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.Herbal Textual Research on Longan Arillus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):300-309
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the name, origin, harvesting and others of Longan Arillus by referring to the ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a foundation for developing famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it indicated that Longan Arillus was first recorded under the name of longan in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Longan Arillus gradually replaced longan as the standard name recorded in the materia medica, with additional aliases including Yizhi, Lizhinu and Yuanyan. The source of Longan Arillus used in the past dynasties was the arillus of the Sapindaceae plant Dimocarpus longan. The production regions recorded in the past dynasties were mainly Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and others. Since the Qing dynasty, Longan Arillus produced in Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi have been regarded as the finest and authentic varieties, with Fujian, Guangxi, and Guangdong remaining the primary authentic production areas today. In ancient times, the fruits were primarily harvested in August of the lunar calendar. However, modern longan cultivation typically involves harvesting ripe fruits during summer and autumn. Post-harvest processing involves removing moisture through sun-drying or baking before drying for medicinal use. Throughout history, processing methods have primarily focused on raw product, though techniques such as wine soaking and powdering have also been employed. Since modern times, it has been concluded that its quality is the best one with thick flesh, sweet taste, brownish-yellow color and tender texture. Longan Arillus possesses a sweet and warm nature, entering the heart and spleen meridians. Its primary functions are tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing the blood and calming the spirit, which is consistent in ancient and modern times. Based on the textual research, it is suggested to use the arillus of D. longan when developing the famous classical formulas containing Longan Arillus. Processing methods should be selected according to the formula requirements, where no specific processing is indicated, the raw products is recommended for medicinal use.
3.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Qianwei NI ; Xiaoying LI ; Lin KONG ; Qing XI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Zhijun SUN ; Jian MENG ; Jie ZHANG ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Bing HAN ; Yan SUN ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Kai SONG ; Haoyue XU ; Lingxue BU ; Jieying LI ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Yun LI ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(3):293-304
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OPSCC)is a malignant tumor originating from the squamous epithelium of the oro-pharyngeal mucosa,accounting for more than 90%of oropharyngeal malignancies.In recent years,human papillomavirus(HPV)infec-tion has become one of the primary etiological factors of oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma.The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyn-geal squamous carcinoma has been rising annually,with a noticeable trend toward younger populations,posing a significant threat to hu-man health.Due to the distinct biological behavior and clinical characteristics of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma com-pared to its non-HPV-related counterpart,the diagnostic and treatment strategies for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma have undergone substantial changes.Prevention and screening for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma are of critical importance.The diagnostic and treat-ment process involves multi-disciplinary collaboration,including oral and maxillofacial surgery,otolaryngology,head and neck surgery,oncology,radiology and pathology.Based on evidence from clinical practice,a comprehensive,integrated diagnostic and therapeutic ap-proach has been established,centered around the concept of"prevention,screening,diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation",covering the entire patient lifecycle and providing a valuable reference for clinical practice.
4.Mechanism of nitidine chloride against Talaromyces marneffei,determined through network pharmacology
Meng ZHANG ; Wudi WEI ; Baili ZHAN ; Xiaotao HE ; Xiaoting XIE ; Junjun JIANG ; Li YE ; Hao LIANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(7):675-681
This study was aimed at exploring the mechanism underlying the effects of nitidine chloride against Talaromyces marnef-fei through network pharmacology analysis.We collected NC and TM action targets from various databases;constructed a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network by using common drug and disease targets;and performed KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analy-ses.In vitro cellular experiments were conducted to test the antibacterial ability of NC at various concentrations,qPCR was used to de-tect the mRNA expression of genes in the target pathway,and WB was used to examine the expression of proteins associated with tar-get signaling pathways in cells.We identified 153 target genes for NC and 2 095 target genes for TM,among which 23 targets over-lapped.By integrating the PPI network with KEGG enrichment analysis,we selected key target genes in the MAPK signaling pathway,such as FLT1,FLT3,CD38,and PRF1.The CFU results indicated that NC had favorable antibacterial capability.Moreover,qPCR demonstrated that NC downregulated the mRNA expression of FLT1,FLT3,and RPS6KA3,and upregulated the mRNA expression of MAP3K8.WB findings indicated that NC downregulated the expression of RSK2,VEGF,and FLT3 proteins,and upregulated the ex-pression of MAP3K8 protein.NC may exert its anti-TM effects by downregulating the expression of RSK2,VEGF,and FLT3 proteins,thereby inhibiting MAPK pathway activation.The potential targets and signaling pathways underlying NC's anti-TM action may pro-vide new insights to guide the clinical application of NC.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Spatholobi Caulis in Famous Classical Formulas
Yajie XIANG ; Yangyang LIU ; Jian FENG ; Chun YAO ; Erwei HAO ; Wenlan LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):238-248
Through consulting herbal medicine, medical books, and local chronicles from past dynasties to modern times, this paper systematically researched Spatholobi Caulis from name, origin, producing areas, harvesting, processing, usage, quality evaluation, functions and indications, providing a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Spatholobi Caulis. According to the research, Spatholobi Caulis was first recorded in the Annals of Shunning Prefecture from the Qing dynasty. It was originally a medicinal herb commonly used in Shunning, Yunnan, and was named from the red juice resembling chicken blood that flowed out after the vein was cut off. The mainstream original plants of each dynasty were Kadsura heteroclita and Spatholobus suberectus. Among them, K. heteroclita mainly focused on dispersing blood stasis and unblocking meridians, mainly treating rheumatic pain and injuries caused by falls or blows, and it is mostly used as the raw material of Jixueteng ointments. S. suberectus was commonly used as decoction pieces in decoction, which had the functions of promoting blood circulation and replenishing blood, activating meridians and collaterals, and mainly used for treating anemia, irregular menstruation, and rheumatic bone pain. The production area of Spatholobi Caulis recorded in the Qing dynasty was Yunnan. Currently, the main production area of S. suberectus is Guangxi, while the main production area of K. interior is Yunnan. In the Qing dynasty, the usage of Spatholobi Caulis was an individual prescription with other herbs before making ointments, which was usually composed of the juice of it, safflower, angelica, and glutinous rice. But in modern times, Spatholobi Caulis is mostly sliced and dried for use. The quality of Spatholobi Caulis is often determined by the number of reddish-brown concentric circles on the cut surface, with a higher number indicating better quality. Additionally, the presence of resinous secretions is also considered desirable. Based on the research findings, it is suggested that when developing famous classical formulas containing Spatholobi Caulis, the choice of the primary source should be S. suberectus or K. heteroclita, taking into consideration the therapeutic effects of the formula. It is also recommended that the latest plant classification be referenced in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, adjusting the primary source of Kadsurae Caulis to K. heteroclita to avoid confusion caused by inconsistent original names, and the functions adjust to promote Qi circulation and relieve pain, disperse blood stasis and unblock collaterals, treating injuries caused by falls and bruises.
6.Advances in Nanozyme-Aptamer Systems for the Detection of Foodborne Pathogens
Hao LIANG ; Shiyu JIA ; Zhou ZHAN ; Yujiao CAI ; Xiangheng NIU
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(5):1251-1259
Food safety problems caused by foodborne pathogenic bacteria pose a serious threat to public health,creating an urgent need to develop testing methods and techniques with excellent performance and are simple to use and of affordable cost.Traditional testing methods,such as isolation and culture,morphological observation,biochemical identification,and serological tests,have many limitations,including complex procedures,reliance on specialized technical equipment and personnel,and long turnaround time,rendering them inadequate for meeting current and future testing demands.Therefore,it is particularly important to develop simple,rapid,and highly sensitive methods for analyzing pathogenic bacteria.The fusion of nucleic acid aptamers and nanozymes brings new ideas for the rapid testing of pathogenic bacteria.On one hand,aptamers offer specific recognition capability for target bacteria and can be combined with various nucleic acid signal amplification techniques.On the other hand,the enzyme-like catalytic activity and signal amplification effect of many nanomaterials provide a basis for highly sensitive testing.This review highlights the application potential of nanozyme?aptamer coupling systems in the field of microbial analysis by briefly summarizing the latest research progress in the use of nanozymes combined with aptamers for the detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria.First of all,two main approaches to conjugating nanozymes with aptamers are introduced.Then,the testing mechanisms and typical applications of nanozyme?aptamer coupling systems for foodborne pathogenic bacteria are discussed.Finally,future development trends and existing challenges are disucssed from four perspectives,including specificity,high sensitivity,high throughput,and intelligent detection.This review aims to provide a useful reference for the fusion of nanozymes and aptamers and for the development of on-site rapid testing techniques for foodborne pathogens,and to encourage broader academic interest to further advance this promising research field.
7.Association of digit ratio with polymorphisms at three loci of matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene in Ningxia Han youths
Meng-Yi YANG ; Jin ZHANG ; Shi-Bo NIU ; Jie DANG ; Zhan-Bing MA ; Hong LU ; Zheng-Hao HUO ; Yu XU ; Dan SHEN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(1):74-79
Objective To investigate the association of digit ratio with single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)at three loci(rs17576,rs3918249,rs9509)of matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP-9)gene.Methods A total of 804 Ningxia Han youths(399 males and 405 females)were used as the study subjects.A digital camera was used to take frontal photographs of the hands,and image analysis software was used to mark the anatomical points and measure the lengths of each finger of both hands(2D,3D,4D,5D);Multiplexed PCR was used to detect the three polymorphic sites of the MMP-9 gene,SPSS 25.0 and R Studio software were used for data analysis and plotting.Results The 2D/3D(P<0.05)and 2D/4D(left,P<0.01,right,P<0.05)of both hands,2D/5D(P<0.01),3D/5D,4D/5D(P<0.05)of the right hand,and 3D/4D(P<0.05)of the left hand in female youths of Ningxia Han were significantly higher than those in males,Differences in genotypes and allele frequencies at all 3 loci of the MMP-9 gene were not statistically significant between genders(P>0.05).Right hand 2D/4D was significantly associated with genotypes at the rs17576 and rs3918249 loci in male youths(P<0.05).Conclusion MMP-9 gene SNPs(rs17576 and rs3918249)may be associated with the formation of 2D/4D of Ningxia Han male youths.
8.Value of atherosclerotic index of plasma in predicting risk of coronary heart disease in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Shumin YUAN ; Xiaofang OUYANG ; Hao QIN ; Dongsheng LI ; Ting ZHAN ; Meng LIU ; Zheng HAN ; Xia TIAN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(11):55-60
Objective To investigate the predictive value of atherosclerotic index of plasma(AIP)for the risk of coronary heart disease(CHD)in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in 299 patients with NAFLD.Based on presence or absence of CHD,the patients were divided into NAFLD with CHD group(n=177)and NAFLD group(n=122).Clinical data were collected from both groups,and AIP was calculat-ed.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the independent risk factors for CHD in patients with NAFLD.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to evalu-ate the predictive value of AIP for the risk of CHD in patients with NAFLD.Results The NAFLD with CHD group had a higher proportion of males,smokers,and higher levels of alanine aminotrans-ferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),triglycerides(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT),uric acid(UA),and AIP than the NAFLD group.The NAFLD with CHD group also had lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)than the NAFLD group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that males(OR=2.548,95%CI,1.402 to 4.632,P=0.002),high levels of AST(OR=1.038,95%CI,1.002 to 1.077,P=0.041),high levels of LDL-C(OR=1.811,95%CI,1.242 to 2.640,P=0.002),and high AIP(OR=16.117,95%CI,1.874 to 138.609,P=0.011)were independent risk factors for CHD in patients with NAFLD(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that AIP had an area under the curve of 0.746(95%CI,0.688 to 0.804)for pre-dicting CHD in patients with NAFLD,with a sensitivity of 76.3%and a specificity of 73.0%.Conclusion AIP is an independent influencing factor for CHD in patients with NAFLD and has certain predictive value for the risk of CHD in these patients.
9.Predictive value of serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor,monocyte chemoattractant factor-1 levels combined with capillary leak index for acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with sepsis
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(18):1-5,13
Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum macrophage migration inhibi-tory factor(MIF),monocyte chemoattractant factor-1(MCP-1)levels combined with capillary leak index(CLI)for acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)in patients with sepsis.Methods A total of 212 patients with sepsis were selected as the study subjects.Their clinical manifestations,chest X-ray plain film,and CT scan results were observed.The patients were divided into ARDS group(62 cases)and non-ARDS group(150 cases).The serum MIF and MCP-1 levels and CLI of the two groups were compared.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen the influencing fac-tors for ARDS in patients with sepsis.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was em-ployed to evaluate the predictive efficacy of relevant indicators for ARDS in patients with sepsis.Results The serum MIF and MCP-1 levels and CLI in the ARDS group were all higher than those in the non-ARDS group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The oxygenation index in the ARDS group was lower than that in the non-ARDS group,while the Acute Physiology and Chron-ic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score were higher than those in the non-ARDS group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a low oxygenation index,high APACHE Ⅱscore,high SOFA score,high serum MIF level,high serum MCP-1 level,and high CLI were all in-dependent risk factors for ARDS in patients with sepsis(P<0.05).The ROC curve demonstrated that the areas under the curve(AUCs)for predicting ARDS in patients with sepsis by MIF,MCP-1,and CLI alone and their combination were 0.902,0.818,0.708,and 0.932,respectively.The combined prediction had the highest efficacy,with a sensitivity of 96.77%and a specificity of 96.67%.Conclusion Serum MIF and MCP-1 levels and CLI are all closely related to ARDS in patients with sepsis.The combined application of these three indicators has a high predictive value for ARDS in patients with sepsis.
10.Observation on the Efficacy of Interventional Embolism in the Treatment of Non-bronchial Hemoptysis
Shujuan ZUO ; Hao LIANG ; Pengchao ZHAN ; Ming ZHENG ; Meng SHEN ; Zhaojun LI ; Qingliang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(10):623-627
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of interventional embolism in the treatment of hemoptysis from non-bronchial arterial system.Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 23 cases of non-bronchial artery system derived hemoptysis from February 2017 to November 2024.The hemorrhagic blood vessels were only the non-bronchial artery system in 6 cases,and from the non-bronchial artery system and bronchial arteries in 17 cases.Sources of non-bronchial artery systems included 14 intercostal arteries,5 thyrocervical trunk,5 subscapular arteries,4 internal thoracic arteries,3 external thoracic arteries,5 diaphragmatic arteries,1 renal artery,and 1 left gastric artery.All the patients were treated with interventional embolism.Recurrence rate was followed up and postoperative complications were recorded.Results The immediate hemostasis rate after surgery was 95.7%(22/23).In one case,hemoptysis was relapsed within 24 h after the operation due to omission of diaphragmatic artery,and hemoptysis did not recurred after the secondary embolization.After surgery,there was 1 case of abdominal discomfort,2 cases of fever,and 2 cases of chest pain.The symptoms disappeared after conservative treatment.After the operation,the follow-up was 4-36 months(median,30 months).A total of 20 patients did not re-develop hemoptysis,while 3 had relapsed hemoptysis at 4 months,4 months,and 36 months after operation,respectively,with a recurrence rate of 13.0%(3/23).No serious complications occurred.Conclusion Interventional embolism is effective in the treatment of non-bronchial hemoptysis,which is safe and feasible.

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