Effective real-time monitoring and tracking of lipid droplets (LDs) are essential for the precise diagnosis of atherosclerotic plaques and the assessment of pathological progression. However, viable s Show more
Effective real-time monitoring and tracking of lipid droplets (LDs) are essential for the precise diagnosis of atherosclerotic plaques and the assessment of pathological progression. However, viable strategies for Show less
Alport syndrome (AS) is the most common inherited glomerular disease among patients with chronic kidney disease. With exome sequencing now widely used in clinical practice, pathogenic variants in Alpo Show more
Alport syndrome (AS) is the most common inherited glomerular disease among patients with chronic kidney disease. With exome sequencing now widely used in clinical practice, pathogenic variants in Alport-related genes (COL4A3/COL4A4/COL4A5) are increasingly identified in patients with diverse phenotypes, including proteinuria‑predominant disease and kidney failure of unknown etiology. Diagnostic complexity further increases when COL4A3/COL4A4/COL4A5 variants are co‑inherited with pathogenic variants associated with other genetic kidney disorders. We reported a 31‑year‑old male presenting with kidney failure, significant proteinuria, familial hematuria and hyperlipidemia. Whole‑exome sequencing (WES) identified two pathogenic variants: a hemizygous COL4A5 variant (c.2105G > A; p.Gly702Asp) and a heterozygous APOE Kyoto variant (c.127C > T; p.Arg43Cys). Given the potential dual diagnosis of AS and lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG), a kidney biopsy was performed. Histologic examination revealed uneven thickness of the glomerular basement membrane consistent with the diagnosis of AS, but no LPG-related lesions were observed, indicating incomplete penetrance of APOE Kyoto variant. Cascade family screening detected APOE Kyoto variant in the patient's father and elder sister, both of whom lacked proteinuria until follow-up period. This case highlights the complementary role of kidney biopsy alongside WES in AS with complex genetic mechanisms. It also illustrates the incomplete penetrance of APOE Kyoto, common among Chinese carriers. Show less
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the survival of dopaminergic neurons. Clinical studies have suggested that serum BDNF levels are reduced in patients with Parkinson' Show more
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the survival of dopaminergic neurons. Clinical studies have suggested that serum BDNF levels are reduced in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, no study has investigated peripheral BDNF levels and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in the prodromal stage of PD and their relationship with disease conversion. In total, 120 patients with video-polysomnography confirmed isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) and 120 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Genetic analyses were performed, and plasma levels of BDNF were measured. All patients with iRBD underwent comprehensive clinical testing, and 107 iRBD patients were prospectively followed up. Plasma BDNF levels were significantly lower in the iRBD group than in HCs (18,878.85 pg/mL vs. 24,649.85 pg/mL, p = 0.002), but no differences were observed in BDNF Val66Met carrier rates between the two groups. Plasma BDNF levels did not differ significantly between BDNF Val66Met carriers and noncarriers. Notably, higher plasma BDNF levels were associated with an increased risk of short-term disease conversion (hazard ratio = 3.418, 95% CI: 1.520-7.684, p = 0.003), whereas BDNF Val66Met carrier rates showed no such association. Our findings suggest that plasma BDNF is significantly associated with iRBD and may likely serve as a prognostic biomarker for the development of neurodegenerative disease. However, the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism may not be involved in the pathogenesis of iRBD as well as phenoconversion in the studied population. 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
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is n Show more
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is no effective treatment available. Various modalities of magnetic stimulation have emerged for recovery from spinal cord injuries; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, significantly hindering the application of magnetic stimulation technologies in treating such injuries. This study aims to elucidate these relevant mechanisms by establishing a simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation system. In this study, we established a right hemisection model at T8 in mice and administered continuous simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation targeting the left motor cortex and right L5 nerve root over six weeks. We subsequently utilized a spinal cord dorsal hemisection model to examine regeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST). Motor-evoked potential assessments and calcium imaging techniques were employed to explore neural circuit repair. Additionally, we integrated transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches to investigate related mechanisms. The findings indicate that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation effectively restores motor function in the hind limbs, promotes the regeneration of corticospinal tracts in mice with spinal cord injuries, and facilitates the reconstruction of sensorimotor circuits and functions within the spinal cord. Simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation significantly enhances axonal regeneration of the CST following SCI. This effect may be mediated through the activation of the AMPK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway, which promotes neurotrophic factor secretion and subsequently induces nerve axon regeneration. This study suggests that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment for impaired gait following SCI. Show less
Aging-related cognitive decline is a major concern in aging societies. Theobromine (TB), a cacao-derived methylxanthine, exerts neuroprotective effects through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neur Show more
Aging-related cognitive decline is a major concern in aging societies. Theobromine (TB), a cacao-derived methylxanthine, exerts neuroprotective effects through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurotrophic mechanisms; however, its efficacy in aging models remains unclear. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying neuroprotective effects of chronic TB administration in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8), a model of age-related memory impairment. SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with 0.05% TB for 50 d. Cognitive performance was evaluated by the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Neurotrophic factors (BDNF and NT-3), synaptic proteins (PSD95 and synaptophysin), and plasticity-related signaling molecules (phosphorylated CREB and TrkB) were analyzed in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Inflammatory cytokines, lipid peroxides, and antioxidant enzymes were quantified. Molecular docking was used to assess TB's interaction with phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes. TB improved short-term memory in SAMP8, increasing discrimination index in the NOR test. This was accompanied by increased BDNF, NT-3, PSD95, and synaptophysin levels and enhanced CREB and TrkB phosphorylation. Furthermore, TB lowered the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and phosphorylated NF-κB, reduced lipid peroxidation, and increased the levels of antioxidant markers (HO-1, GSH). These effects were minimal in SAMR1. No adverse effects on body weight or blood parameters were observed. Molecular docking indicated that TB binds to PDE enzymes with weaker inhibitory activity than selective inhibitors. TB enhances short-term memory and synaptic function in aged mice via neurotrophic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, supporting its potential as a safe dietary intervention for age-related cognitive decline. Show less
Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) have recently emerged as critical mediators in Show more
Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) have recently emerged as critical mediators in cardiovascular pathophysiology; however, their specific contributions to CHD pathogenesis remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify and validate MAM-related biomarkers in CHD through integrated analysis of transcriptomic sequencing data and Mendelian randomization, and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. We analyzed two gene expression microarray datasets (GSE113079 and GSE42148) and one genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset (ukb-d-I9_CHD) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CHD. MAM-related DEGs were filtered using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Functional enrichment analysis, Mendelian randomization, and machine learning algorithms were employed to identify biomarkers with direct causal relationships to CHD. A diagnostic model was constructed to evaluate the clinical utility of the identified biomarkers. Additionally, we validated the two hub genes in peripheral blood samples from CHD patients and normal controls, as well as in aortic tissue samples from a low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR-/-) atherosclerosis mouse model. We identified 4174 DEGs, from which 3326 MAM-related DEGs (DE-MRGs) were further filtered. Mendelian randomization analysis coupled with machine learning identified two biomarkers, DHX36 and GPR68, demonstrating direct causal relationships with CHD. These biomarkers exhibited excellent diagnostic performance with areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve exceeding 0.9. A molecular interaction network was constructed to reveal the biological pathways and molecular mechanisms involving these biomarkers. Furthermore, validation using peripheral blood from CHD patients and aortic tissues from the Ldlr-/- atherosclerosis mouse model corroborated these findings. This study provides evidence supporting a mechanistic link between MAM dysfunction and CHD pathogenesis, identifying candidate biomarkers that have the potential to serve as diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets for CHD. While the validated biomarkers offer valuable insights into the molecular pathways underlying disease development, additional studies are needed to confirm their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in larger, independent cohorts. Show less
Primary resistance to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies has limited their widespread application. Our prior genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening revealed that the loss of CD58, a crucial i Show more
Primary resistance to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies has limited their widespread application. Our prior genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening revealed that the loss of CD58, a crucial intrinsic resistance factor in tumors, resulted in insufficient immune synapse formation and impaired CAR T-cell activation and cytotoxicity. However, the specific signaling pathway and transcriptional changes associated with CAR T-cell dysfunction have not been addressed. Here, we revealed that AP-1-mediated activation was attenuated in CAR T cells impaired by tumor CD58 loss, driving a decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolic kinetic impairment, mitochondrial membrane potential loss and ROS accumulation. Moreover, this AP-1 attenuation triggered death receptor-independent apoptosis through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. In seeking therapeutic strategies, we pharmacologically and genetically blocked three distinct inhibitory phosphatases positioned upstream of AP-1 signaling. Multifaceted validation has demonstrated that dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) blockade is an effective approach to supplement AP-1 signaling while notably reducing CAR T-apoptosis and enhancing mitochondrial fitness, proliferation and long-term cytotoxicity. The transcriptomic profiles of DUSP6-ablated CAR T cells revealed markedly upregulated T-cell activation signatures and enriched metabolic pathways. Clinically, bulk and single-cell RNA-seq analyses revealed that DUSP6 was downregulated in patients who responded to T-cell-based immunotherapy, implying its relevance to patient outcomes. Our findings repositioned CD58 not merely as an immune synapse component but also a metabolic checkpoint in CAR T-cell biology, the loss of which triggers AP-1-dependent mitochondrial derangement and creates a permissive landscape for intrinsic apoptosis, which can be ameliorated by ablation of the inhibitory phosphatase DUSP6. Crucially, DUSP6 ablation represents a promising engineering target to potentiate CAR T-cell efficacy in broader applications. Show less
