Atherosclerosis is a primary contributor to worldwide morbidity and mortality. Failure to timely clear apoptotic cells can trigger a cascade reaction, where the necrotic core expands until the fibrous Show more
Atherosclerosis is a primary contributor to worldwide morbidity and mortality. Failure to timely clear apoptotic cells can trigger a cascade reaction, where the necrotic core expands until the fibrous cap is ruptured, and atherosclerotic plaques become vulnerable. Efferocytosis is an important method for recognizing and eliminating apoptotic cells. Nevertheless, the specific effect of efferocytosis on atherosclerosis remains uncertain. This study aimed to identify and verify the relevant characteristics of efferocytosis for detecting atherosclerosis. The data of gene expression patterns of atherosclerosis were sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the differential expression analyses of efferocytosis-related genes (EFRGs) were performed between the atherosclerosis samples and the control samples. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction (PPI), correlation analysis, and functional enrichment analysis were performed to reveal the interaction between molecules as well as their pathways. Machine learning (ML) was employed to determine hub genes to construct a clinical prediction model. At the same time, immune infiltration, single-cell transcriptome analysis, and cell experiments were conducted in both atherosclerosis and control samples to provide a reference for the immune cell landscape and the cell heterogeneity under this condition. The study revealed that 14 genes were closely related to efferocytosis in atherosclerosis. Among them, an ML model was used to screen 5 potential diagnostic biomarkers, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), apolipoprotein E (ApoE), neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1), triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), and chitinase-3 like-protein-1 (CHI3L1). Subsequent external validation indicated that, except for TNF, the other 4 genes were all upregulated. From the cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) analysis, those 5 genes were all significantly associated with various immune cells. Further single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis demonstrated that those 5 genes were selectively upregulated in the macrophages of atherosclerosis lesions, which was supported by mRNA levels in cell experiments. This study clarified the association between atherosclerosis and efferocytosis, and established an effective diagnostic model. Moreover, potential treatment targets for atherosclerosis were identified, offering new insights into the potential mechanism of atherosclerosis. Show less
Obesity and dysregulated cytokine levels are prevalent in schizophrenia patients undergoing antipsychotic treatment. While cytokines are implicated in obesity, their relationship with psychopathology Show more
Obesity and dysregulated cytokine levels are prevalent in schizophrenia patients undergoing antipsychotic treatment. While cytokines are implicated in obesity, their relationship with psychopathology in schizophrenia remains underexplored. This study investigated associations between body mass index (BMI), cytokine levels, and clinical symptoms in chronic schizophrenia patients. In this cross-sectional study,201chronic schizophrenia patients (Chinese Han population) were stratified into high BMI (BMI≥25kg/m A significant negative correlation was observed between BMI and IL-2( Higher BMI in chronic schizophrenia is associated with reduced IL-2 levels, attenuated negative symptoms, and adverse lipid profiles. TNF-α may modulate psychopathology severity. These findings highlight complex interactions between metabolic dysregulation, immune markers, and clinical manifestations in schizophrenia. 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
The Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) are well-established drug targets for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Studies Show more
The Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) are well-established drug targets for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Studies have linked GLP-1R agonist to cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), while the therapeutic potential of the GIPR agonist remains a topic of debate. Using genetic variants as instrumental variables, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate causal relationships between genetically proxied GIPR agonist and 23 CMD outcomes, and a two-step mediation analysis to identify mediating inflammatory biomarkers. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method served as the primary analytical approach, supplemented by sensitivity analyses to validate robustness. The genetic mimicry of GIPR enhancement showed significant protective associations with 14 CMDs. Mediation analysis revealed that Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) partially mediated the effects of GIPR agonist on angina (OR 0.997 [0.995-0.999], P = 0.0048) and myocardial infarction(MI) (OR 0.998 [0.996-0.999], P = 0.0077), accounting for 15.49% and 16.71% of the total risk reduction, respectively. Our study revealed that GIPR agonist lowers the risk of 14 CMDs. Flt3L is pinpointed as a key mediating factor in reducing angina and MI risk, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue. Show less
Osteoglophonic Dysplasia (OGD) is an autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia characterized by impaired bone growth resulting in short stature, severe craniofacial abnormalities, and in some patients FGF Show more
