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PubMed2026

Excess iodine induces lipid metabolic disorders by the gut microbiota SCFAs/H2S-p-AMPKα/PPARγ/SREBP-1c pathway in female rats.

With the development of living standards, the problem of excess iodine has long been overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the detrimental effects of long-term excess iodine exposure on lipid metabolism in female Sprague-Dawley rats from the gut-liver axis perspective, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which the gut microbiota and its metabolites mediate iodine-induced lipid metabolic disorders. The results indicated that abnormal iodine nutrition has a negative effect on the health of rats. Specifically, excess iodine not only causes thyroid disorders but also leads to liver lipid metabolism disorders, including elevated serum and hepatic total cholesterol/triglyceride levels and lipid accumulation in the liver. Further investigation revealed that excess iodine causes liver lipid metabolism disorders by altering the gut microbiota, which resulted in an increase in the relative abundance of Desulfovibrio and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136_group, and a decrease in the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Blautia in excess iodine groups. A decrease in the relative abundance of Blautia and an increase in Lachnospiraceae NK4A136_group were strongly correlated with reductions in short-chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic, and valeric acids), whereas an increase in Desulfovibrio was strongly correlated with an increase in H2S. Additionally, acetic acid was negatively correlated with H2S in serum and liver. Excess iodine reduced hepatic p-AMPKα expression while upregulating key regulators of lipid metabolism, including SREBP-1c, PPARγ and ACC1. These changes may represent one of the key mechanisms by which excess iodine induces lipid metabolism disorders through the microbiota-metabolite axis. Overall, these findings suggest that excess iodine influences lipid metabolism through the gut-liver axis. The results of this study provide scientific references and guidance for the appropriate intake of iodine and offer novel insights for early nutritional interventions targeting lipid metabolism disorders.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Measurement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other circulating lipids in Brazil: a systematic literature review.

Accurate laboratory assessment of circulating lipids underpins cardiovascular risk stratification, yet clinical interpretation depends not only on the assays but on the formula chosen to estimate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This review integrates the 2019-2025 evidence on laboratory methods for triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and on the formulas estimating LDL-C, VLDL-C, and non-HDL cholesterol, to determine how these should be measured, reported, and harmonized in Brazil, where lipid thresholds are adapted from international consensus. A PRISMA 2020 systematic search (PROSPERO CRD420251241064) of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science, and Embase retrieved 57,915 records; after removing 38,210 duplicates, 19,705 titles/abstracts were screened, 312 full texts assessed, and 25 sources included. Enzymatic colorimetric assays remain standard for TG, TC, and HDLC. For LDL-C, Martin/Hopkins classifies more accurately than Friedewald (89.6% vs 83.2% correct categorization in 5,051,467 patients), particularly at high TG and low LDL-C, while Sampson/NIH and modified Sampson/NIH extend reliable estimation into hypertriglyceridemia and very low LDL-C; direct measurement is reserved for TG beyond the validated range. Although the review centers on the Friedewald, Martin/Hopkins, and Sampson/NIH families that dominate guideline practice, other published equations exist and are addressed in context. In Brazil, atherogenic-lipid thresholds are risk-based decision limits rather than reference intervals; national surveys describe lipid distributions but were not designed to establish them. Analytical standardization through traceability programs, multicenter validation of formulas, and-where the distribution-based construct applies (HDLC, pediatrics)-nationally derived reference intervals are priorities for equitable cardiovascular risk assessment in Brazil.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of 12 weeks of resistance and concurrent training with graded protein intakes on lipid profile, kidney and liver biomarkers in middle-aged to older women.

