1.Effects of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation on differentially expressed genes in ferroptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells
Min ZHANG ; Lingyu ZHANG ; Yashi CAI ; Huixian LI ; Yanting CHEN ; Guanyou CHEN ; Xin LAN ; Changyong WEN ; Weixu HUANG ; Jianming ZOU ; Huifeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):310-317
Objective To investigate the effects of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) on the ferroptosis in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells as well as the associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), biological processes, and signaling pathways. Methods HBE cells were exposed to different single doses of X-ray irradiation (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mGy) for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The change in cell viability was detected by MTT assay. Cells were irradiated with 0, 25, 50, and 100 mGy X-rays 5 times, with 48 h between each irradiation and a dose rate of 50 mGy/min. Cells were harvested 24 h after irradiation for the measurement of the expression of ferroptosis-related genes SLC7A11 and GPX4 at the mRNA and protein levels, cellular iron content, and the expression of FTH1 and FTL mRNAs. High-throughput sequencing was used to screen for the DEGs in each dose group, followed by Gene Ontology-Biological Process (GO-BP) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Results Compared with the control group, single-dose LDIR significantly increased cell proliferation at 75 mGy after 24 h (P < 0.05), at 50, 75, and 100 mGy after 48 h (P < 0.05), and at 75 and 100 mGy after 72 h (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, at the end of the fifth fractionated LDIR, SLC7A11 and GPX4 mRNAs decreased at all doses (P < 0.05), SLC7A11 protein decreased at all doses, GPX4 protein decreased at 25 and 100 mGy, iron content increased at all doses, and FTH1 and FTL mRNAs decreased at all doses (P< 0.05). Sequencing analysis identified 248, 30, and 291 DEGs and 10, 2, and 9 ferroptosis-associated genes at the three doses compared to the control. Gene Ontology-Biological Process analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes such as response to lipids, cell death, and response to unfolded proteins. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, lipids and atherosclerosis, ferroptosis, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and FoxO signaling pathway. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in ferroptosis, fatty acid degradation, and glutathione metabolism. Conclusion Fractionated low-dose radiation induced ferroptosis in HBE cells, and DEGs were predominantly enriched in biological processes and signaling pathways related to inflammation, ferroptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
2.Association between long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation and metabolic syndrome among medical radiologists
Changyong WEN ; Xiaoman ZHOU ; Xiaolian LIU ; Yiqing LIAN ; Weizhen GUO ; Yanting CHEN ; Xin LAN ; Mingfang LI ; Sufen ZHANG ; Weixu HUANG ; Jianming ZOU ; Huifeng CHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(10):1209-1215
Background In recent years, the increasingly widespread application of nuclear and medical radiation technologies has resulted in a large number of occupational populations exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR). At present, there is no consistent conclusion on the effects of long-term exposure to LDIR on the metabolic health of the occupational population. Objective To explore the association between long-term exposure to LDIR and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among medical radiologists. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to enroll
3.Relationships of serum procalcitonin,α1-acid glycoprotein and cluster of differentiation 64 index with prognosis in patients with Candida infection after lung cancer surgery
Huifeng ZHANG ; Tianwen HOU ; Yunzhou ZHENG ; Liyun AN ; Jing CHEN ; Ye LIU ; Juntao LI ; Rongying TIAN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(10):52-56
Objective To investigate the relationships of serum procalcitonin(PCT),α1-acid glycoprotein(α1-AGP)and cluster of differentiation 64(CD64)index with the severity of illness and prognosis in patients with pulmonary Candida infection after lung cancer surgery.Methods A pro-spective study was conducted in 120 patients with pulmonary Candida infection after lung cancer sur-gery as infection group,and 60 patients without infection after lung cancer surgery in the same period were selected as control group.Baseline characteristics and laboratory indicators were compared be-tween the two groups.Differences in serum PCT,α1-AGP,CD64 index in peripheral blood,and plasma 1,3-β-D glucan test(BG)were compared among patients with different severities of illness and prognoses in the infection group.The relationship between serum indicators and prognosis as well as their predictive efficiencies were analyzed,and external validation was performed.Results The levels of serum PCT,α1-AGP,CD64 index in peripheral blood,and plasma BG in the infection group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).In the infection group,the levels of serum PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 gradually decreased significantly in patients with severe,moderate,and mild illness,and the levels of these indicators in dead patients were significantly higher than those in surviving patients(P<0.05).Survival curve analysis showed that patients with low levels of serum PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 index before treatment had higher survival rates than those with high levels of these indicators.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis revealed that the combined prediction of PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 index for mortality was superior to individual indicators or their pairwise combinations,and external validation confirmed the good predictive efficacy of the combined prediction.Conclusion PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 index are closely related to pulmonary Candida infection after lung cancer surgery,and the combined detection of these indicators has certain predictive value for 28-day prognosis.
4.Nasal nitric oxide in preschool children with chronic rhinosinusitis
Meiling WU ; Jiewei LIU ; Ping LIU ; Rifu WEI ; Shang GAO ; Huifeng LI ; Xiaochun PAN
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(7):451-454
OBJECTIVE Analyze the nasal nitric oxide(NNO)of CRS children,and explore the clinical value of NNO in the diagnosis and treatment of CRS in children.METHODS CRS children diagnosed in the outpatient clinic were selected,and were divided into CRS with and without AR according to their allergen results.VAS score and NNO test were performed for them.Healthy children during the same period were selected as the control group.Finally their results were compared and analyzed.RESULTS The NNO of CRS children with and without AR were(193±62)ppb and(138±49)ppb,both lower than the control group's[(243±51)ppb];There were negative correlations between NNO and VAS scores in CRS children without AR before and after treatment;The NNO of CRS children with and without AR were significantly increased after treatment(P<0.05);NNO has high predictive value for diagnosing CRS children without AR(P<0.01).CONCLUSION The levels of NNO in different types of CRS were lower than normal,and CRS children without AR was lower than those with AR.NNO could assist in the diagnosis of CRS,dynamically reflect the severity of nasal inflammation,and help to distinguish the allergic status of CRS.
5.Associations of serum NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 with the outcome in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage after minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery
Laifu ZHAO ; Jianlong ZHANG ; Huifeng LI
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(4):260-265
Objective:To investigate associations of serum nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), caspase-1 with the outcome in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) after minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery.Methods:Patients with HICH underwent minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Noncommissioned Officer School, Army Medical University between June 2022 and June 2024 were included prospectively. According to the Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 3 months after surgery, the patients were divided into a good outcome group (4-5) and a poor outcome group (1-3). The clinical data and peripheral blood levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-18, and IL-1β between the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine assocations of serum NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 with the postoperative outcome. Results:A total of 121 patients with HICH were enrolled, including 71 males (58.68), aged 56.11±4.96 years. At 3 months after surgery, 70 patients (57.9%) had good outcome, 51 (42.1%) had poor outcome, and 3 died. Onset to admission time, onset to first CT scan time, onset to surgery time, baseline serum NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, baseline hematoma volume, and the proportion of patients with hematoma rupture into the ventricles and midline shift in the poor outcome group were significantly higher than those in the good outcome group, while baseline Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and hematoma clearance rate were significantly lower than those in the good outcome group ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for other factors such as onset to surgery time, baseline GCS score, hematoma rupture into the ventricles, and hematoma clearance rate, baseline serum NLRP3 (odds ratio [ OR] 2.018, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.502-2.711; P<0.001), ASC [ OR 1.764, 95% CI 1.418-2.195; P<0.001], caspase-1 [ OR 1.901, 95% CI 1.476-2.449; P<0.001]) were significantly independently associated with the poor outcome. Conclusion:The serum levels of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 are significantly higher in HICH patients with poor outcome, and are independently associated with the poor outcome after minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery.
6.D-dimer/platelet count ratio and fibrinogen/C-reactive protein ratio predict lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Laifu ZHAO ; Jianlong ZHANG ; Huifeng LI
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(6):429-434
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of D-dimer (DD)/platelet count (PLT) ratio (DPR) and fibrinogen (Fg)/C-reactive protein (CRP) ratio for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).Methods:Consecutive patients with ICH admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Noncommissioned Officer School, Army Medical University from February 2023 to November 2024 were included retrospectively. The baseline clinical data and laboratory test results between the LEDVT group and the non-LEDVT group were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent influencing factors of LEDVT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of influencing factors for patients with ICH complicated with LEDVT. Results:A total of 156 patients with ICH were enrolled, including 67 males (42.9%), aged 61.54±7.91 years; 47 patients (30.1%) experienced LEDVT during hospitalization. Univariate analysis showed that DD, PLT, DPR, Fg, and CRP in the LEDVT group were significantly higher than those in the non-LEDVT group, while the Fg/CRP ratio was significantly lower than that in the non-LEDVT group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that DD (odds ratio [ OR] 5.499, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 2.909-10.395; P<0.001), PLT ( OR 1.044, 95% CI 1.026-1.062; P<0.001), Fg ( OR 2.119, 95% CI 1.482-3.031; P<0.001), DPR ( OR 5.924, 95% CI 3.058-11.475; P<0.001), and Fg/CRP ratio ( OR 0.614, 95% CI 0.505-0.746; P<0.001) were the independent influencing factor for the occurrence of LEDVT in patients with ICH. ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves of DD, PLT, Fg, DPR and the Fg/CRP ratio for predicting LEDVT in patients with ICH were 0.784 (95% CI 0.711-0.846), 0.772 (95% CI 0.699-0.836), 0.711 (95% CI 0.633-0.781), 0.782 (95% CI 0.709-0.844), and 0.778 (95% CI 0.705-0.841), respectively. The area under the curve for the combined prediction of DD+PLT+Fg was 0.878 (95% CI 0.816-0.924), and the area under the curve for the combined prediction of DPR+Fg/CRP ratio was 0.921 (95% CI 0.867-0.958). The latter showed a higher predictive value. Conclusion:The combined detection of DPR and Fg/CRP ratio has higher predictive value for LEDVT in patients with ICH.
7.MiRSNP in MGMT 3′ untranslated region regulates low-dose radiation-induced senescence in lung cells
Lingyu ZHANG ; Yashi CAI ; Huixian LI ; Min ZHANG ; Changyong WEN ; Weixu HUANG ; Huifeng CHEN ; Jianming ZOU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):25-32
Objective To investigate the role of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene-3′ untranslated region (UTR) microRNA-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (miRSNP) (rs7896488 G>A) in affecting miR-4297-targeted modulation of MGMT in senescence of lung cells with polymorphic genotypes induced by fractionated low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR). Methods i) MiRSNPs were predicted and screened using bioinformatics, and DNA from two types of lung cells, A549 cells and human bronchial epithelioid cells (HBE cells), was extracted for target gene sequencing. After co-transfection of pGL3c-MGMT-3′UTR-rs7896488 G>A reporter gene recombinant plasmid, pRL-TK Vector with micrON mimic NC #22 or micrON hsa-miR-4297 mimic (set up as the mimic NC group and the miR-4297 mimic group) in these two types of lung cells, dual luciferase reporter gene assay was performed. The relative expression of MGMT mRNA was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the relative expression of MGMT protein was detected by Western blotting. ii) These two types of lung cells were randomly divided into the control group and irradiation group, which received either 0 or 100 mGy X-rays irradiation seven times. After irradiation, the cells were transfected with either micrON mimic NC #22 or micrON hsa-miR-4297 mimic, resulting in mimic NC + control group, miR-4297 mimic + control group, mimic NC + irradiation group, and miR-4297 mimic + irradiation group. Cells were collected for senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, and the relative expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand-1 (CXCL-1) proteins was detected via Western blotting. Results i) The rs7896488 G>A was the miRSNP located in the conserved binding region targeted by miR-4297 in the MGMT gene 3′UTR. A549 cells were the rs7896488 GG wild-type homozygous genotype, while HBE cells were the rs7896488 GA heterozygous mutant genotype. In the miR-4297 mimic group, A549 and HBE cells carrying the rs7896488 G allele showed significantly lower dual-luciferase activity compared with that in the mimic NC group (both P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in dual-luciferase activity between the two groups in both A549 and HBE cells carrying the rs7896488 A allele (both P>0.05). The relative expression levels of MGMT mRNA and MGMT protein of A549 cells in the miR-4297 mimic group were lower than those in the mimic NC group (both P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in MGMT mRNA and MGMT protein of HBE cells between these two groups (both P>0.05). ii) The relative activity of SA-β-Gal and the relative expression of MMP-9 and CXCL-1 proteins of A549 cells in the miR-4297 mimic+irradiation group were higher than those in the mimic NC + control group, the miR-4297 mimic + control group, and the mimic NC + irradiation group (all P<0.05). The relative activity of SA-β-Gal and the relative expression of MMP-9 and CXCL-1 proteins of HBE cells in the miR-4297 mimic + irradiation group were higher than those in the mimic NC + control group and the miR-4297 mimic + control group (all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference compared with those in the mimic NC + irradiation group (all P>0.05). Conclusion MGMT-3′UTR-miRSNP rs7896488 G>A plays a role in LDIR-induced senescence of lung cells with different polymorphic genotypes by affecting miR-4297-targeted regulation of MGMT.
8.Investigation and analysis of eye lens dose of interventional radiology staff in 34 medical institutions in Guangdong province during 2019-2023
Mingfang LI ; Xiaolian LIU ; Weiji MAI ; Sufen ZHANG ; Hongwei YU ; Xuan LONG ; Huifeng CHEN ; Weixu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(2):108-115
Objective:To study and analyze radiation doses to the eye of the lens dose in interventional radiology staff of Guandong medical institutions from 2019 to 2023.Methods:Employing a convenience sampling method, the lens dose and chest dose was monitored with TLD dosimeters in 34 level A tertiary medical institutions. The monitoring data were analyzed on the basis of a summary, and the relationship between the two was explored.Results:A total of 1 033 interventional radiology staff were monitored. The ocular lens doses were in the range of (
9.A study on inflammatory indicators levels and influencing factors of middle-aged and elderly male residents around a uranium mine
Guanyou CHEN ; Huifeng CHEN ; Huixian LI ; Weixu HUANG ; Jianming ZOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(4):325-333
Objective:To investigate the inflammatory indicator levels and influencing factors on middle-aged and elderly male residents at different residential distances from a uranium mine in Guangdong, so as to provide scientific data for the health risk assessment of the residents therein.Methods:With stratified sampling method, two groups of the permanent middle-aged and elderly male residents were randomly sampled within < 10 km and 10-20 km of the uranium mine, along with the basic demographic characteristics and lifestyle information collected through face-to-face questionnaire survey. Both height and weight of the respondents were measured using standard method and their body mass indexes (BMI) were calculated. Through collection of the venous blood, the levels of a wide range of inflammatory indicators were measured, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), complement C3, complement C4, leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and others. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors on the levels of inflammation indicators.Results:A total of 867 middle-aged and elderly male residents were included in this study, including one group of 431 residents within the 10-20 km at an average age of 51.54±5.37, and a second group of 436 residents within <10 km at an average age of 52.05±5.24. The result of multiple linear regression showed a positive correlation of the distance groups with complement C4 level ( β=0.014, 95% CI: 0.001-0.027) and lymphocyte number ( β=0.086, 95% CI: 0.003-0.168) ( t=2.07, 2.04, P<0.05). The ages of middle-aged and elderly male residents around the uranium mine was positively correlated ( t=2.50, P<0.05) with the levels of complement C4 ( β=0.018, 95% CI: 0.004-0.031), and negatively correlated ( t=-3.25, -2.97, P<0.05) with the levels of TNF-α ( β=-63.022, 95% CI: -101.114 to -24.929) and IL-6 ( β=-14.694, 95% CI: -24.396 to -4.992). Smoking was positively correlated ( t=4.29, 4.81, 3.19, P<0.05) with leukocytes number ( β=0.630, 95% CI: 0.341-0.918), lymphocytes number ( β=0.226, 95% CI: 0.134-0.319) and neutrophils number ( β=0.372, 95% CI: 0.143-0.601), and negatively correlated ( t=-2.07, -1.98, P<0.05) with the levels of TNF-α ( β=-43.551, 95% CI: -84.778 to -2.324) and IL-6 ( β=-10.603, 95% CI: -21.103 to -0.102). BMI was positively correlated ( t=8.60, 3.62, 3.18, 4.01, 2.10, P<0.05) with complement C3 level ( β=0.108, 95% CI: 0.084-0.133), complement C4 level ( β=0.026, 95% CI: 0.012-0.039), leukocytes number ( β=0.433, 95% CI: 0.166-0.699), lymphocyte number ( β=0.175, 95% CI: 0.089-0.261), and neutrophil number ( β=0.226, 95% CI: 0.014-0.438). Fruit consumption ( β=0.017, 95% CI: 0.001-0.034) was positively correlated with complement C4 levels ( t=2.10, P<0.05). Conclusions:This study showed no significant correlation between the inflammatory index levels of middle-aged and elderly male residents around the uranium mine and uranium mining. Age, smoking, BMI and fruit consumption were the influencing factors on the levels of inflammatory indicators of middle-aged and elderly male residents.
10.Transcriptomic analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs in the peripheral blood of residents in the Yangjiang high-background radiation area
Huixian LI ; Huifeng CHEN ; Weixu HUANG ; Guanyou CHEN ; Min ZHANG ; Daochuan LI ; Jianming ZOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(5):392-398
Objective:To investigate differential gene expression, enriched biological processes, and pathway differences between residents of a high-background radiation area (HBRA), Yangjiang, and a control area—Enping.Methods:Seven residents were selected from the HBRA (the HBRA group) and seven from the control area (the control group) using the two-stage random sampling method. The cumulative radiation dose for each individual was calculated based on the ambient gamma exposure levels. Peripheral blood samples were collected and analyzed via high-throughput sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes. Subsequent analyses included gene ontology (GO) for biological process (BP), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).Results:The median ages of the HBRA and control groups had no statistically significant difference ( P = 0.370). The cumulative external doses for the HBRA and control groups were (99.59±20.07) and (33.82±10.61) mSv, respectively. This difference was statistically significant ( t = -5.88, P = 0.001). High-throughput sequencing identified 1 224 differentially expressed genes in the HBRA group, including 32 senescence-related genes, compared to the control group. The result of GO-BP analysis showed that these genes were predominantly enriched in cell signaling, biosynthesis, localization, cell cycle regulation, and cellular stress responses. KEGG analysis revealed significant enrichment in the chemokine and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as in pathways related to the cell cycle, autophagy, and mitophagy. Furthermore, GSEA analysis confirmed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly related to cell cycle regulation and mitochondrial functions. Conclusions:Differentially expressed mRNAs are found in the peripheral blood of residents in the HBRA. These mRNAs are predominantly associated with key biological processes and pathways, including cell cycle regulation, chemokine and MAPK signaling pathways, and mitophagy.

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