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.Analysis of the Experience of Shi Qi,A Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine,in the Treatment of Discogenic Low Back Pain Based on the Theory of"Homology of Yi and Gui"
Xiaobo WANG ; Ran LI ; Yazhu YANG ; Shuang LIU ; Junli CHANG ; Qi SHI ; Yanping YANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2666-2672
Yi and Gui,its physiological characteristics and pathological manifestations are closely related to the lumbar spine.The intervertebral disc,chamber of arthrosis,requires nourishment from qi and blood circulation,as well as support from liver and kidney functions to maintain its health.Chinese medicine master Shi Qi has based on the pathological manifestations of discogenic low back pain patients at different stages and followed the guidelines of the Visceral manifestation theory.Combining more than 60 years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment,he has used external observations to infer internal conditions and examined causes to find solutions.By entering the body from the outside and focusing on the"Homology of Yi and Gui"as a benchmark,he emphasizes the distinctive characteristic of traditional Chinese medicine in medical treatment.He states that"visceral pattern is fundamental"and"qi-blood is first,"emphasizing the importance of treating liver and kidney together.This article aims to draw on the wisdom of Taishan to provide a bridge for colleagues.
3.The effect of low level laser therapy on accelerating orthodontic tooth movement and reducing pain:A clinical study
Zhikai SHI ; Bin WANG ; Shuang HAN ; Yufei TAO
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):235-238
Objective:To evaluate the effects of low level laser therapy(LLLT)on accelerating tooth movement and reducing pain during orthodontic treatment.Methods:26 patients with malocclusion of class Ⅱ,division 1 were included.Maxillary teeth on left and right sides were selected randomly as the experimental side and control side.Dental arches of experimental side received the irra-diation of LLLT with 7.5 J/cm2 for each point,10 points for each tooth,and the control side received placebo treatment,with the la-ser light off.The pain and the rate of teeth movement on experimental and control sides were compared.Results:The mean score of pain at the control side was significantly higher than that of the experimental side in the 7 days(P<0.001).The average movement rate of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:LLLT is effective in accelerating tooth movement and reducing the related pain.
4.Analysis of dynamic change patterns of six mycotoxin contents during the fermentation of Massa Medicata Fermentata
Shuang WANG ; Li ZHOU ; Hai-yan SHI ; Xia ZHAO ; Yan-wei CUI ; Hua-yin BAO ; Nan XU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(3):740-744
AIM To analyze the dynamic change patterns of aflatoxin B1,aflatoxin B2,aflatoxin G1,aflatoxin G2,T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol contents during the fermentation of Massa Medicata Fermentata.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 40 ℃ thermostatic Waters ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.01%formic acid-[acetonitrile-methanol(1∶1)]flowing at 0.3 mL/min,and electron spray ionization source was adopted in positive ion scanning with multiple reaction monitoring mode.RESULTS Six mycotoxins showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(R2>0.998 0),whose average recoveries were 76.1%-119.3%with the RSDs of 0.49%-9.27%,and except for deoxynivalenol,their contents demonstrated the trends of growing out of nothing and gradually increasing.CONCLUSION The risk of mycotoxin infection exists in the fermentation of Massa Medicata Fermentata.This simple,efficient,rapid and sensitive method can provide a reference for whole-process monitoring the fermentation process for Massa Medicata Fermentata.
5.Analysis of the Experience of Shi Qi,A Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine,in the Treatment of Discogenic Low Back Pain Based on the Theory of"Homology of Yi and Gui"
Xiaobo WANG ; Ran LI ; Yazhu YANG ; Shuang LIU ; Junli CHANG ; Qi SHI ; Yanping YANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2666-2672
Yi and Gui,its physiological characteristics and pathological manifestations are closely related to the lumbar spine.The intervertebral disc,chamber of arthrosis,requires nourishment from qi and blood circulation,as well as support from liver and kidney functions to maintain its health.Chinese medicine master Shi Qi has based on the pathological manifestations of discogenic low back pain patients at different stages and followed the guidelines of the Visceral manifestation theory.Combining more than 60 years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment,he has used external observations to infer internal conditions and examined causes to find solutions.By entering the body from the outside and focusing on the"Homology of Yi and Gui"as a benchmark,he emphasizes the distinctive characteristic of traditional Chinese medicine in medical treatment.He states that"visceral pattern is fundamental"and"qi-blood is first,"emphasizing the importance of treating liver and kidney together.This article aims to draw on the wisdom of Taishan to provide a bridge for colleagues.
6.Therapeutic effect of Formononetin on Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in mice based on the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway
Shuang ZHANG ; Ran TAO ; Xiaojian CUI ; Leilei SHI
Immunological Journal 2025;41(8):535-540
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Formononetin on mice with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods Six-week-old SPF-grade male BALB/c mice were selected.The MPP mouse model was established as the model group by instillating Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterial solution through the nose.On the second day after successful modeling,mice were intraperitoneally injected with 15,30,and 60 mg/kg of Formononetin and 60 mg/kg of Formononetin+20 mg/kg of Anisomycin respectively as the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Formononetin groups and the high-dose Formononetin+Anisomycin group,with 12 mice in each group.Another 12 mice were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of 0.9%sodium chloride injection as the control group.The cough frequency of mice in each group was detected through the cough induction test.The partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PCO2)and partial pressure of oxygen(PO2)in each group of mice were detected by a blood gas analyzer,and the oxygenation index(OI)was calculated.The levels of inflammatory factors in each group were detected by ELISA,and the apoptosis of lung tissue cells in each group of mice was detected by TUNEL.HE staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of lung tissues in each group.The expression of MAPK/NF-κB pathway-related proteins in the lung tissues of mice in each group was detected by Western blot method.Results The lung tissue morphology of the mice in the control group was normal.The alveolar ducts and alveolar structures of mice in the model group were damaged,the alveolar septa thickened,and there was a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration.Compared with the model group,the lung tissue morphology was improved in the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Formononetin groups.The lung tissue injury in the high-dose Formononetin+Anisamycin group was more severe compared with the high-dose Formononetin group.Compared with the control group,the cough latency period in the model group was shortened,and PO2,OI,and interleukin-10(IL-10)were decreased,while the frequency of coughing,PCO2,interleukin-18(IL-18),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),apoptosis rate,and the ratios of p-P38 MAPK/P38 MAPK,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)/ERK1/2,and p-C-jun N-terminal kinase(p-JNK)/JNK increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-,medium-and high-dose Formononetin groups had improved lung tissue morphology,prolonged cough latency,increased PO2,OI and IL-10,and reduced cough frequency.The PCO2,IL-18,TNF-α,apoptosis rate,and the ratios of p-p38 MAPK/P38 MAPK,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,ERK1/2/ERK1/2,and p-JNK/JNK decreased(P<0.05).In the low-,medium-,and high-dose Formononetin groups,with the increase of Formononetin dose,the cough latency gradually prolonged,the cough frequency gradually decreased,and the PO2,oxygenation index,and IL-10 gradually increased.The PCO2,IL-18,TNF-α,apoptosis rate and the ratios of p-p38 MAPK/P38 MAPK,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2,and p-JNK/JNK gradually decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the high-dose Formononetin group,the high-dose Formononetin+Anisamycin group had shorter cough latency,lower PO2,OI and IL-10.The frequency of coughing,PCO2,IL-18,TNF-α,apoptosis rate,and the ratios of p-p38 MAPK/P38 MAPK,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2,and p-JNK/JNK increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Formononetin may improve lung injury in MPP mice by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
7.Therapeutic effect of Formononetin on Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in mice based on the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway
Shuang ZHANG ; Ran TAO ; Xiaojian CUI ; Leilei SHI
Immunological Journal 2025;41(8):535-540
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Formononetin on mice with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods Six-week-old SPF-grade male BALB/c mice were selected.The MPP mouse model was established as the model group by instillating Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterial solution through the nose.On the second day after successful modeling,mice were intraperitoneally injected with 15,30,and 60 mg/kg of Formononetin and 60 mg/kg of Formononetin+20 mg/kg of Anisomycin respectively as the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Formononetin groups and the high-dose Formononetin+Anisomycin group,with 12 mice in each group.Another 12 mice were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of 0.9%sodium chloride injection as the control group.The cough frequency of mice in each group was detected through the cough induction test.The partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PCO2)and partial