📋 Browse Articles

The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have numerous benefits, including strong anti-inflammatory and triglyceride-lowering properties. EPA and DHA are primarily obtained by consuming fatty fish; however, they are also endogenously synthesized primarily in the liver from α-linolenic acid (ALA) through a pathway mediated by the delta-6 desaturase (D6D) enzyme. Previous reports in rodents and humans suggest that dietary proteins such as soy and dairy may impact this pathway differently. The primary aim was to investigate the effects of diets containing either soy or milk protein on the expression, abundance, and enzymatic activity of the desaturases and elongases regulating hepatic omega-3 fatty acid biosynthesis. Male C57BL/6N mice (n = 16 per group) were fed a moderate-fat diet for 8 weeks containing either 1% or 3% energy from ALA. Protein content (15% energy) corresponded to either skim milk powder (SMP) or soy protein isolate (SPI). Hepatic fatty acid content was quantified by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Gene expression and protein expression were assessed by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. D6D activity was measured in isolated hepatic microsomes. Fat oxidation was examined using a high-resolution respirometer. Hepatic omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, SDA, EPA, DPAn-3) were lower in SPI-fed mice compared to SMP-fed mice. Fads1, Fads2, Elovl2, and Elovl5 expression was higher in SPI-fed mice compared to those fed SMP, while Srebp-1c expression was lower and Cpt1a expression higher in SPI-fed mice. Consistent with the changes seen at the gene expression levels, FADS2 protein abundance was higher in SPI-fed mice, whereas ELOVL5 protein expression was lower in the SPI groups. Little to no differences in microsomal D6D activity and mitochondrial respiration were detected. Our findings suggest that SPI-related reductions in hepatic omega-3 fatty acid content occur independent of changes in desaturase gene expression, protein expression, enzymatic activity, or mitochondrial respiration. Further studies investigating the influence of dietary proteins on ALA metabolism are therefore warranted. Show less

Obesity-driven inflammation disrupts gut barrier integrity and promotes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Emerging evidence highlights gut hormones-including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4)-as key regulators of metabolism and mucosal immunity. This review outlines known mechanisms and explores therapeutic prospects in IBD. GLP-1 improves glycemic control, induces weight loss, and preserves intestinal barrier function, while GLP-2 enhances epithelial repair and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in animal models of colitis. GIP facilitates lipid clearance, enhances insulin sensitivity, and limits systemic inflammation. PYY and CCK slow gastric emptying, suppress appetite, and attenuate colonic inflammation via neural pathways. APOA4 regulates lipid transport, increases energy expenditure, and exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate experimental colitis. Synergistic interactions-such as GLP-1/PYY co-administration, PYY-stimulated APOA4 production, and APOA4-enhanced CCK activity-suggest that multi-hormone combinations may offer amplified therapeutic benefits. While preclinical data are promising, clinical evidence supporting gut hormone therapies in IBD remains limited. Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists improve metabolic and inflammatory parameters, but in clinical use, they are associated with gastrointestinal side effects that warrant further investigation. Future research should evaluate combination therapies in preclinical IBD models, elucidate shared neural and receptor-mediated pathways, and define optimal strategies for applying gut hormone synergy in human IBD. These efforts may uncover safer, metabolically tailored treatments for IBD, particularly in patients with coexisting obesity or metabolic dysfunction. Show less

