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.
2.6-Week Caloric Restriction Improves Lipopolysaccharide-induced Septic Cardiomyopathy by Modulating SIRT3
Ming-Chen ZHANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Ting-Ting LI ; Ming-Hua CHEN ; Xiao-Wen WANG ; Zhong-Guang SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1878-1889
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the prophylactic effects of caloric restriction (CR) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective actions of CR. This research aims to provide innovative strategies and theoretical support for the prevention of SCM. MethodsA total of forty-eight 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20-25 g, were randomly assigned to 4 distinct groups, each consisting of 12 mice. The groups were designated as follows: CON (control), LPS, CR, and CR+LPS. Prior to the initiation of the CR protocol, the CR and CR+LPS groups underwent a 2-week acclimatization period during which individual food consumption was measured. The initial week of CR intervention was set at 80% of the baseline intake, followed by a reduction to 60% for the subsequent 5 weeks. After 6-week CR intervention, all 4 groups received an intraperitoneal injection of either normal saline or LPS (10 mg/kg). Twelve hours post-injection, heart function was assessed, and subsequently, heart and blood samples were collected. Serum inflammatory markers were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum myocardial enzyme spectrum was analyzed using an automated biochemical instrument. Myocardial tissue sections underwent hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of protein in myocardial tissue, including inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-9, IL-18), oxidative stress markers (iNOS, SOD2), pro-apoptotic markers (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, CASP3), and SIRT3/SIRT6. ResultsTwelve hours after LPS injection, there was a significant decrease in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) ratios, along with a notable increase in left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD). Morphological and serum indicators (AST, LDH, CK, and CK-MB) indicated that LPS injection could induce myocardial structural disorders and myocardial injury. Furthermore, 6-week CR effectively prevented the myocardial injury. LPS injection also significantly increased the circulating inflammatory levels (IL-1β, TNF-α) in mice. IF and Western blot analyses revealed that LPS injection significantly up-regulating the expression of inflammatory-related proteins (TNF-α, IL-9, IL-18), oxidative stress-related proteins (iNOS, SOD2) and apoptotic proteins (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, CASP3) in myocardial tissue. 6-week CR intervention significantly reduced circulating inflammatory levels and downregulated the expression of inflammatory, oxidative stress-related proteins and pro-apoptotic level in myocardial tissue. Additionally, LPS injection significantly downregulated the expression of SIRT3 and SIRT6 proteins in myocardial tissue, and CR intervention could restore the expression of SIRT3 proteins. ConclusionA 6-week CR could prevent LPS-induced septic cardiomyopathy, including cardiac function decline, myocardial structural damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with the regulation of SIRT3 expression in myocardial tissue.
3.Correlation between depressive symptom and traditional Chinese medicine constitution among school aged children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1222-1225
Objective:
To explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents, so as to provide evidences for informing constitution based regulation and prevention of depressive symptom.
Methods:
From June to December 2024, a total of 4 729 students aged 6-14 were recruited by cluster random sampling from 10 primary schools in Baoding (Hebei Province), Heze and Liaocheng (Shandong Province). General information, TCM constitution and depressive symptom were collected. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to analyze related factors and threshold effects of depressive symptom. Binary Logistic regression was applied to examine the association between depressive symptom and TCM constitution, with subgroup analyses conducted.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptom among the included children and adolescents was 25.82%. RCS analyses indicated non linear associations between depressive symptom and age (inflection point at 10 years old), bedtime (inflection point at 22:00), and wake up time (inflection point at 6:30 ) (all P non linearity <0.01). Linear associations were observed with body mass index (BMI) and sleep duration (all P non linearity > 0.05 ). After adjusting for covariates such as age, BMI and sleep status, binary Logistic regression analyses showed that Yin deficient constitution ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.09-1.45) and Phlegm-dampness constitution ( OR =1.42, 95% CI =1.11-1.82) were significantly associated with depressive symptom among children and adolescents (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents is primarily associated with Yin deficiency and Phlegm dampness constitutions in TCM constitution. Active attention should be paid to susceptible TCM constitution among children and adolescents. Targeted health guidance and interventions should be implemented to improve TCM constitution health status for preventing the occurrence of depressive symptom.
4.Research progress on mechanism of curcumin in treatment of depression
Lin WANG ; Qi-fei PAN ; Wen-juan LONG ; Jia-rong DU ; Zhong-yang HU ; Xin-yao LI ; Yi-shu CHEN ; Dong-dong QIN ; Xiao-man LYU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1618-1623
Depression is a prevalent mental and emotional disor-der that often results in significant emotional disturbances,cog-nitive dysfunction,and memory impairments.It is characterized by a high incidence rate,a substantial disability burden,and limited therapeutic efficacy.Currently,the long-term use of medications for the treatment of depression can result in a range of adverse reactions,highlighting the urgent need to explore no-vel approaches that can effectively alleviate depressive symptoms while minimizing side effects.Curcumin,a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the rhizome of turmeric,demonstrates considerable potential in the prevention and treatment of depres-sion,owing to its diverse array of biological activities.In recent years,numerous studies have investigated the use of curcumin for the treatment of depression.This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of action underlying curcumin's efficacy in treating depression.Specifically,it focu-ses on its ability to improve neurotransmitter imbalances,restore neural plasticity,alleviate neural damage,mitigate dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis,regulate in-flammatory factors and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways,and inhibit oxidative stress.This review is intended to offer in-sights and methodological references for basic research on curcu-min,as well as for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of depression.
5.Construction and verification of atherosclerosis risk prediction model for rheumatoid arthritis patients
Jing LYU ; Fangying ZHU ; Kai ZHU ; Yun LI ; Na YANG ; Shuyun WEN ; Miqian ZHONG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(10):1043-1047
Objective To construct a risk prediction model for atherosclerosis(AS)in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA)based on Lasso-Logistic regression analysis and provide a scientific basis for individualized clinical intervention.Methods The retrospective clinical data were collected from 344 RA patients,including 86 patients with AS(RA+AS group)and 258 patients with without AS(RA group).The clinical characteristics and initial laboratory test results were compared between the two groups.Lasso regression was used to screen the key predictive variables,and Logistic regression was combined to construct the prediction mode.The discrimination of the model was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and the area under the curve(AUC).The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the calibration,and decision curve analysis was used to verify the clinical applicability of the model.Results Seven predictive variables were identified including RA disease duration,DAS28 score,C-reactive protein(CRP),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),fasting blood glucose(FBG)and hypertension.The risk prediction model for AS in RA patients was:Logit(P)=-2.674+0.605×RA disease duration+0.393×DAS28 score+0.310×CRP+1.346×TG-2.289×HDL-C+0.679×FBG+0.711×hypertension.The AUC of the model was 0.965(95%CI:0.943-0.987),and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed χ2=0.547,P=1.000,indicating good discrimination and calibration.Clinical decision curve analysis showed that the probability threshold ranged from 7%to 92%,demonstrating high clinical applicability.Conclusion The AS risk prediction model constructed in this study for RA patients can effectively identify high-risk individuals,supporting the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
6.Survival analysis of microsatellite instability and microsatellite stable right-sided colon cancer
Junchuan LI ; Hua LIU ; Xiumei WEN ; Xiaoqiong ZHONG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(10):1091-1096
Objective Compare the clinicopathological factors of microsatellite unstable(dMMR)and microsatellite stable(pMMR)in right colon cancer and analyze the factors affecting overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)between the two groups.Methods Clinical data with right colon cancer of patients who underwent radical resection from January 1,2016 to December 31,2023 were retrospectively analyzed(a total of 247 patients were included,including 43 dMMR and 204 pMMR).Through propensity score matching,the baseline difference between the two groups was matched 1∶1,and a total of 86 cases were obtained,43 cases in dMMR and 43 cases in pMMR.The difference of relevant indicators between the two groups was analyzed,and univariate and multivariate Cox analysis was performed for OS and DFS.The survival curve was plotted,and the comparison of survival rates was conducted using the Log rank test.Results According to age,location,tumor length,shape,histological type,T,N,TNM stage,nerve invasion,and differentiation degree with 1∶1 matching(P<0.05),there was no statistical difference in baseline data between dMMR and pMMR patients with right colon cancer(P>0.05).It was found that 5-year OS of dMMR patients with right colon cancer was significantly better than pMMR(P<0.05),and 5-year DFS dMMR was better than pMMR(P<0.05).Protective factors affecting OS of dMMR right colon cancer included tumor length<5 cm,T1-3,M0,Stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ,absence of intravascular cancer thrombi and absence of nerve invasion(P<0.05).In survival analysis,M0 was compared with M,(95%vs.60%,P<0.05).Stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ compared with stage Ⅳ(95%vs.54%,P<0.05);No vascular cancer thrombus vs.cancer thrombus(94%vs.88%,P<0.05).Protective factors affecting DFS of dMMR right colon cancer included age<50 years,no mucous or sig-ring cells,M0,StageⅠ-Ⅲ,and no intravascular cancer thrombus(P<0.05).In survival analysis,M0 was compared with M,(90%vs.63%,P<0.05).Stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ compared with stage Ⅳ(92%vs.57%,P<0.05);There was a significant difference between non-vascular cancer thrombus and vascular cancer thrombus(91%vs.77%,P<0.05).Conclusion The patients with dMMR had higher OS and DFS than pMMR,which were not affected by clinical factors.
7.Mechanism of action of Qingjie Huagong decoction reducing inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis based on PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiao-dong ZHU ; Min-chao FENG ; Kun-rong LIU ; Ying BAN ; Pan SU ; Chuan-feng XUAN ; Xiao-yi HUANG ; De-wen LI ; Xi-ping TANG ; Guo-zhong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):978-984
Aim To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qingjie Huagong decoction in modulating PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis(AP)mice.Methods Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into Blank group,Model group,Ustekin group,and Qingjie Hua-gong decoction group,with six mice in each group.The AP model was prepared by using rain frogin.Serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α lev-els were detected by ELISA;the pancreatic pathology was detected by HE staining;the expressions of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNAs were de-tected by immunohistochemistry,Western blot,and RT-qPCR.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed obvious pathological damage to the pancreas,with significantly higher serum α-AMS,PN-LP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels(P<0.01),and significantly higher levels of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA expression(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the Qingjie Huagong decoction group and the ustekin group improved the histopathological changes in the pancreas of AP mice,decreased the serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels,and down-reg-ulated the expression levels of pancreatic PI3K,AKT,NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Qingjie Huagong decoction may inhibit the inflammatory response and protect pancreat-ic tissues by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Survival analysis of microsatellite instability and microsatellite stable right-sided colon cancer
Junchuan LI ; Hua LIU ; Xiumei WEN ; Xiaoqiong ZHONG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(10):1091-1096
Objective Compare the clinicopathological factors of microsatellite unstable(dMMR)and microsatellite stable(pMMR)in right colon cancer and analyze the factors affecting overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)between the two groups.Methods Clinical data with right colon cancer of patients who underwent radical resection from January 1,2016 to December 31,2023 were retrospectively analyzed(a total of 247 patients were included,including 43 dMMR and 204 pMMR).Through propensity score matching,the baseline difference between the two groups was matched 1∶1,and a total of 86 cases were obtained,43 cases in dMMR and 43 cases in pMMR.The difference of relevant indicators between the two groups was analyzed,and univariate and multivariate Cox analysis was performed for OS and DFS.The survival curve was plotted,and the comparison of survival rates was conducted using the Log rank test.Results According to age,location,tumor length,shape,histological type,T,N,TNM stage,nerve invasion,and differentiation degree with 1∶1 matching(P<0.05),there was no statistical difference in baseline data between dMMR and pMMR patients with right colon cancer(P>0.05).It was found that 5-year OS of dMMR patients with right colon cancer was significantly better than pMMR(P<0.05),and 5-year DFS dMMR was better than pMMR(P<0.05).Protective factors affecting OS of dMMR right colon cancer included tumor length<5 cm,T1-3,M0,Stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ,absence of intravascular cancer thrombi and absence of nerve invasion(P<0.05).In survival analysis,M0 was compared with M,(95%vs.60%,P<0.05).Stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ compared with stage Ⅳ(95%vs.54%,P<0.05);No vascular cancer thrombus vs.cancer thrombus(94%vs.88%,P<0.05).Protective factors affecting DFS of dMMR right colon cancer included age<50 years,no mucous or sig-ring cells,M0,StageⅠ-Ⅲ,and no intravascular cancer thrombus(P<0.05).In survival analysis,M0 was compared with M,(90%vs.63%,P<0.05).Stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ compared with stage Ⅳ(92%vs.57%,P<0.05);There was a significant difference between non-vascular cancer thrombus and vascular cancer thrombus(91%vs.77%,P<0.05).Conclusion The patients with dMMR had higher OS and DFS than pMMR,which were not affected by clinical factors.
9.Mechanism of action of Qingjie Huagong decoction reducing inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis based on PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiao-dong ZHU ; Min-chao FENG ; Kun-rong LIU ; Ying BAN ; Pan SU ; Chuan-feng XUAN ; Xiao-yi HUANG ; De-wen LI ; Xi-ping TANG ; Guo-zhong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):978-984
Aim To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qingjie Huagong decoction in modulating PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis(AP)mice.Methods Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into Blank group,Model group,Ustekin group,and Qingjie Hua-gong decoction group,with six mice in each group.The AP model was prepared by using rain frogin.Serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α lev-els were detected by ELISA;the pancreatic pathology was detected by HE staining;the expressions of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNAs were de-tected by immunohistochemistry,Western blot,and RT-qPCR.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed obvious pathological damage to the pancreas,with significantly higher serum α-AMS,PN-LP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels(P<0.01),and significantly higher levels of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA expression(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the Qingjie Huagong decoction group and the ustekin group improved the histopathological changes in the pancreas of AP mice,decreased the serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels,and down-reg-ulated the expression levels of pancreatic PI3K,AKT,NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Qingjie Huagong decoction may inhibit the inflammatory response and protect pancreat-ic tissues by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
10.Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3641c inhibits macrophage type Ⅰ interferon responses and promotes intracellular survival in macrophages
Wen JIN ; Min GENG ; Su-jie HU ; Xin-yang ZHANG ; Wen-qin LI ; Cheng-kun ZHENG ; Xin-an JIAO ; Xiang CHEN ; Zheng-zhong XU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):385-391
This study was aimed at investigating the immunoregulatory function of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3641c gene in modulating host type Ⅰ interferon responses.The shuttle plasmid pMV261 was used to construct Rv3641c overexpression recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis,and the biological characteristics of the recombinant bacteria were analyzed to explore the effect of Rv3641c on the growth curve,colony morphology and stress resistance of Mycobacterium.Subsequently,RAW264.7 cells were infected with Rv3641c overexpressing Mycobacterium smegmatis,and the transcriptional expression of genes related to the inhibition of type I inter-feron pathway was determined by RT-PCR.The expression level of IFN-βprotein was determined by ELISA,and the intracellular sur-vival level was determined.As a result,the recombinant rMS::pMV261-Rv3641c was successfully constructed.The results of biologi-cal characteristics analysis showed that Rv3641c did not affect the growth of mycobacteria,but significantly changed the colony mor-phology of mycobacteria and improved its resistance to H2O2.The results of recombinant bacteria infection experiments showed that Rv3641c significantly down-regulated the transcription levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand downstream ISGs genes CXCL10,IFIT2 and IL-1β in host cells,and Rv3641c significantly down-regulated the transcription levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand downstream ISGs genes CXCL10,IFIT2 and IL-1βin host cells.The results of intracellular colonization experiments showed that the intracellular mycobacte-ria in the overexpression recombinant bacteria infection group were significantly higher than those in the empty vector group,indicat-ing that Rv3641c could promote the intracellular surviv al of mycobacteria.In summary,the Rv3641c gene of M.tuberculosis can inhibit the host type I interferon response and promote the intracellular survival of M.tuberculosis,which provides a new idea for further explor-ing the immune escape function of M.tuberculosis and the discovery of new targets for anti-tuberculosis drugs.


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