Primary cilia—those solitary, microtubule-based projections extending from the surface of most eukaryotic cells—are increasingly recognized not merely as cellular appendages, but as sophisticated signaling hubs. By compartmentalizing specific receptors (e.g., GPCRs) and effectors within a microdomain guarded by the transition zone, these organelles function effectively as high-gain sensors capable of integrating mechanical stimuli with metabolic cues. In this review, we examine the pivotal role of primary cilia across the nervous, bone-vascular, and renal landscapes, arguing for a unified “mechano-metabolic coupling” framework. Here, conserved ciliary modules are not static; rather, they are differentially deployed to uphold systemic homeostasis. Within the central nervous system, we position primary cilia as upstream integrators. We highlight how hypothalamic neuronal cilia concentrate metabolic receptors, such as the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), to interpret energy status. Moreover, the recent identification of serotonergic “axon-cilium synapses” points to a direct mode of neurotransmission, wherein 5-HT6 receptors drive nuclear signaling and chromatin accessibility to rapidly modulate gene expression. Through these mechanisms, central cilia modulate sympathetic tone and neuroendocrine output, effectively establishing the mechanical and metabolic “boundary conditions” under which peripheral organs operate. Dysfunction in these central hubs is linked to obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Bardet-Biedl syndrome. In peripheral tissues, cilia serve as versatile mechanotransducers that convert physical forces into biochemical responses. Regarding the bone-vascular system, we discuss the translation of mechanical loads and fluid shear stress into structural remodeling. In osteoblasts, specifically, ciliary integrity is intrinsically linked to cholesterol and glucose metabolism, fine-tuning the balance between Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to govern osteogenesis and bone repair. A similar dynamic exists in the vasculature, where endothelial cilia sense shear stress to modulate KLF4 expression and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition—processes critical for valvulogenesis and vascular remodeling. Meanwhile, in the kidney, tubular cilia act as terminal effectors within a “shear-cilia-metabolism” axis. Here, fluid shear stress engages ciliary signaling to trigger AMPK-mediated lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby securing the ATP supply required for solute transport. Notably, dysregulation of this axis leads to metabolic reprogramming and aberrant proliferation, acting as a hallmark driver of cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Crucially, this review attempts to dissect the often-conflated logic of cross-system integration by distinguishing 3 non-equivalent pathways: direct communication via ciliary extracellular vesicles, though this remains largely hypothetical in long-range signaling; “physiology-mediated cascades”, where ciliary dysfunction in a single organ—such as the kidney—precipitates systemic pathology through hemodynamic and metabolic shifts (e.g., altered blood pressure, fluid volume, or uremic toxins); and “parallel molecular defects”, where shared genetic mutations in ubiquitous components like the IFT machinery cause simultaneous, independent failures across multiple organ systems. Building on these distinctions, we propose a nested-loop model that links central set-points with peripheral feedback via physiological variables. Furthermore, we construct a “causality-to-translation” roadmap that pinpoints structural repair (e.g., targeting IFT assembly) and metabolic rescue (e.g., AMPK activation or autophagy induction) as promising therapeutic avenues. Ultimately, this framework provides a theoretical basis for deciphering the shared pathological mechanisms of multisystem ciliopathies, offering a strategic guide for the development of targeted interventions that go beyond symptomatic treatment.

BACKGROUND: Several randomized controlled studies have suggested that the prophylactic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients could not reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and may increase adverse events such as intestinal infection and pneumonia. Gut microbiota may play a critical role in the process. PPIs have been widely prescribed for GIB prophylaxis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to determine the short-term effects of PPI and histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) treatment on gut microbiota of ACS patients. METHODS: The study was designed as a single-blind, multicenter, three-parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial conducted at three centers in Beijing, China. We enrolled ACS patients at low-to-medium risk of GIB and randomized (2:2:1) them to either PPI ( n = 40), H2RA ( n = 31), or control group ( n = 21). The primary outcomes were the alterations in gut microbiota after 7 days of acid suppressant therapy. Stool samples were collected at baseline and 7 days and analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in the diversity of gut microbiota after the short-term use of acid suppressants, but the abundance of Fusobacterium significantly increased and that of Bifidobacterium significantly decreased, especially in PPI users. In addition, the abundance of some pathogenic bacteria, including Enterococcus and Desulfovibrio, was significantly elevated in the PPI users. The fecal microbiota of the PPI users included more arachidonic acid metabolism than that of control group. CONCLUSIONS: PPIs may increase the risk of infection by adversely altering gut microbiota and elevating arachidonic acid metabolism, which may produce multiple proinflammatory mediators. For ACS patients at low-to-medium risk of GIB, sufficient caution should be paid when acid-suppressant drugs are prescribed, especially PPIs. REGISTRATION www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000029552).
Humans ; Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Acute Coronary Syndrome/microbiology* ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Histamine H2 Antagonists/therapeutic use* ; Aged ; Single-Blind Method

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic genes associated with lysosome-dependent cell death (LDCD) in patients with gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas - Stomach Adenocarcinoma. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify the key module genes associated with LDCD score. Candidate genes were identified by DEGs and key module genes. Univariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for the selection of prognostic genes, and risk module was established. Subsequently, key cells were identified in the single-cell dataset (GSE183904), and prognostic gene expression was analyzed. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the wound healing assay. RESULTS: A total of 4,465 DEGs, 95 candidate genes, and 4 prognostic genes, including C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18, were identified in the analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the excellent predictive power of the risk model. Three key cell types (B cells, chief cells, and endothelial/pericyte cells) were identified in the GSE183904 dataset. C19orf59 and TNFAIP2 exhibited predominant expression in macrophage species, whereas TNFAIP2 evolved over time in endothelial/pericyte cells and chief cells. Functional experiments confirmed that interfering with C19orf59 inhibited proliferation and migration in GC cells. CONCLUSION C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18 are prognostic genes associated with LDCD in GC. Furthermore, the risk model established in this study showed robust predictive power.
Stomach Neoplasms/pathology* ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Lysosomes/physiology* ; RNA-Seq ; Cell Death ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Cell Proliferation ; Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

"Weibing" is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), representing a transitional state characterized by diminished self-regulatory abilities without overt physiological or social dysfunction. This perspective delves into the biological foundations and quantifiable markers of Weibing, aiming to establish a research framework for early disease intervention. Here, we propose the "Health Quadrant Classification" system, which divides the state of human body into health, sub-health, disease-susceptible state, and disease. We suggest the disease-susceptible stage emerges as a pivotal point for TCM interventions. To understand the intrinsic dynamics of this state, we propose laboratory and clinical studies utilizing time-series experiments and stress-induced disease susceptibility models. At the molecular level, bio-omics technologies and bioinformatics approaches are highlighted for uncovering intricate changes during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the application of mathematical models and artificial intelligence in developing early warning systems to anticipate and avert the transition from health to disease. This approach resonates with TCM's preventive philosophy, emphasizing proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. Ultimately, our perspective underscores the significance of integrating modern scientific methodologies with TCM principles to propel Weibing research and early intervention strategies forward.

Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. 2',3',5'-Tri-O-acetyl-N ⁶-(3-hydroxyphenyl) adenosine (IMM-H007), a novel AMPK agonist, has shown protective effects in metabolic diseases. However, its impact on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in hypercholesterolemia remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects and specific mechanisms by which IMM-H007 regulates cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. To achieve this goal, we used Apoe ^-/- and Ldlr ^-/- mice to establish a hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis model. Additionally, hepatocyte-specific Ampka1/2 knockout mice were subjected to a 5-week high-cholesterol diet to establish hypercholesterolemia, while atherosclerosis was induced via AAV-PCSK9 injection combined with a 16-week high-cholesterol diet. Our results demonstrated that IMM-H007 improved cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in mice with hypercholesterolemia. Mechanistically, IMM-H007 modulated the AMPKα1/2-LDLR signaling pathway, increasing cholesterol uptake in the liver. Furthermore, IMM-H007 activated the AMPKα1-FXR pathway, promoting the conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile acids. Additionally, IMM-H007 prevented hepatic steatosis by activating the AMPKα1/2-ATGL pathway. In conclusion, our study suggests that IMM-H007 is a promising therapeutic agent for improving hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis through the activation of AMPKα.

Objective To investigate the effect of naringenin(Nar)on hippocampal neuronal injury in neonatal mice with bilirubin encephalopathy,focusing on the Nrf2/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis pathway.Methods Neonatal mice were randomly divided into Control group,Model group,Nar low(Nar-L),high dose group(Nar-H)and high dose naringenin combined with Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 group(Nar-H+ML385),with 15 mice in each group.With the exception of the Control group,mice in the other groups were injected with bilirubin solution(20 μg/g)through the cerebellar bulbar cisterna to establish neonatal mouse bilirubin encephalopathy model.After the establishment of the model,intraperitoneal injection of naringin(25 or 100 mg/kg)or ML385(30 mg/kg)was administered once daily for a consecutive period of 7 days.After intervention,the neurobehavioral changes of each group of mice were observed.The water maze experiment was conducted to assess the long-term learning and memory abilities of the mice in each group.Nissl staining was performed to observe hippocampal neuron damage in mice.Chemical methods were used to measure the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)in the hippocampal tissue of mice.Colorimetric analysis was employed to determine the content of Fe2+in hippocampal tissue.Western blotting was utilized to detect protein expression levels of nuclear associated factor 2(Nrf2),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)protein in the hippocampal tissue of mice.Results Compared with the Control group,the Model group showed different degrees of abnormal neural behavior,and the long-term learning and memory ability were significantly reduced(P<0.05),at the same time,the hippocampal nerve was seriously damaged,and the contents of MDA,4-HNE and Fe2+in hippocampal tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05),the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and the protein expression levels of Nrf2,SLC7A11 and GPX4 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the Model group,the Nar-L and Nar-H groups had less abnormal behavior,and the long-term learning and memory ability were significantly enhanced(P<0.05),at the same time,the hippocampal nerve injury was significantly improved,and the contents of MDA,4-HNE and Fe2+in hippocampal tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and the protein expression levels of Nrf2,SLC7A11 and GPX4 were significantly increased(P<0.05).However,the combined intervention of ML385 significantly attenuates the beneficial effects of Nar on hippocampal neuron damage in neonatal mice with bilirubin encephalopathy.Conclusion This study suggested that Nar can ameliorate neuronal damage in hippocampus of neonatal mice with bilirubin encephalopathy,possibly through the regulation of iron death mediated by Nrf2/GPX4 axis.

