Li Li JiLi Li Ji

Professor Department of Kinesiology
B.S. 1976, East China Normal University
M.S. 1982, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ph.D. 1985, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Principle Research Interests
Free radical biology with respect to exercise, aging, and pathogenesis; gene regulation and nutritional supplements of antioxidants.

Emphasis Group
Clinical and Human Nutrition

Research Summary:
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) play an important role in cellular energy metabolism, Signalinggrowth, differentiation, adaptation, pathogenesis and aging. Numerous diseases have been identified to be related to disruption of free radical-antioxidant homeostasis. In my laboratory, we are investigating the following problems:

1. Exercise      Strenuous exercise is associated with a tremendous increase in oxygen consumption and free radical production. Oxidative stress is involved in the functional performance, injury, immunce response, adaptation and pathogenesis of skeletal muscle, heart and other organs. We are primarily interested in (1) source of cellular RONS generation; (2) damage to macromolecule chemical structure and function; (3) regulation of cellular antioxidant systems in response to acute and chronic exercise; (4) role RONS in signal transduction; and (5) supplementation of phytochemical and pharmaceuticals antioxidant.  

2. Aging    Aging is caused by cumulative oxidative damage due to free radical reaction throughout the life span. Loss of pro-oxidant-antioxidant homeostasis constitutes an important etiology for age-associated functional deterioration, diseases, disorders, and death. We are particularly interested in (1) how aging influences RONS production and oxidative stress, especially in response to exercise, in animals and humans; (2) how aging alters response and adaptation of antioxidant systems to acute and chronic exercise; and (3) innovative ways to promote resistance to RONS-induced disorders and diseases in aged individuals.


Representative Publications:

Fu, Y. and L. L. Ji. Chronic Ginseng Consumption Attenuates Age-Associated Oxidative Stress in Rats. J. Nutr. 133: 3603-3609, 2003.

Ji, L. L., M-C. Gomez-Cabrera, N. Steinhafel, and J. Vina.  Acute Exercise Activates Nuclear Factor (NF) kB Signaling Pathway in Rat Skeletal Muscle. FASEB J. 18:1499-1506, 2004.

Gomez-Cabrera, M-C, C. Borras, G. Santangelo, F.V. Pallardó , J. Sastre, L. L. Ji  and J. Vina. Decreasing xanthine oxidase mediated oxidative stress prevents useful cellular adatptations to exercise in rats.  J. Physiol. (London) 567:113-120, 2005.

Lee, C-H., M. Wettasinghe, B. W. Bolling, L. L. Ji and K. Parkin. Betalains as markers for highly-enriched phase II enzyme-inducing components from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) extracts. Nutr. Cancer 53:91-103, 2005.

Ji, L. L. Antioxidant signaling in skeletal muscle: a brief review. Exp. Gerontol. 42: 582-593, 2007.

Ji, L. L. Exercise and hormesis: role of antioxidant signaling and adaptation. In Mild Stress and Healthy Aging. Ed. Calabrese JE,  Dorato MA and Maynard KI. 2007.