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Coan M, Haefliger S, Ounzain S, Johnson R. Targeting and engineering long non-coding RNAs for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:578-595. [PMID: 38424237 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-024-00693-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (RNATx) aim to treat diseases, including cancer, by targeting or employing RNA molecules for therapeutic purposes. Amongst the most promising targets are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which regulate oncogenic molecular networks in a cell type-restricted manner. lncRNAs are distinct from protein-coding genes in important ways that increase their therapeutic potential yet also present hurdles to conventional clinical development. Advances in genome editing, oligonucleotide chemistry, multi-omics and RNA engineering are paving the way for efficient and cost-effective lncRNA-focused drug discovery pipelines. In this Review, we present the emerging field of lncRNA therapeutics for oncology, with emphasis on the unique strengths and challenges of lncRNAs within the broader RNATx framework. We outline the necessary steps for lncRNA therapeutics to deliver effective, durable, tolerable and personalized treatments for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Coan
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon Haefliger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Rory Johnson
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland.
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Jiménez-Labaig P, Rullan A, Braña I, Hernando-Calvo A, Moreno V, Doger B, Bitar G, Ap Dafydd D, Melcher A, Harrington KJ. Intratumoral therapies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and future perspectives. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 127:102746. [PMID: 38696902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents an ideal scenario for intratumoral therapies (IT), due to its local recurrence pattern and frequent superficial extension. IT therapies aim to effect tumor regression by directly injecting antineoplastic agents into lesions. However, there is a lack of updated evidence regarding IT therapies in HNSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS A systematic literature search (CRD42023462291) was conducted using WebOfScience, ClinicalTrials.gov, and conference abstracts from ESMO and ASCO, identifying for IT clinical trials in patients with HNSCC, from database creation to September 12th, 2023. Efficacy as well as safety (grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events[trAEs]) were reported. RESULTS After evaluation of 1180 articles identified by the systematic search, 31 studies treating 948 patients were included. IT injectables were categorized as chemotherapies with or without electroporation (k = 4, N = 268), oncolytic viruses, plasmids, and bacteria-based (k = 16, N = 446), immunotherapies and EGFR-based therapies (k = 5, N = 160), radioenhancer particles (k = 2, N = 68), and calcium electroporation (k = 1, n = 6). EGFR-antisense plasmids, NBTXR3 radioenhancer and immune innate agonists show best overall response rates, at 83 %, 81 % and 44 % respectively. Eleven (35 %) studies added systemic therapy or radiotherapy to the IT injections. No study used predictive biomarkers to guide patient selection. 97 % studies were phase I-II. Safety-wise, electroporation and epinephrine-based injectable trials had significant local symptoms such as necrosis, fistula formation and post-injection dysphagia. Treatment-related tumor haemorrhages of various grades were described in several trials. Grade ≥ 3 trAEs attributable to the other therapies mainly comprised general symptoms such as fatigue. There were 3 injectable-related deaths across the systematic review. CONCLUSION This is the first review to summarize all available evidence of IT in HNSCC. As of today, IT therapies lack sufficient evidence to recommend their use in clinical practice. Continuing research on potential molecules, patient selection, safe administration of injections and controlled randomized trials are needed to assess their added benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Jiménez-Labaig
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; The Institute of Cancer Research, National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Rullan
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; The Institute of Cancer Research, National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Braña
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain; Lung and Head & Neck Tumors Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Hernando-Calvo
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain; Early Phase Clinical Trials Unit (UITM), Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Moreno
- START Madrid-FDJ, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernard Doger
- START Madrid-FDJ, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - George Bitar
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Derfel Ap Dafydd
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Melcher
- The Institute of Cancer Research, National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J Harrington
- Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; The Institute of Cancer Research, National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
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Agelaki S, Boukovinas I, Athanasiadis I, Trimis G, Dimitriadis I, Poughias L, Morais E, Sabale U, Bencina G, Athanasopoulos C. A systematic literature review of the human papillomavirus prevalence in locally and regionally advanced and recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancers through the last decade: The "ALARM" study. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6916. [PMID: 38247106 PMCID: PMC10905345 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this systematic literature review was to provide updated information on human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in locally and regionally advanced (LA) and recurrent/metastatic (RM) head and neck cancer (HNC) worldwide. METHODS Electronic searches were conducted on clinicaltrials.gov, MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and ASCO/ESMO journals of congresses for interventional studies (IS; Phase I-III trials) as well as MEDLINE and Embase for non-interventional studies (NIS) of LA/RM HNC published between January 01, 2010 and December 31, 2020. Criteria for study selection included: availability of HPV prevalence data for LA/RM HNC patients, patient enrollment from January 01, 2010 onward, and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) included among HNC types. HPV prevalence per study was calculated as proportion of HPV+ over total number of enrolled patients. For overall HPV prevalence across studies, mean of reported HPV prevalence rates across studies and pooled estimate (sum of all HPV+ patients over sum of all patients enrolled) were assessed. RESULTS Eighty-one studies (62 IS; 19 NIS) were included, representing 9607 LA/RM HNC cases, with an overall mean (pooled) HPV prevalence of 32.6% (25.1%). HPV prevalence was 44.7% (44.0%) in LA and 24.3% (18.6%) in RM. Among 2714 LA/RM OPC patients from 52 studies with available data, mean (pooled) value was 55.8% (50.7%). The majority of data were derived from Northern America and Europe, with overall HPV prevalence of 46.0% (42.1%) and 24.7% (25.3%) across studies conducted exclusively in these geographic regions, respectively (Northern Europe: 31.9% [63.1%]). A "p16-based" assay was the most frequently reported HPV detection methodology (58.0%). CONCLUSION Over the last decade, at least one quarter of LA/RM HNC and half of OPC cases studied in IS and NIS were HPV+. This alarming burden is consistent with a potential implication of HPV in the pathogenesis of at least a subgroup of HNC, underscoring the relevance of HPV testing and prophylaxis to HNC prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Agelaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of MedicineUniversity of CreteHerakleionGreece
- Department of Medical OncologyUniversity General Hospital of HerakleionHerakleionGreece
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Edith Morais
- MSD, Center for Observational and Real‐World Evidence (CORE)LyonFrance
| | - Ugne Sabale
- MSD, Center for Observational and Real‐World Evidence (CORE)StockholmSweden
| | - Goran Bencina
- MSD, Center for Observational and Real‐World Evidence (CORE)MadridSpain
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Șandor A, Ionuț I, Marc G, Oniga I, Eniu D, Oniga O. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies Based on Quinazoline Derivatives as EGFR Kinase Inhibitors (2017-Present). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:534. [PMID: 37111291 PMCID: PMC10141396 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a critical role in the tumorigenesis of various forms of cancer. Targeting the mutant forms of EGFR has been identified as an attractive therapeutic approach and led to the approval of three generations of inhibitors. The quinazoline core has emerged as a favorable scaffold for the development of novel EGFR inhibitors due to increased affinity for the active site of EGFR kinase. Currently, there are five first-generation (gefitinib, erlotinib, lapatinib, vandetanib, and icotinib) and two second-generation (afatinib and dacomitinib) quinazoline-based EGFR inhibitors approved for the treatment of various types of cancers. The aim of this review is to outline the structural modulations favorable for the inhibitory activity toward both common mutant (del19 and L858R) and resistance-conferring mutant (T790M and C797S) EGFR forms, and provide an overview of the newly synthesized quinazoline derivatives as potentially competitive, covalent or allosteric inhibitors of EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Șandor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.Ș.); (G.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Ioana Ionuț
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.Ș.); (G.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Gabriel Marc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.Ș.); (G.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Ilioara Oniga
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 12 Ion Creangă Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Dan Eniu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 34-36 Republicii Street, 40015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Oniga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.Ș.); (G.M.); (O.O.)
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Barresi V, Musmeci C, Rinaldi A, Condorelli DF. Transcript-Targeted Therapy Based on RNA Interference and Antisense Oligonucleotides: Current Applications and Novel Molecular Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168875. [PMID: 36012138 PMCID: PMC9408055 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of novel target therapies based on the use of RNA interference (RNAi) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) is growing in an exponential way, challenging the chance for the treatment of the genetic diseases and cancer by hitting selectively targeted RNA in a sequence-dependent manner. Multiple opportunities are taking shape, able to remove defective protein by silencing RNA (e.g., Inclisiran targets mRNA of protein PCSK9, permitting a longer half-life of LDL receptors in heterozygous familial hypercholesteremia), by arresting mRNA translation (i.e., Fomivirsen that binds to UL123-RNA and blocks the translation into IE2 protein in CMV-retinitis), or by reactivating modified functional protein (e.g., Eteplirsen able to restore a functional shorter dystrophin by skipping the exon 51 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy) or a not very functional protein. In this last case, the use of ASOs permits modifying the expression of specific proteins by modulating splicing of specific pre-RNAs (e.g., Nusinersen acts on the splicing of exon 7 in SMN2 mRNA normally not expressed; it is used for spinal muscular atrophy) or by downregulation of transcript levels (e.g., Inotersen acts on the transthryretin mRNA to reduce its expression; it is prescribed for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis) in order to restore the biochemical/physiological condition and ameliorate quality of life. In the era of precision medicine, recently, an experimental splice-modulating antisense oligonucleotide, Milasen, was designed and used to treat an 8-year-old girl affected by a rare, fatal, progressive form of neurodegenerative disease leading to death during adolescence. In this review, we summarize the main transcriptional therapeutic drugs approved to date for the treatment of genetic diseases by principal regulatory government agencies and recent clinical trials aimed at the treatment of cancer. Their mechanism of action, chemical structure, administration, and biomedical performance are predominantly discussed.
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Goel B, Tiwari AK, Pandey RK, Singh AP, Kumar S, Sinha A, Jain SK, Khattri A. Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma-An update on clinical trials. Transl Oncol 2022; 21:101426. [PMID: 35460943 PMCID: PMC9046875 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common non-skin cancer with a tobacco consumption and infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) being major risk factors. Despite advances in numerous therapy modalities, survival rates for HNSCC have not improved considerably; a vast number of clinical outcomes have demonstrated that a combination strategy (the most well-known docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) is the most effective treatment choice. Immunotherapy that targets immunological checkpoints is being tested in a number of clinical trials, either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapeutic or targeted therapeutic drugs. Various monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab and bevacizumab, which target the EGFR and VEGFR, respectively, as well as other signaling pathway inhibitors, such as temsirolimus and rapamycin, are also being studied for the treatment of HNSCC. We have reviewed the primary targets in active clinical studies in this study, with a particular focus on the medications and drug targets used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Goel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi - 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anoop Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi - 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajeev Kumar Pandey
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Akhand Pratap Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi - 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sujeet Kumar
- Centre for Proteomics and Drug Discovery, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai - 410206, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhishek Sinha
- Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, Sardar Patel Post Graduate Institute of Dental & Medical Sciences, Lucknow - 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shreyans K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi - 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Khattri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi - 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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NOTCH1 Intracellular Domain and the Tumor Microenvironment as Prognostic Markers in HNSCC. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041080. [PMID: 35205828 PMCID: PMC8870336 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the head and neck, a large proportion of squamous cell carcinoma demonstrate a mutation of the NOTCH1 gene. The aim of this project was to investigate the role of NOTCH1 and immunological characteristics and highlight a potential rationale for therapy. We found that a high expression of NOTCH1 intracellular domain in these patients is associated with reduced overall survival. In vitro experiments additionally showed a reduction of migration and proliferation of cancer cells when NOTCH1 was knocked down. NOTCH1 is, therefore, most likely involved in migration and proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and is a prognostic marker in these patients. Abstract (1) Background: NOTCH1 is the second most common mutated gene in whole-exome sequencing of HNSCC. The aim of this project was to gain further insight into the relevance of NOTCH1 in HNSCC, potentially establishing NOTCH1 as a prognostic marker or therapeutic target; (2) Methods: NOTCH1 was silenced via RNA interference in six HNSCC cell lines and the impact was evaluated in migration and proliferation assays. Subsequently, the protein expression of NOTCH1 intracellular domain (NICD) and NOTCH1 mRNA expression were examined in 70 oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer tissue samples. Lastly, the NICD expression was compared with the local infiltration of lymphocytes, measured with the immunoscore; (3) Results: Knockdown of NOTCH1 decreased migration and proliferation. A high NICD expression was associated with lower OS. A high immunoscore resulted in significantly better OS. NICD expression was independent of the immunoscore and as a whole differentiated three distinct prognostic groups; (4) Conclusions: These data suggest that NOTCH1 is involved in migration and proliferation of HNSCC cell lines. In vivo, NICD expression was associated with overall survival and could, therefore, be used as a prognostic marker. NICD expression differs from NOTCH1 mRNA levels, potentially explaining the previously suggested bimodal role as an oncogene and tumor suppressor in HNSCC.
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Kiaie SH, Mojarad-Jabali S, Khaleseh F, Allahyari S, Taheri E, Zakeri-Milani P, Valizadeh H. Axial pharmaceutical properties of liposome in cancer therapy: Recent advances and perspectives. Int J Pharm 2020; 581:119269. [PMID: 32234427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of axial properties including preparation, surface functionalization, and pharmacokinetics for delivery of pharmacologically active molecules and genes lead to pharmaceutical development of liposome in cancer therapy. Here, analysis of effects of the axial properties of liposome based on cancer treatment modalities as individually and coherently is vital and shows deserving further investigation for the future. In this review, recent progress in the analysis of preparation approaches, optimizing pharmacokinetic parameters, functionalization and targeting improvement and modulation of biological factors and components resulting in a better function of liposome in cancer for drug/gene delivery and immunotherapy are discussed. Here, recent developments on liposome with vaccines and immunoadjuvant carriers, and antigen-carrier system to cancer immunotherapy are introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hossein Kiaie
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Solmaz Mojarad-Jabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khaleseh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Saeideh Allahyari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Taheri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parvin Zakeri-Milani
- Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
| | - Hadi Valizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran.
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