PURPOSE: To examine secondary lipid, kidney-related, and liver-enzyme responses to three protein intakes during resistance training (RT) alone or the same RT plus cycling (CT) in middle-aged to older women. METHODS: In this randomized 2×3 factorial trial, 108 women aged 40-77 years were assigned to RT or CT and 0.8, 1.6, or 2.2 g kg-1 d-1 protein for 12 weeks. This complete-case secondary analysis included 83 participants. Linear mixed-effects models tested Time × Training, Time × Protein, and Time × Training × Protein effects, with false-discovery-rate-adjusted omnibus tests and Holm-adjusted contrasts. RESULTS: Triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein B decreased and HDL-C increased in all conditions. Lipid changes differed by protein condition, and several were more favorable with CT; however, CT comprised RT plus additional cycling and greater exercise exposure. Urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, the blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio, and cystatin C increased, whereas three eGFR estimates decreased. Responses differed mainly between 0.8 and the two higher protein conditions, with little evidence of differences between 1.6 and 2.2 g kg-1 d-1. ALT, AST, and GGT differed by protein condition; AST and GGT also showed training-dependent responses. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary and exercise interventions modified lipid and clinical-chemistry responses. Because energy and food composition were not fully matched and CT added cycling to RT, the findings do not isolate protein dose or exercise modality. Changes in eGFR estimates and liver enzymes do not establish organ injury or long-term safety.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of phytosterols supplementation on hepatic lipid metabolism and metabolic outcomes in obese rodent models: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to synthesize and quantitatively assess the available evidence on the effects of phytosterol supplementation on hepatic lipid metabolism and obesity-related metabolic outcomes in obese rodent models, integrating biochemical, histological, and molecular evidence. A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science). Data on study design, population, intervention, outcomes, and risk of bias were extracted and analyzed. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed. Meta-analysis showed reductions in body weight, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, glucose, liver weight, hepatic cholesterol, hepatic triglycerides, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. No significant changes were observed for adiposity index, HDL-C, insulin, or hepatic expression of PPARα, FAS, and SREBP1c. Conversely, CPT1A expression was significantly increased following PS supplementation. Subgroup analyses indicated that the beneficial effects on lipid and hepatic outcomes were generally consistent across rodent species (mice, rats, and hamsters), obesity induction models, and routes of administration, although the magnitude of responses varied between strains, with C57BL/6 mice showing more pronounced metabolic improvements. Additional analyses suggested that treatment duration and phytosterol composition may modulate specific outcomes, whereas dose-response meta-regression identified dose-dependent associations for serum and hepatic cholesterol, and PPARα expression in dietary supplementation studies. Overall, the available preclinical evidence suggests that phytosterol supplementation may improve several metabolic and hepatic outcomes in rodent models of obesity. However, the substantial heterogeneity across studies highlights the need for standardized experimental protocols and future clinical studies before these findings can be translated to human health.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Investigation of Fatty Acid Metabolism-Associated Molecular CPOX and the Underlying Mechanism in Follicular Lymphoma.

Dysregulated lipid metabolism is a key driver of follicular lymphoma (FL). This study aimed to explore the lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) and clarify the underlying roles and mechanisms in FL. Bioinformatics methods, including differential analysis, WGCNA, machine learning, and Mendelian randomization, were utilized to select the LMRGs in FL. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were conducted to investigate the function of the key LMRG. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the key gene CPOX. A pan-cancer analysis investigated CPOX's expression level and immune correlations. In vitro experiments using FL cell lines (WSU-FSCCL, DOHH2) validated CPOX expression, and CPOX knockdown in DOHH2 cells was used to assess its impact on viability, migration, invasion, and fatty acid metabolism. CPOX was confirmed to be a risk factor, significantly overexpressed in FL, and exhibited effective diagnostic ability in FL (AUC = 0.731). Functional analysis linked CPOX to mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, and heme metabolic process. Pan-cancer indicated the dysregulated CPOX across multiple cancers and closely correlation with immune characteristics. Experimentally, CPOX was higher in the more invasive DOHH2 cells; and CPOX knockdown suppressed FL progression and reduced lipid droplet formation, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and free fatty acid levels. In conclusion, this study fills the gap in understanding the significance of lipid metabolism-related molecules in FL, and innovatively proposes that CPOX is a risk factor for FL. Knockdown of CPOX inhibits the FL progression, which is regulated by fatty acid metabolism.

Lymphoma, Follicular↗

PubMed2026

Lipid-mediated activation of BLT2 promotes membrane repair to prevent cell death.

Various pathogenic microorganisms produce toxins that create pores in cell membranes, causing cell damage and disrupting the host epithelial barrier. Recently, we reported that mice lacking the G protein-coupled receptor leukotriene B4 receptor 2 (BLT2), which is expressed in vascular endothelial and alveolar epithelial cells, are highly susceptible to pneumolysin (PLY), a pneumococci-generated toxin. Although we clarified the protective roles of BLT2 in vascular endothelial cells, those in alveolar epithelial cells have not been elucidated. Here, we report that lipid mediator 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (12-HHT), which is produced by membrane-damaged epithelial cells, prevents cell death by promoting membrane repair through BLT2. BLT2 promoted the release of PLY-bound plasma membranes as extracellular vesicles in a sphingomyelinase-dependent manner. Additionally, BLT2 activated Rac1 and subsequent actin polymerization, leading to resistance to cell death. Furthermore, inhibition of 12-HHT production by aspirin and treatment with a BLT2 antagonist abolished the protective effect of BLT2. These findings provide a new therapeutic strategy for bacterial infection.

Receptors, Leukotriene B4↗

PubMed2026

Evolutionary characterization and expression profiling of ACC and FASN genes in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis.

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) are rate-limiting enzymes in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, yet their evolutionary relationships, sequence features, and expression profiles remain poorly understood in crustaceans, particularly in the economically important Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Here, we identified and systematically analyzed ACC and FASN genes in E. sinensis using comparative genomic analyses across 43 species. ACC was highly conserved as a single-copy gene in invertebrates, in contrast to the multiple paralogs observed in vertebrates. Similarly, FASN was generally maintained as a single-copy gene across most taxa but exhibited lineage-specific expansion in certain insect groups. Phylogenetic and structural analysis revealed strong conservation of both genes within crustaceans, supported by multiple conserved motifs and canonical functional domains. Expression profiling showed predominant expression in the hepatopancreas and midgut, suggesting their potential involvement in crustacean lipid metabolism. During the molting cycle, ACC and FASN exhibited higher expression levels during stages C and D, suggesting an increased capacity for fatty acid biosynthesis before molting. In addition, dietary lipid levels experiment revealed that ACC and FASN expression responded dynamically to dietary lipid availability, with increased expression at moderate lipid levels but reduced expression under excessive lipid supplementation, indicating a possible adaptive transcriptional response to lipid status. Collectively, this study provides insights into the evolutionary conservation and expression dynamics of ACC and FASN and improves our understanding of lipid metabolic adaptation in crustaceans.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Uncovering parental exposure risks of TCPP: Impaired development and metabolic homeostasis in zebrafish offspring.

As brominated flame retardants are phased out, tris (1‑chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), a phosphorus-based flame retardant, has emerged as a prominent detectable flame retardant in the environment. However, TCPP has been found to exhibit endocrine-disrupting effects on organisms, raising significant safety concerns. In our study, we utilized the zebrafish model to explore the toxic effects of parental TCPP exposure on offspring and uncover its regulatory mechanisms through metabolomics analysis. Moreover, the impact on the nervous system and lipid metabolism was examined through behavioral analysis and specific staining. Our findings demonstrated that both embryonic and parental TCPP exposure induced developmental disorders in larvae, along with decreased locomotor activity and disordered lipid metabolism homeostasis. Parental exposure to TCPP, exhibiting stronger developmental toxicity than direct embryonic exposure, notably led to reductions in crucial energy substrates such as amino acids and carbohydrates. Meanwhile, embryonic TCPP exposure primarily affected the endogenous lipid-related metabolites including phospholipids, lipid-soluble vitamins, steroids and fatty acids, promoting lipid accumulation in larval liver and subcutaneous tissue. What's more, continuously parental and embryonic exposure showed the most pronounced effects on zebrafish development and metabolic regulation. Our study highlights the risk posed by parental exposure to TCPP on offspring zebrafish, underscoring the need for comprehensive consideration of the impact from parental exposure in pollutants regulation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Metabolomic differences in the Ophiura sarsii complex from the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass and Bering Sea Cold Pool.

Metabolomics provides a functional readout of cellular physiology and can reveal metabolite-level differences associated with environmental and evolutionary contexts. Here, we used GC-MS- and LC-MS-based metabolomics to characterize metabolic profiles of the Ophiura sarsii complex from the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) and the Bering Sea Cold Pool (BSCP). This metabolomics analysis identified 398 LC-MS/MS and 87 GC-MS/MS differential metabolites (DEMs). Marked metabolic differences were observed between the two taxa, involving antioxidant-related metabolites, central carbon-related intermediates, osmolyte-associated compounds, and membrane lipid components. O. sarsii vadicola from the YSCWM showed higher levels of glutathione, glucose, citric acid, D-ribulose 5-phosphate, and unsaturated lipid-related metabolites, indicating differences in antioxidant-related and energy-associated metabolic profiles. By contrast, O. sarsii from the BSCP was characterized by higher levels of sugar alcohols, particularly myo-inositol, together with differences in membrane lipid-associated metabolites. These results provide metabolomics-based evidence for metabolite-level physiological differences between two members of the O. sarsii complex sampled from the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass and the Bering Sea Cold Pool, while the relative contributions of lineage divergence and site-specific environmental variation remain to be tested experimentally.

Metabolomics↗

PubMed2026

Food-derived extracellular vesicles as delivery platforms for medicine-food homology components in metabolic syndrome.

Diet-induced obesity and associated metabolic syndromes have become major global public health challenge, highlighting the urgent need for safe and effective strategies. Recently, food-derived extracellular vesicles (FDEVs) have garnered increasing attention as natural nanocarriers due to their excellent biocompatibility and specific targeted delivery capabilities. FDEVs can efficiently deliver medicine-food homology components (MFHCs) to precisely regulate lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and insulin sensitivity, thereby improving obesity and its metabolic abnormalities. This systematic review summarizes recent advances in the use of FDEVs as delivery vehicles for MFHCs to suppress diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome, with a particular focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms, including signaling pathway regulation and cellular metabolic remodeling. In addition, the clinical translational potential and industrial application prospects of FDEVs are evaluated, and key challenges related to preparation techniques, safety assessment, and large-scale production are discussed. By integrating current evidence, this review aims to provide theoretical framework and future perspectives for the development of FDEVs as a novel targeted delivery platform and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Extracellular Vesicles↗

PubMed2026

Sitosterolemia: evolving strategies for earlier diagnosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sitosterolemia is a rare autosomal recessive lipid disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in ABCG5 or ABCG8 , resulting in excessive intestinal absorption and impaired biliary excretion of plant sterols. Although historically considered exceptionally rare, recent genetic studies suggest the disorder is substantially underdiagnosed, with marked phenotypic heterogeneity ranging from xanthomas and premature atherosclerosis to hematologic abnormalities, and frequently mimics familial hypercholesterolemia. This review summarizes recent advances in the clinical, biological, and genetic diagnosis of sitosterolemia, with a focus on strategies that may facilitate earlier detection. RECENT FINDINGS: Phytosterol quantification, particularly sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, remains indispensable for accurate diagnosis. Hematologic abnormalities, including hemolytic anemia, stomatocytosis, and macrothrombocytopenia, are increasingly recognized as valuable diagnostic clues complementing the biochemical approach. Expanded variant catalogs for ABCG5/ABCG8 and genome-wide association studies have revealed potentially polygenic contributions to phytosterol metabolism extending beyond these two genes. However, no specific guidelines have yet been established for cascade screening. SUMMARY: Earlier diagnosis requires integration of clinical, biochemical, hematologic, and genetic data. Plasma phytosterol measurement remains the diagnostic cornerstone. Improved disease awareness, broader access to sterol testing, and expanded genetic screening may reduce diagnostic delays and enable timely management, including ezetimibe and dietary phytosterol restriction.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A 12-week, double-blind, quasi-randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Coleus forskohlii (Forcslim) on body weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity have emerged as a global epidemic, significantly impacting human health. Traditional usage and growing scientific evidence suggest that Coleus forskohlii extract (Forcslim) may aid in reducing excess body weight and fat. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Forcslim supplementation in overweight individuals. METHODS: A quasi-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 60 overweight subjects aged 20-70 years over a period of 12 weeks. The participants were assigned to receive either Forcslim or placebo. The key outcome measures included body weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, and anthropometric parameters. Additionally, lipid profile parameters and safety markers (including metabolic, hepatic, and cardiovascular indicators) were assessed throughout the study duration. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the Forcslim group showed significant reductions in waist circumference (-1.83 cm; p < 0.01) and body weight (-1.93 kg; p < 0.001). Significant improvements in anthropometric parameters were observed exclusively in the Forcslim group. Furthermore, triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.01), while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels showed a significant increase (p = 0.001). No clinically significant changes were observed in metabolic markers, liver and muscle enzyme levels, heart rate, blood pressure, or reported adverse effects, indicating a favorable safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: Forcslim demonstrated significant anti-obesity effects, including reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and improvements in the lipid profile. These findings suggest that C. forskohlii extract supplementation may serve as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic anti-obesity drugs.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of olive leaf or olive pomace supplementation on cardiometabolic and anthropometric health markers.

AIMS: Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are major contributors to global morbidity and mortality, and dietary bioactives such as polyphenols may modulate key risk factors. Olive by-products, particularly olive leaves (OL) and olive pomace (OP), are rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiometabolic effects demonstrated across in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: This GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis included 30 randomized controlled trials (n = 1726) evaluating OL or OP supplementation on 21 standardized biomarkers, encompassing inflammatory markers, lipid profile, glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, anthropometric measures, and blood pressure. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models, with effect sizes calculated as mean differences (or standardized mean differences for oxLDL). Between-study heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics, and sensitivity and subgroup analyses explored potential sources of variability. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg's test and funnel plots where appropriate. OL supplementation significantly improved lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, ApoB, oxLDL) and increased ApoA1, while reducing TNF-α, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body weight, and BMI. No significant effects were observed on glycemic markers. OP supplementation showed no consistent cardiometabolic benefits and was associated with an increase in IL-8. Certainty of evidence ranged from very low to high, with several outcomes downgraded due to imprecision, heterogeneity, or limited study numbers. CONCLUSION: These findings support the targeted use of OL as an adjunctive strategy for cardiometabolic risk management. Evidence for OP supplementation remains limited, underscoring the need for well-powered, high-quality RCTs to clarify its clinical effects.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Vacuum Compression Therapy on Healing of Chronic Lower Limb Ulcers: A Randomised Controlled Study.

Chronic lower limb ulcers remain difficult to manage when unresponsive to conventional treatment. This study evaluated the clinical and physiological effects of vacuum compression therapy on wound healing and quality of life. Fifty patients with chronic lower limb ulcers were randomised to receive 12 sessions of vacuum compression therapy plus standard care or standard care alone over 4 weeks. Wound dimensions, exudate, pain intensity and quality of life were assessed at baseline and post-treatment. Estimated wound volume was calculated as length × width × depth. Tissue oxygenation was measured at the dorsum of the foot in the experimental group. The vacuum compression therapy group showed greater improvements in wound width, depth, volume and quality of life. Estimated wound volume decreased by 61% in the intervention group, whereas no statistically significant volume reduction was observed in controls. Local tissue oxygenation in the experimental group increased by 43%. Baseline wound size was associated with poorer quality of life. Vacuum compression therapy may enhance wound healing and quality of life in patients with chronic lower limb ulcers. Observed increases in local tissue oxygenation represent exploratory physiological findings within the treated cohort that warrant controlled comparative evaluation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07737184.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comparative evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers F2-isoprostanes and 8-OHdG in Parkinson's disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is central to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the utility of biomarkers for lipid peroxidation (F2-isoprostanes) and DNA damage (8-OHdG) in the comorbidity of PD and T2DM remains unclear. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 unique studies of human subjects aged ≥ 50 years (n = 7,521: 3,522 with T2DM, 722 with PD, and 3,277 controls), measuring biomarkers in serum, plasma, or leukocytes. Mixed-effects models quantified standardized differences (Hedges' g) across subgroups. RESULTS: In T2DM, F2-isoprostanes (g = 1.60, 95% CI: 0.95-2.25) and 8-OHdG (g = 2.64, 95% CI: 2.13-3.14) were markedly elevated (p < 0.001). Stronger effects were observed in younger cohorts and serum/plasma samples, with complications like nephropathy exhibiting extreme oxidative stress (g = 5.24). In PD, 8-OHdG was moderately elevated (g = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.18-1.39; p = 0.011), particularly in randomized controlled trials and plasma samples, whereas F2-isoprostanes were not significantly elevated (g = 0.47, 95% CI: -0.43-1.38). High heterogeneity in T2DM (I2 > 90%) reflected methodological variability. CONCLUSION: Distinct profiles - both markers elevated in T2DM but only 8-OHdG in PD - underscore 8-OHdG's potential in PD-T2DM comorbidity. Future research should focus on standardized assays, multi-compartmental or multi-modal sampling, and longitudinal studies to clarify mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Context matters: coordinated transcriptional regulation and root plasticity under multinutrient conditions.

