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.Influence of Oatp4c1-P-gp transmembrane transport system in the kidneys of obese mice on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin
Jing-wen MEN ; Lu SUN ; Hao-ran YUE ; Zhao-yue DUAN ; Hui-nan HOU ; Ting GUI ; Jun-hong XIN ; Zhi-bo GAI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1318-1324
Aim To investigate the expression of or-ganic anion transporting polypeptide 4C1(Oatp4c1)-P-glycoprotein(P-gp)in the kidneys of obese mice in-duced by high-fat diet(HFD),and its impact on the pharmacokinetic changes of digoxin.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the Chow group and the HFD group.Body weight and blood glu-cose were recorded weekly.After successful model es-tablishment,digoxin was intraperitoneally injected,and blood was collected at different time points.Part of the blood samples was used for LC-MS/MS detection,and the other part was used for the detection of other bio-chemical indicators.After 16 weeks,the organs were removed and weighed.HE and immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the renal pathology and the expression of Villin,a marker of proximal tubules.Western blot and qPCR were combined to detect the expression of Villin,Oatp4c1 and P-gp.Results In the HFD group,body weight and blood glucose in-creased significantly.The blood concentration of digox-in rose,the area under the curve increased,and the half-life was prolonged.The proximal tubular epithelial cells shed,and the protein expression of Villin,Oatp4c1 and P-gp decreased significantly.Conclu-sions The down-regulation of Oatp4c1-P-gp expres-sion in the kidneys of HFD mice leads to an increase in the blood concentration of digoxin and a decrease in re-nal clearance.
3.Evaluation of chemical constituent consistency in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula
Qing-gang ZHANG ; Dai-liang ZHANG ; Hong QI ; Shu-wen DING ; Yu-zhuo WANG ; Yun-lun LI ; Ji-fu HE ; Huan-ying GUO ; Gui-yun CAO ; Zhao-qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3555-3565
AIM To evaluate the chemical constituent consistency in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula.METHODS HPLC characteristic chromatograms were established,the analysis was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic YMC-Triart C18 column(4.6 mm× 250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.2%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.Puerarin was used as an internal standard to calculate the relative correction factors of 3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin apioside,magnolflorine,paeoniflora,daidzin,baicalin,palmatine,berberine,wogonoside and benzoylpaeoniflorin,after which the content detemination was made by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS).RESULTS The characteristic chromatograms of 9 batches of formula granules and 15 bacthes of traditional decoctions demonstrated the similarities of more than 0.90 at the detection wavelengths of 192,210,240,260,280,300,320,360 nm,along with similar total peak areas.Eleven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r>0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 97.27%-101.64%with the RSDs of 0.36%-1.11%,the result obtained by QAMS and external standard method demonstrated no significant differences(P>0.05).The contents of various constituents in the formula granules approximated those in the traditional decoctions.CONCLUSION The consistent kinds and contents of various constituents are obversable in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula,which can provide a reference for the reasonable clinical application of this formula.
4.Protective effects of Shuangyi Qushi Tongluo Capsules on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis in mice
Yi LI ; Jian-bin HE ; Jia-xiu XIE ; Quan-mou LUO ; Dong-mei LI ; Jun-hui HE ; Dong-mei WEI ; Chao WEI ; Hong-cong QIU ; Gui-ning WEI ; Bo WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1834-1842
AIM To investigate the protective effects of Shuangyi Qushi Tongluo Capsules(Shuangyi Capsules)on Dexamethasone(Dex)induced osteoporosis in mice.METHODS The C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the Xianling Gubao Capsules group(1.5 g/kg),and the low-dose,moderate-dose,and high-dose Shuangyi Capsules groups(0.6,1.2,and 2.4 g/kg).The mouse model of osteoporosis was induced by 8-week intraperitoneal injection of Dex sodium phosphate injection(5 mg/kg).The mice had their femur osteogenesis observed with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)staining;their serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and osteocalcin(BGP)activities detected by ELISA;their femoral mRNA expressions of Col-Ⅰ,OCN,and OPN detected by RT-qPCR;and their femoral protein expressions of OPG and RANKL detected by Western blot.Upon the MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to Dex and Shuangyi Capsules,their viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay;their mineralization determined by alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining(ARS);and their intracellular ROS level detected using DCFH-DA probe.RESULTS Compared with the model group,Shuangyi Capsules groups demonstrated improved fracture of femoral trabeculae and reduced number of osteoclasts;increased serum ALP and BGP activities(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased femoral expressions of Col-Ⅰ mRNA and OPG protein(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased RANKL protein expression(P<0.05).Compared with the MC3T3-E1 cells stimulated by Dex,those underwent further treatment of Shuangyi Capsules demonstrated increased cell viability and ALP activity(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased mineralization and calcium nodule formation;increased expressions of Col-Ⅰ,OCN,OPN mRNA and OPG protein(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased RANKL protein expression(P<0.05,P<0.01);and reduced ROS levels.CONCLUSION Shuangyi Capsules ameliorate Dex-induced osteoporosis in mice by suppressing osteoclast overactivation,enhancing osteoblast activity,and stimulating bone formation through modulation of Col-Ⅰ,OCN,OPN mRNA and OPG/RANKL protein levels.
5.The effect of salidroside derivative pOBz on angiogenesis after ischemic stroke by regulating Notch signaling pathway
Jing-quan CHEN ; Yu-ting JIANG ; Xue-rui ZHENG ; Hui-ling WU ; Qing-qing WU ; Zheng-shuang YU ; Wen-fang LAI ; Gui-zhu HONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2253-2259
Aim To study the effect of p-benzoyl sali-droside(pOBz)on angiogenesis after ischemic stroke and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods The MCAO model was prepared by suture method.Rats were divided into four groups:sham,MCAO,pOBz administration,and edaravone positive control,treated for seven days.The mNSS was used to assess the neurological impairment.Western blotting was em-ployed to detect CD31,NICD,and Hes-1 protein ex-pression,while immunofluorescence staining was ap-plies to quantify CD31-positive cells in ischemic brain tissue.In vitro an OGD/R model was established in HUVECs.Following treatment with varying pOBz con-centrations(0.01,0.1,1 μmol·L-1),the CCK-8 as-say was uses to measure cell viability,and in vitro tube formation assay was utilized to evaluate angiogenesis.Western blotting was employed again to assess CD31,NICD and Hes-1 protein levels.To further elucidate the mechanism,HUVEC were treated with the Notch inhibitor DAPT prior to grouping and pOBz administra-tion,and the same parameters were evaluated.Results pOBz significantly reduced the mNSS score of MCAO rats,increased CD31-positive cell counts,and upregu-lated CD31,NICD,and Hes-1 protein expression(P<0.01).In vitro results further showed that pOBz could dose-dependently increase the survival rate and angio-genesis ability of HUVEC induced by OGD/R,and promote CD31,NICD and Hes-1 proteins(P<0.01),and Notch inhibitor DAPT could reverse the above effects of pOBz.Conclusion pOBz promotes angio-genesis in HUVEC,and its mechanism involves activa-tion of the Notch signaling pathway.
6.Identification of Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.Based on ARMS Method
Xiongfeng ZHAO ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Gui QIN ; Hong LIU ; Bo WANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1814-1820
Objective To establish a molecular method for the identification of Aucklandia lappa Decne.and its common adulterants,Inula helenium L.,based on tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS).Methods After the analysis and comparison of internal transcribed spacer 2(ITS2)sequence differences between Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.,single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)sites were found to design specific primers for identification,the ARMS method was established to specifically amplify samples from different sources,and identification was carried out according to the size of specific amplification bands.Results The results showed that 170 bp and 271 bp specific bands could be amplified by Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.,respectively,under the following conditions:annealing temperature 56℃,cycle number 25,primer concentration ratio of internal and external primers 1∶4,agarose gel concentration 1.5%and using 2×TSINGKE Master Mix(blue),the detection limit of adulterates in Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.mixture sample was 5%.The 23 samples collected from the market were identified,results comparison was the same among ARMS detection,DNA barcoding,and plant classification.Conclusion The ARMS method established in this study can accurately identify Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.,which has the characteristics of strong specificity and high sensitivity and simple operation,can provide basic research for solving the problem of admixture identification and technical support for the quality control of Aucklandia lappa Decne.medicinal materials.
