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.Chufeng Yisuntang Ameliorates PM2.5-induced Dry Eye via ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Yuan ZHONG ; Pan ZHAO ; Shi TAN ; Yu TANG ; Dongdong LI ; Lihao CHEN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):191-200
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced dry eye and investigate whether Chufeng Yisuntang can ameliorate the PM2.5-induced ocular surface damage by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. Ten were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 50 mice received topical instillation of 1 drop (0.1 mL) of 5 g·L-1 PM2.5 suspension in both eyes, four times daily. Successfully modeled mice were randomized into four groups (n=10): Model, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Chufeng Yisuntang, and combination (Chufeng Yisuntang at 7.3 g·kg-1 + p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 at 5 mg·kg-1). Chufeng Yisuntang was administered via gavage, and the inhibitor group via intraperitoneal injection. The control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. All treatments lasted for 4 weeks. General conditions were dynamically observed. Tear secretion, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining were assessed. After intervention for 4 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the histopathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure serum levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, and SOD2. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and gene levels, respectively, of p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) in the corneal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited reduced tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with increased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group demonstrated increased tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with decreased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). HE staining revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited marked increases in corneal epithelial cell layers and epithelial thickness, along with reduced meibomian gland acini and intensely stained, densely packed nuclei around the acini. Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group showed intact corneal structure, improved cell morphology, and reduced damage severity. ELISA revealed elevated ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01) and decreased SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination lowered ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01), while raising SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and reduced protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and increased protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Real-time PCR revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionChufeng Yisuntang may partially protect against PM2.5-induced corneal injury by inhibiting the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, enhancing antioxidant defense, and reducing epithelial apoptosis.
3.Design and implementation of online continuing education platform for transfusion medicine
Haiying LI ; Xin LI ; Lixue CHEN ; Jinlian LUO ; Xiaodan PENG ; Jintong ZHONG ; Le BAI ; Nannan ZHANG ; Zebo YU ; Xue HU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(3):419-425
To provide in-service medical technicians and nurses with convenient access to continuing education resources in transfusion medicine, reduce transfusion-related adverse events, and ensure the safety, rationalization, and effectiveness of clinical transfusion, we designed and developed an online transfusion continuing education platform. The platform was based on the new managed code programming model.NET Core and the powerful functions of hypertext preprocessor PHP 7.4, addressing current issues in transfusion online continuing education. Through in-depth analysis of student attributes, learning behaviors, and teaching behaviors, a comprehensive online continuous teaching quality evaluation index system was established. This system not only facilitates the quantitative assessment of teaching quality but also successfully integrates the two core functions of teaching and management, thereby achieving unified online teaching.
4.The diagnostic value of follow-up CT in pulmonary nodules progressing to invasive adenocarcinoma
Jia PENG ; Wenqiang ZHONG ; Kunwei LI ; Binghui CHEN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(10):1652-1657
Objective To investigate the natural progression of pulmonary ground-glass nodule(GGN)to invasive adenocarcinoma(IAC)and the diagnostic value of follow-up CT.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 45 GGN in 45 patients who were followed up for more than 2 years,surgically resected and pathologically confirmed.They were divided into IAC group(n=25)and non-IAC group(n=20),and the clinical and imaging characteristics between the two groups were compared.Results Significant differences were observed in initial volume(P=0.025),initial mass(P=0.005),margin(P=0.027),and time to GGN progression(P=0.005)between the IAC group and the non-IAC group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that initial mass and time to GGN progression were independent predictors for the diagnosis of IAC.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis results revealed that when using a maximum Youden's index of 0.456,the optimal cutoff for time to GGN progression was 30 months,with a sensitivity of 75.0%and a specificity of 70.6%,and an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.761[95%confidence interval(CI)0.606-0.916](P=0.005).When the maximum Youden's index reached 0.615,the sensitivity,specificity and AUC of the logistic regression model in the diagnosis of IAC were 79.2%,82.4%,and 0.860(95%CI 0.743-0.977)(P=0.001),respectively.The calibration curves demonstrated an excellent consistency between predicted and observed probabilities.Conclusion The optimal observation window for GGN is 30 months,during which IAC generally progresses.Close monitoring is recommended after the initiation of lesion growth.
