Kejian Li

Dr. Kejian Li


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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17 June 2024 in CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
YXYing Xiong
Ying Xiong
QYQingying Yu
Qingying Yu
HZHaimei Zhi
Haimei Zhi
HPHuiyuan Peng
Huiyuan Peng
MXMingjun Xie
Mingjun Xie
PSPeng Sun
Peng Sun
The glymphatic system is cerebrospinal fluid–brain tissue fluid exchange flow mediated by aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) on the end feet of astrocytes for a system, which is capable of rapidly removing brain metabolites and thus maintaining brain homeostasis, and is known as the central immune system. Dysfunction of the glymphatic system causes accumulation of misfolded and highly phosphorylated proteins (amyloid‐β and Tau proteins), which destabilizes the proteins, and the body's neuroinflammatory factors are altered causing aging of the immune system and leading to neurodegenerative diseases. Damage to the glymphatic system and aging share common manifestations, as well as unstudied biological mechanisms that are also linked, such as mitochondria, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and sleep. In this paper, we first summarize the structure, function, and research methods of the glymphatic system and the relationship between the glymphatic system and the peripheral immune system, and second, sort out and summarize the factors of the glymphatic system in removing metabolites and resolving aging‐related diseases and factors affecting aging, to explore its related biological mechanisms, and moreover, to provide a new way of thinking for treating or intervening aging‐related diseases.

1 September 2025 in Frontiers in Pharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CYChen Yan
Chen Yan
YMYu-Qi Mei
Yu-Qi Mei
LHLin Hou
Lin Hou
KLKejian Li
Kejian Li
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major cause of drug development failure and post-marketing restrictions. To date, over 1,000 drugs have been reported to cause liver damage, such as acetaminophen, isoniazid, methotrexate, triptolide and so on. However, there are currently no effective therapies for DILI. Plant-derived natural products including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, and glycosides have been used for the treatment of DILI due to their low toxicity and strong bioactivity. These anti-DILI compounds involve multiple mechanisms, such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, restoring mitochondrial function, and suppressing apoptosis. This review primarily summarizes the recent advances over the past 5 years in the therapeutic potential of natural products against a range of commonly used hepatotoxic drugs rather than focusing on a specific hepatotoxic agent. The insights will provide a cue for further research and promote the development of novel and effective drugs for treating DILI.

15 April 2026 in Frontiers in Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BYBianfang Yu
Bianfang Yu
WZWen-Wen Zhao
Wen-Wen Zhao
LTLonghao Tao
Longhao Tao
KLKejian Li
Kejian Li
Background: Chronic constipation and depression are highly prevalent worldwide. These two conditions frequently co-occur in clinical practice. Accumulating evidence indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis mediates this comorbidity through the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). Methods: This narrative review systematically summarizes current research on MGBA bidirectional communication mechanisms, gut microbiota alterations in comorbid patients, and microbiota-targeted intervention strategies. Results: The MGBA facilitates bidirectional communication through four major pathways: neural pathways via the vagus nerve, immune pathways via cytokines, endocrine pathways via the HPA axis, and metabolic pathways via short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitter precursors. Gut dysbiosis is associated with comorbidity and may contribute to its pathogenesis through multiple mechanisms. First, neurotransmitter metabolism becomes dysregulated, particularly in the serotonin and GABA systems. Second, chronic low-grade inflammation develops with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Third, intestinal barrier dysfunction occurs, leading to increased permeability and bacterial translocation. Fourth, HPA axis hyperactivity emerges. Fifth, production of microbial metabolites is altered, including short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan metabolites. Comorbid patients exhibit characteristic microbiota signatures. These include reduced abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Coprococcus. Microbial diversity decreases significantly. Pro-inflammatory taxa become enriched. Several evidence-based interventions show promise. These include psychobiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary modifications such as Mediterranean diet and high-fiber intake. Exercise and integrative approaches including traditional Chinese medicine also demonstrate beneficial effects. Conclusion: The gut microbiota represents a critical hub connecting gastrointestinal and mental health. Microbiota-targeted therapies offer promising strategies for managing chronic constipation-depression comorbidity. Future research should establish causal relationships and develop reliable microbial biomarkers. Precision medicine approaches based on individual microbiome profiles are needed to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

15 March 2024 in PLOS ONE
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CWChunli Wu
Chunli Wu
ZWZhe Wu
Zhe Wu
YCYanling Chen
Yanling Chen
HXHuirong Xu
Huirong Xu
KLKejian Li
Kejian Li
Background: Dietary phosphorus intake may serve as a potential predictor for peripheral neuropathy (PN). While past research has predominantly focused on the relationship between dietary phosphorus and bone health, relatively little is known about its role in the nervous system, particularly its association with PN. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from NHANES 1999–2004. Participants were categorized into different dietary phosphorus intake groups, and the relationship between dietary phosphorus and PN was explored using multifactorial logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis, and threshold effect analysis based on dietary intake. Results: The final study included 7726 participants, with 1378 diagnosed with PN and 6348 without. The study revealed a U-shaped non-linear relationship between dietary calcium and magnesium intake levels and PN, indicating that both excessive and insufficient dietary phosphorus intake may increase the risk of PN. Specifically, the incidence rates in the first quintile (1.433, 95% CI: 1.080–1.901), the fourth quintile (1.284, 95% CI: 1.000–1.648), and the fifth quintile (1.533, 95% CI: 1.155–2.035) significantly higher than the second quintile, with an overall trend showing a decrease followed by an increase in incidence rates. The results of RCS and threshold effect analysis indicate that when dietary phosphorus intake is below 939.44mg, the risk of PN decreases with increasing dietary phosphorus intake. On the contrary, when dietary phosphorus intake exceeds 939.44mg, the risk of PN increases with increasing dietary phosphorus intake. Conclusion: This study reveals a U-shaped correlation between dietary phosphorus intake and PN. Future research should further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this association, providing guidance for more scientifically informed dietary adjustments to prevent the occurrence of PN.

11 June 2024 in Animal Models and Experimental Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
HXHuirong Xu
Huirong Xu
MDMeiyue Dong
Meiyue Dong
RDRuikun Du
Ruikun Du
CZChengcheng Zhang
Chengcheng Zhang
ZCZinuo Chen
Zinuo Chen
KLKejian Li
Kejian Li
Background: YangshenDingzhi granules (YSDZ) are clinically effective in preventing and treating COVID‐19. The present study elucidates the underlying mechanism of YSDZ intervention in viral pneumonia by employing serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.Methods: The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood were examined using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole/orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐Exactive Orbitrap MS). Potential protein targets were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction database, and the target genes associated with viral pneumonia were identified using GeneCards, DisGeNET, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. The intersection of blood component‐related targets and disease‐related targets was determined using Venny 2.1. Protein–protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database. The Metascape database was employed to perform enrichment analyses of Gene Ontology (GO) functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways for the targets, while the Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was utilized to construct drug‐component‐disease‐target‐pathway networks. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to establish the therapeutic effectiveness of YSDZ against viral pneumonia.Results: Fifteen compounds and 124 targets linked to viral pneumonia were detected in serum. Among these, MAPK1, MAPK3, AKT1, EGFR, and TNF play significant roles. In vitro tests revealed that the medicated serum suppressed the replication of H1N1, RSV, and SARS‐CoV‐2 replicon. Further, in vivo testing analysis shows that YSDZ decreases the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with RSV and H1N1.Conclusion: The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood may elicit therapeutic effects against viral pneumonia by targeting multiple proteins and pathways.

8 September 2023 in Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MHMaoju Han
Maoju Han
XYXufeng Mm Yu
Xufeng Mm Yu
KLKejian Li
Kejian Li
Anger and aggression are common sources of distress and impairment. There is, however, no available data on anger and aggression based on bibliometric analysis. This study uses bibliometric analysis to analyze research hotspots and trends in anger and aggression. Publications on anger and aggression within the last ten years were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. Using descriptive bibliometrics, journals, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords in anger and aggression research were visually analyzed via CiteSpace. A total of 3114 articles were included, and studies on anger and aggression increased yearly. The publications are mainly from 106 countries led by the USA and 381 institutions led by Univ Penn. We identified 505 authors, where Emil F. Coccaro had the highest number of articles, while Buss A.H. was the most frequently co-cited author. AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR is the journal that bore most of the studies, while PLOS ONE was the most cited journal. Our analysis demonstrated that research on anger and aggression is flourishing. Behaviors of anger and aggression, risk factors, neural mechanisms, personality, and adolescence have been researched hotspots in the past ten years. Besides, victimization, drosophila melanogaster, psychopathic traits, and perpetration are emerging anger and aggression research trends.