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
Lp(a) (lipoprotein [a]) and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) are independently associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific pro Show more
Lp(a) (lipoprotein [a]) and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) are independently associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific prognostic differences between Lp(a) and CACS in ASCVD risk. We analyzed 4651 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, grouped by sex. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of Lp(a) and CACS for ASCVD risk in both sexes. The predictive performance of these factors was compared in men and women. During a median follow-up of 13.84 years, 465 ASCVD events were recorded (272 in men and 193 in women). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that both elevated Lp(a) and CACS were independent predictors of ASCVD risk in both sexes. The C-index analysis demonstrated that CACS provided incremental prognostic value over Lp(a) in men (C-index: 0.732 versus 0.714; Although both Lp(a) and CACS independently predict ASCVD risk in both sexes, the predictive value of Lp(a) varies significantly between men and women across different CACS categories. These findings may inform sex-specific strategies for primary prevention of ASCVD. Show less
Dormant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells in the bone microenvironment can re-emerge as metastatic disease through osteoclast interactions. Using a 3D dormancy model and a mouse bone metastasis model, Show more
Dormant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells in the bone microenvironment can re-emerge as metastatic disease through osteoclast interactions. Using a 3D dormancy model and a mouse bone metastasis model, this study reveals that arachidonic acid (AA) is the initiating molecule transferred from osteoclasts to dormant LUAD cells, triggering their activation. Dormant LUAD cells uptake AA through CD36, which activates the PPARγ-ANGPTL4 pathway and activates tumor cells. There is a dose-response relationship in the activation effect of AA, and inhibiting AA metabolism prevents this reactivation. The study also finds that the serum levels of AA and ANGPTL4 are significantly elevated in patients with clinical bone metastases compared to those without. This research confirms that osteoclasts transmit AA via the CD36-PPARγ-ANGPTL4 axis to activate dormant LUAD cells, suggesting that AA and ANGPTL4 may serve as valuable biomarkers and potential clinical applications in treatment and prediction of LUAD bone metastasis. Show less
Observational studies have identified a possible connection between lipid-lowering medications and respiratory illnesses. However, it remains unclear whether lipid-lowering drugs is causative for resp Show more
Observational studies have identified a possible connection between lipid-lowering medications and respiratory illnesses. However, it remains unclear whether lipid-lowering drugs is causative for respiratory diseases, and we aimed to answer this question. We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses by integrating data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Three statistical approaches were employed for MR analysis: inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median. The purpose was to evaluate the causal relationships between 10 drug targets that lower lipid levels and the likelihood of developing 7 respiratory diseases. Additional sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness and validity of the results. After adjusting for multiple testing, our MR analysis identified APOB (odd ratios [OR]: 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77 to 0.97; P Our findings suggest a likely causal relationship between respiratory diseases and lipid-lowering drug targets. Further mechanistic and clinical research is needed to confirm and validate these findings. 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
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
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
BackgroundSchatzker IV-C tibial plateau fractures pose a significant challenge for adequate visualization and reduction of the lateral articular surface through a solitary posteromedial (PM) approach. Show more
BackgroundSchatzker IV-C tibial plateau fractures pose a significant challenge for adequate visualization and reduction of the lateral articular surface through a solitary posteromedial (PM) approach. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an adjunctive lateral patellar ligament (LPL) approach in enhancing articular exposure, assessed through cadaveric modeling and a clinical case series.MethodsIn a cadaveric study, eight preserved knee specimens were dissected using a combined PM and LPL approach. The exposed articular area was quantitatively measured using calibrated digital imaging and ImageJ software before and after the LPL approach was established. Clinically, a case series of 10 patients with Schatzker IV-C fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation via the combined approach between October 2021 and December 2023. Outcome measures included intraoperative exposure, 12-month postoperative Knee Society Score (KSS), and complications.ResultsThe addition of the LPL approach resulted in a 96% increase in the mean exposed articular area (from 8.4 cm² to 16.5 cm²; Show less
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain α-keto-ac Show more
Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) primarily relies on targeted and immune-based therapies, yet these treatments often face limitations due to inefficacy and drug resistance. Branched-chain α-keto-acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) has been implicated in promoting RCC metastasis, but its specific substrates and the mechanisms underlying its regulation of RCC progression remain poorly understood. This study uncovers a novel mechanism whereby BCKDK-mediated AKT phosphorylation drives RCC tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Elevated BCKDK expression correlates with poor prognosis in RCC clinical samples. BCKDK deficiency inhibits RCC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations reveal that BCKDK directly binds to and regulates the phosphorylation of AKT. BCKDK-mediated phosphorylation of AKT decreases ubiquitin-mediated AKT protein degradation, and promotes tumorigenesis via activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. RNA sequencing identifies BCKDK's involvement in the drug metabolism network and apoptotic signaling pathways. The BCKDK/AKT/ABCB1 axis mediates doxorubicin resistance. Targeting BCKDK/AKT inhibits the growth of RCC patient-derived organoids (PDOs), enhances doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in RCC cells, and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. These findings identify a previously unrecognized phosphorylation substrate of BCKDK and highlight the critical role of the BCKDK/AKT signaling axis in RCC progression, offering a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Show less
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease primarily due to the emergence of drug resistance, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are prevale Show more
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease primarily due to the emergence of drug resistance, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are prevalent in cancer genomes of both coding and non-coding regions. However, the role of non-coding eccDNA regions that serve as enhancers has been largely overlooked. Here, genome-wide profiling of serum eccDNAs from donors and MM patients who responded well or poorly to bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (VRd) therapy is characterized. A high copy number of eccDNA ANKRD28 (eccANKRD28) predicts poor therapy response and prognosis but enhanced transcriptional activity. Established VRd-resistant MM cell lines exhibit a higher abundance of eccANKRD28, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated elevation of eccANKRD28 desensitizes bortezomib and lenalidomide treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Integrated multi-omics analysis (H3K27ac ChIP-seq, scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, CUT&Tag, et al.) identifies eccANKRD28 as an active enhancer involved in drug resistance driven by the key transcription factor, POU class 2 homeobox 2 (POU2F2). POU2F2 interacts with sequence-specific eccANKRD28 as well as RUNX1 and RUNX2 motifs to form the protein complex, which activates the promoter of oncogenes, including IRF4, JUNB, IKZF3, RUNX3, and BCL2. This study elucidates the potential transcriptional network of enhancer eccANKRD28 in MM drug resistance from a previously unrecognized epigenetic perspective. 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
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
Some studies suggest that statins could reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is unclear if this effect is related to their lipid-lowering properties. The causal link Show more
Some studies suggest that statins could reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is unclear if this effect is related to their lipid-lowering properties. The causal link between serum lipid levels and COPD risk remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify this potential causal relationship and evaluate the impact of lipid-lowering drug target genes on COPD. Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to investigate causal associations between lipid levels, lipid-lowering drug target genes, and COPD risk. Data were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association study databases. The inverse variance weighted method was the primary statistical approach for evaluating causal effects, complemented by various sensitivity analyses. MR analysis demonstrated a causal relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a reduced risk of COPD (odds ratio [OR]=0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.85-0.95, P=1.50×10⁻⁴). Causal relationships were also identified for 2 lipid-lowering drug target genes, This study genetically identified causal relationships between serum LDL-C levels, the 2 coding genes Show less
As a vital component of the immune system, macrophages play a critical role in the progression of asthma. The two classic polarization states of macrophages, M1 and M2, exhibit distinct functions. M1- Show more
As a vital component of the immune system, macrophages play a critical role in the progression of asthma. The two classic polarization states of macrophages, M1 and M2, exhibit distinct functions. M1-polarized macrophages eliminate pathogens through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while M2-polarized macrophages secrete anti-inflammatory factors to facilitate tissue repair. However, in asthma, the activation of M1 macrophages is often associated with excessive inflammatory responses, whereas M2 macrophages contribute to airway remodeling and chronic inflammation. These processes collectively exacerbate airway inflammation and remodeling, thereby aggravating asthma symptoms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), as crucial signaling molecules, have been shown to regulate macrophage polarization and promote both M1 and M2 polarization states. This review summarizes the primary endogenous and exogenous sources of ROS in asthma and elaborates on the mechanisms by which ROS influence M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. Endogenous ROS arise chiefly from NOX2, xanthine oxidase, peroxisomes and mitochondria, whereas ozone and fine particulate matter are major exogenous sources. ROS activate MAPK, NF-κB and NLRP3 cascades, boosting IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-27 release by M1 cells, while low NOX2 flux or mitochondrial H Show less
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) ameliorate motor deficits in cerebral palsy (CP), but the effect of injection frequency remains unclear. Moreover, most studies have focu Show more
