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.Whole genome sequencing and analysis of multidrug resistant ST314 Salmonella Kentucky from a broiler slaughterhouse
Jia-rui LI ; Rui-yuan SUN ; Pei-jie HE ; Hao-tian LIU ; Ru-yi KUANG ; Jing XIA ; Min CUI ; Yong HUANG ; Li-kou ZOU ; Xin-feng HAN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):537-543
This study investigated the potential pathogenicity and genetic characteristics of ST314 Salmonella Kentucky(S.Ken-tucky)isolates from a broiler slaughterhouse.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing(WGS)were used to determine antimicrobial resistance,virulence factors,and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs)and mobile genetic elements(MGEs)among the isolates.The three multidrug resistant(MDR)isolates exhibited high resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents.The F4-2S strain exhibited resistance to 14 drugs across seven categories,whereas the F4T strain showed resistance to 13 drugs in the same number of categories.In contrast,the Y23 strain was resistant to nine drugs in six categories.Notably,F4-2S dem-onstrated high homology with F4T:both possessed 13 ARGs distributed across nine categories,in addition to a wide range of virulence factors,including secretion systems and effector proteins.The presence of IncR and IncX1 plasmids significantly enhanced both the antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity of the isolates.The genome map of Y23 revealed a chromosome alongside two plasmids.The chromosome containedonly one resistance gene but several virulence factors,including the type III secretion system(T3SS),which is crucial for bacterial invasion.The plasmid pY23-1 contained eight types of 19 ARGs.Comparative analysis indicated that pY23-1 ex-hibited high homology with pZ1323SSL0055 and pSAL-045,all of which contained multiple ARGs,thus suggesting critical roles of these genes in the evolution of bacterial resistance.In conclusion,ST314 S.Kentucky demonstrated a complex mechanism of resis-tance coupled with significant pathogenic potential.The ARGs and MGEs in the plasmid contributed to the emergence and dissemina-tion of antimicrobial resistance.The multiple virulence factors present in the chromosome may be key factors driving the increasing virulence of ST314 S.Kentucky.
3.Recent Advances in Solid Phase Extraction-Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Coupling Technologies Based on Novel Adsorbent Materials
Pei-Yuan LU ; Yu-Hao WEN ; Ding-Ding JIANG ; Xian-Wei WANG ; Jia-Mian GUAN ; Gao-Song SHAO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1597-1606
Solid-phase extraction(SPE)combined with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS)has emerged as a promising analytical technique for detection and analysis of trace components in complex sample matrices.SPE enriches analytes through selective adsorption and solvent elution,effectively increasing the concentration and signal intensity.SERS enables ultra-sensitive and highly selective molecular analysis through the use of SERS-active substrates engineered to amplify Raman signals.The integration of these two techniques overcomes the limitations of conventional Raman spectroscopy in low-concentration detection field,while significantly improving sample preparation efficiency and analytical accuracy.This review provided a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of three SPE-SERS coupling modes,including two-step,one-step,and online integration.Special emphasis was placed on recent advancements in one-step SPE-SERS approaches based on novel functional adsorbent materials such as graphene,metal-organic frameworks,covalent organic frameworks,and molecularly imprinted polymers.Furthermore,future directions and development prospects of SPE-SERS technology were discussed.
4.Exploring behavioral patterns and hippocampal neurogenesis in autism spectrum disorder mice
Xiao-Jie NIU ; Jiao LIU ; Xin-Wei ZHANG ; Ze-Tao WANG ; Ke-Qi YAN ; Qi-Yuan LIU ; Wan-Yun HAO ; Pei-Jun ZHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(2):171-179
Objective To explore the behavioral patterns and hippocampal neurogenesis of CHD8+mice,and to provide behavioral and morphological basis for improving autism like behavior and neurogenesis.Methods Genotype of wild type(WT)and CHD8+/-mice was identified.Weight measurement was conducted on both male and female mice of the WT and CHD8+/-strains.Subsequently,a battery of behavioral tests was administered,which included three-chamber test,self-grooming test,nesting test,Y-maze spontaneous alternation test,food burial test,open-field test and light-dark transition test.Afterwards,the mice were administered 2%pentobarbital sodium(2 ml/kg)to induce anesthesia.Their brains were frozen with 4%paraformaldehyde,removed for photography and analysis to identify any alterations in brain size.Western blotting and immunofluorescent labeling were used to detect changes in the process of hippocampus neurogenesis.Results Western blotting analysis demonstrated a decrease in the amounts of chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8(CHD8)protein in both male and female mice with CHD8+genotype,as compared to WT mice.There were no notable disparities in body weight between male and female WT and CHD8+mice,as well as in brain size.The three-chamber social behavior test revealed that both male and female CHD8+/-mice had social deficiencies(P<0.05).During the open field test,there was no significant difference in the total distance moved by male and female WT and CHD8+/-mice.However,the amount of time spent in the central region was considerably lower in CHD8+/-mice compared to the WT mice(P<0.01).Furthermore,the light-dark transition test revealed that both male and female CHD8+/-mice spent considerably less time investigating the white box compared to the WT mice(P<0.05).Nevertheless,there were no notable alterations found in self-grooming,nesting,spontaneous alternation of Y-maze,and food burial experiments.In addition,Western blotting result demonstrated a significant drop in doublecortin(DCX)expression(P<0.001),and immunofluorescent staining revealed a notable reduction in the number of DCX+cells(P<0.01)in the hippocampus of CHD8+/-mice.Conclusion CHD8+/-mice exhibit social disorders and anxiety-like behaviors,with a decrease in the number of newly generated neurons in the hippocampus and neurogenesis disorders.
