Fang Chen, Ph.D.

Research Projects

• Mechanism Study of Ginsenoside Rh2 Exerting Immunomodulatory Effects by Reversing TAM Phenotype via Negative Regulation of Fatty Acid Oxidation

• Molecular Mechanism Study of Ginsenoside Rh2/Rh2-O Inducing Repolarization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Based on PPAR-γ Regulated Fatty Acid Oxidation

• R&D of Foods for Special Medical Purposes Products — 1 — Chen Fang

• Preparation and Application for New Food Additive Varieties: Aminoacylase and High-Purity L-Se-Methylselenocysteine Reference Standards — 3 — Chen Fang

• Study on the Anti-angiogenic Effect of Rh2-O in Liver Cancer Based on the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α Signaling Pathway

• Study on the Molecular Mechanism of Rh2-O Inducing Immunogenic Cell Death in Cancer Cells Based on the CRT Translocation Signaling Pathway

• Study on the Immunomodulatory Effect and Mechanism of Ginsenoside Rh2 Octanoate Derivative on H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice Based on the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Research Achievements

• Tan Chaoli, Zhang Xu, Xie Yuqing, Sheng Jingjing, Pan Yao, Yu Yanfang, Chen Fang. Potential Anti-aging Mechanism of Phenolic Compounds from Spray-Dried Mulberry Leaves Based on UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS and Network Pharmacology. Science and Technology of Food Industry. https://link.cnki.net/urlid/11.1759.TS.20250507.1000.002(in Chinese)

• Jiawei Yang, Xu Zhang, Na Wu, Qirui Hu, Jingjing Sheng, Xinyi Zhong, Yao Pan, Yanfang Yu, Ting Luo, Bing Zhang, Zeyuan Deng, Fang Chen*. Research on the anti-aging activity of different mulberry leaf Products: Based on mulberry leaf powder and mulberry leaf extract. Food Bioscience, 2025, 69:106785.

• Qi-Rui Hu, Xin-Yi Zhong, Hua Feng, Xu-Chu Li, Zhi-Hong Zhang, Yao Pan, Ting Luo, Ze-Yuan Deng, Fang Chen*. The molecular mechanism of ginsenoside Rh2 and its octyl ester derivative on anti-angiogenesis in cancer treatment: The battle between PI3K and ROS. Journal of Ginseng Research. 2025, 49(2): 208-222.

• Song Fuxiang, Pu Ting, Gong Zhiqing, Ling Siting, Zhang Zhihong, Pan Yao, Li Jing, Chen Fang, Deng Zeyuan. Development of a Low-GI Milk-Based Meal Replacement Powder and Its Glycemic Control Effect. Food and Fermentation Industries, 2025, 51(10): 198-205. (in Chinese)

• Song Fuxiang, Dai Zhenzhen, Sheng Jingjing, Chen Jiali, Zhang Hui, Feng Hua, Pan Yao, Deng Zeyuan, Chen Fang. Mechanism of Ginsenoside Octanoate Inducng Immunogenic Cell Death Through Autophagy in Hepatoma Cells. Chinese Journal of Immunology, 2025, 41(6):1427-1432. (in Chinese)

• Xuchu Li, Jinping Li, Qirui Hu, Xu Zhang, Fang Chen. Association of physical weight statuses defined by body mass index (BMI) with molecular subtypes of premenopausal breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat, 2024, 203(3):429-447.

• Dai Zhenzhen, Huang Qingxin, Hu Qirui, Wu Hancheng, Pan Yao, Deng Zeyuan, Chen Fang. Mechanism of Ginsenoside Octanoate Inducing Immunogenic Cell Death in Hepatoma Cells via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress. Chinese Journal of Immunology, 2024, 40(4): 767-771, 779. (in Chinese)

• Qi-rui Hu, Huan Hong, Zhi-hong Zhang, Hua Feng, Ting Luo, Jing Li, Ze-yuan Deng, Fang Chen*. Methods on improvements of the poor oral bioavailability of ginsenosides: Pre-processing, structural modification, drug combination, and micro- or nano- delivery system. J Ginseng Res, 2023, 47(6): 694-705.

