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    2025, 34(4): 1-2.
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  • Progress in the Study of Radiation-induced Lung Injury: Cells, Signaling Pathways, and Gene Regulation
    LONG Yueyang, LI Zhonglong, XU Jinyang, WU Jiamao, KANG Kai, CUI Yuanxin, PEI Hailong
    2025, 34(4): 289-295.
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    Abstract: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. In cancer treatment, over 65% of patients require radiotherapy either alone or in combination with other therapies. Radiation-induced lung injury is a major complication during chest radiotherapy, involving a complex pathological process that spans multiple stages, primarily divided into radiation pneumonitis and radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Radiation pneumonitis is the early stage of fibrosis, characterized by acute pulmonary tissue inflammation. Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis is the late stage of radiation-induced lung injury, characterized by the abnormal activation of myofibroblasts and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis limits the radiation dose required to effectively kill tumor cells and is a major obstacle to improving the cure rate and quality of life for lung cancer patients. Although the exact mechanisms are not yet clear, a growing body of evidence suggests that, at the genetic level, ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) directly affect radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis; at the cellular level, multiple cell types and cytokines play a crucial role. Damage and differentiation of alveolar epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells trigger the aggregation of inflammatory and fibrotic cells, imbalance of Th1/Th2 lymphocyte ratios, polarization and recruitment of macrophages, and the formation of myofibroblasts, all of which play significant roles. This article reviews the cells, signaling pathways, and gene regulation involved in the process of radiation-induced lung injury, aiming to explore the understanding of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. It is hoped that this will clarify the key molecular mediators that initiate and control the radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis response, early diagnosis, and therapeutic targets, significantly improving the efficacy of radiotherapy for lung cancer patients and reducing the side effects of radiotherapy for patients with thoracic tumors.
         Key words: radiation-induced lung injury; radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis; extracellular matrix; immune microenvironment; cytokines
         （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(4): 289-295）
  • Exploration of the Application Prospects of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
    WU Yangguang, QU Haitao, ZHANG Shuangxi, YUAN Hao
    2025, 34(4): 296-303.
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    Abstract: As a non-invasive, low-cost and low-risk treatment technology, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) shows a unique application prospect in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). This article introduces the pathogenesis of UC and the current application status of PBMT in clinical practice. It is analyzed that this therapy is expected to play a synergistic role with existing treatment methods such as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) preparations and biological agents. At the same time, this article also analyzes deeply the possible challenges and safety risks in the clinical application of PBMT. It is recommended that future research should focus on formulating operation methods, adjusting treatment parameters, developing individualized treatment plans, and adding safety measures, so as to promote the clinical transformation of PBMT in the treatment of UC.
    Key words: biological optics; photobiomodulation therapy; low energy light source; ulcerative colitis; treatment
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(4): 296-303）
  • Cryo-sectioning Technique for Microstructure Studies on Rice Stalks
    YANG Shuibo, GONG Zhengya, ZHANG Xiaoyan, LI Xiaoyun, LYU Lefu
    2025, 34(4): 304-311.
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    Abstract: In order to observe the microscopic structure and lignin distribution of rice stalks efficiently and conveniently, this study adopted the natural drying-cryo-sectioning method and successfully obtained thin tissue sections. By combining the autofluorescence properties of plants and using confocal microscopy technique, the microscopic structure of rice stalks was observed. This technical method mainly improved the cryosectioning technique for rice stalks. After rice stalks were naturally dried for a certain period of time, they were directly embedded and sectioned. Sections can be prepared with or without safranin staining to obtain microscopic sections with relatively intact structures. Subsequently, ultraviolet light, blue light, and green light were used to excite the autofluorescence of rice stalks, followed by microscopic imaging and photography. The research results showed that the improved cryosectioning technique could produce tissue sections with a thickness of 1 μm and nearly intact cell structures. By using a laser scanning confocal microscope to collect red fluorescence signals excited by green light, the microscopic structure and lignin distribution of rice stalk sections can be observed quickly and clearly. This study provides references for the research on the tissue structures and the exploration of the physiological functions in Poaceae plants.
    Key words: rice stalk; cryosection technique; confocal microscopy technique; cellular microstructure; lignin distribution
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(4): 304-311）
  • Effects of Active Cooling on Scalp and Jaw Temperature in Mice Irradiated by 808 nm Laser
    WANG Jinglan, LIU Yilin, HU Ruixin, LIU Jinjun, CAO Lei, SONG Xiaowei, MU Liyue, WANG Yu
    2025, 34(4): 312-318.
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    Abstract: To evaluate the thermal safety of transcranial photobiomodulation, this study investigates the effects of 808 nm laser irradiation on scalp and mandibular temperatures, as well as safety parameters, when applied to the heads of live mice under varying illumination durations and power levels. Additionally, to evaluate whether a water-cooling device can effectively reduce irradiation-induced temperature increases. The 808 nm laser was directed at the fontanelle of mice. Scalp temperatures were measured using an infrared thermal imager, and jaw temperatures were recorded using a thermocouple. C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: Group A (natural cooling), Group B (active cooling), and Group C (negative control). Group A was further subdivided into A1, A2, and A3 based on different power levels of irradiation. Changes in scalp and mandibular temperatures were recorded at an irradiation dose of～140 J. Scalp temperature increased by 4.2℃ in Group A and by 2.4℃ in Group B, with Group B showing a temperature reduction of 1.8℃ compared to the corresponding power level in Group A . Jaw temperature measurements indicated a rise of 3.0℃ in Group A and 2.4℃ in Group B. As the average power of the 808 nm laser increased, local temperatures rose significantly. An average irradiation power of approximately 300 mW and a dose of ～140 J were found to be safe for mouse transcranial irradiation. For higher power levels, active cooling effectively mitigated local temperature increases. The results of this study can provide experimental basis for setting the parameter range of transcranial irradiation in mice.

    Key words: 808 nm laser; exposure dose; mice; transcranial irradiation; photobiomodulation
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(4): 312-318）

  • Construction and Effect of the miR-194b Gene Knockout Line on Liver Development in Zebrafish
    ZENG Ting, XIE Binling, LIU Ling, CHEN Siqing, XIONG Lei, XIE Huaping
    2025, 34(4): 319-327.
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    Abstract: microRNAs (miRNAs), a type of small non-coding RNA widely involved in various physiological processes, regulates the expression of protein-coding genes by binding to target mRNA. The miR-194 gene is highly expressed in the liver and serves as a key serum biomarker for diagnosing early liver injury in humans. However, the role of miR-194 in the progression of liver injury remains unclear. The results of bioinformatics analysis indicated that the miR-194 gene was highly conserved in various species. To reveal the role of miR-194 gene in liver development, this study utilized CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to construct miR-194b knockout lines, and to preliminarily investigate the role of miR-194b gene in liver development. First, two target sites of miR-194b gene were designed using an online website. The sgRNA template DNA was obtained by PCR amplification, and then DNA was transcribed to generate sgRNA. The sgRNA and Cas9 protein were co-injected into the zebrafish 1-cell embryos. After injection, the embryos were raised to 2 months of age and screened to obtain the F0 generation chimeric mutants. F0 chimeras were crossed with wild-type zebrafish to obtain F1 heterozygotes, which were subsequently genotyped and screened for the same mutation type by Sanger sequencing. F1 generation heterozygotes were crossed and genotyped to obtain F2 generation of homozygous mutants. The miR-194b homozygous mutants exhibited no obvious phenotypic abnormalities and were fertile. Overexpression of miR-194b caused does-dependent developmental malformations, including disorganized myotomes, pericardial edema, smaller liver, and absence of swim bladder, demonstrating that the miR-194b plays an important role in the early development and organogenesis of zebrafish embryos. In this study, we successfully constructed a zebrafish miR-194b knockout line, which lays the foundation for an in-depth study of the role of miR-194 in liver development.
    Key words: zebrafish; miR-194b gene; liver development; microRNAs; CRISPR/Cas9
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(4): 319-327）

  • Effects and Mechanism of Acanthopanax Senticosus Injection on Ovarian Function in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    GAO Chong, BAI Min
    2025, 34(4): 328-339.
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    Abstract: To investigate the effects and related mechanism of acanthopanax senticosus injection (ASI) on ovarian function in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The PCOS rat model was prepared by continuously gavage of letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days, and the normal group, model group, ASI group, activator group and inhibitor group, with 8 rats in each group. After 4 weeks of treatment, the body mass was weighted, the level of fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin in serum were measured, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The level of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum were measured by ELISA, and the LH/FSH was calculated. The ovarian index was calculated. The pathological changes and cell apoptosis ovarian tissue was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining or TdT mediated dUDP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) in ovarian tissues were detected by spectrophotometer staining. The mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1 were detected by RT-qPCR; the protein expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), B-lymphomatoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax), Caspase-3 (Cas-3), Cleaved Caspase-3 (C-Cas-3) were detected by Western blot. The results showed that: compared with the model group, the body mass, HOMA-IR and the level of fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, AMH, T, LH and LH/FSH decreased for the rats in the ASI group and activator group, and the level of E2, FSH increased. The pathological changes of ovarian tissue were improved, the ovarian index, cystic follicle number and apoptosis index of ovarian cell were decreased, and the corpus luteum number was increased. The content of MDA in ovarian tissue was decreased, the activity of SOD and CAT were increased. The mRNA expression level of Nrf2, HO-1 and the protein expression level of Nrf2, HO-1, Bcl-2 increased, the protein expression level of Bax, C-Cas-3 and the C-Cas-3/Cas-3 decreased. All of the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the ASI group, the activator group showed significantly enhanced effects on various detection indicators in PCOS rats, while the inhibitor group showed significantly weakened effects on various detection indicators, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Studies have showed that ASI may improve ovarian function in PCOS rats by upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which providing a new approach for PCOS treatment.
    Key words: polycystic ovary syndrome; acanthopanax senticosus injection; ovarian function; apoptosis; Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(4): 328-339）

  • Full-length Genomes Reveal the Co-prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Multiple Enteroviruses in the Pediatric Hand-foot-and-mouth Disease and Herpangina in Changsha, China
    ZHU Xi, LIU Taohua, PENG Jiamei, LIU Kang, QIU Ye, HE Qingnan, GE Xingyi
    2025, 34(4): 340-353.
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    Abstract: Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), and herpangina (HA) are common pediatric diseases mainly caused by infection of enteroviruses (EVs). Therefore, clarifying the molecular epidemiology of EVs in HFMD and HA outbreaks is important for understanding the etiological characteristics of the diseases and facilitating the treatment. During an outbreak in 2021, throat swab samples were collected from 54 HFMD or HA patients aged (3.40±1.67) years in the Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China. The prevalence of EVs in the samples was evaluated by viral metagenomic sequencing (VMGS), and the serotypes of these EVs were verified by PCR amplification of vp1 region followed by Sanger sequencing. Complete genomes of representative EV strains were further sequenced for phylogenetic analyses. For coxsackievirus (CV) A4, the predominant serotype in this outbreak, the amino acid sequences of VP1 were subjected to mutation analysis and immune epitope prediction. VMGS results revealed that sequence reads of EV genomes accounted for 98.29% of all the reads. PCR testing confirmed EV in 47 out of the 54 samples, representing an EV positive rate of 87.04%. Five EV serotypes were identified, including CVA2 (7, 14.89%), CVA4 (22, 46.81%), CVA10 (4, 8.51%), CVA16 (7, 14.89%), and CVB3 (3, 6.38%). Additionally, EV serotypes were undetermined in 4 EN-positive samples (8.51%). HFMD cases were tested positive for CVA4 and CVA16 only, while HA cases included all five serotypes.11 representative EV genomes revealed nucleotide sequence identities ranging from 96.57% to 99.04%, compared to the closest reference strains. VP1 of CVA4, the predominant serotype, harbored 8 amino acid variation sites among which 2 were located within the predicted MHC class-I epitopes. This study characterized the serotype distribution and mutation profiles of EVs in pediatric HFMD and HA cases during the 2021 Changsha outbreak, providing critical data for local epidemiological surveillance. Amino acid sequence analysis of CVA4’s VP1 protein revealed persistent changes in immunogenic epitopes, suggesting viral adaptation to immune pressure — a finding with significant implications for vaccine development. Consequently, sustained molecular surveillance during outbreaks is essential to formulate effective prevention and control strategies.
    Key words: enterovirus; hand-foot-and mouth disease; herpangina; molecular epidemiology; serotype
    CLC number: Q939.4                     Document code: A                  DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1007-7146.2025.04.007

  • Exploring the Interaction of ZAG with ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathways Based on the Hyperuricemic Wistar Rat Model of Renal Fibrosis
    FAN Kaixuan, ZHAN Yiting, YANG Jie, CHEN Bingyuan, WAN Guangyang, AN Miaomiao, CHEN Bingpu
    2025, 34(4): 354-364.
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    Abstract: To explore the mechanism by which zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) forms a feedback loop with extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) to regulate renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal tissue of hyperuricemia-induced renal fibrosis rats, 64 SPF-grade male Wistar rats were divided into a normal group and a hyperuricemia group. Half of the rats in each group were subjected to ZAG overexpression treatment to observe the interaction between ZAG expression levels and ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in renal tissue. The results showed that compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein levels of EMT-related molecules in the renal tissue of the hyperuricemia group were significantly upregulated. In the hyperuricemia group, ZAG overexpression reduced the serum uric acid (SUA) level, alleviated renal dysfunction, and delayed the progression of renal fibrosis in hyperuricemic nephropathy rats. Meanwhile, ZAG overexpression significantly decreased the expression of related proteins and their mRNA in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in the renal tissue of hyperuricemic nephropathy rats. The findings indicate that ZAG overexpression inhibits the activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways and delays the process of EMT, thereby alleviating renal injury and fibrosis caused by hyperuricemia and reducing hyperuricemic nephropathy in rats. These results open up a new research prospect for the potential preventive effect of ZAG on hyperuricemic nephropathy.
    Key words: ZAG; p38 MAPK; ERK1/2; renal fibrosis; epithelial-mesenchymal transition; hyperuricemic nephropathy
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(4): 354-364）

  • Effects of LncRNA MAGI2-AS3 Regulating miR-143-3p/PTP4A1 Axis on Cervical Cancer Cells
    LI Xiaoxue, GAO Yueyue, ZUO Hui, ZHANG Ping
    2025, 34(4): 365-373.
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    Abstract: To explore the effects of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (LncRNA) MAGI2-AS3 in regulating the miR-143-3p/PTP4A1 axis on cervical cancer (CC) cells, the expressions of MAGI2-AS3, miR-143-3p and PTP4A1 in the resected CC tissues and adjacent tissues of 54 patients with CC during the operation were detected by RT-qPCR. HeLa cells were randomly divided into control group, sh-NC group, sh-MAGI2-AS3 group, sh-MAGI2-AS3+anti-NC group and sh-MAGI2-AS3+anti-miR-143-3p group. The expression of MAGI2-AS3, miR-143-3p and PTP4A1 in each group was measured. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, expressions of PTP4A1, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were detected. The effects of MAGI2-AS3 knockout on CC tumor growth and PTP4A1 expression were verified by animal experiments. The results showed: the expression levels of MAGI2-AS3 and PTP4A1 mRNA in CC tissues was 1.97±0.35, 1.73±0.34, higher than (1.02±0.33, 0.98±0.31) in adjacent tissues, and the expression levels of miR-143-3p was 0.48±0.14, lower than (1.01±0.16) in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Compared with the sh-NC group and the control group, the A490 nm value, EdU positive cell rate, scratch healing rate, invasion number, mRNA expression levels of MAGI2-AS3 and PTP4A1, and protein expression levels of PCNA, PTP4A1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HeLa cells of the sh-MAGI2-AS3 group were all decreased; the mRNA expression level of miR-143-3p increased (P<0.05). Compared with the sh-MAGI2-AS3 group and the sh-MAGI2-AS3+anti-NC group, the mRNA expression level of miR-143-3p in the sh-MAGI2-AS3+anti-miR-143-3p group decreased, the A490 nm value, the rate of EdU positive cells, the scratch healing rate, the number of invasions, as well as the mRNA expression levels of PTP4A1 and the protein expression levels of PCNA, PTP4A1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 increased (P<0.05). Compared with the sh-NC group, the mass, volume, positive rate of Ki-67 and positive rate of PTP4A1 of the transplanted tumors in the sh-MAGI2-AS3 group were all decreased (P<0.05). To sum up, MAGI2-AS3 targeted negative regulation of miR-143-3p; miR-143-3p negatively regulates PTP4A1. Knockout of MAGI2-AS3 may inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells, which may be achieved by regulating the miR-143-3p/PTP4A1 axis.
    Key word: LncRNA MAGI2-AS3; miR-143-3p/PTP4A1 axis; cervical cancer; migration; invasion
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(4): 365-373）

  • Effects of Solute Carrier Protein-associated Genes on Gastric Cancer Prognosis Prediction and Their Influence on Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion
    YANG Yanqing, CHEN Song, LI Li
    2025, 34(4): 374-384.
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    Abstract: Bioinformatics analysis-based construction of a prognostic prediction model to investigate the relationship between specific solute carrier protein (SLC)-related genes and gastric cancer (GC) in immunity and prognosis. RNA sequencing and clinical data were downloaded from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus (GEO) databases. Differential expression of SLC-related genes was extracted using R software. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to construct a risk prediction model for GC prognosis based on SLC-related genes closely associated with survival. The prognostic performance of the model was validated through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Correlations between risk scores and immune-infiltrating cells, tumor immune microenvironment, and clinical features were assessed. The impact of SLC43A3 knockdown on the proliferation and migration of BGC-823 cells was evaluated via CCK-8, scratch wound healing, and Transwell assays. A total of 115 differentially expressed SLC-related genes were identified, with 14 genes linked to prognosis. Eight genes were selected to establish the prognostic risk scoring model. The SLC-related gene prognostic model demonstrates high predictive value and is significantly associated with heterogeneity in immune cell infiltration, providing important references for personalized medication in GC patients. Functional experiments revealed that SLC43A3 significantly promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells. This study may suggest novel therapeutic targets for GC targeted therapy research.
    Key words: gastric cancer; specific solute carrier protein; prognostic model; immune reaction; bioinformatics
    （Acta Laser Biology Sinica, 2025, 34(4): 374-384）