Biosynthesis of fungus-based oral selenium microcarriers for radioprotection and immuno-homeostasis shaping against radiation-induced heart disease

Radiation-induced heart disease(RIHD),characterized by severe oxidative stress and immune dysregulation,is a serious condition affecting cancer patients undergoing thoracic radiation.Unfortunately,clinical interventions for RIHD are lacking.Selenium(Se)is a trace element with excellent antioxidant and immune-modulatory properties.However,its application in heart radioprotection remains challenging.Herein,we developed a novel bioactive Cordyceps militaris-based Se oral delivery system(Se@CM),which demonstrated superior radioprotection effects in vitro against X-ray-induced damage in H9C2 cells through suppressing excessive ROS generation,compared to the radioprotectant Amifostine.Moreover,Se@CM exhibited exceptional cardioprotective effects in vivo against X-ray irradiation,reducing cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis by balancing the redox equilibrium and modulating the expression of Mn-SOD and MDA.Additionally,Se@CM maintained immuno-homeostasis,as evidenced by the upregulated population of T cells and M2 macrophages through modulation of selenoprotein expression after irradiation.Together,these results highlight the remarkable antioxidant and immunity modulation properties of Se@CM and shed light on its promising application for cardiac protection against IR-induced disease.This research provides valuable insights into developing effective strategies for preventing and managing RIHD.