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.Clinical application of minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty in patients with infective endocarditis complicated with mitral valve insufficiency
Yubin ZHONG ; Yunqing SHI ; Quanlin YANG ; Songyi QIAN ; Limin XIA ; Kai SONG ; Sun PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):778-783
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) in the treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) with mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent MVP for IE with MR at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from 2016 to 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical incision: those with a right mini-thoracotomy were classified as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group, and those with a median sternotomy (MS) were classified as an MS group. All patients had isolated mitral valve involvement. Perioperative data were analyzed, and mid- to long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 86 patients were included, with 40 in the MIS group [22 males and 18 females, with a mean age of (39.78±15.36) years ranging from 14 to 75 years] and 46 in the MS group [27 males and 19 females, with a mean age of (49.94±16.13) years ranging from 14 to 71 years]. The patients in the MIS group were relatively younger (P=0.004) with better preoperative cardiac function (P=0.004). There was no statistical difference in preoperative fever, gender, or comorbidities between the two groups (P>0.05). The MIS group had shorter postoperative ventilation times, less postoperative 24-hour drainage, less blood transfusion, and shorter total hospital stays compared to the MS group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in cardiopulmonary bypass times or ICU stays between the two groups (P>0.05). The perioperative complication rates and mortality rates were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). Follow-up was conducted for 11-92 months, with a mean duration of (49±19) months and an overall follow-up rate of 91.9%. During the follow-up, 3 patients in each group required reoperation for mitral valve issues, with no statistical difference in incidence (7.5% vs. 6.5%, P=0.691). There were no warfarin-related complications, recurrences, or deaths in either group during follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis identified age, preoperative cardiac function, and surgeon experience as influencing factors for the choice of surgical approach. Conclusion Minimally invasive MVP for IE with MR is relatively safe in the perioperative period and shows significant efficacy, with clear mid- to long-term outcomes. It is recommended for younger patients with better preoperative cardiac function and when performed by surgeons with extensive experience in mitral valvuloplasty.
3.Expert consensus on evaluation index system construction for new traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from TCM clinical practice in medical institutions.
Li LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Wei-An YUAN ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Jun-Hua ZHANG ; Bao-He WANG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Zu-Guang YE ; Ling HAN ; Yue-Hua ZHOU ; Zi-Feng YANG ; Rui GAO ; Ming YANG ; Ting WANG ; Jie-Lai XIA ; Shi-Shan YU ; Xiao-Hui FAN ; Hua HUA ; Jia HE ; Yin LU ; Zhong WANG ; Jin-Hui DOU ; Geng LI ; Yu DONG ; Hao YU ; Li-Ping QU ; Jian-Yuan TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3474-3482
Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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Humans
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Consensus
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Surveys and Questionnaires
4.Professor YANG Zhong-qi's prescription patterns for hypertension based on latent structure model and association rule analysis.
Hui-Lin LIU ; Shi-Hao NI ; Xiao-Jiao ZHANG ; Wen-Jie LONG ; Xiao-Ming DONG ; Zhi-Ying LIU ; Hui-Li LIAO ; Zhong-Qi YANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2865-2874
Based on latent structure model and association rule analysis, this study investigates the prescription patterns used by professor YANG Zhong-qi in treating hypertension with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and infers the associated TCM syndromes, providing a reference for clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment. The observation window spanned from January 8, 2013, to June 26, 2024, during which qualified herbal decoction prescriptions meeting efficacy criteria were extracted from the outpatient medical record system of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and compiled into a standardized database. Statistical analysis of high-frequency herbs included frequency counts and herbal property-channel tropism analysis. Latent structure modeling and association rule analysis were performed using R 4.3.2 and Lantern 5.0 software to identify core herbal combinations and infer TCM syndrome patterns. A total of 2 436 TCM prescriptions were included in the study, involving 263 drugs with a cumulative frequency of 29 783. High-frequency herbs comprised Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, Poria, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Puerariae Lobatae Radix, and Alismatis Rhizoma, predominantly categorized as deficiency-tonifying, heat-clearing, and blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs. Latent structure analysis identified 18 latent variables, 74 latent classes, 5 comprehensive clustering models, and 15 core herbal combinations, suggesting that the core syndrome clusters include liver Yang hyperactivity pattern, Yin deficiency with Yang hyperactivity pattern, phlegm-stasis intermingling pattern, and liver-kidney insufficiency pattern. Association rule analysis revealed 22 robust association rules. RESULTS:: indicate that hypertension manifests as a deficiency-rooted excess manifestation, significantly associated with functional dysregulation of the liver, lung, spleen-stomach, heart, and kidney. Key pathogenic mechanisms involve liver Yang hyperactivity, phlegm-stasis interaction, and liver-kidney insufficiency. Therapeutic strategies should prioritize liver-calming, spleen-fortifying, and deficiency-tonifying principles, supplemented by dynamic regulation of Qi-blood and Yin-Yang balance according to syndrome evolution, alongside pathogen-eliminating methods such as phlegm-resolving and stasis-dispelling. Synergistic interventions like mind-tranquilizing therapies should be tailored to individual conditions.
