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.Analyzing the influencing factors of occupational burnout among disease control and prevention staffs in Sichuan Province
Chaoxue WU ; Shuang DONG ; Liang WANG ; Xunbo DU ; Lin ZHAO ; Dan SHAO ; Quanquan XIAO ; Lijun ZHOU ; Chongkun XIAO ; Heng YUAN
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):288-292
Objective To assess the situation and influencing factors of occupational burnout among the staff at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Sichuan Province. Methods A total of 1 038 CDC staff members in Sichuan Province were selected as the study subjects using the stratified random sampling method. Occupational burnout of the staff was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey via an online questionnaire. Results The detection rate of occupational burnout was 42.3% (439/1 038). Binary logistic regression analysis result showed that, after controlling for confounding factors such as education level and alcohol consumption, CDC staffs aged at 20-<31, 31-<41, and 41-<51 years were at higher risk of occupational burnout compared with those ≥51 years (all P<0.05). CDC staffs with 5-<10 or ≥10 years of service had higher occupational burnout risk compared with those with <5 years (both P<0.05). CDC staffs with poor or fair health status, irregular diet, and poor sleep quality had higher risk of occupational burnout compared with those healthy, have regular diet, and good sleep quality (all P<0.05). The risk of occupational burnout increased with higher overtime frequency (all P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational burnout among CDC staffs in Sichuan Province is relatively high. Age, years of service, health status, diet, sleep quality, and overtime frequency are key influencing factors.
3.Circular RNA CHACR regulates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress damage
Shuang WANG ; Yu HAN ; Min YUAN ; Jimin CAO ; Teng SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(25):5362-5373
BACKGROUND:Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a risk factor for various heart diseases,but its pathogenesis remains unclear.Circular RNAs are strongly associated with cardiac hypertrophy.However,the role of circular RNA CHACR in cardiac hypertrophy and its regulatory mechanisms have not been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of circular RNA CHACR in pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:(1)Transverse aortic constriction was used to induce cardiac hypertrophy in vivo after in situ injection of cyclic RNA CHACR overexpressing lentivirus into the heart for 1 week.Heart mass/tibia length ratio and lung mass/tibia length ratio were calculated;cardiomyocyte surface area was measured;hypertrophic marker gene expression levels were detected;myocardial fibrosis degree was detected,and cardiac function was assessed.(2)H9c2 cardiomyocytes were treated with circular RNA CHACR overexpressing lentivirus for 72 hours,and then treated with 1 μmol/L angiotensin Ⅱ for 24 hours to induce hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes.The hypertrophy was assessed by measuring the surface area of cardiomyocytes,the expression level of hypertrophic marker genes,and the protein/DNA ratio.Oxidative stress damage was assessed by detecting reactive oxygen species levels and mitochondrial membrane potential.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The expression level of circular RNA CHACR was significantly decreased in both in vivo and in vitro myocardial hypertrophy models(P<0.01).(2)The overexpression of circular RNA CHACR significantly inhibited the cardiac hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction,including reducing the enlarged heart volume,significantly decreasing the increased heart mass/tibia length ratio(P<0.05),lung mass/tibia length ratio(P<0.05),and cardiomyocyte surface area(P<0.05),and decreasing the upregulated expression levels of hypertrophic markers atrial natriuretic peptide(P<0.05)and brain natriuretic peptide(P<0.05).(3)Cardiac fibrosis induced by transverse aortic constriction in mice was significantly inhibited by enforcing expression of circular RNA CHACR,as evidenced by reduced fibrotic area(P<0.01)and decreased expression levels of the fibrosis marker gene Acta1(P<0.05).(4)Overexpression of circular RNA CHACR significantly improved cardiac function in mice,including significantly increased ejection fraction(P<0.05)and fractional shortening(P<0.01).(5)Enforced expression of circular RNA CHACR significantly inhibited angiotensin Ⅱ-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy,including a significant reduction in cardiomyocyte surface area(P<0.05),downregulation of atrial natriuretic peptide(P<0.05),and brain natriuretic peptide(P<0.05)expression levels,and a significant decrease in protein/DNA ratio(P<0.05).(6)Overexpression of circular RNA CHACR significantly inhibited the elevation of reactive oxygen species levels(P<0.001)and the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05)induced by angiotensin Ⅱ.These results confirm that the expression level of circular RNA CHACR is significantly decreased in cardiac hypertrophy at both in vivo and in vitro myocardial hypertrophy models,and overexpression of circular RNA CHACR significantly inhibits cardiac hypertrophy,alleviates cardiac fibrosis,improves cardiac function,and significantly attenuates angiotensin Ⅱ-induced oxidative stress damage.
