Blocking TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway with soluble death receptor 5 fusion protein mitigates radiation-induced injury

Tea Polyphenols Mitigate Radiation-Induced Ferroptosis and Intestinal Injury by Targeting the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 Signaling Pathway

Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) is a significant concern for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy, as it can lead to complications such as radiation enteropathy. Presently, there are limited options for preventing or treating RIII. Tea polyphenols (TP), found in tea, provide various health benefits, but their antiradiation mechanisms are not fully understood. C57BL/6 mice pre-treated with TP for five days showed a significant improvement in survival rates after being exposed to 10 Gy of 60Co radiation. In the same way, abdominal exposure to 15 Gy of 60Co radiation effectively mitigated radiation-induced colon shortening, damage to intestinal tissues, oxidative stress, the release of inflammatory factors, and disruptions in intestinal microbial balance. In addition, TP treatment lowered the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron imbalance, mitochondrial damage, and ferroptosis in IEC-6 cells post-irradiation. Utilizing network pharmacology, molecular docking, and affinity testing, we identified that TP has the capability to target the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway, while EGCG, a principal constituent of TP, interacts with HSP90 and mitigates radiation-induced ferroptosis. These findings suggest that TP may serve as a promising therapeutic agent to alleviate radiation-induced intestinal injury (RII).

Advances in the study of death receptor 5

DR5, a receptor with the highest affinity for TRAIL under physiological conditions, selectively induces apoptosis in specific target cells such as tumor and aberrant immune cells, while minimally affecting normal cells. The TRAIL-DR5 signaling pathway is a crucial regulatory mechanism when the body responds to various exogenous interference factors, including viruses, chemicals, and radiation. This pathway plays a vital role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and in the pathological development of various diseases. Different modulations of DR5, such as upregulation, activation, and antagonism, hold significant potential for therapeutic applications in tumors, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and radiation injuries. This article provides an overview of the current research progress on DR5, including the status and prospects of its clinical applications.

Development of bovine serum albumin-modified Fe3O4 embedded in porous α-ketoglutaric acid/chitosan (BSA/Fe3O4@KA/CS): A magnetically targeted hemostatic dressing for deep and irregular wounds

Severe bleeding from deep and irregular wounds poses a significant challenge in prehospital and surgical settings. To address this issue, we developed a novel chitosan-based hemostatic dressing with a magnetic targeting mechanism using Fe3O4, termed bovine serum albumin-modified Fe3O4 embedded in porous α-ketoglutaric acid/chitosan (BSA/Fe3O4@KA/CS). This dressing enhances hemostasis by magnetically guiding the agent to the wound site. In vitro, the hemostatic efficacy of BSA/Fe3O4@KA/CS is comparable to that of commercial chitosan (Celox™) and is not diminished by the modification. In vivo, BSA/Fe3O4@KA/CS demonstrated superior hemostatic performance and reduced blood loss compared to Celox™. The hemostatic mechanism of BSA/Fe3O4@KA/CS includes the concentration of solid blood components through water absorption, adherence to blood cells, and activation of the endogenous coagulation pathway. Magnetic field targeting is crucial in directing the dressing to deep hemorrhagic sites. Additionally, safety assessments have confirmed the biocompatibility and biodegradability of BSA/Fe3O4@KA/CS. In conclusion, we introduce a novel approach to modify chitosan using magnetic guidance for effective hemostasis, positioning BSA/Fe3O4@KA/CS as a promising candidate for managing various wounds.