This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed data from 9,218 patients who underwent physical examinations at Shanghai Health and Medical Center in 2022. HP infection status was determined using Show more
This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed data from 9,218 patients who underwent physical examinations at Shanghai Health and Medical Center in 2022. HP infection status was determined using the carbon-13 breath test, and clinical data, biochemical indicators, and lipid metabolism-related data were collected. Multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between HP infection and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio. Patients in the HP-positive group were older and had a higher proportion of males. Their body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), Creatinine and White blood Cell were significantly higher than those in the HP-negative group. The HP-positive group exhibited a higher prevalence of underlying diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease) and significant abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and other indicators. The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was significantly elevated in the HP-positive group and was not influenced by gender. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is an independent risk factor for HP infection. HP infection is closely associated with abnormal lipid metabolism, and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is an independent risk factor for HP infection, demonstrating significant advantages over other lipid indicators. This large-scale study highlights a significant association between HP infection and an elevated ApoB/ApoA1 ratio. The findings suggest that HP may contribute to cardiovascular risk via dyslipidemia, with the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio serving as a potential biomarker. Further research should explore whether HP eradication could mitigate these metabolic disturbances. Show less
To explore latent profiles of social isolation in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients and to analyse the factors influencing different latent profiles. Multicentre cross-sectional study. Between Show more
To explore latent profiles of social isolation in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients and to analyse the factors influencing different latent profiles. Multicentre cross-sectional study. Between November 2024 to March 2025, 305 MHD patients from the haemodialysis centres of three hospitals in Henan Province, China, were recruited using a convenience sampling method. All participants completed the general information questionnaire, Lubben Social Network Scale 6 (LSNS-6), UCLA Loneliness Scale-6 (ULS-6) and Personal Mastery Scale. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to classify the participants into potential subgroups with different types of social isolation. The influencing factors of profiles were explored by univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. Social isolation of 305 patients can be divided into three profiles: the family-friend dual isolation group (14.10%), friend isolation-only group (47.54%), and social network well-being group (38.36%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that monthly personal income, living arrangement, social participation, dialysis time, post-dialysis fatigue, number of comorbidities, loneliness and personal mastery were identified as factors influencing the profiles. There is heterogeneity in social isolation among MHD patients. It is therefore necessary to implement targeted intervention measures based on the distinct characteristics of each subgroup to facilitate their social reintegration. Nurses should identify differences in social isolation among MHD patients. It is necessary to establish tripartite connections between families, hospitals and communities, and develop personalised psychosocial interventions to alleviate social isolation. The study identified distinct subgroups of social isolation among MHD patients, while emphasising the impact of psychological resources such as loneliness and personal mastery on social isolation. This may offer critical insights for nurses to develop targeted interventions for patients' social health. The study followed the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies. No patient or public involvement. 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
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with antiangiogenic agents have become a standard strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There remains an urgent need for effective biomarke Show more
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with antiangiogenic agents have become a standard strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There remains an urgent need for effective biomarkers to guide treatment, with C-reactive protein and alpha-fetoprotein in immunotherapy (CRAFITY) scores and cytokine levels representing promising candidates. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and potential biomarkers of anlotinib plus TQB2450 in patients with advanced HCC. This study was a single-arm, phase Ib trial. Twenty-five patients with advanced HCC were enrolled. Patients received an intravenous infusion of TQB2450 (1200 mg, on Day 1) and oral administration of anlotinib (initiated at 10 mg, once a day, from Day 1 to Day 14), which was repeated every 3 weeks. Blood was collected at baseline for serum cytokine analysis. After a median follow-up of 41.80 months, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 5.49 months, and the median overall survival (mOS) was 8.94 months. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 22 patients, with grade ⩾3 TRAEs observed in 12 patients. Patients who achieved clinical benefit (CB) had higher baseline serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels than non-CB patients (median, 227.97 vs 129.26 pg/ml, Anlotinib plus TQB2450 demonstrated promising efficacy with manageable safety in advanced HCC. Elevated serum BDNF levels might serve as a potential positive prognostic marker and, together with ECOG score, may help complement the CRAFITY score in identifying subgroups that could benefit from ICIs and antiangiogenic therapy. Show less
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Growing evidence highlights the crucial role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in BC carcinogenesis; however, their underlying mech Show more
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Growing evidence highlights the crucial role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in BC carcinogenesis; however, their underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we identify circCLASP1, which is significantly upregulated in BC tissues (n = 65) and serum samples (n = 61). Its expression correlates with lymph node metastasis, ki67 expression, and tumor size. Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve analysis reveals area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.8196 (BC tissues) and 0.8902 (BC serum), respectively. Functionally, circCLASP1 knockdown significantly suppresses BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, circCLASP1 prevents the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of GLI1 protein by facilitating its interaction with CCT2, thereby stabilizing GLI1. Moreover, circCLASP1 enhances the nuclear accumulation of GLI1, leading to increased SNAIL expression and thereby upregulating the expression of CCL2 and CCL5, which in turn promotes macrophage M2 polarization, ultimately resulting in BC progression and subsequent lung metastasis. Further analysis reveals that U2AF2 regulates circCLASP1 biogenesis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that circCLASP1 promotes BC progression and an immunosuppressive microenvironment via the CCT2/GLI1/SNAIL axis, highlighting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for BC. Show less
The high mortality rate of severe heat stroke is mainly related to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and respiratory failure caused by acute lung injury (ALI) is a significant factor in the Show more
The high mortality rate of severe heat stroke is mainly related to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and respiratory failure caused by acute lung injury (ALI) is a significant factor in the development of MODS during the course of severe heat stroke. Previous research has demonstrated that severe heat stroke-induced acute lung injury (sHS-ALI) is associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vascular endothelial cells (VECs), but the specific initiating factors and intermediate mechanisms involved are unclear. In this study, the mRNA profiles of mouse lung tissues were analysed using high-throughput sequencing. Genome-wide knockout was performed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to identify a cohort of differentially expressed genes that promote human umbilical vein endothelial cells survival after heat stress. The expression of key proteins [fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), phosphorylated fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (p-FGFR-1), FGFR-1, phosphorylated phospholipase C-γ2 (p-PLC-γ2), PLC-γ2, p-p47 In this study, we first screened sHS-ALI target genes by cross-comparison This study confirmed that FGF23/FGFR1 signalling, as an upstream priming factor, mediated NOX2-ROS activation in VECs after heat stress, thus participating in the sHS-ALI process. FGFR-1 Y766 phosphorylation is essential for FGF23/FGFR-1 signalling activation in VECs, which is involved in sHS-ALI. These findings further clarify the mechanism underlying sHS-ALI and contribute to reducing the mortality and morbidity of severe heat stroke. Show less
Long-term space missions are of growing research interest because of the space exploration. However, plenty of works focused on the impaired immune response, less attention has been paid to the activa Show more
Long-term space missions are of growing research interest because of the space exploration. However, plenty of works focused on the impaired immune response, less attention has been paid to the activation of immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory function. The molecular mechanism of immune disorder induced by microgravity still needs investigation. Here, we used a random positioning machine to generate a simulated microgravity environment and evaluated its effects on mouse RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. We used ATAC-seq and RNA-seq for revealing the mechanism at chromatin level and gene level. From ATAC-seq, we obtained an average of 75,700,675 paired-end clean reads for each library and the mapping rates averaged at 96.8 %. The number of differential accessible regions were 510 for increased peaks, 638 for decreased peaks. From RNA-seq, we obtained 278 differentially expressed genes, of which 104 were down-regulated and 174 were up-regulated genes. Through ATAC-seq and RNA-seq multi-omics analysis, we identified a group of 17 genes. Then we chose 6 up-regulated genes (CD83, CEBPD, CXCR5, DUSP6, SEMA4B, TNFRSF22) that related to immunosuppressive function for further confirmation. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with sequencing results, which indicated that simulated microgravity leads to the up-regulated expression of immunosuppressive genes of macrophages. Taken together, our results offered novel insights for understanding the brief principles and mechanisms of simulated microgravity induced immune dysfunction to macrophage. Show less
Meniscus degeneration contributes to knee arthritis progression, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of meniscus aging remain poorly understood. We aimed to characterize age-related changes in t Show more
Meniscus degeneration contributes to knee arthritis progression, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of meniscus aging remain poorly understood. We aimed to characterize age-related changes in the rat meniscus using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and identify key pathogenic cell populations and pathways. Meniscal tissues from young (12 weeks) and aged (24 months) rats were processed for histology, flow cytometry, and scRNA-seq. Bioinformatics tools, including Seurat, Monocle 2, and CellChat, were used to analyze cellular composition, pseudotime trajectories, and intercellular communication. Senescence-related features and signaling pathways were evaluated. Knee joint of aged rats exhibited higher Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores and synovial inflammation. scRNA-seq revealed three major chondrocyte subpopulations: Sox9 + stable chondrocytes, Fndc1 + fibrochondrocytes, and Atf3 + senescent chondrocytes. Aging caused a significant increase in Atf3 + senescent chondrocytes, characterized by the expression of senescence markers (Cdkn1a/Cdkn2a) and activation of inflammatory pathways such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). These cells were predominantly located at the endpoint of differentiation trajectories. CellChat analysis identified the ANGPTL4-SDC4 axis as a key signaling pathway mediated by Atf3 + cells. Immunostaining confirmed elevated Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4 (ANGPTL4) expression in aged menisci. We identified Atf3 + senescent chondrocytes as a key pathogenic population in the aging meniscus, driving degeneration via the ANGPTL4 pathway. Targeting Atf3 + cells or ANGPTL4 signaling may offer new therapeutic strategies for age-related meniscus degeneration and arthritis. Show less
The widely accepted theory of endometriosis posits that endometriosis stems from the translocation of endometrial tissue through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. However, the exact patho Show more
The widely accepted theory of endometriosis posits that endometriosis stems from the translocation of endometrial tissue through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. However, the exact pathogenesis and critical molecules of endometriosis remain unclear. Here, we find that alanyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (AARS1) is abundantly expressed in endometrial tissues and promotes the proliferation, migratory capability, and invasive potential in endometriotic stromal cells (EESC) and 11Z cells. Moreover, AARS1 enhances epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in EESC and 11Z cells. In addition, AARS1 could lactylate Snail1 to maintain its protein stability. In summary, this work identifies a crucial role of AARS1 in advancing endometriosis, which may provide new insights into its pathogenesis and future disease management. Show less
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
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
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
The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, is supported by positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations Show more
The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, is supported by positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations, suggesting a shared genetic basis. However, the precise genetic mechanisms underlying these associations remain elusive. By assessing genetic correlations, genetic overlap, and causal connections, we aim to shed light on common genetic underpinnings among major CVDs. Employing multi-trait analysis, we pursue diverse strategies to unveil shared genetic elements, encompassing SNPs, genes, gene sets, and functional categories with pleiotropic implications. Our study systematically quantifies genetic overlap beyond genome-wide genetic correlations across CVDs, while identifying a putative causal relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF). We then pinpointed 38 genomic loci with pleiotropic influence across CVDs, of which the most influential pleiotropic locus is located at the LPA gene. Notably, 12 loci present high evidence of multi-trait colocalization and display congruent directional effects. Examination of genes and gene sets linked to these loci unveiled robust associations with circulatory system development processes. Intriguingly, distinct patterns predominantly driven by atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and venous thromboembolism underscore the significant disparities between clinically defined CVD classifications and underlying shared biological mechanisms, according to functional annotation findings. Show less
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Yue Cao, Nana Wu, Yanfen Liu+3 more · 2025 · Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society · SAGE Publications · added 2026-04-24
ObjectiveRespect for older adults (ROA) is shaped by multiple ecological systems and personal factors. However, little is known about the potential subgroups that may differ in their constellation of Show more
ObjectiveRespect for older adults (ROA) is shaped by multiple ecological systems and personal factors. However, little is known about the potential subgroups that may differ in their constellation of influencing factors and their association with ROA.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1,476 community-dwelling Chinese adults aged 18-83 years ( 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
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
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminatin Show more
Sepsis, characterized as a systemic inflammatory response triggered by pathogen invasion, represents a continuum that may progress from mild systemic infection to severe sepsis, potentially culminating in septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. A pivotal element in the pathogenesis and progression of sepsis involves the significant disruption of oncological metabolic networks, where cells within the pathological milieu exhibit metabolic functions that diverge from their healthy counterparts. Among these, purine metabolism plays a crucial role in nucleic acid synthesis. However, the contribution of Purine Metabolism Genes (PMGs) to the defense mechanisms against sepsis remains inadequately explored. Leveraging bioinformatics, this study aimed to identify and substantiate potential PMGs implicated in sepsis. The approach encompassed a differential expression analysis across a pool of 75 candidate PMGs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were employed to assess the biological significance and pathways associated with these genes. Additionally, Lasso regression and Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) methodologies were implemented to identify key hub genes and evaluate the diagnostic potential of nine selected PMGs in sepsis identification. The study also examined the correlation between these hub PMGs and related genes, with validation conducted through expression level analysis using the GSE13904 and GSE65682 datasets. The study identified twelve PMGs correlated with sepsis, namely AK9, ENTPD3, NUDT16, GMPR2, PKM, RRM2B, POLR2J, POLE3, ADCY3, ADCY4, ADSSL1, and AMPD1. Functional analysis revealed their involvement in critical processes such as purine nucleotide and ribose phosphate metabolism. The diagnostic capability of these PMGs to effectively differentiate sepsis cases underscored their potential as biomarkers. This research elucidates twelve PMGs associated with sepsis, providing valuable insights into novel biomarkers for this condition and facilitating the monitoring of its progression. These findings highlight the significance of purine metabolism in sepsis pathogenesis and open avenues for further investigation into therapeutic targets. Show less
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is characterized by progressive leaflet thickening and calcification, with no available pharmacological treatments. Plasma proteins play a pivotal role in disease Show more
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is characterized by progressive leaflet thickening and calcification, with no available pharmacological treatments. Plasma proteins play a pivotal role in disease regulation. This study aimed to uncover novel therapeutic targets for CAVD using Mendelian randomization (MR) integrated with transcriptomic analysis. Protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) from the deCODE and UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP) plasma protein databases were used as exposure data. The FinnGen cohort (9870 cases, 402,311 controls) served as the discovery set, while the TARGET cohort (13,765 cases, 640,102 controls) provided validation. MR and summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) were employed to screen for potential causal targets of CAVD. Colocalization analysis was conducted to assess whether CAVD and target proteins shared common causal SNPs. Additional analyses included trancriptomic profiling at multiple RNA levels. Protein-level validation was conducted via Western blot and immunostaining. Six proteins (ANGPTL4, PCSK9, ITGAV, CTSB, GNPTG, and FURIN) with strong genetic colocalization were identified by MR and SMR analysis. Among these, cellular trancriptomic analysis revealed ANGPTL4 and ITGAV with significantly greater expression in osteogenic group, which was further validated in calcified aortic valves and osteogenic valvular interstitial cells in protein level. This study identified six causal proteins with strong genetic colocalization for CAVD, with ANGPTL4 and ITGAV emerging as the most promising targets for further investigation. Show less
Zhige Yan, Xiajun Guo, Ying Hu+2 more · 2025 · Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · Springer · added 2026-04-24
To elucidate the accurate roles of dysfunctional sleep beliefs in modulating cancer-related fatigue (CRF), identify distinct sleep hygiene profiles, and assess whether and how these profiles serve as Show more
To elucidate the accurate roles of dysfunctional sleep beliefs in modulating cancer-related fatigue (CRF), identify distinct sleep hygiene profiles, and assess whether and how these profiles serve as mediators in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study recruited 396 lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy between May and December 2023. Participants completed the Sleep Hygiene Index, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify profiles of sleep hygiene, and mediation analysis was performed to explore the impacts of sleep hygiene profiles and dysfunctional sleep beliefs on CRF. LPA revealed three distinct sleep hygiene profiles: normal (33.3%), excellent (50.3%), and poor (16.4%). Family monthly disposable income, radiotherapy, and performance status were identified as influential factors distinguishing these profiles. Additionally, the dimensions of dysfunctional sleep beliefs and sleep hygiene profiles showed different correlations with CRF. With the normal sleep hygiene group as reference, mediation analysis revealed that poor sleep hygiene serves as a mediator between sleep worry of dysfunctional sleep beliefs and CRF (SE = 0.010, 95% CI [0.006, 0.047]). This study contributes to understanding the heterogeneity in sleep hygiene in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and elucidates the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between sleep worry of dysfunctional cognitions and CRF. Clinical healthcare providers developing targeted interventions in terms of sleep beliefs and sleep hygiene might be helpful to alleviate CRF in this population. Show less
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
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