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

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

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

Core Supportive Care Needs of Ostomy Patients at Different Postoperative Times: A Network Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aims and Objectives

To identify the core supportive care needs of ostomy patients across the postoperative period using network analysis to inform targeted interventions.

Design

This cross-sectional study was conducted according to the STROBE guidelines.

Methods

This study included 588 ostomy patients from three tertiary Grade-A hospitals in China between December 2023 and March 2024. Supportive care needs were assessed using an adapted version of the short form of the Supportive Care Needs Survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and network analysis to explore the interconnections and centrality of symptoms across four postoperative periods (< 1, 1–3, 4–6 and > 6 months).

Results

Supportive care needs varied significantly across the postoperative period in patients undergoing ostomy. The Stoma Support domain consistently achieved the highest scores across all the stages. Central symptoms differed by period, featuring ‘feeling down or depressed’ (< 1 month), ‘acquiring knowledge of stoma complication management’ (1–3 months), ‘gaining knowledge of stoma bag prices and extended use’ (4–6 months) and ‘keeping a positive outlook’ (> 6 months).

Conclusion

Supportive care needs vary significantly across postoperative periods, with a network analysis identifying stage-specific core symptoms. These findings provide the foundation for targeted interventions.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Tailored, stage-specific care strategies are crucial for addressing the dynamic needs of ostomy patients. Early psychological support, mid-recovery practical guidance and long-term resilience-building interventions can improve patient outcomes.

Patient or Public Contribution

None.