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.Chinese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of heatstroke(2025 edition)
Jing-Chun SONG ; Qing SONG ; Wei ZHANG ; Wei-Qin LI ; Xi-Jing ZHANG ; Shu-Yuan LIU ; Yan GAO ; Hai-Ling LI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(4):367-386
In recent years,the incidence and mortality of heatstroke have been increasing annually alongside global warming,with a marked rise in cases exhibiting atypical symptoms.To address the increasingly complex challenges in heatstroke prevention and treatment,Heatstroke Prevention and Treatment Research Center of Chinese PLA,Expert Group of Heatstroke Prevention and Treatment of Chinese PLA,and Chinese PLA Professional Committee of Critical Care Medicine have jointly developed this guideline(2025 edition).Utilizing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation(GRADE)system,Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation(AGREE)criteria,and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare(RIGHT)standards,and based on the 2015 draft"Expert Consensus on the Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment of Heatstroke"and the 2019"Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Heatstroke",this guideline has been crafted.This guideline provides 25 evidence-based recommendations to guide the prevention,treatment and research of heatstroke,which thoroughly covers 8 critical domains:clinical classification,pathophysiological mechanisms,clinical manifestations,diagnostic criteria,differential diagnosis,treatment protocols,rehabilitation and return to work,and prevention.
3.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.
4.Analysis of the therapeutic effect of precise disconnection of pargastric varices guided by endoscopic ultrasound for the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding(20 cases)
Fulong ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Xiao LI ; Yan SHI ; Zongyuan ZHAN ; Yongzhen HU ; Chunhua ZHOU ; Qun ZHU ; Hai WANG ; Chaojun HUANG ; Hongyan YUAN ; Yuhong JIANG ; Yuandong ZHU
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(8):85-90
Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of precise disconnection of pargastric varices guided by endoscopic ultrasound in the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding.Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients with cirrhosis esophagogastric variceal bleeding treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided precise disconnection of pargastric varices from January 1,2024 to December 31,2024.The efficacy was analyzed.Result All 20 patients successfully completed the precise disconnection of pargastric varices under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound.The injection of tissue gel combined with the placement of spring coils(14 cases)and the injection of tissue gel alone(4 cases)successfully blocked the pargastric varices.All patients did not experience perforation,esophageal and cardia stenosis,massive bleeding,septicemia,or ectopic embolization.One patient who received tissue gel alone had slight bleeding from the pargastric varices after surgery and improved after 3 days of treatment to reduce portal vein pressure.Another one patient who received tissue gel alone had a low-grade fever and normal body temperature after 3 days of anti-infection treatment.Conclusion Precise disconnection of pargastric varices under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound has a good therapeutic effect on esophagogastric variceal bleeding,with fewer complications such as ectopic embolization,massive bleeding,infection,and perforation.However,close follow-up observation is still needed to address the issue of pargastric varices.
5.Regulatory role of NUAK2 in proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian serous carcinoma cells
Wenjuan ZHANG ; Hai MENG ; Dandan GAO ; Jingyi ZHOU ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(5):419-424
Objective To elucidate the expression characteristics of the NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 2(NUAK2)in ovarian serous carcinoma and determine its regulatory roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis.Methods Fifty-seven patients with ovarian serous car-cinoma(observation group)and 57 patients with ovarian serous cystadenoma(control group)were selected from June 2019 to December 2022.The GEPIA database was used to assess the expression patterns of NUAK2 in ovarian serous carcinoma.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of NUAK2,proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),and B-cell lymphoma-associated X antigen(BAX).Western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression of NUAK2 in the human ovarian serous carcinoma cell lines(SKOV3)and the human ovarian surface epithelial cell lines(HOSEpiC).SKOV3 cells were transfected with the siRNA-NUAK2 plasmid to establish the si-NUAK2 group,or with the empty transfection vector(EV)or a blank solution(NC)to establish control groups.Western blotting was sub-sequently used to detect the expression of NUAK2,PCNA,and BAX.The CCK-8 method was used to assess cell proliferation activity,and flow cytometry was used to quantify apoptosis.Results The GEPIA database analysis showed a significant increasing trend in the expres-sion of NUAK2 in ovarian cancer(P<0.05).Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significantly higher NUAK2 positive rate in ovarian serous carcinoma tissue than that in the control group.Moreover,significant differences in the expression of NUAK2 were observed across different lesion grades and maximum tumor diameters(P<0.05).A significant positive correlation was found between NUAK2 and PCNA(P<0.05),whereas a significant negative correlation was observed between NUAK2 and BAX(P<0.05)in ovarian serous carcinoma.In vitro cell culture experiments showed that the expression level of NUAK2 was significantly higher in SKOV3 cells than that in HOSEpiC cells(P<0.05).The si-NUAK2 group exhibited significantly lower cell proliferation activity and PCNA expression and significantly higher apoptosis rate and BAX expression than those in the EV and NC groups(P<0.05).Conclusion NUAK2 is overexpressed in ovarian serous carcinoma and promotes tumor progression by enhancing cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis.
6.Isolation,identification,and biological characterization of a Streptococcus equinus strain from sheep
Hai-li WANG ; Xiu-sheng YIN ; Qi JIA ; Feng-yuan ZHANG ; Ling MO ; Lin LI ; Jing DONG ; Jin-liang WANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):641-647
Streptococcus equinus is a zoonotic disease that can cause illness in various animals under specific environmental condi-tions.No reports have described isolation of this bacterium from the liver in affected sheep.This study successfully isolated and identi-fied a strain of Streptococcus equinus through bacterial isolation and culture,Gram staining,drug sensitivity testing,mouse sensitivity testing,bacterial biochemical testing,and whole genome sequencing.The strain was found to have pathogenicity toward Kunming white mice,and to be sensitive to four antibiotics(penicillin,ampicillin,ceftiofur sodium,and ceftriaxone sodium)but resistant to four antibiotics(streptomycin,amoxicillin,tetracycline,and gentamicin).On the basis of drug sensitivity testing,targeted treatment of the affected sheep flock with ceftiofur sodium effectively controlled the disease within 2 days,and no new cases occurred.This study provides a reference for biological characterization of ovine Streptococcus equinus;public health;and the investigation of disease pre-vention,control,and epidemiology.
7.Regulatory role of NUAK2 in proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian serous carcinoma cells
Wenjuan ZHANG ; Hai MENG ; Dandan GAO ; Jingyi ZHOU ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(5):419-424
Objective To elucidate the expression characteristics of the NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 2(NUAK2)in ovarian serous carcinoma and determine its regulatory roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis.Methods Fifty-seven patients with ovarian serous car-cinoma(observation group)and 57 patients with ovarian serous cystadenoma(control group)were selected from June 2019 to December 2022.The GEPIA database was used to assess the expression patterns of NUAK2 in ovarian serous carcinoma.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of NUAK2,proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),and B-cell lymphoma-associated X antigen(BAX).Western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression of NUAK2 in the human ovarian serous carcinoma cell lines(SKOV3)and the human ovarian surface epithelial cell lines(HOSEpiC).SKOV3 cells were transfected with the siRNA-NUAK2 plasmid to establish the si-NUAK2 group,or with the empty transfection vector(EV)or a blank solution(NC)to establish control groups.Western blotting was sub-sequently used to detect the expression of NUAK2,PCNA,and BAX.The CCK-8 method was used to assess cell proliferation activity,and flow cytometry was used to quantify apoptosis.Results The GEPIA database analysis showed a significant increasing trend in the expres-sion of NUAK2 in ovarian cancer(P<0.05).Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significantly higher NUAK2 positive rate in ovarian serous carcinoma tissue than that in the control group.Moreover,significant differences in the expression of NUAK2 were observed across different lesion grades and maximum tumor diameters(P<0.05).A significant positive correlation was found between NUAK2 and PCNA(P<0.05),whereas a significant negative correlation was observed between NUAK2 and BAX(P<0.05)in ovarian serous carcinoma.In vitro cell culture experiments showed that the expression level of NUAK2 was significantly higher in SKOV3 cells than that in HOSEpiC cells(P<0.05).The si-NUAK2 group exhibited significantly lower cell proliferation activity and PCNA expression and significantly higher apoptosis rate and BAX expression than those in the EV and NC groups(P<0.05).Conclusion NUAK2 is overexpressed in ovarian serous carcinoma and promotes tumor progression by enhancing cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis.
