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Hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis in pregnancy (HTG-IPP) is a rare but serious condition. There is a paucity of evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for screening and management of HTG-IPP. Individual genomics can predispose certain populations to a higher risk of developing HTG-IPP. To report on a case series of the management of four individual pregnancies complicated by HTG-IPP, subsequently found to be associated with pathogenic genetic variants involved in triglyceride (TG) metabolism. The medical records of four individual pregnancies from two metropolitan hospitals in Australia were reviewed regarding the management of their HTG-IPP and genetic testing for hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG). A literature review of previous cases of HTG-IPP with an identified pathogenic variant was performed. The identified genetic variants resulting in a diagnosis of HTG and HTG-IPP were within glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored high density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and apolipoprotein A5 (APOA-5). All patients had co-morbid gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and were of South Asian or Asian ethnicity. All four patients were effectively managed with fasting, intravenous insulin, omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) and very low-fat diet (VLFD) with supplementation with medium-chain TG (MCT) oil. Further genomics research is needed to increase our understanding for its use in predicting risk of severe gestational HTG. With additional case identification, particular variants of pathogenic interest can be identified and screened for antenatally in patients with a moderate fasting HTG of more than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) in the absence of other causative factors. Pre-conception optimisation of TGs and regular monitoring in pregnancy can reduce the incidence and disease burden associated with HTG-IPP and HTG. Show less

Postprandial metabolic impairments play a key role in the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic diseases. While liver fat content has been linked to distinct fasting metabolite profiles, its relationship with postprandial metabolite profiles remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to (1) examine to what extent liver fat content is associated with the postprandial metabolomic profile beyond fasting metabolites; and (2) investigate whether diet-induced changes in liver fat content are associated with changes in plasma metabolites identified in objective 1. In a subpopulation (n = 1986) of an existing cohort study and a 12-week dietary intervention study (n = 80), liver fat content was measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and categorized as low (< 2.5%), middle (2.5-5.5%), or high (> 5.5%). In the cohort study, plasma metabolomic profiles were quantified by NMR spectroscopy at fasting (T High liver fat group was characterized by higher fasting and postprandial levels of triglycerides, all VLDL and the small LDL/HDL subclasses, ApoB, fatty acids, glycoprotein acetyls, and BCAAs, and lower medium/larger HDL subclasses, and acetate compared to the low liver fat group. In the high vs. low liver fat group, postprandial responses of cholesterol content of S-LDL, IDL, and S-HDL, glutamine and histidine, omega-3% and DHA % were lower. Diet-induced reductions in liver fat were associated with reductions in 40 fasting plasma metabolites, including VLDL-TG, tyrosine, isoleucine, fatty acid ratios, and most of the VLDL subclasses. Postprandial metabolomic profiling revealed additional associations between liver fat content and plasma metabolites beyond fasting measures, particularly in lipoprotein cholesterol and fatty acid composition. Diet-induced reductions in liver fat were associated with favorable changes in fasting metabolites, but not postprandial metabolite responses. Future studies with harmonized postprandial assessment are needed to further elucidate the postprandial observations and the underlying mechanisms. The trials in this study were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NL21981.058.08/P08.109 and NCT02194504. Show less

Xinjiang Brown cattle are an important beef breed in Northwest China. Although multigenerational selective breeding has improved their growth performance, the accompanying molecular adaptations and potential physiological trade- ofs remain insufficiently elucidated at the systemic level. This study aimed to decipher the dynamic serum proteomic profiles shaped by both ontogeny and generational selection in Xinjiang Brown cattle, and to identify the associated key proteins and pathways. Serum samples from 18 bulls across three genera- tions (A, B, C) at 3 and 9 months of age were analyzed using Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics. Under stringent quality control (FDR < 1%), 583 high-confidence proteins were identified. Diferentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened using thresholds of |fold change| ≥ 1.2 and This study reveals that the breeding strategy for Xinjiang Brown cattle prioritizes shaping a proteomic landscape that promotes growth and metabolism, potentially at the cost of atten- uated immune-vascular reactivity. The identified panel of candidate proteins pro- vides a molecular framework for evaluating breeding outcomes and designing balanced selection strategies. Follow-up research should further investigate the functions of these candidate proteins and validate their predictive value for health and production performance in independent herds. Show less

We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with severe hypertriglyceridemia due to a homozygous APOA5 c.553G>T (p.Gly185Cys) mutation. She presented with markedly elevated triglyceride levels (TG, 1,047 mg/dL) that were unresponsive to lifestyle modifications. Lipoprotein fractionation revealed increased chylomicrons (CMs, 21%) and very-low-density lipoprotein (35%), consistent with type V hyperlipoproteinemia. Secondary causes, such as diabetes, alcohol intake, and hypothyroidism, were excluded. The post-heparinization lipoprotein lipase (PH-LPL) level was reduced (104 ng/mL), indicating impaired lipolysis. Genetic testing revealed no pathogenic variants in LPL or other major genes related to triglyceride metabolism. A homozygous APOA5 c.553G>T variant was identified. Pemafibrate (0.2 mg/day), a selective PPARα modulator (SPPARMα), was initiated. After 2 months, the blood lipid levels had markedly improved, with the complete disappearance of CMs, and the PH-LPL level had normalized to 173 ng/mL. This case highlights the potential pathogenic role of APOA5 mutations in LPL-related hypertriglyceridemia. Furthermore, it demonstrates the multifaceted therapeutic effects of pemafibrate, suggesting a potential role for SPPARMα therapy in the management of hereditary hypertriglyceridemia. Homozygous APOA5 mutations can cause reduced LPL protein levels, leading to severe hypertriglyceridemia with elevated CMs and VLDL. Pemafibrate may improve both LPL levels and lipid profiles, even in cases with reduced LPL protein and chylomicronemia. ApoA5-related chylomicronemia can resemble familial chylomicronemia syndrome but may respond to therapies such as pemafibrate, highlighting the importance of accurate genetic diagnosis. Show less

To investigate changes in serum lipid profile parameters combined with tumor markers in gastric cancer (GC) patients and their value in GC screening. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with GC at Renji Hospital (West) between May and September 2025 were consecutively enrolled as the GC group (54 cases in stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ and 46 cases in stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ). Additionally, 100 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals undergoing routine physical examinations were included as the healthy control (HC) group. The serum levels of nine lipid indicators (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], small and dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [sdLDL-C], apolipoprotein [Apo] A1, ApoB, ApoC2, and ApoC3) and five tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], carbohydrate antigen [CA] 19-9, CA50, CA242, and CA72-4) were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer and an electrochemiluminescence instrument. Intergroup differences were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney Compared with the HC group, the GC group showed significantly lower levels of ApoA1, ApoC3, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and sdLDL-C ( The combined panel of ApoA1, ApoC3, HDL-C, LDL-C, TC, sdLDL-C, CEA, CA50 and age offers a potential auxiliary tool for detecting gastric cancer. Show less

GLP-1 RAs are effective in treating obesity; however, they typically result in significant loss of skeletal muscle mass. Real-world evidence to inform systematic guidelines and clinical implementation for preserving skeletal muscle mass and reducing cardiometabolic risk with lifestyle modifications on GLP-1 RAs remains limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the TouchCare Method, a lifestyle intervention incorporating nutrition and exercise with GLP-1 RAs, for improving body composition and cardiometabolic risk. A retrospective chart review included patients enrolled in Bucks Health and Wellness between February 2024 and September 2025, for at least 12 month ( Patients adherent to the TouchCare Method for 12 months were included in the final analysis ( The TouchCare Method may improve GLP-1 RA treatment outcomes by providing comprehensive structured lifestyle interventions supporting clinically significant weight loss while preserving skeletal muscle mass and improving cardiometabolic risk factors. Show less

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Long Mu Ning Xin Decoction (LMNXD) shows established clinical efficacy against ADHD, yet its mechanistic basis is not fully elucidated. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of LMNXD for ADHD and explores its underlying mechanisms of action. Thirty spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs/NCrl) were randomly divided into five groups: a model (SHR) group, low-, medium-, and high-dose LMNXD (LMNXD-LD, LMNXD-MD, LMNXD-HD)groups, and a methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) group. Additionally, six Wistar Kyoto (WKY/NCrl) rats were designated as the control group.Behavioral performance was assessed using the open field test and Morris water maze. The expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), dopamine deceptor D1 (DRD1), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the rat hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and striatum were evaluated by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Potential targets and mechanisms were explored through transcriptomic sequencing and network pharmacology, with subsequent validation by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Compared to the SHR group, LMNXD ameliorated hyperactivity, impulsivity, deficits in spatial memory and learning ability in SHR/NCrl rats. It also effectively reduced GFAP expression in the hippocampus while increasing DRD1 expression in the PFC and BDNF levels in the striatum. Network pharmacology predicted that LMNXD might alleviate ADHD by acting on pathways including phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase-Akt (PI3K-Akt), calcium signaling, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. Consistent with this prediction, transcriptomic analysis of rat hippocampi showed that LMNXD influences the cAMP and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, as well as serotonergic and cholinergic synapses. RT-qPCR further confirmed that LMNXD likely exerts its therapeutic effect by regulating the mRNA expression of ATPase Plasma Membrane Ca LMNXD may ameliorates hyperactive-impulsive behaviors and improves spatial memory and learning in SHRs/NCrl rats by modulating ATP2B4, GRIN3A, OXTR, COL6A2, and ITGA1 within the cAMP and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. This intervention also upregulates DRD1 and BDNF expression while downregulating GFAP levels. Show less

