Wenkang Gao

Dr. Wenkang Gao

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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15 October 2022 in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
YSYan-Yun Shu
Yan-Yun Shu
WGWenkang Gao
Wenkang Gao
HCHuikuan Chu
Huikuan Chu
LYLing Yang
Ling Yang
XPXiao-Li Pan
Xiao-Li Pan
JYJin Ye
Jin Ye
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic and progressive disease whose treatment strategies are limited. Although time‐restricted feeding (TRF) is beneficial for metabolic diseases without influencing caloric intake, the underlying mechanisms of TRF action in NASH and its efficacy have not yet been demonstrated. We herein showed that TRF effectively alleviated NASH, producing a reduction in liver enzymes and improvements in liver pathology. Regarding the mechanisms by which TRF mitigates NASH, we ascertained that TRF inhibited ferroptosis and the expression of the circadian gene Per2. By adopting a hepatocyte‐specific Per2‐knockout (Per2△hep) mice model, we clarified the critical role of Per2 in exacerbating NASH. According to the results of our RNA‐Seq analysis, the knockout of Per2 ameliorated NASH by inhibiting the onset of ferroptosis; this was manifested by diminished lipid peroxidation levels, decreased mRNA and protein levels for ferroptosis‐related genes, and alleviated morphologic changes in mitochondria. Furthermore, using a ferroptosis inhibitor, we showed that ferroptosis significantly aggravated NASH and noted that this was likely achieved by regulation of the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)α. Finally, we discerned that TRF and hepatocyte‐specific knockout of Per2 promoted the expression of PPARα. Our results revealed a potential for TRF to effectively alleviate high‐fat and high‐fructose diet‐induced NASH via the inhibition of Per2 and depicted the participation of Per2 in the progression of NASH by promoting ferroptosis, which was ultimately related to the expression of PPARα.

29 August 2022 in Toxins
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ALAo Liu
Ao Liu
WGWenkang Gao
Wenkang Gao
YZYixin Zhu
Yixin Zhu
XHXiaohua Hou
Xiaohua Hou
HCHuikuan Chu
Huikuan Chu
As a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) significantly affects personal health and imposes a substantial economic burden on society, but the current understanding of its occurrence and treatment is still inadequate. Emerging evidence suggests that IBS is associated with gut microbial dysbiosis, but most studies focus on the bacteria and neglect other communities of the microbiota, including fungi, viruses, archaea, and other parasitic microorganisms. This review summarizes the latest findings that link the nonbacterial microbiota with IBS. IBS patients show less fungal and viral diversity but some alterations in mycobiome, virome, and archaeome, such as an increased abundance of Candida albicans. Moreover, fungi and methanogens can aid in diagnosis. Fungi are related to distinct IBS symptoms and induce immune responses, intestinal barrier disruption, and visceral hypersensitivity via specific receptors, cells, and metabolites. Novel therapeutic methods for IBS include fungicides, inhibitors targeting fungal pathogenic pathways, probiotic fungi, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Additionally, viruses, methanogens, and parasitic microorganisms are also involved in the pathophysiology and treatment. Therefore, the gut nonbacterial microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of IBS, which provides a novel perspective on the noninvasive diagnosis and precise treatment of this disease.

31 December 2024 in Biomedicines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
WLWei Li
Wei Li
WGWenkang Gao
Wenkang Gao
SYShengqi Yan
Shengqi Yan
LYLing Yang
Ling Yang
JZJing Qing Zhu
Jing Qing Zhu
HCHuikuan Chu
Huikuan Chu
The global incidence and mortality rates of alcohol-related liver disease are on the rise, reflecting a growing health concern worldwide. Alcohol-related liver disease develops due to a complex interplay of multiple reasons, including oxidative stress generated during the metabolism of ethanol, immune response activated by immunogenic substances, and subsequent inflammatory processes. Recent research highlights the gut microbiota’s significant role in the progression of alcohol-related liver disease. In patients with alcohol-related liver disease, the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria, including Enterococcus faecalis, increases and is positively correlated with the level of severity exhibited by alcohol-related liver disease. Supplement probiotics like Lactobacillus, as well as Bifidobacterium, have been found to alleviate alcohol-related liver disease. The gut microbiota is speculated to trigger specific signaling pathways, influence metabolite profiles, and modulate immune responses in the gut and liver. This research aimed to investigate the role of gut microorganisms in the onset and advancement of alcohol-related liver disease, as well as to uncover the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may contribute to its development. This review outlines current treatments for reversing gut dysbiosis, including probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and targeted phage therapy. Particularly, targeted therapy will be a vital aspect of future alcohol-related liver disease treatment. It is to be hoped that this article will prove beneficial for the treatment of alcohol-related liver disease.

10 December 2024 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
WLWei Li
Wei Li
WGWenkang Gao
Wenkang Gao
SYShengqi Yan
Shengqi Yan
LYLing Yang
Ling Yang
JZJing Qing Zhu
Jing Qing Zhu
HCHuikuan Chu
Huikuan Chu
The incidence and mortality of alcohol-related liver disease are increasing worldwide. The pathogenesis of alcohol-related liver disease includes the combined effects of multiple factors such as oxidative stress caused by ethanol metabolism, immune response and inflammation. Recent studies reported that gut microbiota also play important roles in the development of alcohol-related liver disease. The relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria increased in alcohol-related liver disease patients and Enterococcus faecalis was positive related with the severity of alcohol-related liver disease. Some probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can alleviate alcohol-related liver disease. We further explored the impact of gut microbiota on the occurrence and development of alcohol-related liver disease, discussed the potential mechanism of gut microbiome promoting the development of alcohol-related liver disease, and provided an effective early intervention method for alcohol-related liver disease.