The escalating prevalence of diabetes-depression comorbidity (DDC) necessitates novel therapies targeting shared pathophysiological pathways, which needs to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study elucidates the therapeutic potential of chrysophanol, a natural anthraquinone, in streptozotocin (STZ) and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced DDC rat model. Behavioral assessments, biochemical profiling, and integrated multi-omics analyses (RNA-seq and proteomics) were employed to decipher underlying mechanisms. Successful model establishment was confirmed by prolonged immobility time in the tail suspension test (p < 0.01) and reduced general health scores. Chrysophanol treatment restored serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels (p < 0.01) and ameliorated dyslipidemia (total cholesterol: p < 0.05). RNA-seq results revealed that chrysophanol regulated expression of hundreds of genes, which were enriched in synaptic vesicle cycling (downregulation of Sh3gl2, Camk5), CNS myelination, and axonal ensheathment pathways. Proteomic profile demonstrated the suppression of neurodegenerative markers and activation of axonal regeneration pathways. Notably, chrysophanol downregulated synaptic proteins associated with leukocyte chemotaxis (Pla2g7, Mdk) and glutamatergic synapses (Itpr2, Slc1a1) while upregulated axonal development, regeneration, and PPARγ signaling proteins (Apoa4, Apoa1, Apod), suggesting anti-inflammatory effects and disease-modifying potential through synaptic/axonal regulation. Integrated multi-omics identified overlapping targets linked to neuronal repair (Ankrd27) and iron metabolism (Fth1). These findings suggest chrysophanol as a multitarget agent alleviating DDC via synergistic restoration of neuroplasticity, suppression of neuroinflammation, and rebalancing of metabolic homeostasis, implying a mechanistic foundation for developing chrysophanol-based therapies of diabetes-associated neuropsychiatric disorders. Show less

Chickpea is a legume that grows in most parts of the world. It is negatively affected by abiotic and biotic factors like drought and fungal diseases, respectively. One of the most important soil-borne pathogens affecting chickpeas is Show less

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally, with challenges in prognosis and treatment due to its complex pathogenesis and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and oxidative stress play critical roles in tumor progression: NETs promote tumor cell adhesion, migration, and immune suppression, while oxidative stress induces DNA damage and activates pro-tumor signaling pathways. Moreover, oxidative stress is an important inducer of NETs, and their crosstalk shapes the LUAD immune microenvironment. However, systematic exploration of LUAD immunotherapeutic response prediction based on NETs and oxidative stress-related genes remains lacking. The gene set related to oxidative stress was obtained from MSigDB. The gene set related to NETs was sourced from relevant literature. Transcriptomic and clinical data were integrated from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LUAD (training set) and GSE31210 (validation set). Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was employed to screen gene modules and characteristic scores related to NETs and oxidative stress signatures. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, and prognostic model was established using univariate and LASSO Cox regression. Immune infiltration was analyzed using ESTIMATE algorithm, MCP-counter and ssGSEA methods. And we developed a nomogram incorporating clinicopathological features and RiskScore model, and performed drug sensitivity analysis. Finally, the biological role of CPS1 in lung cancer cells was investigated through CCK-8, wound-healing, and Transwell experiments. 22 co-expression modules were screened, among which the brown module showed significant correlations with NETs and oxidative stress signature scores. This module was intersected with DEGs, yielding 624 overlapping genes implicated in immune-relevant pathways (like leukocyte differentiation, neutrophil activation involved in immune response). A prognostic model was established utilizing 8 key genes (ADGRE3, ARHGEF3, CD79A, CLEC7A, CPS1, EPHB2, LARGE2, and OAS3). In the TCGA database, the model demonstrated robust prognostic discrimination (area under the curve (AUC) > 0.6), with high-risk patients exhibiting shorter overall survival (OS) (p < 0.05). Its stability was validated in GSE31210 (AUC > 0.6). The RiskScore showed negative correlations with immune infiltration (like T cells, CD8 T cells, and natural killer cells) as well as immune/stromal scores. A nomogram model combining RiskScore with N staging was developed and validated, demonstrating strong predictive accuracy through calibration and decision curve analyses. High-risk patients were more sensitive to drugs like BI-2536, BMS-509744, and Pyrimethamine. Finally, in vitro tests showed that CPS1 knockdown markedly decreased the viability, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells. The constructed prognostic model by NETs and oxidative stress-relevant genes effectively predicts LUAD prognosis, correlates with immune microenvironment characteristics, and guides drug sensitivity, providing novel insights for LUAD prognostic assessment and personalized therapy. Show less

Systemic delivery of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) to the central nervous system (CNS) is insufficient due to hindrance from the tight junctions of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While peptide-display-based AAV engineering has advanced CNS-targeting capsid development, traditional strategies inserting or substituting a 7-mer peptide remain limited by low success rates and scarcity of efficient variants. To address these issues, we developed the Multiple Capsid Mutation Strategies (MCMS) library, which enhanced sequence diversity by incorporating random peptide insertions flanked by AAV9 or variant-derived residues and peptide substitutions within the VR-VIII of the AAV9 capsid protein. Following capsid selection in mice, the leading AAV variant BRC06 was identified and validated across different mouse strains. BRC06 exhibited approximately 1.9-fold higher brain transgene expression than AAV.PHP.eB in C57BL/6J mice. In BALB/c mice, BRC06 achieved a 1,482-fold brain enhancement with a 92-fold liver reduction relative to AAV9. Sequence analysis revealed that BRC06 was derived from the MCMS library's substitution strategies. Additionally, host factor screening revealed AAVR-dependent entry with accessory factors like Show less

Intrahepatic immune responses are often insufficient to control hepatitis virus infections. A recent study by Venzin and colleagues demonstrates a detailed mechanism by which an intrahepatic tricellular network and the cytokine IL-27 can augment virus-specific immunity. Show less

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a prominent cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Like most complex diseases, the risk of CHD in individuals is regulated by the interaction between genetic factors and lifestyle. To investigate the influence of A total of 324 patients with CHD and 143 control participants were involved in this study. Single nucleotide polymorphisms rs429358 and rs7412 in the In the CHD group, the frequencies of In the Teochew population, the Show less

The current study aimed to systematically review the existing literature that investigated the modifying effect of genes on the relationship between dietary determinants and Metabolic syndrome (MetS). A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to July 17, 2025, without any language restrictions, as long as the abstract was in English. The key keywords used were Diet, Nutrition, genetic factors, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and MetS. The literature included 40 observational studies. A significant interaction was identified between high intake of fat and genetic variations related to lipid metabolism, such as VEGF rs6921438 SNP, Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) rs3807992 SNP, Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) rs12970134 SNP, Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC2) rs4766587 SNP, PDZ domain containing 1 (PDZK1) i33968 SNP, ApoB rs512535 SNP, ApoA1 rs670 SNP, zinc transporters 8 (ZNT8) rs13266634 SNP, and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) rs1801260 SNP. This interaction heightened the risk of MetS in individuals who are genetically predisposed to it. No interaction was found between alcohol consumption and the genotypes of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. There are very few studies that have investigated the interaction between genes and macronutrients, micronutrients, food groups, and dietary patterns, and the results are inconsistent. Due to the limited research in the nutrigenetics approach, the specific gene-nutrient interactions on MetS are not completely understood. Nevertheless, the results indicate that a high-fat diet interacts with certain genetic variations, particularly those involved in regulating lipid metabolism. This interaction is associated with an increased risk of MetS in individuals who are genetically predisposed. Show less

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque buildup, Tau hyperphosphorylation, and gut microbiota imbalance. Natural polysaccharides have been shown to mitigate cognitive decline by regulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis and autophagy, inhibiting neuroinflammation, enhancing Aβ efflux, and facilitating the clearance of Tau protein. Show less

Neuroinflammation plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the actions of microglial mediators may vary across stages of amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology. While drugs targeting brain immune responses are advancing to clinical trials, biomarkers to monitor their effects are lacking. This study investigated proteins expressed by activated microglia in three mouse models of Aβ pathology and α-synuclein, both during disease progression and after treatment, to evaluate their potential as in vivo biomarkers. Immunofluorescent staining was performed on cortical sections from App Show less

A fibre rich diet is linked to a healthier cardiometabolic profile and may promote fatty acid oxidation to lower acylcarnitine accumulation. This study aimed to determine whether total dietary fibre intake was related to cardiometabolic risk markers as well as acylcarnitine levels in apparently healthy adults, which concurrently may be related to blood pressure (BP). This study included 983 adults from the African-PREDICT study (aged 24 ± 3 years). Total fibre intake was determined using 24-hr dietary recalls, and 24-hr ambulatory BP was measured. Acylcarnitines were analysed in spot urine samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Lower dietary fibre intake was related to a higher waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) as well as higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, Apo-lipoprotein-B, C-reactive protein (CRP), free carnitine, and short-chain acylcarnitine (C2-, C4- and C5-carnitine) levels (all p trend <0.05). Concurrently, all traditional cardiometabolic risk markers (WC, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, Apo-B, and CRP) correlated positively with 24-hr BP. In multiple regression analyses, 24-hr SBP was associated with WC (β = 0.44; p < 0.001) and total energy intake (β = 0.096; p = 0.002), while 24-hr DBP was associated with WC (β = 0.283; p < 0.001), triglyceride levels (β = 0.085 p = 0.008), dietary fibre intake (β = -0.120; p < 0.001) and total energy intake (β = 0.128; p < 0.001). There was no relationship between acylcarnitine levels and 24-hr BP. We demonstrate that participants consuming a higher fibre diet had a more favourable metabolic profile than those consuming a low fibre diet, which was ultimately associated with lower BP. Show less

AD is a neurodegenerative disorder and is associated with the presence of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles leading to net loss of neurons, which demonstrates an urgent unmet need to develop new human health therapies based on the fundamental mechanisms of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. This work is a computational assessment of the potential use of neolupenol, a triterpenoid produced in Pluchea lanceolata, as a pharmacologically active compound that exerted its beneficial effect through the modulation of the Keap1-Nrf2 axis, one of the central regulators of the antioxidant response. Using an integrated approach that combined network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identified neolupenol as a high-affinity Keap1-binding molecule capable of activating the Nrf2-mediated neuroprotective pathway. Virtual screening of 25 phytochemicals from Pluchea lanceolata (retrieved from the PubChem database) with customized filters revealed neolupenol as the top candidate, showing strong binding affinity (- 8.22 kcal/mol; Ki = 1.45 µM) toward the Keap1 Kelch domain (PDB ID: 2FLU). The docked complex demonstrated hydrogen bonds with VAL463 (2.17 Å), THR560, and ILE559, along with hydrophobic interactions involving CYS513, ALA366, and VAL514, which collectively stabilized the ligand at the Neh2-binding interface. Network pharmacology yielded 30 of such common targets of AD-neolupenol (e.g., GSK3B, CASP3, TNF, and BACE1), enriched in pathways such as amyloid processing, tau phosphorylation, oxidative stress response, and lipid metabolism (FDR-adjusted p < 0.0001). Complex stability was verified by MD simulations (100 ns): RMSD of the backbone 2.34-3.84 = 2.34 Å, unchanged radius of gyration (17.8-18.0 Å), and stable inter-hydrogen bonding. Residues VAL561, PHE577, and SER602 were found to have an interaction occupancy of > 70%, providing a basis of dynamic stability. The triterpenoid cavity appeared in neolupenol contributing to pleasant PK, the ability to herald the blood-brain barrier, and suboptimal toxicity. These results position neolupenol as a potent, multi-target neuroprotective agent that disrupts Keap1-Nrf2 interaction, promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation and antioxidant gene activation. Future work warrants in vivo validation of its efficacy in mitigating AD pathology and clinical translation. Show less

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is showing a trend toward earlier onset. Premature CAD (PCAD) is clinically defined as CAD with onset before the age of 55 in males and 65 in females. Notably, many young patients subsequently hospitalized with acute cardiovascular events had undergone annual physical examinations before hospitalization, yet were not identified as high-risk by current risk stratification guidelines or traditional risk assessment tools. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic capacity of novel inflammatory biomarkers (including the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-1 ratio (apoB/apoA-1), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (LDL-c/HDL-c)) for PCAD, thereby providing the evidence-based foundation for PCAD screening. A total of 1,012 young subjects (male<55 years, female<65 years) undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG) at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (from January 2022 to February 2023) were retrospectively analyzed. We stratified 1,012 eligible participants into two groups: 521 angiographically confirmed PCAD cases and 491 controls with normal coronary arteries. Comprehensive baseline characteristics, including cardiovascular risk profiles and core laboratory-measured inflammatory markers, were recorded. The Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression analysis were employed to assess the associations between inflammatory biomarkers and PCAD. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) were calculated to evaluate their diagnostic performance for PCAD. The odds ratio (OR) values for MHR, NLR, LDL-c/HDL-c, and apoB/apoA-1 were 5.592 (95% CI: 2.886-7.836), 1.671 (95% CI: 1.500-1.861), 1.663 (95% CI: 1.419-1.950), and 6.268 (95% CI: 2.765-8.213), respectively (all The apoB/apoA-1 outperformed MHR, NLR, and LDL-c/HDL-c as an inflammatory biomarker in PCAD. Its diagnostic capacity was notably enhanced in ACS subgroups. A comprehensive model combining apoB/apoA-1 with traditional risk factors demonstrated exceptional accuracy. Incorporating this biomarker into routine screening protocols could significantly strengthen preventive strategies. Show less

