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.Isolation and application value of Yersinia enterocolitica phage strain in Yunnan Province
Shaogui ZI ; Chunpeng MAO ; Pan LIU ; Fengyi YANG ; Haipeng ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Youhong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):173-178
Objective:To isolate Yersinia enterocolitica phage and study its biological and genomic characteristics, and explore its application value. Methods:Phages were isolated from cecum of Apodemus chevrieri in the plague focus of wild rodent in Lijiang employing Yersinia enterocolitica (CMCC52301) as the host strain. After purification, proliferation and concentration, the morphology was observed by transmission electron microscope, and the host spectrum of the phage was determined by double-layer plate method. Phage DNA was extracted and sequenced, and the raw sequences data were assembled and visually analyzed, also performed genome functional annotation, phage classification status, phylogenetic tree, genome collinearity analysis, etc. Results:One strain of Yersinia enterocolitica phage was isolated and named vB_Yen_YN301-151, which had a head and a contractile tail. The phage only lysed Yersinia enterocolitica, and could not lyse other tested strains. And at a lysis temperature of 37 ℃, more transparent plaques were observed compared to at a lysis temperature of 21 ℃. The gene structure of this phage was double-stranded DNA, with a genome length of 51 176 bp and a GC content of 46.96%, and 95 genes were predicted to encode 15 structural morphological related proteins, 9 proteins involved in replication and metabolism, 3 DNA assembly functional proteins, 1 phage lysis related protein, and 67 hypothetical proteins. It was identified that the phage belong to the Drexlerviridae family of the Caudoviricetes class, clustered with vB_YenM_534, vB_Yen_X1, vB_YenM_281, and vB_YenM_531 in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited good collinearity with PY100, vB_YenM_ 25, and vB_Yen_X1. Conclusions:The successfully isolated vB_Yen_YN301-151 is a novel phage belonging to the Drexlerviridae family, and its gene encoded proteins are mostly hypothetical proteins. It only lyses Yersinia enterocolitica, with host specificity and has the potential to be used as diagnostic phage for screening Yersinia enterocolitica.
4.Isolation and application value of Yersinia enterocolitica phage strain in Yunnan Province
Shaogui ZI ; Chunpeng MAO ; Pan LIU ; Fengyi YANG ; Haipeng ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Youhong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):173-178
Objective:To isolate Yersinia enterocolitica phage and study its biological and genomic characteristics, and explore its application value. Methods:Phages were isolated from cecum of Apodemus chevrieri in the plague focus of wild rodent in Lijiang employing Yersinia enterocolitica (CMCC52301) as the host strain. After purification, proliferation and concentration, the morphology was observed by transmission electron microscope, and the host spectrum of the phage was determined by double-layer plate method. Phage DNA was extracted and sequenced, and the raw sequences data were assembled and visually analyzed, also performed genome functional annotation, phage classification status, phylogenetic tree, genome collinearity analysis, etc. Results:One strain of Yersinia enterocolitica phage was isolated and named vB_Yen_YN301-151, which had a head and a contractile tail. The phage only lysed Yersinia enterocolitica, and could not lyse other tested strains. And at a lysis temperature of 37 ℃, more transparent plaques were observed compared to at a lysis temperature of 21 ℃. The gene structure of this phage was double-stranded DNA, with a genome length of 51 176 bp and a GC content of 46.96%, and 95 genes were predicted to encode 15 structural morphological related proteins, 9 proteins involved in replication and metabolism, 3 DNA assembly functional proteins, 1 phage lysis related protein, and 67 hypothetical proteins. It was identified that the phage belong to the Drexlerviridae family of the Caudoviricetes class, clustered with vB_YenM_534, vB_Yen_X1, vB_YenM_281, and vB_YenM_531 in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited good collinearity with PY100, vB_YenM_ 25, and vB_Yen_X1. Conclusions:The successfully isolated vB_Yen_YN301-151 is a novel phage belonging to the Drexlerviridae family, and its gene encoded proteins are mostly hypothetical proteins. It only lyses Yersinia enterocolitica, with host specificity and has the potential to be used as diagnostic phage for screening Yersinia enterocolitica.
5.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.
