Wei Zou

Prof. Dr. Wei Zou


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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17 August 2021 in Journal of Molecular Neuroscience
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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MLMing-Yue Li
Ming-Yue Li
XDXiao-Hong Dai
Xiao-Hong Dai
XYXue-Ping Yu
Xue-Ping Yu
WZWei Zou
Wei Zou
WTWei Teng
Wei Teng
XWXin Wen
Xin Wen
Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) can be a catastrophic event; even if the initial stages of the pathology were well-managed, a number of patients experience varied residual neurological deficits following the insult. Ferroptosis is a recently identified type of cell demise which is tightly linked to the neurological impairment associated with ICH. In the current work, the prophylactic impact of scalp acupuncture (SA) therapy on autologous blood injection murine models of ICH was investigated in order to establish whether SA could mitigate the secondary damage arising following ICH by moderating ferroptosis. The pathophysiological mechanisms associated with this process were also explored. Ludmila Belayev tests were utilised for the characterisation of neurological damage. Haematoxylin–eosin staining was employed in order to determine the cerebral impact of the induced ICH. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and iron titres in peri-haemorrhagic cerebral tissues were appraised using purchased assay kits. Transmission electron microscopy delineated mitochondrial appearances within nerve cell bodies from the area of haemorrhage. Western blotting techniques were utilised to assay the degree of protein expression of NeuN, sequestosome 1 (p62), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). The frequencies of Nrf2, GPX4 and FTH1 positive cells, respectively, were documented with immunohistochemical staining. The results demonstrated that therapy with SA after ICH mitigated MDA and iron sequestration, diminished the appearance of contracted mitochondria with increased outer mitochondrial membrane diameter within the nerve cell bodies, and suppressed neuronal ferroptosis. The pathways responsible for these effects may encompass amplified p62, Nrf2, GPX4 and FTH1 expression, together with decreased Keap1 expression. Application of SA reduced identified neurobehavioural abnormalities after ICH; no disparities were observed between the consequences of SA therapy and deferoxamine delivery. It can be surmised that intervention with SA enhanced recovery after ICH by triggering the antioxidant pathway, p62/Keap1/Nrf2, and causing FTH1 and GPX4 upregulation, factors that participate in diminishing excess iron and thus in mitigating lipid peroxidation insults arising from ferroptosis following ICH.

24 July 2023 in Metabolic Brain Disease
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Journal Article
Closed access
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JLJiawei Liu
Jiawei Liu
SZShuang Zhang
Shuang Zhang
YJYunnan Jing
Yunnan Jing
WZWei Zou
Wei Zou

7 January 2025 in Brain Research Bulletin
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
FMFanhao Meng
Fanhao Meng
JWJing Wang
Jing Wang
LWLong Wang
Long Wang
WZWei Zou
Wei Zou
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder with chronic tendencies that seriously affect regular work, life, and study. However, its exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Patients with MDD experience systemic and localized impairments in glucose metabolism throughout the disease course, disrupting various processes such as glucose uptake, glycoprotein transport, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). These impairments may result from mechanisms including insulin resistance, hyperglycemia-induced damage, oxidative stress, astrocyte abnormalities, and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to insufficient energy supply, altered synaptic plasticity, neuronal cell death, and functional and structural damage to reward networks. These mechanical changes contribute to the pathogenesis of MDD and severely interfere with the prognosis. Herein, we summarized the impairment of glucose metabolism and its pathophysiological mechanisms in patients with MDD. In addition, we briefly discussed potential pharmacological interventions for glucose metabolism to alleviate MDD, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, metformin, topical insulin, liraglutide, and pioglitazone, to encourage the development of new therapeutics.

9 December 2024 in European Journal of Psychotraumatology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
DKDemin Kong
Demin Kong
WZWei Zou
Wei Zou
Background: Few studies have established a link between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and post-stroke depression (PSD). This study aims to further investigate the potential relationship between the AIP and PSD, and to provide references for the prevention and prognosis management of patients with PSD.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2018. Inclusion criteria required complete data on the AIP, stroke history, and depression status. Weighted logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to examine the association between the AIP and PSD. By subgroup and interaction analyses, the stability associated with AIP and PSD was assessed between different subgroups.Results: Among the 32,364 participants ultimately enrolled in the study, 482 were diagnosed with PSD. In the weighted multivariate logistic regression adjustment model 3, AIP, as a continuous variable, was positively associated with the risk of PSD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18, 2.91; P = 0.007]. After the quartile classification of AIP, the adjusted model 3 showed that the risk of PSD in group Q4 was significantly higher than that in group Q1 (OR = 1.61, 95%CI:1.10, 2.34; P = 0.006). In the RCS linearity test, AIP was positively associated with the risk of PSD (Pnon-linear = 0.357). The interaction test demonstrated that AIP only had an interaction with gender (Pinteraction = 0.031) and not with other variables (Pinteraction > 0.05).Conclusion: AIP was positively associated with the prevalence of PSD, suggesting that AIP may be a promising predictor of the risk of developing PSD. In addition, the interaction of AIP and gender differences combined to influence the incidence of PSD.

21 February 2024 in Frontiers in Neuroscience
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Journal Article
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XWXin Wen
Xin Wen
HDHao Dong
Hao Dong
WZWei Zou
Wei Zou
Intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke, characterized by acute hemorrhage in the brain, has a significant clinical prevalence and poses a substantial threat to individuals’ well-being and productivity. Recent research has elucidated the role of gut microorganisms and their metabolites in influencing brain function through the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). This article provides a comprehensive review of the current literature on the common metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), produced by gut microbiota. These metabolites have demonstrated the potential to traverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and directly impact brain tissue. Additionally, these compounds have the potential to modulate the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby facilitating the release of pertinent substances, impeding the buildup of inflammatory agents within the brain, and manifesting anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, this scholarly analysis delves into the existing dearth of investigations concerning the influence of gut microorganisms and their metabolites on cerebral functions, while also highlighting prospective avenues for future research.

1 January 2018 in Neural Regeneration Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
WZWei Zou
Wei Zou
XYXue-Ping Yu
Xue-Ping Yu
XLXiao-Ying Liu
Xiao-Ying Liu
XDXiao-Hong Dai
Xiao-Hong Dai
WTWei Teng
Wei Teng
SDShan-Shan Dong
Shan-Shan Dong
Inflammation plays an important role in nerve defects caused by intracerebral hemorrhage. Repairing brain damage by inhibiting the macrophage-inducible C-type lectin/spleen tyrosine kinase (Mincle/Syk) signaling pathway is a potential new target for treating cerebral hemorrhage. In this study, we aimed to determine whether acupuncture through Baihui (DU20) to Qubin (GB7) is an effective treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage through the Mincle/Syk signaling pathway. An intracerebral hemorrhage rat model was established by autologous blood infusion into the caudate nucleus. Acupuncture through Baihui to Qubin was performed for 30 minutes, once every 12 hours, for a total of three times. Piceatannol (34.62 mg/kg), a Syk inhibitor, was intraperitoneally injected as a control. Modified neurological severity score was used to assess neurological function. Brain water content was measured. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay were used to detect immunoreactivity and protein expression levels of Mincle, Syk, and CARD9. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine interleukin-1β mRNA levels. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe histopathological changes. Our results showed that acupuncture through Baihui to Qubin remarkably improved neurological function and brain water content, and inhibited immunoreactivity and expression of Mincle, Syk, CARD9, and interkeukin-1β. Moreover, this effect was similar to piceatannol. These findings suggest that acupuncture through Baihui to Qubin can improve neurological impairment after cerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting the Mincle/Syk signaling pathway.