5.Characteristics of T lymphocyte subsets and its relationship with tumor-related death in patients with non-small cell lung cancer after radiofrequency ablation
Zhong CAI ; Ting LI ; Ling PENG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(1):93-99
Objective:To investigate the characteristics of T lymphocyte subsets and its relationship with tumor-related death in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)after radiofrequency ablation(RFA).Methods:A total of 105 patients with NSCLC who were treated with RFA in the First People's Hospital of Shuangliu District and West China Hospital of Sichuan University from August 2017 to August 2020 were selected.According to the tumor-related death within 3 years of postoperative follow-up,patients were divided into survival group(n=45)and death group(n=60).Changes of T lymphocyte subsets CD3+T,CD4+T,CD8+T and CD4+T/CD8+T in patients before and after RFA treatment were analyzed.Clinical data and T lymphocyte subsets before and 1 day,7 days and 14 days after RFA treatment were compared between the two groups.Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting tumor-related death and the predictive value of T lymphocyte subsets at 7 days after operation.Con-struct the prediction model and evaluate its stability.Results:Levels of CD3+T,CD4+T and CD4+T/CD8+T on the 7th and 14th day after operation were significantly lower than those before RFA treatment,while CD8+T was increased significantly(P<0.05).CD3+T,CD4+T and CD4+T/CD8+T of two groups at the 7th and 14th after operation were significantly lower than those before RFA treatment,while CD8+T was significantly higher(P<0.05).CD3+T,CD4+T and CD4+T/CD8+T in death group on the 7th and 14th day after opera-tion were significantly lower than those in survival group,while CD8+T was significantly higher than that in survival group(P<0.05).Tumor diameter≥3 cm,TNM stage Ⅲ~Ⅳ,and the increase of CD8+T on the 7th day after operation were the risk factors of tumor-related death,while postoperative adjuvant therapy,and the increase of CD3+T,CD4+T and CD4+T/CD8+T on the 7th day after operation were protective factors(P<0.05).After adjusting the covariates,CD3+T,CD4+T,CD8+T and CD4+T/CD8+T on the 7th day after operation were still independent predictors of tumor-related death(P<0.05).The stability of the prediction model was good.Conclusion:Charac-teristics of T lymphocyte subsets on the 7th day after RFA treatment were related to tumor-related death in patients with NSCLC.
6.Study on synergistic promotion of ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by erastin combined with shikonin
Jian-jun WANG ; Yan-hua WANG ; Yu-ting TANG ; Jing-yi ZHANG ; Fang MA ; Xi HE ; Hui-xia YANG ; Qi-peng ZHAO ; Zhi-gang BAI ; Yin-ju HAO ; Gui-zhong LI ; Yi-deng JIANG ; Jiang-yong SHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):268-276
Aim To explore the mechanism of the syn-ergistic effect of the ferroptosis inducer erastin com-bined with shikonin in promoting ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts(HSFBs).Methods Hypertrophic scar tissues provided by the General Hos-pital of Ningxia Medical University were collected,and HSFBs were extracted.HSFBs were identified by HE staining and immunofluorescence.The inhibitory rates of Era and SHK on HSFBs at different concentrations were detected by CCK-8 assay,and the IC50 value was calculated.CompuSyn software was used to calculate the co-use index(CI).Control group,Erastin(Era)group,shikonin(SHK)group and Era+SHK group were set up,and the number and morphological chan-ges of cells were observed after 24 hours of interven-tion.The ability of cell migration and invasion was de-tected by scratch test and Transwell test.The changes of malondialdehyde(MDA),total iron ion and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by corresponding biochemical kits.The expressions of collagen I,α-SMA and GOT1,SLC7A11,GPX4 and FTH1 were detected by Western blot.Results The IC50 value of Era and SHK of primary HSFBs was 2.22 μmol·L-1 and 3.94μmol·L-1 respectively,which was used as the single drug concentration for subsequent experiments.The CompuSyn software was employed to calculate the CI value when the two drugs were used in combination,and the concentrations corresponding to CI=0.39597(Era:1.2 μmol·L-1+SHK:1.5 μmol·L-1)were selected as subsequent combination concentrations(Because when CI was equal to 0.395 97,the concen-tration of each drug was lower than the concentration of single drug,and the inhibition rate of combined drug was greater than 50%).Compared with the monother-apy group,the number of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group was significantly reduced,cell membrane showed breakage and vesiculation,cell wrinkling became smal-ler,and cytoplasm was concentrated.The migration and invasion ability of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group were obviously weakened(P<0.05),and the expres-sion of fibrosis-related proteins collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA was reduced(P<0.05);the contents of MDA,total i-ron ions,and ROS in HSFBs of the SHK+Era group increased(P<0.05),and the protein expression lev-els of SLC7A11,GOT1,GPX4,and FTH1 further de-creased(P<0.05).Conclusions Erastin in combi-nation with shikonin can synergistically inhibit the pro-liferation,migration and fibrosis levels of HSFBs.The mechanism may be that erastin enhances the inhibition of shikotin on GOT1,increases the levels of cellular i-ron ions,ROS,and lipid peroxides,thereby promoting ferroptosis in HSFBs.
7.Targeting AMPK related signaling pathways:A feasible approach for natural herbal medicines to intervene non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Yongqing CAIA ; Lu FANG ; Fei CHEN ; Peiling ZHONG ; Xiangru ZHENG ; Haiyan XING ; Rongrong FAN ; Lie YUAN ; Wei PENG ; Xiaoli LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):30-63
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposition of lipid in hepatocytes.If not intervened in time,NAFLD may develop into liver fibrosis or liver cancer,and ultimately threatening life.NAFLD has complicated etiology and pathogenesis,and there are no effective therapeutic means and specific drugs.Currently,insulin sensitizers,lipid-lowering agents and hep-atoprotective agents are often used for clinical intervention,but these drugs have obvious side effects,and their effectiveness and safety need to be further confirmed.Adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)plays a central role in maintaining energy homeostasis.Activated AMPK can enhance lipid degradation,alleviate insulin resistance(IR),suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response,and regulate autophagy,thereby alleviating NAFLD.Natural herbal medicines have received extensive attention recently because of their regulatory effects on AMPK and low side effects.In this article,we reviewed the biologically active natural herbal medicines(such as natural herbal medicine formulas,extracts,polysaccharides,and monomers)that reported in recent years to treat NAFLD via regulating AMPK,which can serve as a foundation for subsequent development of candidate drugs for NAFLD.
8.Nebulization Characteristics Study of Human Interferon α1b for Injection Based on ELISA
Miao LI ; Jinqiu HUANG ; Peng SHEN ; Zhenyu ZHONG ; Xiaogang JIANG ; Jialu HOU ; Ning HE ; Guang FENG ; Jiangtao BAI
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1821-1829
Objective To investigate the nebulization characteristics of human interferon α1b for injection.To characterize and compare the delivery rate,total drug substance and the aerodynamic characteristics between the two types of nebulizer.Methods Connect two types of nebulizers with a breathing simulator,respectively,and simulate the breathing patterns of an infant and child.Measure the delivery rate,total delivered dose,and delivery uniformity.The aerodynamic properties of human interferon α1b for injection were evaluated by the next generation impactor(NGI).The content of human interferon α1b was quantified by double antibody sandwich ELISA.Results In the three batches of samples in infant mode,the delivery rate and total delivered dose determind by A nebulizer were 0.45,0.49,0.44 μg·min-1,3.06,3.21,3.81 μg,respectcively;and 0.12,0.14,0.16 μg·min-1,0.73,0.73,0.75 μg,respectcively by B nebulizer.In child mode,the delivery rate and total delivered doses determined by A nebulizer were 1.36,1.49,1.20 μg·min-1,7.44,7.17,and 6.54 μg,respectcively;and 0.37,0.36,0.43 μg·min-1,1.66,1.59,and 1.41 μg,respectcively by B nebulizer.In child and infant mode,the ten results of the total drug substance delivered determined by nebulizer A were both between 65%to 135%of the average.The FPD,FPF,MMAD,and GSD determined by A neublizer of three batch samples were 2.48,2.92,2.35 μg,59.0%,57.4%,59.1%,4.18,4.34,4.15 μm,1.94,1.98,2.01,respectively.The FPD,FPF,MMAD and GSD determined by B neublizer of three batches samples were 2.70,3.38,3.06 μg,67.6%,66.4%,66.3%,3.55,3.65,3.68 μm,2.03,2.04,2.06,respectively.Conclusions The data obtained in this research characterized the in vitro nebulization characteristics of human interferon α1b for injection and provided a theoretical basis and reference for in vitro study and clinical practice.The influence of different types of nebulizers on nebulization characteristics was evaluated as well.It is suggested that the quality standard of nebulizers be strictly formulated and the use of nebulizers be standardized.
9.The diagnostic value of follow-up CT in pulmonary nodules progressing to invasive adenocarcinoma
Jia PENG ; Wenqiang ZHONG ; Kunwei LI ; Binghui CHEN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(10):1652-1657
Objective To investigate the natural progression of pulmonary ground-glass nodule(GGN)to invasive adenocarcinoma(IAC)and the diagnostic value of follow-up CT.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 45 GGN in 45 patients who were followed up for more than 2 years,surgically resected and pathologically confirmed.They were divided into IAC group(n=25)and non-IAC group(n=20),and the clinical and imaging characteristics between the two groups were compared.Results Significant differences were observed in initial volume(P=0.025),initial mass(P=0.005),margin(P=0.027),and time to GGN progression(P=0.005)between the IAC group and the non-IAC group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that initial mass and time to GGN progression were independent predictors for the diagnosis of IAC.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis results revealed that when using a maximum Youden's index of 0.456,the optimal cutoff for time to GGN progression was 30 months,with a sensitivity of 75.0%and a specificity of 70.6%,and an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.761[95%confidence interval(CI)0.606-0.916](P=0.005).When the maximum Youden's index reached 0.615,the sensitivity,specificity and AUC of the logistic regression model in the diagnosis of IAC were 79.2%,82.4%,and 0.860(95%CI 0.743-0.977)(P=0.001),respectively.The calibration curves demonstrated an excellent consistency between predicted and observed probabilities.Conclusion The optimal observation window for GGN is 30 months,during which IAC generally progresses.Close monitoring is recommended after the initiation of lesion growth.
10.Clinical Practice and Quality Control Strategies for Complex Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery
Jingwen LI ; Zhong WU ; Bing PENG
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(4):997-1002
With continuous advancements in the concepts of minimally invasive surgery,pancreatic surgery is gradually undergoing a transformative shift toward minimally invasive approaches.Compared with traditional open surgeries,minimally invasive procedures offer advantages such as reduced trauma,faster recovery,and fewer complications.However,due to the complex anatomical structure of the pancreas and the technical difficulties of surgical procedures,the widespread adoption of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery still faces numerous technical challenges.Currently,laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD)is primarily performed in large,specialized centers with experienced teams and well-established systems.Given the high technical complexity and associated risks,reducing intraoperative risks and minimizing postoperative complications remain key focuses and major challenges in current research.This review is focused on intraoperative risk control and postoperative complication management in complex minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.We conducted a comprehensive review of recent advances in China and abroad,covering the latest progress in preoperative assessment,intraoperative procedures,complication prevention,quality management,and technological innovation.Furthermore,we discussed potential development directions in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery,including technical refinement,discipline development,procedural standardization,and multi-center collaboration.Our goal is to promote a continued progress toward more standardized,personalized,and intelligent surgical practices—ultimately benefiting a broader population of patients with pancreatic diseases.

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