Search

Background: The correlation between acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and gut microbiota has opened a promising avenue for improving stroke prognosis through the utilization of specific gut bacterial species. This study aimed to identify gut bacterial species in AIS patients and their correlation with stroke severity, 3-month prognosis, and inflammatory markers. Methods: We enrolled 59 AIS patients (from June 2021 to July 2022) and 31 age-matched controls with similar cerebrovascular risk profiles but no stroke history. Fecal samples were analyzed using 16 S rDNA V3–V4 sequencing to assess α and β diversity and identify significant microbiota differences. AIS cases were categorized based on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Subgroup analyses were performed, and correlation analysis was used to examine associations between flora abundance, inflammatory markers and stroke outcome. Results: Significant differences in β-diversity were observed between case and control groups (P

ObjectiveThe effect of hypolipidemic drugs on male erectile function is still controversial. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study aimed to explore the potential impact of lipid-lowering drug targets on ED.MethodsWe collected seven genetic variants encoding lipid-lowering drug targets (LDLR, HMGCR, NPC1L1, PCSK9, APOB, APOC3 and LPL) from published genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics, and performed drug target MR analysis. The risk of ED was defined as the primary outcome, sex hormone levels and other diseases as the secondary outcomes. Mediation analyses were performed to explore potential mediating factors.ResultsThe results showed that LDLR, LPL agonists and APOC3 inhibitors were significantly associated with a reduced risk of ED occurrence. APOB inhibitors were associated with an increased risk of ED occurrence. In terms of sex hormone levels, LDLR and LPL agonists were significantly associated with increased TT levels, and HMGCR was associated with decreased TT and BT levels significantly. In terms of male-related disease, MR results showed that LDLR agonists and PCSK9 inhibitors were significantly associated with an elevated risk of PH; HMGCR, NPC1L1 inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of PCa; and LDLR agonists were significantly associated with a reduced risk of AS and MI; in addition, HMGCR inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of PCa.ConclusionAfter performing drug-targeted MR analysis, we found that that there was a causal relationship between lipid-lowering drug targets and ED. APOC3, APOB, LDLR and LPL may be new candidate drug targets for the treatment of ED.

ObjectiveStudies have found that gut microbiota may be associated with the development of erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the exact link between the two remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between the gut microbiota and the risk of ED from a genetic perspective.MethodsWe investigated the relationship between the gut microflora and ED using two-sample Mendelian randomization. GWAS-pooled data for ED were obtained from 223805 participants in Europe. GWAS summary data for ED were obtained from 223805 subjects in Europe and that for the gut microbiota were obtained from 18340 participants in 24 cohorts. We used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) estimator as the primary method for the preliminary analysis, and the MR-Egger, weighted median (WM), simple model, and weighted model as secondary methods. We used Cochrane’s Q-test, to detect heterogeneity, MREgger to detect pleiotropy, and the leave-one-out method to test the stability of the MR results. Ultimately, we genetically predicted a causal relationship between 211 gut microbiota and ED.ResultsA total of 2818 SNPs associated with gut microflora were screened in the ED correlation analysis based on the assumption of instrumental variables. The results of MR analysis showed a causal relationship between the six gut microbes and ED occurrence. The results of the fixed effects IVW method revealed five gut microflora, including Lachnospiraceae (OR, 1.265; P = 0.008), Lachnospiraceae NC2004 group (OR, 1.188; P = 0.019), Oscillibacter (OR, 1.200; P = 0.015), Senegalimassilia (OR, 1.355; P = 0.002), Tyzzerella3 (OR, 1.133; P = 0.022), to be negatively associated with ED. In addition, the IVW method revealed Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 (OR, 0.827; P = 0.049) to be positively associated with ED. Quality control results showed no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy in the MR analysis (P > 0.05).ConclusionsSix gut microbes were genetically associated with ED; of which, Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 was causally associated with a reduced risk of ED development. Our findings provide a new direction for research on the prevention and treatment of ED; however, the mechanisms and details require further investigation.

New shoots (including newly formed leaves and twigs) and fruits of citrus tree are key organs for present yield formation and flower differentiation in the next season, but the relationship between yield fluctuation and accumulations of major nutrients in new shoots and fruits of citrus tree is still unclear. Thus, to quantify the biomass and mineral nutrient accumulation in new shoots and fruits of citrus trees under varied yield levels has essential significance for rational fertilization and pruning management for citrus orchards. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate the accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), and the distribution of biomass in new shoots and fruits of citrus trees under low, medium and high-yield levels in each of eight orchards located in Chongqing, China. The results showed that substantial variation of fruit yield was observed in all eight orchards with an average yield of 15.0 (low), 30.9 (medium) and 60.1 (high) kg/plant. The averaged biomass of new shoots ranged from 1.59 to 2.51 kg/plant, which was significantly and positively correlated with fruit yield. Nutrient accumulation in leaves was generally highest among new organs, while more than half of N (52.70–71.4%), P (66.5–80.4%) and K (68.9–85.9%) accumulated in fruit. Fruit yields closely correlated with total amounts of major nutrients in new shoots. Furthermore, the nutrient requirements per unit of newly developed shoots and fruits were gradually decreased with increased yield, but the removed nutrients per ton of fresh fruit were almost stable, indicating that more nutrients were distributed into fruit tissues. Taken together, these findings are valuable for optimizing nutrient and pruning management in citrus orchards in China and other similar countries.