Chronic stress, a key contributor to neurological disorders, is mechanistically linked to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis Show more
Chronic stress, a key contributor to neurological disorders, is mechanistically linked to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Current therapeutic approaches remain limited in efficacy and safety. Schisandrol A, a neuroactive lignan from Show less
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are key microbial metabolites that support intestinal and skeletal development, yet their coordinated effects during early life remain poorly defined. In this study, ne Show more
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are key microbial metabolites that support intestinal and skeletal development, yet their coordinated effects during early life remain poorly defined. In this study, neonatal mice were administered SCFAs for 28 days to evaluate their impacts on growth, intestinal barrier integrity, immune modulation, bone development, and gut microbiota composition. Valerate supplementation significantly increased body weight and intestinal length. It enhanced the villus structure, crypt depth, and goblet cell number, alongside upregulation of tight junction and mucin genes, indicating improved barrier function. Valerate and propionate also promoted the expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting an immunomodulatory shift. In the skeletal system, valerate improved the microarchitecture, increased bone mineral density (BMD), and upregulated osteogenic genes runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), and growth hormone receptor (GHR). Microbiota profiling showed enrichment of several genera ( Show less
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and diabetes mellitus (DM) are independent risk factors for worse outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Evidence of their joint association is limited. We aimed to Show more
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and diabetes mellitus (DM) are independent risk factors for worse outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Evidence of their joint association is limited. We aimed to investigate the combined effect of elevated Lp(a) and DM on survival outcomes in CAD patients. This study included 65 547 CAD patients (62.6 ± 10.7 years, 27.7% female) from CIN-II and RED-CARPET cohorts. Patients were stratified into four groups by Lp(a) levels (< or ≥ 30 mg/dL) and DM status. Multivariable Cox regression models estimated associations with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, examining additive and multiplicative interactions. During a median follow-up of 5.5 years, 10 686 (16.3%) patients died from all causes and 5106 (7.8%) died from cardiovascular causes. Patients with Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL and DM were independently associated with cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.20-1.35; aHR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.44-1.62, all p < 0.001, respectively). Compared to patients with Lp(a) < 30 mg/dL without DM, the aHRs were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.16-1.36, p < 0.001), 1.51 (95% CI: 1.40-1.62, p < 0.001) and 2.00 (95% CI: 1.83-2.18, p < 0.001) for those with Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL without DM, Lp(a) < 30 mg/dL with DM and Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL with DM, respectively. Significant additive interaction between elevated Lp(a) and DM on cardiovascular mortality was observed, with 12% of the excess risk attributed. Similar associations were observed in all-cause mortality. In patients with CAD, elevated Lp(a) and DM act synergistically to increase the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, suggesting that both risks should be considered to integrate management. Show less
This study investigated the impact of This retrospective case-control study involved 628 CAD patients and 628 matched controls without CAD. ApoE genotyping was conducted using PCR-chip technology, and Show more
This study investigated the impact of This retrospective case-control study involved 628 CAD patients and 628 matched controls without CAD. ApoE genotyping was conducted using PCR-chip technology, and genotype and allele frequencies were compared between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the link between ApoE polymorphisms and CAD risk in populations at middle and high altitudes. The data revealed significant differences in These findings validated that the Show less
Metabolic reprogramming of Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)-leucine, isoleucine, and valine-has emerged as a constitutive feature of cancer, extending far beyond their canonical roles in protein syn Show more
Metabolic reprogramming of Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)-leucine, isoleucine, and valine-has emerged as a constitutive feature of cancer, extending far beyond their canonical roles in protein synthesis and energy provision. In malignancy, these essential amino acids function as pivotal signaling mediators and epigenetic modulators, thereby propelling tumor progression, facilitating immune evasion, and conferring resistance to therapeutic agents. This review delineates how cancer cells subvert branched-chain amino acid metabolism to fuel anabolic processes, activate oncogenic signaling cascades including mTOR and PI3K/AKT, and remodel the tumor microenvironment. A framework is presented to categorize the differential reliance of various cancers on key catabolic enzymes-BCAT1, BCAT2 and BCKDK-underscoring their therapeutic vulnerability. The paradoxical role of BCAAs in modulating anti-tumor immunity is examined alongside the potential of dietary modulation and the development of pharmacological inhibitors targeting this pathway. Concluding perspectives highlight the trajectory for translating these insights into precision oncology, advocating for biomarker-guided and context-specific therapeutic strategies. Show less
