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.Comparative Study on Effect of Jingui Shenqiwan and Liuwei Dihuangwan on Reproductive Ability and Brain Function of Normal Mice
Hong SUN ; Fan LEI ; Chenggong LI ; Rui LUO ; Shixian HU ; Bin REN ; Juan HAO ; Yi DING ; Lijun DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):1-14
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Jingui Shenqiwan (JSW) and Liuwei Dihuangwan (LDW) on the reproductive ability and brain function of normal mice and compare the actions of the two medications. MethodsSeven groups of female and male mice were divided at a ratio of 2∶1. Except for the control group, the other six groups were as follows: a group of both males and females receiving JSW (3.0 g·kg-1), a group of both males and females receiving LDW (4.5 g·kg-1), a group of males receiving water and females receiving JSW, a group of males receiving water while females receiving LDW, a group of females receiving water while males receiving JSW, and a group of females receiving water while males receiving LDW. Each group was administered the drug for 14 days and then caged together at a 2∶1 (female∶male) ratio to detect the number of pregnant mice and calculate the pregnancy rate. Pregnant mice continued receiving the drug until they naturally gave birth, which was followed by the observation of newborn mice, calculation of their average number, and the measurement of the offspring's preference for sugar water and neonatal recognition index. At the end of the experiment, the weights of the thymus and spleen were measured to calculate the organ coefficients, and mRNA or protein expression was analyzed in the brain and testes or ovaries. A 1% sucrose solution was used to examine the euphoria of their brain reward systems, while novel object recognition test (NOR) was applied to assess their memory capabilities. mRNA expression was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) assay, and protein expression was analyzed with Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, oral administration of JSW to both male and female mice for 14 days significantly increased the pregnancy rate of female mice on day 2 after being caged together (P<0.05), while LDW showed a trend but no statistical significance. Additionally, compared with the control group, JSW could upregulate the gene expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the thalamus, as well as reproductive stem cell factor (SCF) and tyrosine kinase receptor (c-Kit) in the testes and reproductive stem cell marker mouse vasa homologue (MVH) in the ovaries, upregulate the expression of proteins influencing neuronal functional activity, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in hippocampal neurons (P<0.05), and enhance sucrose preference in male mice (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, JSW significantly increased sucrose preference and novel object recognition index in offspring mice (P<0.05), which was related to the upregulation of hippocampal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (Nmdar) gene expression. Compared with the control group, both JSW and LDW could upregulate the protein expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), BDNF, and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus of offspring mice (P<0.05). ConclusionJSW significantly enhances the reproductive ability of normal mice, which is not only related to the release of gonadotropin but also associated with its regulation of brain function. Additionally, JSW has a certain regulatory effect on the brain function of the offspring mice.
3.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
4.The practice and exploration on the continuous medical service in children′s hospital
Jiajun YUAN ; Xiaoli TANG ; Tiantian JING ; Zhenhua ZHU ; Yufen WU ; Xiaowei HU ; Li HONG ; Hao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1170-1176
To summarize the clinical practice of continuous medical service for patients at Shanghai Children′s Medical Center, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from September 2023 to December 2024, following the approval of its extended care qualification. This study utilized a mixed-methods research design that integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative study included a total of 117 subjects, with an age range of 18 to 35 years, an average age of 21.56 years, and a median age of 19 years; there were 59 males and 58 females. The disease types covered four major categories: childhood leukemia and solid tumors (68 cases), congenital structural malformations (25 cases), congenital hereditary metabolic diseases (4 cases), and rare diseases (20 cases). Among the subjects, 57.26% (67 cases) were first-time visitors to SCMC. The patients came from 20 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across the country, with 88.03% (103 cases) from outside Shanghai. The treatment outcomes showed improvement or cure in 80.34% (94 cases) of the subjects, and there were no medical complaints. In addition, a qualitative study was conducted to deeply explore the experiences, confusions, and challenges of receiving or implementing continuous medical services from the perspectives of patients and their families, as well as medical staff. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 44 subjects were included in the study, among them, there were 12 patients, 12 family members who were taking care of the patients in SCMC, and 20 corresponding medical staff members. The results of the qualitative study showed that trust in the attending physicians of the children′s specialty hospital, a good doctor-patient relationship, satisfactory treatment outcomes, and support from medical insurance policies are the main driving forces for patients over 18 years old to receive continuous treatment at children′s specialty hospitals. The medical staff of the hospital also believed that this model can promote patient benefits. In conclusion, under the policy support of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, the "Six Fixed" Model for continuous treatment established by SCMC has achieved certain positive results in practice. This provides practical references for the development of continuous treatment in China and offers new strategies for the application of preventive medicine in the field of children′s health.
5.Effects of Yiqi Juanbi Formula on chondrocyte pyroptosis in collagen-induced arthritic rats via NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway
Xin-yu CUI ; Hao-lin LI ; Wei-qing LI ; Hui-qin KANG ; Wei-gang CHENG ; Pei-xin HE ; Cai-hong YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Hai-dong WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2880-2887
AIM To investigate the effects of Yiqi Juanbi Formula on chondrocyte pyroptosis in rat models of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).METHODS Fifty rats were subcutaneously injected at the tail base with an emulsion containing equal volumes of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant(IFA)to establish the CIA models.These rats were then randomly assigned to the model group,the methotrexate group(0.35 mg/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Yiqi Juanbi Formula groups(9.4,18.7,37.4 g/kg),in contrast to the ten intact rats serving in the normal control group.Following four weeks of intragastric administration,the rats had their general conditions observed;their joint swelling and arthritis indices measured;their ankle joint pathology assessed by HE staining;their serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ detected by ELISA;their mRNA expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ in ankle cartilage quantified by RT-qPCR;their protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in ankle cartilage analyzed by Western blot;and their NLRP3 and GSDMD positive expressions in ankle cartilage examined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group showed significantly increased joint swelling and arthritis indices(P<0.01);elevated serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.01);pathological changes including cartilage surface defects,reduced cell count,altered cellular morphology,irregular cell arrangement,and significant inflammatory cell infiltration in synovial tissue;upregulated mRNA expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.01)and increased protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1(P<0.01)in ankle cartilage;enhanced positive expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD in ankle cartilage(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the groups intervened with methotrexate or medium-or high-dose Yiqi Juanbi Formula exhibited reduced joint swelling and arthritis indices(P<0.01);alleviated pathological damage in ankle joints;decreased serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.01);downregulated mRNA expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P<0.05,P<0.01),and reduced protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1(P<0.05,P<0.01)in ankle cartilage;and diminished positive expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD in ankle cartilage(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Yiqi Juanbi Formula alleviates inflammation in CIA rats,potentially by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway,thereby suppressing chondrocyte pyroptosis.
6.Clinical efficacy of "four-step" aortic valve anatomic repair for regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve
Jun LI ; Zheng ZUO ; Hao LAI ; Lili DONG ; Kai ZHU ; Junyu ZHAI ; Yongxin SUN ; Wenjun DING ; Tao HONG ; Chunsheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(6):334-340
Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of "four-step" aortic valve anatomic repair for bicuspid aortic valve(BAV) with aortic regurgitation(AR).Methods:From August 2021 to November 2024, a total of 298 consecutive patients with BAV-AR underwent aortic valve anatomic repair(AVr) in Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 266 males and 32 females, with age of 39(29.5, 48.5) years. All patients underwent " four-step" three-dimensional anatomic repair of the aortic annulus and leaflets, 129(43.3%) patients via upper mini-sternotomy and 169(56.7%) patients via conventional median sternotomy, with the main steps including: (1) deep dissecting and annuloplasty of the virtual basal ring(VBR); (2) symmetrical repairing of leaflets; (3) replacement or remodeling of the sinus of Valsalva; (4) annuloplasty of the sinotubular junction(STJ). Basal and perioperative data were retrospectively collected, and statistical analysis was performed in conjunction with follow-up data.Results:All patients successfully underwent anatomical repair without transferring to valve replacement during operation. Among them, 43 patients underwent aortic root reimplantation technique(Reimplantation group), while 255 patients underwent modified aortic root sleeve remodeling technique(Sleeve group). The median cardiopulmonary bypass time for the Reimplantation and Sleeve groups were 154(134, 169) minutes and 111(95, 129) minutes, respectively( P<0.05); the median aortic cross-clamp time were 112(100, 131) minutes and 80(67, 94) minutes, respectively( P<0.05). Preoperative TEE showed 35 patients(81.4%) and 229 patients(89.8%) with moderate and severe AR in Reimplantation and Sleeve groups, respectively. Postoperative TEE showed 41 patients(95.3%) with no/trace AR and 2 patients(4.7%) with central mild AR in Reimplantation group, while 212 patients(83.1%) with no/trace AR and 43 patients(16.9%) with central mild AR in Sleeve group. Follow-up was completed in all patients, with a median follow-up of 12.9(4.7, 21.2) months. Echocardiography was obtained in 271 patients(90.9%) at the latest follow-up, including no/trace AR in 167 patients(56.0%), mild AR in 89 patients(29.9%), moderate AR in 14 patients(4.7%), and severe AR in 1 patient(0.3%). Conclusion:Aortic valve anatomic repair by standardized "four-step" approach is safe and reproducible. Satisfied short- and mid-term outcome have obtained in selected BAV-AR patients.
7.Competitive Immunoassay for Detection of Enrofloxacin Based on Metasurface Plasma Resonance Chip Coupled with Gold Nanoparticles
Wei-Hao JI ; Hong-Li FAN ; Lei GONG ; Li-Ping HUANG ; Xiao-Long FAN ; Jia-Yong HU ; Tao-Hong ZHOU ; Gang LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):814-822
Risks of food safety induced by small molecule drug residues in animal food and environment have become an increasing public concern,so it is necessary to develop highly sensitive and easy-to-operate techniques to detect small molecules.Herein,a metasurface plasma resonance(MetaSPR)sensor chip coupled with gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)was developed for detection of enrofloxacin(ENR)based on competitive immunoassay.The detection range of the sensor for ENR was 0.025-3.2 ng/mL,and the detection limit(3σ)was 20 pg/mL.The biosensor showed excellent performance including high selectivity,good stability,ease to operate and high throughput,etc.The developed method was applied to detection of ENR residues in real samples,with recoveies of 96.0% -105.0%.The proposed sensing strategy provided new technique reference for detection of other small molecules in the field of residue analysis in food safety and environment monitoring.
8.Colorimetric Sensor for Determination of Golgi Protein 73 Based on Hemin-Reduced Graphene Oxide-Manganese Dioxide Nanozyme
Xiao-Hong TAN ; Jia-Hao ZHOU ; Pei-Hong XU ; Hao LIN ; Gui-Yin LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1476-1485
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of common cancer that seriously endangers human health.Designing methods for early,rapid,and accurate diagnosis of HCC has become the key point.Golgi protein 73(GP73),a novel potential biomarker for HCC,is crucial for diagnosis and treatment of HCC.In this study,a colorimetric sensor with rapidity,smplicity and high specificity was established for detection of GP73 based on peroxidase-like activity of hemin-reduced graphene oxide-manganese dioxide(H-rGO-MnO2).The H-rGO-MnO2-GP73Apt1 signal probe was synthesized by carboxyl of H-rGO-MnO2 nanozyme and amination of GP73 aptamer(GP73Apt1)though amide reaction.In the presence of GP73,the sulfhydryl-modifed GP73 aptamer(GP73Apt2),as the capture probe,and the signal probe both specifically recognized GP73,forming a sandwich structure(GP73Apt2-GP73-H-rGO-MnO2-GP73Apt1).This structure could catalyze the oxidation of H2O2 to produce hydroxyl radical(·OH),thereby oxidizing the colorless phthalenediamine(OPD)into the yellow 2,3-diaminophenazine(DPA).The quantitative detection of GP73 was achieved by measuring the characteristic absorbance of DPA at 450 nm.In the GP73 concentration range of 10-150 ng/mL,there was a good linear relationship between the DPA absorbance at 450 nm(A450 nm)and the GP73 concentration under optimal conditions.The linear equation was A450 nm=0.00321CGP73+0.8988,with the correlation coefficient(R2)of 0.9960 and the detection limit(LOD)of 5.38 ng/mL.The colorimetric sensor was applied to detection of GP73 in human serum samples,with recoveries of 88.4%?98.8%.This sensor showed high specificity,sensitivity,and stability,and had potential for clinical detection of GP73,providing a new approach for the early diagnosis of HCC.
9.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.
10.Creation and Exploration of the"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"Disci-pline Construction Model for Forensic Medicine in the New Era
Zhi-Wen WEI ; Hong-Xing WANG ; Jun-Hong SUN ; Hao-Liang FAN ; Hong-Liang SU ; Le-Le WANG ; Wen-Ting HE ; Zhe CHEN ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiang-Jie GUO ; Ji LI ; Geng-Qian ZHANG ; Xin-Hua LIANG ; Jiang-Wei YAN ; Qiang-Qiang ZHANG ; Cai-Rong GAO ; Ying-Yuan WANG ; Hong-Wei WANG ; Jun XIE ; Bo-Feng ZHU ; Ke-Ming YUN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):25-29
Forensic medicine has been designated as a first-level discipline,presenting new opportunities and challenges for the development of forensic medicine.Since the 1980s,the establishment of foren-sic medicine discipline and the cultivation of high-level forensic talents have become hot topics in the development of forensic medicine in China.Since the 13th Five-Year Plan,the forensic team of Shanxi Medical University has been aiming at the forefront,proposing the development goals of"Five First-class"and the discipline development path"Six Major Achievements".It has selected benchmark disci-plines,identified gaps in disciplinary development,unified thoughts,formulated completion timelines,concentrated superior resources,assigned tasks to individuals,and created an"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"forensic medicine discipline construction model with the characteristics of the new era.The construction model of forensic medicine has achieved good results in the goals,discipline frame-work,scientific research,talent cultivation,discipline team and platform construction,forming a rela-tively complete discipline construction and management system,and accumulating valuable experience for the construction of first-level discipline and high-level talent cultivation of forensic medicine.


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