The APOE4 variant was the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with APOE4 have an increased risk of developing the disease at an early age of onset. Similar Show more
The APOE4 variant was the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with APOE4 have an increased risk of developing the disease at an early age of onset. Similarly, APOE4 carriers are predisposed to high cholesterol levels and tend to have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The global allele frequency of APOE4 was 13.7%, underlining its widespread impact on global human health. Conversely, the relatively rare APOE2 allele was a genetic protective factor against AD and CVD. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain to be elucidated. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) protein coats lipoprotein particles and mediates lipid transport and metabolism in the peripheral circulation and central nervous system (CNS). Although initial studies causally linked APOE lipoprotein particles (APOE particles) with lipid homeostasis, our understanding of the physiological and pathological effects of APOE particles has extended to amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation and spread, as well as neuroinflammation in AD initiation and progression. Moreover, the most examined functions of APOE particles are reverse cholesterol transport, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, and improvement of endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerotic CVD. This review outlines what is known about the structure and functions of APOE particles, emphasizing their involvement in AD and CVD pathogenesis, while also considering the crosstalk between the peripheral circulation and CNS. In addition, we discuss how these APOE particles act as therapeutic targets. Show less
Postnatal respiration requires bulk formation of alveoli that produces extensive surface area for gas diffusion from epithelium to the circulatory system. Alveolar morphogenesis initiates at late gest Show more
Postnatal respiration requires bulk formation of alveoli that produces extensive surface area for gas diffusion from epithelium to the circulatory system. Alveolar morphogenesis initiates at late gestation or postnatal stage during mammalian development and is mediated by coordination among multiple cell types. Here we show that fibroblast-derived Heparan Sulfate Glycosaminoglycan (HS-GAG) is essential for maintaining a niche that supports alveolar formation by modulating both biophysical and biochemical cues. Gli1-CreER mediated deletion of HS synthase gene Ext1 in lung fibroblasts results in enlarged and simplified alveolar structures. Ablation of HS results in loss of a subset of PDGFRα Show less
The interplay between intracellular and intravascular lipolysis is crucial for maintaining circulating lipid levels and systemic energy homeostasis. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and lipoprotein Show more
The interplay between intracellular and intravascular lipolysis is crucial for maintaining circulating lipid levels and systemic energy homeostasis. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the primary triglyceride (TG) lipases responsible for these two spatially separate processes, are highly expressed in adipose tissue. Yet the mechanisms underlying their coordinated regulation remain undetermined. Here, we demonstrate that genetic ablation of G0S2, a specific inhibitory protein of ATGL, completely abolished diet-induced hypertriglyceridemia and significantly attenuated atherogenesis in mice. These effects were attributable to enhanced whole-body TG clearance, not altered hepatic TG secretion. Specifically, G0S2 deletion increased circulating LPL concentration and activity, predominantly through LPL production from white adipose tissue (WAT). Strikingly, transplantation of G0S2-deficient WAT normalized plasma TG levels in mice with hypertriglyceridemia. In conjunction with improved insulin sensitivity and decreased ANGPTL4 expression, the absence of G0S2 enhanced the stability of LPL protein in adipocytes, a phenomenon that could be reversed upon ATGL inhibition. Collectively, these findings highlight the pivotal role of adipocyte G0S2 in regulating both intracellular and intravascular lipolysis, and the possibility of targeting G0S2 as a viable pharmacological approach to reducing levels of circulating TGs. Show less
Limited identification of insulin resistance-associated loci hinders understanding of its role in cardiometabolic health, impeding therapeutic strategies. We apply three multivariate genome-wide assoc Show more
Limited identification of insulin resistance-associated loci hinders understanding of its role in cardiometabolic health, impeding therapeutic strategies. We apply three multivariate genome-wide association study approaches on homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, insulin resistance index, fasting insulin, and ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol from MAGIC and UK Biobank to develop a comprehensive phenotype ('mvIR'), and identify 217 independent loci, including 24 novel loci. The mvIR is causally associated with higher risks of 17 cardiometabolic diseases and five aging phenotypes, independent of adiposity and sarcopenia. We outline 21 of 2644 druggable genes for insulin resistance by Mendelian randomization and colocalization, where six genes (AKT1, ERBB3, FCGR1A, FGFR1, LPL, NR1H3) encode targets for approved drugs with consistent directions in alleviating insulin resistance, with no significant side effects revealed by phenome-wide association study. This study uncovers novel loci and therapeutic targets to inform strategies promoting insulin resistance-centered cardiometabolic health and longevity. Show less
Studying the molecular properties of drugs and their interactions with human targets aids in better understanding the clinical performance of drugs and guides drug development. In computer-aided drug Show more
Studying the molecular properties of drugs and their interactions with human targets aids in better understanding the clinical performance of drugs and guides drug development. In computer-aided drug discovery, it is crucial to utilize effective molecular feature representations for predicting molecular properties and designing ligands with high binding affinity to targets. However, designing an effective multi-task and self-supervised strategy remains a significant challenge for the pretraining framework. In this study, a multi-task self-supervised deep learning framework is proposed, MTSSMol, which utilizes ≈10 million unlabeled drug-like molecules for pretraining to identify potential inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). During the pretraining of MTSSMol, molecular representations are learned through a graph neural networks (GNNs) encoder. A multi-task self-supervised pretraining strategy is proposed to fully capture the structural and chemical knowledge of molecules. Extensive computational tests on 27 datasets demonstrate that MTSSMol exhibits exceptional performance in predicting molecular properties across different domains. Moreover, MTSSMol's capability is validated to identify potential inhibitors of FGFR1 through molecular docking using RoseTTAFold All-Atom (RFAA) and molecular dynamics simulations. Overall, MTSSMol provides an effective algorithmic framework for enhancing molecular representation learning and identifying potential drug candidates, offering a valuable tool to accelerate drug discovery processes. All of the codes are freely available online at https:// github.com/zhaoqi106/MTSSMol. Show less
The present case report presents the diagnostic challenges of pediatric diffuse low-grade glioma (pDLGG) with oligodendroglioma-like features. The patient, an 11-year-old girl, presented with refracto Show more
The present case report presents the diagnostic challenges of pediatric diffuse low-grade glioma (pDLGG) with oligodendroglioma-like features. The patient, an 11-year-old girl, presented with refractory epilepsy and brain imaging did not provide a clear diagnosis. Intraoperatively, the tumor appeared gray-yellow to gray-red, with moderate texture and unclear borders, consistent with LGG. Postoperative pathology showed diffuse infiltrative growth of the tumor, with pleomorphic cell morphology and oligodendroglioma-like gliocyte proliferation. Staining was positive for markers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein and Olig-2. Genomic analysis revealed BRAF V600E, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1 and FGFR4 mutations, but no IDH mutations or other related mutations. The final diagnosis was pDLGG with alterations in the MAPK pathway. The present case underscores the importance of molecular and histological features in the diagnosis of pDLGG, especially when clinical and imaging characteristics are atypical, as molecular diagnostics provide key insights for disease classification. Show less
To identify the various profiles of social isolation among 18-59-year-old patients with cancer in Western China and examine their demographic, clinical, and cultural predictors. This cross-sectional s Show more
To identify the various profiles of social isolation among 18-59-year-old patients with cancer in Western China and examine their demographic, clinical, and cultural predictors. This cross-sectional study included 300 patients from a tertiary hospital who completed standardized assessments of social isolation (Social Avoidance Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale) and family functioning. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to identify the subgroups, and multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of the profiles. Three distinct latent profiles were identified: "avoidance-dominant" (52.3%), which was characterized by high levels of social avoidance (12.52 ± 1.38) and low loneliness (30.87 ± 6.89), "loneliness-dominant" (27.0%), which was characterized by high levels of loneliness (53.15 ± 6.24) and low social avoidance (2.07 ± 1.38), and "balanced" (20.7%), which was characterized by balanced scores on both the measures. Individuals with fatigue, employment status, personality traits, and family dynamics significantly predicted profile membership ( Social isolation was heterogeneous among young and middle-aged patients with cancer. Fatigue significantly predicted distinct patterns of social isolation. Furthermore, exploratory findings indicated a potential role of religious beliefs in the avoidance-dominant profile; however, replication with larger samples is required. Family dynamics may buffer the risk of isolation in patients prone to avoidance, whereas those dominated by loneliness may lack such safeguards. Health care providers can implement tailored interventions to mitigate social isolation based on these varying profiles. Show less