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common monogenic lipid disorder, primarily resulting from mutations in LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes. These mutations cause persistently high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), predisposing affected individuals to premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Homozygous FH (HoFH), a rare but severe form, manifests early in life with cutaneous xanthomas and accelerated coronary and aortic disease. Early diagnosis and aggressive, lifelong management are crucial, yet challenges remain, particularly when follow-up is interrupted. We report the case of a 20-year-old female diagnosed with HoFH at age 13 after presenting with xanthomas. Initial evaluation revealed mild to moderate aortic stenosis and early coronary artery involvement. Genetic testing confirmed a homozygous LDLR mutation. Despite treatment with atorvastatin and evolocumab, partial lipid control was achieved, and follow-up was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. At 20 years, she presented with worsening dyspnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and orthopnea. Advanced imaging documented severe heart failure with an ejection fraction of 20%, significant ventricular dilation, severe mitral regurgitation, and calcified aortic stenosis. Coronary angiography demonstrated critical coronary stenoses, while subsequent adjustments in her lipid-lowering regimen, including rosuvastatin, ezetimibe, increased evolocumab dosing, and bempedoic acid, failed to stabilize her condition. Despite recommendations for surgical intervention, the patient's critical status precluded operative management, and she tragically died on the day of her scheduled follow-up. This case underscores the aggressive natural history of HoFH and the dire consequences of interrupted follow-up care. Early detection and sustained, multidisciplinary management are essential to mitigate rapid cardiovascular deterioration in HoFH patients. Consistent monitoring and prompt therapeutic adjustments remain pivotal in improving outcomes and reducing the high mortality risk associated with advanced aortic and coronary complications in these patients. Show less

Skin aging arises from intrinsic processes and extrinsic insults (e.g., ultraviolet exposure and oxidative stress). Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived secretome offers a cell-free approach to skin regeneration. Wharton's jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) may outperform adipose-derived (AD-MSCs) and bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). Secretomes from WJ-MSCs, AD-MSCs, and BM-MSCs were compared in vitro for human dermal fibroblast proliferation, scratch-wound closure, extracellular-matrix (ECM) remodeling, and type I procollagen secretion. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were assessed by IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2 and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antibody arrays profiled secreted factors. An exploratory, single-arm human pilot ( The WJ-MSC secretome increased fibroblast proliferation, ECM remodeling, and type I procollagen, and reduced cytokines and ROS, exceeding the effects of AD-MSC and BM-MSC secretomes. Profiling highlighted apolipoprotein A4 (ApoA4) and SERPINH1 as enriched, functionally active mediators; recombinant ApoA4 and SERPINH1 enhanced fibroblast activity, collagen-related readouts, and accelerated in vitro wound closure. In the pilot study, within-subject increases in instrument-derived hydration and elasticity were observed over one week (paired tests). No treatment-related adverse events were noted. Patch testing showed no irritation (ICDRG scores all 0; non-irritant classification). The WJ-MSC secretome demonstrated consistent in-vitro pro-regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, with ApoA4 and SERPINH1 as candidate mediators. Human findings are preliminary/exploratory and suggest potential short-term benefits that require confirmation in adequately powered, controlled trials. Show less

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe hypertriglyceridemia and caused by mutations in genes involved in chylomicron metabolism. Dietary management includes a very-low-fat diet, restriction of simple carbohydrates and alcohol, supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides, essential fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins; however, long-term adherence is often poor and nutritional therapy alone is insufficient. We report two adult Chilean sisters with FCS caused by the homozygous Q97X mutation in the APOA5 gene. Both patients experienced severe hypertriglyceridemia (>5,000 mg/dL) and recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. One sister was treated with volanesorsen, an antisense oligonucleotide, receiving a weekly dose of 285 mg, which was repeated every 3 weeks due to thrombocytopenia. When combined with structured nutritional counseling, pharmacological treatment achieved a marked reduction in plasma triglycerides to <250 mg/dL and a substantial improvement in quality of life. The other sister was managed with conventional therapy due to a lack of health insurance coverage for volanesorsen. She presented persistent hypertriglyceridemia and recurrent hospitalizations, underscoring the challenges of access to advanced therapies in limited-resource settings. While volanesorsen offers a promising therapeutic alternative, equitable access remains a critical issue, particularly in health systems of low-to middle-income regions. Show less

Environmental exposure to toxic and essential metals can disrupt host immune function through mechanisms involving epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulation. Although numerous studies have investigated these regulatory layers separately, integrative analyses across molecular levels in relation to metallome is missing. In this study, we performed a targeted multi-omics analysis of six immune-associated genes (NFKB1, CDKN2A, IGF2, H19, ESR1, and APOA5) and corresponding proteins in healthy residents from a long-term mining region (MRR, n = 46) and a non-mining region (NMR, n = 48). Transcriptome data were generated by mRNA sequencing, while DNA methylation data were obtained using targeted bisulfite sequencing by analyzing previously identified differentially methylated positions. Plasma protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and plasma metal concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We observed significantly higher plasma levels of NFKB1 and CDKN2A proteins, along with lower ESR1 transcript levels, in residents of the mining region compared to the non-mining region. NFKB1 protein levels were associated with both promoter methylation and residence in mining region, suggesting a regulatory cascade from DNA methylation to protein expression. IGF2 protein levels were higher in males and showed positive associations with age and the cumulative Z-score of essential metal mixture burden. Our results show that long-term residence in mining regions is associated with changes in NFKB1 at both the DNA methylation and protein levels, which may serve as a sensitive biomarker of metal exposure. 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 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

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with diabetes, partly driven by dyslipidemia. While low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction is the primary target of lipid management, many patients with diabetes exhibit mixed dyslipidemia characterised by elevated triglycerides and increased concentrations of atherogenic remnant lipoproteins, which are more comprehensively captured by non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Current guidelines from international societies, including the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE), and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), recommend LDL-C and non-HDL-C targets based on individual cardiovascular risk profiles. Despite clear therapeutic algorithms, lipid target attainment remains suboptimal in routine clinical practice, necessitating more intensive and individualised treatment strategies. Lipid-lowering therapies, including statins, ezetimibe, bempedoic acid and PCSK9 inhibitors, effectively reduce LDL-C and non-HDL-C, significantly lowering cardiovascular risk. Triglyceride-lowering therapies, including omega-3 fatty acids and fibrates, have demonstrated substantial reductions in triglyceride levels, but their impact on cardiovascular outcomes remains uncertain. Given the heterogeneity of dyslipidemia in diabetes, non-HDL-C and apolipoprotein B (apoB) have emerged as superior markers for assessing atherogenic burden. While LDL-C reduction remains central, additional efforts are needed to optimise the management of residual atherogenic lipoprotein particles in diabetes. Future research should focus on refining risk stratification, improving lipid target attainment, and integrating novel lipid-modifying agents to enhance cardiovascular outcomes in this high-risk population. Show less

Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a central role in cardiometabolic disease, yet the associations between lipid metabolism and inflammatory biomarkers in generally healthy individuals remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between blood lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and a broad panel of inflammatory cytokines in a healthy adult population. A total of 165 healthy participants aged 18-44 years were recruited at the Falun County Hospital, Sweden. Blood samples were analyzed for a full lipid profile, blood counts, cytokines, and hsCRP. Plasma inflammatory protein levels were quantified using the Olink Proseek Multiplex Inflammation panel, including 92 cytokines. Statistical analysis included Spearman rank correlations and multiple testing correction using the Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR < 0.10). hsCRP showed significant correlations with several lipid parameters, particularly remnants, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and non-HDL cholesterol, as well as with BMI and specific leukocyte counts. Additionally, hsCRP was significantly associated with multiple cytokines, including IL-6, TNF, IL-10, and CXCL10, highlighting a complex pro- and anti-inflammatory milieu. This study demonstrates correlations between hsCRP, lipid-related biomarkers, and inflammatory cytokines in healthy adults, underscoring the interplay between lipid metabolism and subclinical inflammation. The significant correlations between hsCRP and remnants, ApoB, and cytokines such as IL-6 support the role of these factors as early indicators of cardiometabolic risk, even in the absence of overt disease. Show less

Human ApolipoproteinB (ApoB) exists in two isoforms that are packaged into low density lipoprotein particles and are major contributors to atherosclerosis. Alternatively, Drosophila Apolipoprotein Lipophorin (ApoLpp) also exists in two isoforms packaged into lipoprotein particles that cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in second instar larvae where they deliver lipids to neuroblasts. To extend our understanding of ApoLpp function to adult brains and suggest new hypotheses for human ApoB, we document evolutionary conservation between the two N-terminal isoforms human ApoB48 and fly ApoLppII. Then our tissue-specific analyses including rescue of apolpp lethality and apolpp RNAi showed that apolpp expression in the fat body is both necessary and sufficient for survival to adulthood. Our imaging studies of ApoLpp in the adult brain employed endogenous isoform-specific tagged proteins generated by the Fourth Chromosome Resource Project. Images revealed that both ApoLpp isoforms are present in the adult brain with ApoLppII accumulation prominent near glia. Nanobody morphotrap experiments that blocked tagged ApoLpp at the BBB demonstrated that ApoLpp detected inside the adult brain is exogenous. An N- and C-terminal tagged ApoLpp transgene expressed solely in the fat body facilitated tracking of each isoform from fat body secretion to the BBB and then inside the adult brain. Overall, our data suggest that the known role of ApoLpp in lipid delivery to larval brains likely continues in adults. Strong conservation between ApoLppII and ApoB48 supports the hypothesis that ApoB48 may have a role in the brain outside the circulatory system. Show less

