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.Interpretation of the Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus on Diagnosi and Treatment of Multiple Lung Cancers by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
Jianqi MAO ; Xiaoqiu YUAN ; Jing WANG ; Zhuowei LI ; Yukun CHEN ; Kezhong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):626-636
With the widespread application of low-dose computed tomography (CT), the detection rate of multiple lung cancers (MLCs) is gradually increasing. The diagnosis and treatment of MLCs have become a major challenge in clinical practice in thoracic surgery and oncology. In April 2025, the Lung Cancer Professional Committee of the China Anti-Cancer Association (CACA) organized multidisciplinary experts from both domestic and international fields to release the first edition of the CACA Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Lung Cancers, providing systematic recommendations for the diagnostic system, molecularassessment strategies, and surgical and non-surgical management of MLCs. This article provides a detailed interpretation of the core content of this consensus and, by incorporating the latest research progress in the field, delves into the pathogenesis, precise diagnostic strategies, and individualized treatment pathways for multiple lung cancers, aiming to offer a more comprehensive reference for clinical practice.
3.Clinical effect and mechanism of Gongliuxiao capsule combined with dienogest in treating refractory/recurrent endometriosis
Hui YUAN ; Yalin MAO ; Xiangqian XU ; Yulong CHEN ; Shoufang KONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1468-1472
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Gongliuxiao capsule combined with dienogest (DNG) in the treatment of refractory/recurrent endometriosis (EMT). METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 94 patients with refractory/recurrent EMT admitted to Qingdao TCM Hospital from January 2022 to January 2025. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into a monotherapy group (47 cases, receiving DNG monotherapy) and a combination group (47 cases, receiving Gongliuxiao capsule combined with DNG). The cl inical efficacy, symptom and sign scores [Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) scores ] , vascular endothelial function indicators [serum transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) ] , serum pathological factors [carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), CA199, anti-endometrial antibody (EMAb) ] , and Th1/Th2 drift indicators [interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) ] were compared between the two groups before and after 6 months of treatment. RESULTS After treatment, the VAS and PBAC scores, serum levels of TGF-β 1 , VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, bFGF, CA125, CA199, EMAb, and IL-4 in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, while IFN-γ levels were significantly higher than those before treatment ( P <0.05). Moreover, the magnitude of increase or decrease in the combination group was significantly greater than that in the monotherapy group ( P <0.05). The total effective rate in the combination group was significantly higher than that in the monotherapy group (93.62% vs. 76.60%, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of Gongliuxiao capsule and DNG is effective in treating refractory/recurrent EMT, and can effectively improve the degree of dysmenorrhea and abnormal menstrual volume in patients. The mechanism may be related to improving vascular endothelial function, inhibiting the expression of tumor pathological factors, and correcting Th1/Th2 drift.
4.Mitral valve re-repair with leaflet augmentation for mitral regurgitation in children: A retrospective study in a single center
Fengqun MAO ; Kai MA ; Kunjing PANG ; Ye LIN ; Benqing ZHANG ; Lu RUI ; Guanxi WANG ; Yang YANG ; Jianhui YUAN ; Qiyu HE ; Zheng DOU ; Shoujun LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(07):958-962
Objective To investigate the efficacy of leaflet augmentation technique to repair the recurrent mitral valve (MV) regurgitation after mitral repair in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children who underwent redo MV repair for recurrent regurgitation after initial MV repair, using a leaflet augmentation technique combined with a standardized repair strategy at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from 2018 to 2022. The pathological features of the MV, key intraoperative procedures, and short- to mid-term follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Results A total of 24 patients (12 male, 12 female) were included, with a median age of 37.6 (range, 16.5–120.0) months. The mean interval from the initial surgery was (24.9±17.0) months. All children had severe mitral regurgitation preoperatively. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was (150.1±49.5) min, and the aortic cross-clamp time was (94.0±24.2) min. There were no early postoperative deaths. During a mean follow-up of (20.3±9.1) months, 3 (12.5%) patients developed moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (2 severe, 1 moderate). One (4.2%) patient died during follow-up, and one (4.2%) patient underwent a second MV reoperation. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly reduced postoperatively compared to preoperatively [ (43.5±8.6) mm vs. (35.8±7.8)mm, P<0.001]. Conclusion The leaflet augmentation technique combined with a standardized repair strategy can achieve satisfactory short- to mid-term outcomes for the redo mitral repair after previous MV repair. It can be considered a safe and feasible technical option for cases with complex valvular lesions and severe pathological changes.
5.Exploration on the Mechanism of Bushen Zhupai Decoction against Ovarian Fibrosis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Based on IL-17/TRAF6/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
He LI ; Wenjuan LIN ; Shuyuan ZHANG ; Shanzheng LI ; Cancan HUANG ; Rongrong YUAN ; Wenwen WAN ; Shouyue RUI ; Haiyan MAO ; Xiaohua ZHANG ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):106-113
Objective To explore the mechanism of Bushen Zhupai Decoction in treating ovarian fibrosis in polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)model rats based on IL-17/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway.Methods Totally 60 SPF grade female SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Yousiyue group and TCM low-,medium-and high-dosage groups,with 10 rats in each group.The PCOS model was replicated by gavage of 1 mg/kg letrozole for 21 days.The Yousiyue group was given a 10 mg/kg solution of drospirenone ethinylestradiol tablets by gavage,TCM low-,medium-and high-dosage groups were given 8.82,17.64 and 35.28 g/kg of Bushen Zhupai Decoction by gavage,once a day for 28 consecutive days.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the morphology of ovarian tissue and ovarian fibrosis,the contents of serum IL-17,IL-18 and IL-1β were detected by ELISA,the mRNA expression of IL-17,TRAF6,NF-κB p65 and TGF-β1 in ovarian tissue were determined by RT-qPCR,the protein expression of TRAF6,NF-κB p65,TGF-β1,α-SMA,E-cadherin and the positive expression of IL-17RA,TRAF6,NF-κB p65,TGF-β1 and α-SMA in ovarian tissue were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining respectively.Results Compared with the blank group,the body mass,ovarian mass and ovarian index significantly increased of rats in model group,with follicular cystic dilation,thinning of granulosa cell layer,and significant increase in fibrosis positive range(P<0.01),the serum contents of IL-17,IL-18 and IL-1β significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of IL-17,TRAF6,NF-κB p65,TGF-β1 mRNA and IL-17RA,TRAF6,NF-κB p65,TGF-β1 and α-SMA proteins significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),the expression of E-cadherin protein significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the ovarian index of rats in Yousiyue group and TCM medium-and high-dosage groups significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),the rats in TCM high-dosage group showed dominant follicles,increased thickness of granulosa cell layer,and significantly reduced fibrosis positive range(P<0.01),the serum contents of IL-17,IL-18 and IL-1β significantly decreased in Yousiyue group and TCM low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(P<0.01),the mRNA expressions of IL-17,TRAF6,NF-κB p65,TGF-β1,and the protein expressions of IL-17RA,TRAF6,NF-κB p65,TGF-β1 and α-SMA in ovarian tissue significantly decreaed in TCM high-dosage group(P<0.01,P<0.05),the expression of E-cadherin protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Zhupai Decoction can decrease the body mass,improve the ovarian index,decrease the expressions of inflammatory factors and improve the status of ovarian fibrosis in PCOS rats.The mechanism may be related to the regulation of IL-17/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway.
6.CT and MRI manifestations of gastritis cystica profunda
Qian YANG ; Jing YUAN ; Ruili MAO ; Zhiying XUE ; Peng ZHONG ; Weiguo ZHANG ; Chunhua LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(2):277-280
Objective To observe CT and MRI manifestations of gastritis cystica profunda(GCP).Methods Seventeen patients with GCP confirmed by operation or biopsy pathology were enrolled,and lesions'CT and MRI manifestations were observed.Results Among 17 cases,16 cases(16/17,94.12%)were found with single lesion and 1(1/17,5.88%)with diffuse multiple lesions.The lesion located in the fundus of stomach in 5 cases(5/17,29.41%),in the body of stomach in 4 cases(4/17,23.53%),in the cardia and antrum of stomach each in 3 cases(3/17,17.65%)and in the pylorus in 1 case(1/17,5.88%),while 1 case(1/17,5.88%)was found with diffused multiple lesions within stomach.Non-enhance CT showed local thickening of gastric wall in 10 cases(10/17,58.82%),all were isodensities,and the mucosa uniformly enhanced in contrast enhance CT(CECT).Predominately cystic lesion in 5 cases(5/17,29.41%)presented as submucosal cystic protrusions,and grew into the stomach cavity with circular or oblong low density in non-enhanced CT,while sandwich enhancement of mucosa was observed in CECT.Among these 5 cases(5/17,29.41%),MRI showed lesion confined to the submucosa with low signal on T1WI and high signal on T2WI,while diffusion weighted imaging showed unrestricted diffusion,and the enhancement pattern was consistent with that of CT in 2 cases.In other 2 cases(2/17,11.77%)with cystic-solid lesion,non-enhanced CT showed soft tissue density,while CECT showed lump-like stratified enhancement.Conclusion CT and MRI manifestations of GCP had certain characteristics.
7.Chinese experts' consensus on principles of preoperative hair removal
Yiping MAO ; Jun ZHENG ; Lei LI ; Deyan YANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Lei YANG ; Wang JIA ; Peng KANG ; Hui JIAO ; Yun YANG ; Qi QI ; Shiqing FENG ; Xiao LONG ; Yuewei ZHANG ; Xiaohui WANG ; Lize WANG ; Yuan WEI ; Jichao ZHOU ; Minghui MAO ; Pengju XIN ; Hongyu TAN ; Dahong ZHANG ; Lianxin LIU ; Lei TAO ; Xietong WANG ; Xiaoning YUAN ; Mang CAI ; Li MU ; Fang DU ; Rongzhu CHEN ; Fengmao ZHAO ; Jiuzuo HUANG ; Mingzi ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Baoguo WANG ; Kun WANG ; Fang LUO ; Jinhua ZHANG ; Nong HE ; Ling LYU ; Zhiyong ZONG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(10):1441-1449
To formulate an expert consensus on the principles of preoperative hair removal and provide scientific guidance for standardized removal of hair before surgical procedures so as to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections.METHODS Led by the Hospital Management Institute of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China,this consensus was reached with the joint efforts from the expects of relevant fields such as surgeries,interventional therapies,nursing,and infection prevention and control.The consensus facilitates the classification and evaluation of literatures by following the evidence grade formulated by Oxford Evidence-based Medicine Center and focuses on the association of preoperative hair removal with surgical site infection,it reaches the evidence grade of expert consensus and recommendation intensity by integrating with discussions on meetings and clinical experience of the expects from relevant fields.RESULTS A total of 6 items of consensus were reached by summarizing the latest evidence on the aspects including the indications for preoperative hair removal,tools,range,timing and places.CONCLUSION The consensus,to some extent,make supplements to and complete the exiting regulations and standards.It provides guidance for the medical institutions to carry out the preoperative hair removal.
8.Relationship between Serum IGFBP-3,IGF-1 and Cardiac Function and Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Complicated with Heart Failure
Li-juan YUAN ; Shi-yuan XIE ; Yan ZHOU ; Fa-mao LI ; Yi-wu ZHENG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(9):1576-1583
Objective:To observe the relationship between serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3),insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)and cardiac function and short-term prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)complicated with heart failure(HF).Methods:102 patients with DCM complicated with HF were selected as study group and they were divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group based on prognosis,and 100 patients with simple DCM during the same period were selected as the control group.The cardiac function indicators[left ventricular end systolic volume(LVESV),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end diastolic volume(LVEDV)]and serum IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 levels between the control group and the study group were compared.The correlation between cardiac function and IGFBP-3,IGF-1 was analyzed by pearson analysis.The serum IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 leveles between good prognosis group and poor prognosis group were compared,the correlation between prognosis and IGFBP-3,IGF-1 was analyzed by spearman.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to analyze the predictive value of serum levels of IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 alone and in combination for the short-term prognosis of DCM complicated with HF patients.Results:Compared with control group,study group had higher LVEDV,LVESV,IGFBP-3,IGF-1,and lower LVEF(P<0.05).Pearson analysis results showed that,IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 were positively correlated with LVEDV and LVESV,while which was negatively correlated with LVEF(P<0.05).Compared with good prognosis group,poor prognosis group had higher IGFBP-3,IGF-1(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis results showed that,the levels of IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 were positively correlated with the poor prognosis of DCM complicated with HF patients(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum IGFBP-3,IGF-1 levels,and their combined use for short-term prognosis of DCM complicated with HF patients were 0.715,0.749,and 0.831,respectively.Conclusion:Serum IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 levels are elevated in patients with DCM complicated with HF,and the changes in these two indicators are associated with poor cardiac function and prognosis in patients.The combined detection of IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 levels has a high predictive value for the short-term prognosis of DCM combined with HF.
9.Advances in mechanism of mitochondrial quality control system in endometriosis
Yuan-huan CHEN ; Bin YUE ; Hai-yan MAO ; Can-can HUANG ; Xiao-hua ZHANG ; Peng FENG ; Quan-sheng WU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):406-410
Endometriosis(EMs)is a common estrogen-depend-ent clinical disease with the pathological characteristics of malig-nant tumors,which has great impact on women's physical and mental health.In recent years,experimental exploration has re-vealed that ectopic foci are in a hypoxic environment outside the uterine cavity,and mitochondria,as the"functional factories"of the cells,play an important role in the process of planting and in-vasion,and the mitochondrial quality control system,which in-cludes mitochondrial oxidative stress,kinetics,autophagy,bio-genesis and calcium homeostasis,is a key mechanism for the e-quilibrium of the mitochondrial function.The mitochondrial quality control system,including mitochondrial oxidative stress kinetics,autophagy,biogenesis and calcium homeostasis,is a key mechanism for mitochondrial functional balance.Therefore,to clarify the role of the mitochondrial quality control system in the development of EMs with the help of rational and rigorous experi-mental and clinical studies can not only help to clarify the patho-genesis of the disease,but also explore the key targets in the prevention and treatment of the disease.Therefore,this article summarizes the research progress of mitochondrial quality control system in endometriosis,with a view to providing reference and theoretical basis for the etiology,pathogenesis and prevention strategies of EMs.
10.The Effects of the Combination of Curcumin,Berberine,and Puerarin on Lipid Levels in Hyperlipidemic Mice
Zhi-yuan FAN ; Yi-zhou XU ; Si-wei XU ; Xiong-hua XING ; Mao-lin LIU ; Xia YI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(13):2100-2109,2099
Objective:To investigate the effects of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin combination therapy on lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice.Methods:A total of 40 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into eight groups:normal control group(A),high-fat control group(B),curcumin group(C),berberine group(D),puerarin group(E),low-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(F),high-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(G),and positive control group(H),with 5 mice in each group.The normal control group was fed a standard diet,while the other groups were given a high-fat diet.After establishing the hyperlipidemic model,the mice were administered with physiological saline,curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),puerarin(300 mg/kg),low-dose combination of curcumin(50 mg/kg),berberine(50 mg/kg),and puerarin(100 mg/kg),high-dose combination of curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),and puerarin(300 mg/kg),or simvastatin(6 mg/kg)via gavage for three weeks.After treatment,serum was collected from the mice for biochemical analysis of lipid levels and liver function.Liver tissues were subjected to HE staining,Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR.Results:Curcumin,berberine,and puerarin,whether administered individually or in combination,can reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemic mice(P<0.01).Treatment with curcumin,berberine,and puerarin individually significantly reduced lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice(P<0.05)and alleviated liver damage caused by hyperlipidemia(P<0.05).Furthermore,the high-dose combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin exhibited a more pronounced effect on improving lipid levels(P<0.01)and provided greater protective effects on the liver compared to the positive control group(P<0.05).Additionally,curcumin,berberine,and puerarin administered individually can each promote the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90%,85%,and 98%,respectively)and reduce the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 42%,45%,and 43%,respectively).The combination of all three compounds enhances the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90%with low-dose combination and 169%with high-dose combination)and reduces the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 38%with low-dose combination and 42%with high-dose combination).Conclusion:The combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin significantly improves lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice and mitigates liver damage associated with hyperlipidemia.

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