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.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.
3.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.
4.Diffusion weighted imaging for assessment of efficacy and volume response after uterine artery embolization of uterine fibroids
Jinxiang XIA ; Song WANG ; Ping CUI ; Hu LIAN ; Hui WU ; Xing ZHONG ; Ye YUAN ; Ruokun WANG ; Mao SHENG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(11):1833-1836
Objective To observe the clinical and symptomatic improvement three months after uterine artery embolization(UAE),and to analyze the value of apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)in MR diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)in assessing the response of fibroids volume after UAE.Methods A total of 40 patients with uterine fibroids were included.The volume changes of fibroids,clinical and symptomatic improvement before and after treatment were recorded,and the efficacy of UAE was comprehensively analyzed.All patients underwent MR DWI before UAE and were evaluated at three months postoperatively by outpatient MR follow-up,with fibroids vol-ume and ADC quantitative measurements were performed to compare the changes in ADC values of fibroids preoperatively and post-operatively at each b value.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between baseline ADC values and postoperative fibroids volume reduction.Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between ADC and fibroids volume reduction after UAE.And the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve were plotted to analyze the predictive value of ADC values for evaluating fibroids volume reduction of more than 30%after UAE.Results The patients'clinical symptoms was improved in the three months after surgery,the volume of fibroids was significantly reduced,and the life quality was improved,the difference was sta-tistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant effect on ovarian function,hormone levels did not change significantly com-pared to before surgery,with no statistical significance(P>0.05).When b=50,1 000 s/mm2,the changes in ADC values before and after uterine fibroids treatment were not significant,with no statistical significance(P>0.05).However,the changes in ADC values before and after uterine fibroids treatment were significant when b=800 s/mm2 and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Under the condition of b=800 s/mm2,Pearson correlation analysis showed ADC value had a positive correlation with postoperative uterine fibroids volume reduction rate(r=0.45,P<0.05),and the area under the curve(AUC)for ADC value to predict the reduction rate of uterine fibroids volume by more than 30%after UAE was 0.787.The cut-off value was 1.143 × 10-3 mm2/s,with sensitivity and specificity of 0.793 and 0.818,respectively.Conclusion UAE is more effective in treating uterine fibroids.The baseline ADC value of uterine fibroids correlated significantly with the volume reduction after UAE.The ADC value can be used to assess the volume response after UAE.
5.Investigation and clarification of traditional measuring units of Tibetan medicine.
Qi-En LI ; Di-Gao WAN ; Fa-Rong YUAN ; Cai-Jia SUONAN ; Dai-Ji QINGMEI ; Yang-Xiu-Cuo DUOJIE ; Zhuo-Ma GENGJI ; Cuo-Mao TABA ; Peng-Cuo DAWA ; Zhong BANMA ; Cai-Rang DUOJIE ; Qu-Pei DANZENG ; Ci-Ren NIMA ; Xiao GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2023;48(5):1393-1401
Quantity is the key factor to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicines. It is very important to study and determine the traditional measuring units and their quantity values of Tibetan medicine. Based on the literature records of Tibetan medicine and combined with modern experimental verification and investigation research, this study determined the reference, name, and conversion rate of traditional measuring units of Tibetan medicine. Meanwhile, through large sample sampling and repeated quantification of refe-rence of basic units, its weight and volume were clarified. The modern SI volume and weight unit values corresponding to the traditional volume and weight units of Tibetan medicine were deduced, and the correctness, reliability, and practicability of these determination results were demonstrated. This study also put forward some specific suggestions and reference values for formulating the standards of measuring units of weight and volume of Tibetan medicine. It is of great significance in guiding the processing, production, and clinical treatment of Tibetan medicine, and promoting the standardization and standardized development of Tibetan medicine.
Medicine, Tibetan Traditional
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Reproducibility of Results
6. Small-leaf Kuding Extract Decreases Hyperglycemia in Mice by Upregulating Nrf2 / INS Expression at the Protein Level
Ming-Juan CHEN ; Shi-Nan WEI ; Ahmad MASHAAL ; Jia YU ; Sha CHENG ; Heng LUO ; Shi-Nan WEI ; Ahmad MASHAAL ; Jia YU ; Sha CHENG ; Heng LUO ; Ming-Juan CHEN ; Bo-Yin XIE ; Yuan-Zhong MAO
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2023;39(8):1168-1179
In recent years, the prevalence of hyperglycemia has been increasing, and patients’ bodies have been seriously damaged. Compared with conventional Western drugs, natural products have fewer adverse reactions and delay the complications of hyperglycemia. As a valuable natural product resource, Small-leaf Kuding (SLK) contains various beneficial components for the human body. The aim of this study was to study the regulation effect of SLK extract at different doses on blood glucose metabolism in hyperglycemic mice. Lipopolysaccharide and streptozotocin were used to induce hyperglycemia in mice. Extract of SLK were administered intragastrically at low, medium, and high doses (5 g·kg
7.Identification, biological characteristics, and control of pathogen causing Pinellia ternata soft rot in Hubei province.
Fan-Fan WANG ; Tao TANG ; Ting MAO ; Yuan-Yuan DUAN ; Xiao-Liang GUO ; Guo-Bin FANG ; Hui KUANG ; Guang-Zhong SUN ; Jing-Mao YOU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2022;47(4):889-896
This study was designed to identify the pathogen causing soft rot of Pinellia ternata in Qianjiang of Hubei province and screen out the effective bactericides, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the control of soft rot of P. ternata. In this study, the pathogen was identified based on molecular biology and physiological biochemistry, followed by the detection of pathogenicity and pathogenicity spectrum via plant tissue inoculation in vitro and the indoor toxicity determination using the inhibition zone method to screen out bactericide with good antibacterial effects. The control effect of the bactericide against P. ternata soft rot was verified by the leave and tuber inoculation in vitro. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the 16 S rDNA, dnaX gene, and recA gene sequences, respectively, and the result showed that the pathogen belonged to the same branch as the type strain Dickeya fangzhongdai JS5. The physiological and biochemical tests showed that the pathogen was identical to D. fangzhongdai, which proved that the pathogen was D. fangzhongdai. The pathogenicity test indicated that the pathogen could obviously infect leaves at 24 h and tubers in 3 d. As revealed by the indoor toxicity test, 0.3% tetramycin, 5% allicin, and 80% ethylicin had good antibacterial activities, with EC_(50) values all less than 50 mg·L~(-1). Tests in tissues in vitro showed that 5% allicin exhibited the best control effect, followed by 0.3% tetramycin and 10% zhongshengmycin oligosaccharide, and their preventive effects were better than curative effects. Therefore, 5% allicin can be used as the preferred agent for the control of P. ternata soft rot, and 0.3% tetramycin and 10% zhongshengmycin oligosaccharide as the alternatives. This study has provided a certain theoretical basis for the control of P. ternata soft rot.
Phylogeny
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Pinellia/chemistry*
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Plant Leaves
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Plant Tubers
8.Clinical guideline on first aid for blast injury of the chest (2022 edition)
Zhiming SONG ; Jianming CHEN ; Jing ZHONG ; Yunfeng YI ; Lianyang ZHANG ; Jianxin JIANG ; Mao ZHANG ; Yang LI ; Guodong LIU ; Dingyuan DU ; Jiaxin MIN ; Xu WU ; Shuogui XU ; Anqiang ZHANG ; Yaoli WANG ; Hao TANG ; Qingshan GUO ; Yigang YU ; Xiangjun BAI ; Gang HUANG ; Zhiguang YANG ; Yunping ZHAO ; Sheng LIU ; Lijie TAN ; Lei TONG ; Xiaoli YUAN ; Yanmei ZHAO ; Haojun FAN
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2022;38(1):11-22
Blast injury of the chest injury is the most common wound in modern war trauma and terrorist attacks, and is also the most fatal type of whole body explosion injury. Most patients with severe blast injury of the chest die in the early stage before hospitalization or during transportation, so first aid is critically important. At present, there exist widespread problems such as non-standard treatment and large difference in curative effect, while there lacks clinical treatment standards for blast injury of the chest. According to the principles of scientificity, practicality and advancement, the Trauma Society of Chinese Medical Association has formulated the guidance of classification, pre-hospital first aid, in-hospital treatment and major injury management strategies for blast injury of the chest, aiming to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
9.Preliminary clinical experience of the novel transcatheter aortic valve system Prizvalve® for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis.
Jia Fu WEI ; Hao Ran YANG ; Yong PENG ; Sen HE ; Yong CHEN ; Zhen Gang ZHAO ; Wei MENG ; Xuan ZHOU ; Yu Jia LIANG ; Wen Xia ZHOU ; Xin WEI ; Xi LI ; Fei CHEN ; Zhong Kai ZHU ; Yi ZHANG ; Jing Jing HE ; Mao CHEN ; Yuan FENG
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2022;50(2):137-141
Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the novel Prizvalve® system in treating severe aortic stenosis. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective, single-arm, observational study. A total of 11 patients with severe aortic stenosis with high risk or inappropriate for conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) were included, and TAVI was achieved with the Prizvalve® system between March 2021 and May 2021 in West China Hospital. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed immediately after prosthesis implantation to evaluate mean transaortic gradient and maximal transaortic velocity. The device success rate was calculated, which was defined as (1) the device being delivered via the access, deployed, implanted and withdrawn, (2) mean transaortic gradient<20 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) or a maximal transaortic velocity<3 m/s post TAVI, and without severe aortic regurgitation or paravalvular leak post TAVI. TTE was performed at 30 days after the surgery, and all-cause mortality as well as the major cardiovascular adverse events (including acute myocardial infarction, disabling hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke) up to 30 days post TAVI were analyzed. Results: The age of 11 included patients were (78.1±6.3) years, with 8 males. A total of 10 patients were with NYHA functional class Ⅲ or Ⅳ. Devices were delivered via the access, deployed, implanted and withdrawn successfully in all patients. Post-implant mean transaortic gradient was (7.55±4.08) mmHg and maximal transaortic velocity was (1.78±0.44) m/s, and both decreased significantly as compared to baseline levels (both P<0.05). No severe aortic regurgitation or paravalvular leak was observed post TAVI. Device success was achieved in all the 11 patients. No patient died or experienced major cardiovascular adverse events up to 30 days post TAVI. Mean transaortic gradient was (9.45±5.07) mmHg and maximal transaortic velocity was (2.05±0.42) m/s at 30 days post TAVI, which were similar as the values measured immediately post TAVI (both P>0.05). Conclusions: TAVI with the Prizvalve® system is a feasible and relatively safe procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis and at high risk or inappropriate for SAVR. Further clinical studies could be launched to obtain more clinical experience with Prizvalve® system.
Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Aortic Valve
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Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery*
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Heart Valve Prosthesis
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Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation
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Humans
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Male
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Prospective Studies
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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/methods*
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Treatment Outcome
10.A case of transcaval transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Zhen Gang ZHAO ; Zhong Kai ZHU ; Yong PENG ; Jia Fu WEI ; Sen HE ; Yong CHEN ; Xuan ZHOU ; Xin WEI ; Ming Xia ZHENG ; Guo CHEN ; Wei MENG ; Bin HUANG ; Yuan FENG ; Mao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2022;50(3):292-294

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