top of page

Publications 

​

​PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Yau+SY&cauthor_id=34164760

​

For full publications, please refer to PubMed

2025

  1. Lee JCD, Lau BWM, Yau SY, Leung JWH, Wong HKH, Dalinda Isabel Sanchez Vidana DIS, Lee TMC, Wu WT, So KF. Rotarod training reverses corticosterone-induced motor deficits via oligodendrocyte lineage cell modulation. Neural Regeneration Research 21(1):96-106. (IF 6.1, Q1)

  2. Li ZYT, Chang JR, Wang C, Jin MX, Cheng IHY, Yau SY, Cheung WM, Tsang TWH. The effects of non-pharmacological interventions on vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) in individuals with depression: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews (In press) (IF: 8.989,Q1)

  3. Harnawandi M, Zhou X, Mudway I, Hansen U, Yau SY, Abel RL (2025) Traffic-Derived Metal Bioaccumulation in Bone Tissue as a Driver of Osteoporosis. Medical Hypotheses (In press) 

  4. Guo HH, Ou HN, Yu JS, Yau SY# and Tsang HWH# (2025) Pharmacological Blocking of Adiponectin Receptors Induces Alzheimer’s Disease-like Neuropathology and Impairs Hippocampal Function. Biomedicines 2025, 13(5), 1056. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051056 (IF 3.9)

  5. Agadagba SK, Liang Y, Dalton KN, Thompson B, Yau SY# (2025) Voluntary running partially prevents photoreceptor cell death in retinitis pigmentosa. Frontiers in Neuroscience Vol 19 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2025.1563607

  6. Guo HH*, Ou HN*, Yu JS, Macedo JR, Formolo D, Cheng T, Yau SY#, Tsang HWH# (2026) Adiponectin as the potential mediator of pro-cognitive effects of physical exercise on Alzheimer’s disease. Neural Regeneration Research 21(1):96-106. (IF 6.1, Q1)

2024

  1. Ezechukwu HC, Ney LJ,Jarvis MA, Shrestha N, Holland OJ, Cuffe JSM ,  Perkins AV ,  Yau SY,  McAinch AJ, Hryciw H. Sex-Specific Changes to Brain Fatty Acids, Plasmalogen, and Plasma Endocannabinoids in Offspring Exposed to Maternal and Postnatal High-Linoleic-Acid Diets. Int J Mol Sci 2024 Jul 19;25(14):7911. doi: 10.3390/ijms25147911.

  2. We ZJ, Yin Y, Liu RY, Li XH, Wang ZY, Wu CY, Tan JW, Fu ZZ, Song CH, Wong NL, Peng XY, Lai SX, Cui JH, Han MZ, Peng YH, Sun Y, Wu L, Aszic M, Zeng Li, Zhang HL, Yau SY#, Chen Gang# (2024) Chronic treatment of mixture of two iridoids proportional to prescriptional dose of Yueju improves hippocampal PACAP-related neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity signaling in the LPS-induced depression model. J Ethnopharmacology 2025 Feb 10;338(Pt 2):119031. (IF 4.8, Q1)

  3. Zhang HL, Sun Y, Wu ZJ, Yin Y, Liu RY, Zhang JC, Zhang ZJ, Yau SY, Wu HX, Yuan TF, Zhang L, Adzic M, Chen G. (2024) Hippocampal PACAP signaling activation triggers a rapid antidepressant response. Military Medical Research Jul 23;11(1):49. doi: 10.1186/s40779-024-00548-1 (IF 16.7, Q1) 

  4. Wu Z, Yin Y, Liu R, Li X, Sun Y, Yau SY, Wu L, Liu Y, Adzic M, Zhang H, Chen G. (2024) A refined formula derived from Jiawei-Xiaoyao pill exerts rapid antidepressant-like effects in LPS-induced depression by reducing neuroinflammation and restoring neuroplasticity signaling. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Dec 5:335:118647. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118647. (IF 4.8, Q1)

  5. Leung WKC, Yau SY, Lam SC, Suen LKP (2024) Effects of exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness. 2024 Oct;22(4):278-287. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2024.04.001. (IF 2.8; Q1)

  6. Kan RCD , Bella B.B. Zhang  BBB, Lin TTZ , Tang  AHP, Xia AWL, Qin PPI, Jin MX, Fong KNK, Becker B, Yau SY, Kranz GS (2024) Sex differences in brain excitability revealed by concurrent iTBS/fNIRS. Asian Journal of Psychiatry Volume 96, June 2024, 104043 (IF 9.5; Q1)

  7. Lu WC, We JF, Shao R, Zou WJ, Zhang WJ, Zhang RX, Li XY, Kong JH, Zheng DH, Tian XH, Gao YL, Yau SY, Goldstein BJ, Xu GY, So KF, Wang J, Lin KG (2024) Genetic and symptomatic risks associated with longitudinal brain morphometry in bipolar disorder. Nature Mental Health 2, 209-217 

2023

  1. Wang R, Cai Y, Lu W, Zhang R, Shao R, Yau SY, Stubbs B, McIntyre RS, Su KP, Xu G, Qi L, So KF, Lin K. (2023) Exercise effect on the gut microbiota in young adolescents with subthreshold depression: A randomized psychoeducation-controlled Trial. Psychiatry Research 2023 Jan;319:115005. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.115005. (IF 4.2; Q1)

  2. Yu DJ, Yu AP, Leung CK, Chin EC, Fong DY, Cheng CP, Yau SY, Siu PM. Comparison of moderate and vigorous walking exercise on reducing depression in middle-aged and older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Eur J Sport Sci. 2023 Jun;23(6):1018-1027. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2079424. (IF 2.4; Q2 )

  3. Formolo DA; Yu JS; Lin KG; Tsang HWH; Ou HN; Kranz GS; Yau SY# (2023) Leveraging the Glymphatic and Meningeal Lymphatic Systems as Therapeutic strategies in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Updated Overview of Nonpharmacological Therapies. Molecular Neurodegeneration 18 (26) (IF 15.1, Q1)

  4. Lee TH, D Maleggadi, Formolo DA, Rosa JM, Cheng ASK#, Yau SY# (2023) Effects of voluntary wheel running exercise on chemotherapy-impaired cognitive and motor performance in mice. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(7):5371  (IF 4.614, Q2)

  5. Shao R*, Man ISC*, Yau SY, Li C, Li PYP, Hou WK, Li SX, Liu FY, Wing YK, Lee TMC (2023). The interplay of acute cortisol response and trait affectivity in associating with stress resilience. Nature Mental Health  1:114–123 

  6. Formolo DA, Lee THY, Yu JS, Lin KG, Chen G, Kranz GS, Yau SY# (2023) Increasing Adiponectin signaling by sub-chronic adipoRon treatment elicits antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects independent of changes in hippocampal plasticity. Biomedicines 11(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020249 (IF 4.7, Q2)

  7. Zhang BBB, Kan RLD, Giron CG, Lin TTZ, Yau SY, Kranz GS (2023). Dose-response relationship between iTBS and prefrontal activation during executive functioning: A fNIRS study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13:1049130 [IF 4.7, Q2]

  8. Man ISC*, Shao R*, Hou WK, Li SX, Liu FY, Lee M, Wing YK, Yau SY#, Lee TMC# (2023) Multi-systemic evaluation of biological and emotional responses to the trier social stress test: a meta-analysis and systemic review.Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 2023 Jan:68:101050 (IF 7.4; Q1)

2022

  1. Zhou ZX, Hui SE, Kranz GS, Chang RJ, de Luca K , Pinto SM, WY Chan, Yau SY, Chau BKH, Samartzis D, Jensen MJ, Wong AYL (2022) Potential mechanisms underlying the accelerated cognitive decline in people with chronic low back pain: A scoping review. Ageing Research Reviews 82:101767 (IF 13.1, Q1)

  2. Zou WJ, Song PL, Lu WC, Shao R, Zhang RX, Yau SY, Yuan TF, Wang YP, Lin KG (2022) Global Hippocampus Functional Connectivity as a Predictive Neural Marker for Conversion to Future Mood Disorder in Unaffected Offspring of Bipolar Disorder Parents. Asian Journal of Psychiatry 78:103307 (IF 9.5; Q1)

  3. Recchia F, Leung CK, Chin EC, Fong DY, Montero D, Cheng CP, Yau SY, Siu PM (2022) Comparative effectiveness of exercise, antidepressants and their combination in treating non-severe depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2022;0:1–7. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2022-105964 (IF 18.6; Q1)

  4. Yu DJ, Yu AP, Leung CK, Chin EC, Fong DY, Cheng CP, Yau SY, and Siu PM (2022) Comparison of moderate and vigorous walking exercise on reducing depression in middle-aged and older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Sport Science, in press [IF 4.1, Q1]

