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.Material basis and action mechanism of drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis
Siyuan LI ; Yuru WANG ; Ye XU ; Di GUO ; Nan NAN ; Yang LIU ; Jie ZHAO ; Huiqin HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4029-4037
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.
3.Exploration of basket trial design with Bayesian method and its application value in traditional Chinese medicine.
Si-Cun WANG ; Mu-Zhi LI ; Hai-Xia DANG ; Hao GU ; Jun LIU ; Zhong WANG ; Ya-Nan YU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):846-852
Basket trial, as an innovative clinical trial design concept, marks the transformation of medical research from the traditional large-scale and single-disease treatment to the precise and individualized treatment. By gradually incorporating the Bayesian method during development, the trial design becomes more scientific and reasonable and increases its efficiency. The fundamental principle of the Bayesian method is the utilization of prior knowledge in conjunction with new observational data to dynamically update the posterior probability. This flexibility enhances the basket trial's capacity to effectively adapt to variations during the research process. Consequently, it enables researchers to dynamically adjust research strategies based on accumulated data and improve the predictive accuracy regarding treatment responses. In addition, the design concept of the basket trial aligns with the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) principle of "homotherapy for heteropathy". The principle of "homotherapy for heteropathy" emphasizes that under certain conditions, different diseases may have the same treatment. Similarly, basket trials allow using a uniform trial design across multiple diseases, offering enhanced operational and significant practical value in the realm of TCM, particularly within the context of syndrome-based disease research. By introducing basket trials, the design of TCM clinical studies will be more scientific and yield higher-quality evidence. This study systematically categorized various Bayesian methods and models utilized in basket trials, evaluated their strengths and weaknesses, and identified their appropriate application contexts, so as to offer a practical guide for designing basket trials in the realm of TCM.
Bayes Theorem
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Research Design
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Clinical Trials as Topic/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
4.Exploring the mechanism of jolkinolide B in gastric cancer treatment based on network pharacology and molecular docking approach
Hao ZHANG ; Ling-Min LI ; Nan WU ; Ning-Ning WANG ; Xue-Yan LI ; Bai-Yu JIAN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(1):37-42
Objective To explore the mechanism of action of jolkinolide B in the treatment of gastric cancer by network pharmacology combined with molecular docking technique.Methods The SwissTargetPrediction database was used to obtain the targets of the active compounds.Search Genecards,OMIM,Drugbank,TTD,and PharmGKB databases to obtain targets for gastric cancer.The intersection between the targets of jolkinolide B and those of gastric cancer was identified pinpoint potential targets for jolkinolide B in treating gastric cancer.The String database was utilized construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network.Bioconductor bioinformatics packages with R software was employed conduct Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis on the shared targets.This process revealed significant regulatory pathways crucial for jolkinolide B's efficacy in treating gastric cancer.Cytoscape 3.7.1 software was utilized create the core network of"Potential Targets of Triptolide B in Gastric Cancer Treatment",and SYBYL-X2.1.1 software was employed conduct molecular docking validation of the selected main active ingredients and critical targets.Results Jolkinolide B may target multiple proteins,including MAPK1,glycogen synthase kinae-3β(GSK-3β),and JUN,impacting the proliferation,invasion,and metastasis of gastric cancer,ultimately inhibiting its growth.Conclusion We predicted the possible molecular mechanism of jolkinolide B in the treatment of gastric cancer to provide guide information for the subsequent experimental research and clinical application.
5.Preparation,characterization and tissue distribution of polyethylene glycol-modified Curcumin solid lipid nanoparticle inhalable micropowder
Nan LI ; Zi WANG ; Di HAO ; Lingyu KONG ; Xu LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2387-2392
OBJECTIVE To prepare polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified flower lactose (FL) loaded Curcumin (Cur) solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) inhalable micropowder (referred to as “PEG-Cur-FL”). METHODS PEG-Cur-FL was prepared by the solvent emulsification diffusion low-temperature solidification method, and its encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, powder properties, aerodynamic particle size, in vitro deposition properties, and in vitro release characteristics were characterized. The mice were divided into Cur-SLN-FL (unmodified with PEG) group and PEG-Cur-FL group, with 55 mice in each group. Both groups of mice were given a single inhalation of 5 mg/kg (calculated as Cur) of the corresponding drug micropowder through an air tube. At 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after administration, eyeballs were removed to collect blood and tracheal, lung, liver and kidney tissues were separated. The mass concentration of Cur in mouse plasma and various tissue samples was measured, and the tissue distribution and retention of the drug were analyzed. RESULTS The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity of PEG-Cur-FL were (86.2±1.8)% and (4.2±0.2)%, respectively; the bulk density and tap density were (0.24±0.01) g/cm3 and (0.30±0.01) g/cm3, respectively; the aerodynamic particle size was (2.74±0.64) μm; the in vitro effective site deposition rate (secondary drug deposition rate) was (45.07±2.79)%. Compared with Cur raw materials, Cur-SLN- FL and PEG-Cur-FL had sustained release effects under both leakage and non-leakage conditions, and PEG-Cur-FL had a smoother sustained release in artificial lung fluid, with release characteristics consistent with the Weibull model. The results of in vivo distribution showed that the drug concentration in the lung tissue of PEG-Cur-FL group was significantly lower than that of Cur- SLN-FL group during the same period after 1 hour of administration, while the drug concentration in the lung tissue at 4 to 48 hours was significantly higher than that of Cur-SLN-FL group during the same period (P<0.05); the plasma drug concentrations of the PEG-Cur-FL group at all time points from 0.25 to 12 hours were significantly lower than those of the Cur-SLN-FL group during the same period (P<0.05), and the drug concentrations in liver and kidney tissues were also lower than those of the Cur-SLN-FL group during the same period (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PEG-Cur-FL is prepared successfully; the inhalable micropowder has good inhalability and release performance; after administration through the trachea, the effective concentration of Cur in lung tissue can be increased, while reducing its plasma drug concentration and drug distribution concentration in non-target organs.
6.Drug resistance of multidrug-resistant organism in hospitalized children at a children's hospital in Hebei Province
SUN Ling ; LIU Yuanqing ; LIU Xinguang ; ZHANG Nan ; WEN Chan ; HAO Jianzong ; LI Mei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):616-621
Objective:
To analyze the drug resistance of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) among hospitalized children in a children's hospital in Hebei Province from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide the basis for the rational clinical application of antibacterial drugs.
Methods:
Specimens including sputum, blood, urine, pus, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, secretions, pleural fluid, and peritoneal fluid of hospitalized children from January 2019 to December 2023 were collected. Pathogen identification and drug susceptibility tests were performed on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBLs-EC), extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBLs-KP), carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC). The department distribution, specimen distribution, and drug resistance of MDROs were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 279 086 samples were submitted for testing, with 3 512 MDROs detected. Among these, MRSA and ESBLs-EC had relatively high detection rates of 35.76% and 41.50%, respectively. In the internal medicine pediatric patients, 1 869 MDROs were detected, accounting for 53.22%. The main departments were respiratory medicine, neonatology, and intensive care. In the surgical department, 1 643 MDROs were detected, accounting for 46.78%, with the main sources being general surgery and cardiac surgery. The highest numbers of MDROs were detected in sputum, pus, and urine samples, with 1 372, 527, and 494 isolates, representing 39.07%, 15.01%, and 14.07%, respectively. The resistance rates of MRSA to penicillin, oxacillin, and erythromycin were between 81.76% and 100.00%. ESBLs-EC and ESBLs-KP had a resistance rate of 100.00% to ceftriaxone. CRKP had a resistance rate of 100.00% to ampicillin/sulbactam and imipenem. CRAB had a resistance rate of 100.00% to cefoxitin, imipenem, and meropenem. CRPA had a resistance rate of 100.00% to ampicillin/sulbactam, ceftriaxone, cefoxitin, and imipenem. CREC had a resistance rate of 100.00% to imipenem.
