Dr. Liwei Mao
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Academic Career Length
7Years (2020-Present)
(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)
Representative Publications
View All Publications1 January 2021 in Drug Delivery
Journal Article
Liwei MaoWWWei Wu
Wei Wu
MWMiao Wang
Miao Wang
JGJianmin Guo
Jianmin Guo
HLHui Li
Hui Li
JZJun Zou
Jun Zou +2
The management of osteoarthritis (OA) is a clinical challenge due to the particular avascular, dense, and occluded tissue structure. Despite numerous clinical reports and animal studies, the pathogenesis and progression of OA are still not fully understood. On the basis of traditional drugs, a large number of new drugs have been continuously developed. Intra-articular (IA) administration for OA hastens the development of targeted drug delivery systems (DDS). OA drugs modification and the synthesis of bioadaptive carriers contribute to a qualitative leap in the efficacy of IA treatment. Nanoparticles (NPs) are demonstrated credible improvement of drug penetration and retention in OA. Targeted nanomaterial delivery systems show the prominent biocompatibility and drug loading-release ability. This article reviews different drugs and nanomaterial delivery systems for IA treatment of OA, in an attempt to resolve the inconsonance between in vitro and in vivo release, and explore more interactions between drugs and nanocarriers, so as to open up new horizons for the treatment of OA.
10 April 2023 in Cell Death Discovery
Journal Article
Integrins have been the research focus of cell-extracellular matrix adhesion (ECM) and cytokine receptor signal transduction. They are involved in the regulation of bone metabolism of bone precursor cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), osteoblasts (OBs), osteoclasts (OCs), and osteocytes. Recent studies expanded and updated the role of integrin in bone metabolism, and a large number of novel cytokines were found to activate bone metabolism pathways through interaction with integrin receptors. Integrins act as transducers that mediate the regulation of bone-related cells by mechanical stress, fluid shear stress (FSS), microgravity, hypergravity, extracellular pressure, and a variety of physical factors. Integrins mediate bone metastasis of breast, prostate, and lung cancer by promoting cancer cell adhesion, migration, and survival. Integrin-mediated targeted therapy showed promising prospects in bone metabolic diseases. This review emphasizes the latest research results of integrins in bone metabolism and bone metastasis and provides a vision for treatment strategies.
5 December 2022 in Frontiers in Physiology
Journal Article
Lipid metabolism disorder is a common pathological manifestation of menopausal women, and is also an important risk factor for many diseases at this stage of life. Epidemiological studies have shown that high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in menopausal women are closely associated with changes in body composition, central obesity, and cognitive decline. Exogenous FSH causes growth and proliferation of adipose, whereas blockage of the FSH signaling pathway leads to decline in adipose. Mechanistically, FSH, FSH receptor (FSHR), G protein coupling, gene mutation and other pathways are involved in adipogenesis and cognitive impairment. Here, we review the critical role and potential interactions of FSH in adipogenesis and cognitive impairment in menopausal women. Further understanding of the exact mechanisms of FSH aggravating obesity and cognitive impairment may provide a new perspective for promoting healthy aging in menopausal women.
1 January 2025 in Theranostics
Journal Article
Lian WangLiwei MaoZHZhihai Huang
Zhihai Huang
JSJeffrey A. Switzer
Jeffrey A. Switzer
DHDavid C. Hess
David C. Hess
QZQuanguang Zhang
Quanguang ZhangDepression is a prevalent public health issue, characterized by persistent low mood, impaired concentration, and diminished motivation. Photobiomodulation (PBM), which involves the application of red or near-infrared light, modulates physiological processes by enhancing cerebral blood flow, reducing inflammation, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting neurogenesis. PBM can be administered transcranially or through systemic approaches, offering a potentially effective intervention for depression. This review discusses the characteristics of PBM, its underlying neurobiological mechanisms, and relevant physical parameters. Recent progress in both animal and clinical research underscores PBM's therapeutic potential for depression and emphasizes the need for further studies to establish a robust theoretical basis for standardized treatment protocols.
22 December 2022 in Frontiers in Endocrinology
Journal Article
YDYuxiang Du
Yuxiang Du
Liwei MaoZWZhikun Wang
Zhikun Wang
KYKai Yan
Kai Yan
LZLingli Zhang
Lingli Zhang
JZJun Zou
Jun ZouOsteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional noncollagenous matrix phosphoprotein that is expressed both intracellularly and extracellularly in various tissues. As a growth regulatory protein and proinflammatory immunochemokine, OPN is involved in the pathological processes of many diseases. Recent studies have found that OPN is widely involved in the aging processes of multiple organs and tissues, such as T-cell senescence, atherosclerosis, skeletal muscle regeneration, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative changes, hematopoietic stem cell reconstruction, and retinal aging. However, the regulatory roles and mechanisms of OPN in the aging process of different tissues are not uniform, and OPN even has diverse roles in different developmental stages of the same tissue, generating uncertainty for the future study and utilization of OPN. In this review, we will summarize the regulatory role and molecular mechanism of OPN in different tissues and cells, such as the musculoskeletal system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, liver, and eye, during senescence. We believe that a better understanding of the mechanism of OPN in the aging process will help us develop targeted and comprehensive therapeutic strategies to fight the spread of age-related diseases.
5 September 2025 in Ageing Research Reviews
Journal Article
Liwei MaoLian WangZHZhihai Huang
Zhihai Huang
JSJeffrey A. Switzer
Jeffrey A. Switzer
DHDavid C. Hess
David C. Hess
QZQuanguang Zhang
Quanguang ZhangPerioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) are common complications following surgery, especially in elderly patients, and are characterized by memory loss, attention deficits, and impaired executive function. The pathogenesis of PNDs involves a complex interplay of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, epigenetic modifications, and gut-brain axis disruption. This review summarizes the latest findings on the mechanisms underlying PNDs, with a focus on microglial activation, interleukin imbalance, and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. We further discuss how anesthesia and surgery impair synaptic plasticity by disrupting neurotransmitter systems, particularly GABAA and NMDA receptors. Additionally, we highlight the roles of epigenetic regulation and gut microbiota dysbiosis in sustaining neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. Finally, we explore potential therapeutic strategies, including bioactive compounds and neuroprotective agents, offering new directions for the prevention and treatment of PNDs.
About Me
Dr. Liwei Mao is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Neurology at Augusta University (Medical College of Georgia), USA. He received his Ph.D. in Sports Rehabilitation from Shanghai University of Sport. He has further advanced his research training through interdisciplinary work integrating neuroscience, metabolism, and behavioral science. Dr. Mao’s research focuses on the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, and psychiatric disorders, with particular emphasis on exercise-induced metabolic and neuroimmune adaptations. His work investigates how exercise- and metabolism-related signaling pathways regulate neuroplasticity, cognitive function, and susceptibility to stress. His research employs multidisciplinary approaches, including mouse behavioral paradigms, metabolic interventions, circadian rhythm models, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, immunofluorescence imaging, flow cytometry, and viral/genetic manipulation techniques. Through these strategies, he aims to elucidate brain–body interactions and identify novel therapeutic targets for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Mao has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in this field and currently serves as a reviewer for several international academic journals. His ongoing work continues to advance the understanding of metabolic and neuroimmune regulation in brain health and disease.