Osteoglophonic Dysplasia (OGD) is an autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia characterized by impaired bone growth resulting in short stature, severe craniofacial abnormalities, and in some patients FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemia. It is caused by gain-of-function variants in FGFR1, particularly in or near the transmembrane domain of the receptor. We used CRISPR in mice to knock-in the FGFR1 p.N330I variant, chosen based on its association with FGF23 excess. Skeletal phenotyping of this Show less
Lanthanides-doped luminescent materials have gathered considerable attention due to their application potential in stress sensing, lighting and display, anti-counterfeiting technology and so forth. Ho Show more
Lanthanides-doped luminescent materials have gathered considerable attention due to their application potential in stress sensing, lighting and display, anti-counterfeiting technology and so forth. However, existing materials mainly cover the 380-1540 nm range, with slight extension to the UV region, impeding their applications in solar-blind imaging, background-free tracking, concealed communication, etc. To address this challenge, here we propose guidelines for far-UVC (200-230 nm) optical design. Accordingly, we achieve multi-stimulated far-UVC luminescence at ~222 nm in Pr Show less
Colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis remains a major cause of mortality, driven by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion. Programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4), a tumor suppressor, is known Show more
Colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis remains a major cause of mortality, driven by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion. Programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4), a tumor suppressor, is known to inhibit translation via interaction with eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A). Previous studies have established that Pdcd4 suppresses stress-activated protein kinase 1-interacting protein 1 (Sin1) translation through the mTORC2-Akt axis, thereby downregulating Snail expression and EMT in CRC cells. However, whether Pdcd4 directly regulates Slug, another critical EMT transcription factor, remains unexplored. PDCD4 shRNA and SLUG siRNA were used to knock down Pdcd4 and Slug in colorectal cancer cells, respectively. The sucrose gradient fractionation was performed to determine SLUG translation. A luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the role of the SLUG 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) on Pdcd4 inhibition. The effect of Slug on promoting invasion was determined by Matrigel invasion assays. Knockdown of Pdcd4 in colorectal cancer cells increased Slug protein levels without altering SLUG mRNA abundance. Sucrose gradient fractionation revealed that Pdcd4 knockdown elevated the proportion of SLUG mRNA in polysome fractions, demonstrating Pdcd4-mediated suppression of SLUG translation. To validate the mechanism, the SLUG 5'UTR was cloned and fused to a luciferase reporter and named SLUG-5'UTR-Luc. Pdcd4 knockdown markedly enhanced SLUG-5'UTR-Luc activity; whereas, ectopic Pdcd4 expression suppressed it, indicating that the SLUG 5'UTR is critical for Pdcd4-mediated translational repression. Treatment with the eIF4A inhibitor silvestrol substantially reduced Slug protein levels and SLUG-5'UTR-Luc activity. In addition, Pdcd4 overexpression decreased Slug protein abundance and restored E-cadherin expression. Notably, Slug knockdown in Pdcd4-deficient cells rescued E-cadherin expression and abrogated the invasive phenotype. These findings suggest that up-regulation of Slug translation by Pdcd4 knockdown contributes to enhanced invasion. Pdcd4 suppresses colorectal cancer invasion by translationally downregulating Slug expression. Show less
With the advancement of genomic technologies, precision lifestyle interventions tailored to individual genetic backgrounds have emerged as a novel approach for preventing and managing chronic diseases Show more
With the advancement of genomic technologies, precision lifestyle interventions tailored to individual genetic backgrounds have emerged as a novel approach for preventing and managing chronic diseases such as obesity. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting obese or overweight populations have found that individuals with different genotypes exhibit varying responses to the same lifestyle intervention (gene-lifestyle intervention interactions). To date, more than 20 genes, including Show less
Astrocytes are key regulators of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Electroacupuncture (EA), a safe and cost-effective adjuvant therapy, has shown benefits in neurodegenerative diseases, bu Show more
Astrocytes are key regulators of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Electroacupuncture (EA), a safe and cost-effective adjuvant therapy, has shown benefits in neurodegenerative diseases, but its astrocyte-related mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that EA at ST36 alleviated blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and neuroinflammation during the peak period of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Additionally, EA at ST36 upregulated the expression of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and its receptor melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in spinal astrocytes. Pharmacological studies showed that MC4R agonist RO27-3225 mimicked the therapeutic effects of EA, whereas MC4R antagonist TCMCB07 weakened EA-mediated BBB protection and neuroinflammation suppression. Moreover, astrocyte-specific silencing of MC4R via adeno-associated virus (AAV) weakened EA-mediated BBB protection and neuroinflammation suppression. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and western blot (WB) revealed that EA exerts neuroprotective effects by activating MC4R to inhibit MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, in MC4R-overexpressing astrocytes, α-MSH and RO27-3225 reduced inflammation responses, while TCMCB07 reversed the effects by MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. Collectively, our findings identify astrocytic MC4R as a critical mediator of EA-driven neuroprotection by suppressing MAPK/NF-κB signaling, providing mechanistic insight and a promising therapeutic target for EAE and other neuroinflammatory disorders. Show less
Tumor angiogenesis is required for the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibody bevacizumab and multitarget tyrosine kinase i Show more
Tumor angiogenesis is required for the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibody bevacizumab and multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib are anti-cancer treatment options, the combined effect of which in NSCLC remains unclear. A vascularized microfluidic chip was applied to model angiogenesis, together with Bevacizumab plus anlotinib (B+A) inhibited angiogenesis, reducing vessel density to 10% of control values and also reducing diameter and green fluorescent protein (GFP) area ratio. B+A inhibited cell viability by 78%, colony formation by 90%, and invasion by 75% in NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299; downregulated N-cadherin 5.34-fold, vimentin 6.46-fold, and α-SMA 4.35-fold; and upregulated E-cadherin 3.75-fold. The rates of apoptosis of A549 and H1299 cells were increased 3.85-fold. The phosphorylation of VEGFR2, PDGFRβ, and FGFR1 was also reduced. B+A reduced tumor volume 7.23-fold and weight 7.08-fold, decreased tumor cell density, and lowered Ki-67 expression in an HIF-1α inhibitor PX478 did not enhance the anti-tumor effects of B+A, but HIF-1α activator DMOG reversed them. In addition, the combination therapy enhanced CD4 Show less
This study aims to comprehensively analyze the genetic characteristics and prognostic value of stemness- and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-related gene signatures in lung adenocarcinoma Show more
This study aims to comprehensively analyze the genetic characteristics and prognostic value of stemness- and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-related gene signatures in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The RNA-sequencing transcriptome profiling data and corresponding clinical information of LUAD were procured from TCGA-LUAD and GEO datasets. After screening, we first obtained 1488 stemness- and EMT-related genes. Then 304 hub genes were obtained via WGCNA, of which 52 genes were established to be prognosis-related hub genes. Thereafter, a prognostic model containing 11 genes (ANGPTL4, CCL20, ENO1, FGF2, LGR4, PIM2, S100P, SATB2, SHOX2, ZNF322, and CFTR) was constructed. We demonstrated that a higher risk score was an independent negative prognostic factor in LUAD patients. A nomogram was further constructed to better predict the survival of LUAD patients. More importantly, we found that the low-risk group has a more favorable anti-tumor immune microenvironment and may benefit more from immunotherapy. We finally noticed that the high-risk group was more sensitive to most drugs including drugs commonly used to treat LUAD patients. In conclusion, this study has summarized the alterations and prognostic role of stemness- and EMT-related gene signatures in LUAD and constructed a prognostic model to accurately and stably predict survival and guide individualized treatment decisions. Show less
In recent years, there has been a steady increase in professionals engaged in radioactive work. The biological impacts of long-term exposure to low dose-rate radiation remain elusive, as there is a de Show more
In recent years, there has been a steady increase in professionals engaged in radioactive work. The biological impacts of long-term exposure to low dose-rate radiation remain elusive, as there is a dearth of systematic research in this field. BEAS-2B cells were used to establish a cell model with continuous passaging after radiation exposure, which was subsequently subjected to in vivo tumorigenesis assays and in vitro malignant phenotype experiments. By scRNA-seq, we conducted copy number variation analysis, cell trajectory analysis, and cell communication analysis. Furthermore, we used FACS, molecular docking, multiplex immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and co-immunoprecipitation to validate and further explore the molecular mechanisms driving tumor evolution. Long-term low dose-rate exposure is associated with a higher degree of malignancy, as evidenced by the induction of more CNV and EMT events, as well as the delayed activation of DNA repair pathways, which trigger increased genomic instability. The long-term low dose-rate specific ligand-receptor pair, ANGPTL4-SDC4, enhances cell malignancy by promoting angiogenesis in newly formed lung tumor cells. This study not only provides the first evidence and mechanistic explanation that long-term low dose-rate radiation leads to increased cellular malignancy but also offers valuable theoretical insights into the dynamic processes of early tumor evolution in lung cancer within the realm of tumor biology. Show less
To analyze the potential therapeutic value and mechanism of luteolin in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using network pharmacology and cellular experiments. SHD-compound targets were retrieved Show more
To analyze the potential therapeutic value and mechanism of luteolin in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using network pharmacology and cellular experiments. SHD-compound targets were retrieved from the TCMSP database, while AMD-related targets were extracted from OMIM and DisGeNET databases. Overlapping targets were identified via Venny 2.1. A PPI network was constructed using the STRING database, followed by functional enrichment analysis of overlapping targets via Metascape. Pharmacological networks were mapped using Cytoscape. For cellular experiments, the optimal concentration of luteolin was determined by CCK-8 assay. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into: Control group (Without any intervention), Model group (VEGF165-induced model), and Treatment group (VEGF165-induced + luteolin). Angiogenesis was evaluated via scratch, transwell migration, invasion, and tube formation assays. VEGFA protein expression was assessed by Western blot. We identified 157 SHD-compound targets and 87 AMD-related targets, yielding 6 overlapping targets (ESR1, PON1, SOD1, APOB, VEGFA, IL6). PPI networks and enrichment analysis revealed that luteolin in SHD may inhibit AMD neovascularization via VEGFA signaling pathways. The concentration of luteolin (25 µmol/L) used in the experiments was selected based on the dose-response results. In vitro assays showed the Treatment group exhibited: significantly reduced horizontal migration (scratch assay, p < 0.05), decreased vertical migration (transwell assay, p < 0.05), suppressed invasion (p < 0.05), and inhibited tube formation (p < 0.05). Western blot confirmed reduced VEGFA expression in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Luteolin alleviates angiogenesis in HUVECs by inhibiting VEGFA expression, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for neovascular AMD. Show less
This study investigated the effects of dietary carbohydrate levels on growth performance, body composition, and hepatic expression of metabolic genes in Chinese hook snout carp (
Several protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in statin-intolerant patients, but none Show more
Several protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in statin-intolerant patients, but none have been verified in Chinese patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ongericimab, a novel PCSK9 monoclonal antibody, in Chinese statin-intolerant patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. This was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study designed to enroll 120 statin-intolerant adult patients. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive ongericimab 150 mg or placebo subcutaneously every 2 weeks for 12 weeks in the double-blind treatment period, followed by 40 weeks of ongericimab treatment during the open-label period. The primary endpoint was a percentage change in LDL-C from baseline to week 12. The key secondary endpoints included percentage change from baseline to week 12 in non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), total cholesterol (TC), and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. From February 6, 2023, to September 23, 2024, a total of 139 patients were enrolled. The least-squares (LS) mean difference between ongericimab and placebo groups in LDL-C from baseline to week 12 was -66.2 % (95 % CI: 74.2 %, -58.2 %; p < 0.0001), with reductions sustained up to week 52. Ongericimab also significantly reduced levels of non-HDL-C, ApoB, TC, and Lp(a). The overall incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was comparable between the ongericimab and placebo groups. Ongericimab significantly reduced LDL-C as well as other atherogenic lipid levels and was well tolerated in Chinese statin-intolerant patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. http://www. gov; Unique Identifier: NCT05621070. Show less
Atherosclerosis serves as the core pathological basis of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arterial diseases, posing a serious threat to human health. However, current mainstream treatme Show more
Atherosclerosis serves as the core pathological basis of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arterial diseases, posing a serious threat to human health. However, current mainstream treatments such as statin drugs and stent implantation are associated with significant side effects or limited efficacy, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), due to their noninvasive nature and anti-inflammatory properties, show potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis. This study utilized ApoE-/- mice, ApoE-/-NLRP3-/- knockout mice, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and human plasma samples for experiments, revealing significant endothelial cell (EC) inflammation and pyroptosis during the progression of atherosclerosis. PEMFs were found to effectively inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, reduce plaque formation, and delay the progression of atherosclerosis. Proteomic analysis of plasma from atherosclerosis patients further indicated elevated expression levels of proteins related to inflammation and pyroptosis, with particularly notable changes in membrane proteins. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that PEMFs improve mitochondrial dysfunction in ECs by regulating membrane tension and the mechanosensitive tension-mediated transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels, thereby reducing pyroptosis. This discovery not only reveals a novel mechanobiological pathway but also provides a solid theoretical foundation for the development of PEMF-based therapies for atherosclerosis. Schematic diagram of the mechanism by which PEMFs treat atherosclerosis (created in BioRender). Wei, B. (2025) https://BioRender.com/undefined ). Show less
Gallstone disease (GD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a significant genetic component. Despite known risk factors, the genetic basis of GD remains incompletely understood. We aimed to iden Show more
Gallstone disease (GD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a significant genetic component. Despite known risk factors, the genetic basis of GD remains incompletely understood. We aimed to identify novel genetic loci associated with GD, explore their clinical implications and investigate their therapeutic potential. We conducted a genome-wide association study from the UK Biobank followed by a meta-analysis, integrating summary statistics from the FinnGen R11, with further replication from Biobank Japan. Using systematic bioinformatic approaches, we performed gene prioritisation, colocalisation analysis, transcriptome-wide association study, Mendelian randomisations, cross-trait genetic correlations, phenome-wide association study, clinical investigations and gene-environment interactions by leveraging data from the FinnGen, Genotype-Tissue Expression project and Liver Cell Atlas single-cell transcriptomics data set. Our study highlighted novel susceptibility loci near candidate genes (ie, This study provides new insights into the genetic basis of GD and highlights the role of hepatocytes in GD pathogenesis. These findings have implications for the personalised prevention strategies and new therapeutic interventions in individuals predisposed to GD. Show less
Coronary heart disease (CHD) has a significant co-morbid association with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but identification tools for the risk of concomitant CKD in patients with CHD are still lacking. Show more
Coronary heart disease (CHD) has a significant co-morbid association with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but identification tools for the risk of concomitant CKD in patients with CHD are still lacking. The purpose of this research was to construct machine learning (ML) models for identifying undetected CKD in CHD patients. 1786 CHD patients undergoing coronary intervention were retrospectively included. Lasso regression and multifactor logistic regression were used to screen feature variables. Five ML models, ie, logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine (GBM), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), were constructed. Participants were divided into the training set and validation set in a 7:3 ratio. The evaluation metrics included the area under the curve, calibration curve, and decision curve. Totally, 1786 CHD patients were enrolled and split into training (70%) and validation (30%) sets. The prevalence of CKD was 21.8% (390/1786). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that men, advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of atrial fibrillation (AF), high Gensini, low hemoglobin, low plateletcrit (PCT), high triglycerides (TG), high lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), hyperkalemia, high uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR), high systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), low lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), and high apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 (ApoB/ApoA1) ratio were the key clinical and laboratory test indicators of CKD. The XGBoost model performed optimally in the validation set (AUC=0.909, 95% CI 0.881 -0.937). SHapley Additive explanation analysis identified UAR, hypertension, Gensini score, age, and SIRI as the top 5 key features. The XGBoost model constructed on routine clinical data was effective in identifying CKD risk in CHD patients, with UAR as a novel strong predictor. Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the model, indicating that it may be used to guide decisions for enhanced monitoring and early intervention over a wide range of risk thresholds. Show less
This study aimed to collaboratively investigate the mechanism of variations in intramuscular fat (IMF) content in Wandong cattle using transcriptomics and metabolomics techniques. Longissimus dorsi (L Show more
This study aimed to collaboratively investigate the mechanism of variations in intramuscular fat (IMF) content in Wandong cattle using transcriptomics and metabolomics techniques. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples were collected from thirteen free-range Wandong cattle in Fengyang County, Anhui Province, China. From this initial cohort, eight animals closely matched in age and body weight were selected. Based on IMF content measured by Soxhlet extraction, these eight cattle were divided into two groups: the high-IMF (HF, n = 4) and low-IMF (LF, n = 4) groups. Subsequent analyses were performed on integrated datasets comprising the transcriptome, metabolome, and fatty acid profile. The results revealed a significant increase in IMF in the HF group compared to the LF group ( Show less
Renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, and its relationship with kidney fibrosis and inflammatory responses has attracted considerable attention. However, whether c Show more
Renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, and its relationship with kidney fibrosis and inflammatory responses has attracted considerable attention. However, whether causal relationships exist among these associations remains unclear, as traditional observational studies are susceptible to confounding factors. To evaluate causal relationships between kidney cancer, kidney fibrosis, and inflammatory factors using Mendelian randomization, and explore tumor microenvironment heterogeneity through single-cell analysis. Based on large-scale GWAS data, bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to assess causal relationships between kidney cancer and kidney fibrosis, using MR Egger, inverse variance weighted (IVW), and weighted mode methods. Causal associations between kidney cancer and inflammatory factors including Axin-1, C-C motif chemokine 28, and interleukin-10 receptor subunit were analyzed. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the GEO database (GSM4819725) was integrated for tumor microenvironment analysis. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis revealed no significant causal relationship between kidney cancer and kidney fibrosis [kidney cancer→kidney fibrosis: IVW OR=0.992(95%CI: 0.913-1.077, P=0.842); kidney fibrosis→kidney cancer: IVW OR=0.922(95%CI: 0.824-1.030, P=0.151)]. However, significant positive causal associations were identified between kidney cancer and multiple inflammatory factors: Axin-1 levels [OR=1.448(95%CI: 1.107-1.894, P=0.007)], C-C motif chemokine 28 [OR=1.287(95%CI: 1.076-1.540, P=0.006)], and interleukin-10 receptor subunit [OR=1.135(95%CI: 1.032-1.248, P=0.009)]. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of results. Single-cell analysis revealed cellular heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment, including various cell types such as immune cells, T cells, and NK cells, with pseudotime analysis demonstrating cell differentiation trajectories and dynamic gene expression changes. Mendelian randomization analysis provides genetic evidence for causal relationships between kidney cancer and inflammatory factors, while excluding direct causal associations between kidney cancer and kidney fibrosis. Show less
The Kruppel-like factor 15(KLF15) gene functions as a crucial transcriptional modulator involved in numerous cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, growth, and programmed cell deat Show more
The Kruppel-like factor 15(KLF15) gene functions as a crucial transcriptional modulator involved in numerous cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, growth, and programmed cell death. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) provides malignant cells with the adaptability and movement necessary for tumor advancement and spread, with zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1(ZEB1) playing a pivotal role as a transcriptional factor in EMT. This investigation initially examined the association between the KLF15 protein and EMT associated transcription factors such as ZEB1, Slug, and Snail, along with marker proteins like E-cadherin and β-catenin in bladder cancer. Furthermore, we explored their connections with clinicopathological attributes and conducted prognostic analyses. Immunohistochemical techniques were utilized to ascertain the presence of KLF15 protein and EMT-associated transcription factor proteins, along with their marker proteins in 110 specimens of bladder cancer tissues. Concurrently, clinicopathological data and postoperative survival statistics were amassed. The rates of KLF15 and Slug protein expression were linked with pathological differentiation, lymphatic involvement, and pTNM staging. The protein expression rates of ZEB1, Slug, Snail, E-cadherin, and β-catenin also showed associations with lymphatic metastasis and pTNM stages. Notably, the expression of KLF15, the coexpression of KLF15 and ZEB1, and lymphatic metastasis emerged as independent prognostic indicators for the overall survival rates in bladder cancer cases. EMT enhances the risk of tumor recurrence and reduces overall survival durations in bladder cancer cases. Furthermore, KLF15 is a significant contributor to the EMT pathway in bladder cancer, primarily through its interaction with the transcription factor ZEB1. KLF15 and ZEB1 might serve as key biomarkers for metastasis and prognosis, offering potential new targets for therapeutic intervention in bladder cancer. Show less
G-patch domain-containing protein 2 (GPATCH2), a member of the G-patch domain-containing family, has been implicated in tumor cell growth, but the link between GPATCH2 and hepatocellular carcinoma (HC Show more
G-patch domain-containing protein 2 (GPATCH2), a member of the G-patch domain-containing family, has been implicated in tumor cell growth, but the link between GPATCH2 and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. In the current study, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis revealed that GPATCH2 was markedly upregulated in HCC and positively correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features, including histologic grade, AFP, albumin level, and adjacent hepatic tissue inflammation, as well as miserable outcomes in HCC. GPATCH2 also has certain diagnostic value for HCC, histologic grade, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival outcomes. Functionally, loss-of-function experiments disclosed that silencing GPATCH2 suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and xenograft tumor growth in the subcutaneous mouse model. Silencing GPATCH2 also resulted in an increase in the expression level of CDH1, while causing a decrease in the expression levels of FN1, TWIST1, SNAI1, and SNAI2. Rescue experiments further confirmed SNAI2 as a critical downstream effector mediating GPATCH2-driven oncogenic activity in HCC. Mechanistically, GPATCH2 was uncovered to be transcriptionally activated by the transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1), and can mediate the role of YY1 in promoting HCC progression and elevating SNAI2 expression. Taken together, GPATCH2 is a YY1-regulated oncogenic driver that promotes HCC advancement through SNAI2, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target for HCC. Show less
Hyperlipidemia and its associated hepatic steatosis pose significant global health burdens, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice received TAC (2.5, 5.0, 10. Show more
Hyperlipidemia and its associated hepatic steatosis pose significant global health burdens, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice received TAC (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 g/L) or simvastatin for 2 weeks. Metabolic parameters, serum lipid profiles, hepatic function markers, and histopathology were systematically analyzed. Molecular pathways were interrogated through qPCR, Western blot, and pharmacological inhibition of AMPK (Compound C) and PPARα (GW6471). TAC treatment demonstrated significant dose-dependent improvements across multiple parameters. Compared to HFD controls, TAC reduced body weight by 21.3% and liver index by 18.7%, while lowering fasting blood glucose levels by 32.4%. Serum analyses showed substantial reductions in total cholesterol (46.2%), triglycerides (38.5%), and LDL-cholesterol (52.1%), accompanied by a 29.8% increase in HDL-cholesterol. Hepatic function improved markedly, with ALT and AST levels decreasing by 57.3% and 49.6% respectively. Histopathological examination revealed a 68.4% reduction in hepatic lipid accumulation. At the molecular level, TAC treatment resulted in a 2.7-fold increase in AMPK phosphorylation while significantly reducing HMGCR expression by 63.1% and nuclear SREBP-1c levels by 71.5%. Concurrently, TAC upregulated PPARα and LXRα expression by 3.1-fold and 2.4-fold respectively, leading to enhanced expression of lipolytic enzymes LPL and HL by 2.8-fold and 2.1-fold. These beneficial effects were completely abolished by co-treatment with pathway-specific inhibitors. TAC ameliorates hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis through dual modulation of AMPK/SREBP-1c-mediated lipid synthesis and PPARα/LXRα-driven lipolysis, presenting a multifaceted therapeutic approach for metabolic disorders. Show less
Mendelian randomization studies have identified that apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the primary genetic determinant of ischemic stroke, rather than other lipid markers. However, its association with recur Show more
Mendelian randomization studies have identified that apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the primary genetic determinant of ischemic stroke, rather than other lipid markers. However, its association with recurrent non-cardioembolic acute ischemic stroke (NCAIS) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate this association. This study recruited 578 patients with acute ischemic stroke, excluding those with cardiogenic embolism. After a 3-year follow-up, a total of 428 patients completed the prospective cohort study. A Cox regression model was used to evaluate the association between ApoB levels at admission and the recurrence rate. Additionally, a nested case-control study was conducted by comparing blood samples collected at the time of recurrence from recurrent patients with those from non-recurrent patients. Binary logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to assess the association between serum ApoB, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and recurrent stroke at the time of recurrence. The Cox regression model demonstrated that ApoB levels at admission were independently associated with an increased risk of recurrent NCAIS (HR=6.697; 95%CI 2.581-17.374, P < 0.001). Recurrent stroke patients had significantly higher serum ApoB levels at admission than non-recurrent ones [0.85 g/L (IQR 0.21) vs. 0.63 g/L (IQR 0.15)]. In ROC analysis, ApoB (AUC = 0.732) showed a greater discriminatory ability for recurrent stroke than LDL-C (AUC = 0.685). Higher serum ApoB levels increased the risk of recurrence in patients with NCAIS, and ApoB demonstrated better discriminatory ability than LDL-C after therapy. These findings suggest that routine ApoB measurement may help improve secondary stroke risk assessment. Show less
Understanding the adaptive evolution of brain function in extreme environments remains a central challenge in evolutionary biology. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying cave ada Show more
Understanding the adaptive evolution of brain function in extreme environments remains a central challenge in evolutionary biology. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying cave adaptation by comparing brain transcriptomes of sympatric cave-dwelling ( Show less
Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing nogo receptor-interacting protein 1 (LINGO-1) is a neuronal system-specific transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in the brains o Show more
Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing nogo receptor-interacting protein 1 (LINGO-1) is a neuronal system-specific transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and our previous findings showed that LINGO-1 antagonism can improve cognitive function and protect hippocampal GABAergic interneurons in AD model mice. However, the specific mechanism underlying these effects is not clear. In this study, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) was used to directly interfere with hippocampal LINGO-1 in vivo, and LINGO-1 antagonists, cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) agonists, and CB1R antagonists were used to treat mouse hippocampal neurons (HT22 neurons) in vitro. We found that overexpressing hippocampal LINGO-1 in normal young mice impaired spatial learning and memory and reduced hippocampal CB1R protein levels, whereas silencing hippocampal LINGO-1 in AD model mice had the opposite effect. Additionally, antagonizing LINGO-1 increased CB1R/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signalling and rescued CB1R- rich cholecystokinin-GABAergic (CCK-GABAergic) interneurons in HT22 neurons transduced with an APP/PS1-expressing virus. Competitive inhibition of LINGO-1 and CB1R was observed, and antagonizing LINGO-1 reversed the changes in HT22 neurons caused by the inhibition of CB1R, such as the decreases in the protein levels of doublecortin (DCX), TrkB, and phosphorylated TrkB (p-TrkB). These findings provide an important scientific basis for further exploration of the mechanism by which LINGO-1 regulates cognitive function and hippocampal GABAergic interneurons in AD model mice. Show less
William Stewart, Bin Hu, Fengqiao Li+6 more · 2025 · Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Obesity, a widespread global health issue affecting millions, is characterized by excess fat deposition and metabolic dysfunction, significantly elevating the risk of comorbidities like type 2 diabete Show more
Obesity, a widespread global health issue affecting millions, is characterized by excess fat deposition and metabolic dysfunction, significantly elevating the risk of comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, all of which contribute to rising rates of preventable morbidity and mortality. Current approaches to obesity, including lifestyle modifications, and pharmacotherapy, often face limitations such as poor long-term adherence, side effects, and insufficient targeting of the complex, multifactorial pathways underlying the disease. Herein we report a dual, RNA-mediated combinatorial approach using targeting lipid nanoparticles (LNP) for the treatment of obesity. LNPs were co-encapsulated with mRNA encoding Interleukin-27 (mIL-27) to coactivate PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP-1, thereby promoting adipocyte differentiation and enhancing adaptive thermogenesis within adipocytes, and siRNA targeting Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (siDPP-4) to silence the primary inhibitory enzyme of GLP-1, and GIP within the incretin system, effectively restoring glucose homeostasis. Following post translational silencing of DPP-4 and upregulation of IL-27 in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice model, increased expression of thermogenic biomarkers PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP-1 was observed at the molecular, protein, and tissue level, and insulin sensitivity was restored. Importantly, this gene modulation led to a 21.1 % reduction of bodyweight after treatment in the DIO model. These findings demonstrate for the first time a dual RNA-mediated combinatorial approach, leveraging liver targeting LNP delivery with synergistic effects from incretin system regulation and induction of adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis after codelivery of siDPP-4 and mIL-27. This innovative strategy provides a promising alternate framework for addressing obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunction. Show less
To investigate longitudinal changes in pelvic floor support in primiparous women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after vaginal delivery, focusing on single- and multiple-compartment involvement. Two Show more
To investigate longitudinal changes in pelvic floor support in primiparous women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after vaginal delivery, focusing on single- and multiple-compartment involvement. Two hundred primiparas after vaginal delivery were prospectively enrolled and underwent pelvic floor MRI at six weeks postpartum. POP was diagnosed and classified into subgroups (single or multiple compartments involved) based on MRI findings. Primiparas with POP underwent repeat MRI at four months postpartum. Pelvic floor measurements, including injury score and functional parameters of the levator ani muscle (puborectal hiatus line, H line; muscular pelvic floor relaxation line, M line; levator hiatus area, LHA; iliococcygeus angle, ICA; levator plate angle, LPA), were assessed on MRI. Measurements were compared among POP subgroups and a normal control group (without POP) at six weeks postpartum. Additionally, changes between six weeks and four months postpartum were analyzed within POP subgroups. Based on MRI criteria, approximately 41.5% of primiparas were diagnosed with POP, predominantly cystoceles commonly associated with uterine prolapse. Functional parameters of the levator ani, except for LPA at rest, were significantly increased in POP subgroups compared to controls. At four months postpartum, M line, H line, and LPA significantly decreased, and prolapsed organs were elevated in cases with multiple compartments involved, compared to six weeks postpartum. No significant changes were observed in cases with single-compartment involvement during follow-up. A substantial proportion of primiparas experienced postpartum POP. Impaired levator ani function contributed to POP. Pelvic floor support improved during early postpartum in cases with multiple-compartment involvement. Show less
The established body of knowledge attests to the pivotal influence of ANGPTL4 on lipid metabolism and vascular biology. Nevertheless, its potential implication in neurodegenerative disease remains to Show more
The established body of knowledge attests to the pivotal influence of ANGPTL4 on lipid metabolism and vascular biology. Nevertheless, its potential implication in neurodegenerative disease remains to be fully characterized. The present investigation delves into the involvement of ANGPTL4 in the pathological progression of PD, both in vitro and in vivo. PD models were induced by intraperitoneal administration of MPTP and LPS in WT and ANGPTL4 The observations unveiled that ANGPTL4 deficiency exacerbated behavioral aberrations, intensified dopaminergic neuron loss, and stimulated microglial activation along with p21-dependent senescence. There was an elevation in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the PD model. Furthermore, the administration of rANGPTL4 protein reversed the observed phenotypes in ANGPTL4 Our findings posit a salutary role for ANGPTL4 in counteracting PD, rendering it a prospective therapeutic target for the development of innovative drugs aimed at treating neuroinflammation-associated neurological diseases, including PD. Show less