Conclusions
In a children's hospital in Hebei Province, infections with MDROs among hospitalized pediatric patients are primarily caused by MRSA and ESBLs-EC. These infections are mainly distributed in the departments of respiratory medicine, neonatology, intensive care, general surgery, and cardiac surgery, with the highest detection rates in sputum, pus, and urine samples. Additionally, MRSA, ESBLs-EC, ESBLs-KP, CRKP, CRAB, CRPA, and CREC show high resistance rate to most antimicrobial agents.
7.Associations between statins and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events among peritoneal dialysis patients: A multi-center large-scale cohort study.
Shuang GAO ; Lei NAN ; Xinqiu LI ; Shaomei LI ; Huaying PEI ; Jinghong ZHAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Zibo XIONG ; Yumei LIAO ; Ying LI ; Qiongzhen LIN ; Wenbo HU ; Yulin LI ; Liping DUAN ; Zhaoxia ZHENG ; Gang FU ; Shanshan GUO ; Beiru ZHANG ; Rui YU ; Fuyun SUN ; Xiaoying MA ; Li HAO ; Guiling LIU ; Zhanzheng ZHAO ; Jing XIAO ; Yulan SHEN ; Yong ZHANG ; Xuanyi DU ; Tianrong JI ; Yingli YUE ; Shanshan CHEN ; Zhigang MA ; Yingping LI ; Li ZUO ; Huiping ZHAO ; Xianchao ZHANG ; Xuejian WANG ; Yirong LIU ; Xinying GAO ; Xiaoli CHEN ; Hongyi LI ; Shutong DU ; Cui ZHAO ; Zhonggao XU ; Li ZHANG ; Hongyu CHEN ; Li LI ; Lihua WANG ; Yan YAN ; Yingchun MA ; Yuanyuan WEI ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Yan LI ; Caili WANG ; Jie DONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2856-2858
8.Bidirectional modulation of depression disorder through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and gut-brain axis from the perspective of simultaneous treatment of the liver and spleen
Nan NAN ; Wenzhi HAO ; Lin LI ; Yueyun LIU ; Jiaxu CHEN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(7):896-902
As a major global public health concern,the incidence of depression disorder is increasing annually.The pathological mechanism of depression involves bidirectional dysregulation between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)and gut-brain axes.According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the liver controls conveyance and dispersion,the spleen governs transportation and transformation,and both jointly maintain the balance between ascending and descending qi movement and zang fu viscera function in the body.Liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency result in qi movement disorder and a lack of source qi and blood,leading to depression induced by malnutrition of heart spirit.As a classic prescription for soothing the liver,invigorating the spleen,and replenishing blood,Xiaoyao Powder is used to reinforce healthy qi and eliminate pathogenic factors.Xiaoyao Powder not only regulates the"yin in property of liver"but also strengthens the"ascending and descending"of the spleen.As commonly used by ancient and modern physicians,also indirectly inhibits HPA axis upregulation and improves depression-related gastrointestinal dysfunction.This paper systematically expounds the multi-dimensional mechanism of Xiaoyao Powder in treating depression through the two-way regulation of the HPA-gut-brain axis.It reveals the therapeutic characteristics of"multi-component and multi-target"in TCM to provide a novel theoretical basis for the modernization of TCM and the treatment of depression by combining TCM and Western medicine.
