1.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Promotes Neoangiogenesis in Treatment of Vascular Dementia by Benefiting Qi, Activating Blood Circulation, and Resolving Blood Stasis: A Review
Zhenlong ZHOU ; Yu DUAN ; Hongyu SHA ; Haichun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):318-328
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a cognitive dysfunction syndrome caused by cerebrovascular disease and is the second most common type of dementia worldwide, following Alzheimer's disease. The pathological mechanisms of VaD are complex, involving multiple biological processes, including angiogenesis, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Among these, angiogenesis is a key process in VaD pathology and is primarily regulated through the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gradually gained attention in the treatment of VaD, particularly the therapeutic approach of benefiting Qi, activating blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis, which has demonstrated unique advantages in clinical practice. This method, based on the TCM theory of Qi and blood, emphasizes improving the pathological state of ''blood stasis'' by harmonizing the circulation of Qi and blood, and its scientific basis has been increasingly elucidated by modern pharmacological studies. This article systematically integrates the TCM concept of ''removing stasis to promote regeneration'' with the modern medical mechanism of neoangiogenesis and reviews the current research on promoting neoangiogenesis through the benefiting Qi, activating blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis in VaD treatment. It covers research progress on single Chinese medicine and compound formulas that promote neoangiogenesis, reduce apoptosis, and improve cerebral hemodynamics through multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic effects. Furthermore, this article explores the therapeutic approach of combining acupuncture and moxibustion with Chinese medicine formulas, breaking through the traditional single-treatment model. The synergistic treatment of acupuncture and herbal medicine not only enhances neoangiogenesis but also improves cognitive function and quality of life in VaD patients via multiple pathways. By comparing the advantages and limitations of modern medicine and TCM in VaD treatment, this article notes that while modern medicine excels in elucidating pathological mechanisms and targeted therapies, it is limited in overall regulation and multi-target interventions. TCM, through the comprehensive effects of multiple components and targets, is better suited to address the complex pathological features of VaD. However, current research on TCM for VaD still has limitations, including incompletely clarified mechanisms and insufficient clinical studies. Therefore, future research should further integrate multidisciplinary approaches, such as modern pharmacology and molecular biology, to deeply explore TCM resources and investigate diverse interdisciplinary collaborative treatment models, providing new ideas and strategies for VaD therapy.
3.Research advances of immune checkpoint inhibitors for neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced gastric cancer
Ying SHA ; Ke YU ; Jiajia JIA ; Yufan TANG ; Bingbing WEN ; Baiquan ZHOU ; Shumei XU ; Ruifang FAN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(9):1214-1220
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system, characterized by high incidence and mortality rates. In recent years, with the rapid develop-ment of molecular immunology, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in neoadju-vant therapy has significantly improved pathological response rates and survival outcomes for patients with resectable locally advanced gastric cancer. The authors systematically review current research progress on combination strategies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors in neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced gastric cancer, aiming to provide an evidence for optimizing individua-lized therapeutic regimens.
4.Maximum standard uptake value obtained with orbital SEPCT/CT for evaluating activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and predicting curative efficacy
Yihan ZHOU ; Sha LUO ; Shuang WANG ; Juan ZHANG ; Shiyu LUO ; Meng LI ; Junfang XIAN ; Mei LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(1):55-59
Objective To investigate the value of the maximum standard uptake value(SUVmax)obtained with orbital SEPCT/CT for evaluating activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)and predicting curative efficacy.Methods A total of 96 patients with initially diagnosed TAO were retrospectively collected,including 71 with clinical activity score(CAS)≥3(active group)and 25 with CAS=2(inactive group).Data of orbital SEPCT/CT were collected,and the patients were treated with hormones or immunosuppressants for 3 months.CAS was performed again within 1 week after treatment,and orbital imaging was reviewed.The patients were divided into effective group and ineffective group according to treatment results.Pretreatment(pre)SUVmax(pre-SUVmax)and imaging agent uptake rate(UR)(pre-UR)in extraocular muscle were compared between active and inactive groups.Pre-CAS,post-treatment(post)CAS(post-CAS),as well as pre-SUVmax,post-SUVmax,pre-UR,post-UR and the difference of pre-and post-treatment CAS,SUVmax and UR(△CAS,△UR,△SUVmax)of extraocular muscle were compared between effective group and ineffective group.The correlations of SUVmax,UR and CAS were analyzed.Pre-CAS,pre-SUVmax and pre-UR were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to screen the predictors of effective treatment of TAO.Results Pre-SUVmax and pre-UR of extraocular muscle in active group were higher than those in inactive group(both P<0.05).Among 96 cases,70 were in effective group and 26 were in ineffective group.Pre-CAS,the proportion of pre-CAS≥3 scores,pre-SUVmax,pre-UR,△CAS,△SUVmax and △UR in effective group were all higher than those in ineffective group(all P<0.05).Pre-SUVmax and pre-UR in extraocular muscle of TAO patients were positively correlated with pre-CAS(rs=0.419,0.395,both P<0.001),while post-SUVmax and post-UR were positively correlated with post-CAS(rs=0.322,0.221,P=0.001,0.030),△SUVmax and △UR were positively correlated with △CAS(rs=0.368,0.206,P<0.001,P=0.044).Pre-CAS≥3(OR=2.95)and pre-SUVmax(OR=4.22)were both independent predictors of effective treatment of TAO(both P<0.05).Conclusion SUVmax obtained with orbital SEPCT/CT could be used to quantitatively assess TAO activity and predict curative efficacy.
5.Influence of family empowerment-based supervised follow-up nursing on patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Sha CHEN ; Haifen HE ; Lingzhen QI ; Yan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(10):727-733
Objective:To explore the impact of family empowerment-based supervised follow-up nursing on the self-care ability and quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and to provide references for improving the treatment attitudes and compliance behaviors of patients.Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted. Convenience sampling was used to select 100 IBD patients admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology at Lishui Central Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023. The patients were randomly divided into a study group (receiving family empowerment-based supervised follow-up nursing) and a control group (receiving routine continuing care). Before the intervention and three months after the intervention, the self-care ability, medication compliance, disease control effect, and quality of life were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 99 IBD patients were included, with 50 in the study group, 27 males and 23 females, aged (39.55 ± 5.21) years old, and 49 in the control group, 28 males and 21 females, aged (40.24 ± 7.16) years old. Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in self-care ability, medication compliance, disease control effect, and quality of life between the two groups (all P>0.05). After three months of intervention, the self-care ability, medication compliance and quality of life scores in the study group were (141.27 ± 13.48), (91.02 ± 4.69), (185.21 ± 9.51) points, which were higher than the control group (120.17 ± 11.08), (85.69 ± 4.49), (173.58 ± 9.27) points, respectively. The differences were statistically significant ( t =-8.50, -5.77, -6.16, all P<0.05). The disease control effect score in the study group was (100.77 ± 9.42) points, lower than the control group (125.99 ± 7.87) points, the differences was statistically significant ( t =14.44, P<0.05). Conclusions:Family empowerment-based supervised follow-up nursing can improve the self-care ability, medication compliance, disease control effect, and quality of life in IBD patients.
6.Experiences of food avoidance behavior in patients with inflammatory bowel disease:a qualitative study
Qingyu WANG ; Meijing ZHOU ; Yang LEI ; Sha LI ; Junyi GU ; Zheng LIN ; Qiugui BIAN ; Jiefeng YANG ; Lichen TANG ; Jiali CHEN ; Hantian CHENG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(11):1323-1329
Objective This study applies Roy adaptation theory to deeply explore the experience of food avoid-ance behavior in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),offering insights for developing dietary management strategies.Methods A descriptive qualitative research method was employed.By purposive sampling,24 IBD pa-tients hospitalized in the gastroenterology department of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing from July 2022 to December 2024 were selected for semi-structured interviews.Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach.Results This study identified 4 main themes and 11 sub-themes,encompassing overattribution leading to inappro-priate avoidance(recurrent symptoms triggering overattribution,disease staging triggering inappropriate avoidance),negative self-perception leading management struggles(illness fear diminishing self-efficacy,disease trauma eroding self-identity,knowledge deficiency constraining self-determination),functional impairment intensifying role challenges(role internalization undermining social function,social roles relinquishing dietary management),and external con-straints amplifying practical difficulties(family and friend oversight heightening dietary stress,healthcare gaps foster-ing practical helplessness,traditional beliefs restricting dietary exploration,economic hardship limiting balanced nu-trition).Conclusion The interplay of overattribution,negative self-perception,functional impairment,and external constraints in IBD patients hinders their ability to adapt to disease fluctuations,ensnaring them in the adaptive predicament of food avoidance behavior.Healthcare professionals should comprehensively address these factors by fostering accurate perceptions,enhancing psychological support,guiding effective coping strategies,and optimizing ex-ternal resources,thereby improving patients' overall adaptive capacity and promoting their recovery.
7.Repurposing drugs for the human dopamine transporter through WHALES descriptors-based virtual screening and bioactivity evaluation
Ding LUO ; Zhou SHA ; Junli MAO ; Jialing LIU ; Yue ZHOU ; Haibo WU ; Weiwei XUE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1916-1925
Computational approaches,encompassing both physics-based and machine learning(ML)methodolo-gies,have gained substantial traction in drug repurposing efforts targeting specific therapeutic entities.The human dopamine(DA)transporter(hDAT)is the primary therapeutic target of numerous psychi-atric medications.However,traditional hDAT-targeting drugs,which interact with the primary binding site,encounter significant limitations,including addictive potential and stimulant effects.In this study,we propose an integrated workflow combining virtual screening based on weighted holistic atom localization and entity shape(WHALES)descriptors with in vitro experimental validation to repurpose novel hDAT-targeting drugs.Initially,WHALES descriptors facilitated a similarity search,employing four benztropine-like atypical inhibitors known to bind hDAT's allosteric site as templates.Consequently,from a compound library of 4,921 marketed and clinically tested drugs,we identified 27 candidate atypical inhibitors.Subsequently,ADMETlab was employed to predict the pharmacokinetic and toxi-cological properties of these candidates,while induced-fit docking(IFD)was performed to estimate their binding affinities.Six compounds were selected for in vitro assessments of neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitory activities.Among these,three exhibited significant inhibitory potency,with half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)values of 0.753 μM,0.542 μM,and 1.210 μM,respectively.Finally,molecular dynamics(MD)simulations and end-point binding free energy analyses were con-ducted to elucidate and confirm the inhibitory mechanisms of the repurposed drugs against hDAT in its inward-open conformation.In conclusion,our study not only identifies promising active compounds as potential atypical inhibitors for novel therapeutic drug development targeting hDAT but also validates the effectiveness of our integrated computational and experimental workflow for drug repurposing.
8.Maximum standard uptake value obtained with orbital SEPCT/CT for evaluating activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and predicting curative efficacy
Yihan ZHOU ; Sha LUO ; Shuang WANG ; Juan ZHANG ; Shiyu LUO ; Meng LI ; Junfang XIAN ; Mei LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(1):55-59
Objective To investigate the value of the maximum standard uptake value(SUVmax)obtained with orbital SEPCT/CT for evaluating activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)and predicting curative efficacy.Methods A total of 96 patients with initially diagnosed TAO were retrospectively collected,including 71 with clinical activity score(CAS)≥3(active group)and 25 with CAS=2(inactive group).Data of orbital SEPCT/CT were collected,and the patients were treated with hormones or immunosuppressants for 3 months.CAS was performed again within 1 week after treatment,and orbital imaging was reviewed.The patients were divided into effective group and ineffective group according to treatment results.Pretreatment(pre)SUVmax(pre-SUVmax)and imaging agent uptake rate(UR)(pre-UR)in extraocular muscle were compared between active and inactive groups.Pre-CAS,post-treatment(post)CAS(post-CAS),as well as pre-SUVmax,post-SUVmax,pre-UR,post-UR and the difference of pre-and post-treatment CAS,SUVmax and UR(△CAS,△UR,△SUVmax)of extraocular muscle were compared between effective group and ineffective group.The correlations of SUVmax,UR and CAS were analyzed.Pre-CAS,pre-SUVmax and pre-UR were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to screen the predictors of effective treatment of TAO.Results Pre-SUVmax and pre-UR of extraocular muscle in active group were higher than those in inactive group(both P<0.05).Among 96 cases,70 were in effective group and 26 were in ineffective group.Pre-CAS,the proportion of pre-CAS≥3 scores,pre-SUVmax,pre-UR,△CAS,△SUVmax and △UR in effective group were all higher than those in ineffective group(all P<0.05).Pre-SUVmax and pre-UR in extraocular muscle of TAO patients were positively correlated with pre-CAS(rs=0.419,0.395,both P<0.001),while post-SUVmax and post-UR were positively correlated with post-CAS(rs=0.322,0.221,P=0.001,0.030),△SUVmax and △UR were positively correlated with △CAS(rs=0.368,0.206,P<0.001,P=0.044).Pre-CAS≥3(OR=2.95)and pre-SUVmax(OR=4.22)were both independent predictors of effective treatment of TAO(both P<0.05).Conclusion SUVmax obtained with orbital SEPCT/CT could be used to quantitatively assess TAO activity and predict curative efficacy.
9.Experiences of food avoidance behavior in patients with inflammatory bowel disease:a qualitative study
Qingyu WANG ; Meijing ZHOU ; Yang LEI ; Sha LI ; Junyi GU ; Zheng LIN ; Qiugui BIAN ; Jiefeng YANG ; Lichen TANG ; Jiali CHEN ; Hantian CHENG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(11):1323-1329
Objective This study applies Roy adaptation theory to deeply explore the experience of food avoid-ance behavior in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),offering insights for developing dietary management strategies.Methods A descriptive qualitative research method was employed.By purposive sampling,24 IBD pa-tients hospitalized in the gastroenterology department of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing from July 2022 to December 2024 were selected for semi-structured interviews.Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach.Results This study identified 4 main themes and 11 sub-themes,encompassing overattribution leading to inappro-priate avoidance(recurrent symptoms triggering overattribution,disease staging triggering inappropriate avoidance),negative self-perception leading management struggles(illness fear diminishing self-efficacy,disease trauma eroding self-identity,knowledge deficiency constraining self-determination),functional impairment intensifying role challenges(role internalization undermining social function,social roles relinquishing dietary management),and external con-straints amplifying practical difficulties(family and friend oversight heightening dietary stress,healthcare gaps foster-ing practical helplessness,traditional beliefs restricting dietary exploration,economic hardship limiting balanced nu-trition).Conclusion The interplay of overattribution,negative self-perception,functional impairment,and external constraints in IBD patients hinders their ability to adapt to disease fluctuations,ensnaring them in the adaptive predicament of food avoidance behavior.Healthcare professionals should comprehensively address these factors by fostering accurate perceptions,enhancing psychological support,guiding effective coping strategies,and optimizing ex-ternal resources,thereby improving patients' overall adaptive capacity and promoting their recovery.
10.Application and safety analysis of cardiopulmonary bypass precharge with 4% succinylated gelatin during surgery for children with cyanotic congenital heart disease
Sha WANG ; Huijun WANG ; Shuo PAN ; Baoguo SONG ; Wei XU ; Gang ZHOU ; Wei HUANG
Clinical Medicine of China 2025;41(3):207-213
Objective:To investigate the application and safety of cardiopulmonary bypass precharge with 4% succinylated gelatin during surgery for children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD).Methods:A prospective case-control study was conducted. One hundred and thirty children with CCHD undergoing cardiac surgery admitted to Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital in 2021-2024 were selected as study participants. Participants were divided into control group ( n=65) and gelatin group ( n=65) by random number table method based on the principle of matching baseline characteristics between groups. Children in the control group were pre-filled with 10-20 ml/kg of fresh frozen plasma, while the gelatin group was pre-filled with 10-20 ml/kg of 4% succinyl gelatin. Thrombelastogram parameters [fibrin formation time, blood clot strength, fibrinogen maximum amplitude, fibrinogen content], hematological parameters [platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA), hemoglobin], myocardial function [troponin, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB)] and liver-kidney function were compared before and after treatment.Measurement data with normal distribution was expressed as " xˉ±s", independent sample t-test was used on comparison between groups, paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons before and after treatment. Counting data was expressed as rate or composition ratio, χ2 test was used on comparison between groups. Results:Comparison between groups showed that before treatment, the difference of various thromboelastography parameters, haematological parameters, myocardial function indexes, liver and kidney function indexes were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Compared to before treatment, R, PTA, troponin and creatine kinase increased in both groups after treatment [control group:(51±4) s vs. (43±3) s, (98±15)% vs. (95±12)%, (0.624±0.085) μg/L vs. (0.040±0.005) μg/L, (711±50) U/L vs. (96±11) U/L, (60±7) U/L vs. (22±4) U/L, t values were -17.92、-2.13、-104.63、-165.15、-57.43, respectively, all P<0.001; gelatin group: (51±4) s vs. (42±3) s, (100±16)% vs. (94±13)%, (0.631±0.113) μg/L vs. (0.041±0.004) μg/L, (717±52) U/L vs.(97±11) U/L, (62±7) U/L vs.(24±4) U/L, t values were -19.79、-3.09、-81.31、-157.70、-54.67, respectively, all P<0.001], while MA, MAf, FLEV, platelet count, PT and hemoglobin decreased [control group: (50±4) mmHg vs. (57±5) mmHg、(5.5±0.9) mmHg vs. (13.8±1.3) mmHg、(1.58±0.22) g/L vs.(2.64±0.31) g/L、(217±21)×10 9/L vs. (275±25)×10 9/L、(13.3±0.5) s vs.(14.7±0.8) s、(116±12) g/L vs.(127±17) g/L, t values were 14.79、61.26、32.25、20.58、17.21、6.09,respectively, all P<0.001; gelato group: (49±3) mmHg vs. (57±5) mmHg、(5.7±0.8) mmHg vs. (14.0±1.4) mmHg、(1.62±0.27) g/L vs.(2.59±0.26) g/L、(214±20)×10 9/L vs.(273±23)×10 9/L、(13.4±0.5) s vs.(14.7±0.8) s、(114±12) g/L vs.(128±17) g/L, t values were 16.34、62.05、29.51、22.77、14.91、7.41, respectively, all P<0.001], but the differences between groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The difference of albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine before and after treatment were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusion:4% succinylated gelatin does not increase the risk of coagulation dysfunction during perioperative period in children with CCHD. It has small influence on liver-kidney function and has high safety.

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