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) ameliorate motor deficits in cerebral palsy (CP), but the effect of injection frequency remains unclear. Moreover, most studies have focused on mild CP models (unilateral carotid artery occlusion [UCAO] model). This study explored the effect and mechanism of hUC-MSCs in a rat model of moderate-to-severe CP (bilateral carotid artery occlusion [BCAO] model). On postnatal Day 4 (P4), Wistar rat pups underwent BCAO induction. Subsequently, they received either a single intrathecal injection of hUC-MSCs on P21 or repeated injections on P21, P28, P35, and P42. Motor performance was assessed using the rotarod and front-limb suspension tests, while neuronal regeneration and inflammation were evaluated via biomarkers including neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). P18 model screening confirmed that the BCAO model resulted in more severe brain damage and motor impairment than the UCAO model. After injection of lentivirally transfected hUC-MSCs, it was found that hUC-MSCs could nest in the damaged area and survive for at least 3 days. Administration of hUC-MSCs following BCAO modeling led to notable improvements in both behavioral performance and histological outcomes. Furthermore, repeated injections offered greater therapeutic benefits compared to single injection. It indicated that the efficacy of repeated injections of hUC-MSCs in the treatment of moderate-to-severe CP was superior to that of single injection. Its mechanism was related to the improvement of damaged myelin structure, reduced immunoinflammatory responses, and increased neurotrophic support. Show less
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 central melanocortin system, composed of peptides derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) such as the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-, β-, γ-MSH) and melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R), along wi Show more
The central melanocortin system, composed of peptides derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) such as the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-, β-, γ-MSH) and melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R), along with the agouti-related protein (AgRP), plays a pivotal role in controlling energy balance. To elucidate the dynamic role of α-MSH release in regulating appetite, specific, sensitive, and spatiotemporally resolved genetic sensors are required. The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) scaffold was leveraged for its robust plasma membrane expression, high affinity for melanocortins and low affinity for AgRP to design a α-MSH selective sensor for in vivo use. This was achieved by integrating circularly permuted green fluorescent protein (cpGFP) into the receptor, which we named Fluorescence Amplified Receptor sensor for Melanocortin (FLARE The FLARE FLARE 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
Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) face multiple health challenges due to the complication of chronic diseases and psychiatric disorders. Among these, cardiovascular comorbidities are the leading cause Show more
Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) face multiple health challenges due to the complication of chronic diseases and psychiatric disorders. Among these, cardiovascular comorbidities are the leading cause of their life expectancy being 15-20 years shorter than that of the general population. Identifying comorbidity patterns and uncovering differences in immune and metabolic function are crucial steps toward improving prevention and management strategies. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic medical records of inpatients discharged between 2015 and 2024 from a municipal psychiatric hospital in China. The study included patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Schizotypal, and Delusional Disorders (SSDs) (ICD-10: F20-F29). Comorbidity patterns were identified through latent class analysis (LCA) based on the 20 most common comorbid conditions among SSD patients. To investigate differences in peripheral blood metabolic and immune function, linear regression or generalized linear models were applied to 44 laboratory test indicators collected during the acute episode. The Benjamini-Hochberg method was used for p-value correction, and the false discovery rate (FDR) was calculated, with statistical significance set at FDR < 0.05. Among 3,697 inpatients with SSDs, four distinct comorbidity clusters were identified: SSDs only (Class 1), High-Risk Metabolic Multisystem Disorders (Class 2, n = 39), Low-Risk Metabolic Multisystem Disorders (Class 3, n = 573), and Sleep Disorders (Class 4, n = 205). Compared to Class 1, Class 2 exhibited significantly elevated levels of apolipoprotein A (ApoA; β = 90.62), apolipoprotein B (ApoB; β = 0.181), mean platelet volume (MPV; β = 0.994), red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV; β = 1.182), antistreptolysin O (ASO; β = 276.80), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC; β = 0.306), along with reduced apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI; β = -0.173) and hematocrit (HCT; β = -35.13). Class 3 showed moderate increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; β = 0.113), MPV (β = 0.267), white blood cell count (WBC; β = 0.476), and absolute neutrophil count (ANC; β = 0.272), with decreased HCT (β = -9.81). Class 4 was characterized by elevated aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI; β = 81.07), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; β = 0.465), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI; β = 0.346), indicating a heightened inflammatory state. The comorbidity patterns of patients with SCZ can be distinctly classified. During the acute episode, those with comorbid metabolic disorders exhibit a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and immune system abnormalities, while patients with comorbid sleep disorders present a pronounced systemic inflammatory state and immune dysfunction. This study provides a basis for the chronic disease management and anti-inflammatory treatment, while also offering objective biomarker insights for transdiagnostic research. 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
Paraneoplastic syndromes arise when tumor-derived cytokines reprogram distant organs. Although mediators such as Interleukin-6 have been implicated, how these signals impair host organ function remain Show more
Paraneoplastic syndromes arise when tumor-derived cytokines reprogram distant organs. Although mediators such as Interleukin-6 have been implicated, how these signals impair host organ function remains incompletely defined. Here, we identify a cytokine-lipid axis that drives hepatic autophagy dysfunction. Specifically, in 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
Sijie Gu, Haoran Feng, Xiaomei Li+10 more · 2025 · Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the A Show more
Preventing the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. In this study, we elucidate the role of WNT5A in accelerating the AKI-to-CKD transition and its underlying mechanisms. Renal biopsies from patients with AKI showed marked upregulation of WNT5A and its receptor, CD146, in proximal tubules, with higher expression in patients with CKD progression. In murine AKI models, Wnt5a knockdown attenuated CKD progression. Conversely, proximal tubular overexpression of Wnt5a exacerbated renal fibrosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) mice, which was alleviated by Box5, a specific WNT5A antagonist. In vitro, WNT5A overexpression in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-stimulated HK-2 cells promoted CD146 upregulation, activated JNK phosphorylation, and enhanced SNAI1 expression. The genetic silencing of WNT5A/CD146 and JNK inhibition suppresses SNAI1 expression and attenuates fibrotic responses. Mechanistically, JNK-mediated c-JUN phosphorylation promoted its interaction with KLF5 at the SNAI1 promoter, driving renal fibrosis. Elevated serum levels of soluble CD146 correlated with renal function in patients with AKI and were higher in patients exhibiting CKD progression. Inhibition of WNT5A could serve as a therapeutic target for delaying renal fibrosis in AKI progression. Show less
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminatin Show more
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminating in septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. A pivotal element in the pathogenesis and progression of sepsis involves the significant disruption of oncological metabolic networks, where cells within the pathological milieu exhibit metabolic functions that diverge from their healthy counterparts. Among these, purine metabolism plays a crucial role in nucleic acid synthesis. However, the contribution of Purine Metabolism Genes (PMGs) to the defense mechanisms against sepsis remains inadequately explored. Leveraging bioinformatics, this study aimed to identify and substantiate potential PMGs implicated in sepsis. The approach encompassed a differential expression analysis across a pool of 75 candidate PMGs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were employed to assess the biological significance and pathways associated with these genes. Additionally, Lasso regression and Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) methodologies were implemented to identify key hub genes and evaluate the diagnostic potential of nine selected PMGs in sepsis identification. The study also examined the correlation between these hub PMGs and related genes, with validation conducted through expression level analysis using the GSE13904 and GSE65682 datasets. The study identified twelve PMGs correlated with sepsis, namely AK9, ENTPD3, NUDT16, GMPR2, PKM, RRM2B, POLR2J, POLE3, ADCY3, ADCY4, ADSSL1, and AMPD1. Functional analysis revealed their involvement in critical processes such as purine nucleotide and ribose phosphate metabolism. The diagnostic capability of these PMGs to effectively differentiate sepsis cases underscored their potential as biomarkers. This research elucidates twelve PMGs associated with sepsis, providing valuable insights into novel biomarkers for this condition and facilitating the monitoring of its progression. These findings highlight the significance of purine metabolism in sepsis pathogenesis and open avenues for further investigation into therapeutic targets. Show less
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
Multiple cancers are driven by aberrant fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-linked angiogenesis. Several therapeutic agents targe Show more
Multiple cancers are driven by aberrant fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-linked angiogenesis. Several therapeutic agents targeting FGFR and VEGFR have been developed and approved for use in solid cancers; however, there is still a high unmet medical need for new agents that have a more powerful antitumor activity and a broader antitumor spectrum. Here, we report the discovery of FH-2001, a novel and potent FGFR/VEGFR dual inhibitor, with additional activity of modulating programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) gene expression. In biochemical assays, FH-2001 showed potent inhibition of FGFR1, 2, 3, and 4, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of 0.2, 0.2, 0.4, and 2.0 nM, respectively, and VEGFR1, 2, and 3, with IC 50 values of 2.0, 0.3, and 0.5 nM, respectively. FH-2001 significantly suppressed the cell growth of FGFR- or VEGFR-driven cancer cell lines. In representative cell line- and patient-derived tumor xenografts with aberrant FGFR or VEGFR signaling, FH-2001 substantially inhibited tumor growth. Furthermore, FH-2001 demonstrated marked antitumor activities when treated alone or combined with PD-L1 or PD-1 antibody in syngeneic mouse models. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that FH-2001 alone or in combination with anti-PD-L1 increased T and natural killer cells and decreased myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, FH-2001 treatment dramatically reduced c-Myc and PD-L1 mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner in vitro . Taken together, FH-2001 is a promising dual-target inhibitor of FGFR and VEGFR and also modulates cancer immunity, while its robust antitumor activity positions it as a potentially class-leading anticancer agent. 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