👤 Ching-Hung Lin

Latino persons with chronic spine pain (CSP) face challenges engaging in physical activity (PA) and minimizing sedentary behavior (SB). This study aimed to objectively characterize PA and identify correlates of PA and SB in Latino persons with CSP. Cross-sectional baseline data from Latino participants who were enrolled in a clinical trial for CSP near the U.S.-Mexico border were utilized. Blockwise regression assessed the association between sociodemographic, clinical, interpersonal, and environmental factors with light PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and SB. Participants (N = 154, Mage = 47.5 ± 12.1 years) spent 342.8 ± 111.6 min/day in LPA, 56.1 ± 71.1 min/day in MVPA, and 550.3 ± 140.9 min/day in SB. Seventy-five percent of participants met national PA guidelines. Lower income and higher pain interference were associated with lower LPA (R2 = 9%, p < .05). Younger age and lower income were associated with higher MVPA (R2 = 13%, p < .05). Lower income was associated with lower SB (R2 = 5%, p < .05). Younger age (OR 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.87, 0.98]) and higher exercise self-efficacy (OR 95% CI [1.06, 8.09]) increased the odds of meeting PA guidelines. Participants with CSP exhibited greater levels of LPA, MVPA, and SB compared with prior studies of Latino persons without pain. Sociodemographic variables including age and income were most consistently associated with PA and SB outcomes. Future research is needed to identify other relevant intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental determinants of PA and SB in this clinical population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved). Show less

In premature infants, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can lead to hemodynamic instability and prematurity-related complications. The conventional left atrial-to-aortic (LA/Ao) ratio for evaluating hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) has demonstrated limited accuracy. We aimed to investigate the correlation between mitral inflow E-wave velocity, left pulmonary artery (LPA) end-diastolic velocity, and hsPDA in preterm infants. Single-center, retrospective cohort study included neonates born at a gestational age (GA) between 24 and 30 weeks. The echocardiographic parameters, including mitral E-wave velocity, LPA end-diastolic velocity and LA/Ao ratio were assessed with hsPDA requiring treatment. Forty-nine infants were included, of whom 30 were diagnosed with hsPDA. The mitral E-wave (95% CI: 4.6-18.2, p = 0.0016) and LPA end-diastolic velocities (95% CI: 4.14-15.15, p = 0.0010) were significantly higher in infants with hsPDA, while the LA/Ao ratio exhibited no difference. Multivariate analysis revealed that lower GA, higher mitral E-wave, and LPA end-diastolic velocities were predictive of hsPDA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that these parameters offered better diagnostic accuracy than the LA/Ao ratio. Our findings suggest that mitral E wave and LPA end-diastolic velocities are more reliable echocardiographic markers for evaluating hsPDA in preterm infants than the conventional LA/Ao ratio. Assessment of dynamic blood flow is more reliable than the left atrium chamber size in evaluating the hemodynamic status of a PDA. Our result provides new criteria for assessing the hemodynamic significance of PDA. Utilizing this technique may yield evidence to assist clinical decision-making regarding PDA treatment. Multifactorial assessment, including birth gestational age and increased intracardiac or pulmonary blood flow velocity, provides more accurate prediction for a hsPDA. Show less

Systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL) arises from monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains, but determinants of progression from precursor states remain poorly defined. In a cross-sectional cohort comprising 1950 systemic AL patients diagnosed 2010-2024, 258 (13.2%) patients with a previously diagnosed plasma cell disorder (PCD) were compared to patients with no prior PCD diagnosis. Patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined signficance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) in the former group had lower difference between involved and uninvolved FLCs (dFLC), higher M-protein, and lower rates of t(11;14) at AL diagnosis. Patients developing AL from SMM had a shorter time to AL (median 34.2 versus 61.3 months) and higher dFLC (median 28.9 versus 11.0 mg/dl) compared to those from MGUS. Patients developing AL after known multiple myeloma (MM) or lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) commonly lacked deep hematologic response before AL (≤ very good partial response in 78% of MM, 100% of LPL patients). We additionally studied longitudinally followed cohorts of 3,966 MGUS and 426 (SMM) patients with longitudinal FLC measurements and matched follow-up, in which 1.8% of MGUS and 7.2% of SMM patients developed AL. Those patients who developed AL showed markedly higher dFLC at MGUS/SMM diagnosis and more frequent λ restriction and rates of t(11;14). Higher dFLC was associated with progressively earlier AL development; a 10% cumulative risk occurred at 20 months for patients with a dFLC >80 mg/dL but was not reached if dFLC <10 mg/dL at an estimated median follow-up of 86 months. In multivariable analysis, dFLC >6.4 mg/dL (HR 11.3) and λ isotype (HR 3.6) independently predicted AL, whereas heavy chain secretion was associated with lower risk (HR 0.2 for IgG). These findings indicate that AL risk is primarily driven by cumulative light chain exposure, refining our knowledge of AL pathophysiology and providing guidance for follow-up of patients with elevated dFLC. Show less

The primary renal complication of diabetes mellitus is diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The precise pathogenic mechanisms of DKD remain poorly elucidated. The aim of this study was to identify potential energy metabolism-related genes associated with DKD. The GSE30529 and GSE30528 datasets were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus, and energy metabolism-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between DKD and control groups were analyzed. The biological functions and signaling pathways of these DEGs were evaluated using Gene Ontology (GO), the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The diagnostic performance of hub genes for DKD was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Expression levels of five significant energy metabolism-related genes were validated through immunohistochemistry. The Nephroseq V5 tool was used to evaluate gene expression in DKD and to determine correlations between gene expression and renal function in patients with DKD. A total of 17 energy metabolism-related DEGs were identified. Five hub genes-ALB, IGF1, CD36, LPL, and UCP2-were identified. Among these, CD36 and LPL demonstrated relatively high diagnostic accuracy for DKD. The findings suggest that CD36, IGF1, LPL, and UCP2 may serve as potential biomarkers for DKD. The genes CD36, IGF1, LPL, and UCP2 represent potential energy metabolism-related biomarkers with possible applications in the diagnosis and treatment of DKD. Show less

Achieving long persistent luminescence (LPL) in fully organic materials with both hour-level duration and high thermal stability remains a fundamental challenge attributable to rapid exciton quenching and poor resistance to thermal disturbances. Herein, a trap engineering strategy is reported based on rigidified triphenylamine derivatives and boronic ester functionalization embedded in recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), enabling the first fully organic polymer-based LPL system that exhibits simultaneously ultralong LPL and exceptional thermal robustness. Molecular conformation locking and optimized donor-acceptor charge transfer lead to deep trap states (≈1.03 eV), resulting in ambient LPL lifetimes exceeding 12 h. Remarkably, the luminescence is thermally enhanced by over 56 times at 500 K, rivaling high-performance inorganic phosphors. In addition, 980 nm near-infrared photo excitation further amplifies the emission, showcasing strong photo-stimulated luminescence capability. Taking advantage of PET's processability, 3D-printed luminescent structures are fabricated that retain LPL functionality and enable spatially resolved thermal sensing and real-time damage detection. This work not only introduces a sustainable and scalable platform for advanced thermal imaging and optoelectronics, but also sets a new benchmark in the design of heat-resistant organic LPL materials, bridging the gap between high-performance functionality and environmental compatibility. Show less

Microtubule and actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) plays a critical role in cytoskeletal regulation. Pathogenic variants in We identified two Chinese patients with Our findings broaden the phenotypic spectrum of The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40246-026-00917-y. Show less

