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.An upgraded nuclease prime editor platform enables high-efficiency singled or multiplexed knock-in/knockout of genes in mouse and sheep zygotes.
Weijia MAO ; Pei WANG ; Lei ZHOU ; Dongxu LI ; Xiangyang LI ; Xin LOU ; Xingxu HUANG ; Feng WANG ; Yanli ZHANG ; Jianghuai LIU ; Yongjie WAN
Protein & Cell 2025;16(8):732-738
3.A Health Economic Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence-assisted Prescription Review System in a Real-world Setting in China.
Di WU ; Ying Peng QIU ; Li Wei SHI ; Ke Jun LIU ; Xue Qing TIAN ; Ping REN ; Mao YOU ; Jun Rui PEI ; Wen Qi FU ; Yue XIAO
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):385-388
4.Associations of Genetic Risk and Physical Activity with Incident Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Large Prospective Cohort Study.
Jin YANG ; Xiao Lin WANG ; Wen Fang ZHONG ; Jian GAO ; Huan CHEN ; Pei Liang CHEN ; Qing Mei HUANG ; Yi Xin ZHANG ; Fang Fei YOU ; Chuan LI ; Wei Qi SONG ; Dong SHEN ; Jiao Jiao REN ; Dan LIU ; Zhi Hao LI ; Chen MAO
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1194-1204
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the relationship between physical activity and genetic risk and their combined effects on the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
METHODS:
This prospective cohort study included 318,085 biobank participants from the UK. Physical activity was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The participants were stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-genetic-risk groups based on their polygenic risk scores. Multivariate Cox regression models and multiplicative interaction analyses were used.
RESULTS:
During a median follow-up period of 13 years, 9,209 participants were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For low genetic risk, compared to low physical activity, the hazard ratios ( HRs) for moderate and high physical activity were 0.853 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 0.748-0.972) and 0.831 (95% CI: 0.727-0.950), respectively. For intermediate genetic risk, the HRs were 0.829 (95% CI: 0.758-0.905) and 0.835 (95% CI: 0.764-0.914), respectively. For participants with high genetic risk, the HRs were 0.809 (95% CI: 0.746-0.877) and 0.818 (95% CI: 0.754-0.888), respectively. A significant interaction was observed between genetic risk and physical activity.
CONCLUSION
Moderate or high levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease across all genetic risk groups, highlighting the need to tailor activity interventions for genetically susceptible individuals.
Humans
;
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology*
;
Exercise
;
Male
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Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Aged
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease
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Risk Factors
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United Kingdom/epidemiology*
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Incidence
;
Adult
5.Research on medication rules of Chinese medicine in treating chronic kidney disease with spleen and kidney deficiency based on the mutual admiration of spleen and kidney
Chenyang PEI ; Guanghui ZHONG ; Chenchen WANG ; Yuwei SONG ; Rongrong ZHANG ; Qingyun MAO
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(6):55-59,64
Objective Based on the theory of mutual admiration of spleen and kidney,this study intends to explore the medication patterns of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of spleen-kidney deficiency-type chronic kidney disease(CKD)by using data mining methods and to provide reference for the clinical treatment of spleen-kidney deficiency-type CKD.Methods The literatures included in China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,and VIP databases were used as data sources.The literature related to traditional Chinese medicine treatment of spleen-kidney deficiency-type CKD was analyzed by Excel 2021,IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0,IBM SPSS Statistics 27,and systematic clustering analysis and finally visualized by Cytoscape 3.7.2,RStudio.Results A total of 90 prescriptions were included,involving 146 flavors of drugs.The top 5 high-frequency drugs were Huangqi,Fuling,Baizhu,Dahuang,and Danshen.The medicinal properties are mainly mild and warm;The medicinal taste is characterized by sweetness,bitterness,and pungent;The main meridians of drugs are spleen,liver,and kidney meridians.Association rule analysis demonstrated that the commonly used couplet drugs were Huangqi-Fuling and Huangqi-Baizhu;Commonly used corner drugs included Huangqi-Baizhu-Fuling and Huangqi-Dahuang-Fuling.Cluster analysis found that the clustering effect of spleen-kidney deficiency-type CKD treatment drugs in five categories was better.Conclusion The medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of spleen-kidney deficiency-type CKD are preliminarily clarified,which provides a basis for clinical medication and new prescription development.