Congenital heart defects represent a major global health burden, affecting nearly one million newborns annually. Identifying the underlying genetic causes is essential for improved diagnosis, patient management, and genetic counseling. We conducted a cytogenetic study integrating conventional karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA 44 K) in 20 Tunisian patients presenting syndromic CHDs and referred to our Genetics Department. CMA identified pathogenic copy number variations in four patients. These included an inherited 11 Mb deletion at 9p24.2 together with a 10 Mb duplication of 20pter; a de novo 1.2 Mb deletion at 15q26.2 with an 11 Mb duplication at 2q36.3; a de novo 113 kb deletion at 17q21.32; and a de novo 48 Mb duplication at 8q22. Several CNVs overlapped known deletion/duplication syndromes, some with previously infrequent cardiac involvement. Genotype-phenotype correlations enabled prioritization of CHD relevant genes including DOCK8, HTR2B, KANSL1, ZFPM2, and TRPS1, whose dosage sensitivity and interactions with cardiac developmental pathways may contribute to the observed phenotypes. This study reinforces the clinical utility of CMA in detecting cryptic chromosomal abnormalities in syndromic CHD. The identified CNVs and gene candidates offer new insights into CHD genetic architecture and support CMA as a first-tier diagnostic tool. These findings highlight the contribution of rare, pathogenic CNVs in syndromic cases and suggest their integration into refined diagnostic and counseling strategies. Further functional studies are necessary to elucidate the roles of these candidates in cardiogenesis. Show less

The APOE4 is a well-established and significant genetic risk factor associated with the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our previous research has implicated circular RNA FoxO3 (circ-FoxO3) in the clearance of aggregated proteins in ischemic stroke. However, the role of circ-FoxO3 in the accumulation of abnormal proteins during AD development remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that circ-FoxO3 mitigates APOE4-driven neurotoxic protein aggregation by enhancing FoxO3-mediated autophagy. Specifically, transgenic mice expressing human APOE4 exhibited elevated levels of p-tau and Aβ, and these pathological alterations were significantly ameliorated by circ-FoxO3. Mechanistically, we found that circ-FoxO3 upregulates its host gene FoxO3, leading to activation of autophagy and subsequent clearance of neurotoxic protein aggregates. The findings highlight a critical role for circ-FoxO3 in counteracting APOE4-induced brain damage and suggest its potential as a therapeutic target for mitigating APOE4-related neuropathology. Show less

Fibrillary glomerulonephritis is a rare cause of proteinuric kidney disease characterized by Congo red-negative fibrillary deposits and typically shows DNAJB9 positivity on immunohistochemistry. Amyloidosis is defined by Congo red positivity and can be typed by laser microdissection-tandem mass spectrometry when routine studies are inconclusive. We report the case of a 64-year-old man with proteinuria and declining kidney function whose kidney biopsy showed DNAJB9-positive fibrillary glomerulonephritis in glomeruli, but Congo red-positive deposits confined to the medulla were DNAJB9 negative. Laser microdissection-tandem mass spectrometry of the medullary deposits identified apolipoprotein A-IV amyloidosis, establishing concurrent fibrillary glomerulonephritis and apolipoprotein A-IV amyloidosis in the same biopsy. Apolipoprotein A-IV amyloidosis is often medullary predominant and, in rare hereditary forms related to autosomal dominant Show less

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) is primarily expressed in hepatocytes as a highly abundant mitochondrial matrix enzyme that catalyses the first step of the urea cycle that leads to renal nitrogen disposal. CPS1 is a member of the CPS family that manifests broad evolutionary expression from bacteria to humans. CPS1 expression and enzyme activity are highly regulated transcriptionally and post-translationally. Its autosomal recessive mutation leads to CPS1 deficiency, which causes encephalopathy and coma, typically neonatally, due to severe hyperammonaemia. CPS1 is physiologically secreted, apically, into bile likely via mitochondria-derived vesicles. Normally absent from serum, it is released by basolateral mistargeting and cellular injury and becomes readily detectable in serum during acute liver failure (ALF). Injury-triggered CPS1 release into blood, or media in cultured hepatocytes, is selective as compared with other mitochondrial proteins. This, coupled with its abundance and short (1-2 hours) serum half-life, renders it a prognostic serum biomarker, particularly in human acetaminophen-related ALF. Its rapid turnover is explained by its non-enzymatic role as an immune modulator via its uptake by circulating monocytes leading to differentiation of anti-inflammatory cells that home to, and protect, the injured liver. CPS1 also plays a growing role in several cancers, by CPS1 upregulation or downregulation, particularly via metabolic reprogramming which alters the tumour microenvironment and impacts cancer growth and progression. Therefore, CPS1 has multiple enzymatic and non-enzymatic touch points spanning a wide range of cellular and extracellular functions and roles, with important physiological, homoeostatic, genetic disease, diagnostic and potential therapeutic clinical implications. Show less