6.Efficacy evaluation of extending or switching to tenofovir amibufenamide in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a phase Ⅲ randomized controlled study
Zhihong LIU ; Qinglong JIN ; Yuexin ZHANG ; Guozhong GONG ; Guicheng WU ; Lvfeng YAO ; Xiaofeng WEN ; Zhiliang GAO ; Yan HUANG ; Daokun YANG ; Enqiang CHEN ; Qing MAO ; Shide LIN ; Jia SHANG ; Huanyu GONG ; Lihua ZHONG ; Huafa YIN ; Fengmei WANG ; Peng HU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Qunjie GAO ; Chaonan JIN ; Chuan LI ; Junqi NIU ; Jinlin HOU
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2024;32(10):883-892
Objective:In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with previous 96-week treatment with tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), we investigated the efficacy of sequential TMF treatment from 96 to 144 weeks.Methods:Enrolled subjects who were previously assigned (2:1) to receive either 25 mg TMF or 300 mg TDF with matching placebo for 96 weeks received extended or switched TMF treatment for 48 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated based on virological, serological, biological parameters, and fibrosis staging. Statistical analysis was performed using the McNemar test, t-test, or Log-Rank test according to the data. Results:593 subjects from the initial TMF group and 287 subjects from the TDF group were included at week 144, with the proportions of HBV DNA<20 IU/ml at week 144 being 86.2% and 83.3%, respectively, and 78.1% and 73.8% in patients with baseline HBV DNA levels ≥8 log10 IU/ml. Resistance to tenofovir was not detected in both groups. For HBeAg loss and seroconversion rates, both groups showed a further increase from week 96 to 144 and the 3-year cumulative rates of HBeAg loss were about 35% in each group. However, HBsAg levels were less affected during 96 to 144 weeks. For patients switched from TDF to TMF, a substantial further increase in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization rate was observed (11.4%), along with improved FIB-4 scores.Conclusion:After 144 weeks of TMF treatment, CHB patients achieved high rates of virological, serological, and biochemical responses, as well as improved liver fibrosis outcomes. Also, switching to TMF resulted in significant benefits in ALT normalization rates (NCT03903796).
7.Safety profile of tenofovir amibufenamide therapy extension or switching in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a phase Ⅲ multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Zhihong LIU ; Qinglong JIN ; Yuexin ZHANG ; Guozhong GONG ; Guicheng WU ; Lvfeng YAO ; Xiaofeng WEN ; Zhiliang GAO ; Yan HUANG ; Daokun YANG ; Enqiang CHEN ; Qing MAO ; Shide LIN ; Jia SHANG ; Huanyu GONG ; Lihua ZHONG ; Huafa YIN ; Fengmei WANG ; Peng HU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Qunjie GAO ; Peng XIA ; Chuan LI ; Junqi NIU ; Jinlin HOU
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2024;32(10):893-903
Objective:In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with previous 96-week treatment with tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), we investigated the safety profile of sequential TMF treatment from 96 to 144 weeks.Methods:Enrolled subjects that previously assigned (2:1) to receive either 25 mg TMF or 300 mg TDF with matching placebo for 96 weeks received extending or switching TMF treatment for 48 weeks. Safety profiles of kidney, bone, metabolism, body weight, and others were evaluated.Results:666 subjects from the initial TMF group and 336 subjects from TDF group with at least one dose of assigned treatment were included at week 144. The overall safety profile was favorable in each group and generally similar between extended or switched TMF treatments from week 96 to 144. In subjects switching from TDF to TMF, the non-indexed estimated glomerular filtration rate (by non-indexed CKD-EPI formula) and creatinine clearance (by Cockcroft-Gault formula) were both increased, which were (2.31±8.33) ml/min and (4.24±13.94) ml/min, respectively. These changes were also higher than those in subjects with extending TMF treatment [(0.91±8.06) ml/min and (1.30±13.94) ml/min]. Meanwhile, switching to TMF also led to an increase of the bone mineral density (BMD) by 0.75% in hip and 1.41% in spine. On the other side, a slight change in TC/HDL ratio by 0.16 (IQR: 0.00, 0.43) and an increase in body mass index (BMI) by (0.54±0.98) kg/m 2 were oberved with patients switched to TMF, which were significantly higher than that in TMF group. Conclusion:CHB patients receiving 144 weeks of TMF treatment showed favorable safety profile. After switching to TMF, the bone and renal safety was significantly improved in TDF group, though experienceing change in metabolic parameters and weight gain (NCT03903796).