7.The Distribution Characteristics of Pathogenic Bacteria in Inpatients with Diabetic Foot were Correlated with Different Wagner Grades
Feixue QIN ; Juankun HE ; Shi LIU ; Bin WEN ; Hong ZHU ; Jing LI ; Li GUI ; Xiaoyan CAO
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(2):67-73
Objective To study the pathogenic bacteria infection in hospitalized diabetic foot patients in the Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and its correlation with different Wagner grades,to understand the the characteristics of pathogenic bacteria and related risk factors in hospitalized diabetic foot patients in the Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province,and to further provide theoretical guidance for anti-infection treatment of these patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the demographic data,severity of foot ulcers,and related laboratory test results of 536 patients with diabetic foot who were detected to have bacterial infection in the Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from January 2019 to January 2023.Results Among the 536 diabetic foot patients,pathogenic bacteria were cultured from 268 cases(50.0%)of Gram-positive bacterial infections,214 cases(39.9%)of gram-negative bacterial infections,2 cases(0.4%)of fungal infections,and 52 cases(9.7%)of mixed bacterial infections.The main pathogens among gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis.for Gram-negative bacteria,the main pathogens were Escherichia coli,Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae.There were 31 cases of multi-drug resistant bacteria,and the multi-drug resistance rate was(5.78%).Among Gram-positive bacteria,all multidrug-resistant strains were Staphylococcus aureus,while among Gram-negative bacteria,the multi-drug resistant strains included Acinetobacter baumannii(1 case),Klebsiella pneumoniae(2 cases),Proteus common(2 cases),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(5 cases),Proteus mirabilis(1 case)and Enterobacter cloacae(1 case).The 536 patients were divided into Wagner grade 1 and 2 groups(78 cases),Wagner grade 3 group(274 cases),and Wagner grade 4 and 5 groups(184 cases).There were 73 cases of single bacterial infections and 5 cases of mixed bacterial infections in Wagner grade 1 and 2 group,including 51 cases(65.4%)of gram-positive bacteria,21 cases(26.9%)of gram-negative bacteria and 1 case(1.3%)of fungi.There were 248 cases of single bacterial infections and 26 cases of mixed bacterial infections in Wagner3 group,with 144 cases(52.6%)of gram-positive bacteria,103 cases(37.6%)of gram-negative bacteria,and 1 case(0.4%)with fungi.In the Wagner grade 4 and 5 groups,there were 163 cases of single bacterial infections and 21 cases of mixed bacterial infection,with 73 strains(39.7%)of gram-positive bacteria,90 strains(48.9%)of gram-negative bacteria and 0 strain(0%)of fungi.The predominant infectious pathogens in Wagner grades 1,2 and 3 were gram-positive bacteria,while those in Wagner grades 4 and 5 patients were mainly gram-negative bacteria.There were statistically significant differences in white blood cell counts,neutrophil percentage,bacterial classification,length of hospital stay,erythrocyte sedimentation rate and albumin levels among diabetic foot patients with different Wagner grades(P<0.01).With the increase of Wagner grade,patients had higher white blood cell counts and hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels,longer hospital stays,and lower albumin levels;however,there were no statistically significant differences in age,sex,duration of diabetes,smoking history,alcohol consumption history and history of hypertension(P>0.05).Conclusion The bacterial infection situation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers is related to different Wagner grades.The higher the Wagner grades,the greater the likelihood of infection with gram-negative bacteria.Antibiotics can be reasonably selected according to the Wagner grades of patients upon admission,actively controlling infection,while also enhancing,shortening hospital stays,and reducing amputation rates,thereby improving the prognosis of diabetic foot patients.
8.Correlation Analysis of Drug Resistance Characteristics of Pathogenic Bacteria in Inpatients with Diabetic Foot Infection
Juankun HE ; Feixue QIN ; Bin WEN ; Shi LIU ; Jing LI ; Li GUI ; Hong ZHU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(3):44-50
Objective To analyze the bacterial distribution characteristics,drug resistance characteristics and related risk factors of multidrug-resistant organisms(MDRO)in patients with diabetic foot infection(DFI)in some areas of Yunnan Province to provide empirical reference for clinical treatment.Methods Clinical data of 300 DFI patients admitted to the Department of Endocrinology of the Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from January 2019 to December 2023 were collected.Based on the results of drug sensitivity tests and matching of basic data,patients were divided into the MDRO group(n=60)and the non-MDRO group(n=240).A retrospective analysis was conducted on the distribution of pathogenic bacteria,drug resistance characteristics of MDRO and risk factors for MDRO infection in DFI patients.Results In 60 patients with MDRO infections,62 strains of MDRO were cultured,with 58 strains from single MDRO infections and 4 strains from mixed MDRO infections.Of the 60 patients,2 were cultured for 2 types of MDRO.Among the strains,there were 45 gram-positive bacteria(72.58%)which were all Staphylococcus aureus,17 strains of gram-negative bacteria(27.42%)mainly including Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae.Among common MDRO,Staphylococcus aureus showed complete resistance to penicillin G and oxacillin(100%),with high resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin(>80%),but no resistance to tigacycline vancomycin was observed.The resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae to cephalosporin antibiotics was obvious,and the resistance rate to imipenem and amikacin was low.Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 100%resistant to ticacillin/clavulanate potassium,imipenem,tigacycline and cotrimoxazole,but showed no resistance to cefepime,ciprofloxacin,gentamicin and amikacin.There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in regional distribution,duration of diabetic foot,lower extremity arterial disease,venous plasma glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin(P<0.05).Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that region and duration of diabetic foot disease were independent risk factors for MDRO infection in DFI patients(P<0.05).Conclusion In some areas of Yunnan Province,the distribution of MDRO in DFI patients is mainly gram-positive bacteria,with varying antibiotic sensitivities among different pathogens.Multiple factors lead to MDRO infections in DFI patients,which assists clinical practitioners in early identification of high-risk DFI patients with MDRO infections and provide empirical reference for clinical treatment.
9.Identification of Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.Based on ARMS Method
Xiongfeng ZHAO ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Gui QIN ; Hong LIU ; Bo WANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1814-1820
Objective To establish a molecular method for the identification of Aucklandia lappa Decne.and its common adulterants,Inula helenium L.,based on tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS).Methods After the analysis and comparison of internal transcribed spacer 2(ITS2)sequence differences between Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.,single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)sites were found to design specific primers for identification,the ARMS method was established to specifically amplify samples from different sources,and identification was carried out according to the size of specific amplification bands.Results The results showed that 170 bp and 271 bp specific bands could be amplified by Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.,respectively,under the following conditions:annealing temperature 56℃,cycle number 25,primer concentration ratio of internal and external primers 1∶4,agarose gel concentration 1.5%and using 2×TSINGKE Master Mix(blue),the detection limit of adulterates in Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.mixture sample was 5%.The 23 samples collected from the market were identified,results comparison was the same among ARMS detection,DNA barcoding,and plant classification.Conclusion The ARMS method established in this study can accurately identify Aucklandia lappa Decne.and Inula helenium L.,which has the characteristics of strong specificity and high sensitivity and simple operation,can provide basic research for solving the problem of admixture identification and technical support for the quality control of Aucklandia lappa Decne.medicinal materials.
10.FOXQ1 inhibits DNA damage-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by promoting p53 deacetylation
Gui-song YANG ; Huan-jie CHEN ; Gui-liang MA ; Fu-gang WANG ; Xiao-lei MA ; Hong QI
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(4):266-270
Objective:To investigate the effect of FOXQ1 expression on chemoresistance in colorectal cancer and analyze its regulatory role in SIRT1 expression and p53 deacetylation under DNA damage response(DDR)condi-tions.Methods:qRT-PCR was used to detect FOXQ1 mRNA expression levels in SW620 cells and SW620 cells stimulated with cisplatin(CDDP).Lentiviral vectors were constructed for FOXQ1 overexpression and RNA interference.The cells were divided into three groups:FOXQ1 overexpression group(oe-FOXQ1),FOXQ1 RNA interference group(sh-FOXQ1),and a control group transfected with an empty vector(NC).The half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of CDDP in each group was determined using the CCK-8 assay.Apoptosis level and cell viability were assessed using the Annexin V-APC/7-ADD apoptosis detection kit and Calcein/PI staining.Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of FOXQ1 on SIRT1 expression and acetylated p53 levels.The SIRT1 pathway inhibitor(S)-Selisi-stat was introduced to observe changes in p53 acetylation levels.Results:Compared to normal colon tissues,FOXQ1 expression was significantly upregulated in SW620 cells(P<0.05),and low-dose CDDP stimulation further en-hanced its expression(P<0.05).After 24 hours of CDDP treatment,the IC50 values for the oe-FOXQ1,sh-FOXQ1,and NC groups were 58.3 μmol/L,36.4 μmol/L,and 43.7 μmol/L,respectively,with statistically significant differences among the groups(P<0.05).Compared to the NC group,the oe-FOXQ1 group showed a decrease in late apoptotic cell count(P<0.05),while the sh-FOXQ1 group exhibited an increase(P<0.05).Cytotoxic fluorescence staining re-vealed that the proportion of cell death was lower in the oe-FOXQ1 group and higher in the sh-FOXQ1 group com-pared to the NC group(P<0.05).Protein expression analysis showed that FOXQ1 and SIRT1 levels were higher in the oe-FOXQ1 group and lower in the sh-FOXQ1 group compared to the NC group(P<0.05).FOXQ1 overexpression pro-moted p53 deacetylation,while the addition of the SIRT1 pathway inhibitor(S)-Selisistat restored p53 acetylation levels(P<0.05).Conclusion:FOXQ1 promotes p53 deacetylation by upregulating SIRT1 expression,thereby inhibiting DDR-induced apoptosis.

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