• Qi-Rui Hu, Qing-Xin Huang, Huan Hong, Yao Pan, Ting Luo, Jing Li, Ze-Yuan Deng, Fang Chen*. Ginsenoside Rh2 and its octyl ester derivative inhibited invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via the c-Jun/COX2/PGE2 pathway. Phytomedicine, 2023, 121: 155131.

• Yingchao Huang, Teng Wei, Fang Chen, Chaoli Tan, Zhiqing Gong, Fengxin Wang, Zeyuan Deng, Li Jing. Effects of various thermal treatments on interfacial composition and physical properties of bovine milk fat globules. Food Res Int, 2023, 167:112580.

• Mengmeng Fan, Teng Wei, Xiang Lu, Mengge Liu, Yingchao Huang, Fang Chen, Ting Luo, Yawei Fan, Rong Liu, Zeyuan Deng, Li Jing. Comprehensive quality evaluation and interaction mechanism of processed cheese analogues prepared from starch, protein, and oil from plant sources. J Sci Food Agric, 2023, 103(13).

• Huang Qingxin, Liu Ting, Hu Qirui, Zhang Xu, Pan Yao, Yu Yanfang, Feng Jian'gao, Li Xiaoping, Deng Zeyuan, Chen Fang. Exploring the Potential Biological Activities of Mulberry Leaf Phenolics Based on In Vitro Simulated Digestion, Fermentation, and Network Pharmacology. Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs, 2023, 54(10): 3205-3215. (in Chinese)

• Qi-rui Hu, Yao Pan, Han-cheng Wu, Zhen-zhen Dai, Qing-xin Huang, Ting Luo, Jing Li, Ze-yuan Deng, Fang Chen*. The ways for ginsenoside Rh2 to fight against cancer: the molecular evidences in vitro and in vivo. J Ginseng Res, 2023, 47(2): 173-182.

• Qi-rui Hu, Peng-wei Lai, Fang Chen, Yan-fang Yu, Bing Zhang, Hongyan Li, Rong Liu, Yawei Fan, Ze-yuan Deng. Whole mulberry leaves as a promising functional food: From the alteration of phenolic compounds during spray drying and in vitro digestion. J Food Sci, 2022, 87(3): 1230-1243.

• Xiaoping Li, Yexuan Yao, Cheng-Wei Yu, Teng Wei, Qinghua Xi, Li Jing, Fang Chen, Ze-Yuan Deng, Ting Luo. Modulation of PPARα‐Thermogenesis‐Gut Microbiota Interactions in Obese Mice Administrated with Zingerone. J Sci Food Agric, 2022, 103(6).

• Xiaoping Li, Yexuan Yao, Yu Wang, Lun Hua, Min Wu, Fang Chen, Ze-Yuan Deng, Ting Luo. Effect of Hesperidin Supplementation on Liver Metabolomics and Gut Microbiota in a High-Fat Diet-Induced NAFLD Mice Model. J Agric Food Chem, 2022, 70(36).

• Hua Feng, Nan Luo, Fang Chen, Xinyu Li, Yu Wen, Chengwei Liu, Yan Chen, Yongning Wu. Self-Reported Food Allergy Prevalence Among Elementary School Children - Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China, 2021. China CDC Weekly, 2022, 4(34):761-765.

• Li, X., Wei, T., Wu, M., Chen, F., Zhang, P., & Deng, Z. Y., et al. Potential metabolic activities of raspberry ketone. J Food Biochem, 2022, 46(1): e14018.

• Xiaoping Li, Teng Wei, Jingfang Li, Yuan Yuan, Min Wu, Fang Chen, Ze‐Yuan Deng, Ting Luo. Tyrosol Ameliorates the Symptoms of Obesity, Promotes Adipose Thermogenesis, and Modulates the Composition of Gut Microbiota in HFD Fed Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res, 2022, 66(15).

• Teng Wei, Yingchao Huang, Chen Weng, Fang Chen, Chaoli Tan, Wenqun Liu, Zeyuan Deng, Li Jing. Lipid rafts may affect the coalescence of milk fat globules through phase transition after thermal treatment. Food Chem, 2022, 399:133867.

• Han-cheng Wu, Qi-rui Hu, Ting Luo, Wen-cheng Wei, Hui-juan Wu, Jing Li, Liu-feng Zheng, Qun-ying Xu, Ze-yuan Deng, Fang Chen. The immunomodulatory effects of ginsenoside derivative Rh2-O on splenic lymphocytes in H22 tumor-bearing mice is partially mediated by TLR4. Int Immunopharmacol, 2021, 101(ptB):108316.

• Peng Bin, Luo Ting, Chen Fang, Wang Mei, Fu Jin-Heng, Zheng Liu-Feng, Li Jing, Deng Ze-Yuan. Stability comparison of four lipases and catalytic mechanism during the synthesis of 1,3-di-oleic-2-medium chain triacylglycerols in a trace water-in-oil system: Experimental analyses and computational simulations. J Food Biochem, 2021, 45(1).

• Bin Peng, Ting Luo, Fang Chen, Mei Wang, Liu-Feng Zheng, Li Jing, Ze-Yuan Deng. Medium- and long-chain triglycerides attenuate lipid accumulation and regulate the expression of proteins related to lipid metabolism in oleic acid-induced lipid deposition in human hepatic LO2 cells. J Funct Foods, 2021, 78:104354.

• Qirui Hu, Xia Li, Fang Chen, Renkou Wan, Cheng-wei Yu, Jing Li, David Julian McClements, and Zeyuan Deng. Microencapsulation of an Essential Oil (Cinnamon Oil) by Spray Drying: Effects of Wall Materials and Storage Conditions on Microcapsule Properties. J Food Process Preserv, 2020, 44(11).

• Shilian Zheng, Zeyuan Deng, Fang Chen, Liufeng Zheng, Yao Pan, Qian Xing, Rong Tsao, Hongyan Li. Synergistic antioxidant effects of petunidin and lycopene in H9c2 cells submitted to hydrogen peroxide: Role of Akt/Nrf2 pathway. J Food Sci, 2020, 85(6): 1752-1763.

• Sheng-Ben Hu, Qian Zou, Xin Lv, Ruo-Lin Zhou, Xian Niu, Chen Weng, Fang Chen, Ya-Wei Fan, Ze-Yuan Deng, Jing Li*. 9t18:1 and 11t18:1 activate the MAPK pathway to regulate the expression of PLA2 and cause inflammation in HUVECs. Food Funct, 2020, 11.

• Bin Peng, Fang Chen, Xianbiao Liu, Jiang-Ning Hu, Liu-Feng Zheng, Jing Li, Ze-Yuan Deng*. Trace water activity could improve the formation of 1,3-oleic-2-medium T chain-rich triacylglycerols by promoting acyl migration in the lipase RM IM catalyzed interesterification. Food Chem, 2020, 313:126130.

• Fang Chen, Zipei Zhang, Zeyuan Deng, Ruojie Zhang, Guangqin Fan, Da Ma, David Julian McClements*. Controlled-release of antacids from biopolymer microgels under simulated gastric conditions: Impact of bead dimensions, pore size, and alginate/pectin ratio. Food Res Int, 2018, 106: 745-751.

• Fang Chen, Zeyuan Deng, Zipei Zhang, Ruojie Zhang, Qunying Xu, Guangqin Fan, David Julian McClements. Controlling lipid digestion profiles using mixtures of different types of microgel: alginate beads and carrageenan beads. J Food Eng, 2018, 238: 156-163.

• Fang Chen, Yong Sun, Yan Qin, Shi-Lian Zheng, David Julian McClements, Jiang-Ning Hu, Ze-Yuan Deng. Antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of ginsenoside Rh2 and its octyl ester derivative in H22 tumor-bearing mice. J Funct Foods, 2017, 32:382-390.

• Fang Chen, Li Liang, Zipei Zhang, Zeyuan Deng, Eric Andrew Decker, David Julian McClements. Inhibition of lipid oxidation in nanoemulsions and filled microgels fortified with omega-3 fatty acids using casein as a natural antioxidant. Food Hydrocoll, 2017, 63: 240-248.

• Fang Chen, Guang-Qin Fan, Zipei Zhang, Ruojie Zhang, Ze-Yuan Deng, David Julian McClements. Encapsulation of omega-3 fatty acids in nanoemulsions and microgels: Impact of delivery system type and protein addition on gastrointestinal fate. Food Res Int, 2017, 100: 387-395.

• Zipei Zhang#, Fang Chen#, Ruojie Zhang, Zeyuan Deng, and David Julian McClements*. Encapsulation of pancreatic lipase in hydrogel beads with self-regulating internal pH microenvironments: Retention of lipase activity after exposure to gastric conditions. J Agric Food Chem, 2016, 64(51): 9616-9623.