  5. Manjari SKV, Maity S, Poornima R., Yau SY, Vaishali K, Stellwagen D, Komal P (2022) Restorative action of Vitamin D3 on motor dysfunction through enhancement of neurotrophins and antioxidant expression in the striatum. Neuroscience 492: 67-81 (IF 3.3, Q3)

  6. Han YMY, Yau SY, Chan MMY, Wong CK, Chan AS (2022) Altered cytokine and BDNF levels in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Brain Sciences 12(4):460) (IF 3.3, Q3)

  7. Zhang HL, Yan S, Yau SSY, Zhou YM Song XX, Zhang HT, Zhu BR, Wu HX, Chen G (2022) Synergistic effects of two naturally occurring iridoids in eliciting a rapid antidepressant action by up-regulating hippocampal PACAP signalling. British Journal of Pharmacology 2022 Mar 31. doi: 10.1111/bph.15847 (IF 7.3, Q1)

  8. Formolo DA, Cheng T, Yu JS, Kranz GS, Yau SY# (2022) Central adiponectin signaling – A metabolic regulator in support of brain plasticity. Brain Plasticity DOI: 10.3233/BPL-220138  Vol. no. pp. 1-18, 2022

  9. Rosa JM, Formolo DA, Yu J, Lee TH, Yau SY# (2022) The role of MicroRNA and Microbiota in depression and anxiety. Front Behav Neurosci. 2022 Mar 1;16:828258. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.828258. (IF 3.0, Q2)

  10. Tao WW, Ruan J, Wu RY, Zhao M, Zhao T, Qi MM, Yau SSY, Yao GD, Zhang HR, Hu Y, Chen G (2022) A natural carotenoid crocin exerts antidepressant action by promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Journal of Advanced Research Pub DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.02.015 (IF 10.7, Q1)

  11. Yau SY#, Yip YSL, Formolo DA , He SY, Lee THY, Wen CY , Hryciw DH. (2022) Chronic consumption of a high linoleic acid diet during pregnancy, lactation and post-weaning period increases depression-like behavior in male, but not female offspring. Behav Brain Res. 2022 Jan 7;416:113538. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113538. (IF2.7, Q2)

2021

  1. Ahadullah*, Yau SY*#, Liu HX, TMC Lee, H Guo#, CCH Chan (2021) PM2.5 as a potential risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorders: its possible link to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and changes of gene expression. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. Jun 30;128:534-548. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.043. [IF: 9.0, Q1]

  2. Li XY, Lu WC, Zhang RX, Zou WJ, Gao YL, Chen K, Yau SY, Shao R, McIntyre RS, Xu GY, So KF, Lin KG (2021) Integrity of the uncinate fasciculus is associated with the onset of bipolar disorder: a 6-year followed-up study.Translational Psychiatry 11:111 (IF 6.8, Q1 )

  3. Wang RH, Cai YY, Li J, Yau SY, Lu WC, Stubbs B, Su KP, Xu GY, So FK, Lin KG, Qi LW (2021) Effects of aerobic exercise on gut microbiota in adolescents with subthreshold mood syndromes and healthy adolescents: A 12-week, randomized controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders  (293) 363-372 [IF: 4.839, Q1]

  4. Lee THY, Ahadullah, Christie BR, Lin KG, Siu PMF, Zhang L, Yuen TF, Komal P, Aimin Xu AM, Kwok-fai So KF, Yau SY# (2021) Chronic AdipoRon treatment mimics the effects of physical exercise on restoring hippocampal neuroplasticity in diabetic mice. Molecular Neurobiology 58(9), 4666-4681 doi: 10.1007/s12035-021-02441-7 [IF 5.59, Q1]

  5. Melzer1 TM, Manosso LM, Yau SY#, Gil-Mohapel J, Brocardo PS# (2021) In Pursuit of Healthy Aging: Effects of Nutrition on Brain Function Int J Mol Sci 2021, 22, 5026 [IF: 5.923, Q2]

  6. Chan MMY, Yau SSY, Han YMY (2021) The neurobiology of prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in promoting brain plasticity: A systemic review and meta-analysis in human and rodent studies Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Vol 125, June 2021, Pages 392-416    [IF: 9.0, Q1]

  7. Lee THY, Christie BR, Henriette VP, Lin KG, Siu PMF, Xu AM, So KF, Yau SY# (2021) AdipoRon treatment induces a dose-dependent response in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Int. J. Mol. Sci 2021 Feb 19;224(4) [IF: 5.9, Q2]

