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.

A high-performance liquid chromatography method using pre-column derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate was developed to determine the content of 15 amino acids in the medicinal snakes Bungarus Parvus, Agkistrodon, and Zaocys. The results showed that the total amino acid(TAA) content ranged from 277.13 to 515.05 mg·g~(-1), with the top four amino acids in all three species being glutamic acid(Glu), glycine(Gly), aspartic acid(Asp), and lysine(Lys). The essential amino acid(EAA) content ranged from 74.56 to 203.94 mg·g~(-1), with Agkistrodon exhibiting the highest content. The non-essential amino acid(NEAA), semi-essential amino acid(semi-EAA), and medicinal amino acid(MAA) content ranged from 189.06 to 318.23, 12.89 to 33.53, and 179.83 to 342.33 mg·g~(-1), respectively, with Zaocys having the highest content in these categories. Amino acid nutritional value was evaluated using the amino acid ratio(RAA), amino acid ratio coefficient(RCAA), and amino acid ratio coefficient score(SRCAA), and the results indicated that all three medicinal snakes possessed good nutritional value. The amino acid composition was similar across the species, though significant differences in content were observed. Based on these differences, an orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) model was established, which could clearly distinguish between the three medicinal snake species. The key differences in amino acid content included Gly, tyrosine(Tyr), Glu, and serine(Ser), which may be related to the observed clinical application differences among the species. Further research into the mechanisms of these differential amino acids is expected to provide more insights into the clinical application disparities of these three medicinal snake species.
Amino Acids/chemistry* ; Animals ; Nutritive Value ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Snakes/classification* ; Bungarus

Fluorescent probes L1 to L5 containing two recognition sites based on Schiff base were prepared for detection of Al3+.The probes were constituted by introducing two salicylaldehyde derivatives through hydrazide groups on isophthalic hydrazide.Among them,a fast turn-on fluorescence probe L1 for Al3+with high fluorescence quantum yield was found.The recognition performance and mechanism of probe L1 to Al3+were studied by multiple analysis methods.The results showed that probe L1 could rapidly and highly selectively recognize Al3+by fluorescent enhancement at 446 nm and the detection limit was as low as 4.65 nmol/L,and it was found that L1 complexed with Al3+in the molar ratio of 1:1.In addition,the calculation results of density functional theory(DFT)showed that two binding sites in the probe molecule connected two different Al3+,and each Al3+connected two adjacent probe molecules.Using quinine sulfate as a reference,the fluorescence quantum yield of L1-Al3+complex was as high as 30%.Probe L1 could also be applied to the detection of Al3+in real water samples.

Objective:To examine the clinical effect of the enlarged anterior cervical intervertebral cone-shape decompression and fusion(EACDF) for treating degenerative cervical kyphosis (DCK).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series research. From September 2018 to September 2023, the data of 51 patients with DCK who underwent EACDF at Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Naval Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. Among the 51 patients, there were 28 males and 23 females, with an age of (61.6±9.8) years old (range:39 to 74 years), and an body mass index of (25.9±2.7) kg/m 2 (range:20.7 to 31.7 kg/m 2). Patients underwent EACDF with expanded decompression by distracted intervertebral space, partial resections of posterior edge of vertebral body and uncinate vertebral joint. The operation duration, blood loss and length of hospital stay were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) of neck pain and arm pain, cervical disability index (NDI), and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score were recorded in patients before and immediately after surgery, as well as at follow-up. Imaging parameters such as C 2-7 Cobb angle of cervical global curvature, Cobb angle at the operative segment, C 2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C 2-7 SVA), T 1 slope and the height of operative segment were measured. The fusion rate and surgical complications of two groups were recorded. Fourty-five patients who underwent anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion (ACCF) during the same period were included to compare the effectiveness of deformity correction between the two groups. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for intra group data comparison and Dunnett- t test was used for pairwise comparison, and mixed design ANOVA was used for inter group data comparison. Results:All patients were successfully completed the operation. The follow-up period after surgery was (40.4±13.4) months (range:12 to 72 months). The neck pain and arm pain VAS, NDI and JOA in the two groups immediately after surgery, at 2 months, 12 months after surgery, and the final follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before operation (all P<0.05). In both groups, postoperative the C 2-7 Cobb angle, Cobb angle at the operative segment, C 2-7 SVA, T 1 slope, and height of operative segment were significantly improved immediately after surgery, at 2 months, 12 months, and the final follow-up (all P<0.05). The C 2-7 Cobb angle, Cobb angle at the operative segment, and height of operative segment immediately after surgery, at 2 months, 12 months, and the final follow-up in the EACDF group were significantly higher than those in the ACCF group (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in C 2-7 SVA and T 1 slope between the two groups(all P>0.05). At the final follow-up, the angle of every intervertebral space correction in the EACDF group was (9.3±1.6) °(range:6.5° to 12.3°), while in the ACCF group was (3.1±1.8) °(range:1.2° to 5.6°), with a significant difference between the two groups ( P<0.05). Patients at the both groups got bone graft fusion at the final follow-up. Conclusions:The clinical effect of EACDF for treating DCK is satisfactory. EACDF maybe superior to ACCF in restoring intervertebral height, correcting and maintaining cervical curvature.

Objective:To examine the clinical effect of the enlarged anterior cervical intervertebral cone-shape decompression and fusion(EACDF) for treating degenerative cervical kyphosis (DCK).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series research. From September 2018 to September 2023, the data of 51 patients with DCK who underwent EACDF at Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Naval Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. Among the 51 patients, there were 28 males and 23 females, with an age of (61.6±9.8) years old (range:39 to 74 years), and an body mass index of (25.9±2.7) kg/m 2 (range:20.7 to 31.7 kg/m 2). Patients underwent EACDF with expanded decompression by distracted intervertebral space, partial resections of posterior edge of vertebral body and uncinate vertebral joint. The operation duration, blood loss and length of hospital stay were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) of neck pain and arm pain, cervical disability index (NDI), and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score were recorded in patients before and immediately after surgery, as well as at follow-up. Imaging parameters such as C 2-7 Cobb angle of cervical global curvature, Cobb angle at the operative segment, C 2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C 2-7 SVA), T 1 slope and the height of operative segment were measured. The fusion rate and surgical complications of two groups were recorded. Fourty-five patients who underwent anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion (ACCF) during the same period were included to compare the effectiveness of deformity correction between the two groups. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for intra group data comparison and Dunnett- t test was used for pairwise comparison, and mixed design ANOVA was used for inter group data comparison. Results:All patients were successfully completed the operation. The follow-up period after surgery was (40.4±13.4) months (range:12 to 72 months). The neck pain and arm pain VAS, NDI and JOA in the two groups immediately after surgery, at 2 months, 12 months after surgery, and the final follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before operation (all P<0.05). In both groups, postoperative the C 2-7 Cobb angle, Cobb angle at the operative segment, C 2-7 SVA, T 1 slope, and height of operative segment were significantly improved immediately after surgery, at 2 months, 12 months, and the final follow-up (all P<0.05). The C 2-7 Cobb angle, Cobb angle at the operative segment, and height of operative segment immediately after surgery, at 2 months, 12 months, and the final follow-up in the EACDF group were significantly higher than those in the ACCF group (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in C 2-7 SVA and T 1 slope between the two groups(all P>0.05). At the final follow-up, the angle of every intervertebral space correction in the EACDF group was (9.3±1.6) °(range:6.5° to 12.3°), while in the ACCF group was (3.1±1.8) °(range:1.2° to 5.6°), with a significant difference between the two groups ( P<0.05). Patients at the both groups got bone graft fusion at the final follow-up. Conclusions:The clinical effect of EACDF for treating DCK is satisfactory. EACDF maybe superior to ACCF in restoring intervertebral height, correcting and maintaining cervical curvature.