This study aimed to investigate serum inflammatory factor levels of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) to explore the related inflammatory molecular mechani Show more
This study aimed to investigate serum inflammatory factor levels of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) to explore the related inflammatory molecular mechanisms preliminarily. The study recruited 72 female drug-naïve patients with BD and 98 female healthy controls (HCs). Demographic information, menstrual cycles, sex hormone levels, and ovarian ultrasound data were collected from them. Additionally, their serum inflammatory factor levels and the proteomics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed. The levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-13 were significantly higher in patients with BD than in HCs (p < 0.05), and the IL-8 level was higher in BD patients with PCOS than in those without (adjusted p = 0.07). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that downregulated genes with significant differences between the two groups were all involved in immune-inflammatory-related pathways, and the expression of downregulated genes BTN3A2, MAP2K5, JCHAIN-B, and DMAP1 showed substantial differences and consistent trends between the two groups. IL-8-related chronic inflammatory response is closely associated with PCOS in BD patients, and genes such as BTN3A2 may mediate this chronic inflammatory response by negatively regulating the abnormal differentiation of T helper 17 cells, serving as one of the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Show less
The risk factors and clinical prediction of cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with breast cancer have not been fully clarified. This retrospective case-control study was designed to investigate Show more
The risk factors and clinical prediction of cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with breast cancer have not been fully clarified. This retrospective case-control study was designed to investigate the factors affecting myocardial ischemia occurrence in breast cancer patients. A total of 194 cases (144 breast cancer and 50 benign breast tumor patients) were included. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression found that ApoB, age, and HER2 were significant factors responsible for the myocardial ischemia occurrence in breast cancer patients. By comparing the significance of ApoB in breast cancer patients versus benign breast tumor patients, it was observed that ApoB and HER2 were crucial predictors of myocardial ischemia in breast cancer patients compared to those with benign breast tumors. These factors were utilized to construct the clinical prediction model, achieving a combined area under the curve (AUC) of 0.583. The decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated that the model-predicted population, within a threshold ranging from 0.35 to 0.70, would experience a therapeutically clinical net benefit. Kaplan-Meier plot indicated that ApoB We demonstrated that ApoB and HER2 were potential factors in predicting the myocardial ischemia occurrence in breast cancer patients. This study will help provide clinical evidence for the early prediction of cardiovascular comorbidities in breast cancer patients. Show less
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascu Show more
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascular niche to maintain stemness. However, the effect of abnormal communication between endothelial cells (ECs) and GSCs on GBM progression remains unknown. Here, we reveal that ECs-derived SEMA3G, which is aberrantly expressed in GBM patients, impairs GSCs by inducing c-Myc degradation. SEMA3G activates NRP2/PLXNA1 in a paracrine manner, subsequently inducing the inactivation of Cdc42 and dissociation of Cdc42 and WWP2 in GSCs. Once released, WWP2 interacts with c-Myc and mediates c-Myc degradation via ubiquitination. Genetic deletion of Sema3G in ECs accelerates GBM growth, whereas SEMA3G overexpression or recombinant SEMA3G protein prolongs the survival of GBM bearing mice. These findings illustrate that ECs play an intrinsic inhibitory role in GSCs stemness via the SMEA3G-c-Myc distal regulation paradigm. Targeting SEMA3G signaling may have promising therapeutic benefits for GBM patients. Show less
Tea polyphenols are a class of natural plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties, and their critical role in regulating lipid metabolism has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, sy Show more
