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.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction (HGWD) against cerebral ischemic injury and the underlying mechanisms. A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in C57BL/6 mice to evaluate the effects of HGWD on neurobehavioral scores, cerebral infarction rate, brain water content, and oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. The mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in brain tissue were assessed. In addition, Nrf2 knockout mice were used to verify the role of Nrf2 in the protective effects of HGWD against MCAO-induced injury. Additionally, an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model in primary neuronal cells was employed to further confirm the pharmacological effects of HGWD in vitro. The results showed that HGWD significantly ameliorated cerebral ischemic injury in MCAO mice, alleviated oxidative stress, suppressed the release of inflammatory factors, and markedly upregulated the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 while downregulating Bax expression, with consistent trends being observed at both mRNA and protein levels. The protective effects of HGWD were significantly attenuated in Nrf2 knockout mice, indicating the pivotal role of Nrf2 in HGWD-mediated protection against cerebral ischemic injury. In vitro experiments revealed that HGWD significantly increased neuronal cell viability, reduced lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) leakage, and decreased apoptosis in OGD/R-treated cells, accompanied by upregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 and downregulation of Bax. In conclusion, HGWD protects against cerebral ischemic injury by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to enhance antioxidant capacity and modulating the Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis, thereby protecting brain cells from ischemic damage.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of zidovudine (AZT) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disturbances in rats and its underlying mechanisms. The HFD rat model was established, and the animals were divided into the control group, the model group, and the AZT-treated group at low (25 mg/kg) and high (50 mg/kg) doses. Metabolic phenotype, hepatic lipid deposition, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling were evaluated. AZT treatment significantly mitigated HFD-induced body weight gain and reduced both the mass and adipocyte size of inguinal and epididymal white adipose tissues; it also enhanced metabolic flexibility and improved glucose tolerance without elevating blood lactate levels. High-dose AZT further lowered hepatic triglyceride accumulation, ameliorated steatosis, and additionally, attenuated hepatic oxidative stress by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Western blot analysis revealed that AZT upregulated hepatic PPARα and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α (CPT1α), while downregulating PPARγ expression. In conclusion, AZT effectively ameliorates HFD-induced metabolic disorders without inducing mitochondrial toxicity, which may be related to the promotion of fatty acid oxidation, the reduction of oxidative stress, and the modulation of both the PPAR signaling pathway and pyrimidine metabolism.

Background/Aims: Regorafenib is recommended by guidelines and trials as a sequential second-line therapy following progression on first-line sorafenib or lenvatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, efficacy is limited, highlighting the urgent need to screen suitable patients and develop sensitization strategies. Methods: Acquired sorafenib- or lenvatinib-resistant (SR or LR) HCC cell lines and organoids were established. Genome-wide CRISPR library screen was performed in SR or LR cell strains to identify synthetic lethal targets of regorafenib. RNA-seq and FITC-regorafenib efflux assay were used to elucidate ERBB3-driven downstream signaling. Preclinical mouse models of cell line- and patient-derived xenografts and clinical cohorts of HCC patients were employed to validate the efficacy of ERBB3-guided patient stratification. Results: Screening with CRISPR library, we showed that inhibition of ERBB3 was synthetic lethal with regorafenib in SR or LR cell strains and organoids. Mechanistically, SR or LR triggered feedback activation of ERBB3 signaling and mediated regorafenib efflux via ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade pathway, limiting sensitivity to regorafenib. Moreover, ERBB3-low tumors following SR or LR exhibited significant sensitivity to regorafenib, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker to screen optimal candidates for sequential therapy. Seribantumab, an ERBB3-targeting monoclonal antibody, inhibited ERBB3-HIF1A-ABCB1 cascade, and its combination with regorafenib exerted marked synergistic anti-tumor effects on ERBB3-high tumors resistant to sorafenib or lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions This study revealed that ERBB3 was a key resistance factor driving limited efficacy to sequential regorafenib, but also an effective therapeutic target whose inhibition enhanced regorafenib sensitivity after SR or LR.

Based on the holistic concept of the integration of body and mind， this paper systematically elucidates the movement characteristics， mechanisms of action， and rehabilitative effects of the integrated regulation of body and mind in traditional exercise therapy from the three core dimensions of regulating the body， regulating qi， and regulating the mind. Its movement are characterized by mind-guided movements integrating reflection and qi， relaxed and resilient movements of both body and mind， balanced movements integrating deficiency and excess while maintaining balanced body-mind alignment， and slow movements combining motion with stillness. The underlying mechanisms involve externally mobilizing the limbs while internally regulating the zang-fu （脏腑） organs， dredging the meridians， connecting the interior and exterior， promoting the integrated regulation of body， qi， and mind， and coordinating the interaction between body and mind to regulate overall physiological function， thereby improving cognitive， motor， cardiopulmonary， and other functional outcomes during rehabilitation.

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.

Objective To investigate the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on levels of memory T (Tm) cells and their subsets in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of infection, so as to provide new insights into immunotherapy for alveolarechinococcosis. MethodsTwenty-four C57BL/6J mice aged 6 to 9 weeks were randomly divided into the infection group and the control group, of 12 mice in each group. Mice in the infection group were administered with 3 000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces via portal venous injection, while animals in the control group were administered with an equal volume of physiological saline. Three mice from each group were sacrificed 4, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-infection, and lymph nodes were sampled and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to investigate the histopathological changes of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group. The expression and localization of T lymphocyte surface markers CD3, CD4, and CD8 were observed in mouse lymph nodes using immunohistochemical staining. In addition, lymphocyte suspensions were prepared from mouse lymph nodes in both groups at different time points post-infection, and the levels of Tm cell subsets and their secreted cytokines were detected using flow cytometry. Results HE staining showed diffuse structural alterations in the subcapsular cortical and paracortical regions of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group 4 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis. Immunohistochemical staining detected CD3, CD4 and CD8 expression in mouse lymph nodes in both groups. Flow cytometry revealed higher proportions of CD4⁺ Tm cells [(55.3 ± 4.8)% vs. (38.8 ± 6.1)%; t = -4.259, P < 0.05] and CD4⁺ tissue-resident Tm (Trm) cells [(57.7 ± 3.7)% vs. (34.1 ± 11.2)%; t = -3.990, P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks post-infection, and higher proportions of CD4⁺ Tm cells [(34.6 ± 3.2)% vs. (23.3 ± 7.5)%; t = -2.764, P < 0.05] and CD4⁺ Trm cells [(44.0 ± 1.9)% vs. (31.2 ± 1.5)%; t = -4.039, P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post-infection. The proportions of CD8⁺ Tm cells were higher in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks [(56.8 ± 2.7)% vs. (43.9 ± 5.2)%; t = -4.416, P < 0.01] and 12 weeks post-infection [(25.4 ± 2.7)% vs. (12.0 ± 2.6)%; t = -2.552, P < 0.05], while the proportions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α⁺ CD4⁺ T cells [(15.7 ± 5.0)% vs. (49.4 ± 6.4)%; t = 7.150, P < 0.01], TNF-α⁺CD8⁺ T cells [(20.7 ± 5.5)% vs. (57.5 ± 8.4)%; t = -6.694, P < 0.01], and TNF-α⁺ CD8⁺ Tm cells [7.0% (1.0%) vs. 31.0% (11.0%); Z = -2.236, P < 0.05] were lower in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post-infection. Conclusions Tm cells levels are consistently increased in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of E. multilocularis infection, with Trm cells as the predominantly elevated subset. The impaired capacity of CD8⁺ Tm cells to secrete the effector molecule TNF-α in mouse lymph nodes at the late-stage infection may facilitate chronic parasitism of E. multilocularis.

Objective The study aims to investigate the impact of microRNA-874-3p(miR-874-3p)regulation of plakophilin 3(PKP3)on the malignant biological behavior of lung adenocarcinoma cells and its underlying mechanism.Methods Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry were used to detect the expression of PKP3 in lung adenocarcinoma tissue microarray and lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 cells respectively,and the relationship between PKP3 and clinicopathological features of lung adenocarcinoma patients was analyzed.Select lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549,the experiment was divided into A549 cell group(blank control group),miR-NC group(transfected with miR-NC)and miR-mimics group(transfected with miR-874-3p mimics),sh-NC group(control group transfected with PKP3 silencing plasmid),sh-PKP3 group(transfected with PKP3 silencing plasmid),miR+pcDNA-PKP3 group(transfected with miR-874-3P mimics+pcDNA-PKP3,rescue group)and miR+pcDNA-NC group(transfected with miR-874-3p mimics+pcDNA-NC).The proliferation,invasion,migration and apoptosis of cells in each group were detected.ENCORI database was used to predict the upstream gene of PKP3,and dual luciferase assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between miR-874-3p and PKP3.MAPK/mTOR pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blotting.Results The expression of PKP3 in lung adenocarcinoma tissue was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues.The high expression of PKP3 was related to clinical stage,tumor size,and lymph node metastasis(P＜0.05).Compared with the human normal lung epithelial cells(BEAS-2B),the expression of PKP3 in A549 cells increased significantly,and the expression of miR-874-3p decreased(P＜0.05).Overexpression of miR-874-3p decreased the PKP3 expression level(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,both overexpression of miR-874-3p and silenced PKP3 inhibited the cloning and invasion ability of A549 cells,caused cell cycle arrest,and decreased the expression levels of cyclin dependent kinase 4(CDK4),cyclin D1,cyclin E1 proteins in A549 cells(P＜0.05).The expressions of Bax protein and Caspase-3 protein were up-regulated(P＜0.05),and apoptosis increased.Overexpression of PKP3 could reverse the biological behavior of overexpression of miR-874-3p.Overexpression of miR-874-3p and silencing of PKP3 significantly decreased the expressions of P38 MAPK and mTOR phosphorylated proteins.Conclusion MiR-874-3p can negatively regulate PKP3 expression and inhibit the malignant biological behavior of A549 cells through MAPK/mTOR pathway.

Objective To investigate the size variation in the first metatarsal of extant primates.Methods In this study,we analyzed 135 first metatarsal specimens across 12 primate genera,quantifying eight linear measurements,articular surface areas,mid-shaft cross-sectional area,total surface area,volume,and derived indices.Multivariate patterns were assessed through mean-based correspondence analysis and principal component analysis(PCA).Results Eulemur,Otolemur,Cebus,and Perodicticus exhibited a relatively high metatarsal surface-area-to-volume ratio.Perodicticus additionally showed a low articular facet index.Propithecus,Colobus,and Macaca displayed lower values for metatarsal shaft robusticity,the ratio of shaft cross-sectional area to base articular surface area,and the proximal articular facet index.Nasalis possessed a relatively high articular facet index.Pongo,Pan,Gorilla,and Homo sapiens were characterized by higher metatarsal shaft robusticity and a lower metatarsal surface-area-to-volume ratio.Principal component analysis revealed that the 12 extant primate genera could be broadly divided into two groups.Group 1 comprised Pongo,Pan,Gorilla and H.sapiens,although H.sapiens formed a distinct cluster relative to the extant great apes.Group 2 included Eulemur,Otolemur,Perodicticus,Propithecus,Cebus,Colobus,Macaca and Nasalis.Conclusion The relative sizedistribution of the first metatarsal provides some reference value for classifying extant primates.However,it demonstrates no clear correlations with specific locomotor patterns or foot grasping ability.