ceRNA regulatory network and immune-neurodegenerative mechanisms of peripheral CD4+ T cells in parkinson’s disease

by Lijun Guo, Qiong Li, Jingyi Li, Feng Yang

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss and neuroinflammation, with emerging roles of peripheral immune dysregulation in disease progression. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory network of CD4 + T cells in PD through multi-omics integrative analysis. Transcriptomic and miRNA datasets from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 20 PD patients and 17 healthy controls were analyzed (GSE22491, GSE100054, GSE16658). Differential expression analysis identified 287 mRNAs and 73 miRNAs (|log₂(fold change)| ≥ 0.5, false discovery rate CD4 and SEMA6A. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed, comprising 38 lncRNAs, three miRNAs (miR-155-5p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-3p), and their target mRNAs CD4 and SEMA6A. Four lncRNAs (including XIST, NORAD, and INE1) were identified to functionally regulate CD4. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed increased proportions of naïve CD4 + T cells and activated dendritic cells in PD patients. CD4 expression positively correlated with γδ T cells (r = 0.48, p = 0.032) and activated NK cells (r = 0.45, p = 0.048). Gene set enrichment analysis associated CD4 with neurodegenerative pathways (e.g., Parkinson’s disease: normalized enrichment score = 1.57, p = 0.002) and oxidative phosphorylation (normalized enrichment score = 1.89, p = 7.4 × 10 ⁻ ⁶). These findings highlight a peripheral CD4 + T cell-centric ceRNA network that modulates immune-metabolic crosstalk and neuroinflammation in PD. This study provides novel insights into immune-driven neurodegeneration and suggests potential therapeutic targets for PD through metabolic-immune reprogramming.

Impacts of resistance training combined with vibration training on the IGF-1/PI3K/AKT/FOXO3 axis and clinical outcomes in patients with sarcopenia: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial

by Haoyang Zhou, Jinfeng Yang, Na Li, Jinying Li, Jianxin Ran, Yan Zheng, Yifan Long, Fang Cheng, Yuanpeng Liao

Background

Sarcopenia is an age-associated disorder characterized by a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function. The condition is linked to low levels of anabolic hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), with its downstream phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT)/ forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) signaling pathway. There is growing evidence that resistance training (RT) or vibration training (VT) could improve physical functioning in individuals with sarcopenia. However, the related physiological influence of exercise on sarcopenia remains elusive.

Method

This prospective randomized controlled trial will be conducted among 96 participants, aged between 65 and 80 years. In participants, sarcopenia diagnosis will be confirmed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, and participants will be randomized into either control, RT, VT, or RVT (combined RT and VT) groups. The intervention will last 12 weeks, with assessments performed at baseline, 12 weeks (after intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up). The primary outcomes will include skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Secondary outcomes comprise IGF-1 concentrations, PI3K/AKT and FOXO3 protein activity, quality of life, and timed-up-and-go test performance assessments.

Discussion

This clinical study aims to elucidate the potential modulation of molecular mechanisms in vivo for combined RT and VT in sarcopenia patients and to identify the effects of the intervention on physical function.

Trial registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2400083643. Registered on April 29, 2024.

‘Forward or Backward’, a Grounded Theory Study of Ambivalent Psychosocial Experiences of Couples Undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer

ABSTRACT

Background

Many studies have identified the negative psychological impact of in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) on couples with infertility, but there remains a paucity of research clarifying both positive and negative effects within the context of Chinese culture.

Aim

To explore the dynamic psychosocial experiences and underlying mechanisms of couples in the whole process of IVF-ET, and to construct a theoretical framework that elucidates this phenomenon within the context of Chinese social-culture.

Design

A grounded theory study.

Methods

Guided by constructivist grounded theory methodology, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted in the reproductive medicine outpatient department of a tertiary-level hospital located in northwest China between January and October 2023. Purposive and theoretical sampling methods were used to recruit couples undergoing IVF-ET. Data were analysed through three iterative steps: initial coding, focused coding, and theoretical coding, utilising constant comparative methods and reflective memo-writing. The study is reported using the COREQ checklist.

Results

Theoretical saturation was achieved after interviewing 22 couples. The substantive theory was synthesised into one core category: ‘forward or backward’, which captured the ambivalent psychosocial experiences of couples undergoing IVF-ET within the context of Chinese culture. This theory described three overarching stages: making the decision, undergoing the treatment, and facing the result, with each stage linked to specific promoting and hindering factors.

Conclusion

This study establishes a theoretical foundation for further implementation of comprehensive reproductive health management within the Chinese sociocultural context. It is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to focus on the dyad of couples undergoing IVF-ET, pay attention to both negatively and positively psychosocial fluctuations, and enhance both medical care and sociocultural support systems accordingly.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.