Representative publictions before 2020

​

  1. Liu Y, Yau SY, Liang QN, Wang Y, Xu AM (2020) FGF21 mediates the anti-depressant effects of exercise by coordinating the crosstalk between central and peripheral organs. Human Behaviour and Brain Mar 2020 doi:10.37716/HBAB.2020010102

  2. Lin KG, Shao R, Wang RH, Lu WC, Zou WJ, Chen K, G YL, Brietzke E, McIntyre RS, Mansur R, Zhang L, Yau SY, Su HX, Xu GY, So KF (2020) Inflammation brain structure and cognition interrelations among individuals with differential risks for bipolar disorder. Brain Behavior and Immunity Jan;83:192-199. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.10.010. 

  3. Yau SY#, Lee THY, Lee WL, Li LCK, Siu PM, Chan CCH. (2019) Effects of maternal exercise on adult hippocampal neurogenesis, temporal order memory and depression-like behaviour in adult female and male offspring. Frontiers in. Neuroscience.  https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2019.00470

  4. Yau SY*, Bettio L*, J Chiu, C Chiu Christie BR (2019) Fragile X Syndrome is associated with NMDA receptor hypofunction and reduced dendritic complexity in mature dentate granule Cells Front. Mol. Neurosci 17 January 2019. | doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00495 

  5. Yau SY*, Bettio L*, Vetrici M, Truesdell A, Chiu C, Chiu J, Truesdell E, Christie BR. (2018) Chronic minocycline treatment improves hippocampal neuronal structure, NMDA receptor function, and memory processing in Fmr1 knockout mice. Neurobiology of Disease. 2018 Jan 29;113:11-22 

  6. Yau SY*, Bostrom C*, Chiu J, Ghilan M, Chiu CY, Hryciw BN, Eadie BD, Christie BR.  (2016) Impaired bidirectional NMDA receptor dependent synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus of adult female Fmr1 heterozygous knockout mice. Neurobiology of Disease 19 (96):261-270 

  7. Yau SY*, Li A*, Loo R, Ching YP, Christie BR, Lee TMC, Xu AM, So KF. (2014) Physical exercise-induced hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepressant effects are mediated by the adipocyte hormone adiponectin. PNAS. 111 (44): 15810-15815   Highlighted by Nature Reviews Neuroscience: Volume 15, Dec 2014  & Nature Reviews Endocrinology: Nov 2014

  8. Yau SY*, Lau BWM*, Tong JB, Wong R, Ching YP, Qiu G, Tang SW, Lee TMC, So KF. (2011) Hippocampal neurogenesis and dendritic plasticity support running-enhanced memory and depression-like behavior in stressed rats. PLosOne 6(9):e24263. [IF 2.776; 24/69 top 36% in Neurosciences]

Book Chapters 

  1. Lee THY, Formolo DA, Kong T, Lau SWY, Ho CSL, Leung RYH, Hung FHY, Yau SY#. (2019) Potential exerkines for physical exercise-elicited pro-cognitive effects: Insights from clinical and animal research. Exercise on Brain Health, Elsevier, Vol. 147 1st Edition Co-edited by Yau SY and So KF. 

  2. Yau SY#, Li A, Xin S, Fontaine JC, Christie BR, So KF. (2016) Potential biomarkers for physical exercise-induced brain health. Role of biomarkers in medicine. In book: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology: "Role of Biomarkers in Medicine", Chapter: 8, Publisher: INTECH, Editors: Mu Wang and Frank A. Witzmann DOI: 10.5772/62458 

  3. Yau SY, Patten A, Sharp Z, Christie BR. (2016) “Physical Exercise”. How much exercise is needed to enhance adult neurogenesis and cognition?”, in Juan J Canales (editor), Adult Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus, Health, Psychopathology, and Brain Disease, Elsevier, Chapter 11, pp. 75 – 107, ISBN: 978-0-12-901977-1

  4. Lau BWM*, Yau SY*, Po KT, and So KF. (2016) “Neurological Disorders”, in Juan J Canales (editor), Adult Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus, Health, Psychopathology, and Brain Disease, Elsevier, Chapter 11, pp. 249 – 275, ISBN: 978-0-12-901977-1

hong kong polytechnic university
RS PolyU
Yau Lab

© 2025 by Prof. Sonata Yau

bottom of page