1.Ionizing Radiation-induced Lens Injury: Epidemiology, Dose-effect Relationship, and Molecular Mechanisms
Cheng-Hao HU ; Shao-Han REN ; Hai-Tao ZHANG ; Jing-Ming ZHAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):688-696
The crystalline lens of the eye is recognized as one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the human body. While the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has classified ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cataracts as a tissue reaction (deterministic effect) and subsequently reduced the occupational equivalent dose limit for the lens, significant uncertainties remain regarding the precise dose threshold and the complex biological pathways driving lens opacification. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge concerning radiation-induced lens damage, integrating epidemiological exposure characteristics with dose-response modeling and mechanistic molecular insights. First, we analyze exposure characteristics through four epidemiological dimensions: dose, time, space, and population. Clinical evidence suggests that radiation cataracts—particularly posterior subcapsular opacities—exhibit a distinct latency period that is inversely correlated with dose. We highlight that risk is not confined to acute high-dose scenarios (such as in atomic bomb survivors) but is increasingly relevant in chronic low-dose occupational settings (e.g., interventional radiology) and medical diagnostics (e.g., CT scans). Crucially, individual susceptibility is modified by genetic background, age, and environmental co-factors, complicating risk assessment. Second, we critically examine the dose-effect relationship. Although the ICRP suggests a threshold of 0.5 Gy, emerging data challenge the traditional threshold model, with some studies advocating for a linear non-threshold (LNT) relationship. We further discuss the critical roles of radiation quality and dose rate. High linear energy transfer (LET) radiation demonstrates a significantly higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for cataractogenesis compared to low-LET radiation. Paradoxically, and unlike many other tissues, the lens may exhibit an “inverse dose-rate effect,” where fractionated or protracted exposures potentially enhance biological damage—a finding that challenges classical radiobiological paradigms. Third, drawing upon the “cataractogenic load” hypothesis and the unique physiological constraints of the lens, this review elucidates the multidimensional molecular mechanisms driving radiation-induced opacification. Key mechanisms include four aspects. (1) DNA damage and repair: IR induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that, due to the lens’ limited repair capacity (modulated by genes such as ATM, Ptch1, and Ercc2), lead to the accumulation of damage. (2) Antioxidant defense system: dysfunction of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant axis results in redox imbalances, triggering NF-κB-mediated inflammation and protein aggregation. (3) Cell proliferation and senescence: IR disrupts cell cycle regulation, causing a dichotomy of effects—driving premature senescence in some cell populations (evidenced by ATM nuclear foci) while inducing aberrant proliferation via growth factor upregulation (FGF2, TGFβ) in others. (4) Cell migration and adhesion: activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway and alterations in the E-cadherin complex promote the abnormal migration of epithelial cells to the posterior capsule, a hallmark of radiation-induced cataracts. In conclusion, radiation-induced cataractogenesis is a multifactorial process in which genetic susceptibility and environmental stressors converge to overwhelm the lens’ homeostatic thresholds. Future research must prioritize longitudinal cohort studies to refine dose thresholds and employ multi-omics approaches to map the crosstalk between DNA damage responses and matrix remodeling. Establishing a robust mechanistic model is essential for developing targeted radioprotective strategies and optimizing radiation protection standards for occupational and medical safety.
2.Effects of Gan Jiang-Huang Qin-Huang Lian-Ren Shen Decoction on pyroptosis of colonic epithelial cells in mouse models of ulcerative colitis via NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway
Ce ZHOU ; Ze-lin YI ; Ming-xing ZHANG ; Hai-chen LI ; Yang YANG ; Min CHEN ; Ying-hua WU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1817-1824
AIM To investigate the effects of Gan Jiang-Huang Qin-Huang Lian-Ren Shen Decoction(GJHQHLRSD)on the pyroptosis,pathway of colonic epithelial cells in mouse models of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS Among the 63 C57BL/6J mice,13 were randomly selected and assigned to the model group,and the others were divided into the control group,the positive Sulfasalazine Enteric-Coated Tablets group(0.6 g/kg),and low,medium,and high dose GJHQHLRSD groups(3.9,7.8,15.6 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group.The UC mouse model was established using DSS,and the corresponding drugs were administered by gavage.The mice had their general condition observed;their disease activity index(DAI)score assessed;their colon length measured;their histopathological damage of the colon analyzed using HE staining;their colonic IL-1β,IL-8,and TNF-α levels measured by ELISA method;their colonic NLRP3,GSDMD,pro-IL-1β,pro-caspase-1,and IL-1βprotein expression detected by Western blot method;and their cell pyroptosis detected by TUNEL and GSDMD fluorescence double staining.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited significant decrease in body weight and a shortened colon length(P<0.01);increases in DAI score,levels of IL-1β,IL-8,TNF-α,as well as the protein expressions of NLRP3,GSDMD,and active-caspase-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);significant increase of colonic GSDMD and TUNEL positivity;indicating increased tissue damage and inflammatory response.Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with GJHQHLRSD showed a significant increase in body weight and colonic elongation(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreases in DAI score,levels of IL-1β,IL-8,TNF-α,as well as the protein expressions of NLRP3,GSDMD,and active-caspase-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);a gradient decrease in positivity of GSDMD and TUNEL;indicating a significantly reduced colonic pathological damage.CONCLUSION GJHQHLRSD can improve the DSS-induced inflammatory reaction of colonic mucosa in UC mice,and its mechanism mainly involves the NLRP3/caspase-1,thereby the regulation of the cell pyroptosis process.
3.Research on trust enhancement pathway of essential public health services from the perspective of health risk governance
Yu ZHANG ; Rui-ke YOU ; Yang ZHAO ; Hai-ming FAN ; Yan-qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(11):25-30
The essential public health services is an important component of China's health risk governance system.It possesses both institutional and emotional attributes and addresses potential risk factors in health risk governance by forming a rational pathway and an emotional pathway:essential public health services guide-trust in government enhancement-improve health risk governance capacity.The rational pathway strengthens calculative trust through institutional reinforcement mechanisms,fostering the public's cognitive trust in government departments.The emotional pathway follows the principle of satisfaction,strengthening non-calculative trust through emotional communication and cultivating the public's emotional trust in government departments.By reinforcing both cognitive and emotional trust among the public,essential public health services improved the level of health information reserves and the guidance of medical service order,thereby improving health risk governance capacity.
4.Effects of Gan Jiang-Huang Qin-Huang Lian-Ren Shen Decoction on pyroptosis of colonic epithelial cells in mouse models of ulcerative colitis via NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway
Ce ZHOU ; Ze-lin YI ; Ming-xing ZHANG ; Hai-chen LI ; Yang YANG ; Min CHEN ; Ying-hua WU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1817-1824
AIM To investigate the effects of Gan Jiang-Huang Qin-Huang Lian-Ren Shen Decoction(GJHQHLRSD)on the pyroptosis,pathway of colonic epithelial cells in mouse models of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS Among the 63 C57BL/6J mice,13 were randomly selected and assigned to the model group,and the others were divided into the control group,the positive Sulfasalazine Enteric-Coated Tablets group(0.6 g/kg),and low,medium,and high dose GJHQHLRSD groups(3.9,7.8,15.6 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group.The UC mouse model was established using DSS,and the corresponding drugs were administered by gavage.The mice had their general condition observed;their disease activity index(DAI)score assessed;their colon length measured;their histopathological damage of the colon analyzed using HE staining;their colonic IL-1β,IL-8,and TNF-α levels measured by ELISA method;their colonic NLRP3,GSDMD,pro-IL-1β,pro-caspase-1,and IL-1βprotein expression detected by Western blot method;and their cell pyroptosis detected by TUNEL and GSDMD fluorescence double staining.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited significant decrease in body weight and a shortened colon length(P<0.01);increases in DAI score,levels of IL-1β,IL-8,TNF-α,as well as the protein expressions of NLRP3,GSDMD,and active-caspase-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);significant increase of colonic GSDMD and TUNEL positivity;indicating increased tissue damage and inflammatory response.Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with GJHQHLRSD showed a significant increase in body weight and colonic elongation(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreases in DAI score,levels of IL-1β,IL-8,TNF-α,as well as the protein expressions of NLRP3,GSDMD,and active-caspase-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);a gradient decrease in positivity of GSDMD and TUNEL;indicating a significantly reduced colonic pathological damage.CONCLUSION GJHQHLRSD can improve the DSS-induced inflammatory reaction of colonic mucosa in UC mice,and its mechanism mainly involves the NLRP3/caspase-1,thereby the regulation of the cell pyroptosis process.
5.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide ameliorates ovarian granulosa cell aging in rats by activating CAMKK2/AMPK/MCU signaling pathway
Xiao-dan LIU ; Chen LING ; Lu LIU ; Jing PU ; Hai-bin MA ; Hui-ming MA ; Wen-ping ZHANG ; Dong-mei CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1116-1125
Aim To explore the mechanism of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(LbGP)improving aging in rat primary ovarian granulosa cells.Methods This study divided the cells into a normal group,a DOX group,and four different LbGP concentration treatment groups post-DOX intervention.Results Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8,EDU,and Ki67 assays,while aging markers and mitochondrial function-related fac-tors were detected using immunofluorescence and West-ern blotting.The results showed that,compared to the DOX group,LbGP treatment significantly increased cell viability(P<0.05)and promoted proliferation(P<0.05).Post LbGP treatment,the β-galactosidase-posi-tive area in cells was significantly reduced compared to the DOX group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence re-sults indicated that,compared to the DOX group,levels of p21 and γH2AX significantly decreased(P<0.05),while pRB increased(P<0.05)after LbGP treatment.Western blot results showed that,compared to the DOX group,the aging phenotype proteins p21 and p53 significantly decreased(P<0.05),and pRB notably increased(P<0.05)in the LbGP treatment group.The release of cytC into the cytoplasm and the activated caspase-9 significantly decreased(P<0.05);levels of CAMKK2,pAMPK,and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis regulator MCU increased(P<0.05);nuclear energy metabolism-related proteins SirT1,PGC1α/β and ATP5A1 significantly increased(P<0.05);compared to the DOX group,ROS levels significantly decreased after LbGP treatment(P<0.05).Conclusions The results suggest that LbGP can ameliorate DOX-induced aging in rat primary ovar-ian granulosa cells,potentially through the upregulation of the CAMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway,thereby im-proving mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and increas-ing the expression levels of cell energy metabolism-re-lated regulatory proteins.This provides an experimen-tal basis for LbGP's potential role in supporting the im-provement of ovarian function.
6.Icariin improves injury of tight junctional function by regulating balance of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in testicular Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice
Yao-ting CHENG ; Chang-cheng ZHANG ; Guo-qing FU ; Tan WANG ; Jian-min MAO ; Jian-ming SUN ; Hai-xia ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1091-1098
Aim To explore the protective effect of icariin on the damage of tight junctional function of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice and the related mechanism.Methods 15-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into three groups:aging model group,low-dose and high-dose icariin treatment group(5 and 20 mg·kg-1).Another 1-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were considered as adult control group(n=10).The mice in adult control group and aging model group were given the vehicle(0.5%sodi-um carboxymethyl cellulose solution)by intragastric administration,while the mice in icariin-treated groups were given different concentrations of icariin,respec-tively.After continuous administration of icariin for three months,the testes and epididymis were immedi-ately removed,weighed,and the organ index was calcu-lated.Sperm viability and sperm concentration in epi-didymis were measured.The morphological changes of testes were observed by HE staining.The ultrastructur-al changes of tight junctions of Sertoli cells were ob-served by transmission electron microscopy.The ex-pression levels of tight junction-related proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudin11 of testicular Sertoli cells were detected by Western blot.The expression and localiza-tion of ZO-1,Occludin,Raptor,Rictor,p-70S6K,and p-rps6 were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the aging model group,icariin signifi-cantly increased testicular weight and its index,and ep-ididymal index,improved sperm viability and increased sperm concentration in naturally aging mice.In addi-tion,icariin improved the degeneration of testicular morphology and the damage of ultrastructure of Sertoli cell tight junction with aging.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that icariin up-regulated the expres-sion of ZO-1 and Occludin,but had no significant effect on the expression of Claudin 11.Immunofluorescence assay showed that icariin up-regulated the expression of Rictor,and down-regulated the expression of p-70S6K,p-rps6 and Raptor.Conclusions Icariin improves the tight junction damage of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice,and its mechanism may be related to restoring the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2.
7.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide ameliorates ovarian granulosa cell aging in rats by activating CAMKK2/AMPK/MCU signaling pathway
Xiao-dan LIU ; Chen LING ; Lu LIU ; Jing PU ; Hai-bin MA ; Hui-ming MA ; Wen-ping ZHANG ; Dong-mei CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1116-1125
Aim To explore the mechanism of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(LbGP)improving aging in rat primary ovarian granulosa cells.Methods This study divided the cells into a normal group,a DOX group,and four different LbGP concentration treatment groups post-DOX intervention.Results Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8,EDU,and Ki67 assays,while aging markers and mitochondrial function-related fac-tors were detected using immunofluorescence and West-ern blotting.The results showed that,compared to the DOX group,LbGP treatment significantly increased cell viability(P<0.05)and promoted proliferation(P<0.05).Post LbGP treatment,the β-galactosidase-posi-tive area in cells was significantly reduced compared to the DOX group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence re-sults indicated that,compared to the DOX group,levels of p21 and γH2AX significantly decreased(P<0.05),while pRB increased(P<0.05)after LbGP treatment.Western blot results showed that,compared to the DOX group,the aging phenotype proteins p21 and p53 significantly decreased(P<0.05),and pRB notably increased(P<0.05)in the LbGP treatment group.The release of cytC into the cytoplasm and the activated caspase-9 significantly decreased(P<0.05);levels of CAMKK2,pAMPK,and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis regulator MCU increased(P<0.05);nuclear energy metabolism-related proteins SirT1,PGC1α/β and ATP5A1 significantly increased(P<0.05);compared to the DOX group,ROS levels significantly decreased after LbGP treatment(P<0.05).Conclusions The results suggest that LbGP can ameliorate DOX-induced aging in rat primary ovar-ian granulosa cells,potentially through the upregulation of the CAMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway,thereby im-proving mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and increas-ing the expression levels of cell energy metabolism-re-lated regulatory proteins.This provides an experimen-tal basis for LbGP's potential role in supporting the im-provement of ovarian function.
8.Icariin improves injury of tight junctional function by regulating balance of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in testicular Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice
Yao-ting CHENG ; Chang-cheng ZHANG ; Guo-qing FU ; Tan WANG ; Jian-min MAO ; Jian-ming SUN ; Hai-xia ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1091-1098
Aim To explore the protective effect of icariin on the damage of tight junctional function of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice and the related mechanism.Methods 15-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into three groups:aging model group,low-dose and high-dose icariin treatment group(5 and 20 mg·kg-1).Another 1-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were considered as adult control group(n=10).The mice in adult control group and aging model group were given the vehicle(0.5%sodi-um carboxymethyl cellulose solution)by intragastric administration,while the mice in icariin-treated groups were given different concentrations of icariin,respec-tively.After continuous administration of icariin for three months,the testes and epididymis were immedi-ately removed,weighed,and the organ index was calcu-lated.Sperm viability and sperm concentration in epi-didymis were measured.The morphological changes of testes were observed by HE staining.The ultrastructur-al changes of tight junctions of Sertoli cells were ob-served by transmission electron microscopy.The ex-pression levels of tight junction-related proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudin11 of testicular Sertoli cells were detected by Western blot.The expression and localiza-tion of ZO-1,Occludin,Raptor,Rictor,p-70S6K,and p-rps6 were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the aging model group,icariin signifi-cantly increased testicular weight and its index,and ep-ididymal index,improved sperm viability and increased sperm concentration in naturally aging mice.In addi-tion,icariin improved the degeneration of testicular morphology and the damage of ultrastructure of Sertoli cell tight junction with aging.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that icariin up-regulated the expres-sion of ZO-1 and Occludin,but had no significant effect on the expression of Claudin 11.Immunofluorescence assay showed that icariin up-regulated the expression of Rictor,and down-regulated the expression of p-70S6K,p-rps6 and Raptor.Conclusions Icariin improves the tight junction damage of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice,and its mechanism may be related to restoring the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2.
9.Establishment and application of ultra-fast real-time PCR for Brucella detection
Zhen-na XU ; Zhi-peng WU ; Wei-bin HONG ; Zhi-shen GUAN ; Qi-ming LIN ; Zuan-lan MO ; Yi-fei YE ; Hai-yan XIE ; Min LI ; Yan-qiu ZHU ; Xiao-jun LI ; Xian-peng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):278-283
This study was aimed at establishing a method of ultra-fast quantitative PCR for Brucella detection.We used an exogenous recombinant plasmid as the internal reference and targeted the T4SS secretion system,an important Brucella viru-lence factor,to design specific primers and probes.The sensitivity,specificity,and repeatability of this method were evaluated,and a standard curve was constructed.The coincidence rate of detection findings with this method versus quantitative PCR was determined.This method markedly decreased the detection time to only 10 minutes.The standard curve demonstrated a good linear relationship(Y=-3.410 7x+38.357,R2=0.998 5)with a low minimum detection limit of 10 copies/μL.The method exhibited good specificity and did not specifically amplify several common clinical bacteria other than Brucella.The de-tection of three concentrations of positive plasmids yielded coefficients of variation(CVs)of 0.20%to 0.91%,thus demonstra-ting the method's excellent repeatability.Furthermore,140 clinical samples were analyzed concurrently with the fluorescence PCR method,which yielded a 100%compliance rate and consistent results.Our findings indicated that the Brucella ultra-fast quantitative PCR was ultrafast;had high sensitivity,high specificity,and good specificity;and can be used for the clinical de-tection of Brucella and emergency investigation of epidemics.Therefore,this method is valuable for the early diagnosis of Bru-cella.
10.The Correlation between MMR and PD-L1 Protein Expression and Clinical Pathological Characteristics in Colorectal Cancer Tissues
Xian-jie MENG ; Li XIAO ; Hai-jun ZHANG ; Jian-ming HU ; Li WEI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(19):3056-3061,3113
Objective:To explore and analyze the correlation between the expression of mismatch repair(MMR)protein and programmed death ligand 1(PD-L1)in colorectal cancer(CRC)tissue and clinical pathological characteristics.Methods:The study period were from July 2021 to December 2024,200 cases of colorectal cancer patients treated in our hospital were selected as the research subjects.Collected all patient lesion tissue samples(lesion group)and adjacent tissue samples(located ≥5 cm from the tumor edge,adjacent group),and used the immunohistochemistry(IHC)method to detect the expression of Mismatch repair(MMR)(MLH1,MSH2,MSH6,and PMS2)protein and PD-L1 protein.Investigated the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients and conducted correlation analysis.Results:The positive rates of dMMR and pMMR protein expression in the lesion group were 39.00%and 70.00%,respectively,while those in the adjacent cancer group were 11.00%and 89.00%,respectively.There were significant difference compared between the lesion group and the adjacent cancer group(P<0.05).The positive rate of PD-L1 protein expression in the lesion group were 25.00%,while that in the adjacent cancer group were 80.00%.The expression of PD-L1 protein in the lesion group were significantly lower than that in the adjacent cancer group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the positive rates of MMR and PD-L1 protein expression among patients with different histological differentiation,clinical stages,and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences in the positive rates of MMR and PD-L1 protein expression among patients of different genders,ages,and disease sites(P>0.05).Spearman analysis showed there were correlation between the expression of MMR and PD-L1 proteins in colorectal cancer tissues and clinical pathological features such as histological differentiation,clinical staging,and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).Conclusion:Low expression of MMR and PD-L1 proteins are commonly observed in colorectal cancer tissues.The expression of MMR and PD-L1 proteins in colorectal cancer tissues are correlated with clinical pathological features such as histological differentiation,clinical staging,and lymph node metastasis.

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