Aim Excessive cerebral inflammation caused by chronic alcohol intake is an important risk factor for central nervous system injury. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of konjac mannan oligosaccharide (KMOS) on central nervous system inflammation in alcohol-fed mice and its mechanism. Methods The chronic alcohol fed model of C57BL/6J mice was established using Gao-binge method. And the different doses of KMOS were gavaged every day for 6 weeks. The neuronal damage and microglia activation were evaluated in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The damage of colon tissue was assessed and serum LPS concentrations were measured. In vitro, Caco-2 cells were stimulated with LPS to establish intestinal mucosal injury model. Results Chronic alcohol intake can cause brain neuron damage in mice, and different doses of KMOS effectively reduced the activation state of microglia, decreased the expression of inflammatory factors caused by the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and alleviated neuronal damage in the brain tissue of alcohol-fed mice. The results of colon tissue analysis showed that the use of KMOS effectively reduced the concentration of endotoxin LPS in serum of alcohol-fed mice, alleviated the pathological injury and inflammatory response of colon tissue, and enhanced the expression of Occludin in intestinal tissue. In vitro experiments also showed that KMOS significantly inhibited the inflammatory reaction of Caco-2 cells exposed to alcohol and increased the expression of Occludin protein. Conclusions KMOS treatment effectively inhibited intestinal inflammation caused by alcohol intake, repaired intestinal barrier to prevent the entry of intestinal LPS into brain tissue, decreased the activation of microglia, and then improved brain neuron damage. KMOS had the potential to prevent alcoholic nerve injury.

The identification of the components absorbed in serum of platycosides in total saponins fraction of Platycodonis Radix is great significance, but there are still great challenges. In this study, 8 types of 44 primordial components from Platycodon saponins were firstly identified using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) equipped with the software of Compound Discoverer 3.2 and Trace finder 2.1. Then, the platycosides and their deglycosylated metabolites were used as the template molecules to construct the intestinal microbiota mediated method to identify the primary components and the prototypes in serum. As results, 57 components originating from 44 prototypes of platycosides were identified from drug-containing plasma. Those compounds consist of 12 prototypes of platycosides and 45 metabolites, while the prototypes in serum are also deglycosylated metabolites of other platycosides. The results showed that the intestinal microbiota mediated method could be applied to identify the metabolites of platycosides in total saponins fraction of Platycodonis Radix; and reveal the potential existing forms of prototypes of platycosides in plasma; In addition, it could clearly illustrate the one to many and many to one network of the prototypes and metabolites of platycosides. All animal protocols were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No.JZLLSC-202100322).

In this paper, the antitussive and expectorant activity of platycodin D (PD) were studied by constructing a mouse cough induced by concentrated ammonia water and a mouse trachea phenol red excretion model. The mechanism of antitussive and expectorant effect of PD was studied by metabolomics. The animal experiment was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: JZLLSC-20220739). Then mice were randomly divided into the normal, model, positive drug, PD low-dose, PD medium-dose and PD high-dose group. The antitussive and expectorant effects of PD were evaluated using a cough mouse model induced by concentrated ammonia water and a mouse tracheal phenol red excretion model, respectively. UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was used to identify the metabolites of mouse lung tissue, and multivariate statistical analysis method of orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used for metabolites profile analysis. The differential metabolites were screened by variable projected importance value (VIP) and t-test results. Pathways for enrichment of differentiated metabolites were analyzed using the MetaboAnalyst platform. The comparative method was applied to analyze the differences in mechanisms of PD, Deapio-platycodin D (DPD) and total platycosides fraction. The results showed that PD at different concentrations could significantly prolong (P < 0.05) the incubation period of cough mice induced by ammonia water, reduce the coughs frequency, and significantly increase (P < 0.05) the amount of phenol red excretion in phenol red excretion model mice. PD could regulate 6 metabolic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism to exert antitussive effect. It could also regulate 8 metabolic pathways of linoleic acid metabolism, glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, citric acid cycle and arachidonic acid metabolism to exert an expectorant effect. However, only linoleic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism could be regulated by the PD, total platycosides fraction and DPD, which may be ascribed to the structural difference of the platycosides and the interaction between platycosides and the intestinal microbiota. Functional analysis showed that these metabolic pathways are closely related to the regulatory mechanisms of anti-inflammatory response, immune function regulation, neurotransmitter release, cell signal transduction, energy metabolism and cell apoptosis. This study shows that PD possesses good antitussive and expectorant activities. In addition, the mechanism difference of PD, total platycosides fraction and DPD imply that the apiose in PD and the interaction between PD and intestinal microbiota could exert an important effect on the antitussive and expectorant mechanism of the platycosides.

Child ; Humans ; Mpox (monkeypox)/prevention & control* ; Disease Outbreaks