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.Comparative Analysis of Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Manipulative Reduction Combined with Small Splint Fixation Versus Surgical Treatment for Type A Distal Radius Fracture
Yang SHAO ; Zihan WANG ; Jianwei WANG ; Guoda DAI ; Hengyan CUI ; Zhen HUA ; Tingchen ZHU ; Shaoshuo LI ; Jun MAO ; Fenghua CHEN ; Shuai TAO ; Mao WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1078-1085
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation versus surgical treatment for type A distal radius fracture (DRF) and to explore the factors influencing the choice of treatment. MethodsA multi-center retrospective study was conducted, collecting data from 1237 type A DRF patients treated in 11 hospitals in Jiangsu province from September, 2023 to April, 2025. Among them, 851 patients in the TCM group received manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation, and 386 patients in the surgical group underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and radiographic indicators including palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and radial height were compared before treatment, 5-7 days after treatment, and 4-6 weeks after treatment. The wrist joint function scores including Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores at 12 weeks after treatment were recorded. Subgroup analysis was conducted for the excellent rate of Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores, stratified by age (<50, 50-59, 60-69, ≥70 years old) and AO subtypes (A1, A2, A3). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent factors influencing treatment choice. ResultsOn 5-7 days after treatment, the surgical group had lower VAS scores than the TCM group, while 4-6 weeks after treatment, the TCM group showed lower VAS scores than the surgical group (P<0.01). In terms of radiographic indicators, except for the palmar tilt before treatment being higher in the surgical group than in the TCM group (P<0.01), there were no significant differences in palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and radial height at other timepoints (P>0.05). Twelve weeks after treatment, the surgical group had a higher average Gartland-Werley score and the excellent rate than the TCM group (P<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with A2 type DRF aged 50-59 and 60-69 years old, the excellent rates of Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores in the TCM group were higher than those in the surgical group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and the degree of swelling on the affected side were independent factors influencing the choice of treatment (P<0.05). ConclusionBoth TCM manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation and surgical treatment for type A DRF can achieve good therapeutic effects. TCM manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation has certain advantages in medium- and long-term pain relief, especially in elderly patients, where wrist joint function recovery is more stable. Age, palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and swelling degree are the main factors influencing the treatment choice.
3.Recent advances in the application of three dimensional reconstruction techniques in surgical treatment of early lung cancer
Tao LONG ; Zhengbing REN ; Aizhong SHAO ; Zhicheng HE ; Weibing WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):121-128
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. With the prevalence of CT screening and early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in China, more and more patients with early-stage lung cancer characterized with ground-glass opacity are discovered and urgently require treatment, which poses a significant challenge to surgeons. As an emerging technology, three dimensional reconstruction technology plays a crucial auxiliary role in clinical work. This review aims to briefly introduce this technology, focusing on its latest advances in surgical applications in early lung cancer screening, malignant risk assessment, and perioperative period application and medical education.
4.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
5.Expression and prognostic value of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 in patients with cirrhotic ascites and intra-abdominal infection
Feng WEI ; Xinyan YUE ; Xiling LIU ; Huimin YAN ; Lin LIN ; Tao HUANG ; Yantao PEI ; Shixiang SHAO ; Erhei DAI ; Wenfang YUAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):914-920
ObjectiveTo analyze the expression level of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) in serum and ascites of patients with cirrhotic ascites, and to investigate its correlation with clinical features and inflammatory markers and its role in the diagnosis of infection and prognostic evaluation. MethodsA total of 110 patients with cirrhotic ascites who were hospitalized in The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang from January 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled, and according to the presence or absence of intra-abdominal infection, they were divided into infection group with 72 patients and non-infection group with 38 patients. The patients with infection were further divided into improvement group with 38 patients and non-improvement group with 34 patients. Clinical data and laboratory markers were collected from all patients. Serum and ascites samples were collected, and ELISA was used to measure the level of TREM-1. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between indicators. A multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors for the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic ascites and infection. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of each indicator, and the Delong test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUC). ResultsThe level of TREM-1 in ascites was significantly positively correlated with that in serum (r=0.50, P<0.001). Compared with the improvement group, the non-improvement group had a significantly higher level of TREM-1 in ascites (Z=-2.391, P=0.017) and serum (Z=-2.544, P=0.011), and compared with the non-infection group, the infection group had a significantly higher level of TREM-1 in ascites (Z=-3.420, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in the level of TREM-1 in serum between the two groups (P>0.05). The level of TREM-1 in serum and ascites were significantly positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cell count, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (r=0.288, 0.344, 0.530, 0.510, 0.534, 0.454, 0.330, and 0.404, all P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that when PCT, CRP, and serum or ascitic TREM-1 were used in combination for the diagnosis of cirrhotic ascites with infection, the AUCs were 0.715 and 0.740, respectively. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CRP (odds ratio [OR]=1.019, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001 — 1.038, P=0.043) and serum TREM-1 (OR=1.002, 95%CI: 1.000 — 1.003, P=0.016) were independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic ascites and infection, and the combination of these two indicators had an AUC of 0.728 in predicting poor prognosis. ConclusionThe level of TREM-1 is closely associated with the severity of infection and prognosis in patients with cirrhotic ascites, and combined measurement of TREM-1 and CRP/PCT can improve the diagnostic accuracy of infection and provide support for prognostic evaluation.
6.Association between ABO Blood Types and the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Shuang Hua XIE ; Shuang Ying LI ; Shao Fei SU ; En Jie ZHANG ; Shen GAO ; Yue ZHANG ; Jian Hui LIU ; Min Hui HU ; Rui Xia LIU ; Wen Tao YUE ; Cheng Hong YIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(6):678-692
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the association between ABO blood types and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk.
