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Zhiguo Liu

Bio: Zhiguo Liu is an academic researcher from Wuhan Polytechnic University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Biology & PER2. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 10 publications receiving 1211 citations.

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review extensively discusses the multifunctional bio-applications of AgNPs; for example, as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral,Anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer agents, and the mechanism of the anti- cancer activity of Ag NPs.
Abstract: Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology radically changed the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent various diseases in all aspects of human life. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most vital and fascinating nanomaterials among several metallic nanoparticles that are involved in biomedical applications. AgNPs play an important role in nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly in nanomedicine. Although several noble metals have been used for various purposes, AgNPs have been focused on potential applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we discuss the synthesis of AgNPs using physical, chemical, and biological methods. We also discuss the properties of AgNPs and methods for their characterization. More importantly, we extensively discuss the multifunctional bio-applications of AgNPs; for example, as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer agents, and the mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of AgNPs. In addition, we discuss therapeutic approaches and challenges for cancer therapy using AgNPs. Finally, we conclude by discussing the future perspective of AgNPs.

1,720 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that ZnO NPs have the potential to induce apoptosis in testicular cells likely through DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species, with possible adverse consequences for spermatogenesis and therefore, male fertility.
Abstract: Background Nanoscience and nanotechnology are developing rapidly, and the applications of nanoparticles (NPs) have been found in several fields. At present, NPs are widely used in traditional consumer and industrial products, however, the properties and safety of NPs are still unclear and there are concerns about their potential environmental and health effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential toxicity of ZnO NPs on testicular cells using both in vitro and in vivo systems in a mouse experimental model. Methods ZnO NPs with a crystalline size of 70 nm were characterized with various analytical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The cytotoxicity of the ZnO NPs was examined in vitro on Leydig cell and Sertoli cell lines, and in vivo on the testes of CD1 mice injected with single doses of ZnO NPs. Results ZnO NPs were internalized by Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, and this resulted in cytotoxicity in a time- and dose-dependent manner through the induction of apoptosis. Apoptosis likely occurred as a consequence of DNA damage (detected as γ-H2AX and RAD51 foci) caused by increase in reactive oxygen species associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, injection of ZnO NPs in male mice caused structural alterations in the seminiferous epithelium and sperm abnormalities. Conclusion These results demonstrate that ZnO NPs have the potential to induce apoptosis in testicular cells likely through DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species, with possible adverse consequences for spermatogenesis and therefore, male fertility. This suggests that evaluating the potential impacts of engineered NPs is essential prior to their mass production, to address both the environmental and human health concerns and also to develop sustainable and safer nanomaterials.

85 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: PLP administration improved insulin resistance via modifying hepatic phospholipids metabolism and rescuing insulin signaling transduction, and stimulated the proliferation of gut bacteria in genus Porphyromonas with capability of VB12 synthesis.

51 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The supplement of fish oil rich in ω-3PUFAs only slightly reduced the HFD-induced obesity but remarkably ameliorated H FD-induced dyslipidemia, sexual hormones disorder, testicle lesions and germ cell apoptosis.
Abstract: The present study aims to investigate the protective effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3PUFAs) against high-fat diet induced male mouse reproductive dysfunction and to explore circadian regulation mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed a normal chow diet (control group, CON), a high-fat diet (HFD group) or a HFD supplemented with fish oil (FO group) for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of feeding, the body weight and the ratio of perinephric and epididymal fat weight to body weight were significantly higher in the HFD group compared with the CON group. The supplement of fish oil rich in ω-3PUFAs only slightly reduced the HFD-induced obesity but remarkably ameliorated HFD-induced dyslipidemia, sexual hormones disorder, testicle lesions and germ cell apoptosis. Fish oil supplementation restored the expression of steroid synthesis associated genes in HFD fed mouse and flattened the HFD-induced oscillations in circadian genes' expression. Fish oil supplementation prevented HFD-induced male mouse reproductive dysfunction and modified the rhythmic expression of testosterone synthesis related genes.

26 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The data show that FO and AO alleviate circadian gut microbiota dysregulation in mice caused by HFD, and support the further investigation of ω-3 PUFAs as a dietary intervention strategy for the prevention of hyperlipidemia.
Abstract: Scope Published data support that fish oil and algae oil rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) protect against hyperlipidemia in mice. This study is aimed to explore the effects of fish oil and algae oil on high-fat diet (HFD) induced circadian intestinal microbes dysregulation. Methods and results Male C57BL/6 mice are randomly divided into four groups, which are fed a normal chow diet (CON), a HFD, a HFD supplemented with fish oil (FO), and a HFD supplemented with algae oil (AO), respectively, for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, mice are sacrificed at 12 h intervals with the first one at zeitgeber time 0 (ZT0) and the second at zeitgeber time 12 (ZT12). FO and AO groups ameliorate diet-induced hyperlipidemia. The relative abundance of certain genera is improved in FO and AO groups according to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producing bacteria Butyricimonas and some of the genera in the Lachnospiraceae recover to the normal circadian rhythm in both FO and AO groups. Conclusion The data show that FO and AO alleviate circadian gut microbiota dysregulation in mice caused by HFD, and support the further investigation of ω-3 PUFAs as a dietary intervention strategy for the prevention of hyperlipidemia.

23 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review aimed to present major routes of synthesis of AgNPs, including physical, chemical, and biological synthesis processes, along with discrete physiochemical characteristics of AgNs, and discuss the underlying intricate molecular mechanisms behind their plasmonic properties on mono/bimetallic structures, potential cellular/microbial cytotoxicity, and optoelectronic property.
Abstract: Over the past few decades, metal nanoparticles less than 100 nm in diameter have made a substantial impact across diverse biomedical applications, such as diagnostic and medical devices, for personalized healthcare practice. In particular, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have great potential in a broad range of applications as antimicrobial agents, biomedical device coatings, drug-delivery carriers, imaging probes, and diagnostic and optoelectronic platforms, since they have discrete physical and optical properties and biochemical functionality tailored by diverse size- and shape-controlled AgNPs. In this review, we aimed to present major routes of synthesis of AgNPs, including physical, chemical, and biological synthesis processes, along with discrete physiochemical characteristics of AgNPs. We also discuss the underlying intricate molecular mechanisms behind their plasmonic properties on mono/bimetallic structures, potential cellular/microbial cytotoxicity, and optoelectronic property. Lastly, we conclude this review with a summary of current applications of AgNPs in nanoscience and nanomedicine and discuss their future perspectives in these areas.

775 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review focused on the latest data regarding the biomedical use of AgNP-based nanostructures, including aspects related to their potential toxicity, unique physiochemical properties, and biofunctional behaviors, discussing herein the intrinsic anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities of silver-based Nanostructure.
Abstract: During the past few years, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) became one of the most investigated and explored nanotechnology-derived nanostructures, given the fact that nanosilver-based materials proved to have interesting, challenging, and promising characteristics suitable for various biomedical applications. Among modern biomedical potential of AgNPs, tremendous interest is oriented toward the therapeutically enhanced personalized healthcare practice. AgNPs proved to have genuine features and impressive potential for the development of novel antimicrobial agents, drug-delivery formulations, detection and diagnosis platforms, biomaterial and medical device coatings, tissue restoration and regeneration materials, complex healthcare condition strategies, and performance-enhanced therapeutic alternatives. Given the impressive biomedical-related potential applications of AgNPs, impressive efforts were undertaken on understanding the intricate mechanisms of their biological interactions and possible toxic effects. Within this review, we focused on the latest data regarding the biomedical use of AgNP-based nanostructures, including aspects related to their potential toxicity, unique physiochemical properties, and biofunctional behaviors, discussing herein the intrinsic anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities of silver-based nanostructures.

773 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review aimed to elucidate different properties of Ag-NPs that are responsible for the induction of cellular toxicity along with the critical mechanism of action and subsequent defense mechanisms observed in vitro.

704 citations

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight recent advances in understanding of the core molecular clock and how it utilizes diverse transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms to impart temporal control onto mammalian physiology.
Abstract: Circadian clocks coordinate physiology and behavior with the 24h solar day to provide temporal homeostasis with the external environment. The molecular clocks that drive these intrinsic rhythmic changes are based on interlocked transcription/translation feedback loops that integrate with diverse environmental and metabolic stimuli to generate internal 24h timing. In this review we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the core molecular clock and how it utilizes diverse transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms to impart temporal control onto mammalian physiology. Understanding the way in which biological rhythms are generated throughout the body may provide avenues for temporally directed therapeutics to improve health and prevent disease.

702 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Their added-value in the development of alternative, more effective antibiotics against multi-resistant Gram-negative bacteria has been highlighted and their production methods, physicochemical characterization, and pharmacokinetics are reviewed.
Abstract: Metal-based nanoparticles have been extensively investigated for a set of biomedical applications. According to the World Health Organization, in addition to their reduced size and selectivity for bacteria, metal-based nanoparticles have also proved to be effective against pathogens listed as a priority. Metal-based nanoparticles are known to have non-specific bacterial toxicity mechanisms (they do not bind to a specific receptor in the bacterial cell) which not only makes the development of resistance by bacteria difficult, but also broadens the spectrum of antibacterial activity. As a result, a large majority of metal-based nanoparticles efficacy studies performed so far have shown promising results in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this review has been a comprehensive discussion of the state of the art on the use of the most relevant types of metal nanoparticles employed as antimicrobial agents. A special emphasis to silver nanoparticles is given, while others (e.g., gold, zinc oxide, copper, and copper oxide nanoparticles) commonly used in antibiotherapy are also reviewed. The novelty of this review relies on the comparative discussion of the different types of metal nanoparticles, their production methods, physicochemical characterization, and pharmacokinetics together with the toxicological risk encountered with the use of different types of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents. Their added-value in the development of alternative, more effective antibiotics against multi-resistant Gram-negative bacteria has been highlighted.

629 citations