Tea polyphenols are a class of natural plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties, and their critical role in regulating lipid metabolism has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, systematic research on the effects of tea polyphenols on lipid metabolism in lion-head geese remains limited. In this study, we examined the impact of tea polyphenols on lipid metabolism in geese through an integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. A total of 240 healthy male lion-head geese with similar body weights at 1 day of age were randomly allocated into two treatment groups (6 replicates per group, with 20 geese per replicate). The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental group was supplemented with 1000 mg/kg of tea polyphenols (50.4 % catechin purity) in the basal diet for 18 weeks. The results indicated that serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the tea polyphenol group compared to the control group. Additionally, serum triglycerides (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the tea polyphenol group than in the control group. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis further revealed that tea polyphenols significantly modulated the expression of several genes involved in lipid metabolism, including angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), which plays a role in regulating lipid homeostasis, as well as glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 2 (GDPD2), immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH), proto-oncogene protein c-fos (FOS), and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), etc. Serum metabolomic analysis also demonstrated significant alterations in lipid metabolites induced by tea polyphenols, including the downregulation of fatty acyl metabolites such as L-Palmitoylcarnitine and Hexadecanal. Moreover, the combined analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between ANGPTL4 and the organic compounds of steroidal saponins, such as Glucoconvallasaponin B, and negative correlations with glycerophospholipid metabolites, such as LysoPC (P-16:0). The comprehensive analysis suggests that the inclusion of tea polyphenols in the diet enhances the antioxidant capacity of lion-head geese, improves hepatic lipid profiles, and regulates lipid metabolism via modulating lipid metabolism-related genes and metabolites. Show less
While spermatogenesis has been extensively characterized in mammals, its molecular underpinnings in avian species remain largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we performed single-cell tra Show more
While spermatogenesis has been extensively characterized in mammals, its molecular underpinnings in avian species remain largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of duck testes across developmental stages (10-week immature vs. 23-week mature). Our analysis generated a comprehensive cellular atlas comprising 54,702 cells, resolving eight germ cell clusters (three spermatogonia [SPG], three spermatocytes [SPC], two spermatozoa [SPT]) and nine somatic populations, including peritubular myoid cells, immune subsets (T cells, macrophages, granulocytes), endothelial cells, Leydig cells, and three Sertoli cell subtypes, each defined by unique marker gene signatures. Furthermore, novel marker genes were identified, including EXFABP for granulocyte, ARHGAP15 for T cell regulation, FDX1 specific to Leydig cells (LC), and TSSK3/TSSK2 linked to elongated spermatid formation (SPT). Notably, we identified some novel molecular markers distinguishing these populations. Pseudotemporal trajectory reconstruction of germline development revealed stage-specific enrichment of ribosome, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, and autophagy pathways. Core regulators MRPL13, MRPL2, MRPL22, MRPS14, MRPS7 (ribosome), HSPA5 (ER stress response), and PIK3C3 (autophagy) emerged as molecular hubs showing progressive downregulation during differentiation. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of germ cells and Sertoli cells between immature (IMT) and mature (MT) testes revealed significant enrichment of the spliceosome pathway in both germ and Sertoli cells. Critical spliceosome components SNRPG, SF3B3, and SNRPF exhibited coordinated downregulation during testicular maturation, suggesting their role as negative regulators of spermatogenic progression. This study establishes the first high-resolution cellular blueprint of avian spermatogenesis, delineating regulatory networks of duck testis cell development. Our findings provide valuable datasets and mechanistic insights into the evolutionary specialization of reproductive strategies in poultry. Show less
Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common complication following thoracic surgery and often leading to poor outcomes. Despite ongoing research, effective treatments for late PND remain l Show more
Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common complication following thoracic surgery and often leading to poor outcomes. Despite ongoing research, effective treatments for late PND remain limited. Identifying reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis is, therefore, essential. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 60 elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Serum samples were collected within 10 minutes prior to anesthesia and following extubation to measure adiponectin (APN), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Among PND patients, serum APN, PKA, AQP4, and BDNF levels were markedly decreased compared with the normal group. While serum cAMP (HR = 1.087, p = 0.695, 95% CI [0.284-4.166]) and PKA (HR = 0.996, p = 0.09, 95% CI [0.491-0.947]) were not significantly correlated with PND, serum APN (HR = 0.307, 95% CI [0.113-0.835], p = 0.021), AQP4 (HR = 0.204, 95% CI [0.060-0.697], p = 0.011), and BDNF (HR = 0.382, 95% CI [0.177-0.823], p = 0.014) were protective factors against PND. ROC analysis demonstrated that APN (AUC = 0.68, 95% CI [0.51-0.87]), AQP4 (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.59-0.87]), BDNF (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.59-0.87]), and the model of combining those biomarkers (AUC = 0.91, 95% CI [0.83-0.99]) could predict PND. PND patients exhibited a lower protective stress response to surgical trauma. High serum APN, AQP4, and BDNF levels were independent protective factors for PND, and a combined model of these biomarkers showed predictive potential for PND. Show less
Maternal circulating lipid concentrations impact the risk of pregnancy complications and infant health outcomes. The associations between physical activity and circulating lipids during pregnancy rema Show more
Maternal circulating lipid concentrations impact the risk of pregnancy complications and infant health outcomes. The associations between physical activity and circulating lipids during pregnancy remain inadequately understood. A study was conducted from July 2024 to March 2025, involving the recruitment of 520 pregnant women in Wuhan, China. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) scores were evaluated in trimesters. Circulating lipid profiles, including total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) concentrations, were assessed at each trimester. The daily energy expenditure of physical activity (EEPA) during the first, second, and third trimesters was recorded as 11.35, 9.07, and 9.48 metabolic equivalents-hour/day (METs-h/d). The EEPA in the first trimester was significantly greater than that in the second ( This study suggests that increased physical activity during pregnancy is associated with lower lipid levels. Moreover, maternal age appears to have a significant impact on physical activity and the metabolism of circulating lipids during pregnancy. Show less
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common and serious complication of diabetes, affecting approximately 40% of patients with the condition. The pathogenesis of DKD is complex, involving multiple proce Show more
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common and serious complication of diabetes, affecting approximately 40% of patients with the condition. The pathogenesis of DKD is complex, involving multiple processes such as metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Given its increasing incidence and associated mortality, there is an urgent need to identify novel pathogenic genes and therapeutic targets. This study systematically identified hub DKD-associated genes and their potential molecular mechanisms through bioinformatic analysis. Gene expression datasets from DKD patients and healthy controls were obtained from the GEO database. Hub genes were screened using differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), LASSO regression, random forest (RF) algorithms, and consensus clustering for DKD patient classification. Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis was performed on differentially expressed genes to explore the relationship between hub genes and the immune microenvironment. Potential drugs targeting LPL were predicted based on gene-drug interaction analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the expression of LPL and TNF-α in kidney tissues from patients with varying degrees of DKD severity, as well as their relationship with kidney function impairment. This study revealed that LPL, a lipoprotein metabolism gene, plays a crucial role in DKD, participating in cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism as well as PPAR signaling. LPL expression was negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and various subsets of T cells, including naïve CD4 T cells and gamma delta T cells, while positively correlated with follicular helper T cells, suggesting its immune-regulation effects in DKD progression. Potential LPL-targeting drugs, such as Ibrolipim, anabolic steroid, and acarbose, might mitigate DKD. LPL expression was decreased with DKD severity and was correlated with TNF-α and kidney dysfunction markers, indicating its key role in DKD progression. LPL is a pivotal regulator of lipid metabolism and immune inflammation in DKD. Potential drugs targeting LPL offer new candidates for precision treatment of DKD. These findings lay a theoretical foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of DKD and developing LPL-based therapeutic strategies. Show less
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are established oncogenic drivers in various solid tumors. However, the approved FGFR inhibitors face challenges with acquired resistance and dose-limiting a Show more
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are established oncogenic drivers in various solid tumors. However, the approved FGFR inhibitors face challenges with acquired resistance and dose-limiting adverse effects associated with FGFR1/4 inhibition, limiting therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we systematically explored linker and electrophile moieties based on the pyrrolopyrazine carboxamide core and identified aniline α-fluoroacrylamide as an effective covalent warhead. Compound 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
Quinolinic acid (QA) is a metabolite of tryptophan catabolism involved in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). It has been extensively studied in the context of neuropsychiatri Show more