Tea polyphenols are a class of natural plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties, and their critical role in regulating lipid metabolism has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, systematic research on the effects of tea polyphenols on lipid metabolism in lion-head geese remains limited. In this study, we examined the impact of tea polyphenols on lipid metabolism in geese through an integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. A total of 240 healthy male lion-head geese with similar body weights at 1 day of age were randomly allocated into two treatment groups (6 replicates per group, with 20 geese per replicate). The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental group was supplemented with 1000 mg/kg of tea polyphenols (50.4 % catechin purity) in the basal diet for 18 weeks. The results indicated that serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the tea polyphenol group compared to the control group. Additionally, serum triglycerides (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the tea polyphenol group than in the control group. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis further revealed that tea polyphenols significantly modulated the expression of several genes involved in lipid metabolism, including angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), which plays a role in regulating lipid homeostasis, as well as glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 2 (GDPD2), immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH), proto-oncogene protein c-fos (FOS), and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), etc. Serum metabolomic analysis also demonstrated significant alterations in lipid metabolites induced by tea polyphenols, including the downregulation of fatty acyl metabolites such as L-Palmitoylcarnitine and Hexadecanal. Moreover, the combined analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between ANGPTL4 and the organic compounds of steroidal saponins, such as Glucoconvallasaponin B, and negative correlations with glycerophospholipid metabolites, such as LysoPC (P-16:0). The comprehensive analysis suggests that the inclusion of tea polyphenols in the diet enhances the antioxidant capacity of lion-head geese, improves hepatic lipid profiles, and regulates lipid metabolism via modulating lipid metabolism-related genes and metabolites. Show less

Injectable hydrogel implants represent a promising therapeutic approach for ischemic heart failure; but their efficacy is often limited by low bioactivity, poor durability, and inadequate injection techniques. Herein, a unique hydrogel incorporating extracellular matrix from fish swim bladder (FSB-ECM), which has distinct advantages over mammalian derived ECM, such as low antigenicity, bioactivity, and source safety, is developed. It consists of collagen, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, including 13 proteins common in the myocardial matrix and three specific proteins: HSPG, Col12a1, and vWF. This hydrogel enhances cardiac cell adhesion and stretching while promoting angiogenesis and M2 macrophage polarization. In addition, its storage modulus (G') increases over time, reaching about 1000 Pa after 5 min, which facilitates transcatheter delivery and in situ gelling. Furthermore, this hydrogel provides sustained support for cardiac contractions, exhibiting superior longevity. In a rat model of ischemic heart failure, the ejection fraction significantly improves with FSB-ECM treatment, accompanied by increased angiogenesis, reduced inflammation, and decreased infarct size. Finally, RNA sequencing combined with in vitro assays identifies ANGPTL4 as a key protein involved in mediating the effects of FSB-ECM treatment. Overall, this new injectable hydrogel based on FSB-ECM is suitable for transcatheter delivery and possesses remarkable reparative capabilities for treating heart failure. Show less

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a well-established propensity to form grossly visible tumour thrombi; however a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms is still lacking. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in the progression of many carcinomas, including RCC; however, its exact role in the formation of venous tumour thrombi remains unclear. This study aims to explore the involvement of the EMT in venous invasion in RCC. In 14 patients with WHO/ISUP grade 2/3 clear cell RCC with venous invasion, the expression of main EMT markers (the Show less