Plants often encounter simultaneous imbalances in multiple nutrients, but the regulatory logic coordinating their responses remains poorly understood. We aimed to uncover shared transcriptional programs and regulatory nodes underpinning multinutrient adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. We analyzed publicly available RNA-seq datasets spanning 15 nutrient and beneficial element conditions using differential expression, co-expression network (WGCNA), and gene regulatory network analysis. Selected transcription factors (TFs) were validated via root phenotyping, suberin staining, and ionomic profiling under two-nutrient stress conditions. We identified a core set of 2050 genes responsive to multiple nutrient treatments, enriched for suberin biosynthesis, and structured into modular co-expression clusters. Eight prioritized candidate TFs (ARR10, GBF3, HHO5, NAC32, NF-YA3, NF-YB2, SARD1, and WRKY33) were shown to modulate root system architecture under specific nutrient combinations. WRKY33 and NF-YB2, in particular, regulated nutrient-responsive suberin deposition and ionomic plasticity. These findings reveal suberin remodeling as a shared downstream process in multinutrient responses and suggest that plasticity is not a fixed trait but a modular, polygenic, and context-dependent outcome. Repurposed TFs with pleiotropic functions coordinate structural and physiological traits, providing regulatory entry points for improving nutrient resilience.

Plant Roots↗

PubMed2026

[Effect of electroacupuncture combined with suspension exercise therapy on lower limb motor function in elderly patients with post-stroke spastic hemiplegia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with suspension exercise therapy in elderly patients with post-stroke spastic hemiplegia and its effect on lower limb motor function. METHODS: A total of 120 elderly patients with post-stroke spastic hemiplegia were enrolled. Using a 2×2 factorial design, all the patients were assigned to a group A (conventional treatment), a group B (conventional treatment combined with suspension exercise therapy), a group C (conventional treatment combined with EA at Jiaji [EX-B2] and limb acupoints), and a group D(conventional treatment combined with suspension exercise therapy and EA at Jiaji [EX-B2] and limb acupoints), with 30 patients in each group. The main acupoints were bilateral Jiaji (EX-B2) points at the C2-C7, T2-T12, L1-L5, and S1 segments. The adjunct acupoints included Jianyu (LI15), Binao (LI14), Huantiao (GB30), Chengfu (BL36), etc. on the affected side.Continuous wave was applied at a frequency of 100 Hz with a current intensity of 1.5-3.0 mA, and needles were retained for 30 min, once daily for 4 weeks. Before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the modified Ashworth scale (MAS),Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Berg balance scale (BBS), and Barthel index scores were evaluated in the four groups. Root mean square (RMS) values of surface electromyography (sEMG) of the erector spinae and rectus abdominis muscles on the affected side, as well as balance function indexes, including the mean pressure symmetry index (SI), contact area SI, ellipse area, and displacement distances of the center of pressure in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, were measured. Clinical efficacy was also compared among the four groups. RESULTS: After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, MAS scores in all groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), whereas FMA, BBS, and Barthel index scores were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, MAS scores were lower than those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05), whereas FMA, BBS, and Barthel index scores were higher than those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05) in the four groups. At both 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, group D had lower MAS scores (P<0.05) and higher FMA,BBS, and Barthel index scores (P<0.05) than the other three groups. After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, RMS values of sEMG of the erector spinae and rectus abdominis muscles on the affected side at all tested angles were higher than those before treatment in all groups (P<0.05), and the values after 4 weeks of treatment were higher than those after 2 weeks of treatment(P<0.05). At both 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, all these indexes in the group D were higher than those in the other three groups (P<0.05). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the mean pressure SI, contact area SI and ellipse area of each group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the mean pressure SI, contact area SI and ellipse area of each group were lower than those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the AP displacement distances of groups A, C and D were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and after 4 weeks of treatment, the AP displacement distances of groups A, C and D were lower than those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05);after 2 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in AP displacement distance in the group B compared with before treatment (P>0.05), and after 4 weeks of treatment, the AP displacement distance of group B was lower than that before treatment (P<0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in ML displacement distance in group A compared with before treatment (P>0.05); after 4 weeks of treatment, the ML displacement distance of group A was lower than that before treatment (P<0.05). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in ML displacement distance in the group B compared with that before treatment (P>0.05).After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the ML displacement distances of groups C and D were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05), and after 4 weeks of treatment, the ML displacement distances of groups C and D were lower than those after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). At both 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, mean pressure SI, contact area SI, ellipse area, and AP and ML displacement distances in the group D were lower than those in the other three groups (P<0.05). Factorial analysis of variance showed that EA had the strongest main effect on FMA score (F=6.243, P<0.05), suspension exercise therapy had the strongest main effect on BBS score (F=6.292, P<0.05), and the interaction effect was most significant for MAS score (F=5.941, P<0.05), indicating that the combined therapy produced a greater synergistic effect on reducing muscle tone than on the other outcome measures. The total effective rate in the group D was 93.3% (28/30), which was higher than those in the group A (53.3% [16/30]), group B (56.7% [17/30]), and group C (66.7% [20/30], P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA combined with suspension exercise therapy could effectively promote the recovery of lower limb function in elderly patients with post-stroke spastic hemiplegia, improve motor and balance functions, and enhance activities of daily living.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comparison of Traditional Chinese Exercise and Equipment-Based Exercise on Glycaemic Control and Vitamin D Levels in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients With Prediabetes: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Prediabetes is a critical window for preventing progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Both vitamin D deficiency and physical inactivity are associated with impaired glucose metabolism. This study compared the effects of Traditional Chinese Exercise (TCE) and Kuanle Equipment Exercise (KEE) on glycaemic measures, lipid profiles, body composition and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] in middle-aged and elderly adults with prediabetes. METHODS: We conducted a 12-week, single-centre, randomised controlled trial involving 62 participants with prediabetes (mean age 55.2 ± 8.4 years; 88.7% female). Participants were randomly assigned to control (usual care, n = 21), TCE (n = 20), or KEE (n = 21). Primary outcomes included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h OGTT glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum 25(OH)D3. Secondary outcomes comprised triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and body composition. RESULTS: At baseline, mean serum 25(OH)D3 was 21.53 ± 3.90 nmol/L. At 12 weeks, both TCE and KEE improved FPG, 2-h OGTT glucose, HbA1c and 25(OH)D3 versus control (all p ≤ 0.001). Relative changes in FPG were -9.4% (TCE) and -15.2% (KEE) versus -1.5% (control); corresponding changes were -14.6% and -21.2% for 2-h OGTT glucose, -6.7% and -12.9% for HbA1c, and +60.6% and +81.9% for 25(OH)D3. Direct TCE-KEE comparisons were not significant (all p > 0.05). In an exploratory analysis, change in 25(OH)D3 was inversely associated with change in 2-h OGTT glucose (partial r = -0.358, p = 0.006), but not with FPG, HbA1c, or triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: Both TCE and KEE improved glycaemic outcomes and increased serum 25(OH)D3 compared with usual care in middle-aged and elderly adults with prediabetes. Although KEE produced numerically larger estimates, direct between-group comparisons were not significant, and the superiority of KEE over TCE was not established. These vitamin D findings require confirmation in trials that quantify sunlight exposure and dietary vitamin D intake.

Aged↗