8.Isolation,identification,and biological characterization of a Streptococcus equinus strain from sheep
Hai-li WANG ; Xiu-sheng YIN ; Qi JIA ; Feng-yuan ZHANG ; Ling MO ; Lin LI ; Jing DONG ; Jin-liang WANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):641-647
Streptococcus equinus is a zoonotic disease that can cause illness in various animals under specific environmental condi-tions.No reports have described isolation of this bacterium from the liver in affected sheep.This study successfully isolated and identi-fied a strain of Streptococcus equinus through bacterial isolation and culture,Gram staining,drug sensitivity testing,mouse sensitivity testing,bacterial biochemical testing,and whole genome sequencing.The strain was found to have pathogenicity toward Kunming white mice,and to be sensitive to four antibiotics(penicillin,ampicillin,ceftiofur sodium,and ceftriaxone sodium)but resistant to four antibiotics(streptomycin,amoxicillin,tetracycline,and gentamicin).On the basis of drug sensitivity testing,targeted treatment of the affected sheep flock with ceftiofur sodium effectively controlled the disease within 2 days,and no new cases occurred.This study provides a reference for biological characterization of ovine Streptococcus equinus;public health;and the investigation of disease pre-vention,control,and epidemiology.
9.Analysis of the therapeutic effect of precise disconnection of pargastric varices guided by endoscopic ultrasound for the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding(20 cases)
Fulong ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Xiao LI ; Yan SHI ; Zongyuan ZHAN ; Yongzhen HU ; Chunhua ZHOU ; Qun ZHU ; Hai WANG ; Chaojun HUANG ; Hongyan YUAN ; Yuhong JIANG ; Yuandong ZHU
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(8):85-90
Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of precise disconnection of pargastric varices guided by endoscopic ultrasound in the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding.Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients with cirrhosis esophagogastric variceal bleeding treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided precise disconnection of pargastric varices from January 1,2024 to December 31,2024.The efficacy was analyzed.Result All 20 patients successfully completed the precise disconnection of pargastric varices under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound.The injection of tissue gel combined with the placement of spring coils(14 cases)and the injection of tissue gel alone(4 cases)successfully blocked the pargastric varices.All patients did not experience perforation,esophageal and cardia stenosis,massive bleeding,septicemia,or ectopic embolization.One patient who received tissue gel alone had slight bleeding from the pargastric varices after surgery and improved after 3 days of treatment to reduce portal vein pressure.Another one patient who received tissue gel alone had a low-grade fever and normal body temperature after 3 days of anti-infection treatment.Conclusion Precise disconnection of pargastric varices under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound has a good therapeutic effect on esophagogastric variceal bleeding,with fewer complications such as ectopic embolization,massive bleeding,infection,and perforation.However,close follow-up observation is still needed to address the issue of pargastric varices.
10.Impact of childhood maltreatment and sleep quality on depressive symptoms among middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):73-77
Objective:
To explore the impact of sleep quality, experience of childhood maltreatment, and their interaction on depressive symptoms among middle school students, so as to provide the reference for early intervention of depressive symptoms among middle school students.
Methods:
From September to December 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 1 231 students from two secondary schools in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province by a convenient sampling method. The survey included general demographic information, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Short Version of Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The Chi square test was used to analyze the differences in depressive symptom, sleep quality and childhood maltreatment among students with different demographic characteristics. Correlation analysis was conducted using Logistic regression, and interaction analysis was performed by both additive and multiplicative interaction models.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among middle school students was 22.7%, and the rate for high school students (35.2%) was significantly higher than that for middle school students (17.0%) ( χ 2=50.35, P <0.01). The detection rates of depressive symptoms among middle school students with a history of childhood maltreatment and poor sleep quality were 45.8% and 44.0%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that compared to students without a history of childhood maltreatment, students with a history of childhood maltreatment had a higher risk of depressive symptoms ( OR =4.49,95% CI =3.31~ 6.09 , P <0.01);students with poor sleep quality had a higher risk of depressive symptoms than students with good sleep quality ( OR = 5.99,95% CI =4.37~8.22, P <0.01).The interaction results showed that the presence of childhood maltreatment and poor sleep quality had an additive interaction on the occurrence of depression in middle school students. Compared with students without childhood maltreatment and having good sleep quality, students with childhood maltreatment and poor sleep quality had a 22.49 times higher risk of developing depression ( OR =22.49,95% CI =14.22~35.59, P <0.01).
Conclusion
Depressive symptoms among middle school students are associated with childhood maltreatment and poor sleep quality, and there is an additive interaction between childhood maltreatment and poor sleep quality on the impact of depressive symptoms.


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