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 Piperis Longi Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Haihua WANG ; Xiaoqi JING ; Juan LI ; Dabang REN ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):210-219
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, producing area, harvesting and processing, nature, flavor and efficacy of Piperis Longi Fructus by referring to the materia medica, medical books, and prescription books of past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the herbal textual research, the name of Piper longum first appeared in Nanfang Caomuzhuang, and it also has other aliases such as Biboli, Halou, and Hujiaohua. Historically, the origin of Piperis Longi Fructus has been P. longum of the Piperaceae family. In ancient times, both the fruit and root were used as medicine, and since the Republic of China, the fruit has been mainly used as medicine. The medicinal part is the dried, nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes. Piperis Longi Fructus is native to India and has been introduced into China since the Tang dynasty. In the Ming dynasty, Bencao Pinhui Jingyao clearly stated that the genuine producing area was "Duanzhou", present-day Zhaoqing in Guangdong province. Nowadays, it is planted in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and other regions. Historically and currently, harvesting occurs in autumn. The ancient processing method uniformly involved removing the stems, soaking in the sourest vinegar overnight, baking, and scraping off the peels and grains with a knife until clean. In modern times, impurities are removed, and it is dried in the sun and crushed when used. The properties, functions and applications of P. longum are basically the same in ancient and modern times. It tastes pungent, is warm in nature, and non-toxic. It has the effects of warming the middle-jiao to dispel cold, lowering Qi and relieving pain, and is used for cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, headache, and toothache. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Piperis Longi Fructus, the dried nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes of P. longum should be used. If there are no clear processing requirements, it is recommended to use the raw products for medicinal use, and the specific processing methods can refer to the relevant requirements under Piperis Longi Fructus in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. If processing requirements such as soaking in vinegar and peeling are clearly specified, it is recommended to follow the ancient methods.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Piperis Longi Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Haihua WANG ; Xiaoqi JING ; Juan LI ; Dabang REN ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):210-219
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, producing area, harvesting and processing, nature, flavor and efficacy of Piperis Longi Fructus by referring to the materia medica, medical books, and prescription books of past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the herbal textual research, the name of Piper longum first appeared in Nanfang Caomuzhuang, and it also has other aliases such as Biboli, Halou, and Hujiaohua. Historically, the origin of Piperis Longi Fructus has been P. longum of the Piperaceae family. In ancient times, both the fruit and root were used as medicine, and since the Republic of China, the fruit has been mainly used as medicine. The medicinal part is the dried, nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes. Piperis Longi Fructus is native to India and has been introduced into China since the Tang dynasty. In the Ming dynasty, Bencao Pinhui Jingyao clearly stated that the genuine producing area was "Duanzhou", present-day Zhaoqing in Guangdong province. Nowadays, it is planted in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and other regions. Historically and currently, harvesting occurs in autumn. The ancient processing method uniformly involved removing the stems, soaking in the sourest vinegar overnight, baking, and scraping off the peels and grains with a knife until clean. In modern times, impurities are removed, and it is dried in the sun and crushed when used. The properties, functions and applications of P. longum are basically the same in ancient and modern times. It tastes pungent, is warm in nature, and non-toxic. It has the effects of warming the middle-jiao to dispel cold, lowering Qi and relieving pain, and is used for cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, headache, and toothache. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Piperis Longi Fructus, the dried nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes of P. longum should be used. If there are no clear processing requirements, it is recommended to use the raw products for medicinal use, and the specific processing methods can refer to the relevant requirements under Piperis Longi Fructus in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. If processing requirements such as soaking in vinegar and peeling are clearly specified, it is recommended to follow the ancient methods.
4.Effect of lncRNA-TNFRSF13C on hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha in periodontal cells by modulation of miR-1246
Jing BAI ; Xue ZHANG ; Yan REN ; Yuehui LI ; Xiaoyu TIAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):928-935
BACKGROUND:LncRNA-TNFRSF13C,an important factor in B cell development and function,is expressed in periodontal tissues of patients with periodontitis,but the specific mechanism is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of lncRNA-TNFRSF13C regulating miR-1246 on hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in periodontal cells. METHODS:Human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)were treated with lipopolysaccharide and divided into group A(hPDLCs cell lines without transfection),group B(hPDLCs cell lines transfected with TNFRSF13C NC-siRNA),group C(hPDLCs cell lines transfected with TNFRSF13C-siRNA),group D(hPDLCs cell line transfected with miR-1246 mimics),group E(hPDLCs cell line transfected with miR-1246 siRNA),group F(hPDLCs cell line transfected with TNFRSF13C-siRNA+miR-1246 mimics),and group G(hPDLCs cell line transfected with TNFRSF13C-siRNA+miR-1246 siRNA).The relative expression of lncRNA-TNFRSF13C and miR-1246 in each group was detected by qRT-PCR.Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect cell viability.Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor proteins was detected by western blot.The correlation between lncRNA-TNFRSF13C and miR-1246 was analyzed by Pearson,and the targeting relationship was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no significant difference in human periodontal ligament cell activity,apoptosis rate and protein indexes between groups A and B(P>0.05).Compared with group B,hPDLCS cell activity in group C was increased,and apoptosis rate and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor proteins were decreased(P<0.05).Compared with group C,hPDLCS cell activity in group D was decreased,and apoptosis rate and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor proteins were increased(P<0.05).Compared with group D,the cell activity of group E was increased(P<0.05).The cell activity in group F was lower than that in group E,and the apoptosis rate was reduced in both groups E and F(P<0.05).Compared with group F,the cell activity of group G was increased,and the apoptosis rate and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor were decreased(P<0.05).LncRNA-TNFRSF13C was positively correlated with miR-1246(P<0.05).Compared with the TNFRSF13C-siRNA group,the fluorescence activity of miR-1246-wt in the TNFRSF13C-NC group was reduced(P>0.05);compared with the miR-1246-NC group,the fluorescence activities of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-wt and vascular endothelial growth factor-wt in the miR-1246 mimics group were increased(P<0.05).To conclude,down-regulation of lncRNA-TNFRSF13C can promote the activity of periodontal cells treated with lipopolysaccharide,reduce apoptosis,and inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor.The mechanism is related to the regulation of miR-1246 activity.
5.Scientific basis for acupuncture combined with neural stem cells for repairing spinal cord injury
Xiaomeng HUANG ; Zhilan ZHANG ; Wenya SHANG ; Jing HUANG ; Huilin WEI ; Bing LI ; Yafeng REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4111-4121
BACKGROUND:Spinal cord injury is a neurological disorder caused by traumatic or non-traumatic events,often leading to severe functional impairment below the injured segment.In recent years,neural stem cell transplantation has been considered to have significant therapeutic potential in regulating the inflammatory response after spinal cord injury,inhibiting excessive proliferation of glial scars,and promoting nerve regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To review and discuss the potential mechanism of action of acupuncture and neural stem cell transplantation therapy in inhibiting spinal cord injury-induced secondary injury,and to delve into the scientific basis for its treatment of spinal cord injury. METHODS:PubMed,Elsevier,WanFang,and CNKI databases were searched using"spinal cord injury,acupuncture,neural stem cells,SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis"as Chinese and English search terms.Totally 96 articles were finally included.The research findings of acupuncture combined with neural stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury were summarized and analyzed,and the mechanism of this combination therapy in the treatment of secondary injury after spinal cord injury was summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The stromal-derived factor 1α(SDF-1α)/chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)axis plays a crucial role in neural stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury.This signaling mechanism not only affects neural stem cell migration,proliferation,and differentiation,but is also a key factor in determining the efficiency of stem cell homing to the injury site.Therefore,the regulation of targeting this axis is of great significance in enhancing the therapeutic effect of spinal cord injury.(2)Acupuncture,as a traditional Chinese medicine therapy,shows unique advantages in the regulation of secondary injury in spinal cord injury.It can effectively reduce secondary injury after spinal cord injury by regulating inflammatory response,inhibiting apoptosis,improving microcirculation,reducing glial scar formation,and counteracting oxidative stress.(3)Acupuncture was also able to influence the expression and function of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis,thereby enhancing the homing and survival ability of neural stem cells and promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.(4)The therapy combining acupuncture and stem cell transplantation is an innovative treatment strategy for spinal cord injury and suitable for repairing neural circuits.It combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with the advantages of modern biotechnology,providing a new treatment option for spinal cord injury patients.However,this combination therapy is still in the research and exploration stage,and its long-term efficacy and safety need to be further verified.(5)Taken together,acupuncture and neural stem cell transplantation for the treatment of spinal cord injury has great potential for clinical application,but in-depth research and optimization of treatment options are still needed.In the future,we look forward to further revealing the efficacy mechanism and optimal indications of this therapy through more clinical trials and mechanism studies,so as to bring better hope of recovery and more efficient therapeutic effects to spinal cord injury patients.
