PubMed Trending Research Digest — August 03, 2026
A curated digest of 97 trending PubMed articles, automatically categorised and summarised across 15 research areas.
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PubMed Trending Research Digest — August 03, 2026
Automated digest · 97 articles · 15 research areas · August 03, 2026
Overview
This week’s digest is dominated by mechanistic links between metabolism, immune signaling, and disease progression. In rheumatoid arthritis, studies converge on metabolic nodes that sustain inflammation—BCAT2/IRF1 axis downstream of interferon-γ, and cannabidiol-driven degradation of HIF-1α to blunt synovial angiogenic programs. Broader immune-metabolic themes also appear in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (BCL9-driven macrophage–fibroblast crosstalk) and in mucosal helminth immunity, where IL-18 acts as an epithelial-immune “brake” on tuft-cell-driven type 2 responses.
A second major theme is neurodegeneration and glial/neuronal proteostasis. Multiple articles emphasize how mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy-lysosomal impairment, and proteome renewal failure can propagate neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative pathology. Work spanning tauopathy (including NAT10 inhibition and stage-specific tangle proteomics), TDP-43-directed ALS therapy frameworks, and C9orf72 repeat translation initiation control collectively point to translation/proteostasis regulation as a tractable intervention layer. Complementing this, proteomic signatures of physical activity map onto dementia-associated pathways, reinforcing the idea that systemic biology can modulate brain aging risk.
Finally, the clinical and translational pipeline shows strong momentum: data-driven risk stratification (UC relapse subphenotypes, radiotherapy fibrosis gene signatures, adaptive Bayesian prognostic models in biliary tract cancer), improved measurement tools (ultrasound RA structural scoring, cancer-survivor HRQoL instrument validation), and therapeutic engineering/optimization (CAR-T strategies for solid tumors, chronotherapy evidence synthesis, and pharmacovigilance-informed seizure risk with clozapine combinations). Across cancer and infectious disease, several studies also highlight the value of host-factor mapping and biomarker-guided therapy selection—whether via CRISPR screens for HBV host dependencies or metabolomics-informed prediction of drug response.
Neurodegeneration & Tau/TDP-43 Pathobiology
Treatment of Hot Flashes in Men With Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy.
This systematic review evaluated interventions for hot flashes in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. It searched PubMed using hot flash/flush/vasomotor terms combined with prostate and summarized evidence for symptom relief during castration therapy. The clinical significance is that it consolidates currently available options for a common, treatment-limiting ADT side effect where evidence has been limited.
Schaldemose EL, Poulsen MH, Nørby B et al. · The Prostate · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Proteomic comparison of hippocampal neurofibrillary tangles in PART, intermediate Alzheimer’s disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
This study used an unbiased proteomic approach to compare hippocampal neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) proteomes across PART (primary age-related tauopathy), intermediate Alzheimer’s disease, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. NFT material was isolated from Tau pSer202/pThr205 (AT8)-immunopositive neuronal profiles using chromogenic immunohistochemistry combined with laser capture microdissection, then analyzed proteomically to determine how concomitant Aβ pathology modifies the tangle proteome. The work advances understanding of how Aβ co-pathology reshapes tauopathy biology, potentially informing stage-specific biomarkers or therapeutic targets in Alzheimer’s disease.
Thierry M, Leitner D, Balcomb K et al. · Acta neuropathologica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Advancing Alzheimer’s disease research in China: insights, innovations, and future directions from the chinese preclinical Alzheimer’s disease study (CPAS).
This review synthesizes advances in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research in China using the Chinese Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease Study (CPAS), enrolling cognitively unimpaired participants, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and dementia patients starting in 2019. CPAS aims to detect early AD pathology using plasma biomarkers together with PET imaging, and highlights how Aβ-PET influences diagnostic classification across the cognitive spectrum. These CPAS-driven insights are significant for improving early identification and stratification of preclinical AD in Chinese populations to guide future prevention and clinical trial design.
Wang J, Huang L, Li B et al. · Molecular psychiatry · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Activating Sigma1R by fluoxetine suppresses neuronal ferroptosis in epilepsy by inhibiting MDM2-mediated GPX4 ubiquitination.
This preclinical mouse study tested whether fluoxetine (FLX) activates sigma-1 receptor (Sigma1R) to suppress neuronal ferroptosis in epilepsy and explored the mechanism involving MDM2-mediated GPX4 ubiquitination. In a kainic acid (KA)-induced epilepsy model, the key finding was that FLX reduced neuronal ferroptosis through Sigma1R-dependent inhibition of MDM2’s ubiquitination of GPX4, thereby preserving GPX4 function. This is significant because it links an antidepressant’s receptor-level action to a ferroptosis pathway in epilepsy, suggesting a mechanistic basis for repurposing FLX or targeting Sigma1R/MDM2/GPX4 in seizure-related neurodegeneration.
Li Y, Wang C, Huang M et al. · Journal of advanced research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Targeting TDP-43 in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
This review focused on targeting TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), emphasizing TDP-43 as a near-universal pathological hallmark present in ~97% of cases. It summarizes mechanisms of TDP-43 dysfunction (including loss of nuclear function and downstream RNA dysregulation) and surveys emerging therapeutic strategies and clinical trial/bio-marker design approaches. The article’s significance is to guide development of TDP-43-directed disease-modifying therapies and more informative trials for sporadic ALS.
Estevez-Fraga C, Alvarez-Velasco R, Afroz T et al. · Journal of neurology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
NAT10 inhibition corrects nuclear defects in tau mutant human neurons and extends lifespan in a Drosophila tauopathy model.
This research tested NAT10 inhibition in human neurons expressing MAPT (tau) mutations and in a Drosophila tauopathy model, focusing on nuclear envelope defects and nucleocytoplasmic transport abnormalities. NAT10 inhibition corrected nuclear membrane abnormalities in MAPT-mutant human neurons and, in vivo, corrected neuronal nuclear shape defects and extended lifespan in Drosophila. The study supports NAT10 as a therapeutic target for tauopathy-related nuclear pathology and lifespan-relevant disease phenotypes.
Paonessa F, Bizzini BD, Campbell T et al. · iScience · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Altered neuronal start codon stringency favors cap-independent repeat-associated non-AUG translation.
This preprint investigated how neuronal start codon stringency affects repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation in models relevant to C9orf72 ALS/FTD, focusing on rodent neurons and human iNeurons. The authors found that both rodent neurons and human iNeurons favor cap-independent RAN translation from CGG and GGGGCC repeats across multiple reading frames, and that an eIF4E inhibitor shifts RAN translation toward cap-independent initiation. These results support a mechanistic link between translation initiation control and toxic dipeptide production in C9orf72-related neurodegeneration, with potential implications for targeting initiation pathways.
Wieland CM, Wright SE, Willey S et al. · bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Microglia/Glial Autophagy, Mitochondria & Neuroinflammation
Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Microglia: A New Frontier for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases.
This review article synthesized evidence on how mitochondrial dysfunction in microglia contributes to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It highlights conserved pathways—metabolic reprogramming, impaired mitophagy, and inflammatory signaling—linking mitochondrial alterations to microglial activation. The work positions microglial mitochondrial targets as a promising therapeutic frontier for developing disease-modifying strategies across major neurodegenerative disorders.
Chu M, Tan M, Gan X et al. · Molecular neurobiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The Glial Autophagy-Lysosomal-Inflammation Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease: a Unifying Mechanistic Framework.
This systematic mechanistic review examined the glial autophagy-lysosomal-inflammation axis in Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. It concludes that impaired glial autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) regulation sustains neuroinflammation and contributes to multiple AD pathologies including amyloid accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, synaptic impairment, and white matter damage. By unifying these processes under a single framework, it supports ALP-centered biomarkers and therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring glial proteostasis and reducing chronic inflammation.
Yang F, Gao W, Wang J et al. · Molecular neurobiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Plasma proteomics reveals molecular overlap between physical activity and dementia risk.
This study leveraged large-scale plasma proteomics (SomaScan 7k) in objectively monitored, functionally intact older adults to derive molecular signatures of physical activity and cognitive ageing, then cross-validated them in independent exercise cohorts and tested associations across multiple Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) cohorts. Plasma proteomic signatures linked to physical activity overlapped with molecular pathways associated with dementia risk, including relationships with both presymptomatic and symptomatic neurodegeneration. These findings provide mechanistic leads for how physical activity may reduce dementia risk and identify candidate biomarkers for future prevention trials.
Saloner R, Paolillo EW, VandeBunte AM et al. · Brain communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Microstructural alterations in brain tissue of ME/CFS and long COVID using diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging.
This study used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) to compare brain tissue microstructural alterations between people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS; n=37) and those with long COVID (n=19, per the truncated methods) using MRI-based diffusion metrics. It aimed to identify whether ME/CFS and long COVID show distinct or overlapping microstructural brain changes detectable with combined DTI and DKI. Demonstrating shared or differentiable imaging signatures could improve biological understanding and potentially support more objective classification of these fatigue-related syndromes.
Singh TB, Marshall-Gradisnik S, Barnden L et al. · Frontiers in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
APOE4 disrupts the central dogma by arresting neuronal proteome dynamics.
This preprint used integrated transcriptomic, translatomic, and proteomic profiling in isogenic human iPSC-derived neurons carrying APOE3 versus APOE4 to test how APOE4 affects neuronal proteome dynamics. APOE4 modestly changed transcription but disrupted ribosome occupancy, altered translational dynamics, and uncoupled protein abundance from mRNA levels, with proteome-wide turnover measurements showing globally extended protein half-lives and accumulation of long-lived proteins. Scientifically, it reframes APOE4 neurotoxicity as an arrest of proteome renewal, offering a mechanistic target for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease risk.
Krogsaeter EK, McKetney J, Li L et al. · bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Mitochondrial Function, Proteostasis & Cellular Stress
RAB18-dependent recruitment of OPTN initiates selective lipophagy in osteoblasts.
This study examined the mechanism of selective lipophagy in osteoblasts, identifying how lipid droplets are coupled to the autophagy machinery. It found that the small GTPase RAB18 recruits the autophagy receptor OPTN to lipid droplets under lipid stress, enabling OPTN–LC3 bridging and lysosomal degradation of lipid droplets, while loss of RAB18 or OPTN impaired lipophagic flux and osteogenic differentiation. Scientifically, it defines a RAB18–OPTN axis for lipophagy initiation in osteoblasts, which may be relevant to bone biology and disorders involving lipid handling.
Ji C, Xu L, Zheng F et al. · Autophagy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Asiaticoside attenuates endothelial cells senescence in diabetic retinopathy via CCND1-mediated mitophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
This experimental study investigated asiaticoside (AC), a phytochemical, in diabetic retinopathy (DR) models to determine whether it attenuates endothelial cell senescence via CCND1-mediated mitophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The key finding was that AC reduced endothelial senescence and linked this protection to CCND1-dependent mitophagy signaling downstream of PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Scientifically and potentially clinically, it identifies a mechanistic pathway for AC’s protective effects in DR, supporting further development of targeted therapies that modulate mitophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.
Chen Z, Luo Y, Lou X et al. · Journal of ethnopharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Ribosome-associated chaperones integrate co-translational mitochondrial protein import, stress signaling and proteostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
This study examined how ribosome-associated chaperones—the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) and the ribosome-associated Hsp70 system Ssb1/2—coordinate co-translational mitochondrial protein import, stress signaling, and proteostasis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The authors found that NAC and Ssb1/2 have distinct but partially overlapping roles in handling mitochondrial precursor proteins, with NAC loss activating the mitochondrial retrograde pathway and altering growth (abstract truncated). These findings clarify how ribosome-tethered chaperone systems couple mitochondrial biogenesis to cellular stress responses, informing mechanistic models of proteostasis control.
Bravo-Arévalo JE, Mendoza-Martínez AE, Ballado T et al. · Genetics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
An activity-modulated transport route across myelin (TRAM) for motor-driven organelle transfer in oligodendrocytes.
The study investigated microtubule-dependent organelle transport within the cytoplasmic spaces of myelin sheaths in myelinating oligodendrocytes in mice, focusing on neuronal electrical activity modulation and the roles of KIF21B and CNP. It found that peroxisome movement in myelin is activity-modulated in vitro and in vivo, and that loss of oligodendroglial KIF21B and/or CNP causes apparent stasis of myelin organelles. This identifies a motor-driven TRAM (transport route across myelin) mechanism linking neuronal activity to organelle trafficking in myelin, with implications for how myelin maintenance is regulated.
Chapple KJ, Green TRF, Schuster KH et al. · Nature neuroscience · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
GPCR Signaling & Biophysical Mechanisms
Factors modulating the assembly of human β2-adrenergic receptor-β-arrestin complexes.
The study used single-molecule force spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to characterize assembly kinetics and mechanical stability of β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) complexes with β-arrestin2 (βarr2) in phospholipid membranes, comparing tail, core, and tail-core engagement. It found that βarr2 binds the phosphorylated β2AR carboxy-terminus (C-tail) within milliseconds, faster than engagement of the active receptor core, and then assessed how phosphorylation-dependent interactions shape complex stability. This provides mechanistic insight into how β-arrestin forms functionally distinct GPCR complexes, informing rational design of biased signaling therapeutics.
Wilhelm FM, Pluhackova K, Janetzko J et al. · Nature structural & molecular biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Immune Metabolism & Inflammation (RA/Autoimmunity)
Targeting the immune-metabolic axis reverses orthodontics-induced systemic pathology.
The study examined how mechanical force during orthodontic treatment affects systemic immune-metabolic pathology in vivo, focusing on adaptive immune responses and B-cell activation. Orthodontic force induced systemic inflammation with temporary liver dysfunction characterized by expansion of CD69+ B cells, and IgM from these activated B cells was identified as a key pathogenic driver impairing bone repair at distant sites. These findings link orthodontic-induced immune activation to systemic autoimmune-like injury and suggest targeting the immune-metabolic axis (e.g., pathogenic IgM) to prevent off-target complications.
Zhang Y, Jiang S, Zheng H et al. · Signal transduction and targeted therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
BCL9 inhibition promotes fibroblast lipogenesis by regulating macrophage-fibroblast interactions to attenuate pulmonary fibrosis.
The study investigated whether BCL9 regulates macrophage-fibroblast interactions to drive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and tested a pharmacologic BCL9 inhibitor in relevant models. BCL9 promoted the macrophage M2 program via the MerTK-ERK-SPP1 axis, and pharmacological inhibition with the novel peptide hsBCL9Z96 attenuated pulmonary fibrosis by reprogramming macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk and reducing profibrotic fibroblast activity. These results support BCL9 as an upstream therapeutic target and position hsBCL9Z96 as a potential anti-fibrotic strategy for IPF.
Wang W, Zhang Y, He F et al. · Signal transduction and targeted therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation of HIF-1α by cannabidiol disrupts pro-angiogenic synoviocyte-endothelial crosstalk in rheumatoid arthritis.
This study investigated whether cannabidiol (CBD) treats rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by disrupting synoviocyte–endothelial pro-angiogenic crosstalk through ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation of HIF-1α. In an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model and complementary in vitro assays, the key finding is that CBD promotes ubiquitin-proteasome–mediated HIF-1α degradation, thereby suppressing angiogenesis-related signaling in the RA synovial environment. The work is clinically significant because it mechanistically supports CBD as a potential anti-angiogenic therapeutic strategy in RA.
Chen J, Li G, Zhao F et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Does effective therapy of psoriasis prevent the development of psoriatic arthritis?
This narrative review synthesized mechanistic, imaging, and clinical evidence to assess whether effective psoriasis therapy can prevent progression to psoriatic arthritis (PsA), focusing on the IL-23/IL-17 axis and skin–joint inflammatory crosstalk. It concludes that while psoriasis is a tractable interception window, progression from psoriasis with arthralgia to PsA occurs in roughly 20% within 3 years and often presents with peripheral synovitis-predominant disease. The review supports continued investigation and clinical consideration of early, effective psoriasis treatment as a potential disease-modifying strategy to reduce PsA development risk.
Abacar K, Zabotti A, Watad A et al. · EULAR rheumatology open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
BCAT2 links branched-chain amino acids metabolism to interferon signaling to sustain macrophage inflammation.
The study examined how branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism via the mitochondrial enzyme BCAT2 connects to interferon signaling in macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using multi-omics and analyses of human synovial macrophages and interferon-responsive pathways. It found that active RA is associated with systemic BCAA depletion, synovial branched-chain ketoacid accumulation, and elevated BCAT2 expression, and mechanistically that interferon-γ induces BCAT2 transcription through IRF1 to sustain macrophage inflammation. This links a specific metabolic node (BCAT2/IRF1) to interferon-driven macrophage activation, suggesting BCAT2 as a potential therapeutic target to dampen chronic RA inflammation.
Meng X, Han H, You W et al. · Nature immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
From psoriatic plaque to synovium: decoding the skin-joint axis in psoriatic arthritis.
This review synthesized emerging evidence on the skin–joint axis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), focusing on how psoriatic plaques and skin-derived immune cells contribute to progression from skin-limited psoriasis to synovial disease. It highlights that myeloid progenitors can migrate from inflamed skin to synovium, but that arthritis development depends on the musculoskeletal stromal microenvironment that dictates cell fate. The article’s significance is in reframing PsA progression as a niche-dependent process linking skin inflammation to joint pathology, guiding future mechanistic and therapeutic strategies.
Raimondo MG, Gandolfo S, Gensler LS et al. · Nature reviews. Rheumatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cytokine/Epithelial-Immune Circuits (Mucosal Immunity)
Vitamin D in mucosal healing: therapeutic potential and current evidence in inflammatory bowel disease.
This narrative review assessed the therapeutic potential and current evidence for vitamin D in mucosal healing (MH) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It highlights that MH is a key treatment target linked to improved outcomes, but that many studies rely more on clinical indices than direct endoscopic or histologic measures of healing. Scientifically, the article positions vitamin D as a candidate immunomodulatory factor for improving mucosal integrity, while emphasizing the need for better-designed studies with objective endoscopic/histologic MH endpoints.
Scaff V, Vallejos OP, Silva PH et al. · Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Interleukin-18 Constrains the Intestinal Tuft Cell-Driven Responses During Helminth Infection.
This study investigated whether interleukin-18 (IL-18) regulates tuft cell-driven type 2 immune responses during helminth infection in mice, using Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection and IL-18-deficient (Il18-/-) animals. IL-18 deficiency reduced intestinal worm burden at day 7 post-infection and IL-18 was identified as a key regulator constraining tuft cell-mediated type 2 responses. The results suggest IL-18 is a critical epithelial-immune circuit brake during helminth immunity, with potential implications for tuning mucosal type 2 inflammation.
Dai M, Yan Z, Lei X et al. · Immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Infection Immunology & Host-Pathogen Interactions (Viral/Bacterial/Parasite)
African swine fever virus pMGF360-3 L suppresses innate immunity by facilitating CMA-dependent SKP1 degradation to promote BNIP3-mediated mitophagy.
The study investigated how African swine fever virus (ASFV) protein pMGF360-3L modulates host innate immunity and mitophagy in the context of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). pMGF360-3L promoted CMA-dependent SKP1 degradation via its N-terminal ankyrin repeat domain, which inhibited proteasomal degradation of BNIP3 to increase BNIP3-mediated mitophagy and suppress type I interferon (IFN-β) production. This mechanistic link between viral CMA manipulation, mitophagy, and interferon suppression highlights a potential target pathway for antiviral intervention.
Lin S, Liang J, Ye J et al. · Autophagy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Sensing the enemy within: Vγ9Vδ2 T cells as metabolic sensors of intracellular parasites.
This review summarized how human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells act as metabolic sensors of intracellular parasites by recognizing nonpeptidic phosphoantigens (pAgs) independent of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. It reports that intracellular pAg accumulation triggers activation through heteromeric cooperation of BTN3A1 and BTN2A1 receptors, driving rapid cytotoxicity and interferon-γ responses against pathogens including Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. The significance is that defining this BTN3A1/BTN2A1–pAg sensing axis clarifies mechanisms of anti-parasite immunity and supports rational design of γδ T cell–based immunotherapies.
Rodriguez F, Saeij JPJ · Trends in parasitology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Establishment of germline-encoded antibodies during primary dengue infection.
Using a controlled human challenge model of primary dengue virus type 1 (DENV1) infection in 9 flavivirus-naïve participants, the study longitudinally profiled B cell receptor repertoires to determine how germline-encoded antibodies arise during primary infection. Despite serologic signs of primary infection, acute responses were dominated by memory-derived clones in 4/9 participants, while public convergent naive-derived clones with tyrosine-rich CDRH3 motifs were identified and enriched among class-switched IgG by 28 days. These findings clarify how germline-encoded antibody lineages can contribute to class-switched responses after primary dengue infection, informing vaccine and immunopathogenesis risk considerations.
Verdonckt TW, Sahulčík M, Bouckaert J et al. · Cell reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hepatitis B virus outcomes in people with HIV after cessation of tenofovir-containing antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis quantified hepatitis B virus (HBV) outcomes in people with HIV after cessation of tenofovir-containing antiretroviral therapy. It searched studies from 2006 to 2026 to estimate risks of HBV reactivation and HBV infection after stopping tenofovir in participants with active HBV (HBsAg-positive) or resolved HBV (HBcAb-positive without HBsAg). The results are clinically significant for guiding monitoring and prophylaxis strategies when tenofovir is discontinued in HIV/HBV co-infected populations.
Mohareb AM, Phinius B, Anderson M et al. · EClinicalMedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Orthogonal CRISPR screens and human liver chimeric mice identify hepatitis B virus host factors.
This study used pooled, genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening with authentic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, integrated with two orthogonal pooled screens, in human liver chimeric mouse systems to identify HBV host factors. The authors selected 72 candidate genes for multi-step validation and used the combined screen results to prioritize host dependencies for HBV replication/biology. Scientifically, the work provides a scalable host-centric map of HBV factors that could accelerate development of new therapeutic targets beyond viral proteins.
Freije CA, Dangas G, Athanasiadis A et al. · bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Anti-Z-NA antibodies can distinguish accessible Z-form states across DNA, RNA, and DNA-RNA substrates.
This work compared monoclonal anti-Z-DNA antibodies Z22 and Z-D11 using biochemical, biophysical, and structural methods to test binding modes and substrate specificity for Z-form nucleic acids (Z-DNA, Z-RNA, and DNA-RNA hybrids). Both antibodies showed limited ability to form stable complexes with short CG-rich dsRNA under tested conditions, indicating that antibody binding specificity does not necessarily translate across DNA versus RNA Z-form states. The findings are important for interpreting and selecting Z-NA probes in innate immunity studies that rely on antibody recognition of Z-form nucleic acid conformations.
Chin D, Luo Y, He Z et al. · bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cancer Immunotherapy & Tumor Microenvironment
The requirement of MALT1 activity for the growth of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma.
This preclinical study investigated whether MALT1 protease activity is required for the growth of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and tested a selective MALT1 inhibitor, CRD-1441551, across ATL models. CRD-1441551 showed variable antitumor effects across ATL cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models, and the work supports a functional dependency on MALT1 activity in at least a subset of ATL contexts. These findings provide mechanistic rationale and early therapeutic evidence for targeting the MALT1–CARD11/BCL10 TCR signaling axis in ATL.
Kamiunten A, Morishita D, Kameda T et al. · iScience · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The anti-tumour activity of TNF in melanoma is determined by cFLIP.
This study tested how TNF’s anti-tumor activity in melanoma depends on cFLIP (cFLIP), using melanoma models including a syngeneic, immune-competent mouse model of B16F10 cutaneous melanoma. It found that cFLIP expression determines melanoma susceptibility to TNF and thereby controls tumor growth, with melanoma cells lacking cFLIP showing altered TNF responsiveness. These results identify cFLIP as a mechanistic determinant of TNF efficacy, supporting its potential use as a biomarker or therapeutic target in melanoma immunotherapy strategies.
Stachelscheid J, Kaul C, Gerstenberg K et al. · Cell death & disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Oncogene SETDB1’s dual role: driving tumor progression and immune escape.
This study investigated the oncogenic and immune-evasive functions of SETDB1, an H3K9 methyltransferase, using endometrial cancer (EC) models including SETDB1 knockout (SETDB1-/-) tumor-bearing mice and EC cell transcriptomics. SETDB1 loss prolonged survival (up to 100 days) and reduced oncogene expression while increasing tumor suppressor gene expression, and SETDB1 was reported to repress repeat elements and the interferon pathway to mediate immune evasion by limiting anti-tumor macrophage infiltration. These findings are significant because they identify SETDB1 as a dual driver of tumor progression and immune escape, supporting SETDB1-targeted strategies for EC immunotherapy.
Salari K, Hao J, Jilek R et al. · Oncogene · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hedyotis diffusa Willd-Scutellaria barbata herbal pair suppresses triple-negative breast cancer metastasis by targeting the tumor-associated macrophage-driven OPN-CD44 signaling axis.
This preclinical study tested the herbal pair Hedyotis diffusa Willd–Scutellaria barbata (HS) for its ability to suppress triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastasis by targeting the tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-driven OPN–CD44 signaling axis. The key finding is that HS inhibits TAM-dependent metastatic behavior in a 4T1-luc orthotopic tumor model by interfering with the OPN-CD44 signaling pathway. This is significant because it identifies a macrophage–tumor signaling mechanism that could be exploited to reduce TNBC metastasis using a defined herbal pair.
Zhang Y, Liu Y, Feng F et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Engineering CAR-T cells for solid tumors: Overcoming the microenvironment through integrated design and clinical translation.
This article reviews and synthesizes integrated preclinical/engineering and clinical translation strategies for CAR-T cells targeting solid tumors, focusing on overcoming antigen heterogeneity, stromal physical barriers, and immunosuppressive microenvironments that drive T-cell exhaustion. It highlights that specific design choices—such as GD2-targeting CAR-T delivered intracerebroventricularly—have achieved durable complete responses in the solid-tumor context. The work underscores how rational CAR-T engineering can improve efficacy in solid malignancies where conventional approaches have been limited.
Onyekweli SO, Omoruyi GO, Akintayo CO et al. · Oncoscience · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Manufacturing and electrostatic surface optimization of CAR-T cells improve therapeutic efficacy in liver malignancies.
This study tested whether manufacturing process changes and CAR structural optimization improve CAR-T efficacy against liver malignancies in immunocompetent mouse models of primary and metastatic hepatic cancer. The authors compared antibody-based versus bead-based T-cell activation to assess effects on exhaustion phenotypes and optimized retroviral vector (RVV) production, aiming to reduce exhaustion and improve persistence. The work is significant because it targets two major barriers to CAR-T success in solid tumors—exhaustion and insufficient persistence—through scalable manufacturing and design improvements.
Bian L, Zhu J, Wang H et al. · Hepatology communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cancer Metabolism, Biomarkers & Drug Response/Resistance
Cancer drug response and resistance: molecular mechanisms and combating strategies.
This review analyzed molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer drug response and intrinsic versus acquired resistance across 22 cancer types. It synthesizes how resistance emerges through multifactorial, dynamic processes during therapy and outlines strategies to overcome these barriers. The work is clinically significant because it provides a framework for selecting and combining therapies to improve durability of response and long-term survival.
Cheng X, Xu M, Wei J et al. · Signal transduction and targeted therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Correlation between ESR1 Mutation and PD-L1 Expression in Breast Carcinoma: A Narrative Review.
This narrative review examined the relationship between ESR1 mutations and PD-L1 expression in breast carcinoma, focusing on metastatic hormone receptor-positive disease after endocrine therapy. The key finding is that ESR1 mutation biology may associate with altered tumor immune microenvironment features and PD-L1 expression patterns, though reported correlations vary across studies and contexts. The significance is that it frames ESR1 as a potential biomarker for anticipating PD-L1–mediated immune checkpoint relevance and for guiding future combination strategies.
Verma KK · Critical reviews in oncology/hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Integrating UHPLC-HRMS with SSA-BP neural network identifies optimal components of Astragali Radix‑Salviae Miltiorrhizae combination for mitigating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via mitophagy and ferroptosis pathways.
This study used UHPLC-HRMS to profile bioactive components and a SSA-BP neural network to identify optimal components of the Astragali Radix–Salvia miltiorrhizae combination (QD) for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) injury. The key finding is that the selected QD components mitigate CI/R injury by modulating mitophagy and ferroptosis pathways. Scientifically, it demonstrates an integrative analytical/AI pipeline to prioritize multi-herb constituents and mechanistically link them to neuroprotective targets.
Guo C, Xu D, Ma Z et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Combination siRNA delivery as a therapeutic strategy for ADPKD.
This study evaluated a dual siRNA strategy for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) by targeting TMEM16A and MCP-1, which mediate cyst-lining epithelial expansion and inflammatory macrophage recruitment, respectively. In human ADPKD patient cells, silencing either TMEM16A or MCP-1 reduced cyst growth, but combined silencing produced superior therapeutic efficacy, outperforming single-target approaches. The results support combination RNA interference as a rational therapeutic direction for ADPKD by simultaneously suppressing epithelial growth and inflammation.
Giblin J, Suzuki I, Huang Y et al. · bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Predicting Poor Efficacy of Cabozantinib in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma by Exploratory Metabolic Pathway Analysis and In Vitro Verification.
This exploratory study aimed to predict poor efficacy of cabozantinib (CABO) in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by combining metabolite pathway analysis with in vitro verification. It included RCC patients treated with systemic therapy for progression/recurrence (September 2011–August 2023) and used clinical metabolite analysis plus laboratory validation to identify metabolic pathways linked to CABO response (abstract truncated). If validated, this could support metabolomics-guided selection of cabozantinib and improve outcomes in advanced RCC.
Sakai T, Kawasaki Y, Sakamoto I et al. · Cancer medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Targeting ACSF2 overcomes Ara-C resistance in acute myeloid leukemia via the cholesterol metabolism-ERK signaling axis.
The study investigated whether targeting ACSF2 could overcome cytarabine (Ara-C) resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by linking cholesterol metabolism to ERK signaling, using Ara-C–resistant AML models in vitro and in vivo. It found that ACSF2 inhibition suppresses proliferation and restores Ara-C sensitivity, mechanistically impairing cholesterol esterification to increase mitochondrial cholesterol, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, elevated mitochondrial ROS, and reduced pro-survival ERK signaling. It also identified SREBF1 as a direct transcriptional activator of ACSF2, supporting a druggable metabolic–signaling axis in resistant AML.
Liao C, Wen J, Ma X et al. · Leukemia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cancer Surgery/Oncology Prognostication & Clinical Modeling
A radiotherapy-related fibrosis gene signature-based risk model for predicting prognosis and immunological features in lung adenocarcinoma.
This study developed and validated a radiotherapy-related fibrosis gene signature risk model to predict prognosis and immunological features in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Using transcriptomic data from TCGA and GEO, it identified radiotherapy-related fibrosis genes, applied LASSO regression with multivariable modeling to construct the signature, and then assessed associations with clinical outcomes and immune characteristics. Clinically, such a model could help stratify LUAD patients by risk of radiation-induced fibrosis and guide immunology-informed prognosis and management.
Qiu Y, Lv C, Ding S · Clinical & translational oncology : official publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical Impact of Gleason Pattern 5 on Doublet Versus Triplet Therapy in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer.
This study assessed the clinical impact of Gleason pattern 5 (GP5) on treatment outcomes comparing doublet versus triplet therapy in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). It focused on whether triplet therapy (darolutamide plus docetaxel) provides added benefit over doublet therapy with apalutamide- or enzalutamide-based regimens in real-world practice, stratifying by aggressive tumor biology marked by GP5. The findings are significant for refining upfront treatment selection in mHSPC patients with high-risk histology.
Fujimoto S, Morita T, Yamamoto Y et al. · The Prostate · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hepatectomy After Progressive Disease Following Chemotherapy for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Japanese Nationwide Cohort Study.
This Japanese nationwide retrospective cohort study evaluated postoperative outcomes after hepatectomy in colorectal cancer liver metastases patients who had progressive disease following systemic chemotherapy, comparing them with patients whose disease was controlled. The analysis stratified patients by chemotherapy response categories (complete response, partial response, stable disease, progressive disease) and by whether metastases were resected, then assessed survival outcomes and prognostic factors. Clinically, the results inform whether hepatectomy can still offer benefit after chemotherapy progression, guiding surgical decision-making in this high-risk subgroup.
Kobayashi K, Kishi Y, Yonamine N et al. · Annals of surgical oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Radical Prostatectomy Without Prior Biopsy? Final Histopathology of Radical Prostatectomies in 103 Consecutive Biopsy-naïve Patients Who Underwent Radical Prostatectomy.
This retrospective single-center study evaluated final histopathology and short-term biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival after biopsy-naïve radical prostatectomy (bnRP) in 103 consecutive patients with suspicious imaging and pT2–pT3 disease. The key finding was the characterization of what final pathology showed in patients who did not undergo preoperative prostate biopsy, enabling estimation of potential eligibility for active surveillance (AS) and assessment of perioperative and early oncologic outcomes. Clinically, the results address whether selected patients can safely proceed to radical prostatectomy without prior biopsy and how that may affect AS decision-making.
Semmler M, Marcon J, Berg EK et al. · European urology focus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A Dynamic Prognostic and Adaptive Treatment Framework for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer.
This multicenter study analyzed patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) receiving first-line immuno-chemotherapy to build a dynamic prognostic framework using a Bayesian joint model (iDREM-BTC). The key finding is that iDREM-BTC integrates baseline clinical/imaging variables with serial C-rea (creatinine) to update survival predictions over time and enable real-time prognostic stratification across development, internal validation, retrospective external validations, and a prospective external validation cohort. This is clinically significant because it supports adaptive treatment decisions in advanced BTC based on evolving patient data rather than static baseline risk.
Mei JH, Han X, Zhang K et al. · JHEP reports : innovation in hepatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pathological Complete Response in a Patient With HER2-Negative Esophagogastric Junction Cancer Undergoing Conversion-Intent Surgery After Ramucirumab Plus Paclitaxel Following Nivolumab-Based Chemotherapy: A Case Report.
In a 76-year-old woman with HER2-negative esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma who progressed after nivolumab-based chemotherapy, the case report evaluated conversion-intent surgery enabled by second-line ramucirumab plus paclitaxel (RAM+PTX). After RAM+PTX, the patient achieved a marked radiological and metabolic response and underwent conversion-intent surgery, with pathological complete response (pCR) confirmed in the resected specimen. This suggests that RAM+PTX can potentially induce deep responses enabling curative surgery in selected patients after ICI-containing therapy failure.
Yamasaki Y, Miyazaki K, Fujiwara Y et al. · Journal of gastrointestinal cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Postmastectomy radiation therapy in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer: a retrospective exploratory cohort analysis of the adjuvant lapatinib and/or trastuzumab treatment optimization (ALTTO) trial [BIG 2-06/NCCTG N063D (Alliance)].
This retrospective exploratory cohort analysis used prospectively collected data from the phase III ALTTO trial to evaluate postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) outcomes in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer. Across ALTTO participants who underwent mastectomy, the study assessed whether PMRT benefits locoregional control and survival in the anti-HER2 treatment era. The analysis is significant because it helps clarify PMRT’s role for HER2-positive patients treated with modern HER2-targeted therapies (lapatinib and/or trastuzumab).
De Santis MC, Campbell C, Samy F et al. · EClinicalMedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Radiation/Chronotherapy/Treatment Timing & Toxicity
Latitude, Seasonality, and Circadian Determinants of Outcomes of Systemic Cancer Therapy: Evidence from Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Chemo-Immunotherapy Combinations. A Systematic Review.
This systematic review evaluated whether chronotherapy (time-of-day infusion), seasonality, geographic latitude, and vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D) influence efficacy and toxicity of systemic therapy for solid tumors. The key finding is that the literature contains heterogeneous evidence linking treatment timing and environmental factors to outcomes across chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and chemo-immunotherapy, with vitamin D status frequently used as a latitude/season proxy. Scientifically, it highlights potential biological links (e.g., circadian and immune modulation) and identifies the need for more standardized trials to clarify causality.
Ghidini A, Roncari L, Bukovec R et al. · Critical reviews in oncology/hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular Risk, Genetics & Biomarkers (incl. RA-CVD)
The Dual Role of Uric Acid: Pathological Implications Across Chronic Diseases and Current Approaches to Hyperuricemia Management.
This review article synthesized evidence on uric acid’s dual roles in humans—antioxidant/neuroprotective versus pathogenic effects of chronic hyperuricemia—across chronic diseases and current hyperuricemia management approaches. It reports that excess uric acid promotes oxidative stress, endothelial injury, inflammasome activation, and impaired energy metabolism, contributing to cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, autoimmune, and CNS complications (including SLE and antiphospholipid syndrome). Clinically, the work frames urate-lowering strategies as potentially disease-modifying beyond gout, while highlighting the need to refine management based on mechanistic and disease-specific risk.
Zehra A, Asghar A, Ali S et al. · Discoveries (Craiova, Romania) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Metabolic implications of hepatic, pancreatic and abdominal adipose tissue depots in Asian Indians across normoglycaemia, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
This cross-sectional study assessed metabolic implications of hepatic, pancreatic, and abdominal adipose tissue depots in Asian Indians across normoglycemia, prediabetes, and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes while matching participants for BMI. Using multi-echo chemical-shift-encoded MRI (CSE-MRI) with proton density fat fraction (PDFF) to quantify liver and pancreatic fat, and MRI to measure abdominal fat compartments, the study identified predictors of dysglycemia across glycemic categories. The findings help clarify which ectopic fat depots (liver/pancreas versus specific abdominal depots) are most closely linked to dysglycemia risk in Asian Indian populations.
Ghosh A, Dutta K, Bhatt SP et al. · Diabetologia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Is MASLD an independent risk factor for micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes? A critical reappraisal and future directions.
This critical appraisal reviewed whether metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), particularly at-risk steatohepatitis (MASH) with fibrosis ≥F2, is an independent risk factor for micro- and macrovascular complications in diabetes. It synthesizes observational evidence suggesting shared metabolic drivers (insulin resistance, gluco-/lipotoxicity, inflammation, mitochondrial impairment) and discusses limitations of existing studies while outlining future research directions. Scientifically, the review frames MASLD/MASH as a potentially important modifier of diabetic vascular risk and calls for better causal inference and risk stratification approaches.
Kahl S, Caussy C, Cusi K · Diabetologia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The C-reactive protein-triglyceride-glucose index and its obesity-derived indicators predict cardio-renal-metabolic multimorbidity: evidence from the UK biobank and CHARLS.
This cohort study assessed whether the C-reactive protein–triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index and five obesity-derived indicators predict cardio-renal-metabolic multimorbidity (CRMM) incidence and progression using UK Biobank (n=374,513) and CHARLS (n=6,401). Using Cox, restricted cubic spline, and multistate models with time-dependent ROC, C-index, NRI, and IDI, the key finding was that the six indices were positively associated with CRMM risk and improved prediction of CRMM outcomes. The significance is that these readily obtainable inflammatory-metabolic and obesity-related measures could help stratify patients for earlier prevention and management of CRMM.
Chen Q, Chen M, Guo J et al. · Diabetes research and clinical practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
MASLD and Cardiovascular Risk: Mechanisms and Implications for Clinical Practice.
This narrative review summarized evidence on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its relationship to cardiovascular risk, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, biomarkers, and clinical management. It found that fibrosis stage is the strongest independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes (up to ~2.5-fold higher event risk) and that noninvasive fibrosis tools such as FIB-4 and liver stiffness measurement can predict cardiovascular mortality. It also highlights semaglutide and resmetirom as therapies with dual hepatic and cardiometabolic benefits, supporting integrated cardiovascular risk assessment in MASLD care.
Li S, Toutoungy M, Patel J et al. · Current hypertension reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Plasma metabolomics and incident major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
This study assessed associations between plasma metabolite profiles measured by 1H-NMR metabolomics (168 metabolites) and incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in 1,271 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) participants without known cardiovascular disease and no statin use at blood draw, compared with matched controls. The key finding was that specific plasma metabolites were associated with future MACE risk in RA (details truncated in the abstract). Clinically, metabolomic risk markers could improve cardiovascular risk stratification beyond traditional factors in RA.
Kotanidis CP, Choksi P, Natarajan P et al. · Rheumatology (Oxford, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Shared Genetic Factors Between Stress-related Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease.
This study integrated Swedish national registers (n=4,123,631), UK Biobank (n=502,291), and genome-wide association study summary statistics to identify shared genetic liability between stress-related disorders (SRDs) and six cardiovascular disease (CVD) subtypes. It reported evidence for pleiotropic genetic factors and nominated loci/genes/pathways contributing to SRD–CVD comorbidity, with familial coaggregation attenuating as genetic relatedness decreased (abstract truncated). Scientifically, this supports a genetic basis for stress–cardiovascular comorbidity and highlights pathways for integrated prevention strategies.
Hou C, Zeng Y, Yang H et al. · Genomics, proteomics & bioinformatics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Effects of tadalafil on endothelial, angiogenic, metabolic, and microRNA biomarker profiles in sexually active men with BPH and erectile dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial.
The study evaluated tadalafil in a randomized controlled trial of 306 sexually active men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/LUTS and erectile dysfunction, measuring dose-dependent changes in circulating endothelial, angiogenic, metabolic, and microRNA biomarkers over 12 weeks. It found that tadalafil produced significant improvements across multiple mechanistic biomarker domains compared with placebo in a dose-dependent manner. This supports tadalafil’s potential to modulate biological pathways relevant to BPH comorbid endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, with biomarker readouts that may guide future stratified therapy.
Abomandour A, El-Shoura EAM, Fathi BA et al. · Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s archives of pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Musculoskeletal Pain, Rehab & Biopsychosocial Predictors
Activation of the Lactate Receptor GPR81 Ameliorates Senescence Hallmarks and Improves Muscle Function in Cellular and Progeroid Models of Aging.
The study tested whether activating the lactate receptor GPR81 can reverse senescence phenotypes and improve muscle function in cellular and progeroid aging models. Loss of GPR81 impaired lipid oxidation and increased lipid accumulation, with knockdown in young myoblasts increasing DNA damage, ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy defects, while GPR81 agonist treatment of senescent myoblasts enhanced lipid oxidation and reduced lipid accumulation and senescence hallmarks. These findings suggest that GPR81 agonism may be a therapeutic approach to mitigate age-related muscle dysfunction driven by lipotoxicity.
Mehrotra P, Bhamidipati SH, Lei P et al. · Aging cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A global OMERACT ultrasound joint damage scoring system (GLODS) in rheumatoid arthritis.
This study developed and tested the global OMERACT ultrasound joint damage scoring system (GLODS) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by creating consensual definitions and semiquantitative scoring for structural damage components. Using a Delphi survey with task-force consensus (≥75% agreement on 1–5 Likert statements) and subsequent reliability testing of individual components—bone erosions, cartilage change, and joint malalignment—the key finding was that GLODS components can be operationalized with standardized ultrasound scoring definitions and assessed for reliability. This is significant because it provides a harmonized ultrasound-based structural damage measure to improve comparability across RA trials and clinical studies.
Mandl P, Gessl I, Kun L et al. · Annals of the rheumatic diseases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen versus NSAIDs for the treatment of chronic pain in older adults with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee: Findings from the randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, non-inferiority RETHINK study.
The RETHINK randomized, double-blind, parallel-group non-inferiority trial enrolled adults aged ≥65 years with hip or knee osteoarthritis-related chronic pain and compared acetaminophen 1800 mg/day versus NSAIDs (loxoprofen 180 mg/day or celecoxib 200 mg/day). Acetaminophen was evaluated for non-inferiority on worst pain (Brief Pain Inventory item 3) change from baseline to week 8, with additional pain outcomes assessed at earlier time points. If non-inferiority was supported, the findings would support acetaminophen as a safer alternative to NSAIDs for older adults with OA pain, particularly where NSAID risks are a concern.
Endo M, Kawano T, Tokunaga M et al. · Osteoarthritis and cartilage open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Creatine monohydrate supplementation for recovery from muscle disuse: Timing matters.
This narrative mini-review examined human evidence for creatine monohydrate supplementation as a recovery aid after muscle disuse across immobilization, reloading, orthopedic/medical rehabilitation, and exercise-induced muscle damage, with emphasis on supplementation timing. Across brief immobilization studies, creatine can raise intramuscular creatine availability but controlled lower-limb trials do not consistently preserve muscle cross-sectional area or strength, and benefits appear more dependent on when loading resumes. Clinically, the review suggests creatine timing relative to reloading may be critical for recovery strategies after disuse, rather than creatine alone being a guaranteed anti-atrophy intervention.
Stout JR, Pabian PS · Sports medicine and health science · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Changes in Pain-Related Fear Predict Shoulder Disability in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy With Resistance Exercise.
This prospective longitudinal observational study followed 64 people with rotator cuff tendinopathy undergoing an 8-week resistance exercise program to determine how trajectories of pain-related fear and catastrophizing (measured with the OSPRO-YF) predict shoulder disability (Penn Shoulder Score). The key finding was that changes in pain-related fear predicted subsequent shoulder disability over the treatment period (abstract truncated). This suggests that targeting fear-related cognitions may improve functional outcomes in rotator cuff tendinopathy alongside exercise.
Mears CK, Heindel MD, Abeles RE et al. · The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Managing Patients With Hypermobility Disorders: They’ve Seen You, but Have You Seen Them?
This article is a clinical synopsis addressing management of hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) in outpatient musculoskeletal physical therapy. It emphasizes that patients commonly experience recurrent sprains/subluxations, widespread pain, and fatigue with normal imaging, and that care can become fragmented or prematurely discontinued when pain persists. The significance is practical: it consolidates emerging consensus and classification updates to guide more effective, consistent rehabilitation approaches despite limited high-quality randomized trials.
Mintken PE, Dommerholt J, Francomano CA · The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Dermatology/Skin Barrier & Skin-Immune Interactions
Effect of Abrocitinib on the Skin Microbiome in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis.
This randomized clinical study evaluated the effect of abrocitinib, a JAK1-selective inhibitor, on the skin microbiome and clinical outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). In JADE MOA (NCT03915496), patients received abrocitinib 100 mg or 200 mg or placebo for 12 weeks, and skin swabs were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing at baseline and Weeks 2, 4, and 12. The results are intended to clarify whether JAK1 inhibition reshapes Staphylococcus-dominant dysbiosis and improves AD severity, informing microbiome-linked treatment mechanisms.
Kim M, Del Duca E, Correa Da Rosa J et al. · Allergy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Chemogenetic Activation of G12 Signaling Thickens the Epidermis With Enhanced Barrier Function.
This in vivo study used a chemogenetic approach to selectively activate G12/13 GPCR signaling via a designer receptor (G12D) in mouse keratinocytes to assess effects on epidermal homeostasis. G12 signaling activation thickened the epidermis while preserving stratified architecture and avoiding overt inflammatory changes, accompanied by increased Ki67-positive cells, expansion of keratin 10- and filaggrin-positive layers, and upregulation of keratinocyte differentiation/keratinization gene programs. These results identify G12/13 pathway activation as a potential strategy to enhance skin barrier function through controlled keratinocyte differentiation.
Kamakura N, Hirai N, Arai K et al. · FASEB bioAdvances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Epidemiology, Surveillance & Public Health/Translational Tools
Ambient temperature reduces oocyte yield in assisted reproductive technology via a partially sex hormone-mediated pathway.
This study examined whether higher ambient temperatures before oocyte retrieval affect oocyte yield in women undergoing their first IVF or ICSI cycle, with mediation analysis focused on sex-hormone pathways involving LH and FSH/estradiol. Higher pre-retrieval temperatures were associated with reduced oocyte yield, with the effect partially mediated by LH and partially counteracted by compensatory increases in FSH and estradiol (E2). These findings suggest that pre-retrieval heat exposure may impair ovarian response in ART and that LH–FSH–E2 dynamics could be a mechanistic target for risk mitigation.
Zeng YY, Hu YL, Liu RL et al. · Human reproduction (Oxford, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Effects of exercise on reproductive endocrine hormones in adult patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis.
This systematic review and three-level meta-analysis evaluated randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions in adult patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), focusing on reproductive endocrine hormone outcomes. The key finding was the overall pooled effect of exercise on reproductive endocrine profiles (quantified as Hedges’ g using a random-effects model), indicating that exercise can beneficially modify hormone-related endpoints in adult PCOS. These results support exercise as an evidence-based adjunct for endocrine management in PCOS, while also motivating more standardized trials to clarify which hormone targets respond most.
Chen X, Liu Y, Chen D et al. · PeerJ · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Particle engineering, aerosol physics, and pulmonary deposition of single-inhaler triple ICS/LABA/LAMA therapies in obstructive airway diseases.
This article reviewed particle engineering and aerosol physics affecting pulmonary deposition of single-inhaler triple therapy (ICS/LABA/LAMA) across five approved device platforms in obstructive airway diseases such as COPD and severe uncontrolled asthma. It highlights that different inhaler technologies—e.g., Modulite solution pMDI and NEXThaler breath-actuated DPI for beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol/glycopyrronium, Aerosphere pMDI for budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol, and Ellipta DPI for fluticasone-based combinations—produce distinct deposition characteristics that can influence drug delivery. The scientific significance is that device-specific aerosol behavior should be considered when optimizing triple-therapy effectiveness and consistency of lung dosing.
Sorino C, Virchow JC, Spanevello A et al. · European journal of internal medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The changing epidemiology of primary liver cancer in the 21st century.
This epidemiology-focused analysis examined global trends in primary liver cancer across the 21st century using GBD 2023 data. It found that absolute incidence and deaths increased by 59.4% and 55.8% from 2000 to 2023, while age-standardized rates declined until around 2020 when the trend reversed, and that viral hepatitis remains the leading cause though its proportional contribution is decreasing. The clinical significance is that these shifting trends—especially post-2020 reversal—underscore the need for sustained surveillance and prevention strategies targeting hepatitis B and C.
Khan SA, Vithayathil M, Yip TCF et al. · Journal of hepatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Mouse models of aortic aneurysm and dissection: pathophysiological insights and translational perspectives.
This review summarizes experimental mouse models of aortic aneurysm (AA) and aortic dissection (AD) and how they map onto human disease mechanisms. It finds that no single model fully recapitulates the heterogeneous pathology spanning extracellular matrix degradation, vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction, inflammation, and dysregulated signaling. The work is significant because it provides translational guidance for selecting and combining animal and engineered approaches to better study AA/AD and to test therapies.
He C, Yanagisawa H, Hsiai TK et al. · Journal of advanced research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Treatment of tinea capitis in China: a multicenter prospective real-world study.
This multicenter prospective real-world study enrolled 819 patients with tinea capitis across 20 tertiary hospitals in China to compare epidemiology and outcomes of different oral antifungal treatments. The key finding is that Microsporum canis was the most common pathogen (69.8%), and itraconazole (45.4%) and terbinafine (33.4%) were the most frequently used therapies (with griseofulvin also used at 16.0%). Clinically, the study provides current, practice-relevant evidence on pathogen distribution and treatment utilization that can inform antifungal selection in China.
Chen XQ, Tong ZS, Ma L et al. · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Exposure to pharmaceutical contaminants in stranded wild dolphins of the Western Mediterranean.
This environmental surveillance study measured pharmaceutical contaminants in liver samples from stranded wild dolphins in the Western Mediterranean, including 13 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and 14 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). The key finding is detection of multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (carprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, phenylbutazone, diclofenac, flunixin), antibiotics (florfenicol, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, oxytetracycline, trimethoprim), and also acetaminophen and caffeine. This is significant because it provides evidence of ongoing pharmaceutical exposure in marine mammals and raises concerns for ecosystem and potential human health impacts.
Navas I, Felipo-Benavent M, Crespo-Picazo JL et al. · The Science of the total environment · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Best original research presented at the 27th European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology: best of ESGO 2026.
This article is a curated compilation of the best original research abstracts presented at the 27th European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO 2026), rather than a single mechanistic study. The key finding is that 31 high-impact studies were selected from 1585 submissions, spanning multiple session types and highlighting major themes in gynecologic oncology. Its significance lies in synthesizing emerging directions for the field and helping researchers identify priority topics from the conference.
El Hajj H, Shushkevich A, Kacperczyk-Bartnik J et al. · International journal of gynecological cancer : official journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
International phase IV field study to validate the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire for assessing the health-related quality of life of cancer survivors: The EORTC QLQ-SURV100.
This international phase IV field study validated the EORTC QLQ-SURV100 health-related quality-of-life questionnaire in cancer survivors across diverse cancer types and cultures. The study found that the newly developed instrument provides a valid, survivor-focused assessment of physical, mental, and social functioning and well-being in disease-free survivors. This supports broader, more generalizable HRQoL measurement for survivorship care and research using a standardized, cancer-survivor-specific tool.
Fox L, van Leeuwen M, Jones JM et al. · European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Transfusion intensity in the ICU: Reasons and triggers.
This sub-study of the prospective International Point Prevalence Study of ICU Transfusion Practices (InPUT) analyzed reasons and physiological triggers for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion across ICU days stratified by transfusion intensity. It aimed to determine whether transfusion reasons/triggers differ by intensity group and to characterize reasons for non-RBC transfusions across these groups. The findings are intended to improve understanding of transfusion decision-making beyond hemoglobin thresholds, supporting more precise and safer transfusion practices in critical care.
Reuland MC, Raasveld SJ, Schenk J et al. · Transfusion · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Data-driven subphenotyping uncovers ulcerative colitis subtype with high risk for relapse in Japan: a prospective multicenter cohort study.
This prospective multicenter cohort study used the Japanese YOu and Ulcerative colitis: Registry and Social network (YOURS) registry (Dec 2018–Jun 2022) to cluster ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in remission using laboratory values and patient-reported outcomes including quality-of-life measures. Data-driven subphenotyping identified a UC subtype with high risk of relapse despite remission, emphasizing that PRO/QOL patterns can capture clinically meaningful heterogeneity not reflected by symptoms alone. These findings support using structured PRO/QOL data for risk stratification and targeted follow-up in Japanese UC patients.
Mikami Y, Yamazaki H, Hisamatsu T et al. · The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Routine Blood Biomarkers and Lung Function in Asthma-COPD Overlap versus Asthma-Only Among Hospitalized Asthma Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.
This retrospective cross-sectional study compared hospitalized asthma-only versus asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) patients (n=505; 190 ACO, 315 asthma-only) using routine blood biomarkers, complete blood counts/differentials, immunoglobulin E, lung function, and medication exposure extracted from electronic medical records. ACO patients showed distinct biomarker and lung-function profiles compared with asthma-only patients, including differences in medication-associated biomarker patterns. The results suggest that readily available blood biomarkers may help distinguish ACO from asthma-only in hospitalized patients and inform more tailored management.
Xie M, Jin X, Li H et al. · International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Seizures associated with clozapine augmentation by other antipsychotics: a pharmacovigilance-pharmacodynamic analysis using VigiBase.
This pharmacovigilance-pharmacodynamic analysis used VigiBase to evaluate seizure safety signals when clozapine is augmented by other antipsychotics and to relate these signals to neurotransmitter receptor occupancy profiles. The study characterized which augmentation combinations were associated with increased seizure reports and explored mechanistic links between seizure risk and receptor occupancy patterns. These insights can guide clinicians in anticipating and mitigating seizure risk when combining clozapine with other antipsychotics.
Hatano M, Hamano H, Kanda M et al. · Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Fat body CLOCK restrains innate immunity and maintains survival under dietary stress in Drosophila.
This study examined how the Drosophila fat body circadian gene CLOCK regulates innate immunity and survival under dietary stress, using aging and high-fat diet (HFD) paradigms. Using longitudinal in vivo bioluminescence in genetically defined small cell populations, the authors showed that aging and HFD additively dampen circadian behavior and uniquely weaken fat body molecular clock rhythm amplitude, with CLOCK in the fat body restraining inflammation and supporting survival. The work links peripheral circadian control in a metabolic immune tissue to resilience under dietary stress, suggesting conserved principles for circadian–immunity interactions.
Fukumura K, Mowla S, Kathirvel V et al. · bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A de novo designed enzyme for photo-proximity labeling of E3 ligase neighborhoods in live cells.
This preprint introduced EYClamp, a de novo designed proximity labeling enzyme that enables photo-proximity labeling of E3 ligase neighborhoods in live cells using the off-the-shelf photocatalyst Eosin Y (EY). By combining genetically encodable enzymatic targeting with chemically defined EY cofactor use, the method aims to overcome limitations of conventional photo-PLP that require photocatalyst conjugation to the target. The technique is significant for mapping E3 ligase interactomes in situ with improved modularity and bioconjugation specificity.
Kim NH, Lin Z, Nam S et al. · bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of 21 Antidepressant Drugs for the Acute Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared and ranked 21 antidepressant drugs for acute treatment of adults with unipolar major depressive disorder using a comprehensive evidence search and network meta-analytic methods. The key finding was an evidence-based comparative ranking of antidepressants for acute efficacy and acceptability across included trials (details truncated in the provided abstract). Clinically, the updated ranking is intended to inform antidepressant selection for adults with major depressive disorder when resources limit access to non-pharmacologic options.
Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Salanti G et al. · Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Predictors of Multiple Sclerosis After Clinically Isolated Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated predictors of multiple sclerosis (MS) after clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) by pooling observational studies of adults with CIS who later developed MS (search through December 2025; 72 studies, 9,915 adults). The analysis used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate pooled odds ratios and performed heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication-bias assessments (results truncated in the abstract). The findings aim to refine risk prediction for MS conversion after CIS, supporting earlier identification and management of high-risk patients.
Zafra-Sierra MP, Ferreira-Atuesta C, Rodríguez DS et al. · European journal of neurology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Helicobacter pylori in Shenzhen, China: A Retrospective Study From 2021 to 2024.
This retrospective study characterized antimicrobial resistance of Helicobacter pylori in Shenzhen, China, analyzing gastric mucosal biopsies from patients undergoing gastroscopy at Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University between March 2021 and October 2024. The key finding was the local antimicrobial resistance profile with temporal trends and demographic associations across 2021–2024 (abstract truncated). This provides region-specific surveillance data needed to guide empiric H. pylori treatment choices as resistance evolves.
Wu F, Chen Y, Yang C · Helicobacter · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Future Trends in Cancer Prevention and Interception in Cancer Predisposition Syndromes: Leveraging Insights From High-Risk Populations.
This review discussed future directions for cancer prevention and interception in cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) driven by germline pathogenic variants in cancer predisposition genes (CPGs), emphasizing high-risk population insights. It highlighted how expanded germline and tumor-normal sequencing improves identification of at-risk individuals and how integrating genome and long-read sequencing may further refine surveillance and early intervention (abstract truncated). The significance is that next-generation genomic approaches could enable more precise, earlier prevention strategies for CPS-associated malignancies.
Wang Y, Malkin D, Lipkin SM · International journal of cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
End-to-end multimodal pathology foundation model with clinical dialogue.
The study developed PRISM2, an end-to-end multimodal pathology foundation model with clinical dialogue, trained on 2.3 million whole-slide images and 14 million question-answer pairs derived from 700,000 pathology reports. It found that clinical-dialogue supervision aligns histomorphology with diagnostic reasoning, enabling prompt-based inference and transferable embeddings for downstream tasks. This advances clinically usable whole-slide computational pathology by bridging image understanding with diagnostic question-answering.
Vorontsov E, Shaikovski G, Casson A et al. · Nature medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on August 03, 2026 from PubMed’s trending articles. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.