BACKGROUND:Impaired postural control is an important risk factor for falls and secondary damage in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.Most of the existing studies have analyzed the gait parameters of patients during straight-line walking,but few have analyzed the postural stability characteristics of patients during static and dynamic activities. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the characteristics of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. METHODS:Twenty-two patients clinically diagnosed with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus at the Department of Neurosurgery,Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University,Shanghai,China,from September 2022 to February 2023 were selected as the patient group,and 18 healthy accompanying family members were selected as the healthy control group.The postural stability characteristics of the subjects were assessed using the Timed Up-and-Go Test,Multi-Directional Reach Test,Berg Balance Scale,and Static Balance Function Test(reaction time,speed of movement,directional control,maximum offset distance,and endpoint travel). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The time required to complete the Timed Up-and-Go Test was significantly longer in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P＜0.05).The results of the stretching test in the four directions of anterior,posterior,leftand right were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P＜0.05).The Berg Balance Scale scores in the patient group were lower than those in the healthy control group(P＜0.05).In the Static Balance Function Test,the results of reaction,movement speed,directional control,maximum offset distance and endpoint travel index were smaller in the patient group than the healthy control group(P＜0.05).To conclude,patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus exhibit overall postural control deficits,and impaired reaction and execution abilities make these patients unable to make timely and accurate motor responses in the face of disturbances from internal or external sources,resulting in postural instability and increasing the risk of falls.

Objective To investigate the effect of naringenin(Nar)on hippocampal neuronal injury in neonatal mice with bilirubin encephalopathy,focusing on the Nrf2/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis pathway.Methods Neonatal mice were randomly divided into Control group,Model group,Nar low(Nar-L),high dose group(Nar-H)and high dose naringenin combined with Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 group(Nar-H+ML385),with 15 mice in each group.With the exception of the Control group,mice in the other groups were injected with bilirubin solution(20 μg/g)through the cerebellar bulbar cisterna to establish neonatal mouse bilirubin encephalopathy model.After the establishment of the model,intraperitoneal injection of naringin(25 or 100 mg/kg)or ML385(30 mg/kg)was administered once daily for a consecutive period of 7 days.After intervention,the neurobehavioral changes of each group of mice were observed.The water maze experiment was conducted to assess the long-term learning and memory abilities of the mice in each group.Nissl staining was performed to observe hippocampal neuron damage in mice.Chemical methods were used to measure the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)in the hippocampal tissue of mice.Colorimetric analysis was employed to determine the content of Fe2+in hippocampal tissue.Western blotting was utilized to detect protein expression levels of nuclear associated factor 2(Nrf2),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)protein in the hippocampal tissue of mice.Results Compared with the Control group,the Model group showed different degrees of abnormal neural behavior,and the long-term learning and memory ability were significantly reduced(P<0.05),at the same time,the hippocampal nerve was seriously damaged,and the contents of MDA,4-HNE and Fe2+in hippocampal tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05),the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and the protein expression levels of Nrf2,SLC7A11 and GPX4 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the Model group,the Nar-L and Nar-H groups had less abnormal behavior,and the long-term learning and memory ability were significantly enhanced(P<0.05),at the same time,the hippocampal nerve injury was significantly improved,and the contents of MDA,4-HNE and Fe2+in hippocampal tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and the protein expression levels of Nrf2,SLC7A11 and GPX4 were significantly increased(P<0.05).However,the combined intervention of ML385 significantly attenuates the beneficial effects of Nar on hippocampal neuron damage in neonatal mice with bilirubin encephalopathy.Conclusion This study suggested that Nar can ameliorate neuronal damage in hippocampus of neonatal mice with bilirubin encephalopathy,possibly through the regulation of iron death mediated by Nrf2/GPX4 axis.