The international consensus classification or the World Health Organization classifications underrepresented driver alterations enriched in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To address this, we retrospectively characterized the genomic landscape of 105 pediatric patients with AML of East Asian ancestry using transcriptome and whole-exome sequencing (WES). In addition to the common recurrent fusions such as RUNX1::RUNX1T1 and CBFB::MYH11, we identified rearrangements involving KMT2A, NUP98, GLIS, as well as FLT3 and UBTF tandem duplications. The median somatic mutation rate in AML was 0.97 per megabase, as estimated by WES. Frequently mutated pathways included signaling: 68.6% (72/105), transcription: 37.1% (39/105), epigenetic regulation: 26.7% (28/105), cohesin: 7.6% (8/105), RNA binding: 3.8% (4/105), and protein modification: 5.7% (6/105). When analyzed together, high-risk genetic subtypes including GLISr, UBTF tandem duplications, PICALM::MLLT10, and HOXr were significantly associated with poorer 5 year overall survival (OS) in multivariable analysis (p-value = 0.037). Although FLT3 internal tandem duplications were significantly associated with inferior 5 year OS in univariable analysis, this effect was not significant in multivariable analysis (p-value = 0.382). Patients with RUNX1 mutations had inferior 5 year OS in multivariable analysis (p-value = 0.009). These findings suggest specific genomic alterations that may refine risk stratification and guide future therapeutic protocols in Taiwanese pediatric patients with AML. Show less

Retinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a key pathological feature of acute glaucoma that induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and retinal glial activation, ultimately leading to retinal degeneration and neuronal dysfunction. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of 3,4-dihydroxybenzalacetone (DBA) in protecting against I/R-induced retinal damage. DBA was tested in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia, in TNFα- or tBHP-treated rMC-1 Müller glial cells, and in a rat model of retinal I/R injury. In vitro assays demonstrated that DBA suppressed oxidative and inflammatory responses in microglia by reducing ROS, NO, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 levels. In Müller cells, DBA activated the NRF2/HO-1 pathway under oxidative stress and attenuated TNFα-induced upregulation of MMP-9 and MCP-1. Signaling analysis revealed that DBA inhibited the phosphorylation of p65 and STAT3 in both glial cell types, with additional ERK inhibition observed specifically in Müller cells. In vivo, DBA preserved retinal electrophysiological activity, as evidenced by maintained a- and b-wave responses, and reduced the expression of MMP-9, GFAP, and CD68 in the retina. These findings indicate that DBA confers partial retinal protection by modulating multiple glial-related signaling pathways and suggest its potential as a multi-target therapeutic agent for retinal neurodegenerative diseases. Show less

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, largely due to its high metastatic potential driven by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we identify Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 3L (DTX3L) as a previously unrecognized tumor suppressor in gastric cancer. DTX3L expression is markedly reduced in metastatic and mesenchymal-type gastric cancers and positively correlates with favorable patient prognosis. Functional analyses in cell lines, organoids and animal models demonstrate that DTX3L depletion promotes gastric cancer cell migration, invasion, stem-like properties and metastasis, whereas its overexpression exhibits opposite effects. Mechanistically, DTX3L acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase that directly interacts with and ubiquitinates SNAI1, a master EMT regulator, leading to its GSK-3β dependent proteasomal degradation. Loss of DTX3L stabilizes SNAI1 and enhances EMT and stem-like phenotypes. Moreover, we uncover that TGF-β1-induced miR-135b-5p downregulates DTX3L, forming a regulatory axis that promotes EMT. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel DTX3L-SNAI1 signaling pathway governing EMT and metastasis in gastric cancer, providing mechanistic insight and suggesting DTX3L as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Show less

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most general cancer in men and is often linked with distant metastasis in its later stages. The caffeic acid (CA) derivative, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)methylcaffeamide (MPMCA), demonstrates superior liver-protective effects compared to CA. Nevertheless, the functions of MPMCA on prostate cancer metastasis remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that MPMCA blocks migration and invasion in prostate cancer cells without affecting cell viability. By suppressing the production of mesenchymal markers Vimentin, N-cadherin and β-catenin and upregulating the production of the epithelial marker Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1), MPMCA also controls Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Protein kinase B (AKT) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been documented to regulate MPMCA-inhibited cell motility. Transfection with Snail and Slug cDNA reverses MPMCA's suppression of EMT, migration, and invasion in prostate cancer cells. Importantly, our in vivo data indicates that MPMCA reduces Snail and Slug expression and prostate cancer metastasis. Our evidence suggests that MPMCA is a novel therapeutic candidate for treating metastatic prostate cancer. Show less

Convergent evolution offers a unique lens through which to explore the molecular underpinnings of significant phenotypic transformations. Similar selective pressures likely drove the evolution of analogous milk traits in sheep and goats. Consequently, the current study aimed to identify common selection signals for milk traits across dairy and non-dairy breeds of sheep and goats worldwide. In this study, a total of 308 whole-genome sequences from diverse sheep (n = 108) and goat (n = 200) breeds, including both dairy and non-dairy types, across the world were utilized. The population structure and genetic diversity of dairy and non-dairy sheep and goat breeds were characterized. Species-specific genes associated with milk traits, such as POU2F1, ABCD2, TRNAC-GCA in sheep and PRPF6, VPS13C, TPD52L2, NFX1 and B4GALT1 in goats, were identified. Further gene annotation and bioinformatics analyses indicated that different biological pathways are important for milk traits in each species: fatty acid oxidation and AMP metabolic process in sheep, the U2-type spliceosomal complex and propanoate metabolism in goats. Additionally, common signatures of selection such as CLASP1, PDS5B, ZNF831, CCDC73 were found in sheep and goats. Haplotype and transcriptional analyses further confirmed the role of these genes in milk production and provided evidence for their analogous evolution in sheep and goats. The CLASP1 gene was identified as a target of convergent selection, representing a promising candidate for genetic improvement programs in dairy species. These results provide insights into the genetic basis of convergent dairy traits, offering valuable targets for improving milk production and advancing dairy sheep and goat breeding programs. Show less

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely associated with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Because MASLD progression poses serious health risks, elucidating the underlying mechanisms is essential to guide early intervention and therapeutic strategies. Proteomic analysis was used to identity high-fat diet (HFD)-induced proteins in mouse liver. Galectin-1 (GAL1) expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry in human liver tissues. Liver-specific GAL1-deficient mice were generated using adeno-associated virus. Mice were fed either a chow diet or an HFD. Functional studies were performed in cell lines using western blotting, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and molecular docking analysis. GAL1 expression was elevated in liver tissues from patients with MASLD and in mouse models. Liver-specific GAL1 knockdown alleviated hepatic steatosis and enhanced fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Mechanistically, GAL1 competitively bound to the BRCT domain of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), thereby interfering with its interaction with the WW domain -containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2). Hepatic GAL1 knockdown promoted the PARP1 -WWP2 interaction and subsequently facilitated ubiquitin-dependent degradation of PARP1. This degradation led to increased NAD Hepatic deficiency of GAL1 alleviates hepatic steatosis by enhancing FAO through promotion of ubiquitin-dependent PARP1 degradation, thereby restoring NAD Show less

Leptin resistance limits anti-obesity efficacy. We identified a leptin-sensitizing mechanism through tirzepatide (TZP), a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) dual-agonist. Our tirzepatide clinical trial revealed that circulating leptin levels at baseline correlated with weight loss efficacy in patients with obesity, suggesting leptin and tirzepatide could interact to achieve stronger effects on weight loss. Next, we utilized the diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice and demonstrated the synergistic effects of tirzepatide and leptin combination (TZP+Lep) on weight loss. TZP+Lep treatment further improved hepatic insulin sensitivity and upregulated thermogenetic gene expression in brown adipose tissue. Metabolic profiling under thermoneutrality revealed TZP+Lep treatment further reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Tirzepatide sensitized leptin signaling in hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and GLP-1R expressing neurons. TZP+Lep synergistically increased POMC neuronal firing by decreasing the inhibitory postsynaptic input. Together, our work showed combining tirzepatide and leptin as a potential way for better maintenance of metabolic homeostasis in obesity management. Show less

