Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111706
Yini Pan , Hui Chen , Jianhua Xu, Li Zhao, Meifen Yao
THAP7-AS1 is a newly discovered long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) whose biological roles in human physiological and pathological processes remain elusive. This study explores the functional impacts of THAP7-AS1 and its interacting molecular cascades in human umbilical vein endothelial cell damage in the context of ischemic stroke. We observed that THAP7-AS1 interacted with EIF3A in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through a combination of RNA-IP, pull-down assays, and immunofluorescence staining assays. Knockdown of either THAP7-AS1 or EIF3A led to a significant reduction in ITPR1 expression, a key regulator of Ca2 + signaling and pyroptosis. In ischemic stroke models induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), THAP7-AS1 was upregulated alongside EIF3A and ITPR1, promoting endothelial cell pyroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Knockdown of THAP7-AS1 or EIF3A alleviated OGD-induced pyroptosis and ER stress, while overexpression of ITPR1 exacerbated these conditions. In vivo, inhibition of ITPR1 with Xestospongin C reduces brain infarction and pyroptosis markers in stroke mice. These results suggest that the THAP7-AS1/EIF3A/ITPR1 axis plays a crucial role in ischemic stroke, contributing to endothelial cell dysfunction through pyroptosis and ER stress. Targeting this pathway may offer therapeutic potential for stroke-related endothelial injury.
{"title":"Long non-coding RNA THAP7-AS1 interacts with EIF3A and enhances ITPR1 to enhance endoplasmic reticulum stress and endothelial cell pyroptosis in ischemic stroke","authors":"Yini Pan , Hui Chen , Jianhua Xu, Li Zhao, Meifen Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>THAP7-AS1 is a newly discovered long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) whose biological roles in human physiological and pathological processes remain elusive. This study explores the functional impacts of THAP7-AS1 and its interacting molecular cascades in human umbilical vein endothelial cell damage in the context of ischemic stroke. We observed that THAP7-AS1 interacted with EIF3A in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through a combination of RNA-IP, pull-down assays, and immunofluorescence staining assays. Knockdown of either THAP7-AS1 or EIF3A led to a significant reduction in ITPR1 expression, a key regulator of Ca<sup>2 +</sup> signaling and pyroptosis. In ischemic stroke models induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), THAP7-AS1 was upregulated alongside EIF3A and ITPR1, promoting endothelial cell pyroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Knockdown of THAP7-AS1 or EIF3A alleviated OGD-induced pyroptosis and ER stress, while overexpression of ITPR1 exacerbated these conditions. <em>In vivo</em>, inhibition of ITPR1 with Xestospongin C reduces brain infarction and pyroptosis markers in stroke mice. These results suggest that the THAP7-AS1/EIF3A/ITPR1 axis plays a crucial role in ischemic stroke, contributing to endothelial cell dysfunction through pyroptosis and ER stress. Targeting this pathway may offer therapeutic potential for stroke-related endothelial injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 111706"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145846648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111714
Yi-Fan Guo , Yuan-zhe Li , Yu Qi , Xu Liu , Li-jun Song , Wen-bo Yang , Min-gan Li , Xiao-yan Bai , Mao-sheng Xu , Meng-yuan Shen , Si-qing Cai , Yi Wang , Zheng-han Yang , Zhen-chang Wang , Hao Wang
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) alters magnetic susceptibility within the basal ganglia, contributing to cognitive impairment (CI). This study aims to develop a radiomics-based model using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and machine learning for diagnosing CKD-related CI.
Method
A total of 161 CKD patients were prospectively recruited, with 113 in the training set and 48 in the test set. Radiomic features were extracted from basal ganglia nuclei on QSM images. After preprocessing and feature selection, multiple machine learning algorithms were evaluated. The final radiomics model was selected based on decision curve analysis (DCA) in the test cohort. A combined model was built by integrating clinical characteristics with the radiomics model using multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and DCA.
Results
DCA identified the putamen based support vector machine (SVM) radiomics model as the optimal model. It achieved AUCs of 0.929 (95 % CI 0.870–0.972) in the training set and 0.891 (95 % CI 0.786–0.972) in the test set. The combined model showed further improvement, yielding AUCs of 0.964 (95 % CI 0.928–0.989) and 0.933 (95 % CI 0.856–0.987). DCA indicated the highest net benefit for the combined model.
Conclusion
QSM based radiomics of the putamen, especially when combined with clinical characteristics, may serve as a promising noninvasive approach for identifying CKD related CI.
背景:慢性肾脏疾病(CKD)改变基底神经节内的磁化率,导致认知障碍(CI)。本研究旨在开发一种基于放射组学的模型,使用定量敏感性映射(QSM)和机器学习来诊断ckd相关的CI。方法:前瞻性招募161例CKD患者,其中113例为训练组,48例为测试组。在QSM图像上提取基底神经节核的放射学特征。经过预处理和特征选择,对多种机器学习算法进行了评价。最终的放射组学模型是根据测试队列中的决策曲线分析(DCA)选择的。采用多变量logistic回归,将临床特征与放射组学模型相结合,建立联合模型。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)分析和DCA评估模型的性能。结果:DCA识别基于壳核的支持向量机放射组学模型为最优模型。在训练集的auc为0.929 (95% CI 0.870 - 0.972),在测试集的auc为0.891 (95% CI 0.786 - 0.972)。联合模型进一步改善,auc分别为0.964 (95% CI 0.928 ~ 0.989)和0.933 (95% CI 0.856 ~ 0.987)。DCA表明组合模型的净效益最高。结论:基于QSM的壳核放射组学,特别是结合临床特征,可能成为一种有希望的无创方法,用于识别CKD相关CI。
{"title":"Diagnosis of cognitive impairment in chronic kidney disease: A radiomics and machine learning approach with quantitative susceptibility mapping","authors":"Yi-Fan Guo , Yuan-zhe Li , Yu Qi , Xu Liu , Li-jun Song , Wen-bo Yang , Min-gan Li , Xiao-yan Bai , Mao-sheng Xu , Meng-yuan Shen , Si-qing Cai , Yi Wang , Zheng-han Yang , Zhen-chang Wang , Hao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chronic kidney disease (CKD) alters magnetic susceptibility within the basal ganglia, contributing to cognitive impairment (CI). This study aims to develop a radiomics-based model using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and machine learning for diagnosing CKD-related CI.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A total of 161 CKD patients were prospectively recruited, with 113 in the training set and 48 in the test set. Radiomic features were extracted from basal ganglia nuclei on QSM images. After preprocessing and feature selection, multiple machine learning algorithms were evaluated. The final radiomics model was selected based on decision curve analysis (DCA) in the test cohort. A combined model was built by integrating clinical characteristics with the radiomics model using multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and DCA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>DCA identified the putamen based support vector machine (SVM) radiomics model as the optimal model. It achieved AUCs of 0.929 (95 % CI 0.870–0.972) in the training set and 0.891 (95 % CI 0.786–0.972) in the test set. The combined model showed further improvement, yielding AUCs of 0.964 (95 % CI 0.928–0.989) and 0.933 (95 % CI 0.856–0.987). DCA indicated the highest net benefit for the combined model.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>QSM based radiomics of the putamen, especially when combined with clinical characteristics, may serve as a promising noninvasive approach for identifying CKD related CI.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 111714"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145905663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111690
Shintae Kim , Su-Bin Seong , Kyung-Joo Seong , Bo-Ram Mun , Won-Seok Choi , Ji-Yeon Jung , Won-Jae Kim
Neuroinflammation is a key pathological process contributing to hippocampal neurogenesis impairment and cognitive dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of α-Bisabolol (α-Bis), a natural sesquiterpene alcohol, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in mice. LPS administration decreased neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation, neural differentiation, cognitive dysfunction and increased NSC apoptosis. Oral administration of α-Bis ameliorated LPS-reduced hippocampal NSC proliferation, differentiation, cognitive function and LPS-induced NSC apoptosis. Mechanistically, α-Bis attenuated LPS-enhanced microglial activation and suppressed CD68 + cells with pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) but increased CD206+ cells with anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) expression. In addition, α-Bis inhibited the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling cascade activated by LPS. These findings suggest that α-Bis confers neuroprotection by promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine expression from CD206+ microglia via downregulation of TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling in the hippocampus under LPS-induced neuroinflammation, thereby restoring hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function impaired by LPS, highlighting its therapeutic potential for inflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
{"title":"Alpha-Bisabolol alleviates LPS-reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function by anti-inflammatory action via downregulating MAPK and NF-κB signaling in mice","authors":"Shintae Kim , Su-Bin Seong , Kyung-Joo Seong , Bo-Ram Mun , Won-Seok Choi , Ji-Yeon Jung , Won-Jae Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111690","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111690","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neuroinflammation is a key pathological process contributing to hippocampal neurogenesis impairment and cognitive dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of α-Bisabolol (α-Bis), a natural sesquiterpene alcohol, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in mice. LPS administration decreased neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation, neural differentiation, cognitive dysfunction and increased NSC apoptosis. Oral administration of α-Bis ameliorated LPS-reduced hippocampal NSC proliferation, differentiation, cognitive function and LPS-induced NSC apoptosis. Mechanistically, α-Bis attenuated LPS-enhanced microglial activation and suppressed CD68 <sup>+</sup> cells with pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) but increased CD206<sup>+</sup> cells with anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) expression. In addition, α-Bis inhibited the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling cascade activated by LPS. These findings suggest that α-Bis confers neuroprotection by promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine expression from CD206<sup>+</sup> microglia via downregulation of TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling in the hippocampus under LPS-induced neuroinflammation, thereby restoring hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function impaired by LPS, highlighting its therapeutic potential for inflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 111690"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145780411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the predominant singlegene cause of inherited intellectual disability and is strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). FXS results from the disruption of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 gene (FMR1) and is characterized by synaptic dysfunction manifesting as impaired cognitive function and social communication. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating synaptic structural remodeling and functional homeostasis, critically contributing to higher-order neural processes such as learning and memory. Studies have identified glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), a key negative regulator of Wnt signal transduction, is abnormally activated in the pathophysiology of FXS, and demonstrated that GSK3β inhibition partially rescues cognitive and behavioral deficiencies in FXS mice. However, the spatiotemporal dysregulation of β-catenin dynamics and its synaptic consequences remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role and molecular mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin pathway during developmental stages in FXS using Fmr1 gene knockout (Fmr1 KO) mice. We systematically explored β-catenin homeostasis across subcellular compartments. Our results showed increased phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser33,37, Thr41 and Ser552 residues, which fosters its degradation. This was accompanied by reduced levels of active β-catenin in the membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus within the hippocampus (Hipp) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of Fmr1 KO mice. Confocal microscopy further demonstrated diminished co-localization of β-catenin with N-cadherin, leading to compromised intercellular adhesion in both Fmr1 KO neurons. Moreover, FXS mice showed impaired neuronal morphology and deficiencies in social and cognitive functions, which were associated with the downregulation of pre- and postsynaptic proteins targeted by Wnt pathway. Strikingly, pharmacological activation of Wnt signal transduction restored β-catenin nuclear translocation and synaptic protein expression, rescued neuronal ultrastructural abnormalities and improvd cognitive and social behaviors. Our findings establish hypoactivity of canonical Wnt signaling as a central mechanism underlying synaptic pathology in FXS, linking β-catenin destabilization to altered neuronal morphology, aberrant synaptic protein networks, and behavioral phenotypes. Consequently, bolstering Wnt pathway may represent a promising neuroprotective strategy for precision intervention in FXS.
