Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined and independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) that is largely resistant to conventional lipid-lowering ther Show more
Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined and independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) that is largely resistant to conventional lipid-lowering therapies. Novel Lp(a)-targeted agents, including small interfering RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), and the oral small-molecule inhibitor muvalaplin, have shown potent efficacy in early trials. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare their efficacy and safety. A total of 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 7715 participants were included, evaluating six siRNA agents, four ASO agents, and one small-molecule inhibitor. The primary outcome was percentage change from baseline in Lp(a). Secondary outcomes included absolute change in Lp(a), percentage changes in apolipoprotein B (apoB) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and adverse events. SiRNA therapies achieved the greatest Lp(a) reductions (olpasiran: mean difference [MD] -92.1%, 95% CI -100.1 to -84.0%; zerlasiran: -80.6%, 95% CI -87.7 to -73.5%), followed by muvalaplin (-76.8%, 95% CI -90.3 to -63.2%) and ASO therapy (pelacarsen: -54.2%, 95% CI -72.2 to -36.2%; all P < 0.001). Most agents achieved absolute Lp(a) reductions exceeding 105 nmol/L, suggesting clinically meaningful benefit. Baseline Lp(a) levels significantly modified treatment response (P < 0.001), and concomitant proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor use further enhanced LDL-C reduction (P = 0.024). All therapies were well tolerated, with injection-site reactions most frequent for injectables, while muvalaplin was well tolerated. These findings indicate that targeted Lp(a)-lowering therapies substantially reduce circulating Lp(a), with siRNA showing the greatest potency and muvalaplin offering a convenient oral alternative for personalized ASCVD risk reduction. Show less
Older adults typically have higher sedentary behaviour (SB) and lower physical activity (PA) than younger adults. Studies on replacing SB with PA in relation to all-cause mortality in racially diverse Show more
Older adults typically have higher sedentary behaviour (SB) and lower physical activity (PA) than younger adults. Studies on replacing SB with PA in relation to all-cause mortality in racially diverse older adults remain limited. This study included 122 966 older adults from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) and 207 212 older adults from the UK Biobank (UKB). SB and PA were assessed using baseline questionnaires, with PA classified as light (LPA), moderate (MPA) or vigorous (VPA) based on metabolic equivalents. Cox proportional hazards models and isotemporal substitution models were used to examine the associations between replacing SB with different PA intensities and all-cause mortality. Longer SB (per 30 min/day increase) was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in both cohorts (CKB: HR 1.013, 95% CI 1.010 to 1.017; UKB: HR 1.012, 95% CI 1.009 to 1.015). PA of any intensity was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. In the CKB, replacing 30 min/day of SB with an equivalent duration of PA showed comparable protective associations (LPA: HR 0.963, 95% CI 0.958 to 0.968; MPA: HR 0.967, 95% CI 0.961 to 0.972; VPA: HR 0.965, 95% CI 0.960 to 0.971). In the UKB, replacing 30 min/day of SB with VPA was associated with the largest reduction in mortality risk (HR: 0.950, 95% CI 0.931 to 0.970). Replacing SB with PA of any intensity was associated with reduced all-cause mortality risk in older adults, with variations across populations. These findings highlight the need for population-specific PA recommendations to promote healthy ageing. Show less
To evaluate the preventive effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and concurrent acute ischemi Show more
To evaluate the preventive effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and concurrent acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 236 patients with T2DM+AIS recruited from April 2021 to October 2024. Patients were grouped based on DPP-4i use: an observation group (107 cases) with DPP-4i therapy and a control group (129 cases) without. Patients' baseline demographics, clinical features, laboratory indices, and follow-up data were extracted from the electronic medical record system. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of PSCI, defined as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) score <26 at six months after AIS. Secondary outcomes included inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, neuroprotective factors (BDNF), glycemic metabolism indicators, and life quality [Barthel Index (BI), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)]. At 6 months after AIS, the incidence of PSCI was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, inflammatory and oxidative stress marker levels were decreased whereas BDNF level was significantly elevated in the observation group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). According to the quality-of-life assessment, patients receiving DPP-4i had higher BI, FIM, and IADL scores (P<0.05), along with a lower all-cause readmission rate (P<0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that different DPP-4i types (e.g., sitagliptin, saxagliptin) had consistent cognitive protective effects (P>0.05). DPP-4i can lower PSCI risk in T2DM+AIS patients. Its mechanism involves multi-dimensional effects like anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, insulin sensitivity enhancement, and neuroprotection. Show less
Silica exposure precipitates irreversible lung injury; however, its long-term neurological sequelae—and the microglial mechanisms underlying these effects—remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrat Show more
Silica exposure precipitates irreversible lung injury; however, its long-term neurological sequelae—and the microglial mechanisms underlying these effects—remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that inhaled crystalline silica induces persistent hippocampal inflammation, anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, and neuronal loss in mice. Bulk RNA sequencing, immunophenotyping, and pharmacological depletion studies revealed that microglia are the primary source of complement C1q in silica-exposed brains. Mechanistically, silica-induced lipocalin-2 (LCN2) engages the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) on microglia, activating a cAMP/PKA/NF-κB cascade that transcriptionally upregulates C1q. Pharmacological blockade of MC4R (using PF) abolished C1q overproduction, normalized brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and restored both synaptic integrity and behavioral performance. Our findings establish the LCN2–MC4R–C1q axis as a critical microglial pathway in silica-related neurotoxicity and identify MC4R antagonism as a promising, readily translatable intervention for occupational neuroinflammation. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-026-03695-5. Show less
This study aims to systematically investigate the multi-target mechanisms of cobalamin in the treatment of ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. We screened data Show more
This study aims to systematically investigate the multi-target mechanisms of cobalamin in the treatment of ischemic stroke using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. We screened databases to identify the targets of cobalamin and performed intersected with with ischemic stroke-related targets to construct a “drug-target-disease” interaction network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to identify key biological processes and signaling pathways. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were performed to assess the binding affinity between cobalamin and hub proteins. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to assess the stability of the protein–ligand complexes over a 500 ns simulation period. Additionally, ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability predictions were made using ADMETlab 3.0 and admetSAR 3.0. A total of 95 therapeutic targets of cobalamin for ischemic stroke were identified. Network analysis and molecular docking highlighted eight core targets—ALB, TIMP1, PLG, FN1, AGT, SERPINE1, APOE, and SPP1—with high binding affinities to cobalamin. GO analysis suggested that cobalamin regulates inflammatory responses, post-translational modifications, complement binding, and lipoprotein particle binding. KEGG analysis identified complement and coagulation cascades, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and inflammation-related signaling as central to its therapeutic effects. Molecular docking showed strong binding to ALB and TIMP1, which was further confirmed by MD simulations, with minimal conformational changes. The PLG-cobalamin complex exhibited more fluctuations. ADME analysis revealed low passive permeability, particularly across the blood–brain barrier, but moderate distribution and high plasma protein binding. This study provides evidence that cobalamin may offer neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke by interacting with key target proteins involved in coagulation, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. The findings highlight the potential of cobalamin as a therapeutic agent, although its limited ability to cross the blood–brain barrier may restrict its oral use. Further experimental validation and development of suitable delivery methods are needed to fully realize cobalamin’s potential in stroke therapy. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-41564-6. Show less
Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT relate Show more
Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with metabolic traits (MTs), causing significant disability. Our study aims to uncover the shared genetic mechanisms between OA and MTs, revealing novel OA-MT related genes, proteins and pathways. We first explored the clinical associations between OA and MTs based on UK Biobank data. Using GWAS statistics for 9 OA subtypes and 51 MTs, we identified both global and regional genetic correlations. Multi-trait GWAS helped revealed credible genes and relevant pathways through various methods. Protein-level analyses were also conducted to identify key proteins. We developed polygenic scores (PGS), machine learning models and drug repurposing strategies were explored to translate these findings into clinical applications. We identified 152 trait pairs with significant associations and 709 local regions linked to OA-MT. Key SNVs like rs13135092 (SLC39A8) and rs34811474 (ANAPC4) were associated with multiple OA-MT pairs. Lipid and glucose metabolism emerged as central pathways, with tissue-specific enrichment analyses revealing key gene clusters in hepatocytes, arteries, and brain regions. Protein-level analyses identified 205 protein subgroups. PGS integrating MTs outperformed model based solely on OA, improving AUC by 17.5%. Causal gene-based models showed strong diagnostic accuracy (average AUC = 0.875 in external cohorts). Drug prediction highlighted fenofibrate as a promising treatment among 71 candidates. This study provides new insights into the genetic links between OA and MTs. We identified genes, proteins, and pathways related to comorbidities, revealing shared mechanisms, highlighting the potential of integrating metabolic factors to improve OA prediction, diagnosis, and treatment. Show less
Lecanemab has been approved for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild AD dementia based on the efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and preliminary safet Show more
Lecanemab has been approved for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild AD dementia based on the efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and preliminary safety data from the phase Ⅲ Clarity AD trial. However, this trial excluded patients with high risk of cerebral hemorrhage, such as individuals with intracranial aneurysms or > 4 microhemorrhages. A 70-year-old male with mild AD, intracranial aneurysm, microhemorrhages, and APOE ε3/ε4 genotype received lecanemab after multidisciplinary evaluation and informed consent. Over six months of intensive monitoring, cognitive function stabilized with no deterioration, daily activities were preserved, microhemorrhages remained stable (with one new small lesion noted at 3 months), and no aneurysm rupture or severe adverse events (including amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) occurred. This case suggests that, despite hemorrhage risks, lecanemab may have a manageable risk-benefit profile in selected real-world AD patients under intensive monitoring and multidisciplinary care, with its application beyond clinical trial criteria requiring more nuanced and individualized consideration. Show less
Colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases remain refractory to immunotherapy due to a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we conducted a prospective clinical study enrolling 18 p Show more
Colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases remain refractory to immunotherapy due to a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we conducted a prospective clinical study enrolling 18 patients with microsatellite-stable CRC liver metastases treated with high-dose radiotherapy (RT) followed by anti–PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (RT–ICI). Integrative analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and peripheral immune profiling revealed that RT–ICI therapy reprograms both tumor-intrinsic and immune compartments. RT triggered the emergence of an APOA2⁺ tumor cell state characterized by enhanced lipid metabolic activity and transient elevation of circulating HDL. This metabolic reprogramming, in turn, promoted systemic activation of CETP⁺ M2-like macrophages, a population marked by high LXR/RXR transcriptional activity and enriched expression of immunosuppressive and lipid-processing genes. Despite their expansion, CETP⁺ macrophages localized preferentially to non-irradiated tumor regions, suggesting a distal immunometabolic effect driven by HDL-mediated signaling. Concurrently, combination therapy expanded GZMB⁺ effector T cells and induced a novel population of inflammatory–toxic T cells (IT_T), which exhibited high cytotoxicity and spatial co-localization with CXCL10⁺ macrophages. Ligand–receptor analysis and pseudotime modeling revealed that irradiated tumor cells acted as “in situ vaccines” by enhancing MHC–TCR interactions and promoting T cell differentiation along non-exhausted cytotoxic lineages. Together, these findings reveal a dual mechanism by which RT–ICI therapy enhances local anti-tumor immunity while modulating systemic lipid metabolism and macrophage polarization, offering insights for combinatorial immunotherapy design in immunologically “cold” tumors. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-026-02689-3. Show less
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a complicated pathological cancer, which has a close association with pyroptosis and abnormal alternative splicing (AS). However, the molecular changes and functions Show more
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a complicated pathological cancer, which has a close association with pyroptosis and abnormal alternative splicing (AS). However, the molecular changes and functions of AS-mediated pyroptosis in cisplatin-resistant NPC cells remain poorly understood. The expression patterns of different splicing isomers of dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) were evaluated by semi-quantitative PCR. The effects of DUSP6 knockdown on cisplatin sensitivity and pyroptosis in NPC were examined by CCK-8 assay, immunofluorescence and ELISA. The occurrence mechanism of DUSP6 AS was explored by RNA pull down, mass spectrometry and MeRIP-PCR. DUSP6 underwent AS, among which the intron retention isoform DUSp6-IR1 increased in expression dependent on the dose and time of cisplatin. Knockdown of DUSP6-IR1 significantly suppressed viability and cisplatin resistance and promoted apoptosis of C666-1 cells upon cisplatin treatment. In vivo, sh-DUSP6-IR1 reduced the weight and volume of tumors. While DUSP6-IR1 knockdown in C666-1 cells enhanced pyroptosis (evidenced by elevated LDH release, Gasdermin D (GSDMD)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) expression, and IL-18/IL-1β levels, along with reduced cell viability), these effects were reversed by a pyroptosis inhibitor. The m6A reader protein insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) enhanced the splicing generation of the DUSP6-IR1 isoform through its KH3-4 domains, thereby suppressing pyroptosis in NPC cells and ultimately conferring cisplatin resistance. These findings revealed a promising novel direction to investigate cisplatin resistance and suggested potential therapeutic target for overcoming chemotherapy resistance in NPC. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-025-15337-9. Show less
Validate the clinical utility of exosome cargo (miRNAs/proteins) and NLRP3/BDNF as key regulatory molecules for acupuncture-mediated spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery. From the establishment of the da Show more
Validate the clinical utility of exosome cargo (miRNAs/proteins) and NLRP3/BDNF as key regulatory molecules for acupuncture-mediated spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery. From the establishment of the database to May 2025, a literature search was conducted on PubMed, and Embase, using keywords ["exosome cargo" or "exosome"], ["acupuncture" or "acupuncture and moxibustion" or "electroacupuncture" or "EA"], ["spinal cord injury" or "SCI"], ["immune regulation"], ["inflammatory reaction"], ["neuroregeneration" or "nerve"]. Including peer-reviewed studies on human/animal models, articles that do not meet the requirements are excluded. Preclinically, MSC-exosomal miR-145-5p suppressed TLR4/NF-κB signaling, reducing spinal IL-1β by 47% in SD rats. Schwann cell-exosomal MFG-E8 activated SOCS3/STAT3, increasing M2 macrophage CD206 by 63% and raising rat BBB scores by 3.8 points; Treg-exosomal miR-2861 upregulated tight junction proteins (occludin/ZO-1) to repair the blood-spinal cord barrier. Acupuncture (EA at GV14/GV4) upregulated spinal BDNF by 72% and NGF by 58% via Wnt/β-catenin, while EA at GV6/GV9 downregulated NLRP3 by 42-58% and TNF-α by 35-47%. Clinically, EA at EX-B2 increased ASIA scores by 3.2±1.1 points (Guo et al). Besides, 5x/week EA improved ASIA vs 3x/week (+6.4 points). EA+exercise reduced MAS by 1.6-2.9 points, with outcomes correlated to peripheral NLRP3 reduction, BDNF elevation, and MBI/WISCIII increases. Exosome cargo (miR-145-5p/MFG-E8) and NLRP3/BDNF are key regulatory molecules underlying acupuncture-mediated SCI recovery. However, limitations (small RCT samples, heterogeneous acupuncture protocols, unstandardized exosome isolation) hinder translation. Future work should focus on standardized biomarker detection, exosome engineering, and large-scale clinical trials. Show less
Zi-Hao Liu, Min Xiao, Xiao-Cui Jiang+4 more · 2026 · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica · added 2026-04-24
This study aims to investigate the effects of aged male parents on the learning ability of offspring and the intervention effect of Wuzi Yanzong Pills based on the microRNA-34a-5p(miR-34a-5p)/silent i Show more
