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.

Background: Patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and an interrupted aortic arch (IAA) may present with small mitral valves (MVs) and a reduced left ventricular (LV) volume. Biventricular repair (BVR) in these patients is dependent on adequate size of the left cardiac structures.Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of the hemodynamic characteristics of atrial septal defects (ASDs) on MV growth following surgical repair. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients diagnosed with CoA or IAA between 2007 and 2024. The z score for MV size measured 6 months postoperatively (Z2) was compared with the preoperative MV size (Z1). The factors associated with MV growth were also studied. Results: A total of 161 patients with CoA or IAA were included. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess the MV and LV dimensions preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Of the cohort, 155 (96.3%) underwent initial BVR and 6 underwent single-ventricle palliation. MV z scores significantly increased following BVR (mean change: +0.45±1.35; P<0.001) but decreased after single-ventricle repair (-0.56±0.49, P=0.04). Multivariate analysis identified the initial MV z score and ASD pressure gradient as independent predictors of MV growth (R2=0.39). Conclusion Annular growth of the MV was not observed in patients who underwent single-ventricle palliation. In contrast, among patients who achieved BVR, those with a small preoperative MV annulus and low ASD pressure gradient demonstrated subsequent catch-up MV growth, suggesting that adequate left-sided preload is essential for MV development.

BACKGROUND:Our previous study found that Modified Erxian Pill could alleviate inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats,but its mechanism needs to be further verified. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill,and observe the effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages. METHODS:(1)Analysis of components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry was used to detect and identify Modified Erxian Pill and its components absorbed in the blood.(2)Effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages:Molecular docking technology was used to initially verify the sesquiterpenoids and NLRP3 in components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill.J774A.1 macrophages were randomly divided into blank control group,lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,and lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill with low(2.5%),medium(5%),and high(10%)dose groups.The release of lactate dehydrogenase in the cell supernatant of each group was detected according to the kit instructions.The levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in cell supernatant were detected in each group by ELISA.The cell membrane damage was detected by Hoechst/PI staining.The expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein in the cells of each group were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 32 active components of Modified Erxian Pill were identified,and 21 components entered the blood.The main components into blood included a variety of sesquiterpenoids.(2)Molecular docking results showed that 3-O-Acetyl-13-deoxyphomenone,Incensol oxide,Atractylenolide III,Rupestonic acid,and 3,7-Dihydroxy-9,11-eremophiladien-8-one had good binding activity with NLRP3.(3)Compared with the blank control group,lactate dehydrogenase activity and the expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 were significantly increased in cell supernatant of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.001).Hoechst/PI staining showed that the number of PI-positive cells was significantly increased.After the intervention of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group,all of them showed different degrees of reduction.(4)Compared with the blank control group,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein expression levels were significantly increased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.05).Compared with lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,the protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N were significantly decreased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group(P<0.05),and had a certain dose dependence.These findings verify that the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill may inhibit the pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.

Acute burns and chronic wounds frequently fail to heal owing to various reasons. Most drugs currently used for wound therapy in clinical practice have notable drawbacks, making their application a substantial concern. For instance, anti-inflammatory drugs can exert multisystem toxicity, and cellular therapies are costly and difficult to retain. In recent years, natural functional proteins derived from animals and plants have gained increasing attention owing to their unique biological activities, low cost, and broad application prospects in wound therapy. Herein, we isolated a new protein (JH015Y) from amphibians and demonstrated its excellent wound repair and regeneration properties compared with those of epidermal growth factor, both in vitro and in vivo. JH015 protein increased the proliferative ability of human keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts by 47.73 and 41.40%, respectively. In vivo, the medium-dose (0.5 mg/dose) groups of JH015Y protein demonstrated accelerated wound healing from day 4, with wound healing rates 1.26, 1.27, and 1.14 times that of the blank group in acute wounds, burn wounds, and diabetic ulcer, respectively. Histological analysis of Masson-stained sections indicated that the JH015Y protein contributed to collagen deposition on the wound surface, markedly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and exhibited low biological toxicity. Accordingly, the JH015Y protein is a promising biotherapeutic agent for accelerated wound repair and regeneration.

Acute burns and chronic wounds frequently fail to heal owing to various reasons. Most drugs currently used for wound therapy in clinical practice have notable drawbacks, making their application a substantial concern. For instance, anti-inflammatory drugs can exert multisystem toxicity, and cellular therapies are costly and difficult to retain. In recent years, natural functional proteins derived from animals and plants have gained increasing attention owing to their unique biological activities, low cost, and broad application prospects in wound therapy. Herein, we isolated a new protein (JH015Y) from amphibians and demonstrated its excellent wound repair and regeneration properties compared with those of epidermal growth factor, both in vitro and in vivo. JH015 protein increased the proliferative ability of human keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts by 47.73 and 41.40%, respectively. In vivo, the medium-dose (0.5 mg/dose) groups of JH015Y protein demonstrated accelerated wound healing from day 4, with wound healing rates 1.26, 1.27, and 1.14 times that of the blank group in acute wounds, burn wounds, and diabetic ulcer, respectively. Histological analysis of Masson-stained sections indicated that the JH015Y protein contributed to collagen deposition on the wound surface, markedly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and exhibited low biological toxicity. Accordingly, the JH015Y protein is a promising biotherapeutic agent for accelerated wound repair and regeneration.

Objective To explore imaging features of telangiectatic osteosarcoma(TOS).Methods X-ray,CT and MRI data of 37 cases of TOS confirmed by surgical pathology were retrospectively analyzed.Lesion's location,morphology,border,density/signal,enhancement pattern,presence of hemorrhage,tumor bone,fluid-fluid levels,periosteal reaction,septal nodules,epiphyseal involvement,bone destruction and surrounding sclerosis,peripheral edema and pathological fracture or not were recorded.The misdiagnosis rate of each imaging examination was calculated.Results TOS was prone to occur in the femur,humerus and tibia metaphysis,predominantly presented as eccentric,expansive and map-like osteolytic bone destruction with little or no surrounding sclerosis,showing polycystic changes,with fluid-fluid levels,hemorrhagic and tumor bone,along with periosteal reactions and marginal and septal nodule-like enhancement after enhanced scanning.The misdiagnosis rate of X-ray,non-contrast CT,enhanced CT,non-contrast MRI,enhanced MRI and preoperative biopsy for diagnosing TOS was 75.00%(24/32),50.00%(3/6),38.10%(8/21),50.00%(6/12),24.32%(9/37)and 24.32%(9/37),respectively.Conclusion TOS had certain characteristic imaging manifestations.Comprehensive imaging examinations combined with accurate pathological sampling contributed to precise diagnosis and reduction of misdiagnosis rate of TOS.

Objective To explore imaging characteristics of myxofibrosarcoma(MFS)and their correlations with prognosis.Methods Totally 32 patients with pathologically confirmed MFS were retrospectively enrolled and divided into poor prognosis(recurrence/metastasis)group(n=13)and good prognosis group(n=19).Preoperative imaging characteristics of lesions were analyzed and compared between groups,including the location,shape,size,margins,density/signal features of lesions,adjacent bone destruction,peritumoral edema,fascial tail sign,enhancement patterns and tumor vasculature.Results MFS predominantly involved the extremities,especially the lower limbs,and the lesions commonly appeared as iso-to hypodensity masses with internal isodensity fibrous septations on non-enhanced CT.On non-enhanced MRI,MFS commonly demonstrated iso-to hypointense signals on T1WI,markedly hyperintense signals on T2WI,low signal fibrous septa,high signals on diffusion weighted imaging(DWI),as well as tail signs and surrounding soft tissue edema.After administration of contrast agents,solid components of MFS demonstrated marked enhancement.No statistical difference of tumor vascularity was detected between groups(P=0.141,1-β=0.269).Poor prognosis group showed significantly higher rates of diffuse peritumoral edema and fascial tail signs than good prognosis group(both P＜0.05).Conclusion Imaging features of MFS had certain characteristics,and the tail sign and surrounding soft tissue edema were correlated with poor prognosis.

Objective To observe the differences in gut microbiota in chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression model rats of both sexes,and to provide experimental evidence for exploring sex differences in depression onset.Methods Thirty-two healthy SD rats were divided randomly into four groups based on sex:Male control group(Control-M),Female control group(Control-F),Male model group(Model-M),and Female model group(Model-F)(n=8 rats per group).Rats in the control groups were fed without stimulation,while rats in the model groups were stimulated using the 28 d CUMS-induced depression method.After successful modeling,fresh feces were collected from all rats for high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing.Behavioral observations were also conducted before and after preparing the model.Results The result of sucrose-preference,open-field,and forced-swimming tests differed significantly between the control and model groups.The result of the sucrose-preference test also differed between the sexes,while there was no difference in the open-field or forced-swimming test between the sexes.The α and β diversity of the gut microbiota genera showed an upward trend in the CUMS group compared with the control group.The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the richness of the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group were decreased in male rats but showed an increasing trend in female rats.Conclusions The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in the gut microbiota may be a key factor affecting the difference in the onset of depression between males and females,while the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group be potential factors in correcting the gut microbiota and improving the symptoms of depression.

Influenza is a major public health problem worldwide,resulting in millions of hospitalizations each year.In addi-tion to vaccination and antiviral drugs against influenza,monoclonal antibody therapy is a promising treatment method because of its cross-reactivity and targeting.Widely reactive monoclonal antibodies can bind and neutralize multiple subtypes of influenza A virus,and also show good protective effect on infected mice,showing high potential in the prevention and treatment of influenza.In this review,we briefly review the recent research progress of broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies targeting HA and NA,two important surface glycoproteins of influenza A virus.

Objective:To analyze the molecular characteristics of the virus in a local outbreak of dengue fever in Jiangsu province in 2023, and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of the outbreak.Methods:Serum samples were collected from suspected dengue patients in the acute phase of the outbreak for virus detection and serotyping by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Positive specimens were amplified with full-length genomic fragments and subjected to second-generation sequencing and related evolutionary analyses.Results:Four confirmed cases of dengue were found in Changzhou city, Jiangsu province, from October 18 to 21, 2023, with epidemiological association between the cases, which was recognized as a dengue outbreak. The serum RT-qPCR result of the four cases were all dengue type 1, and the whole genome sequences of three of the cases were obtained. The evolutionary tree of the E gene and the whole genome showed that the three sequences were located in the 3rd branch of the 1-I genotype, which is similar to the genotype 1-I. The genome-wide sequences of the E gene and the genome-wide evolution tree showed that the three sequences were located in the 3rd branch of the 1-I genotype, which is similar to the genome-wide genotype 1-Ⅰ. The E gene and the genome-wide evolutionary tree showed that all three sequences were located on branch 3 of genotype 1-Ⅰ, with high sequence similarity to the dengue virus epidemic strains in Guangdong and Yunnan provinces in 2023. Amino acid variant site analysis showed that there were 16 branch-specific amino acid site changes in the sequences of the three cases, among which the structural proteins, C protein and prM protein, had one variant site each, E protein had two, and the non-structural proteins had the largest number of NS5 variant sites (9).Conclusions:The local outbreak in Jiangsu was caused by dengue fever type 1 virus, with high nucleotide sequence similarity to strains from other regions of China, and amino acid site alterations.