Endothelial cells under oxidative stress and inflammation are vital contributors to the progression of atherosclerosis. Although Orientin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, the ef Show more
Endothelial cells under oxidative stress and inflammation are vital contributors to the progression of atherosclerosis. Although Orientin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, the effects of Orientin on oxidized low-density lipoprotein and high glucose (ox-LDL/HG)-triggered endothelial cell injury and diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis remain unclear. ApoE Show less
American Indians have a high population risk for cerebrovascular disease, vascular brain injury (VBI), and dementia. The apolipoprotein ( We analyzed data from a population-based, longitudinal cohort Show more
American Indians have a high population risk for cerebrovascular disease, vascular brain injury (VBI), and dementia. The apolipoprotein ( We analyzed data from a population-based, longitudinal cohort of American Indians aged 64-95 years from the Strong Heart Study recruited from Northern Plains, Southern Plains, and Southwest regions. Magnetic resonance imaging markers included infarcts, lacunes, hemorrhages, and WMH. The sample size was 395 participants with a mean age of 71.3 (4.7) years and was comprised of 313 non-ε4-carriers and 82 ε4-carriers, predominantly female (70.1%). Cross-sectional analyses indicated no significant associations between Our findings echo previous work that Show less
Lecanemab, an anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) protofibril antibody, was introduced in China in 2024, but its real-world performance remains unknown. In this prospective, multicenter study across 21 sites, 261 Show more
Lecanemab, an anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) protofibril antibody, was introduced in China in 2024, but its real-world performance remains unknown. In this prospective, multicenter study across 21 sites, 261 Alzheimer's disease patients (mild cognitive impairment to moderate dementia) received biweekly lecanemab (10 mg/kg). A matched Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort served as comparator. Cognitive tests, plasma biomarkers, and optional amyloid/tau positron emission tomography (PET) were assessed over 6 months. Lecanemab significantly attenuated cognitive decline versus ADNI. Plasma Aβ42, Aβ40, phosphorylated tau 217 (p‑tau217), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ratios showed robust changes; a p‑tau217 reduction correlated with amyloid PET clearance (mean -22.1 Centiloid; 29.2% turned amyloid-negative). Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 non-carriers showed greater improvements. Infusion reactions occurred in 11.1% and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities in 9.2% (1.6% symptomatic), with no stage-related safety differences. Lecanemab was effective and well tolerated in real-world Chinese patients. Plasma p‑tau217 may serve as a sensitive, minimally invasive treatment-response biomarker. Show less
Falls have long been a significant safety concern worldwide, not only compromising the physical and psychological health of older adults and limiting their social engagement but also imposing substant Show more
Falls have long been a significant safety concern worldwide, not only compromising the physical and psychological health of older adults and limiting their social engagement but also imposing substantial economic and caregiving burdens. Evidence on fall risk perception among Chinese community-dwelling older adults remains limited, especially for those transitioning to community living after hospital discharge. This research examined the subtypes of fall risk perception of Chinese community-dwelling older adults in the post-discharge transition and to explore subgroup characteristics and associated factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2024 to March 2025 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic and health-related information, The Fall Risk Perception Scale for Community-dwelling Older Adults was used to assess the fall risk perception, the objective fall risk was assessed by Morse Fall Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to extract latent classes of fall risk perception, and multinomial regression analyses were used to identify differences between these categories. A total of 468 older adults were included, with 56.0% were male. Three fall risk perception subtypes were identified by LPA: Low Perception-Social Context Desensitized Type (29.2%), Moderate Perception - Balanced Type (43.4%), and High Perception - Bio-behaviorally Salient Type (27.4%). Individuals who were aged with 70-79 (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.27-0.77), with college education or above (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.76), those who underwent surgery during hospitalization (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.15-0.43), reported difficulty falling asleep (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.20-0.82), and those with a history of falls (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.24-0.81) were significantly more likely to be in the High Perception - Bio-behaviorally Salient Type. Compared to objective fall risk level, a third of participants (31.4%) correctly estimated their fall risk, 23.1% overestimated it and 45.5% underestimated it. Most older adults possess a Moderate Perception - Balanced Type toward fall risk. Key determinants of heightened risk perception included advanced age, higher education, fall history, and recent surgical experience. Tailored, profile-specific risk communication strategies are essential to improve perceptual accuracy during the hospital-to-home transition may support post-discharge fall prevention. Show less
Doxorubicin (Dox) is a classic anthracycline chemotherapy drug with cause cumulative and dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the potential role and molecular mechanism of ph Show more
Doxorubicin (Dox) is a classic anthracycline chemotherapy drug with cause cumulative and dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the potential role and molecular mechanism of phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln), a novel gut microbiota metabolite, in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). DIC models were established in vivo and in vitro, and a series of experiments were performed to verify the cardioprotective effect of PAGln. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to explore the mechanism of PAGln in DIC. Subsequently, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to comprehensive analysis using diverse public databases, and RT-PCR was used to confirm the expression levels of the candidate genes. Finally, molecular docking techniques were used for validation. PAGln effectively prevented both in vivo and in vitro Dox-induced myocardial injury and cell apoptosis. RNA-seq results showed that 40 genes were up-regulated and 54 down-regulated in the Dox group compared to the Con group, displaying opposite changes in the Dox + PAGln group. Enrichment analysis highlighted several mechanisms by which PAGln alleviated Dox-induced cardiotoxicity, including the lipid metabolic process, calcium-mediated signaling, positive regulation of store-operated calcium channel activity, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that PAGln treatment could reverse the changes in the expression levels of Klb, Ece2, Nmnat2, Casq1, Pak1, and Apob in Dox. Molecular docking results showed that these genes had good binding activity with PAGln. PAGln shows potential in alleviating Dox-induced cardiotoxicity, with Ece2 identified as key regulatory molecules related to endothelial dysfunction. Show less
Efficient, spatially selective delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) therapeutics to deep brain structures remains a major challenge to gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD), owing to limited t Show more
Efficient, spatially selective delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) therapeutics to deep brain structures remains a major challenge to gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD), owing to limited transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and poor penetration to target neurons. Here, we establish an integrated, noninvasive imaging and therapy platform that combines microbubble-enhanced focused ultrasound (MB-FUS) with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to transiently modulate the BBB, enhance region-specific AAV delivery following systemic dosing, and longitudinally track transduction in vivo. Optimized MB-FUS achieved targeted hippocampal delivery of systemically administered AAV9 in healthy mice, resulting in a 10-fold enhancement of neuronal transduction as compared to non-FUS controls. Importantly, longitudinal PET reporter gene imaging in the 5xFAD AD model demonstrated robust brain AAV transduction that remained stable for at least seven months. Finally, to assess therapeutic impact, we used brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a test cargo. MB-FUS-facilitated delivery elevated BDNF expression in targeted regions and produced short-term improvements in synaptic signaling in 5xFAD mice. Collectively, these results highlight MB-FUS as a next-generation delivery platform to overcome barriers to AAV therapeutic delivery in Alzheimer's disease and position longitudinal PET assessment as a critical, translatable tool for monitoring and optimizing gene therapy. Show less
Atherosclerosis preferentially develops in regions exposed to disturbed flow, where is more susceptible to trans-endothelial retention of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and subsequent vascu Show more
Atherosclerosis preferentially develops in regions exposed to disturbed flow, where is more susceptible to trans-endothelial retention of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and subsequent vascular inflammation. While 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) is implicated in lipid oxidation, its role in accumulation of oxLDL in disturbed flow areas remains unknown. Human coronary artery endarterectomy specimens and cultured endothelial cells were analyzed for 12/15-LOX expression and localization under disturbed flow. Oxidized phospholipids were quantified via E06 antibody by ELISA, while ROS generation was measured using DCFH-DA. ApoE Disturbed flow upregulated 12/15-LOX expression in endothelial cells. In vitro, disturbed flow increased LDL oxidation and ROS production, both attenuated by 12/15-LOX siRNA or the specific inhibitor baicalein and ML351. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of 12/15-LOX reduced oxidized lipid deposition in disturbed flow regions. Mechanistically, 12/15-LOX increased ROS production in disturbed flow conditions in a pathway upstream of NAPDH oxidase 2. However, the 12/15-LOX-mediated LDL oxidation was independent of NOX. We identify 12/15-LOX as a hemodynamic-sensitive enzyme that is upregulated under disturbed flow to promote LDL oxidation, which proposes a promising target to mitigate atherosclerosis especially in disturbed flow areas. Show less
Daiyue Li, Yu Zhang, Ruonan Wang+6 more · 2026 · Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most pressing public health challenges in an aging world. However, effective therapeutic strategies are still lacking. Imbalance in lipid homeostasis is a key dr Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most pressing public health challenges in an aging world. However, effective therapeutic strategies are still lacking. Imbalance in lipid homeostasis is a key driver of AD. Given the established link between dysregulated lipid metabolism and amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, we investigated whether chicoric acid (CA), a dietary polyphenol with reported lipid-modulating properties, could mitigate Aβ pathology by modulating lipid metabolism in 5xFAD transgenic mice. In the brain, we found that CA upregulated the expression of liver X receptor Beta (LXR-β) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in 5xFAD mice. Through this pathway, it promoted apolipoprotein E (ApoE) lipidation and enhanced the expression of Aβ-clearance proteins (IDE and LRP1). Notably, in the periphery, CA reshaped the gut microbiota in 5xFAD mice, which reduced serum neurotoxic bile acid levels and preserved the integrity of the peripheral Aβ clearance system. Together, our study first demonstrated that CA globally regulated lipid homeostasis to alleviate Aβ pathology by coordinating cerebral cholesterol efflux with peripheral bile acid metabolism. The findings facilitated exploring active compounds from traditional Chinese medicine that may reduce Aβ deposition by targeting lipid metabolism pathways. Show less
Acute alcohol consumption is known to exert widespread physiological effects, yet the immediate impacts on metabolic biomarkers remain incompletely understood. The present randomized controlled trial Show more
Acute alcohol consumption is known to exert widespread physiological effects, yet the immediate impacts on metabolic biomarkers remain incompletely understood. The present randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the acute effects of a single episode of alcohol ingestion on various biomarkers in healthy individuals. A total of 45 male participants were recruited and randomized into an alcohol group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 5) at an 8:1 ratio. Volunteers in the alcohol group ingested 40% Absolut vodka within 15 min. Blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation were measured at 0 h, 1 h, 3 h, 5 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Venous blood samples were drawn at 0 h, 1 h, 5 h, 12 h, and 24 h after alcohol intake. Our results showed that levels of liver function markers, including α-fucosidase (AFU), albumin (ALB), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were significantly increased in the alcohol group compared to the control group. The 24-h area under curve (AUC) of AFU, ALB, and ALP were significantly higher in the alcohol group. The liver fibrosis maker collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C) tended to be higher at 1 h and 12 h in the alcohol group compared to the control group. Lipid levels, including triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), and the APOA1/APOB, were significantly elevated after alcohol ingestion, particularly at 5 h and 12 h. The 24 h-AUC of TG, APOA1, and APOA1/APOB were higher in the alcohol group than in the control group. Additionally, cardiac function indicators, including heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), were significantly elevated in the alcohol group. SBP and DBP remained higher 24 h after alcohol ingestion compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that even a single episode of binge drinking could induce significant alterations of biomarkers related to liver function, cardiac function, and lipid profiles. These findings provided valuable insights into the short-term impact of alcohol on health and highlighted the importance of further research to explore the long-term implications of repeated acute alcohol exposure. Given the very small control group, these results should be interpreted as preliminary and confirmed in larger, more balanced randomized trials. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-40028-1. Show less
Atherosclerosis (AS) serves as the pathological foundation for numerous cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and is highly comorbid with depression. The mechanisms underlying this co-morbidity Show more
Atherosclerosis (AS) serves as the pathological foundation for numerous cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and is highly comorbid with depression. The mechanisms underlying this co-morbidity are exceptionally complex, posing significant challenges to effective clinical treatment. Consequently, our study aims to explore the potential biomarkers and mechanisms involved in developing atherosclerosis co-depression disease. We performed differential expression analysis, protein-protein interaction analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis on co-differentiated genes using AS and depression-related datasets from the GEO database. Potential biomarkers were identified through ROC curve analysis. To evaluate the effectiveness of the model, we established an animal model of AS comorbid with depressive disorder and performed a series of assessments, including the sugar-water preference test, open field test, tail suspension test, lipid profile analysis, and pathological examination of aortic sections. Additionally, RNA sequencing analysis of brain tissue, Golgi staining, and detection of synaptic function-related proteins were performed in AS comorbid depressed mice. Finally, in vitro cellular experiments were conducted to further validate the molecular targets and underlying mechanisms. We identified 968 differentially expressed genes associated with AS and 472 differentially expressed genes associated with depression, with 30 genes co-differentially expressed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed that CCR5, CCR2, NPY, and OPRM1 were strongly associated with AS co-depression, while ROC analysis indicated that Shank2, MDGA2, and S100B were diagnostic markers for AS with depression. Differentially expressed genes were closely associated with the chemokine signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and taste transduction. Animal studies demonstrated that ApoE Our study identified seven candidate AS co-depression biomarkers and verified that inflammation-induced damage to synaptic plastic rows is an important mechanism of AS co-depression, providing new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of AS co-depression disorders. Show less
The pathological environment of atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized by hyperlipidemia and chronic inflammation, which cause increased heterogeneity among vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Owing Show more
The pathological environment of atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized by hyperlipidemia and chronic inflammation, which cause increased heterogeneity among vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Owing to its lipid-regulating and anti-inflammatory effects, paeoniflorin (Pae) inhibits VSMC phenotypic transformation, making it a promising candidate for AS treatment. Mouse aortic VSMCs were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and Pae, and the effects on cell phenotype were examined. An AS model was established by feeding ApoE Pae reversed weight gain and elevated TG levels in the AS model. Oil Red O staining showed that Pae inhibited VSMC-derived foam cell formation in vitro and reduced aortic sinus plaque area, aortic wall lipid deposition, and hepatic steatosis in the AS model. Immunofluorescence staining of the aortic sinus revealed that Pae mitigated α-SMA overexpression and reversed ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) downregulation. Western blotting analysis revealed that Pae inhibited ERK1/2 and p65 phosphorylation, curbed MMP2 overexpression, and restored downregulated ABCA1 expression. Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, and wound healing assays demonstrated that Pae inhibited ox-LDL-induced VSMC proliferation and migration. Additionally, Pae significantly inhibited the expression of the inflammatory factors IL-6 and MCP-1 both in vivo and in vitro. Pae may treat AS by inhibiting VSMC phenotypic transformation. Show less
Depression and anxiety disorders are highly comorbid, yet their complex pathogenesis often limits the efficacy of monotherapy. Growing evidence implicates neuroinflammation in their pathogenesis. Co-d Show more
Depression and anxiety disorders are highly comorbid, yet their complex pathogenesis often limits the efficacy of monotherapy. Growing evidence implicates neuroinflammation in their pathogenesis. Co-drugs that linked two active molecules into a single compound and released the drugs after administration, which offering improved efficacy and tolerability than individual drug mixtures or monotherapy. In this work, five new co-drugs ODV-NSAIDs were synthesized from O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to achieve synergistic antidepression and anxiolytic effects. In vitro stability studies exhibited that these co-drugs can be metabolized into two single drugs within 60 min in simulated intestinal fluid. In both acute and chronic LPS-induced models, co-drug ODV-NAP significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors, evidenced by increased sucrose preference, reduced immobility in the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST), and enhanced locomotion in the open field test (OFT). Furthermore, ODV-NAP decreased brain levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while elevating serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Nissl staining confirmed ODV-NAP significantly attenuated hippocampal neuronal damage. Moreover, western blotting revealed ODV-NAP inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulated BDNF and p-TrkB protein expression. ODV-NAP also inhibited LPS-induced p65 nuclear translocation in BV-2 microglia in vitro, and caused no toxicity in histology. Thus, co-drug ODV-NAP represented a promising novel candidate for treating depression and anxiety. Show less
Metabolic‒epigenetic crosstalk critically orchestrates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis. Deciphering the precise mechanism underlying epigenetic remodeling and metabolic reprogramming in HC Show more
Metabolic‒epigenetic crosstalk critically orchestrates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis. Deciphering the precise mechanism underlying epigenetic remodeling and metabolic reprogramming in HCC may lead to novel treatment paradigms, however, the key mechanisms remain elusive. RT-qPCR, western blotting and tissue microarrary Immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of RasGEF domain family member 1B (RASGEF1B) in HCC and normal liver tissues. Transcriptome sequencing and high-resolution untargeted metabolomics were integrated to identify the downstream regulatory mechanism through which RASGEF1B inhibited the HCC progression. Epigenetic regulation was investigated using methylation-specific PCR and luciferase reporter assays. Bioinformatic prediction and molecular docking suggested a functional interplay among RASGEF1B, ALDH7A1, and BMI1, which was experimentally confirmed through coimmunoprecipitation, GST pull-down, and immunofluorescence assays. Protein stability and ubiquitination status of ALDH7A1 were examined using cycloheximide, immunoprecipitation assay, and an in vitro reconstituted ubiquitination system. In this study, the antitumor role of RASGEF1B was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that RASGEF1B overexpression significantly reduced the snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1), a master regulator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that RASGEF1B promoted SNAI1 DNA methylation through Betaine-mediated methionine metabolic reprogramming. Further analysis confirmed that RASGEF1B competitively protected the ALDH7A1 protein from BMI1-dependent ubiquitination, thereby elevating cellular Betaine levels in HCC. This study revealed that RASGEF1B inhibited SNAI1 to suppress HCC through metabolite‒epigenetic crosstalk. Our findings potentially offer a new perspective on the classical RAS signaling framework, uncovering a metabolic‒epigenetic axis as an innovative therapeutic approach for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HCC. [Image: see text] The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-026-07785-z. Show less
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause liver damage through oxidative stress (OS) and immune-inflammatory responses. This study aims to explore the clinical significance of fibroblast growth fact Show more