Quinolinic acid (QA) is a metabolite of tryptophan catabolism involved in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). It has been extensively studied in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders in the past decades. Recent studies have also linked high plasma QA levels to obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and diabetes. In the present study, we have explored the impact of long-term oral QA administration on glucose and lipid metabolism in mice. We observed a protective role for QA in preventing hepatic lipid accumulation in high-fat-diet fed mice, whereas oral administration of NAD showed opposite effects. We further demonstrated that QA reduces hepatic lipid uptake by inhibiting the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and fatty acid translocase (CD36) in liver, thereby mitigating liver lipid accumulation in the context of a high-fat diet. Our data suggest that QA is an important regulator of lipid homeostasis and has potential as a therapeutic target for MASLD. Show less
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality. The traditional Chinese medicine Qingre Sanjie Formula (QRSJF), composed of Prunellae Spica, Sargassum, Show more
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality. The traditional Chinese medicine Qingre Sanjie Formula (QRSJF), composed of Prunellae Spica, Sargassum, Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus, Leonuri Herba, and Forsythiae Fructus, has shown efficacy in treating cardiovascular diseases, although its mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of QRSJF against atherosclerosis and the mechanisms involved. The composition of QRSJF was analyzed using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. An 8-week high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis model was established in ApoE Both low- and high-dose QRSJF effectively attenuated dyslipidemia and decreased serum inflammatory cytokine levels in HFD-fed ApoE QRSJF improves dyslipidemia and reduces atherosclerotic plaque in ApoE Show less
Yuwen Guo, Huai Bai, Linbo Guan+4 more · 2025 · Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics · added 2026-04-24
To assess the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs174575 and rs2845574 of the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A total of 1 514 Show more
To assess the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs174575 and rs2845574 of the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A total of 1 514 pregnant women who visited West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2021 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 583 were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM group), and 931 had normal pregnancies (control group). The SNPs rs174575 and rs2845574 of the FADS2 gene were analyzed using Sanger DNA sequencing. Plasma levels of insulin (INS), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were measured using enzymatic methods, chemiluminescence and immunoturbidimetry. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (Ethics No.: 2020-036). The main genotype at the rs174575 C/G and rs2845574 C/T loci were CC in both GDM and control groups. No significant difference was found between the GDM and control groups regarding the genotypic or allelic frequencies of rs174575 and rs2845574 sites (P > 0.05). Among the GDM group, individuals with the GG genotype at the rs174575 site had lower plasma HDL-C levels compared to those with the CC genotype (P < 0.05), and had higher atherogenic indices (AI) compared with the CC and CG genotype (P < 0.05; P < 0.05). Individuals with the TT genotype at the rs2845574 site had higher AI compared with the CT genotype (P < 0.05). Among the control group, individuals with the GG genotype had lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared to those with the CC genotype (P < 0.05). Additional subgroup analysis demonstrated that the rs174575 polymorphism was associated with AI levels in obesity subgroup of GDM, TG levels in non-obese subgroup of control and DBP levels in the obese subgroup of control (P < 0.05; P < 0.05; P < 0.05). The FADS2 rs174575 and rs2845574 polymorphisms in GDM patients are associated wit HDL-C and AI levels, and the FADS2 rs174575 polymorphisms was also associated with DBP levels in normal pregnant women. The AI and DBP levels have a BMI-dependent effect. Show less
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a set of rare diseases characterized by abnormal sexual development with clinical heterogeneity and genotypic complexity. This study aims to investiga Show more
