What are they preparing for in China? Chinese scientists have developed a defense against nuclear fallout and cancer.

In a recent study, scientists introduced a therapy that significantly enhances the survival rate of mice exposed to lethal doses of radiation. This breakthrough promises to improve the safety of cancer treatments and provide protection in scenarios related to nuclear exposure. Given the recent global news, such scenarios are becoming increasingly relevant for humanity as a whole. This discovery was reported by The Independent.

Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as during nuclear fallout, causes severe damage to the DNA of living organisms, disrupting cell division and weakening the body's immune response. One particularly deadly consequence is gastrointestinal syndrome (GIS), where the intestinal lining is destroyed, leading to life-threatening complications.

The research, conducted by Chinese scientists and published in the journal Cell Death and Differentiation, focused on the role of the "stimulator of interferon genes" (STING) protein in the body's response to DNA damage caused by acute radiation. STING promotes cell death when DNA is damaged, and by genetically disabling its function in mice, the researchers observed a significant increase in survival rates, from 11% to a remarkable 67%, after exposure to harmful radiation levels. In light of recent events and the popularization of atomic bombs through films like "Oppenheimer," this finding is particularly timely.

Additionally, mice deficient in STING exhibited less severe abdominal damage compared to their counterparts. Further investigation revealed that the level of cell death in the intestines of STING-deficient mice decreased from 45% to 12% after radiation exposure. The researchers noted the intestinal villi—tiny, finger-like projections that absorb nutrients—and found that these structures were approximately 2.3 times greater in STING-deficient mice, indicating better resilience to radiation damage.

These results suggest that targeting STING could pave the way for therapies aimed at mitigating GIS resulting from high-dose radiation exposure or tumor radiotherapy. As explained by the lead author of the study Sun Yirong, the therapy developed based on this discovery holds significant potential for protection against radiation damage, enhancing the effectiveness of cancer radiotherapy, and improving overall oncology treatment outcomes.

Interestingly, while STING activation has been linked to the development of immune responses against tumors, this study emphasizes its role in radiation-induced tissue damage. This duality highlights the complexity of the protein's functions in the body and suggests that context-specific modulation of STING activity could be key in therapeutic applications.

In any case, amidst current trends related to nuclear safety violations and the increasing relevance of nuclear weapons, such technology may someday find its application beyond hospital settings.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.