This study aims to investigate the effects of aged male parents on the learning ability of offspring and the intervention effect of Wuzi Yanzong Pills based on the microRNA-34a-5p(miR-34a-5p)/silent information regulator 1(SIRT1) signaling pathway. Thirty-two SD male rats of 15 months old were randomized into aged model, model+high-dose(8 g·kg~(-1)) Wuzi Yanzong Pills, model+low-dose(2 g·kg~(-1)) Wuzi Yanzong Pills, and model+vitamin C(100 mg·kg~(-1)) groups(n=8). In addition, 8 SD male rats of 3 months old were selected as the control group. Rats in treatment groups were fed the diets containing different doses of Wuzi Yanzong Pills or vitamin C, and the control and model groups received a regular diet for 12 weeks. After 5 days of co-caging with 3-month-old female mice, the fertilization rate was recorded. An automated sperm analyzer was used to examine the sperm motility and count, and the testicular spermatogenesis was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The senescence cells in the testicular tissue was detected by β-galactosidase staining, and miR-34a-5p expression was quantified via qPCR. The litter size was counted, and the body mass and body length were measured on days 1 and 30 to assess offspring development. For the offspring of 30 days old, their learning ability was examined via Morris water maze, and Nissl staining was employed to count hippocampal neurons. The miR-34a-5p expression in the hippocampal tissue of the offspring was determined by qPCR, and the protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and SIRT1 were determined by Western blot. Compared with the control group, the model group exhibited reductions in fertility rate, litter size, and sperm motility and count, as well as impaired testicular spermatogenesis(P<0.01). In addition, the model group showed increased senescence cells in testicular and epididymal tissue, accompanied by elevated miR-34a-5p expression in sperms. The 30-day-old offspring showed slow growth, reduced hippocampal neurons, up-regulated miR-34a-5p expression, and down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1 and BDNF in the hippocampus(P<0.01), along with impaired learning and memory performance(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both high-dose Wuzi Yanzong Pills and vitamin C improved the fertilization rate, litter size, sperm motility, sperm count, and testicular spermatogenesis(P<0.05). The 30-day-old offspring in the two groups showed accelerated growth and development, increased hippocampal neurons, and elevated BDNF protein level in the hippocampus(P<0.05), along with enhanced learning and memory capabilities(P<0.05). Compared with the vitamin C group, the high-dose Wuzi Yanzong Pills group exhibited accelerated offspring growth(P<0.05), increases in fertilization rate and litter size(P<0.05), and improved learning and memory abilities(P<0.05). These findings indicate that Wuzi Yanzong Pills can improve testicular spermatogenesis and sperm quality in aged rats, thereby enhancing offspring's learning and memory performance. Specifically, Wuzi Yanzong Pills regulate miR-34a-5p expression to delay spermatogenic cell senescence in the testicular tissue and improve the offspring's cognitive function by miR-34a-5p mediated intergenerational transmission. Show less
Agrin-mediated neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphological alterations is one of the main pathogeneses of sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to observe the changes in serum agrin in patients with di Show more
Agrin-mediated neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphological alterations is one of the main pathogeneses of sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to observe the changes in serum agrin in patients with different degrees of sarcopenia and the alterations in Agrin receptors in human skeletal muscle with age. A total of 236 elderly subjects were enrolled and categorized into nonsarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia groups. Serum levels of the C-terminal Agrin fragment were quantified using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. In addition, in a distinct and smaller exploratory subgroup ( Show less
Fear of progression (FoP) is a prevalent psychological issue among stroke patients. Previous studies failing to distinguish characteristics of patient groups with varying FoP levels. Latent profile an Show more
Fear of progression (FoP) is a prevalent psychological issue among stroke patients. Previous studies failing to distinguish characteristics of patient groups with varying FoP levels. Latent profile analysis (LPA) classifies individuals into distinct subgroups via continuous FoP indicators, boosting classification accuracy by accounting for variable uncertainty. Given FoP's heterogeneity, investigating FoP profiles and their influencing factors in stroke patients is clinically significant for personalized psychological care and improved patient quality of life. A total of 366 stroke patients were selected as study subjects through convenience sampling, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted. FoP was assessed using the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF, 2 dimensions, 12 items). Independent variables included demographic characteristics, clinical indicators, the Recurrence Risk Perception Scale for Stroke patients (RRPSS), and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ). LPA was performed on the FoP-Q-SF items to identify subgroups. The R3STEP method was used to analyze influencing factors of subgroup membership, and the BCH method was applied to compare differences in distal outcomes across subgroups. Statistical significance was set at The study sample had a mean age of 63.93 ± 10.58 years, with 70.5% males and 65.0% first-ever stroke patients. Two latent profiles were identified: Low-FoP Adaptive Type (C1, 48.6%) and High-FoP Sustained Type (C2, 51.4%). The R3STEP showed that age 18-59 years (OR = 0.476, 95%CI = 0.245-0.924, This study revealed significant heterogeneity in FoP among stroke patients. Age, hypertension comorbidity, excessive recurrence risk perception, MCMQ-confrontation, and MCMQ-avoidance were associated with high FoP. Healthcare providers should prioritize identifying high-risk individuals and develop tailored interventions to reduce FoP and improve rehabilitation outcomes. Show less
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a debilitating, often lethal, restrictive-type eating disorder without an effective cure. The underlying neural basis of AN has remained elusive without an animal model that h Show more
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a debilitating, often lethal, restrictive-type eating disorder without an effective cure. The underlying neural basis of AN has remained elusive without an animal model that has represented all typical AN symptoms. Here we show that aberrant activation of mediobasal hypothalamic (MBH) glutamatergic neurons led to lethal self-starvation, hyperactivity, anhedonia, social phobia, and increased anxiety, all of which represent typical symptoms of AN. These symptoms were selectively exhibited by targeted activation of MBH neurons expressing steroidogenic factor (SF1) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERa). Moreover, the elicited AN symptoms by activation of MBH glutamatergic or SF1/ERa neurons were rescued by removing release of glutamate or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from these neurons. Importantly, BDNF overexpression in SF1/ERa neurons promoted typical AN symptoms, which were suppressed by removing glutamate release. Thus, our findings identify aberrantly enhanced BDNF and consequent augmented glutamate release from SF1/ERa neurons as a neural basis underlying AN. Show less
Microglia-neuron contacts have been shown to regulate neural network activity through the formation and elimination of synapses. The pathogenesis of major depressive disorder is accompanied by a decli Show more
Microglia-neuron contacts have been shown to regulate neural network activity through the formation and elimination of synapses. The pathogenesis of major depressive disorder is accompanied by a decline in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, associated with increased microglia activity that disrupts cognitive function. The actions of both typical and rapid-acting antidepressant drugs, which have been shown to increase BDNF signaling through the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor, decrease microglia activation and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Examining the link between BDNF signaling and the microglial pro-inflammatory response, we demonstrate that TrkB signaling elicits the neuronal secretion of CD22 (Siglec-2), a sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectin, to inhibit microglial activation and alleviate depression-like symptoms. In a male chronic mild stress (CMS) mouse model of depression decreased expression of the postsynaptic scaffolding protein PSD-95 and Gαi1/3 were found to compromise TrkB signaling leading to reduced CD22 levels in hippocampal tissue. Restoration of TrkB-Gαi1/3-Akt signaling with dSyn3, a peptidomimetic compound targeting the PDZ3 domain of PSD-95, enhanced CD22 expression to inhibit microglial activation, promote dendritic spine formation and rapidly mitigate depression-like symptoms. Furthermore, hippocampal overexpression of CD22 in neurons was sufficient to reduce microglial activation and depressive-like behaviors in male CMS mice. S-ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant, increased CD22 expression to mitigate depression-like symptoms. While neuronal knockdown of CD22 in the hippocampus did not significantly impair the rapid (within 4 h) antidepressant effects typically observed with S-ketamine or dSyn3 administration, strikingly, knockdown of CD22 attenuated the long-acting (within 3 days) antidepressant effects of S-ketamine or dSyn3, as evidenced by sustained immobility in the TST (tail suspension test) and FST (forced swim test), and a lack of improvement in sucrose preference. In contrast, a single dose of fluoxetine failed to increase CD22 expression or inhibit microglia activity. These results suggest that rapidly-acting anti-depressant drugs enhance TrkB-induced neuronal expression and secretion of CD22 to promote the homeostatic state of microglia required for antidepressant actions. In male depression mice, dSyn3 facilitates BDNF-induced TrkB-PSD-95-Gαi1/3 complex formation to increase Akt-mTOR activation as well as synaptic and spine density in the hippocampus. TrkB signaling increases CD22 expression and secretion from neurons blocking microglial activation in the hippocampal region of male CMS mice. Show less
Compound Nujia honey paste (Nujia), a classic formulation from Traditional Uyghur Medicine, has been historically used for depression treatment and is listed in the Catalog of Ancient Classical Famous Show more
Compound Nujia honey paste (Nujia), a classic formulation from Traditional Uyghur Medicine, has been historically used for depression treatment and is listed in the Catalog of Ancient Classical Famous Formulas issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Medical Products Administration. Clarifying its pharmacodynamic material basis is essential for understanding its efficacy, yet this remains incompletely characterized. This study aimed to systematically elucidate Nujia's antidepressant efficacy and mechanisms by combining chemical analysis, computational prediction, and experimental validation in a CUMS rat model, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding its action. This study employed LC/MS to analyze the chemical constituents and blood-absorbed compounds of Nujia. This was combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking to predict and verify its potential antidepressant targets and signaling pathways. Using behavioral tests, ELISA, histopathology, Western blot, and qRT-PCR in a CUMS rat model, the research thoroughly evaluated Nujia's therapeutic effects and mechanisms, fostering trust in the findings. In this study, LC/MS analysis identified 124 chemical constituents from Nujia, and further analysis determined 26 blood-absorbed compounds (including 10 prototype compounds). Network pharmacology analysis revealed that its potential antidepressant effects are closely associated with core targets such as AKT1 and TNF, a prediction subsequently verified by molecular docking results. In the CUMS-induced rat model of depression, intervention with Nujia significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviors in the animals and alleviated neuropathological damage in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Nujia upregulated the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters (5-HT, DA, NE) and neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF) in serum, while downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18). Further molecular experiments confirmed that Nujia likely mitigates neuroinflammation by inhibiting the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway, and inhibits neuronal apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream anti-apoptotic proteins. Furthermore, Nujia significantly upregulated the expression of key synaptic plasticity proteins (SYP, GAP43, and PSD95) in hippocampal tissue, thereby enhancing synaptic structure and function. These findings underscore the complex, multi-target mechanisms underlying Nujia's antidepressant effects, encouraging further exploration of its therapeutic potential. This study systematically elucidates that Nujia achieves its antidepressant therapeutic effects by mediating multi-pathway synergistic actions, including but not limited to the TNF-α/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, to ameliorate neuroinflammation, attenuate apoptosis, and enhance synaptic plasticity. Show less
C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD Show more
C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) belong to the adipokine family. Here, we aimed to assess the relation of CTRP4 levels in serum and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) with coronary artery disease (CAD), and investigate the effect of CTRP4 on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms. CTRP4 levels were examined in serum and epicardial adipose tissue (a major PVAT) from patients with CAD. Atherosclerotic lesions were analysed in CTRP4 CTRP4 levels were lower in serum and epicardial adipose tissue of patients with CAD compared to non-CAD controls. CTRP4 knockout promoted atherosclerosis in ApoE Decreased CTRP4 levels in serum and epicardial adipose tissue are associated with CAD in patients. CTRP4 deficiency promotes the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE Show less