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a set of rare diseases characterized by abnormal sexual development with clinical heterogeneity and genotypic complexity. This study aims to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of male IHH in southern China, and evaluate the therapeutic effects of current treatments. Fifty-one male IHH patients from southern China were enrolled in this study. Their clinical, imaging, hormonal and genetic findings were analyzed retrospectively. In this study, the most common causative gene of IHH was FGFR1 (45.10%), followed by ANOS1 (21.57%) and CHD7 (17.65%). Forty-five different variants, including 22 known and 23 novel variants, were found. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.84 ± 5.89 years, the most common clinical phenotype was micropenis (98.04%), the most frequent imaging feature was abnormal ultrasound of sexual glands (86.84%), and the most representative biochemical manifestations were low basal luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (98.04% and 100.00%, respectively). Age-phenotype and genotype-phenotype correlations were observed in this cohort. The penile length, testicular volume, basal testosterone, and the proportion of patients with low basal inhibin B were associated with age. Most patients with ANOS1 variant had a family history, impaired olfactory function, and much lower basal anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), whereas patients with CHD7 variant were younger, presented CHARGE phenotypes, and had higher basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH. Moreover, 34 patients were treated with different strategies for 2.75 ± 1.82 years. After treatment, the penile length, and the levels of FSH, LH and testosterone increased significantly. Our study adds 51 southern Chinese male patients, and expands the mutational spectrum for IHH. Our cohort suggests that a combination of clinical, biochemical and genetic criteria will facilitate early diagnosis. Our work also highlights the differentially diagnostic values of family history, impaired olfactory function, CHARGE features, and basal AMH, FSH and LH in distinguishing different molecular bases of IHH. Show less
Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) are individually associated with the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Moreover, previous basic research has implicate Show more
Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) are individually associated with the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Moreover, previous basic research has implicated the potential interaction between apoB and Lp(a) in the atherogenic process. We aimed to determine whether apoB levels significantly modulate ASCVD risk associated with Lp(a) in a large community-based population without baseline cardiovascular disease. Plasma Lp(a) and apoB were measured in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Elevated Lp(a) was defined as the highest race-specific quintile, and elevated apoB was defined as ≥89 mg/dl (median value). The modifying effect of apoB on the Lp(a)-related risk of ASCVD and coronary heart disease (CHD) was determined using Cox regression models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors. Among 12,988 ARIC participants, 3,888 ASCVD events and 1754 CHD events were observed. Elevated apoB (≥89 mg/dl) and elevated Lp(a) (race-specific quintile 5) were independently associated with ASCVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.08-1.30; P <0.001; HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.16-1.40; P < .001, respectively). Lp(a)-by-apoB interaction was noted [Lp(a) (quintile 1-4 or quintile 5) * apoB (<89 or ≥89 mg/dl) = 0.002]. Compared to the concordantly low Lp(a) group, the individuals with high Lp(a) had a greater ASCVD risk only when apoB was elevated (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.34-1.63; P < .001). In the context of primary prevention, ASCVD risk associated with Lp(a) was observed only when apoB was elevated. The measurement of apoB can further refine and contextualize the ASCVD risk associated with Lp(a). 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
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia an Show more
Glucose homeostasis, essential for metabolic health, requires coordinated insulin and glucagon activity to maintain blood glucose balance. Dysregulation of glucose homeostasis causes hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance, hallmark features of type 2 diabetes. While SEC16 homologue B (SEC16B), an endoplasmic reticulum export factor, has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and lipid metabolism, its role in glucose regulation remains poorly defined. This study aims to investigate SEC16B's contribution to glucose homeostasis by systematically dissecting its conserved physiological mechanisms across species. To interrogate SEC16B's role, we combined Drosophila genetics (RNA interference-mediated dSec16 knockdown) with murine models (Sec16b deletion) under standard or high-fat diet conditions. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests assessed glucose homeostasis. Mechanistic insights into beta cell dysfunction were derived from immunostaining, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays and RNA-seq profiling of murine pancreatic islets. Both disruption of dSec16 in Drosophila and Sec16b deletion in mice triggered glucose intolerance under standard diet conditions, recapitulating conserved metabolic dysfunction. In addition, Sec16b loss impaired glycaemic control in mice fed a high-fat diet. Mechanistically, Sec16b deficiency impairs insulin secretion by downregulating cholinergic signalling and compromising intracellular Ca Our study reveals SEC16B, a genome-wide association study-identified obesity risk gene, as an evolutionarily conserved regulator of glucose homeostasis. By linking SEC16B to cholinergic-driven insulin secretion and calcium dynamics, we resolve a mechanistic gap in beta cell dysfunction and metabolic disease. This finding provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying glucose homeostasis and may enhance our understanding of potential treatments for metabolic diseases. Show less
To describe the clinical characteristics, natural history, genetic landscape, and phenotypic spectrum of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL)-associated retinal disease. Multicenter retrospective coho Show more
To describe the clinical characteristics, natural history, genetic landscape, and phenotypic spectrum of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL)-associated retinal disease. Multicenter retrospective cohort study complemented by a cross-sectional examination. Twelve pediatric subjects with biallelic variants in 5 NCL-causing genes (CLN3 lysosomal/endosomal transmembrane protein [ Review of clinical notes, retinal imaging, electroretinography (ERG), and molecular genetic testing. Two subjects underwent a cross-sectional examination comprising adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging of the retina and optoretinography (ORG). Clinical/demographic data, multimodal retinal imaging data, electrophysiology parameters, and molecular genetic testing. Our cohort included a diverse set of subjects with Our cohort data demonstrates that the underlying genetic variants drive the phenotypic diversity in different forms of NCL. Genetic testing can provide molecular diagnosis and ensure appropriate disease management and support for children and their families. With intravitreal enzyme replacement therapy on the horizon as a potential treatment option for NCL-associated retinal degeneration, precise structural and functional measures will be required to more accurately monitor disease progression. We show that adaptive optics imaging and ORG can be used as highly sensitive methods to track early retinal changes, which can be used to establish eligibility for future therapies and provide metrics for determining the efficacy of interventions on a cellular scale. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article. Show less
The gut-derived peptide hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) play important physiological roles including glucose homeostasis and appetite su Show more
The gut-derived peptide hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) play important physiological roles including glucose homeostasis and appetite suppression. Stabilized agonists of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and dual agonists of GLP-1R and GIP receptor (GIPR) for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity have generated widespread enthusiasm and have become blockbuster drugs. These therapeutics are refractory to the action of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), that catalyzes rapid removal of the two N-terminal residues of the native peptides, in turn severely diminishing their activity profiles. Here we report that a single atom change from carbon to nitrogen in the backbone of the entire peptide makes them refractory to DPP4 action while still retaining full potency and efficacy at their respective receptors. This was accomplished by use of aza-amino acids, that are bioisosteric replacements for α-amino acids that perturb the structural backbone and local side chain conformations. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that aza-amino acid can populate the same conformational space that GLP-1 adopts when bound to the GLP-1R. The insertion of an aza-amino acid at the second position from the N-terminus in semaglutide and in a dual agonist of GLP-1R and GIPR further demonstrates its capability as a viable alternative to current DPP4 resistance strategies while offering additional structural variation that may influence downstream signaling. Show less
Sesquiterpene lactones are secondary plant metabolites with a wide variety of biological activities. The process of lactone conjugation to other pharmacophores can increase the efficacy and specificit Show more
Sesquiterpene lactones are secondary plant metabolites with a wide variety of biological activities. The process of lactone conjugation to other pharmacophores can increase the efficacy and specificity of the conjugated agent effect on molecular targets in various diseases, including brain pathologies. Derivatives of biogenic indoles, including neurotransmitter serotonin, are of considerable interest as potential pharmacophores. Most of these compounds have neurotropic activity and, therefore, can be used in the synthesis of new drugs with neuroprotective properties. The aim of this experimental synthesis was to generate potential treatment agents for Alzheimer's disease using serotonin conjugated with natural sesquiterpene lactones. Three novel compounds were obtained via the Michael reaction and used for biological testing. The obtained conjugates demonstrated complex neuroprotective activities. Serotonin conjugated to isoalantolactone exhibited strong antioxidant and mitoprotective activities. The agent was also found to inhibit β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1), prevent the aggregation of β-amyloid peptide 1-42, and protect SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells from neurotoxins such as glutamate and H In conclusion, the obtained results indicate that serotonin conjugates to sesquiterpene lactones are promising agents for the treatment of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. Show less