{"title":"Therapeutic GSK-3β targeting stabilizes multifunctional β-catenin to rescue neuronal and behavioral deficits in fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 knockout mice","authors":"Siming Zhang , Peng Xiang , Mingjiao Suo, Ziyu Yi, Zhen Wei, Jinquan Li, Yan Zeng, Yushan Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the predominant singlegene cause of inherited intellectual disability and is strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). FXS results from the disruption of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 gene (FMR1) and is characterized by synaptic dysfunction manifesting as impaired cognitive function and social communication. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating synaptic structural remodeling and functional homeostasis, critically contributing to higher-order neural processes such as learning and memory. Studies have identified glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), a key negative regulator of Wnt signal transduction, is abnormally activated in the pathophysiology of FXS, and demonstrated that GSK3β inhibition partially rescues cognitive and behavioral deficiencies in FXS mice. However, the spatiotemporal dysregulation of β-catenin dynamics and its synaptic consequences remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role and molecular mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin pathway during developmental stages in FXS using <em>Fmr1</em> gene knockout (<em>Fmr1</em> KO) mice. We systematically explored β-catenin homeostasis across subcellular compartments. Our results showed increased phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser<sup>33,37</sup>, Thr<sup>41</sup> and Ser<sup>552</sup> residues, which fosters its degradation. This was accompanied by reduced levels of active β-catenin in the membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus within the hippocampus (Hipp) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of <em>Fmr1</em> KO mice. Confocal microscopy further demonstrated diminished co-localization of β-catenin with N-cadherin, leading to compromised intercellular adhesion in both <em>Fmr1</em> KO neurons. Moreover, FXS mice showed impaired neuronal morphology and deficiencies in social and cognitive functions, which were associated with the downregulation of pre- and postsynaptic proteins targeted by Wnt pathway. Strikingly, pharmacological activation of Wnt signal transduction restored β-catenin nuclear translocation and synaptic protein expression, rescued neuronal ultrastructural abnormalities and improvd cognitive and social behaviors. Our findings establish hypoactivity of canonical Wnt signaling as a central mechanism underlying synaptic pathology in FXS, linking β-catenin destabilization to altered neuronal morphology, aberrant synaptic protein networks, and behavioral phenotypes. Consequently, bolstering Wnt pathway may represent a promising neuroprotective strategy for precision intervention in FXS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"235 ","pages":"Article 111710"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145888144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-26DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111703
Wenfeng Cao , Mingyue Wang , Wen Chai , Chaoqun Luo , Yanmei Wang , Xinhua Zhou , Jie Li , Lingjuan Li
Background
Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) represents a major cerebrovascular disorder characterized by high incidence and disability rates, significantly compromising patient quality of life and survival. Angiogenesis demonstrates potential for improving post-ischemic cerebral blood flow and reducing infarct volume, though its regulatory mechanisms require further elucidation.
Methods
We established a permanent focal middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) rat model and performed whole transcriptome sequencing. Differential expression analysis identified dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Regulatory networks (circRNA-miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) were constructed using differential expression data and public databases. mRNAs within networks underwent functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to investigate angiogenic mechanisms.
Results
Ischemia-hypoxia altered circRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA expression profiles, modulating angiogenesis through specific pathways. The circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks implicated angiogenesis-related pathways including Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and cAMP signaling pathway. Key miRNAs (rno-miR-665, rno-novel-108-mature, rno-novel-82-mature) demonstrated strong angiogenic associations in the ischemia-hypoxia model.
Conclusions
This study delineates lncRNA, circRNA, and miRNA regulatory functions in ischemia-hypoxia through network construction, highlighting candidate therapeutic targets. These findings provide novel research directions for promoting angiogenesis and improving CIS prognosis.
