Comprehensive determination of fatty acids in real samples without derivatization by DMU-SPME-GC methods.

The comprehensive determination of fatty acids without derivatization, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), is a big challenge but powerful for lipidomics in biology, food, and environment. Herein, the dual mode unity solid-phase microextraction (DMU-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) or mass spectrometry (MS) was proposed as a powerful method for the determination of comprehensive free fatty acids in real samples. Under the optimized DMU-SPME conditions, the proposed method has good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.994) and low limits of determination (0.01-0.14 mg/L). In the stability analysis, the intra-day relative standard deviation was 1.39-12.43 %, and the inter-day relative standard deviation was 2.84-10.79 %. The recoveries of selected 10 fatty acids in real samples ranged from 90.18 % to 110.75 %, indicating that the method has good accuracy. Fatty acids ranging from C2 to C22 were detected in real samples by the untargeted determination method of DMU-SPME combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The DMU-SPME method proposed in this study can be used for lipid metabolism analysis and free fatty acid determination in the fields of biology, food, and environment.

Screening and characterization of an antifreeze peptide from sea cucumber intestinal protein hydrolysates.

Protein deterioration caused by ice crystals is an important factors affecting the frozen storage of fish. In this study, antifreeze peptides extracted from hydrolysates of sea cucumber intestinal protein with inhibition of protein denaturation were screened and characterized. The peptide Leu-Pro-Glu-Phe-Thr-Glu-Glu-Glu-Lys (LPEFTEEEK), derived from neutral protease hydrolysates of sea cucumber intestinal protein, was investigated for its potential to enhance the quality of salmon fillets during three freeze-thaw cycles. The results showed that the application of LPEFTEEEK effectively maintained the texture of fish fillets, as well as the oxidative and conformation stability of myofibrillar protein during the freezing process. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations verified that LPEFTEEEK could bind to ice crystals and inhibit their recrystallization, thus preventing organisms from being damaged by freezing. This suggests that LPEFTEEEK holds significant promise as a novel cryoprotective agent for marine-derived antifreeze peptides.

Associations of ultra long-term visit-to-visit blood pressure variability, since childhood with vascular aging in midlife: a 30-year prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular aging, as assessed by structural and functional arterial properties, is an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations of ultra long-term blood pressure (BP) variability from childhood to midlife with vascular aging in midlife. METHODS: Using data from the longitudinal cohort of Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study, 2065 participants aged 6-18 years were enrolled and followed up with seven visits over 30 years. Ultra long-term BP variability (BPV) was defined as the standard deviation (SD) and average real variability (ARV) of BP over 30 years (seven visits). Vascular aging included arterial stiffness, carotid hypertrophy, and carotid plaque. RESULTS: After adjusting for demographic variables, clinical characteristics and mean BP over 30 years, higher SD SBP , ARV SBP , SD DBP and ARV DBP since childhood were significantly associated with arterial stiffness in midlife. Additionally, higher SD DBP and ARV DBP were significantly associated with carotid hypertrophy and the presence of carotid plaque in midlife. When we used cumulative exposure to BP from childhood to midlife instead of mean BP as adjustment factors, results were similar. Furthermore, we found a significant association between long-term BPV from childhood to adolescence and the presence of carotid plaque, whereas long-term BPV from youth to adulthood is associated with arterial stiffness. CONCLUSION: Higher BPV from childhood to adulthood was associated with vascular aging in midlife independently of mean BP or cumulative BP exposure. Therefore, long-term BPV from an early age may serve as a predictor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in later life.

Transarterial Embolization Enhances Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expression and Influences CD8+T Lymphocytes Cytotoxicity in an Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Rat Model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of transarterial embolization (TAE) on programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1) expression and CD8+T tumour infiltrative lymphocyte cytotoxicity in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An orthotopic HCC model was established in twenty SD rats treated with TAE (lipiodol, n = 10) or sham (normal saline, n = 10) using homologous N1S1 hepatoma cells. Rats were euthanized 1 week after embolization. Flow cytometry was used to assess the proportion of CD4+T, CD8+T and programmed cell death-1+(PD-1+) CD8+T lymphocytes in the spleens and tumours. Distribution of CD8+T, granzyme-B+CD8+T lymphocytes and PD-L1+ cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or multiplex IHC. p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The CD4/CD8 ratio and PD-1+CD8+ T lymphocytes exhibited higher values in TAE-treated tumours compared to sham-treated tumours (p = 0.021 and p = 0.071, respectively). Conversely, the number of CD8+T lymphocytes was decreased in TAE-treated tumours (p = 0.043), especially in the central region (p = 0.045). However, more CD8+T lymphocytes were found infiltrating the marginal region than central region in TAE-treated tumours (p = 0.046). The proportion of granzyme-B+CD8+T lymphocytes and the PD-L1 positive areas was elevated in tumours that treated with TAE (p all < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between PD-L1 expression and the number of infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Immune cells are distributed unevenly in the tumours after TAE. The intrinsic induction state of the tumour after embolization may be insufficient to elicit a maximal response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

Renalase alleviates salt-induced kidney necroptosis and inflammation.

Recent evidence suggests that necroptosis may contribute to the development of kidney injury. Renalase is a novel secretory protein that exerts potent prosurvival and anti-inflammatory effects. We hypothesized that renalase could protect the kidney from salt-induced injury by modulating necroptosis. High salt and renalase treatments were administered to Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats, renalase knockout (KO) mice, and HK-2 cells. Furthermore, a cohort of 514 eligible participants was utilized to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL, and the risk of subclinical renal damage (SRD) over 14 years. A high-salt diet significantly increased the expression of key components of necroptosis, namely RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL, as well as the release of inflammatory factors in SS rats. Treatment with recombinant renalase reduced both necroptosis and inflammation. In renalase KO mice, salt-induced kidney injury was more severe than in wild-type mice, but supplementation with renalase attenuated the kidney injury. In vitro experiments with HK-2 cells revealed high salt increased necroptosis and inflammation. Renalase exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in salt-induced necroptosis, and this cytoprotective effect was negated by the knockdown of PMCA4b, which is the receptor of renalase. Furthermore, the cohort study showed that SNP rs3736724 in RIPK1 and rs11640974 in MLKL were significantly associated with the risk of SRD over 14 years. Our analysis shows that necroptosis plays a significant role in the development of salt-induced kidney injury and that renalase confers its cytoprotective effects by inhibiting necroptosis and inflammation.

Mild alkalinity preheating treatment regulates the heat and ionic strength co-tolerance of whey protein aggregates.

A major obstacle to the use of whey protein in protein-enriched sports beverages is the heat-induced gelation of the protein in the presence of salt. In this study, whey protein soluble aggregates (WPSAs) with high tolerance to NaCl and heat were successfully generated by preheating whey protein isolate (WPI) at a low concentration (1 % w/v) and pH 8.5. The suspension of WPSAs (5 % w/v) with 100 mM NaCl maintained clarity, transparency, and good flowability even after 30 min of heating at 100 °C. However, suspensions prepared by untreated WPI turned into milky white gels. WPSAs had a reduced Zeta potential at pH 7 compared to WPI, making them more resistant to the electrostatic screening caused by NaCl. Additionally, WPSAs exhibited reduced sensitivity to heat treatment due to a more compact structure achieved through preheating modification. In light of these findings, a straightforward and effective method was presented for regulating the heat and ionic strength tolerance of whey protein aggregates.

Skeletal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Promote Meniscal Tear Healing and Ameliorate Secondary Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The self-repair ability after meniscal tears is poor, leading to the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Promoting the repair of meniscal injuries remains a great challenge, especially in the avascular region. HYPOTHESIS: Local delivery of skeletal stem cell (SSC)-derived exosomes (SSC-Exos) would promote meniscal healing and prevent secondary osteoarthritis progression. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: SSCs were isolated from bone marrow and exosomes were extracted via ultracentrifugation. The cell migration capabilities after incubation with exosomes were validated through in vitro cell culture. Full-thickness longitudinal medial meniscal tears were performed in the avascular region of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats and 20 male New Zealand White rabbits, which were randomly divided into 2 groups: group treated with phosphate-buffered saline (GCON) and group treated with exosomes (GExosome). The effects of these treatments on meniscal healing and secondary osteoarthritis were evaluated by gross inspection, biomechanical testing, and histological assessment. RNA sequencing of in vitro cell cultures was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: Exosomes were successfully extracted and identified. These exosomes significantly promoted cell migration capabilities in vitro (P < .01). The GExosome exhibited greater cell proliferation and tissue regeneration with type 2 collagen secretion, and a significantly higher meniscal repair score than that of the GCON at 8 weeks postoperatively (P < .05). In contrast to the degenerative changes in both the meniscus and articular cartilage of the GCON, meniscal tissue in the GExosome exhibited restoration of normal morphology with a smooth and glossy white surface and better mechanical strength at 8 weeks after meniscal repair. Both degeneration scores and synovitis scores were significantly higher in the GCON than in the GExosome (P < .05). Compared with the GCON, the expression of key genes related to cell migration, such as the chemokine family, was enhanced by exosome injection, leading to an upregulation of extracellular matrix expression while downregulating the expression of inflammation-related genes such as CD68 and the matrix metalloproteinase family. CONCLUSION: The administration of SSC-Exos effectively promoted meniscal healing in the avascular region and ameliorated secondary osteoarthritis. The effect might be attributed to inflammation modulation, promotion of cell migration, and secretion of extracellular matrix components. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Injection of SSC-Exos represents a promising therapeutic option for promoting meniscal healing in the avascular region.

Tandem Protocol for Diversified Deuteration of Secondary Aliphatic Amines under Mild Conditions.

Deuteration of amine compounds has been widely of concern because of its practical role in organic reaction mechanisms and drug research; however, only limited deuteration label methods are accessible with D2O as a deuterium source. Herein, we propose a convenient deuteration protocol, including preparing D2 by the AlGa activation method, using PtRu nanowires as catalysts, and utilizing the elementary step in the couple reaction involving an imine unit, to realize the rapid preparation of a secondary amine with a diversified deuteration label. The self-coupling between nitriles not only provides a symmetric secondary amine with four α-D atoms but also produces high-valued ND3 in an atomic-economic way.

Food from Equids-Commercial Fermented Mare's Milk (Koumiss) Products: Protective Effects against Alcohol Intoxication.

Fermented mare's milk (koumiss), a traditional Central Asian dairy product derived from fermented mare's milk, is renowned for its unique sour taste and texture. It has long been consumed by nomadic tribes for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the protective effects of koumiss against alcohol-induced harm across behavioral, hematological, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and reproductive dimensions using a mouse model. Optimal intoxicating doses of alcohol and koumiss doses were determined, and their effects were explored through sleep tests and blood indicator measurements. Pretreatment with koumiss delayed inebriation, accelerated sobering, and reduced mortality in mice, mitigating alcohol's impact on blood ethanol levels and various physiological parameters. Histopathological and molecular analyses further confirmed koumiss's protective role against alcohol-induced damage in the liver, stomach, small intestine, and reproductive system. Transcriptomic studies on reproductive damage indicated that koumiss exerts its benefits by influencing mitochondrial and ribosomal functions and also shows promise in mitigating alcohol's effects on the reproductive system. In summary, koumiss emerges as a potential natural agent for protection against alcohol-induced harm, opening avenues for future research in this field.

Room-Temperature Self-Healing and Recyclable Self-Crosslinked Isosorbide-Based Adhesive Bioelastomer.

Recently, renewable bio-based materials have received more and more attention due to environmental issues such as global warming and ecosystem destruction. In the present work, a series of isosorbide-based bioelastomers poly(isosorbide carbonate-co-butanediol aliphatic esters)s (PICBAs) are synthesized by a facile and economical two-step melt polycondensation. Due to the slightly self-crosslinking reaction of isosorbide, PICBAs exhibit excellent tensile strength and self-healing ability, the mechanical properties of PICBAs can recover over 95% after 48 h under room temperature. In addition, PICBAs can stick different substances, such as glass, rubber, plastic, and stones, and show better adhesive performance than 3M commercially available double-sided tape. Consequently, isosorbide-based bioelastomers PICBAs are of great potential to be used as environmentally friendly pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) in the future.

Volatile flavor profiles of douchis from different origins and varieties based on GC-IMS and GC-O-QTOF/MS analysis.

The present study comprehensively characterized the flavor differences between different varieties of douchis from different origins using headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) coupled with gas chromatography-olfactometry-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-O-QTOF/MS). A total of 91 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified using HS-GC-IMS and 70 VOCs were identified using GC-O-QTOF/MS, mainly including acids, aldehydes, esters and alcohols. Additionally, 23 key aroma-presenting compounds were screened in five douchi species using relative odor activity value (ROAV) and the aroma compounds that contributed the most to the aroma varied among the five douchi species. Comparative analysis of the GC-IMS and GC-O-QTOF/ MS results yielded 13 VOCs that were detected by both techniques. Nonanal, hexanal, eucalyptol, 1-octen-3-ol, isoamyl acetate, and 2-pentylfuran were identified as key VOCs in the douchi species using both methods. These findings will provide deeper insights for exploring flavor differences in douchi from different geographic sources.

Triple Surgical Technique for the Repair of Auricular Keloids: Achieving Perfect Restoration of the Ear Contour.

BACKGROUND: Ear keloids, often resulting from ear piercing or other traumas, significantly alter appearance, adversely impacting patients' quality of life and psychological well-being. Thus, developing an effective and esthetically pleasing surgical repair technique is crucial for enhancing patient quality of life. METHODS: This study introduces a novel tripartite surgical approach, which includes arcuate incision design, blind dissection for scar flap, and centrifugal keloid core serial shave excision (ABC for short). This technique is particularly suited for keloids induced by ear piercing that are inoperable for direct suturing or where direct suturing significantly alters the ear contour. RESULTS: In this study, 17 patients underwent the surgical treatment without observing special complications such as infection or necrosis. Long-term postoperative follow-up demonstrated good restoration of the ear contour, with only one case of recurrence. Patients expressed satisfaction with both the surgical process and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The triple surgical technique (ABC surgery method) for treating auricular keloids has demonstrated excellent repair results, significantly improving auricle shape. Despite relying on the surgeon's experience, keloid characteristics, and patient comorbidities, it provides an effective treatment option. When combined with local radiotherapy, the recurrence rate is also significantly controlled. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Construction of An Artificial Photosynthesis System with A Single CdS QDs-Ferritin Hybrid Molecule.

Establishing artificial photosynthesis systems in a simple but effective manner to mitigate the greenhouse effect and address the energy crisis remains challenging. The combination of photocatalysis technology with bioengineering is an emerging field with great potential to construct such artificial photosynthesis systems, but so far, it has barely been explored in this area. Herein, an artificial photocatalysis platform is constructed with high CO2 conversion and H2O splitting capability by integration of CdS QDs into the intra-subunit interface of H-type ferritin (Marsupenaeus japonicus), a natural ferroxidase through protein interface redesign. The crystal structure of the synthesized CdS QDs with engineered ferritin molecules as bio-templates confirmed the design at an atomic level. Notably, upon absorbing desirable visible light (≈420 nm), such a single CdS-ferritin hybrid molecule is able to selectively catalyze the reduction of CO2 into HCOOH (≈90%), meanwhile catalyzing the oxidation of H2O into O2 in an aqueous environment. The O2 production rate reached to 180 µmol g-1 h-1, and the HCOOH output hit almost 800 µmol g-1 h-1. This work advances the utilization of the four-helix bundle structure for crafting artificial photosynthesis systems, facilitating the seamless integration of bioengineering and photocatalysis technology.

Adaptability and nutritional analysis of a newly isolated Chlorella sp. NeZha in brackish and marine environments with potential bioeconomic impacts.

Introduction: The microalga Chlorella sp. NeZha, recently isolated from a balcony environment, shows significant adaptability across various salinity conditions, including seawater (SeaW), freshwater (FreshW), and high salinity levels (45‰). This study investigates its potential for sustainable aquaculture and biotechnological applications. Methods: Morphological and genetic identification were conducted using optical microscopy and DNA sequencing. The microalga was cultivated in a 400 L outdoor photobioreactor, and its biochemical composition, including chlorophyll a, carbohydrate, protein, and lipid content, was analyzed. Its compatibility with zooplankton and growth in aquaculture wastewater were also evaluated. Results: Chlorella sp. NeZha produced chlorophyll a at concentrations exceeding seaweed and Spirulina by 10- and 5-fold, respectively, with a dry weight chlorophyll a content of 34.25 mg/g and 25 pg./cell. The microalga also contained carbohydrate (~33%), protein (~20%), and lipids (~14%). It was compatible with zooplankton species, such as rotifers and brine shrimp, and showed promising growth in aquaculture wastewater. Discussion: The findings suggest that Chlorella sp. NeZha is a viable candidate for sustainable aquaculture and biotechnological applications, offering high nutritional value and environmental resilience. Its adaptability to diverse salinity conditions and ability to thrive in wastewater highlight its potential for bioremediation and use as feedstock for zooplankton. Further research is recommended to optimize its cultivation and explore broader applications.

The dynamic changes of flavor characteristics of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) during puffing revealed by GC-MS combined with HS-GC-IMS.

To improve the ease of eating sea cucumbers, we investigated the impact of puffing temperature (190 °C - 250 °C) and time (1-5 min) on their quality and flavor. As temperature and time increased, sea cucumber puffing significantly enhanced. The microstructure of the puffed sea cucumber exhibited a uniform porous structure at 230 °C for 4 min. However, further puffing treatment caused the void to collapse. A total of 81 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified using HS-GC-IMS, and 18 VOCs with Relative odor activity value (ROAV) ≥1 were identified. The content of fishy compounds, such as dimethyl sulfide, 1-octanal, and 1-nonanal in sea cucumbers gradually decreased with increasing temperature and time. Combined with GC-MS analysis indicating that the flavor of sea cucumbers puffed at 250 °C for 5 min was superior. Our findings suggest new avenues for sea cucumber processing and address the limited research on puffing techniques for protein-based raw materials.

Structure of yuba films at the air/liquid interface as effected by the interfacial adsorption behavior of protein aggregates.

The effects of adsorption behavior and assembly mechanism of proteins and lipids at the interface on the formation of yuba films were investigated. The thickness of yuba films increased rapidly from nano to micro scale within minutes according to the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), SEM images, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the formation of protein aggregates (40-100 nm) was an essential requirement for the development of yuba. Meanwhile, a relatively loose spatial structure was formed by protein aggregates under the influence of water vapor. This structure served as the foundation for incorporating lipids. Interfacial adsorption kinetics indicated that increasing the concentration (from 3 to 9 mg/mL) of protein aggregates enhanced the rearrangement rate. This finding demonstrated that the variations of interfacial protein aggregate concentration were a crucial factor leading to the non-linear growth of film thickness.

Proteome and metabolomic profile of Mongolian horse follicular fluid during follicle development.

During follicular development, changes in the composition of the follicular fluid are synchronized with the development of oocytes. Our aim was to screen the key factors affecting oocyte maturation and optimize the in vitro culture protocol by understanding the changes of proteins and metabolites in follicular fluid. Follicles are divided into three groups according to their diameter (small follicle fluid (SFF): 10 mm < d < 20 mm; medium follicle fluid (MFF): 20 mm < d < 30 mm; large follicle fluid (LFF): 30 mm < d). Proteins and metabolites from the follicular fluid were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The results showed that: in LFF vs MFF, 20 differential abundant protein (DAP) and 88 differential abundant metabolites (DAM) were screened out; In SFF vs MFF, 3 DAPs and 65 DAMs were screened out; In MFF vs SFF, 24 DAPs and 35 DAMs were screened out. The analysis of differential proteins and metabolites showed that glycerophosphate hydrolysis decreased during follicular development, and proteins played a major role in metabolism and binding. In addition, DAMs and DAPs are co-enriched in the "linoleic acid metabolism" pathway. Combinatorial analysis reveals the dynamic profile of follicular fluid during follicular development and provides fundation for further exploring the function of follicular fluid in Mongolian horse.