This study examined how different photoperiods affect net energy partitioning and explored the mechanisms via blood biochemistry, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolites. Twelve healthy crossbred pigs (47.7 ± 7.5 kg) were randomly allocated to two groups and subjected to a self-controlled crossover design. Following an 8-day baseline under a normal photoperiod (12L:12D, 12 h light:12 h dark), pigs were assigned to two photoperiod treatment groups: prolonged photoperiod (18L:6D, 18 h light:6 h dark; P group) and shortened photoperiod (6L:18D, 6 h light:18 h dark; S group). Measurements during the baseline (12L:12D) and treatment phases are designated as N1/P (for the P group) and N2/S (for the S group), respectively. The treatment periods were interspersed with the baseline 12L:12D photoperiod and repeated six times. It was observed that, compared to N2, shortened photoperiod (S) had significantly higher net energy deposition, net energy for protein deposition, and net energy for fat deposition ( Show less

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in African American (AA) women. In this study we evaluated the serum proteomic profile of AA women with breast cancer using an integrated proteomic framework with multivariate pattern analysis. Using 2D-DIGE, thousands of serum protein spots were detected across 33 gels; 46 spots met criteria for presence, statistical significance, and differential expression. Proteins from the spots were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF and matched in curated databases, highlighting serum biomarkers including ceruloplasmin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, complement component C3 and C6, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein and haptoglobin-related protein. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 163 differentiating peptides after imputing and filtering 286 peptides. These were evaluated using cumulative distribution function (CDF) analysis, a nonparametric method suited for limited sample sizes. Peptide patterns were explored with Random Forest, showing concordance with CDF. The model achieved an AUC of 0.85 at the peptide level. This workflow identified differentiating proteins (CERU, A2MG, CO3, VTDB, HEMO, APOB, APOA4, CFAH, CO4A, AACT, K1C10, ITIH2, ITIH4), highlighting CERU, A2MG, and CO3 with overexpression and reproducible identification across platforms. We present an integrated, non-invasive serum protein biomarker signature panel specific to AA women, through reproducible proteomic sensor framework to support early detection and breast cancer prevention. Show less

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver condition, closely associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite its prevalence, there are no approved pharmacotherapies, making the search for effective treatments crucial. This study investigates the impact of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) on NAFLD, focusing on changes in bile acid metabolism as a potential therapeutic mechanism. We employed an ApoE-/- mouse model to simulate human NAFLD conditions. Mice were divided into two groups: one underwent VSG and the other served as a control. We monitored body weight, food intake, liver function, lipid profiles, and histological changes in hepatic tissues. Bile acid profiles were analyzed using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Post-VSG, mice exhibited significant weight loss and reduced food intake. Biochemical analyses showed substantial improvements in liver function tests (ALT and AST), lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglycerides), and glucose regulation. Histological examination revealed marked reductions in hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Notably, VSG led to significant alterations in bile acid profiles, particularly increased primary bile acids and decreased secondary bile acids, correlating with improved liver histology and metabolic parameters. Our findings suggest that VSG, beyond its role in weight reduction, significantly improves NAFLD. The surgery alters bile acid metabolism, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects. These results highlight the potential of VSG as a metabolic surgery for NAFLD and open avenues for exploring bile acid-related therapies. Show less

Fatigue persists as a dominant and debilitating phenomenon in long-COVID, yet its underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. While inflammatory variables tend to normalize within months post-infection, fatigue continues to significantly impact quality of life. Understanding whether specific biomarkers associate with long-COVID fatigue could shed light on pathophysiological mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. In this single-center, cross-sectional controlled study, we enrolled 48 individuals with long-COVID (according to NICE criteria) and 48 age- and sex-matched recovered controls with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection but no persistent symptoms. We carefully excluded all subjects with other diseases or conditions that could influence fatigue levels. Fatigue severity was assessed using three validated instruments: Fatigue Visual Analog Scale (fVAS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), and SF-36 vitality subscale. Blood samples were analyzed for pro-inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and biomarkers associated with cellular stress responses and neuroprotection (HSP90α, APOA4, Serpin F1/PEDF, Hemopexin). Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) were tested to assess potential autoimmune mechanisms. Depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Depression Subscale (HADS-D). Long-COVID patients demonstrated significantly higher fatigue severity across all instruments compared to recovered controls: fVAS median scores 63 versus 5 (p < 0.001), FACIT-F scores 21.5 versus 49 (p < 0.001), and SF-36 vitality scores 25 versus 72.5 (p < 0.001). Depression scores were also significantly elevated in long-COVID cases. However, none of the measured biomarkers differed significantly between groups: HSP90α, Serpin F1, Hemopexin, APOA4, and CRP showed no differences, while TNF-α and IL-6 showed only tendencies toward higher levels in long-COVID (p = 0.07 and p = 0.07, respectively). IL-1β concentrations were in most cases below the lower limit of detection and were excluded from further analysis. ANA positivity was 10.4% in cases versus 4.2% in controls (p = 0.38) and did not influence fatigue levels. Multivariable regression analysis revealed no significant associations between biomarkers and fatigue severity. Fatigue in long-COVID represents severe, persistent disability comparable to observations in chronic inflammatory diseases and chronic fatigue syndrome but is not associated with traditional inflammatory biomarkers or cellular stress response proteins measured in peripheral blood. The absence of biomarker associations suggests that long-COVID fatigue may involve more complex mechanisms, potentially including persistent neuro-immune dysregulation, epigenetic changes, or pathophysiological processes not reflected in systemic biomarker concentrations including neurobiological mechanisms such as altered predictive processing and central nervous system-confined neuroinflammation. These findings highlight the need for alternative approaches to understanding and treating long-COVID fatigue beyond conventional inflammatory paradigms. Show less

Through the selective breeding of superior strains, livestock and poultry can achieve enhanced disease resistance and production performance, thereby improving farming efficiency and increasing chicken meat yield. This study analyzed the expression of gut health-related genes, cecal microbiota, and untargeted serum metabolomics in Wenchang chickens from the NS strain (Normal strain) and the AFS strain (Antibiotic-free strain), and explored the relationships between their cecal microbiota and serum metabolites. Our results show that in the ileum, antioxidant-related indicators T-AOC (P < 0.05), T-SOD (P < 0.05), and GSH-PX (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the AFS strain than in the NS strain, while MDA (P < 0.05) was significantly lower in the AFS strain than in the NS strain. The mRNA expression level of RORγt/FoxP3, which is related to immune regulation, was significantly lower in the AFS strain than in the NS strain (P < 0.05). The differential microorganisms in the cecum primarily included Muribaculum, Cryptobacteroides, Blautia, Enterocloster, Lachnoclostridium, Hydrogenoanaerobacterium, Ruminococcus, Subdoligranulum, Clostridioides, and Evtepia. The main differential metabolites in serum included folinic acid, biotin, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, and others. The differential metabolites are primarily enriched in the following metabolic pathways: gap junction, glycolipid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. In addition, the Pearson correlation analysis between the gut microbiota and serum metabolites showed that Blautia was positively correlated with folinic acid (P < 0.05) and biotin (P < 0.05); Lachnoclostridium was positively correlated with biotin (P < 0.01); and Ruminococcus was positively correlated with 3-hydroxybutyric acid (P < 0.05). This study mainly elucidates the metabolic characteristics of the antibiotic-free Wenchang chicken strain by analyzing gut microbiota and serum metabolites. Show less

Chemokines C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 9 (CXCL9) and C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) were previously linked to incident cognitive impairment and dementia in the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS). We investigated whether circulating CXCL9 and CCL2 are independently associated with the cerebral white matter disease (WMD) burden and whether WMD mediates their association with prospective cognitive outcomes. In the stroke-free, prospective, community-dwelling NOMAS cohort (age≥50) we examined white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) on brain MRI and serum chemokine levels. WMHV was normalized, log-transformed, and standardized. Cognitive status was assessed at MRI and again 12.2±1.3 years later to adjudicate incident cognitive decline and dementia. Multivariable linear regression models with either CXCL9 or CCL2 (in quartiles) as exposures and WMHV as the outcome were adjusted for socio-demographics and key contributors to WMD, including vascular risk factors (Model 1), kidney function (2), and APOE ε4 status (3). Mediation of the CXCL9-cognitive outcome association by WMHV was tested using Monte Carlo integration. Among 1,179 participants (mean age 70±9 years; 60% female), elevated CXCL9 (Q4 vs. Q1) was associated with greater WMHV (Model 1: β=0.20, 95%CI 0.06-0.34). This association persisted even after adjusting for kidney function (Model 2: β=0.17, 95%CI 0.03-0.34) and APOE ε4 status (Model 3: β=0.19, 95%CI 0.04-0.33). CXCL9 (Q4 vs. Q1) effect magnitude in Model 3 approximated ~4 years of aging (β=0.05/year, 95%CI 0.04-0.06), exceeding that of hypertension (β=0.16, 95%CI 0.05-0.27), with a stepwise trend present across quartiles (β/quartile increase=0.07, 95%CI 0.02-0.12, p=0.003). Among 1,166 participants (dementia-free at MRI), the indirect, WMHV-mediated pathway was statistically significant for the association of CXCL9 with incident cognitive decline (ACME 0.009, 95%CI 0.002-0.018, p=0.016) and with dementia (ACME 0.008, 95%CI 0.003-0.016, p=0.004). CCL2 showed no association with WMHV. Greater CXCL9 levels were associated with greater white matter lesion load, independent of vascular, renal, and genetic factors, suggesting a role in WMD pathogenesis. WMHV mediated CXCL9's association with cognitive decline and dementia risk. This IFN-γ-induced monokine (MIG) warrants further evaluation as a biomarker of white matter and cognitive health as well as a potentially modifiable therapeutic target. Show less

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder. Notably, the differences in lipid metabolism between bulbar- and limb-onset subtypes of ALS remain unclear, particularly in non-Western populations. The present study investigated serum lipid profiles in a Chinese cohort of patients with ALS to explore their associations with disease severity and clinical subtypes. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 158 patients with ALS and 62 matched healthy controls. Serum lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-c), apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and the TG/HDL ratio, were compared between the groups. Correlation analyses and multivariable linear regression models incorporating phenotype x lipid interaction terms were conducted after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index and disease duration. Patients with ALS exhibited significantly higher TC, TG, LDL, sdLDL-c, ApoA1, ApoB and TG/HDL ratios than controls. Subtype-specific analyses revealed different associations; in bulbar-onset ALS, higher sdLDL-c and TG/HDL ratios were associated with better functional status, whereas higher HDL and ApoA1 levels were negatively correlated with functional status. By contrast, in limb-onset ALS, higher sdLDL-c and ApoB levels were associated with worse function. Interaction analyses confirmed significant phenotype modification for sdLDL-c, TG/HDL ratio, HDL and ApoA1. These results suggest that lipid-severity relationships in ALS vary by subtype, indicating metabolic heterogeneity across phenotypes and supporting the potential of specific lipid parameters as exploratory markers for disease monitoring. Show less

Psoriasis patients face a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), necessitating early and accurate risk prediction tools. This study developed and validated a machine learning model to predict CVD risk in psoriasis patients using clinical and biochemical data from 2685 individuals. After preprocessing and addressing class imbalance with SMOTE-NC, six machine learning models (Logistic Regression as baseline, XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost, GradientBoosting, AdaBoost) were evaluated using a completely leak-free nested cross-validation framework (outer k = 10, inner k = 3) with randomized hyperparameter search (n_iter = 50). Feature selection via the Boruta algorithm was performed separately within each training fold to prevent data leakage. The Boruta algorithm identified 21 key predictors, including age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), apolipoprotein B (apoB), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and complement C1q. CatBoost emerged as the top-performing model (OOF ROC-AUC = 0.908, 95% CI [0.892-0.924]; PR-AUC = 0.509, 95% CI [0.448-0.578]; F1 = 0.540; MCC = 0.498; Brier = 0.078), while the Logistic Regression baseline achieved ROC-AUC = 0.909 but was eliminated due to poor calibration (Brier = 0.114 > 0.10). All metrics were evaluated with 95% bootstrap confidence intervals ( Show less

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin hormone traditionally known for its insulinotropic and adipogenic effects. However, its role in immune modulation and inflammation has recently gained attention, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases. By conducting a comprehensive search into the scientific literature since the discovery of GIP hormone, this review examines the biological evidences linking GIP and inflammation in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Pharmacological approaches targeting the GIP receptor (GIPR) with effects on inflammatory processes are discussed as well, including the latest GIP-based multi-target approaches. The impact of GIP on inflammation appears context-dependent and influenced by tissue-specific receptor expression and metabolic status. While GIP has been shown to exert both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models, clinical data are still limited. The success of GIP/glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) dual agonists in improving glycometabolic and inflammatory outcomes, highlighted the need to disentangle the individual contributions of each pathway. GIPR remains a promising, yet understudied, target in immunometabolism. Future studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms underpinning GIP’s immunomodulatory actions and evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of GIP-targeting therapies in clinical settings. Show less

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of spinal deformity among adolescents. To explore its etiology of progression and scoliosis-modifying drugs, chondrocytic senescence was confirmed in AIS facet joint cartilage by analyzing clinical specimen. Furthermore, through 4D/480 label-free proteomics analysis, we identified an exosome-mediated positive feedback loop during scoliosis progression, which driving the elevation of cholesterol flow between spinal cartilage and vertebra. To further investigate the pathological significance of the loop in vivo, high-cholesterol flow was reconstructed in C57BL/6 J mice by injecting with recombinant adeno-associated virus rAAV9-Runx2-HMGCR. Our results confirmed the important role of the positive feedback loop in the development of scoliosis. Meanwhile, Avasimibe or/and Corylin were used to delay the scoliosis progression by targeting the key exosomal proteins APOB (Apolipoprotein B-100) or/and HSP90β (Heat Shock Protein 90-beta). This research extends the etiology of scoliosis progression and provides an alternative perspective for scoliosis non-surgical treatment. Show less