Zhi Cao

Dr. Zhi Cao

Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
orcid
Interdisciplinary investigations, collaboration is Win-Win.

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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18 March 2025 in Advanced Healthcare Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Zhi CaoZhi Cao
Zhi Cao
JLJingmin Li
Jingmin Li
WHWeibin Hu
Weibin Hu
JXJian Xu
Jian Xu
FZFengyun Zhao
Fengyun Zhao
LWlisheng wang
lisheng wang

27 September 2024 in Advanced Healthcare Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Zhi CaoZhi Cao
Zhi Cao
ZHZhuang Hu
Zhuang Hu
YWYishu Wang
Yishu Wang
FZFengyun Zhao
Fengyun Zhao
JLJingmin Li
Jingmin Li
XMXiaodong Ma
Xiaodong Ma

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
YWYishu Wang
Yishu Wang
Zhi CaoZhi Cao
Zhi Cao
CZChao Zhang
Chao Zhang
YYYong Ying
Yong Ying
GZGaofei Zhu
Gaofei Zhu
XMXiaodong Ma
Xiaodong Ma
Parkinson’s disease (PD), a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, is primarily characterized by motor impairments and concurrent gastrointestinal disturbances. Increasing evidence has highlighted the critical role of the microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA) in the pathogenesis of PD. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of sodium hyaluronate (SH) in a mouse model of PD and its underlying mechanisms via the MGBA. In the oral pre-treatment study, three doses (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg/day) were evaluated. The results showed that the high dose (SH-H, 30 mg/kg/day) significantly ameliorated motor disorders and gastrointestinal functional disorders. Therefore, SH-H was selected for subsequent mechanistic investigations. Mechanistically, SH-H restored gut microbiota homeostasis, increased fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and improved the integrity of the intestinal and blood–brain barrier (BBB). Thus, SH reduced the transfer of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the intestine to serum and the substantia nigra (SN), suppressing activation of the LPS-TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. These effects alleviated neuroinflammation, protected dopaminergic neurons, and reduced the aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn). In summary, SH attenuated PD-related pathological changes by restoring gut microbiota homeostasis and modulating the MGBA, suggesting that SH may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for PD.