Lidocaine and risk of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy: a randomised clinical trial.

The dose-response of intravenous lidocaine in preventing postoperative vomiting (POV) in children remains unclear. This study investigated whether intravenous lidocaine dose-dependently decreased POV risk within 24 h postoperatively in children undergoing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) without severe complications. Patients aged 3-12 years (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I-II) scheduled for elective tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) were enroled from December 2021 to March 2022. They were randomly grouped according to the lidocaine dose (A [0 mg kg-1], B [1 mg kg-1], C [1.5 mg kg-1], and D [2 mg kg-1]) and were administered the same induction protocol (sufentanil, propofol, and suxamethonium chloride). Anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. The incidence of POV within 24 h postoperatively was 46, 40, 36, and 20% in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively, with significant differences between groups D and A. Postoperative analgesic rescues in groups A, B, C, and D were 62, 36, 34, and 16%, respectively, with significant differences between groups D and B, C and A, and D and A. No severe adverse events were reported. Intravenous lidocaine has a dose-dependent effect on reducing the risk of POV in children undergoing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) without serious adverse events.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100053006.

Weakly Supervised Classification for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma with Transformer in Whole Slide Images.

Pathological examination of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an indispensable factor for diagnosis, guiding clinical treatment and judging prognosis. Traditional and fully supervised NPC diagnosis algorithms require manual delineation of regions of interest on the gigapixel of whole slide images (WSIs), which however is laborious and often biased. In this paper, we propose a weakly supervised framework based on Tokens-to-Token Vision Transformer (WS-T2T-ViT) for accurate NPC classification with only a slide-level label. The label of tile images is inherited from their slide-level label. Specifically, WS-T2T-ViT is composed of the multi-resolution pyramid, T2T-ViT and multi-scale attention module. The multi-resolution pyramid is designed for imitating the coarse-to-fine process of manual pathological analysis to learn features from different magnification levels. The T2T module captures the local and global features to overcome the lack of global information. The multi-scale attention module improves classification performance by weighting the contributions of different granularity levels. Extensive experiments are performed on the 802-patient NPC and CAMELYON16 dataset. WS-T2T-ViT achieves an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.989 for NPC classification on the NPC dataset. The experiment results of CAMELYON16 dataset demonstrate the robustness and generalizability of WS-T2T-ViT in WSI-level classification.

Associations of E-proteinoid 3 receptor genetic polymorphisms with salt sensitivity, longitudinal blood pressure changes, and hypertension incidence in Chinese adults.

The E-proteinoid 3 receptor (PTGER3), a member of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) subtype receptor, belongs to the G-protein-coupled superfamily of receptors. Animal studies have demonstrated its involvement in salt sensitivity by regulating sodium reabsorption. This study aimed to investigate the association between genetic variants of PTGER3 and salt sensitivity, longitudinal blood pressure (BP) changes, and the incidence of hypertension in Chinese adults. A chronic salt intake intervention was conducted involving 514 adults from 124 families in the 2004 Baoji Salt-Sensitivity Study Cohort in northern China. These participants followed a 3-day regular baseline diet, followed by a 7-day low-salt diet (3.0 g/d) and a 7-day high-salt diet (18 g/d), and were subsequently followed for 14 years. The findings revealed a significant relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs17482751 of PTGER3 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) response to high salt intervention. Additionally, SNPs rs11209733, rs3765894, and rs2268062 were significantly associated with longitudinal changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), DBP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during the 14-year follow-up period. SNP rs6424414 was significantly associated with longitudinal changes in DBP over 14 years. Finally, SNP rs17482751 showed a significant correlation with the incidence of hypertension over 14 years. These results emphasize the significant role of PTGER3 gene polymorphism in salt sensitivity, longitudinal BP changes, and the development of hypertension in the Chinese population.