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.Regulation of testosterone synthesis by circadian clock genes and its research progress in male diseases.
Gang NING ; Bo-Nan LI ; Hui WU ; Ruo-Bing SHI ; A-Jian PENG ; Hao-Yu WANG ; Xing ZHOU
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(5):564-573
The circadian clock is an important internal time regulatory system for a range of physiological and behavioral rhythms within living organisms. Testosterone, as one of the most critical sex hormones, is essential for the development of the reproductive system, maintenance of reproductive function, and the overall health of males. The secretion of testosterone in mammals is characterized by distinct circadian rhythms and is closely associated with the regulation of circadian clock genes. Here we review the central and peripheral regulatory mechanisms underlying the influence of circadian clock genes upon testosterone synthesis. We also examined the specific effects of these genes on the occurrence, development, and treatment of common male diseases, including late-onset hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and prostate cancer.
Testosterone/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Circadian Clocks/genetics*
;
Circadian Rhythm Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism*
;
Circadian Rhythm/physiology*
;
Hypogonadism/metabolism*
;
Erectile Dysfunction/metabolism*
;
Infertility, Male/metabolism*
;
Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Men's Health
3.Mechanisms and intervention strategies of aging based on epigenetics
Li-yuan ZHANG ; Hao-nan SHI ; Wen-feng ZHANG ; Ming-qian ZHANG ; Zi-yang ZHAO ; Zhen-zhen CHENG ; Ti ZHANG ; Zhen-teng YAN ; Jian-ning SUN ; Shi-fen DONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2230-2235
Aging is comprehensively influenced by multiple fac-tors such as internal genes,cellular metabolism,external envi-ronment,and lifestyle habits.Among them,epigenetic regula-tion plays a core role.Epigenetic modifications,including DNA methylation,histone modification,heterochromatin remodeling,and non-coding RNA regulation,act in concert with the three-di-mensional genome architecture to precisely regulate gene expres-sion.This review elaborates on the factors influencing epigenetic regulation,as well as the mechanisms of how epigenetics affects the occurrence of organismal aging and the corresponding inter-vention strategies,providing relevant insights for uncovering the mechanisms of aging and preventing/treating aging-related disea-ses.
4.Mechanisms and intervention strategies of aging based on epigenetics
Li-yuan ZHANG ; Hao-nan SHI ; Wen-feng ZHANG ; Ming-qian ZHANG ; Zi-yang ZHAO ; Zhen-zhen CHENG ; Ti ZHANG ; Zhen-teng YAN ; Jian-ning SUN ; Shi-fen DONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2230-2235
Aging is comprehensively influenced by multiple fac-tors such as internal genes,cellular metabolism,external envi-ronment,and lifestyle habits.Among them,epigenetic regula-tion plays a core role.Epigenetic modifications,including DNA methylation,histone modification,heterochromatin remodeling,and non-coding RNA regulation,act in concert with the three-di-mensional genome architecture to precisely regulate gene expres-sion.This review elaborates on the factors influencing epigenetic regulation,as well as the mechanisms of how epigenetics affects the occurrence of organismal aging and the corresponding inter-vention strategies,providing relevant insights for uncovering the mechanisms of aging and preventing/treating aging-related disea-ses.
5.Research on traditional Chinese medicine improving neurodegenerative diseases based on mitochondrial dynamics
Zi-yang ZHAO ; Hao-nan SHI ; Yang GENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Qian-qian FENG ; Yan-yan JIANG ; Shi-fen DONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):201-207
Disorders of mitochondrial dynamics are closely re-lated to the development of neurodegenerative diseases(NDDs),which are characterized by the loss of neurons in brain and spinal cord cells.Diseases such as Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,Huntington's disease,and so on are in-volved in NDDs,which are often accompanied by disorders of mi-tochondrial dynamics during the development of these diseases.Recently,the researches on mitochondrial dynamics to study the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and related medica-tion innovation have garnered significant attention.This review focuses on the fundamental molecular processes of mitochondrial dynamics,such as mitochondrial transport,mitochondrial autoph-agy,and mitochondrial fission-fusion,and their molecular mecha-nisms in the pathogenesis of NDDs.It also outlines the recent research progress on Chinese materia medica and natural prod-ucts in ameliorating NDDs by modulating mitochondrial dynam-ics.The aim is to establish a foundation for researching innova-tive traditional Chinese medicine for NDDs-related diseases by focusing on mitochondrial dynamics.
6.Development of A Portable Gas Chromatograph-Micro Photoionization Detector System and Its Application in Online Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds
Xun WEN ; Hao-Nan XU ; Li-Li SHI ; Xiang-Hong WANG ; Xiao-Bing PANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1615-1622
In recent years,micro photoionization detectors(μPID),with their rapid response speed and excellent sensitivity,have attracted widespread attention in both scientific research and industry.This study developed a portable gas chromatograph based on μPID technology(GC-μPID),and examined its key performance characteristics such as reproducibility,sensitivity,and online analytical capability.The results showed that the method's relative standard deviation(RSD)was controlled within 2.7%,demonstrating good reproducibility;for the standard curves of 27 kinds of volatile organic compounds(VOCs),the linearity was excellent(R2≥0.99),with detection limits of≤10 μg/m3 and benzene series compounds reaching detection limits as low as 0.5 μg/m3.In field applications at an industrial park,this method successfully identified and quantified 17 kinds of VOCs,accurately capturing their diurnal concentration variations.The results above validated that the method developed here had the capability of onsite real-time monitoring and provided an effective tool for in situ monitoring atmospheric pollutants.
