1.From Golgi Stress to Golgiphagy—a New Regulatory Model Involved in Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Hai-Jun WEI ; He-Ming WANG ; Shu-Jing CHEN ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):275-292
The Golgi body, a core organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays a critical role in protein modification, sorting, vesicular transport, and serves as a key site for lipid synthesis and glycosylation. Glucose and lipid metabolism are central processes for cellular energy maintenance and biosynthesis, and are closely linked to Golgi function. Recent studies have revealed the extensive involvement of the Golgi body in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, where maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis is crucial for normal physiological activity. Under various stress conditions such as acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deficiency, the Golgi body undergoes structural and functional disruption, leading to Golgi stress. This in turn activates specific signaling pathways, such as those mediated by the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3) and proteoglycans, to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. Golgi stress contributes to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders by affecting the activity of insulin receptors, glucose transporters, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes. For example, Golgi stress triggers the cleavage and release of the active fragment of CREB3, which enters the nucleus and upregulates the transcription of ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4) and key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). ARF4 promotes vesicle retrograde transport between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, maintains secretory capacity, and enhances hepatic glucose output. This pathway is particularly active under high-fat or lipotoxic stress, leading to fasting hyperglycemia. When damaged Golgi components accumulate beyond a tolerable threshold, the cell initiates an autophagic response, selectively encapsulating the damaged Golgi into autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, leading to Golgiphagy. This process results in the degradation and clearance of damaged Golgi, thereby regulating Golgi quantity, quality, and function. Golgiphagy also plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. For instance, under high-glucose conditions, autophagic flux may be suppressed, impairing the timely clearance and renewal of damaged Golgi, compromising its normal function, and further exacerbating glucose metabolism disorders. Additionally, Golgiphagy may participate in lipid degradation and influence lipid synthesis and transport. Research indicates that Golgi stress and Golgiphagy play important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. For example, the leucine zipper protein (LZIP) under Golgi stress conditions can promote hepatic steatosis. In mouse primary cells and human tissues, LZIP induces the expression of apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), which increases peripheral free fatty acid uptake, resulting in lipid accumulation in the liver and contributing to the development of fatty liver disease. This review systematically outlines the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Golgi stress and Golgiphagy, and their synergistic roles. It further elaborates on how Golgi stress and Golgiphagy participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, discusses their clinical significance in related diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity, and highlights potential novel therapeutic strategies from the perspective of Golgi-targeted medicine
2.From Golgi Stress to Golgiphagy—a New Regulatory Model Involved in Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Hai-Jun WEI ; He-Ming WANG ; Shu-Jing CHEN ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):275-292
The Golgi body, a core organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays a critical role in protein modification, sorting, vesicular transport, and serves as a key site for lipid synthesis and glycosylation. Glucose and lipid metabolism are central processes for cellular energy maintenance and biosynthesis, and are closely linked to Golgi function. Recent studies have revealed the extensive involvement of the Golgi body in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, where maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis is crucial for normal physiological activity. Under various stress conditions such as acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deficiency, the Golgi body undergoes structural and functional disruption, leading to Golgi stress. This in turn activates specific signaling pathways, such as those mediated by the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3) and proteoglycans, to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. Golgi stress contributes to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders by affecting the activity of insulin receptors, glucose transporters, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes. For example, Golgi stress triggers the cleavage and release of the active fragment of CREB3, which enters the nucleus and upregulates the transcription of ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4) and key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). ARF4 promotes vesicle retrograde transport between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, maintains secretory capacity, and enhances hepatic glucose output. This pathway is particularly active under high-fat or lipotoxic stress, leading to fasting hyperglycemia. When damaged Golgi components accumulate beyond a tolerable threshold, the cell initiates an autophagic response, selectively encapsulating the damaged Golgi into autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, leading to Golgiphagy. This process results in the degradation and clearance of damaged Golgi, thereby regulating Golgi quantity, quality, and function. Golgiphagy also plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. For instance, under high-glucose conditions, autophagic flux may be suppressed, impairing the timely clearance and renewal of damaged Golgi, compromising its normal function, and further exacerbating glucose metabolism disorders. Additionally, Golgiphagy may participate in lipid degradation and influence lipid synthesis and transport. Research indicates that Golgi stress and Golgiphagy play important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. For example, the leucine zipper protein (LZIP) under Golgi stress conditions can promote hepatic steatosis. In mouse primary cells and human tissues, LZIP induces the expression of apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), which increases peripheral free fatty acid uptake, resulting in lipid accumulation in the liver and contributing to the development of fatty liver disease. This review systematically outlines the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Golgi stress and Golgiphagy, and their synergistic roles. It further elaborates on how Golgi stress and Golgiphagy participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, discusses their clinical significance in related diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity, and highlights potential novel therapeutic strategies from the perspective of Golgi-targeted medicine
3.Primary Cilium-mediated Mechano-metabolic Coupling: Cross-system Homeostatic Regulation of The Nervous, Bone, Vascular, and Renal Systems
Liang-Chen DUAN ; Hao-Liang HU ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Jia-Long YAN ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):577-592
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.