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of lung cancer and is difficult to distinguish from benign pulmonary nodules (BPNs), particularly at early stages. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) re Show more
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of lung cancer and is difficult to distinguish from benign pulmonary nodules (BPNs), particularly at early stages. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a promising source of biomarkers for the diagnosis of malignant pulmonary nodules. This study aimed to identify robust and clinically relevant EV-based protein biomarkers via isolation with EXODUS, a system that enables efficient direct capture of plasma EVs, followed by data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) for in-depth proteomic profiling. A total of 1383 proteins were identified from the plasma EVs obtained from 25 individuals (10 BPN and 15 early stage LUAD), while dysregulated protein signatures were revealed through differential expression analysis. Machine learning algorithms incorporating demographic variables, imaging features, EV protein profiles, and conventional tumor markers were applied to select diagnostic candidates. Random forest analysis revealed two upregulated proteins, NTN3 and APOA4, as promising biomarkers. Subsequently, their diagnostic performance and net clinical benefits were validated in an independent EV cohort (6 LUAD and 6 BPN) using ELISAs and decision curve analysis. In summary, we present an integrated pipeline that combines EXODUS-based isolation, DIA-MS, and machine learning to detect markers from plasma EVs for distinguishing early stage lung cancer from benign nodules. Show less
Paeonol (Pae), a primary bioactive constituent of the root of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews, shows therapeutic potential for postmenopausal hyperlipidemia. Ovariectomized ApoE
The protein corona formed upon systemic administration critically modulates the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of the nanomedicines. While emerging evidence links obesity Show more
The protein corona formed upon systemic administration critically modulates the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of the nanomedicines. While emerging evidence links obesity to heightened chemosensitivity, the underlying nanobio-interfacial mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) exhibits significantly enhanced antitumor and antimetastatic efficacy in obese breast tumor-bearing mice compared to normal controls. Mechanistic investigations reveal that obesity confers PLD with prolonged systemic circulation and improved tumor accumulation. Notably, preincubation of PLD with plasma from obese mice reduces macrophage uptake while promoting internalization by breast cancer cells compared to that from normal mice. Genetic ablation of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in obese mice abolishes obesity-associated improvements in PLD blood circulation, tumor accumulation, and uptake by cancer cells. Conversely, supplementation with recombinant ApoE restores these effects in ApoE-deficient mice and potentiates PLD's antitumor efficacy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate obesity-induced ApoE as a pivotal regulator of the protein corona that actively enhances tumor-targeted delivery of PLD, which offers a rational strategy for engineering protein-corona-mediated tumor-targeted nanomedicines. Show less
This study aims to examine the health characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) in entertainment venues and to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and sleep quality. This stu Show more
This study aims to examine the health characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) in entertainment venues and to investigate the relationship between these characteristics and sleep quality. This study employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted from January to April 2024 in Wuhan, China. Participants were FSWs recruited through snowball sampling from entertainment venues, including hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, karaoke bars and dance halls. Data were collected via structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, work experience, psychological stress, health status, sleep quality and circadian rhythms. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify health characteristic profiles among FSWs, and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between these profiles and sleep quality. Among the 1,036 FSWs surveyed, 45.1% had poor sleep quality. LPA classified FSWs’ health characteristics into three profiles: the high overall functioning group, the lower physical–emotional functioning group and the lower psychosocial functioning group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FSWs in the lower physical–emotional functioning group had higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 2.184) compared with those in the high overall functioning group. FSWs in the lower psychosocial functioning group had substantially higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 7.755) than that in the high overall functioning group. FSWs demonstrate substantial heterogeneity in health characteristics and exhibit lower overall sleep quality compared with the general population. Psychological and physiological factors are major influencing factors for their sleep quality, suggesting the importance of prioritising mental and physical health in this population. Show less
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by compulsive drinking and withdrawal-related negative affect. Histamine (HA) signaling, particularly via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), may Show more