{"title":"Regulation of angiogenesis in cerebral ischemic rats through ceRNA networks and its impact on cerebral ischemic stroke prognosis","authors":"Wenfeng Cao , Mingyue Wang , Wen Chai , Chaoqun Luo , Yanmei Wang , Xinhua Zhou , Jie Li , Lingjuan Li","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) represents a major cerebrovascular disorder characterized by high incidence and disability rates, significantly compromising patient quality of life and survival. Angiogenesis demonstrates potential for improving post-ischemic cerebral blood flow and reducing infarct volume, though its regulatory mechanisms require further elucidation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We established a permanent focal middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) rat model and performed whole transcriptome sequencing. Differential expression analysis identified dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Regulatory networks (circRNA-miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) were constructed using differential expression data and public databases. mRNAs within networks underwent functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to investigate angiogenic mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ischemia-hypoxia altered circRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA expression profiles, modulating angiogenesis through specific pathways. The circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks implicated angiogenesis-related pathways including Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and cAMP signaling pathway. Key miRNAs (rno-miR-665, rno-novel-108-mature, rno-novel-82-mature) demonstrated strong angiogenic associations in the ischemia-hypoxia model.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study delineates lncRNA, circRNA, and miRNA regulatory functions in ischemia-hypoxia through network construction, highlighting candidate therapeutic targets. These findings provide novel research directions for promoting angiogenesis and improving CIS prognosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"235 ","pages":"Article 111703"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145848847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111693
Shuangkai Li , Xiang Li Jr , Lu Peng , Haojie Ding , Xuan Shi , Jiale Liu , Haiying Li , Jianguo Xu , Qing Sun
Neuroinflammation mediated by microglial hyperactivation represents a pivotal pathological mechanism exacerbating neuronal damage following cerebral ischemia. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), the rate-limiting enzyme in monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis, plays a crucial regulatory role in metabolic and inflammatory processes. However, its specific function in post-ischemic neuroinflammation remains incompletely understood. This study found that SCD1 was highly expressed in the penumbra region following middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in mice. Then, we systematically evaluated the role of SCD1 in regulating neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion and explored its underlying mechanisms through administrating SCD1-specific inhibitor CAY10566. Results showed that CAY10566 significantly reduced level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and infarct volume after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion. Furthermore,suppression of SCD1 also alleviated neuronal apoptosis and improved cognitive and motor functions after ischemic stroke Mechanistically, the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by SCD1 may involve the participation of TNFR1. Collectively, these findings suggested that the SCD1 may serve as a critical checkpoint regulating NF-κB signaling in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury. Targeting SCD1 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.
{"title":"Inhibition of SCD1 attenuates neuroinflammation and brain injury after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion","authors":"Shuangkai Li , Xiang Li Jr , Lu Peng , Haojie Ding , Xuan Shi , Jiale Liu , Haiying Li , Jianguo Xu , Qing Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neuroinflammation mediated by microglial hyperactivation represents a pivotal pathological mechanism exacerbating neuronal damage following cerebral ischemia. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), the rate-limiting enzyme in monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis, plays a crucial regulatory role in metabolic and inflammatory processes. However, its specific function in post-ischemic neuroinflammation remains incompletely understood. This study found that SCD1 was highly expressed in the penumbra region following middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in mice. Then, we systematically evaluated the role of SCD1 in regulating neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion and explored its underlying mechanisms through administrating SCD1-specific inhibitor CAY10566. Results showed that CAY10566 significantly reduced level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and infarct volume after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion. Furthermore,suppression of SCD1 also alleviated neuronal apoptosis and improved cognitive and motor functions after ischemic stroke Mechanistically, the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by SCD1 may involve the participation of TNFR1. Collectively, these findings suggested that the SCD1 may serve as a critical checkpoint regulating NF-κB signaling in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury. Targeting SCD1 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"235 ","pages":"Article 111693"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145809987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111698
Ge Wang , Qisheng Tang , Dan Wang
Background
The gut-brain axis (GBA) has been increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to anxiety pathophysiology. Puerarin possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, but its anxiolytic mechanism via the GBA remains unclear. The intervention of puerarin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety-like behavior (ALB) in mice was investigated based on the GBA theory.
Methods
Forty mice were allocated at random: control, LPS, LPS+PueL (low-dose puerarin), and LPS+PueH (high-dose puerarin) groups (n = 10 each). ALB was evaluated by the elevated plus maze (EPM). Inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. Tight junction proteins were detected by qPCR and Western blot. Gut microbiota (GM) was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.
Results
Compared with the Control, open arm entries (OAE) and open arm time (OAT) were decreased, inflammatory cytokine levels were elevated, intestinal tight junction protein expression was down-regulated, microbial diversity was reduced, and the abundance of pro-inflammatory bacterial genera was obviously increased in the LPS. In the LPS+PueH, OAE and OAT, inflammatory cytokine levels, tight junction protein expression, microbial diversity, and abundance of beneficial bacterial genera were evidently improved (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that Lactobacillus and Akkermansia were positively correlated with OAE and OAT, whereas Escherichia-Shigella was negatively correlated (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Puerarin alleviated LPS-induced ALB in mice by suppressing neuroinflammation, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and modulating GM balance, which was closely associated with GBA regulation.
{"title":"Exploring the mechanism by which puerarin inhibits neuroinflammation and alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice via modulating gut microbiota based on the brain-gut axis theory","authors":"Ge Wang , Qisheng Tang , Dan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The gut-brain axis (GBA) has been increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to anxiety pathophysiology. Puerarin possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, but its anxiolytic mechanism via the GBA remains unclear. The intervention of puerarin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety-like behavior (ALB) in mice was investigated based on the GBA theory.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Forty mice were allocated at random: control, LPS, LPS+PueL (low-dose puerarin), and LPS+PueH (high-dose puerarin) groups (n = 10 each). ALB was evaluated by the elevated plus maze (EPM). Inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. Tight junction proteins were detected by qPCR and Western blot. Gut microbiota (GM) was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with the Control, open arm entries (OAE) and open arm time (OAT) were decreased, inflammatory cytokine levels were elevated, intestinal tight junction protein expression was down-regulated, microbial diversity was reduced, and the abundance of pro-inflammatory bacterial genera was obviously increased in the LPS. In the LPS+PueH, OAE and OAT, inflammatory cytokine levels, tight junction protein expression, microbial diversity, and abundance of beneficial bacterial genera were evidently improved (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that <em>Lactobacillus</em> and <em>Akkermansia</em> were positively correlated with OAE and OAT, whereas <em>Escherichia-Shigella</em> was negatively correlated (<em>P</em> < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Puerarin alleviated LPS-induced ALB in mice by suppressing neuroinflammation, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and modulating GM balance, which was closely associated with GBA regulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"235 ","pages":"Article 111698"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145803070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111696
Yajing Si , Yunmeng Bai , Bingke Liu , Jiaxin Wang , Simin Cai , Wenjing Zhong , Haiqi Zheng , Nan Zhao , Jicheng Liu , Hongxing Zhang
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a serious and disabling mental illness characterized by compromised brain network interactions. The current study investigated the potential associations between the resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) and individual cognitive traits/clinical recordings in SZ patients. Furthermore, the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores based on the connectivity revealed in the resting-state EEG and working memory (WM) when SZ patients participated in the visual-spatial WM task were predicted. The results demonstrated that stronger frontal-parietal linkages for the SZ group were associated with lower response accuracy compared to the HC group in the alpha and beta frequency bands during the resting-state process. There were significant relationships between PANSS scores and the resting-state network properties; increased PANSS scores were accompanied by a larger clustering coefficient, as well as global and local efficiency, and shorter characteristic path length. Moreover, based on the built multivariable linear regression model, the PANSS scores were predicted accurately, as indicated by a rather large correlation coefficient between predicted and actual PANSS scores in the SZ group. Current findings may deepen our knowledge of SZ and accelerate progress in early diagnosis and intervention approaches.
{"title":"Examining clinical symptoms in schizophrenia based on visual-spatial working memory and resting-state EEG","authors":"Yajing Si , Yunmeng Bai , Bingke Liu , Jiaxin Wang , Simin Cai , Wenjing Zhong , Haiqi Zheng , Nan Zhao , Jicheng Liu , Hongxing Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Schizophrenia (SZ) is a serious and disabling mental illness characterized by compromised brain network interactions. The current study investigated the potential associations between the resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) and individual cognitive traits/clinical recordings in SZ patients. Furthermore, the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores based on the connectivity revealed in the resting-state EEG and working memory (WM) when SZ patients participated in the visual-spatial WM task were predicted. The results demonstrated that stronger frontal-parietal linkages for the SZ group were associated with lower response accuracy compared to the HC group in the alpha and beta frequency bands during the resting-state process. There were significant relationships between PANSS scores and the resting-state network properties; increased PANSS scores were accompanied by a larger clustering coefficient, as well as global and local efficiency, and shorter characteristic path length. Moreover, based on the built multivariable linear regression model, the PANSS scores were predicted accurately, as indicated by a rather large correlation coefficient between predicted and actual PANSS scores in the SZ group. Current findings may deepen our knowledge of SZ and accelerate progress in early diagnosis and intervention approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 111696"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145787838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111692
Wenxiu Li , Jianhua Jiang , Yizhen Weng , Lulu Zhang , Quanquan Zhang , Xinyi He , Xiang Li, Sr , Xiang Tang
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of myelination and cognitive functions, with miR-219 being particularly important for the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). However, its role in myelin damage and cognitive dysfunction during acute cerebral ischemia is not well understood. In this study, we used the MCAO/R rat model to investigate the mechanistic involvement of miR-219. Our results show that miR-219 alleviates cognitive dysfunction induced by MCAO/R. The agonist group showed a reduced time to locate the platform in the water maze, while the antagonist group showed an increased time compared to the solvent control. Additionally, miR-219 reduced myelin damage, as demonstrated by Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining, which indicated substantial hippocampal demyelination repair in the agonist group, whereas the antagonist group exhibited aggravated demyelination. Electron microscopy revealed enhanced myelin sheath regeneration and increased thickness in the agonist group, while the antagonist group displayed fewer and thinner myelin sheaths. Furthermore, miR-219 regulated OPC maturation, with more CNPase-positive cells in the agonist group and fewer in the antagonist group than the solvent control. In NG2 staining, the agonist group had fewer positive cells, while the antagonist group had more. miR-219 also decreased Lingo-1 expression, leading to reduced levels of AKT, RhoA, and mTOR in the downstream signaling pathway. These findings suggest that activating the miR-219–Lingo-1 signaling pathway during ischemia-reperfusion could offer a potential therapeutic approach for improving myelin damage and alleviating cognitive dysfunction in cerebral ischemia.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs)是髓鞘形成和认知功能的关键调节因子,其中miR-219对少突胶质前体细胞(OPCs)的分化和成熟尤为重要。然而,其在急性脑缺血时髓磷脂损伤和认知功能障碍中的作用尚不清楚。在这项研究中,我们使用MCAO/R大鼠模型来研究miR-219的机制参与。我们的研究结果表明miR-219可以缓解MCAO/R诱导的认知功能障碍。与溶剂对照组相比,激动剂组在水迷宫中定位平台的时间缩短,而拮抗剂组在水迷宫中定位平台的时间增加。此外,Luxol Fast Blue (LFB)染色显示,miR-219减少了髓鞘损伤,这表明激动剂组海马脱髓鞘修复明显,而拮抗剂组脱髓鞘恶化。电镜显示激动剂组髓鞘再生增强,厚度增加,而拮抗剂组髓鞘数量减少,厚度变薄。此外,miR-219调节OPC成熟,与溶剂对照相比,激动剂组cnpase阳性细胞较多,拮抗剂组cnpase阳性细胞较少。NG2染色中,激动剂组阳性细胞较少,而拮抗剂组阳性细胞较多。miR-219也降低了Lingo-1的表达,导致下游信号通路中AKT、RhoA和mTOR的水平降低。这些发现表明,在缺血-再灌注过程中激活miR-219-Lingo-1信号通路可能为改善脑缺血髓磷脂损伤和减轻认知功能障碍提供潜在的治疗途径。
{"title":"miR-219 ameliorates myelin impairment and cognitive function deficits in the early stage of MCAO/R rats","authors":"Wenxiu Li , Jianhua Jiang , Yizhen Weng , Lulu Zhang , Quanquan Zhang , Xinyi He , Xiang Li, Sr , Xiang Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111692","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111692","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of myelination and cognitive functions, with miR-219 being particularly important for the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). However, its role in myelin damage and cognitive dysfunction during acute cerebral ischemia is not well understood. In this study, we used the MCAO/R rat model to investigate the mechanistic involvement of miR-219. Our results show that miR-219 alleviates cognitive dysfunction induced by MCAO/R. The agonist group showed a reduced time to locate the platform in the water maze, while the antagonist group showed an increased time compared to the solvent control. Additionally, miR-219 reduced myelin damage, as demonstrated by Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining, which indicated substantial hippocampal demyelination repair in the agonist group, whereas the antagonist group exhibited aggravated demyelination. Electron microscopy revealed enhanced myelin sheath regeneration and increased thickness in the agonist group, while the antagonist group displayed fewer and thinner myelin sheaths. Furthermore, miR-219 regulated OPC maturation, with more CNPase-positive cells in the agonist group and fewer in the antagonist group than the solvent control. In NG2 staining, the agonist group had fewer positive cells, while the antagonist group had more. miR-219 also decreased Lingo-1 expression, leading to reduced levels of AKT, RhoA, and mTOR in the downstream signaling pathway. These findings suggest that activating the miR-219–Lingo-1 signaling pathway during ischemia-reperfusion could offer a potential therapeutic approach for improving myelin damage and alleviating cognitive dysfunction in cerebral ischemia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 111692"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145780419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Language impairments in post-stroke aphasia (PSA) relate to reorganizations of brain structural and functional networks. While anomalies in multiple single network parameters are increasingly reported, structural-functional (S-F) coupling has not yet been explored in PSA.