4.The epidemiological characteristics and spatial aggregation of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023
Lu-qian ZHANG ; Shao-qi NING ; Yun-peng NIAN ; Shu WANG ; Xin-xin LI
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):19-24
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023 to provide a scientific basis for its prevention and control. Methods Excel 2007, SPSS 25.0, Joinpoint 4.9.1.0, and Geoda 1.6 were used for data collection and statistical analysis. Super Map was used for data visualization to describe the changing characteristics of the disease. Results A total of 394 typhus cases were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023. The average annual incidence of typhus was 0.054/100 000, showing a dynamic fluctuation trend(AAPC=-3.3, t=-0.3, P>0.05). The cases were mainly concentrated in Baoji, Hanzhong and Xi′an, accounting for 78.68%. The incidence peak was from May to October, accounting for 64.21% of annual incidence. The epidemic season was from May to October and December. The incidence of the disease was concentrated in the 40-69 age group, accounting for 58.88%, and the sex was 1.07:1. The main occupation was farmers, accounting for 72.08%. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 7 days. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there were significant spatial autocorrelations in 11 years from 2005 to 2023(P<0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis detected a total of 43“high-high”clustering areas, mainly concentrated in Baoji City. Conclusions The overall incidence of typhus in Shaanxi Province showed a dynamic fluctuation trend, with notable seasonal and regional aggregation. The incidence of typhus was higher in middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas. Surveillance should be strengthened in typhus endemic areas in summer and autumn, and health education should be conducted for key population to form good health habits and reduce the incidence of typhus.
5.Effect of Zhinao Capsules on Mild and Moderate Sleep Disorders in Alzheimer's Disease Patients with Syndrome of Spleen-kidney Deficiency and Combined Phlegm and Stasis
Hu XI ; Wenming YANG ; Wenting XIE ; Yue YANG ; Shu ZHAI ; Hao LI ; Yulong YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):171-180
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Zhinao capsules in the treatment of mild and moderate sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease patients with the syndrome of spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo, controlled clinical trial design was adopted, and 60 Alzheimer's disease patients aged 50-85 years with mild and moderate sleep disorders due to spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis were included. According to the randomized numble table method, the patients were assigned into a treatment group and a control group (30 in each group, with 29 patients in the treatment group and 28 patients in the control group finally completing the trial). The treatment group was treated with donepezil hydrochloride tablets combined with Zhinao capsules, and the control group was treated with donepezil hydrochloride tablets combined with the simulant of Zhinao capsules for 12 weeks. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), smart bracelet sleep monitoring, epworth sleeping scale (ESS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and traditional Chinese medicine symptoms were scored. Furthermore, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were measured. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, the total response rate of clinical efficacy assessment in the treatment group reached 89.7%, which was significantly higher than that (21.4%) in the control group (Z=-5.14, P<0.01). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores declined in both groups (P<0.01), and the scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed decreased total score and seven component scores of the PSQI scale (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed increases in the duration of deep sleep, light sleep, rapid eye movement sleep, and total sleep at night and decreases in the time to fall asleep, the number of awakenings from sleep at night, and the time for sporadic daytime naps (P<0.01). The control group did not show significant changes in the duration of light sleep, time to fall asleep, and number of awakenings from sleep at night. Moreover, the treatment group outperformed the control group in terms of the indicators above (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed decreased scores of ESS, ADL and its subscales physical self-maintenance scale (PSMS), and Instrumental Activities of daily living scale (IADLs) and increased score of MMSE and levels of BDNF and GABA (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in PSMS between the two groups, and the treatment group was significantly better than the control group in terms of the rest of the above indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01). Patients in neither groups complained of uncomfortable symptoms. ConclusionZhinao capsules have significant clinical efficacy in treating patients with mild and moderate sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease patients with the syndrome of spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis. Zhinao capsules can significantly reduce PSQI, ESS, and ADL scores, increase the MMSE score and the expression of BDNF and GABA, effectively optimize the structure of sleep, improve the intelligence, and enhance the ability of daily life, without causing uncomfortable symptoms. The mechanism may be related to the increase in the expression of sleep/wake-related neurotransmitters.
6.Effect of Zhinao Capsules on Mild and Moderate Sleep Disorders in Alzheimer's Disease Patients with Syndrome of Spleen-kidney Deficiency and Combined Phlegm and Stasis
Hu XI ; Wenming YANG ; Wenting XIE ; Yue YANG ; Shu ZHAI ; Hao LI ; Yulong YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):171-180
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Zhinao capsules in the treatment of mild and moderate sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease patients with the syndrome of spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo, controlled clinical trial design was adopted, and 60 Alzheimer's disease patients aged 50-85 years with mild and moderate sleep disorders due to spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis were included. According to the randomized numble table method, the patients were assigned into a treatment group and a control group (30 in each group, with 29 patients in the treatment group and 28 patients in the control group finally completing the trial). The treatment group was treated with donepezil hydrochloride tablets combined with Zhinao capsules, and the control group was treated with donepezil hydrochloride tablets combined with the simulant of Zhinao capsules for 12 weeks. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), smart bracelet sleep monitoring, epworth sleeping scale (ESS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and traditional Chinese medicine symptoms were scored. Furthermore, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were measured. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, the total response rate of clinical efficacy assessment in the treatment group reached 89.7%, which was significantly higher than that (21.4%) in the control group (Z=-5.14, P<0.01). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores declined in both groups (P<0.01), and the scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed decreased total score and seven component scores of the PSQI scale (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed increases in the duration of deep sleep, light sleep, rapid eye movement sleep, and total sleep at night and decreases in the time to fall asleep, the number of awakenings from sleep at night, and the time for sporadic daytime naps (P<0.01). The control group did not show significant changes in the duration of light sleep, time to fall asleep, and number of awakenings from sleep at night. Moreover, the treatment group outperformed the control group in terms of the indicators above (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed decreased scores of ESS, ADL and its subscales physical self-maintenance scale (PSMS), and Instrumental Activities of daily living scale (IADLs) and increased score of MMSE and levels of BDNF and GABA (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in PSMS between the two groups, and the treatment group was significantly better than the control group in terms of the rest of the above indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01). Patients in neither groups complained of uncomfortable symptoms. ConclusionZhinao capsules have significant clinical efficacy in treating patients with mild and moderate sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease patients with the syndrome of spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis. Zhinao capsules can significantly reduce PSQI, ESS, and ADL scores, increase the MMSE score and the expression of BDNF and GABA, effectively optimize the structure of sleep, improve the intelligence, and enhance the ability of daily life, without causing uncomfortable symptoms. The mechanism may be related to the increase in the expression of sleep/wake-related neurotransmitters.
7.Protective effects of aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma on intestinal mucosa of ulcerative colitis mice
Zhi-hua LI ; Qing LUO ; Xi-min WANG ; Shu-nan GUO ; Wei-bo DAI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2221-2228
AIM To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma on intestinal mucosa in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS The UC mouse models established by sodium dextran sulfate were allocated into different groups and administered with sulfasalazine(200 mg/kg)or aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma(3.9,7.8 g/kg)by gavage,respectively.The mice had their changes of body weight,defecation patterns,disease activity index(DAI)and colon length recorded;their colon tissue pathological alterations and goblet cell quantification analyzed through HE and AB-PAS staining;their ROS levels in colon tissue measured via ELISA;their mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines,Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway components and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway regulators in colon tissue assessed by RT-qPCR;their protein expressions of Nrf2/HO-1 and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway verified by immunohistochemistry;and their ZO1 and Occludin tight junction proteins in colon tissues quantified by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the high-dose Cimicifugae Rhizoma aqueous extract group demonstrated significantly increased body weight,colon length and DAI scores(P<0.01);mitigated intestinal mucosal barrier damage;reduced ROS levels in colon tissue(P<0.01);suppressed mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in colon(P<0.01);elevated expressions of tight junction protein ZO1 and Occludin in colon tissue(P<0.05);upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2,NQO1 and HO-1 in colon tissue(P<0.05,P<0.01);downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1(P<0.05);and reduced expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome components(ASC,Caspase-1,GSDMD)in mRNA and protein(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION The aqueous extract of Cimicifugae Rhizoma exerts protective effects against UC through dual mechanisms involving redox regulation and pyroptosis inhibition by reducing ROS level via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation and attenuating NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis via Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway inhibition,and thereby synergistically preserves the structural and functional integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier and mitigates UC progression.