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause liver damage through oxidative stress (OS) and immune-inflammatory responses. This study aims to explore the clinical significance of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in the development and progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A total of 336 participants were recruited, including 320 CHB patients and 16 healthy controls. The expression of FGF21, immune cytokines, and OS-related molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The methylation level of the FGF21 gene promoter in PBMCs was detected using TaqMan probe-based quantitative methylation-specific PCR. The expression level of FGF21 in the peripheral blood of CHB patients was higher than that of HC, but the methylation level of the FGF21 promoter was lower than that of HC, especially in patients during the immune activation phase. The mRNA expression levels of CXCR3 and CCL5 in PBMCs of CHB patients during the immune activation and reactivation phases were higher than those in other clinical stages. Single-cell analysis revealed that CXCR3 and CCL5 expression in the immune tolerance and immune activation phases with high HBsAg expression was closely related to T lymphocytes (T cells) and natural killer cells (NK cells) and was highly expressed in CD4 and CD8 T cells and NK cells. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and GPX4 in the reactivation phase were higher than those in other clinical stages. The mRNA expression level and methylation level of FGF21 in PBMCs of CHB patients were correlated with the viral load, immune inflammation, and OS levels during the antiviral treatment course of CHB. The methylation level of the FGF21 promoter has the potential to become a non-invasive biomarker for monitoring the progress of antiviral treatment in CHB.IMPORTANCEThis study conducted an in-depth exploration of the application of methylation detection technology, analyzing its value and driving mechanism in the oxidative stress and immune-inflammatory balance during the course of chronic hepatitis B. The study analyzed the methylation patterns of the FGF21 promoter and the expression levels of its receptor FGFR1, as well as the expression levels of chemokines CXCR3, CCL5, and oxidative stress factors GPX4 and Nrf2 in the immune tolerance period, immune clearance period, immune control period, and reactivation period of chronic hepatitis B. It clarified the association between these molecules and the FGF21/FGFR1 axis and revealed the synergistic or antagonistic mechanisms of these molecules in the oxidative stress and inflammatory vicious cycle. At the same time, this study also explored the value of FGF21 promoter methylation in disease diagnosis and prognosis, providing a theoretical basis for evaluating the antiviral treatment effect and disease progression of chronic hepatitis B. Show less
Executive function (EF) deficits are a core cognitive feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are closely associated with social responsiveness. Previous research has primarily focused on childr Show more
Executive function (EF) deficits are a core cognitive feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are closely associated with social responsiveness. Previous research has primarily focused on children with ASD, whereas how specific executive components relate to social functioning in adults remains less clear. This study examined whether patterns of association between EF and social responsiveness differ between children and adults with and without ASD. Data were obtained from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange II (ABIDE II), including 423 participants aged 8-23 years (ASD = 184; controls = 239). EF was evaluated using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF/BRIEF-A), and social responsiveness was assessed with the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Covariates of age, sex, and full-scale IQ (FIQ) were controlled using entropy balancing in children and multiple regression in adults. Hierarchical regression, moderated mediation analysis, and latent profile analysis (LPA) were conducted to examine the moderation, mediation, and heterogeneity effects, respectively. Across both child and adult samples, individuals with ASD exhibited significantly higher T-scores than controls on nearly all BRIEF and SRS subdomains after covariate adjustment (all adjusted p < 0.01), indicating widespread EF and social responsiveness impairments. Moderation analyses revealed no significant age group × EF interaction, indicating that the association between EF and social responsiveness was consistent across development. Mediation analysis revealed age-specific pathways, with EF broadly mediating social responsiveness in adults but showing more selective mediation in children. LPA identified four distinct subtypes, which were independent of age, sex, and FIQ. EF-social responsiveness associations were evident across development, but the functional contribution of specific executive components became more differentiated with age. Working memory showed greater relative prominence in adulthood. Latent profile analysis revealed heterogeneity in how executive difficulties align with social challenges, supporting developmentally informed assessment and clinical interpretation rather than direct treatment recommendations. Show less
Oscillatory shear stress (OSS), resulting from disturbed blood flow, is implicated in atherosclerotic plaque formation by incompletely understood mechanisms. This study aims to elucidate the involveme Show more
Oscillatory shear stress (OSS), resulting from disturbed blood flow, is implicated in atherosclerotic plaque formation by incompletely understood mechanisms. This study aims to elucidate the involvement of death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) 2 in OSS-induced endothelial cell (EC) activation and atherosclerosis. Publicly available resources, including genome-wide microarray, RNA sequencing, and single-cell RNA sequencing, were utilized to identify key OSS-sensitive regulatory factors. Techniques such as mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, and RNA sequencing were employed to identify pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) as the binding protein of DAPK2 and determine the specific site of PKM2 phosphorylation by DAPK2. To assess the role of Dapk2 in vivo, EC-specific DAPK2 expression was elevated in OSS-exposed regions of human and murine arteries. Mechanistically, Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) suppressed DAPK2-driven phosphorylation of PKM2 at threonine 45 orchestrates endothelial inflammatory responses to disturbed flow, identifying a novel mechanistic axis and potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis. Show less