Methods
A total of 52 patients with PSA and 55 age-, sex-, and education-matched normal controls (NCs) were recruited. Firstly, structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) networks were constructed using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), respectively. Subsequently, graph theoretical analysis was used to evaluate the global and nodal topological properties, followed by multiscale S-F coupling calculations.
Finally, partial correlation analysis was applied to investigate the relationships among the network topological properties, S-F coupling, and the western aphasia battery (WAB) scores in patients with PSA.
Results
Compared to NCs, PSA patients showed disrupted SC global topology: reduced global efficiency (Eglob), local efficiency (Eloc), clustering coefficient (Cp), and increased characteristic path length (Lp). No significant FC global differences emerged. Nodal SC properties were widely decreased, while FC exhibited hemispheric asymmetry with decreases in the left hemisphere and increases in the right. PSA patients had reduced whole-brain S-F coupling and decoupling in limbic (LN), default mode (DMN), somatomotor (SMN), and frontoparietal (FPN) networks. Notably, FPN S-F coupling was positively correlated with the aphasia quotient (AQ) of the WAB.
Conclusion
This study reveals asymmetric disruption of network topology properties and multiscale S-F decoupling in patients with PSA, highlighting the potential of S-F coupling in the FPN as a neuroimaging marker for predicting language recovery.
{"title":"Disrupted brain network topology and structural-functional decoupling in chronic post-stroke aphasia","authors":"Guihua Xu , Yongsheng Wu , Rui Zhu , Junyu Qu , Wenwen Xu , Jiaxiang Xin , Dawei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111691","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Language impairments in post-stroke aphasia (PSA) relate to reorganizations of brain structural and functional networks. While anomalies in multiple single network parameters are increasingly reported, structural-functional (S-F) coupling has not yet been explored in PSA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 52 patients with PSA and 55 age-, sex-, and education-matched normal controls (NCs) were recruited. Firstly, structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) networks were constructed using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), respectively. Subsequently, graph theoretical analysis was used to evaluate the global and nodal topological properties, followed by multiscale S-F coupling calculations.</div><div>Finally, partial correlation analysis was applied to investigate the relationships among the network topological properties, S-F coupling, and the western aphasia battery (WAB) scores in patients with PSA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared to NCs, PSA patients showed disrupted SC global topology: reduced global efficiency (Eglob), local efficiency (Eloc), clustering coefficient (Cp), and increased characteristic path length (Lp). No significant FC global differences emerged. Nodal SC properties were widely decreased, while FC exhibited hemispheric asymmetry with decreases in the left hemisphere and increases in the right. PSA patients had reduced whole-brain S-F coupling and decoupling in limbic (LN), default mode (DMN), somatomotor (SMN), and frontoparietal (FPN) networks. Notably, FPN S-F coupling was positively correlated with the aphasia quotient (AQ) of the WAB.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study reveals asymmetric disruption of network topology properties and multiscale S-F decoupling in patients with PSA, highlighting the potential of S-F coupling in the FPN as a neuroimaging marker for predicting language recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9302,"journal":{"name":"Brain Research Bulletin","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 111691"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145780403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}