4.Exploration of competency-oriented standardized nutritional diagnosis and treatment training for clinical physicians
Cai GONG ; Shiping LIU ; Yiping LIU ; Shuang LIU ; Hanfen TANG ; Jian LIU ; Ting YUAN ; Limin DENG ; Zhenzhen PENG ; Fansu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(11):1554-1560
Objective:To investigate the application and effect of a competency-oriented teaching model in standardized nutritional diagnosis and treatment training for clinical physicians.Methods:A blended teaching method combining online and offline lectures was used to teach core knowledge and skills of clinical nutrition among clinical physicians by implementing a step-by-step "popularization-strengthening-deepening" strategy. The number of nutritional consultations, the improvement in nutritional diagnosis and treatment among clinical physicians, and the degree of satisfaction after training were used as assessment indices.Results:Compared with the data in 2021, the number of annual nutritional consultations was increased by 21.41% in 2022 and 53.18% in 2023. A total of 281 clinical physicians received online deepening course training, among whom 237 (84.34%) completed the online clinical nutrition knowledge test, with a mean score of (86.17±5.48) points and a pass rate of 81.86% (194/237). The online training received a satisfaction rate of 80.39%.Conclusions:The training program designed with competency-based objectives, systematic content, and diverse methodologies can significantly enhance the standardized thinking and capabilities of clinical physicians in nutritional diagnosis and treatment.
5.Analysis of negative social expectation status and influencing factors in patients with primary liver cancer
Shuang LU ; Fei DUAN ; Yuan MENG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(34):2663-2668
Objective:To investigate the status quo of negative social expectation and its influencing factors in patients with primary liver cancer, in order to improve the negative social cognition, therapeutic effect.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study, the convenience sampling method was used to select the patients with primary liver cancer who were hospitalized in hepatobiliary and pancreatic medical center of People′s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from September 2022 to June 2024 as the research objects. The General Information Questionnaire, Cancer-related Negative Social Expectations Scale and Cancer Loneliness Scale were used to investigate the patients. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors of negative social expectations in patients with primary liver cancer.Results:A total of 290 questionnaires were distributed, and 277 valid questionnaires were collected. Among the patients, there were 161 males and 116 females, aged <45 years with 43 cases, 45-60 years with 138 cases, over 60 years with 96 cases.The total score of negative social expectation in patients with primary liver cancer was (20.70 ± 2.70) points. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that age, education level, residence style, family history of tumor, Child-Pugh grade of liver function and loneliness were the influencing factors of negative social expectation in patients with primary liver cancer ( t values were -4.57-7.55, all P<0.05), accounting for 42.2% of total variation. Conclusions:The negative social expectation of patients with primary liver cancer is above the medium level, so the medical staff should pay more attention and give targeted intervention to ensure the effective implementation of clinical treatment measures.
6.Content Analysis of Safety Information in the Label of Chinese Patent Medicines Containing Cinnabar Based on Comprehensive Drug Evaluation
Hongye GUO ; Shuang ZHANG ; Pengcheng YUAN ; Rui JIN ; Yiheng YANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(5):732-737
Objective Through the safety evaluation of Chinese patent medicines containing cinnabar,the correlation between the evaluation score and the content of drug instructions was analyzed.And the methods and suggestions for improving the label quality of Chinese patent medicines were proposed.Methods Establish a database of Chinese patent medicines and sim-ple preparations containing cinnabar that meet the screening criteria in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia,and quan-titatively score such Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations from the two first level dimensions of safety and toxicity characteristics of Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations,and at the same time,grade the level of safety evidence.Results From the perspective of safety evaluation dimension,Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations with relatively high safety score(safety score ≥ 5 points)has a certain correlation with the content of adverse drug reactions clearly reported in the instructions of this kind of medicine,and 54.55%of the evidence risk of this kind of Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations is controllable,with good safety.From the perspective of the evaluation dimension of toxicity characteristics of Chi-nese patent medicines and simple preparations,the types of toxic ingredients in the compatibility of prescriptions and the scores of daily maximum dosage have certain guiding significance for clinical medication precautions.Conclusion For improving the ad-verse reaction information in the instructions of Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations containing cinnabar,and remin-ding the special population of drug use restrictions,it not only has an important impact on drug safety evaluation and grading,but also provides warning and reference for clinical and patient safety in drug use.
7.The role and mechanism of GLP-1RVMH neuron inregulating glucose homeostasis
Chengkang HE ; Changxiong GONG ; Zhouzhou PENG ; Shuang ZHANG ; Bingqiao WANG ; Yuan ZHAO ; Mingrui XU ; Sen LIN ; Qingwu YANG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(6):354-362
Objective To investigate the neural basis of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)in regulating glucose homeostasis and elucidate the molecular mechanisms.Methods Male Glp1r-IRES-Cre,Glp1r-KO,and wild-type mice were used in this study.Fiber photometry was employed to record Ca2+signals of neurons in ventromedial hypothalamus(VMH)and patch-clamp was used to analyze electrophysiological properties of GLP-1 receptor-positive(GLP-1RVMH)neurons.Viral stereotaxic injections,chemogenetics,plasma hormone assays,and routine glucose metabolism assessments were combined to determine the regulatory role of GLP-1RVMH neurons in glucose homeostasis.Tissue and cell mitochondrial respiratory function assays,transmission electron microscopy,and conventional molecular biology methods were used to explore the mechanism by which GLP-1R agonists regulate glucose homeostasis.Results When the glucose concentration decreased from 5.0 mmol/L to 0.5 mmol/L,the action potential frequency of GLP-1RVMH neuron decreased significantly[(4.51±0.80)Hz vs.(1.43±0.51)Hz,P<0.01].Activation of GLP-1RVMH neuron significantly enhanced insulin secretion[(7.60±0.56)μU/mL vs.(11.34±0.93)μU/mL,P<0.01],while inhibition of these neuronal activities impaired the hypoglycemic efficiency of GLP-1 agonists[(32.03%±0.91%)vs.(25.77%±1.09%),P<0.001)].Mechanistically,GLP-1 regulated glucose homeostasis through Drp1 phosphorylation-mediated mitochondrial fission and improved mitochondrial energy metabolism.Conclusion GLP-1RVMH neurons are a class of glucose-excited neurons,and which activated directly promotes secretion of insulin.The hypoglycemic effect of GLP-1R agonists depend on the neuronal activity of GLP-1RVMH.