6.Knockdown of GPER1 aggravates neuronal injury and cognitive dysfunction after epilepsy
Shi-jie HAO ; Yi-jin LUO ; Xiao-fan REN ; Na DING ; Jing-bo CAO ; Qian ZHAO ; Wei HE ; Shao-zhang HOU ; Di ZUO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1332-1339
Aim To investigate the impact of G pro-tein-coupled estrogen receptor 1(GPER1),also known as GPR30 playing a significant role in the nerv-ous system,on neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunc-tion following epileptic seizures.Methods The pro-tein expression levels of GPER1 and the DNA damage marker γ-H2AX in epileptic rats were assessed using Western blot.The hippocampal neuronal damage and apoptosis in pilocarpine-induced epilepsy models were evaluated using Nissl and TUNEL staining techniques,compared with GPER1 knockdown(GPER1-KD)rats with wild-type(WT)controls.The behavioral activi-ties,including memory and spatial learning,were mo-nitored during the chronic phase of epilepsy using the IntelliCage system.Results Compared to the control group,GPER1 protein expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus significantly increased 24 hours post-epilepsy onset.In the GPER1-KD+EP group,hipp-ocampal neuronal damage was more severe,with a sig-nificant increase in apoptotic neurons compared to the WT+EP group.The IntelliCage data revealed that during free exploration,nose contact,position learn-ing,and reverse position learning stages in the GPER1-KD+EP group exhibited fewer visits and a higher error rate than in the WT+EP group.Conclu-sions Deficiency in GPER1 impairs memory and spa-tial learning abilities following epilepsy,potentially due to exacerbated neuronal injury,apoptosis,and inflam-mation.GPER1 represents a promising therapeutic tar-get for mitigating post-epileptic nerve damage and cog-nitive impairment.
7.Modulation of microglia by traditional Chinese medicine improves post-stroke depression
Qi LI ; Jing GAO ; Ming ZHANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yachen FENG ; Rui PAN ; Chunxiao WANG ; Qiongdi REN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2945-2952
Post-stroke depression(PSD),a common stroke complication characterized by depressed mood and diminished interest,severely affects patients'recovery and quality of life.Microglial abnormal activation and polarization play key roles in PSD pathogenesis,closely associated with neuroinflammation and imbalance in neu-rotransmitter metabolism.In contrast,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)demonstrates unique multi-target and multi-level mechanisms:regulating microglial function,ameliorating post-stroke neuroinflammatory environments,and promoting neuroplasticity,thereby potentially alleviating PSD symptoms.This review summarizes TCM's effects on microglial activation/polarization states and its therapeutic advances in PSD,providing novel perspectives and strategies for clinical management.
8.Non-Invasive Visual Prediction of Pathological Grading in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma Using Habitat Imaging Based on Enhanced CT
Danqing YIN ; Lei YUAN ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Lina MA ; Weijun QIN ; Jing ZHANG ; Yi HUAN ; Jing REN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(9):906-911,919
Purpose To explore the value of contrast-enhanced CT habitat imaging(HI)in preoperative non-invasive visualization for predicting pathological grading of clear cell renal carcinoma(ccRCC).Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on enhanced CT images and clinical data from 240 patients with pathologically confirmed ccRCC at Xijing Hospital,the Fourth Military Medical University from January 2020 to December 2023.All patients were randomly divided into training and test sets at a 7:3 ratio and classified into low-grade group(International Society of Urological Pathology Ⅰ-Ⅱ)and high-grade group(International Society of Urological Pathology Ⅲ-Ⅳ)based on postoperative pathology.Using wash-in and wash-out parametric maps,the tumors were segmented into three perfusion-based habitat subregions(low,medium and high)via K-means clustering,and the volume fraction of each subregion was calculated.Predictive factors were selected from habitat features and clinical variables(including sex,age,tumor size,etc.)using Logistic regression.Three models were constructed:a clinical model,a habitat imaging model and a combined clinical-habitat model.Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve and decision curve analysis.Results Habitat 3 exhibited higher wash-in and wash-out gradients compared to Habitats 1 and 2,indicating hyper perfusion.Its proportion was significantly higher in the low-grade group than in the high-grade group(Z=-7.71,-5.11,both P<0.01).Multivariate Logistic regression identified hypertension,maximum tumor diameter and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as independent risk factors for high-grade ccRCC,while the proportion of Habitat 3 was a protective factor(OR=0.297,95%CI 0.184-0.479).The combined clinical-habitat model demonstrated the highest predictive performance[area under the curve(AUC)=0.938],significantly outperforming the clinical model(AUC=0.801,Z=-3.832,P<0.01)and the habitat imaging model(AUC=0.895,Z=-2.157,P=0.031).Conclusion The clinical-habitat imaging model achieves the highest predictive performance for ccRCC pathological grading.Contrast-enhanced CT habitat imaging provides significant incremental value in predicting ccRCC pathological grading,showing potential to guide precision medicine in clinical practice.
9.Application of the Anderson sampler in the inspection for the filtration efficiency for bacteria in medical mask
Di LEI ; Chen WANG ; Minjuan ZHANG ; Cunlin LONG ; Jian REN ; Zhijie ZHAO ; Yuwei LI ; Yun LING ; Xiaoning SUN ; Jing ZHAO
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(3):160-163
The medical mask,which is used as an important tool of preventing the spread of respiratory diseases,can effectively block the transmission of biological aerosols.The detection for the filtration efficiency of bacteria in medical mask is particular importance.The Andersen sampler,is one kind of device that samples microbial aerosols,is widely used in the inspection for the filtration efficiency for bacteria in medical masks.It mainly consists of six impactors with different pore sizes.It simulates the deposition process of the most of particles at different positions in respiratory system through the bacterial particles in biological aerosols impact respectively the surface of petri dishes with agar under different pore sizes.This paper explored the development background,structure and sampling principle,operation and counting procedures of the Andersen sampler,as well as its application and importance in the inspection for the filtration efficiency for bacteria in medical mask.
10.Spectral CT quantitative parameters combined with clinical and CT features for predicting lymphovascular invasion of colorectal cancer
Pengqiang LI ; Nianjun LIU ; Xiaoyue ZHANG ; Yanfei WANG ; Jinhui LAN ; Huling REN ; Jing WANG ; Yu DOU ; Junqiang LEI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(2):286-290
Objective To explore the value of spectral CT quantitative parameters combined with clinical and CT features for predicting lymphovascular invasion(LVI)of colorectal cancer.Methods Clinical,pathological and preoperative abdominal spectral CT data of 98 colorectal cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed.According to pathological results,the patients were divided into LVI group(n=36)and non-LVI group(n=62).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to compared clinical,pathological,conventional CT manifestations and spectral CT quantitative parameters between groups to screen independent predictors for LVI of colorectal cancer,and then a regression model was constructed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were drawn,and the area under the curves(AUC)were calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of each single independent predictor and regression model for predicting LVI of colorectal cancer.Results Serum carbohydrate antigen 724,CT showed periintestinal fat infiltration and effective atomic number(Zeff)at venous phase were all independent predictors of LVI of colorectal cancer(OR=4.723,7.301 and 18.912,all P<0.05).AUC of the above independent predictors was 0.582,0.723 and 0.691,respectively,while of the regression model was 0.837.Conclusion Spectral CT quantitative parameters combined with clinical and CT features could effectively predict LVI of colorectal cancer.

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