9.The clinical effect of three dimensional print guided F/B-TEVAR vascular endoluminal repair of anastomotic leaks after open surgery for type A aortic dissection
Yu ZHOU ; Yuexue HAN ; Jianhang HU ; Tao TANG ; Lili SUN ; Wendong LI ; Nan HU ; Chen LIU ; Jun SHAO ; Hao YU ; Zhao LIU
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(9):836-841
Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of three-dimensional(3D) printing-assisted fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-TEVAR) for the treatment of endoleak after open surgery for type A aortic dissection.Methods:A multi-center retrospective case series analysis was conducted on 16 patients with anastomotic leakage following Stanford type A aortic dissection open repair, admitted to 12 medical centers between January 2019 and December 2023. All surgeries were led by the vascular surgery team from Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The study included 12 males and 4 females, with an age of (58.1±8.2) years (range: 42 to 75 years). Preoperative patient-specific 3D-printed models or 3D parametric surface topological guides were created based on aortic CT angiography data. These models assisted intraoperative external positioning of fenestration sites, combined with stent diameter selection and inner branch techniques to complete endovascular repair. Surgical procedures, complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated, with follow-up CT imaging to assess efficacy.Results:All patients successfully underwent surgery without conversion to open repair. One patient had distal stent migration from a prior open repair, requiring intraoperative coverage of the main stent window and conversion to an in situ fenestration procedure. The mean operative time was (332.6±111.2)minutes (range: 80 to 460 minutes). No renal failure, paraplegia, or branch artery loss occurred. Postoperative follow-up ( M(IQR)) was 18(18) months(range: 6 to 36 months), with follow-up rates of 16/16 at 6 months, 10/16 at 12 months, 8/16 at 24 months, and 2/16 at 36 months. During follow-up, endoleak occurred in 3 patients, cerebral infarction in 1 patient, and death in 1 patient. The remaining patients demonstrated stable stent positioning, patent branches, and no endoleak. Conclusion:3D technology-guided F/B-TEVAR shows favorable mid-to short-term outcomes in treating anastomotic leakage after open repair of type A aortic dissection.
10.Effect of remote motor imagery therapy on rehabilitation of patients with severe coronary heart disease after PCI
Jun-xia HAO ; Cong-cong LI ; Ya-nan TIAN ; Xiao-xin HOU
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(4):565-570
Objective:To explore the effect of remote motor imagery therapy on rehabilitation of patients with severe coronary heart disease(CHD)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:This randomized con-trolled study enrolled 164 patients with severe CHD undergoing PCI who admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University between January 2022 and January 2024.Patients were divided into control group(n=82)and intervention group(n=82).Patients in the control group was given conventional home nursing intervention comparing to those in the intervention group receiving additional remote motor imagery therapy.Both groups were intervened for 8 weeks.Indexes of pain,psychological emotion,ability of daily living,motor function and fall were compared between two groups.Results:Compared to those in control group after intervention,patients in interven-tion group had significant lower scores of visual analogue scale(VAS)[(2.03±0.81)points vs.(5.14±0.84)points],the Hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS)anxiety subscale(HADS-A)[(4.89±0.84)points vs.(9.05±0.78)points],HADS depression subscale(H ADS-D)[(5.31±1.10)points vs.(10.13±0.82)points],HADS total score[(10.20±1.39)points vs.(19.18±1.18)points](P<0.001 all),and significant higher 6-min walking distance(6MWD)[(439.31±16.51)m vs.(364.94±12.76)m],peak oxygen uptake(VO2 peak)[(20.28±2.40)ml·kg-1·min-1 vs.(17.26±1.35)ml·kg-1·min-1],anaerobic threshold oxygen consumption(VO2AT)[(17.04±1.18)ml·kg-1·min-1 vs.(13.62±1.16)ml·kg-1·min-1],scores of Chinese modified Fall Efficacy Scale(MFES)[(107.28±4.84)points vs.(87.41±4.73)points],ability of daily living(ADL)scale[(78.95±3.92)points vs.(68.00±4.10)points]and Barthel index[(85.83±2.50)points vs.(69.79±3.42)points](P<0.001 all).We detected significant lower incidence of falling(7.50%vs.21.25%)in the intervention group compared to control group(P=0.013).Conclusion:Remote motor imagery therapy may strengthen motor function and ability of daily living,and relieve pain and negative emotions in patients with severe CHD after PCI.


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