins associated with glial cell proliferation and 65 differential metabolites linked to fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, among others. Experimental validation confirmed marked upregulation of GFAP and Bax protein, concomitant with downregulation of ZO-1 and occludin. Furthermore, HSHFHFD perturbed the CREB signaling pathway, leading to diminished BDNF expression. The levels of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β and TNFα, were significantly elevated in the brain. Oxidative stress was evident, as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and altered NAD HSHFHFD-induced depletion of gut Show less
A health-promoting lifestyle involves increasing health awareness and actively adopting healthier habits. For women with osteopenia, becoming more aware of osteoporosis prevention and taking positive Show more
A health-promoting lifestyle involves increasing health awareness and actively adopting healthier habits. For women with osteopenia, becoming more aware of osteoporosis prevention and taking positive preventive actions can effectively improve health outcomes. This study employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to assess the potential categories of healthy lifestyle promotion for women at high risk of primary osteoporosis. It aimed to identify high-risk subgroups, analyze differences and influencing factors among these groups, and offer evidence-based guidance for clinical nursing practice. From December 2024 to July 2025, women were recruited using convenience sampling from endocrine outpatient departments and physical examination centers at two Grade A tertiary hospitals in Guiyang City. Data collection followed the planned time frame, and only eligible samples were included. Latent profile analysis was performed with Mplus 8.3, and univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0. A total of 340 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Participants were categorized into three latent profiles: the low self-management-ineffective health behaviors group (28.8 %), the moderate self-management-average health behaviors group (45.3 %), and the high self-management-favorable health behaviors group (25.9 %). These findings highlight disparities in the adoption of healthy lifestyles among women at high risk of primary osteoporosis. In clinical practice, nurses help patients with low health management recognize and overcome cognitive biases, use healthcare resources appropriately, and understand the importance of bone health. For patients with moderate health management, the can suggest exercise in addition to calcium supplementation. For those with high self-management, nurses can support their social networks to help maintain healthy behaviors over time. Show less
High-dose methotrexate for pediatric cancer treatment is frequently associated with mucositis, which can lead to delayed or discontinued treatment and impact survival. While individual genetic variant Show more
High-dose methotrexate for pediatric cancer treatment is frequently associated with mucositis, which can lead to delayed or discontinued treatment and impact survival. While individual genetic variants have been implicated, the cumulative impact of genetic variation within relevant biological pathways remains unexplored. We evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms across 18 pathways previously identified as relevant to mucositis in 278 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia from six academic health centers across Canada. Pathway enrichment was assessed using the Joint Association of Genetic variants tool, and a predictive model was developed using XGBoost, a supervised machine learning algorithm based on gradient-boosted decision trees. Pathway enrichment identified significant associations in IL6 (P = 0.04) and WNT/β-catenin (P = 0.048) signaling pathways. The predictive model (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.76) highlighted single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with inflammation- and mucosa-related genes, including PRKCD, IL17B, MAST3, and CAPN9, with both risk and protective effects. Model performance dropped by 0.15 in AUC (from 0.76 to 0.61) after removing single nucleotide polymorphism features, underscoring their predictive value. This pathway-informed approach identifies genetic contributors to methotrexate-induced mucositis and supports polygenic risk prediction. Our findings provide a foundation for individualized toxicity risk profiling and suggest potential therapeutic targets to mitigate treatment-limiting mucositis in pediatric oncology. Show less
Conventional nanocarriers are readily cleared by macrophages in the liver, with only a minimal fraction reaching hepatocytes. This limitation has been effectively overcome in clinically approved lipid Show more
Conventional nanocarriers are readily cleared by macrophages in the liver, with only a minimal fraction reaching hepatocytes. This limitation has been effectively overcome in clinically approved lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) through the incorporation of ionizable lipids. Inspired by this property, we explored whether incorporating ionizable lipids into the lipid bilayer membrane of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (silicasomes) could similarly enhance their hepatic cellular uptake. We developed ionizable silicasomes (I-silicasomes) and systematically compared them with ionizable liposomes (I-liposomes), as well as their conventional counterparts (C-silicasomes and C-liposomes). Surprisingly, I-silicasomes did not enhance hepatocyte uptake Show less
Copper overload has been implicated in impaired A total of 117 patients with T2DM (mean age 55.15 ± 10.70 years; 62.4% male) were included. Whole blood copper concentration was measured using inductiv Show more
Copper overload has been implicated in impaired A total of 117 patients with T2DM (mean age 55.15 ± 10.70 years; 62.4% male) were included. Whole blood copper concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Associations between blood copper and glycemic indicators, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), were evaluated using multivariable linear regression models. Stratified and interaction analyses were performed according to apoB and other lipid-related parameters. After adjustment for potential confounders, a significant interaction between blood copper and apoB was observed in relation to HbA1c (P for interaction< 0.001). Stratified analyses showed that higher blood copper concentration was significantly associated with higher HbA1c levels among patients with lower apoB levels below the study median, whereas no significant association was observed among those with higher apoB levels. Exploratory analyses further indicated that apoB also influenced the association between blood copper and FPG (P for interaction< 0.05), showing a consistent pattern. In patients with T2DM, a significant association between blood copper concentration and glycemic control was observed among individuals with lower apoB levels, whereas no such association was found among those with higher apoB levels. These findings suggest that apoB status may influence the relationship between blood copper and glycemic control and merit further investigation in longitudinal studies. Show less
Precise toxicological mechanism of atherosclerosis (AS) induced by environmental hazardous substance nicotine exposure remains unclear, impeding its prevention strategies and antagonist development. A Show more
Precise toxicological mechanism of atherosclerosis (AS) induced by environmental hazardous substance nicotine exposure remains unclear, impeding its prevention strategies and antagonist development. Additionally, it is yet unknown whether Dendrobium officinale's active components can antagonize nicotine-induced AS. This study aimed to elucidate nicotine exposure-induced AS toxicological mechanisms and identify Dendrobium officinale's active components-derived antagonists. Firstly, using ApoE Show less
Women show higher levels of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology than men, but the implications for cognitive decline remain unclear. Determining the extent to which tau burden differentially accelerate Show more
Women show higher levels of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology than men, but the implications for cognitive decline remain unclear. Determining the extent to which tau burden differentially accelerates cognitive decline in men and women will provide critical insights into sex-specific pathways of disease progression. We leveraged tau positron emission tomography (PET), amyloid beta (Aβ) PET, apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotyping, and longitudinal cognitive data over approximately 8.6 (standard deviation [SD] = 3.8) years from 1007 cognitively unimpaired adults across three cohorts. Cognitive trajectories were modeled with linear mixed-effects regression including sex × tau × time interactions, and results were synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis. Higher tau burden in medial and lateral temporal regions was associated with faster cognitive decline in women than in men. High tau burden carries a disproportionately greater cognitive cost for women, underscoring the need for sex-specific approaches to early detection and therapeutic intervention in AD. A meta-analysis across three independent cohorts shows that female cognitive advantage at low tau shifts to vulnerability at higher tau. Sex differences in tau-related cognitive decline were consistent after accounting for amyloid burden. Sex-specific rates of cognitive decline should be considered in clinical trial design. Show less