• Fang Chen, Bing Zhang, Yong Sun, Zeng-Xing Xiong, Han Peng, Ze-Yuan Deng, Jiang-Ning Hu*. The octyl ester of ginsenoside Rh2 induces lysosomal membrane permeabilization via Bax translocation. Nutrients, 2016, 8(5): 244-258.

• Fang Chen, Shi-Lian Zheng, Jiang-Ning Hu, Yong Sun, Yue-Ming He, Han Peng, Bing Zhang, David Julian McClements, and Ze-Yuan Deng. Octyl Ester of Ginsenoside Rh2 Induces Apoptosis and G1 Cell Cycle Arrest in Human HepG2 Cells by Activating the Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway and Modulating the Akt/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway. J Agric Food Chem, 2016, 64(40): 7520-7529.

• Fang Chen, Ze-Yuan Deng, Bing Zhang, Zeng-Xing Xiong, Shi-Lian Zheng, Chao-Li Tan, Jiang-Ning Hu*. Esterification of ginsenoside Rh2 enhanced its cellular uptake and antitumor activity in human HepG2 cells. J Agric Food Chem, 2016, 64: 253-261.\

• Fang Chen, Ze-Yuan Deng, Zeng-Xing Xiong, Bing Zhang, Jian-Yuan Yang, Jiang-Ning Hu*. A ROS-mediated lysosomal-mitochondrial pathway is induced by ginsenoside Rh2 in hepatoma HepG2 cells. Food Funct, 2015, 6: 3828-3837.

• Fang Chen, Yong Tao, Cheng Jin, Yang Xu, Bai-Xue Lin*. Enhanced production of polysialic acid by metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2015, 99: 2603-2611.

• Li Jing, Hu Shengben, He Yueming, Zhuo Chenfei, Zhou Ruolin, Chen Fang, Li Hongyan, Deng Zeyuan. 9c11tCLA modulates 11t18:1 and 9t18:1 induced inflammations differently in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Sci Rep, 2018, 8(1).

• Luo Ting, Lei Lin, Chen Fang, Zheng Shilian, Deng Zeyuan. Iron homeostasis in the human body and nutritional iron deficiency and solutions in China. J Food Biochem, 2018.

• Sun Yong, Hui Qianru, Chen Ran, Li Hongyan, Peng Han, Chen Fang, Deng Zeyuan. Apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells induced by the phenolics of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum leaves and their antitumor effects in H22 tumor-bearing mice. J Funct Foods, 2018, 40: 349-364.

• Yong Sun, Rong Tsao, Fang Chen, Hongyan Li, Jiawen Wang, Han Peng, Ke Zhang, Zeyuan Deng. The phytochemical composition, metabolites, bioavailability and in vivo antioxidant activity of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum leaves in rats. J Funct Foods, 2017, 30: 179-193.

• Sun Yong, Tsao Rong, Chen Fang, Li Hongyan, Peng Han, Jiang Li, Chen Yuanhuan, Deng Zeyuan. The phenolic profiles of Radix Tetrastigma after solid phase extraction (SPE) and their antitumor effects and antioxidant activities in H22 tumor-bearing mice. Food Funct, 2017, 8(11): 4014-4027.

• Li Liang, Fang Chen, Xingguo Wang, Qingzhe Jin, Eric Andrew Decker, and David Julian McClements. Physical and Oxidative Stability of Flaxseed Oil-in-Water Emulsions Fabricated from Sunflower Lecithins: Impact of Blending Lecithins with Different Phospholipid Profiles. J Agric Food Chem, 2017, 65: 4755-4765.

• Bingjing Zheng, Zipei Zhang, Fang Chen, Xiang Luo, David Julian McClements. Impact of delivery system type on curcumin stability: Comparison of curcumin degradation in aqueous solutions, emulsions, and hydrogel beads. Food Hydrocoll, 2017, 71: 187-197.

• Hu, Jiang-Ning, Zou, Xian Guo, He, Yi, Chen, Fang, Deng, Ze Yuan. Esterification of Quercetin Increases Its Transport Across Human Caco-2 Cells. J Food Sci, 2016, 81(7): 1825-1832.