Insulin secretory granule (ISG) maturation is a crucial aspect of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. The regulation of this maturation remains poorly understood, especially how secretory stimuli affect ISG maturity and subcellular localization. In this study, we used soft X-ray tomography (SXT) to quantitatively map ISG morphology, density, and location in single INS-1E and mouse pancreatic β cells under the effect of various secretory stimuli. We found that the activation of glucokinase (GK), gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), and G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) promotes ISG maturation. Each stimulus induces unique structural remodeling in ISGs, by altering size and density, depending on the specific signaling cascades activated. These distinct ISG subpopulations mobilize and redistribute in the cell, altering the overall cellular structural organization. Our results provide insight into how current diabetes and obesity therapies impact ISG maturation and may inform the development of future treatments that target maturation specifically. Show less

The magnitude of weight reduction in the SURMOUNT-1 trial of the dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist tirzepatide suggests that this treatment may be particularly effective in addressing the treatment needs of people with severe obesity (body mass index >40 kg m Show less

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a subtype of stroke, is associated with high incidence and disability rates. The link between inflammatory circulating proteins and ICH is still not definitively established. Our research sets out to delve into this mystery by examining the potential causal connection between 91 such proteins and ICH, employing a sophisticated two-sample Mendelian randomization approach to get to the bottom of it. We obtained 91 SNPs associated with inflammatory circulating proteins from a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Two-sample and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses were conducted, with inverse variance weighted (IVW) serving as the primary method to assess the relationship between exposure and outcome. To enhance the reliability of the findings, additional methods such as MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were employed. Cochran's Q test was used to assess the heterogeneity of the SNPs, while MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO were applied to evaluate the directional pleiotropy of the instrumental variables. Univariate Mendelian randomization analysis identified a significant causal relationship between four inflammatory circulating proteins, Axin1 (odds ratio (OR): 0.77, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.61-0.96, P-value = 0.0239), CXCL1 (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68-0.96, P-value = 0.0190), CXCL9 (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74-0.98, P-value = 0.0256), and MCP4 (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.69-0.90, P = 0.0007), and the risk of ICH. After adjusting for confounding factors such as body weight and alcohol consumption, multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis still demonstrated a significant causal relationship between these four proteins and ICH. Furthermore, after excluding hypertension as a confounder, MCP4 expression remained significantly associated with ICH. When adjusting for type 2 diabetes, both CXCL9 and MCP4 exhibited a significant causal relationship with ICH. Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a negative correlation between ICH (as the exposure) and the expression of seven inflammatory circulating proteins. In summary, our two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis, which operates in both directions, has revealed a likely causal link between four inflammatory proteins present in circulation and the risk of ICH. Keeping track of the expression levels of these inflammatory proteins may prove beneficial for both the prevention and management of ICH. There is a significant bidirectional causal relationship between inflammatory circulating proteins and the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) onset. The expression levels of Axin1, CXCL1, CXCL9, and MCP4 are negatively correlated with the risk of ICH onset, suggesting that they may serve as potential important molecular targets for ICH. Show less

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disease marked by progressive cognitive deterioration and beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein buildup, which currently lacks therapeutic interventions to decelerate its pathogenesis. The M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) is integral to synaptic plasticity and memory processes and has emerged as a critical target for ameliorating AD-associated cognitive deficits. Although M1 mAChR agonists have pro-cognitive potential, their clinical application is limited by significant cholinergic side effects. Our recent findings demonstrate that VU0486846, an M1 mAChR positive allosteric modulator (PAM) devoid of cholinergic toxicity, exhibits therapeutic benefits in a female APPswe/PSEN1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) Alzheimer's disease mouse model. This compound reversed memory deficits, alleviated anxiety-like behaviours, reduced Aβ pathology, and attenuated neuroinflammation in female mice. However, its therapeutic potential in male AD models remains to be fully characterized. In this study, we find that VU0486846 treatment restored cognitive function in male APP/PS1 mice, as evidenced by improved performance in the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tasks, and reduced anxiety-like behaviours in the open field test. VU0486846 ameliorates impaired autophagy signaling in the hippocampus, however, it does not alter hippocampal Aβ oligomer or plaque burden, despite decreasing BACE1 expression. These findings suggest that VU0486846 exerts behavioural and cognitive benefits via Aβ-independent mechanism(s). Collectively, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of VU0486846 in modulating AD pathophysiology, albeit via sex-specific signaling pathways. Show less