7.Research on traditional Chinese medicine improving neurodegenerative diseases based on mitochondrial dynamics
Zi-yang ZHAO ; Hao-nan SHI ; Yang GENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Qian-qian FENG ; Yan-yan JIANG ; Shi-fen DONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):201-207
Disorders of mitochondrial dynamics are closely re-lated to the development of neurodegenerative diseases(NDDs),which are characterized by the loss of neurons in brain and spinal cord cells.Diseases such as Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,Huntington's disease,and so on are in-volved in NDDs,which are often accompanied by disorders of mi-tochondrial dynamics during the development of these diseases.Recently,the researches on mitochondrial dynamics to study the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and related medica-tion innovation have garnered significant attention.This review focuses on the fundamental molecular processes of mitochondrial dynamics,such as mitochondrial transport,mitochondrial autoph-agy,and mitochondrial fission-fusion,and their molecular mecha-nisms in the pathogenesis of NDDs.It also outlines the recent research progress on Chinese materia medica and natural prod-ucts in ameliorating NDDs by modulating mitochondrial dynam-ics.The aim is to establish a foundation for researching innova-tive traditional Chinese medicine for NDDs-related diseases by focusing on mitochondrial dynamics.
8.Network Meta-analysis of comparative efficacy of Chinese medicine injections for dilated cardiomyopathy.
Shi-Yi TAO ; Lin-Tong YU ; Jun LI ; Yong-Hao LI ; Xuan-Chun HUANG ; Tian-Tian XUE ; De-Shuang YANG ; Chao-Nan ZHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2024;49(22):6198-6213
Bayesian network Meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of different Chinese medicine injections for dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM). CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for the randomized controlled trial(RCT) from the inception to January 2024. The quality of the included RCT was evaluated using the Cochrane's risk of bias assessment tool, and the quality of evidence for outcomes was assessed by GRADE. Stata 16.0 and RevMan 5.4 softwares were used for Meta-analysis. A total of 57 RCTs involving 4 812 subjects, 6 Chinese medicine injections and 6 outcome indicators were included. Bayesian network Meta-analysis indicated that:(1) In terms of increasing clinical total effectiveness rate, except Shenqi Fuzheng Injection + conventional western medicine, other 5 Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine outperformed conventional western medicine alone, and Xinmailong Injection + conventional western medicine had the best effect.(2) In terms of improving left ventricular ejection fraction, all of the 6 Chinese medicine injections combined with conventional western medicine were superior to conventional western medicine alone, and Shengmai Injection + conventional western medicine had the highest likelihood of being the best intervention.(3) On account of reducing left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, Shenfu Injection + conventional western medicine, Shenmai Injection + conventional western medicine, Huangqi Injection + conventional western medicine, and Xinmailong Injection + conventional western medicine outperformed conventional western medicine alone except Shengmai Injection + conventional western medicine, and Huangqi Injection + conventional western medicine had the highest probability of being the best treatment.(4) In terms of decreasing BNP, Huangqi Injection + conventional western medicine, Shenfu Injection + conventional western medicine, and Shenmai Injection + conventional western medicine were better than conventional western medicine alone, and Huangqi Injection + conventional western medicine had the highest likelihood of being the best treatment.(5) Considering the improvement in 6-min walk test, Shenmai Injection + conventional western medicine were superior to conventional western medicine alone.(6) In the case of improving cardiac output, Shenmai Injection + conventional western medicine, Shengmai Injection + conventional western medicine, Xinmailong Injection + conventional western medicine, and Shenqi Fuzheng Injection + conventional western medicine outperformed conventional western medicine alone except Shenfu Injection + conventional western medicine, thereinto, Shenmai Injection + conventional western medicine might be the optimal choice for increasing cardiac output level.(7) For safety, no statistically significant difference in adverse events was recorded between the experimental group and the control group(P=0.24). Bayesian network Meta-analysis showed that the addition of Chinese medicine injections to conventional western medicine exerted a more positive effect for DCM, and had advantages in alleviating clinical symptoms and improving cardiac function. However, due to the overall low quality of the included articles, the low inclusion of certain Chinese medicine injections, and the lack of direct comparison between different Chinese medicine injections, the results need to be further confirmed.
Humans
;
Bayes Theorem
;
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/physiopathology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Injections
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Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
;
Treatment Outcome
9.Efficacy analysis of 3D printing prefixed nail path model assisted lumbar and sacral hemivertebra orthopaedic surgery.