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by compulsive drinking and withdrawal-related negative affect. Histamine (HA) signaling, particularly via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R), may modulate alcohol-related behaviors. We investigated the effects of pitolisant, an FDA-approved H3R antagonist, on ethanol (EtOH)-related behaviors in mice. Adult male C57BL/6J mice underwent acute or chronic (2 or > 8 weeks) intermittent alcohol exposure. Pitolisant pretreatment was administered, and then pharmacological behavior, histologic, and molecular assays were conducted. Pitolisant administration reduced acute EtOH-induced locomotor activation, conditioned place preference, and sedative effects, and also curtailed EtOH intake. It alleviated anxiety and depression-like behavior during 24-h withdrawal (Post-EtOH). Mechanistically, the Post-EtOH condition was featured by complicated brain cFos expression mapping, including elevated cFos, [HA] and [glutamine]/[glutamate] ratio in the lateral habenula (LHb). However, systemic pitolisant treatment significantly increased [norepinephrine]/[normetanephrine] ratio, and restored the diminished phosphorylated CREB and BDNF levels in the LHb. Intra-LHb H2R antagonist cimetidine infusion partly blocked the pitolisant therapeutic effect on alcohol-related behavior. These findings highlight the HAergic system as a critical regulator of alcohol-related behaviors. The LHb HA signaling and norepinephrine neurotransmission might underlie pitolisant's potential novel therapeutic strategy for AUD. Show less
Adolescence is a critical period for rapid emotional and cognitive development. Depression and cognitive impairment frequently co-occur in this population, yet their comorbidity patterns and symptom-l Show more
Adolescence is a critical period for rapid emotional and cognitive development. Depression and cognitive impairment frequently co-occur in this population, yet their comorbidity patterns and symptom-level interactions remain insufficiently explored. A total of 2,244 students (mean age = 16.8 ± 0.84 years; 1,218 males, 1,026 females) from a high school in Heilongjiang Province, China, were recruited. Depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire–Depression (PDQ-D). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was applied to identify subgroups, followed by network analysis to examine central symptoms (expected influence, EI), bridge symptoms (bridge expected influence, BEI), and network differences (NCT). The optimal LPA model identified three comorbidity subgroups: low, moderate, and high. NCT revealed significant differences in network structure and global strength between the low–moderate (S = 1.514, Adolescent Depression and Cognitive Impairment can be classified into low, moderate, and high comorbidity subgroups. Somatic symptoms emerged as the central symptom, while prospective memory impairment and interpersonal problems were identified as key bridge symptoms, suggesting potential intervention targets for early screening and stratified treatment. Not applicable. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12888-026-07946-w. Show less
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been found to promote Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major etiological factors for CMBs and an important risk factor for AD. Ho Show more
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been found to promote Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major etiological factors for CMBs and an important risk factor for AD. However, the association between HTN-related CMBs and AD pathology remains undetermined. This study aims to identify the relationship between HTN-related CMBs and amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42) and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) levels in plasma astrocyte-derived exosomes (ADEs). In total, 88 HTN participants including 30 with deep/infratentorial (D/I) CMBs, 30 with mixed CMBs, and 28 without CMBs were analyzed. Susceptibility-weighted imaging was performed to assess the location, presence, and number of CMBs. ELISA kits for BACE-1 and Aβ42 were employed to evaluate the levels of astrocyte-derived exosomal proteins. The results indicated that plasma ADE levels of Aβ42 were reduced in the HTN + D/I CMBs and HTN + Mixed CMBs groups relative to the HTN-CMBs group. Furthermore, the plasma ADE levels of Aβ42 were significantly associated with CMBs in patients with HTN. However, no significant differences were found in the plasma ADE levels of BACE-1 among the HTN + D/I CMBs, HTN + Mixed CMBs, and HTN-CMBs groups. The study revealed that reduced plasma ADE levels of Aβ42 were significantly associated with CMBs in HTN patients. This finding suggests a potential link between HTN-related CMBs and AD-related amyloid-β pathology, offering novel insights into the mechanisms by which HTN-related CMBs promote AD progression. Show less
Fusion genes are pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis, often generating oncogenic chimeric RNAs and fusion circular RNAs. However, the mechanisms by which these transcripts synergistically contribute to c Show more
Fusion genes are pivotal drivers of tumorigenesis, often generating oncogenic chimeric RNAs and fusion circular RNAs. However, the mechanisms by which these transcripts synergistically contribute to cancer progression remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a lung cancer-specific chimeric RNA KANSL1-ARL17A (chKANSARL) and its circular variant fusion circular RNA KANSL1-ARL17 A (F-circKA), both derived from the fusion gene KANSARL. Functional assays revealed that overexpression of either chKANSARL or F-circKA significantly enhanced lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while their knockdown suppressed these malignant phenotypes. In vivo experiments demonstrated that chKANSARL overexpression accelerated tumor growth in immunodeficient mice. Notably, coexpression experiments uncovered a synergistic regulatory interaction between F-circKA and chKANSARL, amplifying oncogenic effects. Mechanistically, miRNA sequencing and dual-luciferase assays revealed that F-circKA acts as a molecular sponge for miR-6860, thereby derepressing chKANSARL expression. Rescue experiments further validated this regulatory axis, wherein miR-6860 inhibition reversed the tumor-suppressive effects of F-circKA knockdown. Collectively, our study identifies and characterizes a novel F-circKA/miR-6860/chKANSARL regulatory axis, revealing how dual transcriptional outputs from the KANSARL fusion gene can synergistically drive lung cancer progression. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized layer of cooperative regulation between linear and circular fusion RNAs in oncogenesis and provide a new framework for understanding fusion gene-mediated tumorigenesis. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic vascular disease and the principal cause leading to ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). It involves complex metabolic dysregulation beyond the resolution of single-omics. Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic vascular disease and the principal cause leading to ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). It involves complex metabolic dysregulation beyond the resolution of single-omics. Emerging evidence implicates arginine-proline metabolism (APM) in driving inflammation and impairing efferocytosis, yet the cellular basis of plaque instability remains elusive. We employed a five-stage analytical framework. First, metabolomic profiling revealed shared pathways between AS and ICM. Second, single-cell RNA sequencing identified APM-enriched macrophage subtypes in both diseases. Pseudotime analysis, Scissor algorithm, and cell-cell communication analyses linked these subtypes to APM signaling, stroke prognosis, and key ligand-receptor interactions. Third, cNMF and unsupervised clustering defined APM-related gene signatures in macrophages, validated by survival analysis. Fourth, spatial transcriptomics confirmed their spatial distribution and colocalization within unstable plaques. Finally, key biomarkers were validated in atherosclerotic lesions using ApoE Metabolomic profiling revealed APM as a shared dysregulated pathway in AS and ICM. We identified a macrophage subset (SPP1⁺ macrophages and mono-macrophages), termed APM_high macrophages, enriched in the fibrous cap and characterized by elevated collagenase activity, heightened inflammation, and disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. Spatial and cell-cell communication analyses revealed strong interactions with dendritic cells via the MIF-(CD74 + CXCR4) axis, potentially contributing to plaque destabilization. Transcriptomic clustering uncovered a high-APM plaque subtype associated with worse ischemic outcomes. Six diagnostic biomarkers were identified through machine learning and validated across multiple cohorts and in ApoE In summary, our study decodes the metabolic basis of inflammation shared between AS and ICM, suggesting an APM_high macrophage-centered regulatory axis across multiple omics layers. This work advances our understanding of the cardio-metabolic axis and suggests new avenues for targeted therapy. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent typical chronic inflammation disease characterised by lipid deposition, immune cell infiltration and inflammatory response in the arterial intima. The long-term tre Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent typical chronic inflammation disease characterised by lipid deposition, immune cell infiltration and inflammatory response in the arterial intima. The long-term treatments of the existing drugs suffered safety concerns. Show less
Pathological ocular neovascularization is closely linked to aberrant histone modifications, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigates the role of the Show more
Pathological ocular neovascularization is closely linked to aberrant histone modifications, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study investigates the role of the histone demethylase JMJD1C and its encoding gene Jmjd1c in driving pathological angiogenesis and evaluates its therapeutic potential in ocular proliferative vascular diseases. Jmjd1c expression was examined in mouse models of ocular neovascularization and in endothelial cells (ECs) using immunostaining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. The pro-angiogenic functions of JMJD1C were assessed through EdU incorporation, Transwell migration, tube-formation, and spheroid-sprouting assays in vitro, as well as retinal flat-mount isolectin-B4 staining and H&E staining in vivo. RNA sequencing, immunostaining, qPCR, Western blotting, and ChIP-qPCR were employed to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which JMJD1C regulates pathological angiogenesis. Endothelial-specific deletion of Jmjd1c markedly reduced pathological neovascularization in both oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) models. Loss of JMJD1C impaired endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and sprouting angiogenesis. Mechanistically, Jmjd1c deletion suppressed Srebf2 transcription and cholesterol biosynthesis by increasing repressive H3K9me2 histone marks in endothelial cells. Pharmacological inhibition of JMJD1C similarly attenuated neovascularization in wild-type mice. JMJD1C acts as a key regulator of pathological ocular angiogenesis through histone demethylation-mediated control of endothelial cholesterol biosynthesis. These findings establish JMJD1C and the Jmjd1c-Srebf2 regulatory axis as promising therapeutic targets for ocular vascular diseases. Show less
Atherosclerosis is fundamentally a pathology of unresolved inflammation perpetuated by the collapse of Regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated tolerance. Emerging evidence indicates that Treg functional int Show more
Atherosclerosis is fundamentally a pathology of unresolved inflammation perpetuated by the collapse of Regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated tolerance. Emerging evidence indicates that Treg functional integrity is intrinsically dictated by mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO), a metabolic checkpoint often compromised under systemic metabolic stress. Current lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins, often fall short in correcting this maladaptive immunometabolic defect and may introduce collateral metabolic perturbations. This study aimed to elucidate the immunometabolic therapeutic mechanism of Dingxin Recipe III (DXR III) in ameliorating atherosclerosis. We employed an integrated systems pharmacology strategy-combining serum pharmacochemistry, multi-omics profiling, and extensive high-dimensional flow cytometry-to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of DXR III, a traditional Chinese herbal formula in an in vivo study. ApoE DXR III treatment effectively attenuating atherosclerotic progression. Serum pharmacochemistry identified 254 prototypical absorbed constituents, including Tanshinone I (a potential Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma agonist), as bioactive candidates. Multi-omics analysis revealed that DXR III modulated the metabolic environment, coinciding with restored FAO flux. This shift was associated with a favorable metabolic niche characterized by increased FAO substrates, which correlated with the rescue of Treg differentiation and phenotypic stability. Specifically, DXR III facilitated the redistribution of Tregs from the spleen to plaque sites and significantly inhibited their trans-differentiation into Th1-like or Th17-like phenotypes. Conversely, Simvastatin treatment, despite lowering lipids, resulted in peripheral Th17 accumulation and failed to alleviate hyperglycemia. In contrast, DXR III maintained Th17 homeostasis-abolishing the pathogenic non-classical Th17 subset-and exerted dual-regulatory effects on both lipid and glucose metabolism. DXR III ameliorates atherosclerosis, a process closely associated with the modulation of the FAO metabolic checkpoint to correct the immune imbalance driving plaque progression. By rescuing the Treg differentiation, functional integrity, and phenotypic fidelity while avoiding the immunological trade-offs associated with Th1/Th17, DXR III represents a promising candidate for comprehensive cardiovascular protection. Show less