5.An observational study on the clinical effects of in-line mechanical in-exsufflation in mechanical ventilated patients.
Bilin WEI ; Huifang ZHENG ; Xiang SI ; Wenxuan YU ; Xiangru CHEN ; Hao YUAN ; Fei PEI ; Xiangdong GUAN
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(3):262-267
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the safety and clinical therapeutic effect of in-line mechanical in-exsufflation to assist sputum clearance in patients with invasive mechanical ventilation.
METHODS:
A prospective observational study was conducted at the department of critical care medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from April 2022 to May 2023. Patients who were invasively ventilated and treated with in-line mechanical in-exsufflation to assist sputum clearance were enrolled. Baseline data were collected. Sputum viscosity, oxygenation index, parameters of ventilatory function and respiratory mechanics, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) and vital signs before and after day 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 of use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation were assessed and recorded. Statistical analyses were performed by using generalized estimating equation (GEE).
RESULTS:
A total of 13 invasively ventilated patients using in-line mechanical in-exsufflation were included, all of whom were male and had respiratory failure, with the main cause being cervical spinal cord injury/high-level paraplegia (38.46%). Before the use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation, the proportion of patients with sputum viscosity of grade III was 38.46% (5/13) and decreased to 22.22% (2/9) 7 days after treatment with in-line mechanical in-exsufflation. With the prolonged use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation, the patients' CPIS scores tended to decrease significantly, with a mean decrease of 0.5 points per day (P < 0.01). Oxygenation improved significantly, with the oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) increasing by a mean of 23.3 mmHg (1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa) per day and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen increasing by a mean of 12.6 mmHg per day (both P < 0.01). Compared to baseline, the respiratory mechanics of the patients improved significantly 7 days after in-line mechanical in-exsufflation use, with a significant increase in the compliance of respiratory system (Cst) [mL/cmH2O (1 cmH2O ≈ 0.098 kPa): 55.6 (50.0, 58.0) vs. 40.9 (37.5, 50.0), P < 0.01], and both the airway resistance and driving pressure (DP) were significantly decreased [airway resistance (cmH2O×L-1×s-1): 9.6 (6.9, 10.5) vs. 12.0 (10.0, 13.0), DP (cmH2O): 9.0 (9.0, 12.0) vs. 11.0 (10.0, 15.0), both P < 0.01]. At the same time, no new lung collapse was observed during the treatment period. No significant discomfort was reported by patients, and there were no substantial changes in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure before and after the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
The combined use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation to assist sputum clearance in patients on invasive mechanical ventilation can effectively improve sputum characteristics, oxygenation and respiratory mechanics. The in-line mechanical in-exsufflation was well tolerated by the patients, with no treatment-related adverse events, which demonstrated its effectiveness and safety.