8.Research hotspot and frontier analysis of mobile health technology in type 2 diabetes patients at home and abroad
Shuang ZHENG ; Lan GENG ; Yuan ZHU ; Mei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(3):359-367
Objective:To systematically summarize the development trajectory and evolving trends of mobile health technologies in the field of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) both domestically and internationally, providing a reference for future research in this area.Methods:CiteSpace 6.1.R6 software was used to perform a visual analysis of relevant domestic and international literature on T2DM mobile health technologies indexed in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, and Web of Science core collection. The search period was from 2004 to 2023.Results:A total of 575 Chinese and 771 English articles were included. Overall publication volume showed a steady increase, but global research levels were uneven. High-output countries and institutions were mainly concentrated in developed countries such as the United States, but cooperation was relatively loose. The key categories for both Chinese and English keywords included application population, application type, research tools, influencing factors, and disease management models. The research frontiers both domestically and internationally are "Internet+" and digital health.Conclusions:Mobile health technologies have become an integral part of routine healthcare services for T2DM patients. However, there is still a certain gap between domestic and international research. China should timely focus on the research hotspots and frontiers in this field, actively participate in global collaborations, and improve the depth and breadth of research.
9.Mediating role of self-perceived aging in the relationship between perceived social support and self-efficacy for exercise among aged patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer
Xuejiao CHEN ; Fengxia YU ; Lin DING ; Shuang WANG ; Yuan YU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(6):791-796
Objective:To explore the mediating role of self-perceived aging in the relationship between perceived social support and self-efficacy for exercise in aged patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer and provide a basis for formulating relevant clinical intervention strategies.Methods:Totally 220 aged lung cancer patients who underwent surgery and were hospitalized at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, from April to June 2024 were recruited by convenience sampling. Patients completed a demographic questionnaire, the Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) , the Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ) , and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) . The mediation effect of self-perceived aging between perceived social support and self-efficacy for exercise was analyzed using Model 4 in the SPSS Process macro.Results:A total of 220 questionnaires were distributed, and 207 valid questionnaires were returned, with an effective recovery rate of 94.09%. The total score for B-APQ was (46.93±11.35) , the SEE score was (44.12±12.83) , and the PSSS score was (53.18±13.53) . Perceived social support had a direct effect on self-efficacy for exercise (effect value: 0.278; P<0.01) . Self-perceived aging played a partial mediating role between perceived social support and self-efficacy for exercise, with a mediation effect value of 0.138 ( P<0.01) , accounting for 33.17% of the total effect (0.138/0.416) . Conclusions:Perceived social support directly influences self-efficacy for exercise in aged patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer and also exerts an indirect effect through self-perceived aging. It is recommended that healthcare providers guide these patients to establish a positive perception of aging while focusing on enhancing their social support levels to improve their self-efficacy for exercise and promote recovery.
10.Summary of the best evidence for dietary management in adults with prediabetes
Meilin ZHOU ; Yuan ZHU ; Shuang ZHENG ; Lei CHEN ; Mei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(19):2586-2593
Objective:To retrieve, evaluate and summarize evidence on dietary management in adults with prediabetes, and to provide an evidence-based basis for clinical nursing practice and patient self-management.Methods:Guidelines, expert consensus, clinical decisions, evidence summaries, and systematic reviews on dietary management of patients with prediabetes were electronically searched on domestic and international guideline websites, association websites, and databases in both Chinese and English. The search period was from database establishment to October 31, 2024. Quality assessment of the literature and extraction and summarization of the evidence was carried out.Results:A total of 17 papers were included, including six guidelines, three expert consensus, and eight systematic reviews and Meta-analysis. A total of 39 pieces of evidence were summarized, including eight themes of total energy intake; nutrient recommendations, cooking principles; dietary pattern selection; dietary supplement recommendations; food recommendations; synergy of diet, exercise and medication; and dietary guidance.Conclusions:The best evidence summarized can provide reference for clinical medical and nursing staff, patients with prediabetes and their families. Future evidence-based translational practice for dietary management in prediabetic patients according to this evidence summary should be based on clinical context and consideration of the individual patient's situation for dietary program development.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail