Liang Cao

Liang Cao


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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5 August 2026 in Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CLchunxiao liu
chunxiao liu
RHRuyi Hu
Ruyi Hu
YMYuqing Meng
Yuqing Meng
XNXiaoyan Niu
Xiaoyan Niu
LCLiang Cao
Liang Cao
YZYuanqing Zhang
Yuanqing Zhang
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a prevalent mycotoxin contaminating food and environmental matrices that can induce hepatic injury, thereby posing a substantial threat to livestock production. Portulaca oleracea L. polysaccharide (POP) possesses diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the protective effects of POP against AFB1-induced hepatic injury have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, a rabbit model of AFB1-induced hepatic injury was established to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanisms of POP. Histopathological examination and liver function assessments demonstrated that POP markedly ameliorated hepatic histopathological alterations and decreased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Molecular analyses further demonstrated that POP attenuated AFB1-induced oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis, effects that were associated with activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and suppression of the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, microbiome profiling and targeted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolomics analyses indicated that POP supplementation contributed to the preservation of intestinal barrier integrity and intestinal microbiota stability, concurrent with the attenuation of AFB1-induced intestinal and hepatic injury and elevated SCFA production by intestinal microbes. Overall, POP exerts prominent preventive protective effects against AFB1-induced liver injury, which may be closely associated with alterations in intestinal microbiota composition and microbial short-chain fatty acid metabolism, as well as the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying AFB1-induced hepatic injury.