METHODS:
A prospective birth cohort study was conducted. ABO blood types were determined using the slide method. GDM diagnosis was based on a 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) according to the criteria of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups. Logistic regression was applied to calculate the odds ratios ( ORs) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) between ABO blood types and GDM risk.
RESULTS:
A total of 30,740 pregnant women with a mean age of 31.81 years were enrolled in this study. The ABO blood types distribution was: type O (30.99%), type A (26.58%), type B (32.20%), and type AB (10.23%). GDM was identified in 14.44% of participants. Using blood type O as a reference, GDM risk was not significantly higher for types A ( OR = 1.05) or B ( OR = 1.04). However, women with type AB had a 19% increased risk of GDM ( OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05-1.34; P < 0.05), even after adjusting for various factors. This increased risk for type AB was consistent across subgroup and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
The ABO blood types may influence GDM risk, with type AB associated with a higher risk. Incorporating it-either as a single risk factor or in combination with other known factors-could help identify individuals at risk for GDM before or during early pregnancy.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Diabetes, Gestational/etiology*
;
ABO Blood-Group System
;
Adult
;
Prospective Studies
;
Risk Factors
;
Young Adult
7.Influence of Outdoor Light at Night on Early Reproductive Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization and Its Threshold Effect: Evidence from a Couple-Based Preconception Cohort Study.
Wen Bin FANG ; Ying TANG ; Ya Ning SUN ; Yan Lan TANG ; Yin Yin CHEN ; Ya Wen CAO ; Ji Qi FANG ; Kun Jing HE ; Yu Shan LI ; Ya Ning DAI ; Shuang Shuang BAO ; Peng ZHU ; Shan Shan SHAO ; Fang Biao TAO ; Gui Xia PAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):1009-1015
8.Para-aortic lymph node dissection with or without nerve-sparing in gynecological malignancies
Qiang WEN ; Yuyang ZHU ; Haifei ZHOU ; Li YANG ; Feng SHAO ; Tao ZHU ; Zhuyan SHAO
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e9-
Objective:
Para-aortic lymph node dissection (PALND) is a widely used treatment that causes many complications. This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nerve-sparing para-aortic lymph node dissection (NSPALND) by comparing it with conventional PALND in gynecological malignancies and to prove whether locating the superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) can help reveal the para-aortic nerves.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study of the patients who underwent para-aortic lymphadenectomy from January 2020 to December 2022 at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital. All of them were divided into NSPALND and PALND groups according to whether or not nervesparing was performed. The surgical, functional and oncological outcomes were evaluated.
Results:
There were 43 patients enrolled, of which, 20 patients underwent NSPALND and 23 patients underwent PALND. The para-aortic nerves were successfully revealed by locating the SHP in all 20 cases of NSPALND. The post-operative anal exhaust time in the NSPALND group was significantly shorter than that in the PALND group (2.5 vs. 4 days, p=0.006), and the incidence of acute intestinal obstruction in the NSPALND group was significantly lower than that in the PALND group (10% vs. 39%, p=0.029). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of catheterization duration, urinary retention, dysuria, as well as the number of lymph nodes removed and the para-aortic recurrence rate.
Conclusion
NSPALND can significantly reduce the rate of acute intestinal obstruction and improve post-operative intestinal function. Locating the SHP and using it as an anatomical landmark to reveal the para-aortic nerves is feasible. Its exact clinical value needs to be further studied.
9.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
10.Heterologous Expression,Purification and Enzymatic Characterization of Xylitol Dehydrogenase from the Thermophilic Fungus Talaromyces emersonii
Er MENG ; Cong QU ; Ke YI ; Hui-Min LI ; Xin-Yi DUAN ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; Shao-Long HE ; Yu-Tao LUO ; Lei WU ; Dong-Yi ZHANG ; Chang-Jun LIU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(7):1007-1018
The xylitol dehydrogenase(XDH)is a crucial enzyme involved in the xylose utilization in pentose-catabolizing yeasts and fungi.In addition to producing xylulose,XDH can also be employed to develop a biosensor for monitoring xylitol concentration.In this study,the gene encoding the thermophilic fungus Talaromyces emersonii XDH(TeXDH)was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)at 16 ℃ in the soluble form.Recombinant TeXDH with high purity was purified by using a Ni-NTA affinity column.Size-exclusion chromatography and SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that the puri-fied recombinant TeXDH exists as a native trimer with a molecular mass of approximately 116 kD,and is composed of three identical subunits,each with a molecular weight of around 39 kD.The TeXDH strictly preferred NAD+as a coenzyme to NADP+.The optimal temperature and pH of the TeXDH were 40 ℃and 10.0,respectively.After EDTA treatment,the enzyme activity of TeXDH decreased to 43.26%of the initial enzyme activity,while the divalent metal ions Mg2+or Ca2+could recover the enzyme activity of TeXDH,reaching 103.32%and 110.69%of the initial enzyme activity,respectively,making them the optimal divalent metal ion cofactors for TeXDH enzyme.However,the divalent metal ions of Mn2+,Ni2+,Cu2+,Zn2+,Co2+,and Cd2+significantly inhibited the activity of TeXDH.ICP-MS and molecular doc-king studies revealed that 1 mol/L of TeXDH bound 2 mol/L Zn2+ions and 1 mol/L Mg2+ion.Further-more,TeXDH exhibited a high specificity for xylitol,laying the foundation for the development of future xylitol biosensors.

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