Xiao-Nan WU ; Wei-Ran HU ; Hao-Hao MA ; Yan-Zheng GAO ; Xin-Ge SHI ; Hong-Qiang WANG ; Wen-Sheng LIAO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(11):1113-1119
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the safety and effectiveness of 3D printing prefabricated nail path model assisted lumbosacral hemivertebra orthopaedic surgery.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was performed on 8 patients with lumbosacral hemivertebra deformity admitted from January 2016 to July 2021, including 3 males and 5 females, aged 6 to 15 at the time of surgery. The hemivertebra of 4 cases located on the left side and 4 cases on the right side. The hemivertebra of 1 case located at L2,3, 2 cases at L3,4, 2 cases at L4,5, and 3 cases at L5S1. Four cases were fully segmented hemivertebra and 4 cases were incomplete segmented hemivertebra. The patient CT data was imported into Mimics 21.0 software for modeling, and then the model data was imported into 3-Matic software. The vertebra requiring screw placement was selected to simulate the optimal screw placement angle and length, and the model was printed for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance. All patients underwent orthopedic surgery with the aid of 3D printing preset nail path model. The safety and effectiveness of the 3D printing prefabricated nail tunnel model assisted lumbosacral hemivertebra orthopaedic surgery was evaluated by comparing the imaging parameters of the patients. The main outcome measures were the Cobb angle of the main curve, the Cobb angle of the proximal compensatory curve, the coronal balance index C7 plumb line-center sacral vertical line(C7PL-CSVL), the accuracy of nail placement, and the correction rate of scoliosis before surgery, 1 week and 1 year after surgery.
RESULTS:
All of 8 patients were followed up for 13 to 31 months. A total of 98 pedicle screws were placed in 8 patients. The number of pedicle screw grades A, B, C, D, E was 38, 46, 10, 4, 0 screws. The screws of grade A and B were defined as good position, the accuracy rate of screw placement was 85.7%. The Cobb angle of the main curve were 21° to 38° before operation, 5° to 11° at 1 week after operation, 7°to 12° at 1 year after operation. The Cobb angle of the proximal compensatory curve were 16° to 39° befoer operation, 7° to 12 °at 1 week after operation, 7° to 14° at 1 year after operation, the correction effect remained good with no correction loss. The coronal balance index C7PL-CSVL were 20 to 35 mm before operation, 11 to 18 mm at 1 week after operation, 10 to 16 mm at 1 year after operation, the coronal imbalance improved. The scoliosis correction rate was 65.6% to 84.2% 1 week after surgery, and 61.9% to 81.6% 1 year after surgery.
CONCLUSION
The use of 3D printing prefixed nail tunnel model in lumbosacral hemivertebra osteotomy is safe and effective, and can significantly improve patients' local deformities. It is a reliable method to assist lumbar sacral hemivertebra osteotomy.
Humans
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adolescent
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Child
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery*
;
Sacrum/abnormalities*
;
Bone Nails
;
Orthopedic Procedures/instrumentation*
10.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine (version 2024)
Xiao CHEN ; Hao ZHANG ; Man WANG ; Guangchao WANG ; Jin CUI ; Wencai ZHANG ; Fengjin ZHOU ; Qiang YANG ; Guohui LIU ; Zhongmin SHI ; Lili YANG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Guixin SUN ; Biao CHENG ; Ming CAI ; Haodong LIN ; Hongxing SHEN ; Hao SHEN ; Yunfei ZHANG ; Fuxin WEI ; Feng NIU ; Chao FANG ; Huiwen CHEN ; Shaojun SONG ; Yong WANG ; Jun LIN ; Yuhai MA ; Wei CHEN ; Nan CHEN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Xin WANG ; Aiyuan WANG ; Zhen GENG ; Kainan LI ; Dongliang WANG ; Fanfu FANG ; Jiacan SU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(3):193-205
Osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture (OPHF) is one of the common osteoporotic fractures in the aged, with an incidence only lower than vertebral compression fracture, hip fracture, and distal radius fracture. OPHF, secondary to osteoporosis and characterized by poor bone quality, comminuted fracture pattern, slow healing, and severely impaired shoulder joint function, poses a big challenge to the current clinical diagnosis and treatment. In the field of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of OPHF, traditional Chinese and Western medicine have accumulated rich experience and evidence from evidence-based medicine and achieved favorable outcomes. However, there is still a lack of guidance from a relevant consensus as to how to integrate the advantages of the two medical systems and achieve the integrated diagnosis and treatment. To promote the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, relevant experts from Orthopedic Expert Committee of Geriatric Branch of Chinese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Youth Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedic Surgeon Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Osteoporosis Committee of Shanghai Association of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine have been organized to formulate Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine ( version 2024) by searching related literatures and based on the evidences from evidence-based medicine. This consensus consists of 13 recommendations about the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, aimed at standardizing, systematizing, and personalizing the diagnosis and treatment of OPHF with integrated traditional Chinse and Western medicine to improve the patients ′ function.

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