6.Investigation of the Mechanism of Cold Hyperalgesia in KOA Mice Relieved by Shangke Lengtongtie Based on HMGB1/CX-CL12/CXCR4 Signaling Axis
Yibao WEI ; Li ZHANG ; Taiyang LIAO ; Lishi JIE ; Zhenyuan MA ; Peng WU ; Zhengquan HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Liang DING ; Wei MEI ; Runlin XING ; Songjiang YIN ; Xiaochen LI ; Nongshan ZHANG ; Jun MAO ; Pei-min WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(2):195-202
OBJECTIVE To explore the intervention mechanism of Shangke Lengtongtie on cold hyperalgesia in KOA mice based on the HMGB1/CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis.METHODS Monosodium iodoacetate(MIA)was used for the intra-articular injec-tion into the knee joint to establish mice model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Peripheral blood monocytes were extracted from mice,cultured,and then reinfused into the tail vein of the mice.Subsequently,in vivo animal imaging was used to observe the recruitment sites of these monocytes.The cold hyperalgesia threshold was measured at various time points in each group of mice.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was used to evaluate the level of synovial pathological changes.ELISA was employed to detect the expression of in-flammatory factors IL-1β,TNF-α,and pain mediators CGRP and Substance P in mouse serum.Western blot and qPCR methods were used to detect the protein and gene expression of cold hyperalgesia-related indicators such as TRPA1,TRPM8,HMGB1,CXCL12,CXCR4,Collagen Ⅰ,and Netrin-1 in synovial tissue,as well as DCC in dorsal root ganglia(DRG)tissue.RESULTS In vivo ima-ging showed that after the monocytes were reinfused into KOA mice,they were recruited to the knee joint area,with the HMGB1 group exhibiting a greater recruitment of circulating monocytes at the knee joint.Additionally,compared to the control group,the KOA group and HMGB1 group showed inflammatory pathological changes in the synovium,increased expression of serum inflammatory factors and pain mediators,reduced cold hyperalgesia threshold,and upregulated protein and gene expression of cold hyperalgesia-related indica-tors in synovial and DRG tissues.The changes were more significant in the HMGB1 group compared to the KOA group(P<0.05).Af-ter treatment with Shangke Lengtongtie or GL intervention,synovial inflammation was alleviated,serum inflammatory factors and pain mediators decreased,cold hyperalgesia threshold increased,and the upregulation of cold hyperalgesia-related indicator protein and gene expression levels was significantly reversed(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Shangke Lengtongtie exerts a beneficial effect on the mitigation of synovitis and cold hyperalgesia in KOA mice,a therapeutic mechanism that possibly mediated through the inhibition of the HMGB1/CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis.
7.Clinical effects of oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture on patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction
Li-na MAO ; Pei-lin XIE ; Ying HUANG ; Shuo YANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):457-462
AIM To explore the clinical effects of oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture on patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction.METHODS One hundred and eight patients were randomly assigned into control group(54 cases)for 5-day intervention of both oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture simulant and conventional treatment,and observation group(54 cases)for 5-day intervention of both oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,GIDS score,Phlegm and Blood Stasis Obstructing Lung Syndrome score,gastrointestinal mucosal barrier serum markers(DAO,D-LA,IFABP),intra-abdominal pressure,gastrointestinal hormones(MTL,GAS,VIP),inflammatory factors(IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,PCT),pulmonary function indices(FEV1、FEV1%)and PaO2/FiO2 were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased GIDS score,Phlegm and Blood Stasis Obstructing Lung Syndrome score,intra-abdominal pressure,VIP,gastrointestinal mucosal barrier serum markers,inflammatory factors(P<0.05),and increased MTL,GAS,pulmonary function indices,PaO2/FiO2(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction,the oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture can regulate gastrointestinal hormones,reduce inflammatory degree,protect intestinal barrier functions,alleviate clinical symptoms,and improve pulmonary functions.
8.Comparison of Domestic and International Regulations on Blood Products and Insights
Hongbo PAN ; Yingying LIU ; Pei MAO ; Michael WENDT ; Wei ZHANG ; Zhihua YUE ; Zhigang ZHAO
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(8):1250-1256
The blood products industry in China,the United States,the European Union and Japan are at different stages of development,with very different laws,regulations and regulatory systems.This paper uses methods such as literature review,policy comparison,and case study.By analyzing and comparing the blood product regulatory policies in various countries,it is found that compared with the United States,the European Union and Japan,China has differences in several areas,including plasma quarantine period,plasma fractionation processes and intermediate products,segmented production of blood products,and import management policies.It is suggested that we should learn from foreign regulatory experiences,and explore the establishment of blood product regulatory policies suitable for China's national conditions.Recommendations include optimizing China's source plasma quarantine period and blood product production process management policies,promoting multiple sites and segmented production of blood products,and establishing flexible blood product import and export management systems.These measures aim to provide references for promoting the development of the blood product industry and improving the accessibility of medications for the public.
9.Exploration on medication rules of national patents of traditional Chinese medicine compound for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection based on R language data mining
Chenyang PEI ; Guanghui ZHONG ; Yuwei SONG ; Chenchen WANG ; Qingyun MAO ; Rongrong ZHANG ; Xin XU ; Yifan WAN
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(21):56-60,95
Objective To analyze the medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine compound patents for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection(UTI)through data mining technology.Methods The patents of traditional Chinese medicine compounds for the prevention and treatment of UTI in patent announcement module of China National Intellectual Property Administration website as data sources.The statistical analysis platforms of Excel 2021,IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 and IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 were used for frequency of use,medicinal properties,association rule analysis,and systematic clustering analysis and finally visualized by Cytoscape 3.7.2,RStudio.Results Through screening,a total of 179 compound patents met the inclusion criteria,involving 466 kinds of Chinese materia medica,and the top 5 high-frequency drugs were Pugongying,Huangbai,Gancao,Jinyinhua,Bianxu.The medicinal properties are mainly cold and mild;The medicinal taste is characterized by sweetness,bitterness,and bitterness;The main meridians of drugs are liver,lung and kidney meridians.Common couplet medicines included Qumai-Bianxu,Gancao-Bianxu and the three herb drug combinations included Cheqianzi-Qumai-Bianxu,Gancao-Qumai-Bianxu.A total of 5 high-frequency combinations of traditional Chinese medicine were obtained by cluster analysis.Conclusion This study preliminarily reveals the compatibility and medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of UTI,which provides data support for the optimization of clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment system and the development of new prescriptions.
10.Clinical effects of oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture on patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction
Li-na MAO ; Pei-lin XIE ; Ying HUANG ; Shuo YANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):457-462
AIM To explore the clinical effects of oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture on patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction.METHODS One hundred and eight patients were randomly assigned into control group(54 cases)for 5-day intervention of both oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture simulant and conventional treatment,and observation group(54 cases)for 5-day intervention of both oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,GIDS score,Phlegm and Blood Stasis Obstructing Lung Syndrome score,gastrointestinal mucosal barrier serum markers(DAO,D-LA,IFABP),intra-abdominal pressure,gastrointestinal hormones(MTL,GAS,VIP),inflammatory factors(IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,PCT),pulmonary function indices(FEV1、FEV1%)and PaO2/FiO2 were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased GIDS score,Phlegm and Blood Stasis Obstructing Lung Syndrome score,intra-abdominal pressure,VIP,gastrointestinal mucosal barrier serum markers,inflammatory factors(P<0.05),and increased MTL,GAS,pulmonary function indices,PaO2/FiO2(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction,the oral administration and enema of Tongfu Paiqi Mixture can regulate gastrointestinal hormones,reduce inflammatory degree,protect intestinal barrier functions,alleviate clinical symptoms,and improve pulmonary functions.

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