Ergothioneine attenuates whole-abdominal irradiation-induced multi-organ injury via the gut-heart-brain axis by modulating calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 C (Cacna1c) expression.

ABSTRACT: Despite the precise targeting of radiation therapy, collateral damage to adjacent healthy tissues remains an inevitable consequence. Currently, no effective clinical intervention exists to prevent or alleviate these adverse effects. To address this issue, our study established a whole-abdominal irradiation (WAI) model using C57BL/6J mice to investigate the systemic effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on the gut and other organs. Results confirmed that IR not only causes significant intestinal damage but also induces cardiac injury and cognitive dysfunction through remote effects. Ergothioneine (EGT), a naturally occurring dietary sulfur compound, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its unique functions in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulation. Our findi

SUBMITTER: Ding X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12799843 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature