Publications by authors named "Weigao Zhang"

The increasing use of plastic food containers, particularly for pre-cooked meals and takeout services, has raised concerns regarding the potential health risks associated with plastic leachates. This study investigated the impact of leachates from heat-treated polypropylene (PP) plastic food containers on glucose and lipid metabolism using both in vitro and in vivo models. AML12 hepatocytes exposed to leachates from three different PP plastic containers exhibited significant disruptions in the homeostasis of lipid and glucose metabolism, evidenced by increased intracellular lipid content and altered gene expression related to lipogenesis, lipid uptake, lipolysis, and fatty acid β-oxidation.

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The increasing incidence of cancer underscore the necessity of investigating contributors such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA). Although BPA's risks are well-documented, comprehensive studies on its substitutes, such as bisphenol B (BPB), are limited. Dysregulated lipid metabolism is a hallmark of cancer progression.

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Environmental chemicals and pollutants are increasingly recognized for their potential transgenerational effects. Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a widely used plasticizer substituting di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), was identified as an inducer of lipogenesis in male mice by our previous research. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ATBC exposure on the metabolic homeostasis of female mice and simultaneously evaluate its intergenerational effects.

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Accumulating epidemiological evidence underscores the association between pervasive environmental factors and an increased risk of metabolic diseases. Environmental chemicals, recognized disruptors of endocrine and metabolic processes, may contribute to the global prevalence of metabolic disorders, including obesity. Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATHC), categorized as a citric acid ester plasticizer, serves as a substitute for di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in various everyday products.

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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by lung tissue oedema and inflammatory cell infiltration, with limited therapeutic interventions available. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a critical regulator of cell death and inflammation implicated in many diseases, is not fully understood in the context of ARDS. In this study, we employed RIP1 kinase-inactivated (Rip1) mice and two distinct RIPK1 inhibitors to investigate the contributions of RIP1 kinase activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS pathology.

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Environmental chemicals, such as plasticizers, have been linked to increased rates of obesity, according to epidemiological studies. Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) is a plasticizer that is commonly utilized in pharmaceutical products and food packaging as a non-phthalate alternative. Due to its direct contact with the human body and high leakage rate from the polymers, assessment of the potential risk of ATEC exposure at environmentally relevant low doses to human health is needed.

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The global incidence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising rapidly in recent years. Environmental factors including usage of plastics and exposure to chemicals have been proposed as important contributors to the obesity pandemic. Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) is a non-phthalate plasticizer widely used in food packaging, personal care products, medical devices and children's toys etc.

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Diisobutyl adipate (DIBA), as a novel non-phthalate plasticizer, is widely used in various products. However, little effort has been made to investigate whether DIBA might have adverse effects on human health. In this study, we integrated an in silico and in vitro strategy to assess the impact of DIBA on cellular homeostasis.

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Many studies have investigated the role of receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) kinase in acetaminophen (APAP) overdose-induced acute liver injury. However, the results were not consistent and there still remain controversies. Importantly, in these previous studies, the usage of DMSO to dissolve the RIP1 kinase inhibitor Nec-1, resulted in misleading conclusion.

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Tributyltin (TBT), a bioaccumulative and persistent environmental pollutant, has been proposed as a metabolism disruptor and obesogen through targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) receptor pathway. However, it remains unknown whether this biological effect occurs in macrophage, a cell type which cooperates closely with hepatocytes and adipocytes to regulate lipid metabolism. This study for the first time investigated the effect of TBT on PPARγ pathway in macrophages.

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Hepatocyte cell death and liver inflammation have been well recognized as central characteristics of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), however, the underlying molecular basis remains elusive. The kinase receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) is a multitasking molecule with distinct functions in regulating apoptosis, necroptosis, and inflammation. Dissecting the role of RIP1 distinct functions in different pathophysiology has absorbed huge research enthusiasm.

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