Hypertension/drug therapy*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Drug Prescriptions
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Latent Class Analysis
5.A new perspective on quality control of traditional Chinese medicine based on characteristics of "physical phase structure".
Zhong-Huan QU ; Yan-Jun YANG ; Bing YANG ; Ru-Yu SHI ; Mao-Mao ZHU ; Lu SUN ; Xiao-Bin JIA ; Liang FENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3579-3588
Quality control is a key link in the modernization process of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Studies have shown that the effects of active components in TCM depend on not only their chemical composition but also their suitable physical forms and states. The physical phase structures, such as micelles, vesicles, gels, and nanoparticles, can improve the solubility, delivery efficiency, and targeting precision of active components. These structures significantly enhance the pharmacological activity while reducing the toxicity and side effects, demonstrating functional activity surpassing that of active components and highlighting the key effects of "structures" on "functions" of active components. Taking the physical phase structure as a breakthrough point, this paper outlines the common types of TCM physical phase structures. Furthermore, this paper explores how to realize the quality upgrading of TCM through the precise regulation of physical phase structures based on the current applications and potential of TCM physical phase structures in processing to increase the efficacy and reduce the toxicity, compounding and decocting processes, drug delivery systems, and quality control, aiming to provide novel insights for the future quality control of TCM.
Quality Control
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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Humans
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Drug Delivery Systems
6.Early results and indications of Stand-alone oblique lateral interbody fusion in lumbar lesions.
Zhong-You ZENG ; Xing ZHAO ; Wei YU ; Yong-Xing SONG ; Shun-Wu FAN ; Xiang-Qian FANG ; Fei PEI ; Shi-Yang FAN ; Guo-Hao SONG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(5):454-464
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the early clinical results and safety of Stand-alone OLIF application of lumbar lesions, and explored its surgical indications.
METHODS:
Total of 92 cases of lumbar spine lesions treated with Stand-alone OLIF at two medical centers from October 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 30 males and 62 females with an average age of (61.20±12.94) years old ranged from 32 to 83 years old. There were 20 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 15 cases of lumbar disc degeneration, 11 cases of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis, 6 cases of discogenic low back pain, 7 cases of giant lumbar disc herniation, 13 cases of primary lumbar discitis, 6 cases of adjacent vertebral disease after lumbar internal fixation surgery, and 14 cases of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Pre-operative dual energy X-ray bone density examination 31 cases' T-values ranged from -1 to -2.4, 8 cases' T-values ranged from -2.5 to -3.5, and the rest had normal bone density. The number of fusion segments: 68 cases of single segment, 9 cases of two segment, 12 cases of three segment , and 3 cases of four segment. Fusion site:L1,2 1 case, L2,3 4 cases, L3,4 10 cases, L4,5 53 cases, L2,3-L3,4 3 cases, L3,4-L4,5 6 cases, L1,2L2,3L3,4 1 case, L1,2L3,4L4,5 1 case, L2,3L3,4L4,5 10 cases, L1,2L2,3L3,4L4,5 3 cases. The clinical results and imaging results of this group of cases were observed, as well as the complications.
RESULTS:
The surgical time ranged from 40 to 140 minutes with an average of (60.92±27.40) minutes. The intraoperative bleeding volume was 20 to 720 ml with an average of (68.22±141.60) ml. The patients had a follow-up period of 6 to 84 months with an average of (38.50±12.75) months. The height of the intervertebral space recovered from (9.23±1.94) mm in preoperative to (12.68±2.01) mm in postoperative, and (9.11±1.72) mm at the last follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference(F=6.641, P=0.008);there was also a statistically significant difference between the postoperative and preoperative height of the intervertebral space(t=9.27, P<0.000 1);and there was also a statistically significant difference (t=10.06, P<0.000 1) between the last follow-up and postoperative height of the intervertebral space. At the last follow-up, cage subsidence grading was as follows:level 0 in 69 cases (76 segments), levelⅠin 17 cases (43 segments), level Ⅱin 5 cases (14 segments), and level Ⅲ in 1 case (1 segment);according to the number of segments, normal subsidence accounts for 56.72%, abnormal subsidence accounts for 43.28%. Bone mineral desity of normal subsidence groups was -0.50±0.07 whinch was better than that the abnormal subsidence groups -2.10±0.43, and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=2.275, P=0.014). As well as there was a statistically significant difference in the patient's VAS of backache from (6.28±2.11) in preoperative to (1.48±0.59) in last follow-up(t=8.56, P<0.05). The ODI recovered from (36.30±7.52)% before surgery to (10.20±2.50)% at the last follow-up, with a statistically significant difference (t=7.79, P<0.000 1). Complications involved 4 cases of intraoperative vascular injury, 21 cases of endplate injury, and 4 cases of combined vertebral fractures. The incision skin has no necrosis or infection. There were 4 cases of left sympathetic chain injury, 4 cases of transient left hip flexion weakness, 2 cases of left thigh anterolateral numbness with quadriceps femoris weakness, and 1 case of incomplete intestinal obstruction;8 cases were treated with posterior pedicle screw fixation due to fusion cage settlement accompanied by stubborn lower back pain, and 6 cases were treated with fusion cage settlement and lateral displacement. According to the actual number of cases, there were 38 complications, with an incidence rate of 41.3%.
CONCLUSION
The application of Stand alone OLIF in lumbar spine disease fusion has achieved good early results, with obvious clinical advantages, but also there are high probability of complications. It is recommended to choose carefully. It is necessary to continuously summarize and gradually clarify and complete the surgical indications and specific case selection criteria.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Spinal Fusion/methods*
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Lumbar Vertebrae/injuries*
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Aged
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Adult
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Retrospective Studies
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Aged, 80 and over
7.New advances in robot-assisted surgery for hiatal hernia repair: technological innovations and clinical prospects
Xiaoyang SHI ; Shen YANG ; Jie CHEN ; Zhaohui ZHONG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(9):683-685
This article explores the technological innovations and clinical prospects of robot-assisted hiatal hernia repair (RAHHR). RAHHR demonstrates outstanding performance in hiatal hernia repair, particularly for complex hernias, owing to its advantages such as 3D visualization and 7-degree-of-freedom robotic arms, which contribute to reduced recurrence rates and accelerated recovery. However, challenges remain, including high costs and limited operative space. Future directions include the development of single-port robotic systems, force feedback technology, and AI-powered surgical navigation. Standardized training and technological innovations are expected to promote its widespread application.
8.Transcriptome profiling of peripheral blood and preliminary verification in lung adenocarcinoma patients with metastatic bone pain
Yang ZHAO ; Shi-Qing LIN ; Lan-Lan CHEN ; Yun-Ling DOU ; Zhong-Yuan LIN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(4):427-435
Objective To analyze and preliminarily verify key genes and pathways in the transcriptome of peripheral blood of lung adenocarcinoma patients with metastasis bone pain(MBP),and to explore its underlying mechanism.Methods Nine lung adenocarcinoma patients with bone metastasis treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2020 to May 2021 were selected for retrospective analysis,including 4 patients with typical MBP clinical manifestations and visual analogue scale(VAS)≥4(MBP group)and 5 patients without suffering any pain(control group).Peripheral blood mRNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by functional pathways analysis and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis.The most significant modules and hub genes were confirmed and visualized using Cytoscape software.The target miRNAs regulating these hub genes were predicted using Targetscan database,and long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)interacting with these miRNAs were also predicted using lncBase database.The relationships among lncRNA,miRNA and mRNA were visualized to construct a competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network through Cytoscape software,and the nodes of this network were verified using quantitative PCR(qPCR).Results A total of 1466 DEGs were identified,including 666 up-regulated genes and 800 down-regulated genes.Chemokine receptor 3(CXCR3),pro-opiomelanocortin(POMC),neuromedin U receptor 1(NMUR1),chemokine ligand 2(CCL2)and endocannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1)were identified as hub genes.The most significant enriched processes and pathways of DEGs included osteoclast differentiation,NOD like receptor signal transduction pathway,type Ⅰinterferon signal pathway,nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signal pathway,apoptosis/autophagy pathway,chemokine signal pathway,interleukin(IL)-1β pathway.Two ceRNA networks were identified:MALAT1-hsa-miR-124-3p.2-CCL2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-325-3p-CXCR3.qPCR results showed that the expression levels of CCL2,CXCR3,MALAT1,NEAT1 and hsa-miR-325 were higher in MBP group than these in control group(P<0.05).Conclusions CXCR3,POMC,NMUR1,CCL2 and CNR1 may serve as key genes in the occurrence of MBP and could be important regulatory targets for MBP.The development of MBP in lung adenocarcinoma may be associated with the dysregulation of the networks:MALAT1-hsa-miR-124-3p.2-CCL2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-325-3p-CXCR3.
9.Mechanism of Jisuishang Formula in cervical spondylotic myelopathy:Regulation of neuronal injury via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Hanli YANG ; Chunzhi LIU ; Ming SHI ; Minggao HU ; Xianzhong BU ; Yuanming ZHONG ; Wei XU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(10):1487-1495
Objective To investigate the mechanism of Jisuishang Formula on cervical myelopathy based on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods Thirty-six adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,positive control group(TAK-715,50 mg/kg),Jisuishang Formula low(9.7 g/kg),medium(19.4 g/kg)and high(38.8 g/kg)dose groups,with 6 rats in each group for 4 weeks.The BBB score and inclined plate test were observed at 1,2 and 4 weeks after surgery.HE and Nissl staining were used to observe the histopathology and neuronal condition of the spinal cord.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein expres-sions of BDNF,β-catenin,Bax and Bcl-2.Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNAs.Results Compared with the sham group,the BBB score and inclined plate test score were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of BDNF,β-catenin and Bcl-2 decreased(P<0.05),the expression of Bax increased(P<0.05),the expressions of β-catenin,LRP-6 and p-GSK-3βdecreased(P<0.05),and the expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the BBB score and inclined plate test score were significantly increased in the high-dose Jisuishang Formula group(P<0.05),the expressions of BDNF,β-catenin and Bcl-2 increased(P<0.05),the expression of Bax decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of β-catenin,LRP-6 and p-GSK-3βincreased(P<0.05),and the expressions of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Jisuishang Formula prescription can inhibit neuronal apoptosis,improve spinal cord microenvironment,and promote neurological function recovery by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
10.Association between physical activity and cognitive impairment in older adults aged 65 years and above in longevity areas of China
Hang XU ; Yudong WU ; Chen CHEN ; Xi MENG ; Jiahao CHEN ; Zenghang ZHANG ; Zhuchun ZHONG ; Jingjing YANG ; Xiaoshuang FU ; Sirui CHEN ; Yongqiang CHEN ; Zhipei LI ; Lin YE ; Xiaoming SHI ; Yuebin LYU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):753-760
Objective:To explore the relationships between physical activity and cognitive impairment in older adults aged ≥65 years in longevity areas in China.Methods:A total of 6 081 older adults aged ≥65 years from the Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study in China in 2021 were included in this study. Information about their demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and chronic disease histories were collected, the intensity of physical activity was evaluated by using Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and the cognitive function was evaluated by using Mini-Mental State Examination Scale (Chinese version). Multifactorial logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations between different levels and types of physical activity and cognitive impairment in older adults.Results:In the 6 081 older adults, 1 829 (30.1%) had cognitive impairment. After adjusting for confounders, older adults with T2 and T3 levels of physical activity had lower risks for cognitive impairment compared with those with T1 levels of physical activity, with ORs of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.40-0.55) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.18-0.28). The results of different types of physical activities showed that the ORs in leisure activity T2 and T3 groups were 0.52 (95% CI: 0.44-0.63) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.41-0.58), and the ORs in housework activity T2 and T3 groups were 0.36 (95% CI: 0.30-0.42) and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.16-0.24). There was no significant association between work-related activity and cognitive impairment. Conclusion:There is a negative association between the intensity level of physical activity and cognitive impairment, and active leisure and household activities might reduce the risk for cognitive impairment.

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