pressure of oxygen(PO2)in each group of mice were detected by a blood gas analyzer,and the oxygenation index(OI)was calculated.The levels of inflammatory factors in each group were detected by ELISA,and the apoptosis of lung tissue cells in each group of mice was detected by TUNEL.HE staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of lung tissues in each group.The expression of MAPK/NF-κB pathway-related proteins in the lung tissues of mice in each group was detected by Western blot method.Results The lung tissue morphology of the mice in the control group was normal.The alveolar ducts and alveolar structures of mice in the model group were damaged,the alveolar septa thickened,and there was a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration.Compared with the model group,the lung tissue morphology was improved in the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Formononetin groups.The lung tissue injury in the high-dose Formononetin+Anisamycin group was more severe compared with the high-dose Formononetin group.Compared with the control group,the cough latency period in the model group was shortened,and PO2,OI,and interleukin-10(IL-10)were decreased,while the frequency of coughing,PCO2,interleukin-18(IL-18),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),apoptosis rate,and the ratios of p-P38 MAPK/P38 MAPK,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)/ERK1/2,and p-C-jun N-terminal kinase(p-JNK)/JNK increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-,medium-and high-dose Formononetin groups had improved lung tissue morphology,prolonged cough latency,increased PO2,OI and IL-10,and reduced cough frequency.The PCO2,IL-18,TNF-α,apoptosis rate,and the ratios of p-p38 MAPK/P38 MAPK,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,ERK1/2/ERK1/2,and p-JNK/JNK decreased(P<0.05).In the low-,medium-,and high-dose Formononetin groups,with the increase of Formononetin dose,the cough latency gradually prolonged,the cough frequency gradually decreased,and the PO2,oxygenation index,and IL-10 gradually increased.The PCO2,IL-18,TNF-α,apoptosis rate and the ratios of p-p38 MAPK/P38 MAPK,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2,and p-JNK/JNK gradually decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the high-dose Formononetin group,the high-dose Formononetin+Anisamycin group had shorter cough latency,lower PO2,OI and IL-10.The frequency of coughing,PCO2,IL-18,TNF-α,apoptosis rate,and the ratios of p-p38 MAPK/P38 MAPK,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2,and p-JNK/JNK increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Formononetin may improve lung injury in MPP mice by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Investigation and analysis of hearing impaired children's ability to use hearing equipment
Shuang LIANG ; Qingqing LIU ; Huimin TAN ; Nan ZHAO ; Xi CHEN ; Wenjing SHI ; Yanfang MA ; Wei BAO ; Xingcheng WANG ; Jin LI ; Liping SHI ; Jiang LONG
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(4):359-362
Objective To investigate the status of hearing impaired children's hearing device independence skills,and to explore the ways to improve their self-use of hearing equipment.Methods This study surveyed 64 re-habilitation teachers and 411 parents of children with hearing impairment aged 0-12 years.Through face-to-face or remote telephone interview,3 good habits(A asking parents for advice before removing the HA,B putting the de-vice into a moisture-proof box after removing it,C bringing batteries to school and knowing where are them)and 3 key abilities[D wearing the device independently,E replacing the battery independently,and F independently handle foreign bodies in the ear mold(Fa)and water vapor(Fb)]was investigated.The age when mastering skills or de-veloping habits difference of hearing impaired children in different groups were compared.Results ① The ratio of ability D in the bilateral CI group and the bilateral HA group of preschool children was 30.97%and 18.57%respec-tively.Among elementary school children,85.29%and 90.70%had this ability respectively.② The ratio of ability E in the bilateral CI group,the bilateral HA group and the bimodel group were 11.50%,15.71%and 16.49%,re-spectively.Among elementary school children,64.71%,53.49%and 68.52%had this ability,respectively.③Among preschool children,there was no statistical difference in age when different equipment groups developed the three good habits and acquired ability D and E(P>0.05).④ Among primary school children,there was a statisti-cal difference in the age when different equipment groups formed habit A(P<0.05),and the age when double CI group had this ability was slightly earlier than the double HA group.There was no significant difference in other abilities among age groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The age at which hearing impaired children develop the three good habits precedes the age at which they master the key skills,which accords with the law of skill acquisition and development of ordinary children.Corresponding teaching process should be based on the age and ability of hearing-impaired children without considering the type of equipment.
9.Design and optimization of a novel transcranial magnetic stimulation coil
Jie LIANG ; Sushuang SHI ; Shuang YAO ; Zhanqun SHI
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(1):103-111
Objective To design a new type of coil and use a shield plate to optimize the focusing area,so that the coil can meet the usage requirements to the greatest extent possible. Methods Based on a 3-layer head model,COMSOL simulation software was used to establish a real human head model. After effectiveness verification,the traditional 8-shaped coil,new coil,and head model were jointly simulated to explore the optimal performance parameters of the new coil. The focusing performance was further improved by adding a shield plate,and the effects of different shield plate window sizes on focusing performance were analyzed. Results Compared with the traditional 8-shaped coil,the new coil improved the magnetic field intensity in the brain by 32%,increased the stimulation depth by 152%,but slightly expanded the focusing area,decreasing the focusing performance by 7.2%,which demonstrated the superior performance of the new coil than the traditional 8-shaped coil. After optimization using a shield plate with a window size of 600 mm2,the focusing performance of the new coil was improved by 30%,verifying the effectiveness of the shield plate on the coil performance. Conclusion The feasibility of the new coil is proved in terms of performance parameters,and the effects of different coil sizes and shield plate sizes on evaluation indicators are explored,laying a foundation for subsequent research on transcranial magnetic stimulation.
10.Effects of exercise during pregnancy on renal fibrosis and Ang Ⅱ/TGF-β1/CTGF sig-naling pathway in offspring of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Shuang LIU ; Teng GAO ; Hualing SUN ; Yanyan ZHANG ; Lijun SHI
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(1):16-23
Aim To explore the effects of exercise during pregnancy on renal structure,function and angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)/transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)signaling pathway in 3-month-old offspring of spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR),the aim of this study was to provide experimental basis for early intervention of hypertension and protection of key target organs.Methods After mating SHR and WKY rats,pregnant rats were randomly divided into sedentary group(p-WKY-SED,p-SHR-SED)and exercise group(p-WKY-EX,p-SHR-EX).Blood pressure,serum urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured by caudal artery non-invasive blood pressure system and colorimetry in 3-month-old offspring rats.HE staining,Masson staining,ELISA and Western blot were used to detect the renal structure,collagen volume fraction,Ang Ⅱ concentration,renin-angiotension-aldosterone sys-tem(RAAS)and protein expression related to fibrogenic signal pathway in 3-month-old rats.Results(1)The sys-tolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP)and mean arterial pressure(MAP)of offspring rats in p-SHR-SED group were significantly higher than those in p-WKY-SED group.The SBP,DBP and MAP of SHR male off-spring rats were significantly decreased by exercise during pregnancy(P<0.05),but had no effect on the female offspring rats(P>0.05).(2)There was no significant difference in serum urea nitrogen and creatinine among the groups(P>0.05).(3)The glomerular volume and the collagen volume fraction in p-SHR-SED group were significantly higher than those in p-WKY-SED group(P<0.05),and the glomerular volume and the collagen volume fraction in p-SHR-EX group were significantly lower than those in p-SHR-SED group(P<0.05).(4)Renal Ang Ⅱ level of offspring rats in p-SHR-SED group was significantly higher than that in p-WKY-SED group,and renal Ang Ⅱ level of offspring rats in p-SHR-EX group was significantly lower than that in p-SHR-SED group(P<0.05).(5)The expression levels of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor(AT1R),TGF-β1 and CTGF protein in p-SHR-SED group were significantly higher than those in p-WKY-SED group(P<0.05),while the expression levels of angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2),angiotensin Ⅱ type 2 receptor(AT2R)and MasR protein in p-SHR-SED group were significantly lower than those in p-WKY-SED group(P<0.05).Conclusion(1)Exercise during pregnancy can significantly decrease the blood pressure of 3-month-old male offspring rats of hypertensive rats,but has no significant effect on that of 3-month-old female offspring.(2)Exercise during preg-nancy may reduce renal fibrosis in 3-month-old female/male offspring of hypertensive rats by regulating RAAS balance and inhibiting Ang Ⅱ/TGF-β1/CTGF signaling pathway.

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