Early identification of individuals at risk for cognitive impairment is essential for timely intervention and public health planning. While sociodemographic and clinical predictors are well recognized, the role of nutrition and its interactions in cognitive health remains less explored. Using data from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, Ensemble models demonstrated excellent predictive performance, consistently outperforming traditional classifiers. Key predictors included education, age, socioeconomic status, and chronic disease conditions. Among nutritional factors, vitamin B2 emerged as consistently associated with lower predicted cognitive impairment risk across all three models, with notable interactions observed with copper and vitamin E. Exploratory Interpretable machine learning models integrating cognitive tests with demographic, clinical, and nutritional variables can accurately predict cognitive impairment. Nutritional predictors, particularly vitamin B2 and its interactions, may contribute to model performance and biological plausibility, suggesting potential avenues for stratified monitoring strategies. Show less

Memory function is susceptible to decline with age, stress, and neurological diseases, highlighting the importance of exploring effective and sustainable strategies to enhance memory consolidation. Epinephrine plays a key role in memory consolidation; acute, moderate elevations enhance memory, while chronic high levels are inhibitory. Given the limitations of pharmacological interventions, this study aims to investigate exercise as a non-pharmacological means to promote post-learning memory consolidation by inducing acute epinephrine release, focusing on its mechanisms and optimized implementation strategies. This narrative review systematically reviews evidence from neurophysiology, molecular biology, and behavioral experiments and finds that exercise can safely and controllably activate the sympathetic-adrenal system, leading to a rapid rise in epinephrine. The release kinetics align highly with the critical time window for memory consolidation. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise implemented within 30 min post-learning can significantly improve memory retention. The mechanisms involve not only epinephrine enhancing synaptic plasticity and LTP by activating hippocampal β-adrenergic receptors, but also synergistic effects across multiple systems, such as promoting osteocalcin signaling, upregulating BDNF expression, inducing neurogenesis, and optimizing cerebral metabolism and blood flow. Evidence suggests that exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, significantly enhances post-learning memory consolidation through the precise modulation of epinephrine release and multi-system synergy, offering both high efficacy and safety. Future research should focus on developing precise exercise prescriptions based on individual characteristics and leveraging wearable devices and digital technologies to improve intervention adherence and applicability, promoting its widespread use in educational and clinical settings. Show less

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with specific core symptoms. Physical activity has been demonstrated to positively influence the pathological mechanisms underlying autism and to alleviate associated symptoms. A comprehensive synthesis was conducted by reviewing and integrating relevant literature. Literature review revealed that the mechanism of physical activity intervention in autism primarily involves modulation through neuronal factors, glial cells, and gut microbiota. Neuronal factors include brain-derived neurotrophic factor, axonal protein families, and neurotransmitters. Additionally, physical activity helps alleviate stereotypical behaviors and internal anxiety in individuals with ASD, reduce obesity and cardiovascular diseases in some patients, and enhance social communication skills. Show less

The successful treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity with tirzepatide highlights the dual agonists of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor (GIPR) as a powerful new generation of anti-diabetic drugs. However, tirzepatide and other GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonists currently in clinical development are linear peptides susceptible to proteolytic cleavage, thus preventing their uses as oral drugs. Previously, we reported the design of the proteolytically stable GLP-1R/GIPR peptide dual agonists via sidechain biaryl stapling. Although the stapled peptides exhibit improved proteolytic stability, they are still not sufficiently stable for oral delivery. Here, we report on the design and synthesis of more stable GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonists through a combined use of double biaryl stapling and α-methylation. One of the double-stapled and α-methylated peptides, DA23-Bpy Show less

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a histologically benign but clinically aggressive tumor arising from Rathke's pouch remnants, which is molecularly distinct from the other subtype, papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP). Despite advancements in surgery and radiotherapy, treatment outcomes remain unsatisfactory due to the tumor's invasiveness and resistance to conventional therapies. This review systematically examines the molecular pathogenesis of ACP and evaluates current and emerging therapeutic strategies to improve clinical management. ACP is driven by CTNNB1 mutations and dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, alongside inflammatory and senescence-associated pathways. Current pharmacological approaches, including interferon-α, IL-6 inhibitors (e.g., tocilizumab), and intracystic agents (e.g., bleomycin), exhibit limited efficacy. Promising emerging therapies target the angiogenesis (e.g., bevacizumab) and MAPK/ERK pathway, which is activated by somatic BRAF V600E mutations in PCP, has been successfully targeted with BRAF/MEK inhibitors, demonstrating significant efficacy in the majority of treated PCP patients. whereas immune checkpoint inhibitors and SHH pathway modulators face significant challenges. Additionally, ACP-related endocrine dysfunction and hypothalamic obesity require tailored interventions, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and MC4R-targeted therapies. Precision medicine, informed by molecular subtyping and multi-omics data, holds transformative potential for ACP treatment. Future strategies should focus on combinatorial therapies to address tumor heterogeneity, microenvironment modulation, and senolytic approaches. Collaborative multidisciplinary efforts are crucial to translating these insights into clinical practice, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. Show less

Non-olfactory G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate vital physiological functions and are targets for ∼34% of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. While small-molecule-activated GPCRs are well studied, there is growing interest in peptide GPCRs, particularly the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), a key regulator of energy balance and appetite. Activation of MC4R by β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (β-MSH) reduces food intake, and pathway dysfunction leads to obesity. However, current methods to study GPCR-peptide interactions are resource intensive and low throughput. To address this, we developed a high-throughput cell surface peptide display platform with a β-arrestin-based MC4R reporter to screen over 2,000 β-MSH point mutants. This approach identified peptide variants that significantly impact MC4R activation, including a novel D5H mutant with enhanced receptor activation. Our results demonstrate a scalable method to directly link GPCR activation to peptide variants, offering insights for therapeutic peptide design. Show less

Amino acids in the brain modulate eating behavior and energy balance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of DL-methionine (DL-Met), l-lysine monohydrochloride (L-Lys-HCl), and taurine (Tau) on feed intake and the mRNA expression levels of appetite-related hypothalamic neuropeptides in chicks. DL-Met, l-Lys-HCl, or Tau was intracerebroventricularly (ICV) administered to 5-day-old layer-type chicks, and the feed intake was recorded until 1 h post-injection. Quantitative PCR was performed to determine the hypothalamic mRNA expression levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its receptors, agouti-related protein (AgRP), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), and melanocortin receptors. Our results indicated that injection time and treatment have a significant effect on food intake. Food intake decreased significantly at 30 and 60 min after ICV administration of DL-Met (1.678 μmol), l-Lys-HCl (6.856 μmol), and Tau (5.006 μmol) compared to the control group (P > 0.05). On the contrary, a high dose of each amino acid did not alter feed intake (P > 0.05). The result showed that ICV injection of DL-Met (1.678 μmol) significantly decreased the mRNA expressions of NPY,NPY4R, and NPY6R (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect on the mRNA expressions of NPY1R, NPY5R, and AgRP in the hypothalamus (P > 0.05). Similarly, ICV injection of l-Lys-HCl (6.856 μmol) and Tau (5.006 μmol) significantly decreased mRNA levels of NPY, NPY4R, and NPY6R (P < 0.05), without affecting the mRNA expressions of NPY1R, NPY5R, and AgRP (P > 0.05). DL-Met had no effect on anorexigenic gene expression (P > 0.05). l-Lys-HCl upregulated MC1R (P < 0.05), and Tau upregulated POMC and MC3R (P < 0.05), and both had no influence on CART, MC4R, or MC5R (P > 0.05). The result suggests that both orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptide genes are involved in the effects of DL-Met, l-Lys-HCl, and Tau. The effect of DL-Met, l-Lys-HCl, and Tau acts in a dose-dependent manner in the hypothalamus to influence feed intake. Show less

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has emerged as a critical environmental threat to ocular health; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms affecting the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) remain largely uncharacterized. This study aimed to investigate transcriptomic alterations in RPE cells following PM2.5 exposure and to identify key regulatory pathways involved. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to investigate differential gene expression in ARPE-19 cells upon PM2.5 exposure. Bioinformatic analyses, including pathway enrichment and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), were performed to identify affected signaling cascades. Functional assays-including cell viability, wound healing, and Transwell migration-were conducted to evaluate phenotypic changes. Quantitative RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) validated gene expression and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) secretion. TGF-β stimulation and receptor inhibition were applied to dissect pathway involvement. Comprehensive analysis revealed substantial changes in gene expression profiles, with pathway enrichment highlighting the activation of cell migration-related pathways such as focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, tight junction, and adherens junction. Notably, the TGF-β, MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase), and PI3K/AKT (Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase / Protein Kinase B) pathways were significantly modulated. Functional assays showed that PM2.5 exposure enhanced ARPE-19 cell viability and migratory capacity. Among the differentially expressed genes, angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) was markedly upregulated following PM2.5 stimulation. Pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β signaling abrogated PM2.5-induced ANGPTL4 expression, suggesting a pivotal role of the TGF-β pathway in mediating these effects. These findings demonstrate that PM2.5 induces transcriptomic reprogramming and activates the TGF-β signaling cascade in RPE cells, thereby enhancing cellular migration. Specifically, ANGPTL4 was identified as a key downstream effector of this pathway. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms by which air pollution contributes to retinal disease pathogenesis and suggests potential therapeutic targets for preventing PM2.5-induced retinal injury. Show less

The aim of this study was to determine if retatrutide, a triple agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor and glucagon (GCG) receptor, may lower serum triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in part by decreasing circulating concentrations of the angiopoietin-like protein 3/8 complex (ANGPTL3/8). In post-hoc analyses of two phase 2 retatrutide trials, concentrations of ANGPTL3/8, ANGPTL4/8 complex (ANGPTL4/8), ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 were measured using dedicated immunoassays to determine percent changes from baseline. Correlations of ANGPTL protein and complex levels with lipid and metabolic parameters at baseline were analysed. Correlations of the changes in ANGPTL protein and complex levels versus the changes in lipid and metabolic parameters at study endpoints were also analysed. Direct effects of retatrutide itself, GIP, GLP-1, GCG and a GCG receptor (GCGR) antagonist antibody on ANGPTL3/8 secretion were studied in vitro using primary human hepatocytes. ANGPTL3/8 reductions were observed with 8 and 12 mg retatrutide doses in participants with type 2 diabetes, and with 1, 4, 8 and 12 mg retatrutide doses in participants with obesity or overweight but without diabetes. In both cases, ANGPTL3/8 decreases paralleled retatrutide-induced reductions in TG and LDL-C. In primary human hepatocytes, both glucagon and retatrutide decreased ANGPTL3/8 secretion, and these reductions were blocked with the GCGR antagonist antibody. Together, these results suggest that the GCGR agonism of retatrutide could lead to reduced circulating ANGPTL3/8 concentrations, which may then contribute to decreases in TG and LDL-C levels. Show less

Gastric cancer (GC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous disease with poor survival outcomes. The progression of GC involves complex, multi-step processes. Endothelial cells (ECs) play a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, particularly through the process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). However, the specific role and mechanisms of EndoMT in gastric cancer remain unclear. Based on 6 GC single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) cohorts (samples = 97), we established an EndoMT-related gene signature, termed EdMTS. Leveraging this gene signature, ssGSEA was applied to calculate sample scores across multiple bulk RNA-seq datasets, which include information on immunotherapy, metastasis, GC progression, and survival. Moreover, we applied the Monocle2 method to calculate cell pseudotime and used CellChat to analyze interactions between malignant and EC cells. We verified the molecular mechanism by multiple immunofluorescence and cell function experiments. Findings In this study, we established a single-cell atlas of ECs in GC and identified a subpopulation of COL1A1 Show less

Injectable hydrogel implants represent a promising therapeutic approach for ischemic heart failure; but their efficacy is often limited by low bioactivity, poor durability, and inadequate injection techniques. Herein, a unique hydrogel incorporating extracellular matrix from fish swim bladder (FSB-ECM), which has distinct advantages over mammalian derived ECM, such as low antigenicity, bioactivity, and source safety, is developed. It consists of collagen, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, including 13 proteins common in the myocardial matrix and three specific proteins: HSPG, Col12a1, and vWF. This hydrogel enhances cardiac cell adhesion and stretching while promoting angiogenesis and M2 macrophage polarization. In addition, its storage modulus (G') increases over time, reaching about 1000 Pa after 5 min, which facilitates transcatheter delivery and in situ gelling. Furthermore, this hydrogel provides sustained support for cardiac contractions, exhibiting superior longevity. In a rat model of ischemic heart failure, the ejection fraction significantly improves with FSB-ECM treatment, accompanied by increased angiogenesis, reduced inflammation, and decreased infarct size. Finally, RNA sequencing combined with in vitro assays identifies ANGPTL4 as a key protein involved in mediating the effects of FSB-ECM treatment. Overall, this new injectable hydrogel based on FSB-ECM is suitable for transcatheter delivery and possesses remarkable reparative capabilities for treating heart failure. Show less

In recent years, accumulating evidence has highlighted the critical role of miR-627-5p in the occurrence and progression of various cancers. However, its specific role and mechanism in cervical cancer (CC) remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which miR-627-5p inhibits the malignant progression of CC and assess its potential clinical implications. In C33A cells, the mRNA expression levels of ANGPTL4 and miR-627-5p were analyzed using qRT-PCR. The miR-627-5p mimics and their control (miR-NC) were transfected into C33A cells to determine whether miR-627-5p directly regulates ANGPTL4 expression. A comprehensive suite of assays, including CCK-8, migration, transwell, flow cytometry, and Western blotting, was conducted to evaluate how miR-627-5p modulates the malignant biological behavior of CC cells. Rescue experiments were performed by overexpressing ANGPTL4. In C33A cells, miR-627-5p expression was reduced, whereas ANGPTL4 expression was elevated. Further analysis confirmed that miR-627-5p negatively regulates ANGPTL4 by directly targeting its 3'-UTR. Functional assays demonstrated that miR-627-5p inhibits proliferation, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) while promoting apoptosis and S-phase arrest in C33A cells, effects that were reversed by ANGPTL4 overexpression. These findings highlight the potential of miR-627-5p as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target for CC. By inhibiting EMT and regulating ANGPTL4 expression, miR-627-5p may provide a novel avenue for improving therapeutic strategies, particularly in advanced or metastatic CC. Moreover, miRNA-based therapies, supported by advanced delivery systems such as nanoparticle carriers, could enhance the stability and precision of miR-627-5p applications. This study lays the groundwork for future research integrating miR-627-5p into precision medicine approaches for CC treatment. Show less

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a hepatokine implicated in fat metabolism regulation. Its genetic inactivation has been associated with improved glucose homeostasis, while elevated plasma ANGPTL4 levels are observed in diabetic and obese individuals. However, the potential link between ANGPTL4 and diabetes- or obesity-related complications remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore whether plasma ANGPTL4 level could serve as a predictor of cancer mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality in a community-based cohort. A community-based cohort study was conducted, where fasting plasma ANGPTL4 concentrations were measured at baseline, and vital status was ascertained through linkage with the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. During a 10.46-year follow-up period, 29 (2.49%) of the 1163 participants died. Subjects within the highest tertile of plasma ANGPTL4 levels exhibited the lowest survival rate. In unadjusted models, plasma ANGPTL4 significantly predicted all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cardiovascular or cancer-related mortality. Upon adjustment for confounders including age, sex, smoking, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), and renal function, each standard deviation increase in plasma ANGPTL4 was associated with HRs of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.01-1.80, Plasma ANGPTL4 emerges as a promising biomarker capable of predicting 10-year mortality and enhancing risk prediction beyond established risk factors. Show less