8.Research progress on drug resistance mechanism and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis
Shanshan ZHONG ; Yu PENG ; Rongrong MAO ; Fang WANG ; Sitong FAN ; Jiajia CHEN
China Pharmacist 2024;28(10):341-349
Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis,and the problem of its drug resistance has become increasingly prominent in recent years,attracting widespread attention globally.Currently,the situation of drug-resistant tuberculosis is grim,and effective strategies are urgently needed to deal with it.Understanding the drug resistance mechanism and treatment status of drug-resistant tuberculosis can provide an important basis for clinical prevention and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis.This paper reviews the progress of drug resistance mechanism and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis,in order to provide a reference for clinical intervention.
9.Genetic and Phenotypic Variation of Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168 Caused by flhA Mutation during Laboratory Passage.
Xiao Li CHEN ; Hao LIANG ; Peng Bo GUO ; Yi Xin GU ; Jia Qi WANG ; Hai Rui WANG ; Gui Lan ZHOU ; Zhu Jun SHAO ; Jian Zhong ZHANG ; Mao Jun ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2023;36(7):604-613
OBJECTIVE:
Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168 is commonly used as a standard strain for flagellar biosynthesis research. In this report, two distinguished phenotypic isolates (CJ1Z, flhA mutant strain, lawn; CJ2S, flhA complemented strain, normal colony) appeared during laboratory passages for NCTC11168.
METHODS:
Phenotypic assessments, including motility plates, transmission electron microscopy, biofilm formation assay, autoagglutination assay, and genome re-sequencing for these two isolates (CJ1Z, flhA mutant strain; CJ2S, flhA complemented strain) were carried out in this study.
RESULTS:
Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the flagellum was lost in CJ1Z. Phenotypic assessments and genome sequencing of the two isolates were performed in this study. The capacity for biofilm formation, colony auto-agglutination, and isolate motility was reduced in the mutant CJ1Z. Comparative genomic analysis indicated a unique native nucleotide insertion in flhA (nt, 2154) that caused the I719Y and I720Y mutations and early truncation in flhA.
CONCLUSION
FlhA has been found to influence the expression of flagella in C. jejuni. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the function of the C-terminal of this protein.
Campylobacter jejuni/genetics*
;
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism*
;
Mutation
;
Biological Variation, Population
10.Agreement of corneal high-order aberrations measured by three wavefront aberrometers in myopic adults
Hua-Xian ZOU ; Qi CHEN ; Li-Li LI ; Die-Feng WEI ; He-Juan MAO ; Yan-Yan HUANG ; Peng-Fei LU ; Hai-Bin ZHONG
International Eye Science 2023;23(10):1723-1731
AIM:To evaluate the agreement of corneal high-order aberrations from Topcon KR-1W, i.Profiler and OPD-Scan Ⅲ wavefront aberrometers in myopic adults.METHODS:A prospective clinical study. A total of 92 adult patients(92 eyes)with myopia in the department of optometry, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from June to August 2022 were enrolled. The third-order and fourth-order corneal aberrations at the pupil diameter of 4 and 6mm were measured by Topcon KR-1W, i.Profiler, and OPD-Scan Ⅲ, respectively. The difference and agreement of the three aberrometers were evaluated.RESULTS: The measurements at 6mm pupil diameter were all greater than those at 4mm pupil diameter. Although there were no statistical differences in the measurements of Z-44、Z-24 by the three aberrometers at 4 pupil diameter(P>0.05), there were statistical differences in other measurements(P<0.05). The aberration results measured by the three aberrometers were statistically different at the 6mm pupil diameter(P<0.05). The 95% limit of agreement(95%LoA)of the measurements of higher-order aberration, including the third-order aberrations at 4mm pupil diameter and the third-order and fourth-order aberrations at 6mm pupil diameter(except for the Z-24)were greater than 0.1μm. The concordance correlation coefficient(Pc)was lower than 0.90, indicating a poor consistency. The correlation coefficients of corneal higher-order aberrations were significantly different among the three aberrometers at 4 and 6mm pupil diameter(r4mm=0.215~0.805, P4mm<0.05; r6mm=0.561~0.916, P6mm<0.001).CONCLUSION:There were significant differences in the measurements of the third- and fourth-order corneal aberrations at 4 and 6mm pupil diameter among Topcon KR-1W, i.Profiler, and OPD-Scan Ⅲ, and the agreements were poor, so they are not interchangeably in clinical applications.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail