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.Treatment of Parkinson's Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine by Regulating BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Lulu JIA ; Ying LI ; Jiale YIN ; Nan JIA ; Xiaoxi LIU ; Li LING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):315-322
Parkinson's disease(PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, which seriously affects the lives of patients. With the acceleration of aging process, the number of patients continues to rise. Its main pathological features are aggregation of α-synuclein and degenerative death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, the pathogenesis of PD is still unclear. According to reports, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B(TrkB) signaling pathway is highly expressed and activated in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which is closely related to neurophysiological processes such as neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. It plays an important role in the occurrence and development of PD. At present, the treatment methods of Western medicine for PD are mainly based on drugs such as levodopa and dopamine agonists to alleviate motor symptoms, but with the increase of dose, the adverse reactions are significantly enhanced. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has attracted people to explore its therapeutic effects on PD due to its characteristics of homology of medicine and food, economy, minor adverse reactions and multi-target action. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the role of BNDF/TrkB pathway in the pathogenesis of PD and the mechanism of TCM formulas, extracts and monomers in the treatment of PD by regulating the BNDF/TrkB pathway according to retrieving the latest research reports at home and abroad, so as to provide a reference for the clinical application of related TCM and the development of new drugs for PD.
3.Value of MRI ultra-short echo time sequence in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules
Zhaoyan ZHOU ; Ying WANG ; Bin NAN ; Qing LIN ; Xiaojing KAN ; Yinghui GE ; Zhiping GUO
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(7):771-776
Objective:To explore the clinical application value of MRI ultra-short echo time sequence (MRI-UTE) in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 101 consecutive patients were recruited prospectively from January to August 2024 at Huazhong Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All of the included patients were diagnosed with pulmonary nodules by chest CT examination and intended for treatment. All patients underwent low-dose CT examination and MRI-UTE examination. The number, classification, and lung imaging reporting and data system (lung-RADS) grading of the pulmonary nodules were analyzed. Nodules classification was determined as solid nodules or sub-solid nodules, and sub-solid nodules included part-solid nodules and pure ground-glass nodules. Taking the evaluation results of radiologists with 10 and 12 years of experience in chest imaging diagnosis as the reference standard, the Kappa test was used to analyze the agreement of CT and MRI-UTE in terms of the accurate diagnosis, classification, and lung-RADS grading of pulmonary nodules. Results:Among the 101 patients, a total of 216 pulmonary nodules were identified. MRI-UTE accurately diagnosed 180 pulmonary nodules, while 203 pulmonary nodules were detected by CT. The concordance was moderate ( Kappa=0.48, P<0.001). In terms of nodule classification, CT correctly classified 167 nodules as solid and 36 as sub-solid, whereas MRI-UTE correctly classified 153 as solid and 23 as sub-solid, with good agreement (weighted Kappa=0.73, P<0.001). For lung-RADS grading, CT correctly graded 186 nodules, with 85 graded as category 2, 46 as category 3, 33 as category 4A, 12 as category 4B, and 10 as category 4X; MRI-UTE correctly graded 155 nodules, with 74 graded as category 2, 30 as category 3, 30 as category 4A, 12 as category 4B, and 9 as category 4X. The agreement between the two modalities in determining lung-RADS grade was also good (weighted Kappa=0.74, P<0.001). Conclusion:MRI-UTE demonstrates good agreement with CT in the accurate diagnosis, classification, and lung-RADS grading of pulmonary nodules, indicating certain clinical application value.
4.Immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy in driver-negative oligometastatic NSCLC with CNS involvement
Jinghao DUAN ; Wei JIANG ; Wenqing WANG ; Ying JIANG ; Jianzhong CAO ; Nan BI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(6):545-552
Objective:To analyze the efficacy and safety of standard chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (CI) combined with radiotherapy (RT) in driver-gene negative (wild-type) oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with central nervous system involvement.Methods:In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, oligometastatic NSCLC patients receiving first-line chemo-immunotherapy-based therapy were analyzed. Between January 2017 and January 2023, a total of 98 eligible patients were enrolled from the National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital (Beijing/Shenzhen) and Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital. All participants were divided into chemo-immunotherapy (CI) group (28.6%, n=28) and chemo-immuno-radiotherapy (CIR) group (71.4%, n=70) according to whether receiving radiotherapy. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between two groups, with no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS), while progression-free survival (PFS) was designated as a key secondary endpoint. Qualitative data were compared by Chi-square test. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic analysis was performed by multivariate Cox regression models. Results:The median PFS in the CIR and CI groups was 21.8 and 11.5 months, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.211). The median OS in the CIR group was significantly better ( P=0.036) than 25.3 months in the CI group. The median OS in the CIR group was not reached. The 2-year local regional control rates for the whole brain radiotherapy patients, stereotactic radiotherapy / stereotactic radiosurgery patients and CI groups were 33.3% ,100% and 83.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that brain radiotherapy was an independent protective factor for OS in patients with oligometastatic brain metastases at baseline ( HR=0.47, 95% CI=0.22-0.99, P=0.047). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with 1-3 metastatic lesions benefited from radiotherapy (PFS: HR=0.47, 95% CI=0.22-1.03, P=0.060; OS: HR=0.34, 95% CI=0.12-0.98, P=0.046). Conclusions:For central nervous system involved oligometastatic NSCLC patients, the integration of chemo-immunotherapy with radiotherapy is well tolerated and can improve the efficacy, particularly among those with a limited number of metastatic lesions.
5.Analysis of biotypes and genetic diversity of five non-major pathogenic Brucella species
Miao WANG ; Ying-qi WANG ; Chun-fang LIU ; Song-nan DU ; Zhi-guo LIU ; Zhen-jun LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):136-141
This study was aimed at analyzing the biotypes and genetic diversity characteristics of five non-major Brucella species,to provide a scientific basis for understanding the species diversity of Brucella and strengthening pathogen monitoring and control.According to the biotypes(species,hosts,isolation locations,and time)and MLVA-16 genotypes(MLVA-16 lo-cus data,MLVA-11 genotypes)of five non-major pathogenic Brucella in the international MLVA database,we used Bionu-merics 8.0 software and PHYLOVIZ2.0 online software to analyze the geographical origin and genetic diversity characteristics of strains.A total of 227 strains were studied,including 121 Brucella ceti,47 B.pinnipedialis,37 Brucella ovis,11 B.mi-croti,and Brucella neotomae.The greatest host diversity was observed for B.ceti,followed by B.pinnipedialis and B.mi-croti.B.ceti was distributed in European and South American countries;B.pinnipedialiswas distributed in Europe;and B.microti.was distributed in the Czech Republic,Austria,and Hungary in Central Europe.B.ovis was widely distributed in Af-rica,Argentina,Australia,Brazil,Greece,the United States,Spain,and France.The MLVA-11 genotypes of different types of Brucella showed high polymorphism and large differences,thus suggesting that the strains have different geographical ori-gins.MST analysis indicated that the studied strains were divided into four branches(BCⅠ-Ⅳ),among which B.ceti was di-vided into two different branches(BC-Ⅰ and BC-Ⅱ),the strains of other types formed different branches(or sub-branches),and the strains of different types showed clear regional and dominant host characteristics.Genetic correlation analysis of strains of the Brucella genus revealed that non-major pathogenic Brucella had clear genetic,distribution,and host spectrum differ-ences with respect to four classical pathogenic Brucella species.Five non-major pathogenic Brucella strains presented unique genetic evolutionary patterns,geographical distributions,and host tropism characteristics,thereby providing new insight for understanding the biological and genetic diversity of those Brucella strains.
6.Correlation between vitamin D level and immune dysfunction in children with recurrent respiratory tract infection
Ying ZHU ; Nan NAN ; Tingting LI ; Liqiong WEI ; Lei HUANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(3):668-674,679
Objective:To investigate the characteristics of vitamin D levels in children in Gansu Province,and to analyze the correlation between vitamin D levels and immune disorders in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections(RRTIs).Methods:From January 2020 to December 2021,9 790 cases of children aged 0~6 years who received vitamin D detection in pediatric depart-ment of maternal and Child health care hospitals and tertiary general hospitals in 6 cities and prefectures of Gansu Province were retro-spectively selected,characteristics of vitamin D in 5 000 children were analyzed.Ninty children with RRTIs in 5 000 children were taken as study group,and 80 healthy children were taken as control group.Correlation between vitamin D levels and immune function indexes(IgA,IgG,IgM,complement C3 and complement C4)between the two groups was compared to analyze the diagnostic value of vitamin D for children RRTIs.Results:After analyzing vitamin D data of 5 000 children in Gansu Province,it was found that vita-min D deficiency rate,deficiency rate and adequate rate were 11.58%,41.38%and 47.04%respectively,and no vitamin D overdose or poisoning were found.Vitamin D level of children was affected by age and season.Vitamin D deficiency of children aged 3 to 4 years was more serious,and vitamin D level of children in winter was the lowest,and vitamin D level was related to the growth and develop-ment of children and disease.25(OH)D level and immune function indexes in study group were lower than those in control group(P<0.05).Level of 25(OH)D was related to the age,allergic history,passive tobacco exposure and susceptible season of RRTIs(P<0.05).Immune function indexes of children with adequate vitamin D were higher than children with insufficient and deficient vitamin D(P<0.05).Level of vitamin D in children with RRTIs was positively correlated with their immune function(P<0.05).Low birth weight,premature delivery,preference for food,daily amount of fruits and vegetables,outdoor activity time,calcium,iron,zinc,25(OH)D,IgA,IgG,IgM,complement C3 and C4 were all independent risk factors for RRTIs in children(P<0.05).Vitamin D had a high diagnostic value for RRTIs in children(P<0.05).Conclusion:Vitamin D level of children in Gansu Province is related to age and season.Lower vitamin D level in children's RRTIs is related to the immune disorders of children,which can be used for the diag-nosis of this disease.
7.Comparison of the early postoperative efficacy between Kahook dual blade internal trabeculectomy and internal gonioscope-assisted transluminal trabe-culotomy in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma
Ying DUAN ; Mingxia CUI ; Yang ZHANG ; Lingbo SHU ; Nan LI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(6):486-490
Objective To investigate the early postoperative efficacy between Kahook dual blade(KDB)internal tra-beculectomy and internal gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy(GATT)in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma(POAG).Methods A total of 120 patients(120 eyes)with POAG were included and divided according to dif-ferent surgical treatment methods.Among them,62 patients(62 eyes)undergoing internal trabeculectomy by KDB were di-vided into Group A,and 58 patients(58 eyes)undergoing GATT were divided into Group B.Relevant data of patients in the two groups were collected,and the efficacy of the two surgical methods was compared.Results The intraocular pres-sure in both groups decreased 1 day,1 week,and 1 month after surgery compared with preoperative levels(all P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in the intraocular pressure measured at the above time points between the two groups(all P>0.05).The type of drugs for reducing the intraocular pressure in both groups decreased significantly 1 day,1 week,and 1 month after surgery compared with preoperative levels(all P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in the type of drugs for reducing the intraocular pressure at the above time points between the two groups(all P>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the total incidence of complications between Group A(45.16%)and Group B(39.66%)(P>0.05).Specifically,the main complications in Group A included anterior chamber hemorrhage and intraocular pressure rebound,while those in Group B included anterior chamber hemorrhage and ciliary detachment.Conclusion Both KDB internal trabeculectomy and GATT can effectively reduce the intraocular pressure in patients with POAG and reduce the use of postoperative intraocular pressure-lowering drugs.There was no significant difference in surgical complications between the two surgical methods.The selection of surgical procedures in clinical prac-tice can be determined based on patients' wishes and actual situation.
8.Analysis of the impact of phase Ⅱ cardiac rehabilitation on the rehabilitation needs and physical activity of patients with coronary heart disease after interventional surgery
Ying ZHANG ; Xiwei ZHANG ; Jiahui WU ; Wenxian LIU ; Yan FENG ; Nan LI ; Yong SHAO ; Lixin ZHANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Zhiying LI ; Yin LI
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(5):1080-1084
Objective To investigate the impact of phase Ⅱ cardiac rehabilitation on the rehabilitation needs and physical activity status of patients after coronary heart disease intervention.Methods A total of 90 patients with coronary heart disease who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in the Coronary Heart Disease Center of the hospital from August 2023 to August 2024 were selected as the research subjects.They were subjected to a 12-week standardized phase Ⅱ cardiac rehabilitation training.General data survey forms,cardiac rehabilitation scales,and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used for scale surveys to understand the patients' needs before and after rehabilitation and their weekly physical activity en-ergy expenditure.The cardiopulmonary exercise test gold standard,which reflects exercise capacity through three indicators-maximum oxygen uptake(VO2 max),anaerobic threshold(AT),and metabolic equivalents(MET),were used to compare the physical activity status before and after cardiac rehabilitation.Results Compared with before the implementation,after the implementation of cardiac rehabilitation,the autonomy score in-creased(21.36±1.85 vs.16.73±3.28),the process anxiety(12.60±3.87 vs.14.27±2.12)and outcome anxiety scores(2.31±1.76 vs.4.56±3.56)decreased,the level of low-intensity physical activity decreased[(2 711.62±1 487.09)min/week vs.(3 845.97±2 083.71)min/week],the levels of moderate-intensity[(1 314.67±783.54)min/week vs.(686.22±126.79)min/week],high-intensity[(1 861.33±798.27)min/week vs.(112.00±40.77)min/week],and total physical activity increased[(5 887.62±2 843.54)min/week vs.(4 644.19±2 287.16)min/week].The levels of VO2 max[(28.11±14.28)mL·min-1·kg-1 vs.(23.82±12.34)mL·min-1·kg-1],AT[(16.06±5.41)mL·min-1·kg-1 vs.(13.53±4.56)mL·min-1·kg-1],and MET[(6.89±1.59)mL·min-1·kg-1 vs.(5.78±1.21)mL·min-1·kg-1]all in-creased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion Phase Ⅱ rehabilitation after PCI can effectively improve patients' physical activity levels.
9.Ultrashort echo time-MRI for evaluating pulmonary nodules
Shuo LIU ; Chao HAN ; Ying WANG ; Yingying CUI ; Nan MENG ; Kaixin LI ; Meiyun WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(9):1531-1534
Objective To observe the value of ultrashort echo time(UTE)-MRI for evaluating pulmonary nodules.Methods Totally 58 patients with pulmonary nodules detected with CT were prospectively enrolled,and UTE-MRI was performed.Taken CT as the referent standard,the value of UTE-MRI for evaluating the diameter,composition,lung imaging reporting and data system(Lung-RADS)type and radiographic signs of pulmonary nodules was analyzed.Results CT detected 66 pulmonary nodules with a diameter of(11.60±5.20)mm in 58 patients,including 29 solid nodules,24 partially solid nodules and 13 ground-glass nodules.There were 14 Lung-RADS type 2,12 type 3,12 type 4A,11 type 4B and 17 type 4X lung nodules,among which 12 were found with lobulated sign,and 14 were found with spiculated sign.UTE-MRI detected 63 nodules with a diameter of(11.34±4.82)mm,including 25 solid nodules,28 partially solid nodules and 10 ground-glass nodules.There were 12 Lung-RADS type 2,12 type 3,12 type 4A,11 type 4B and 16 type 4X lung nodules.Among which 10 nodules were found with lobulated sign and 11 were found with spiculated sign.No significant difference of the measured diameters of lung nodules was found between UTE-MRI and CT(P=0.803),and the results of UTE-MRI and CT had good correlation and consistency(rs=0.953,ICC=0.946),which also had good consistency for assessing nodule composition and Lung-RADS type(Kappa=0.871,0.960).Meanwhile,no significant difference of the display rates of lobulated nor spiculated signs was noticed between UTE-MRI and CT(both P>0.05).Conclusion UTE-MRI was helpful for evaluating pulmonary nodules,with efficacy comparable to CT.
10.Analysis of cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Siyuan FAN ; Le ZHANG ; Manqing XIE ; Nan LIN ; Ying TAN ; Haitao REN ; Hongzhi GUAN
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(5):501-505
Objective:To investigate the treatment regimens, therapeutic effects, and adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in the treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with PML who received ICI treatment at the Department of Neurology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 2020 to September 2024. The patients′ demographic characteristics, baseline immune status, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, treatment regimens, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.Results:A total of 2 male patients with PML, aged 40 and 59 years, received ICI treatment. One patient had underlying combined immunodeficiency, while the other had acute myeloid leukemia subtype M2 and had previously undergone umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation. Both patients were treated with pembrolizumab (dosage range: 2-3 mg/kg, administered every 3-4 weeks), receiving a total of 2-4 courses of treatment. In terms of therapeutic effects, both patients showed significant improvement. Regarding adverse events, 1 patient experienced immune-related adverse event (irAE) of immune-related pneumonia combined with immune-related hypophysitis.Conclusions:ICI may be an effective treatment option for PML. However, the use of ICI may be accompanied by the occurrence of irAE, necessitating close monitoring during treatment.

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