8.Advances in Microfluidic Chip Based on Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Technology for Rapid Detection of Foodborne Pathogens
Yan-Zhu PAN ; Jia-Hua TANG ; Yue-Xiang CHAI ; Lu-Xi SHU ; Jia-Xin XIE ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1447-1456
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP)is a newin vitronucleic acid amplification technique,which has been widely used in rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria,with advantages of high efficiency,simple operation and low cost.Microfluidic chip technique is a kind of miniaturized and integrated analytical technology,which integrates automation and high throughput,and can effectively avoid sample cross-contamination and has the advantages of high sample utilization rate and high cost-effectivenes.LAMP combined with microfluidic chip can detect multiple samples of the same pathogen at the same time or single samples of different pathogens at the same time,providing a new method for the rapid,field detection of pathogens.In this paper,the research progresses of LAMP microfluidic chip and its application in rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria in recent years were reviewed,and the future prospect was discussed.
9.Association between Fish Consumption and Stroke Incidence Across Different Predicted Risk Populations: A Prospective Cohort Study from China.
Hong Yue HU ; Fang Chao LIU ; Ke Yong HUANG ; Chong SHEN ; Jian LIAO ; Jian Xin LI ; Chen Xi YUAN ; Ying LI ; Xue Li YANG ; Ji Chun CHEN ; Jie CAO ; Shu Feng CHEN ; Dong Sheng HU ; Jian Feng HUANG ; Xiang Feng LU ; Dong Feng GU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):15-26
OBJECTIVE:
The relationship between fish consumption and stroke is inconsistent, and it is uncertain whether this association varies across predicted stroke risks.
METHODS:
A cohort study comprising 95,800 participants from the Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China project was conducted. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on fish consumption. Participants were stratified into low- and moderate-to-high-risk categories based on their 10-year stroke risk prediction scores. Hazard ratios ( HRs) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models and additive interaction by relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (SI).
RESULTS:
During 703,869 person-years of follow-up, 2,773 incident stroke events were identified. Higher fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of stroke, particularly among moderate-to-high-risk individuals ( HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.47-0.60) than among low-risk individuals ( HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49-0.85). A significant additive interaction between fish consumption and predicted stroke risk was observed (RERI = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.80-5.36; SI = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.42-1.89; AP = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.28-0.43).
CONCLUSION
Higher fish consumption was associated with a lower risk of stroke, and this beneficial association was more pronounced in individuals with moderate-to-high stroke risk.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Stroke/etiology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Incidence
;
Aged
;
Animals
;
Fishes
;
Risk Factors
;
Diet
;
Seafood
;
Adult
;
Cohort Studies
10.Association of Loneliness and Social Isolation with Ischemic Heart Disease: A Bidirectional and Network Mendelian Randomization Study.
Shu Yao SU ; Wan Yue WANG ; Chen Xi YUAN ; Zhen Nan LIN ; Xiang Feng LU ; Fang Chao LIU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):351-364
OBJECTIVE:
Observational studies have shown inconsistent associations of loneliness or social isolation (SI) with ischemic heart disease (IHD), with unknown mediators.
METHODS:
Using data from genome-wide association studies of predominantly European ancestry, we performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study to estimate causal effects of loneliness ( N = 487,647) and SI traits on IHD ( N = 184,305). SI traits included whether individuals lived alone, participated in various types of social activities, and how often they had contact with friends or family ( N = 459,830 to 461,369). A network MR study was conducted to evaluate the mediating roles of 20 candidate mediators, including metabolic, behavioral and psychological factors.
RESULTS:
Loneliness increased IHD risk ( OR= 2.129; 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.380 to 3.285), mediated by body fat percentage, waist-hip ratio, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For SI traits, only fewer social activities increased IHD risk ( OR= 1.815; 95% CI: 1.189 to 2.772), mediated by hypertension, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin, and smoking cessation. No reverse causality of IHD with loneliness and SI was found.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggested more attention should be paid to individuals who feel lonely and have fewer social activities to prevent IHD, with several mediators as prioritized targets for intervention.
Loneliness/psychology*
;
Humans
;
Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Social Isolation
;
Myocardial Ischemia/etiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Genome-Wide Association Study
;
Risk Factors
;
Aged


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