Humans
;
Prospective Studies
;
Respiration, Artificial/methods*
;
Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy*
;
Sputum
6.Whole genome sequencing and analysis of multidrug resistant ST314 Salmonella Kentucky from a broiler slaughterhouse
Jia-rui LI ; Rui-yuan SUN ; Pei-jie HE ; Hao-tian LIU ; Ru-yi KUANG ; Jing XIA ; Min CUI ; Yong HUANG ; Li-kou ZOU ; Xin-feng HAN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):537-543
This study investigated the potential pathogenicity and genetic characteristics of ST314 Salmonella Kentucky(S.Ken-tucky)isolates from a broiler slaughterhouse.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing(WGS)were used to determine antimicrobial resistance,virulence factors,and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs)and mobile genetic elements(MGEs)among the isolates.The three multidrug resistant(MDR)isolates exhibited high resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents.The F4-2S strain exhibited resistance to 14 drugs across seven categories,whereas the F4T strain showed resistance to 13 drugs in the same number of categories.In contrast,the Y23 strain was resistant to nine drugs in six categories.Notably,F4-2S dem-onstrated high homology with F4T:both possessed 13 ARGs distributed across nine categories,in addition to a wide range of virulence factors,including secretion systems and effector proteins.The presence of IncR and IncX1 plasmids significantly enhanced both the antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity of the isolates.The genome map of Y23 revealed a chromosome alongside two plasmids.The chromosome containedonly one resistance gene but several virulence factors,including the type III secretion system(T3SS),which is crucial for bacterial invasion.The plasmid pY23-1 contained eight types of 19 ARGs.Comparative analysis indicated that pY23-1 ex-hibited high homology with pZ1323SSL0055 and pSAL-045,all of which contained multiple ARGs,thus suggesting critical roles of these genes in the evolution of bacterial resistance.In conclusion,ST314 S.Kentucky demonstrated a complex mechanism of resis-tance coupled with significant pathogenic potential.The ARGs and MGEs in the plasmid contributed to the emergence and dissemina-tion of antimicrobial resistance.The multiple virulence factors present in the chromosome may be key factors driving the increasing virulence of ST314 S.Kentucky.
7.Research status of targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts to overcome tumor drug resistance
Jia-ni ZHONG ; Zhi LI ; Jia CHEN ; Ze-ting YUAN ; Pei-hao YIN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(24):3648-3652
The tumor microenvironment(TME)exerts a profound impact on tumor cells,and cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),as one of the most critical and abundant components of the TME,play a key role in tumor growth and development,stroma formation,as well as drug resistance and recurrence.CAFs actively partake in the development of tumor drug resistance via mechanisms such as secretion of soluble factors,exosome release,induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,regulation of vascular reconstruction,initiation of epigenetic modifications,facilitation of metabolic reprogramming,and sustenance of tumor stem cells.This paper reviews the origin of CAFs,their association with drug resistance,strategies against CAFs,and also discusses the future prospects and challenges of targeting CAFs,aiming to provide the basis for the therapeutic strategy of reversing tumor drug resistance by targeting CAFs.
8.Prognostic Value of ABAT mRNA Expression and ABAT Methylation Level in Bone Marrow of Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Yanmin YANG ; Xiujun HAO ; Zhifang ZHAO ; Pei WANG ; Weige XU ; Yingxin LI ; Xianhua YUAN
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2024;39(6):84-89
Objective To detect the expression level of 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase(ABAT)in bone marrow of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS),and analyze its influence on clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients.Methods From January 2016 to March 2020,92 patients with MDS and 30 patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML)from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xingtai Medical College were retrospectively collected.Meanwhile,30 patients with immunothrombocytopenia who did not develop MDS or other clonal diseases of the blood system during a 3-year follow-up were collected as control group.Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the relative expression level and methylation level of ABAT mRNA of all patients,and the relative expression level and methylation level of ABAT mRNA among different clinical characteristics of MDS patients were compared.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the adverse prognosis of MDS.The clinical value of detecting ABAT methylation level in predicting poor prognosis of MDS patients was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the 3-year survival rate between groups with different ABAT mRNA relative expression levels and methylation levels,and log-rank test was used for their comparison.Results The expression level of ABAT mRNA in MDS group(0.42±0.08)was lower than that in control group(0.56±0.15)and AML group(0.52±0.10),while the methylation level of ABAT(32.51±5.32)was higher than that of AML group(26.21±4.58)and control group(10.25±4.31),and the differences were significant(t=4.251,4.562;10.415,8.326,all P<0.001).The methylation level of ABAT in high-risk patients(42.65±5.32)was higher than that in low-risk patients(25.63±4.16),intermediate-risk-1 patients(30.59±2.51)and intermediate-risk-2 patients(33.25±3.69)by IPSS risk grade,and the differences were significant(t=8.329,7.077,15.874,all P<0.001).Poor Karyotype analysis result[OR(95%CI):4.973(1.524~8.581),P=0.004],high IPSS risk grade[OR(95%CI):8.542(2.365~14.521),P<0.001]and ABAT hypermethylation level[OR(95%CI):6.178(1.589~13.021),P<0.001]were the risk factors affecting the poor prognosis of MDS.The cut-offvalue of ABAT methylation level to predict the poor prognosis of MDS were 30.54,and the area under the curve(AUC),the sensitivity and specificity were 0.92,0.874 and 0.851,respectively.The 3-year survival rate of the high ABAT methylation group(>30.54)was 66.67%,which was lower than that of the low ABAT methylation group(≤30.54)was 93.18%,with significant difference(Log-rank x2=9.814,P=0.002).Conclusion The ABAT methylation levels in MDS bone marrow increase,which is a risk factor affecting the poor prognosis of patients.ABAT basal level>30.54 is expected to become a factors predicting the poor prognosis of patients.
9.A prospective study of association between physical activity and ischemic stroke in adults
Hao WANG ; Kaixu XIE ; Lingli CHEN ; Yuan CAO ; Zhengjie SHEN ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Pei PEI ; Jieming ZHONG ; Min YU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(3):325-330
Objective:To explore the prospective associations between physical activity and incident ischemic stroke in adults.Methods:Data of China Kadoorie Biobank study in Tongxiang of Zhejiang were used. After excluding participants with cancers, strokes, heart diseases and diabetes at baseline study, a total of 53 916 participants aged 30-79 years were included in the final analysis. The participants were divided into 5 groups according to the quintiles of their physical activity level. Cox proportional hazard regression models was used to calculate the hazard ratios ( HR) for the analysis on the association between baseline physical activity level and risk for ischemic stroke. Results:The total physical activity level in the participants was (30.63±15.25) metabolic equivalent (MET)-h/d, and it was higher in men [(31.04±15.48) MET-h/d] than that in women [(30.33±15.07) MET-h/d] ( P<0.001). In 595 526 person-years of the follow-up (average 11.4 years), a total of 1 138 men and 1 082 women were newly diagnosed with ischemic stroke. Compared to participants with the lowest physical activity level (<16.17 MET-h/d), after adjusting for socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, BMI, waist circumference, and SBP, the HRs for the risk for ischemic stroke in those with moderate low physical activity level (16.17-24.94 MET-h/d), moderate physical activity level (24.95-35.63 MET-h/d), moderate high physical activity level (35.64-43.86 MET-h/d) and the highest physical activity level (≥43.87 MET-h/d) were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.83-1.04), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76-0.98), 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71-0.95) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.64-0.89), respectively. Conclusion:Improving physical activity level has an effect on reducing the risk for ischemic stroke.
10.Effects of cinbufagin on proliferation,migration and invasion of human colon cancer cells via JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Jia CHEN ; Qi XIA ; Yi-Nan LI ; Yu-Jie HE ; Ze-Ting YUAN ; Yue LI ; Pei-Hao YIN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(12):1764-1768
Objective To investigate the effects of cinbufagin(CB)on the proliferation,migration and invasion ability as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of human colon cells HCT116.Methods Logarithmically grown HCT116 cells were randomly divided into blank group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups;the blank group did not receive any treatment(0 nmol·L-1),and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were cultured in 1 640 medium containing 17.5,35 and 70 nmol·L-1 cinbufagin for 48 h.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)was used to detect the effect of cinbufagin on the survival rate of HCT116 cells;cloning assay was used to detect the effect of cinbufagin on the proliferation of HCT116 cells;cell scratch assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effect of cinbufagin on the migration and invasive ability of HCT116 cells;Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3)pathway and EMT-related proteins of HCT116 cells.Results The number of clone formation in blank group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were 122.67±24.42,73.67±15.82,44.33±4.51 and 21.67±1.53;the rates of migration of scratches were(44.64±9.15)%,(26.91±2.94)%,(19.28±1.52)%and(6.33±2.30)%;the number of invaded cells were 120.33±1.15,58.33±9.07,33.33±1.53 and 18.33±3.21;the relative protein expression of phosphorylated JAK-2(p-JAK-2)/JAK-2 were 1.02±0.06,0.94±0.05,0.75±0.22 and 0.49±0.22;relative protein expression of phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)/STAT3 were 0.89±0.10,0.72±0.04,0.65±0.06 and 0.52±0.18;relative protein expression of E-cadherin were 0.30±0.14,0.41±0.13,0.49±0.14 and 0.69±0.17;relative protein expression of N-cadherin were 0.96±0.11,0.78±0.04,0.69±0.12 and 0.40±0.15;Snail relative protein expression were 0.89±0.08,0.62±0.15,0.44±0.15 and 0.27±0.09;Vimentin relative protein expression were 0.92±0.09,0.76±0.13,0.63±0.01 and 0.43±0.09,respectively.The above indexes in experimental-H group showed statistically significant differences compared to blank group(all P<0.05).Conclusion HCT116 can inhibit the invasion and metastasis of human colorectal cancer cells HCT116 by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition through JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail