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Li M, Zhou H, Pan Z, Shi M, Yang J, Guo J, Wan H. Synergistic promotion of angiogenesis after intracerebral hemorrhage by ginsenoside Rh2 and chrysophanol in rats. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107416. [PMID: 38705107 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107416] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a debilitating condition characterized by the rupture of cerebral blood vessels, resulting in profound neurological deficits. A significant challenge in the treatment of ICH lies in the brain's limited capacity to regenerate damaged blood vessels. This study explores the potential synergistic effects of Ginsenoside Rh2 and Chrysophanol in promoting angiogenesis following ICH in a rat model. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to predict the potential targets and pathways of Ginsenoside Rh2 and Chrysophanol for ICH treatment. Molecular docking was utilized to assess the binding affinity between these compounds and their respective targets. Experimental ICH was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats through stereotactic injection of type VII collagenase into the right caudate putamen (CPu). The study encompassed various methodologies, including administration protocols, assessments of neurological function, magnetic resonance imaging, histological examination, observation of brain tissue ultrastructure, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence staining, Western blot analysis, and statistical analyses. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis indicated that Ginsenoside Rh2 and Chrysophanol may exert their therapeutic effects in ICH by promoting angiogenesis. Results from animal experiments revealed that rats treated with Ginsenoside Rh2 and Chrysophanol exhibited significantly improved neurological function, reduced hematoma volume, and diminished pathological injury compared to the Model group. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated enhanced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and CD31, signifying augmented angiogenesis in the peri-hematomal region following combination therapy. Importantly, the addition of a VEGFR2 inhibitor reversed the increased expression of VEGFR2 and CD31. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed upregulated expression of angiogenesis-related factors, including VEGFR2, SRC, AKT1, MAPK1, and MAPK14, in the combination therapy group, but this effect was abrogated upon VEGFR2 inhibitor administration. CONCLUSION The synergistic effect of Ginsenoside Rh2 and Chrysophanol demonstrated a notable protective impact on ICH injury in rats, specifically attributed to their facilitation of angiogenesis. Consequently, this research offers a foundation for the utilization of Ginsenosides Rh2 and Chrysophanol in medical settings and offers direction for the advancement of novel pharmaceuticals for the clinical management of ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, China
| | - Huifen Zhou
- Academy of TCM Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, China
| | - Zhiyong Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310006, China
| | - Min Shi
- The Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310052, China
| | - Jiehong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, China.
| | - Jianwen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, China.
| | - Haitong Wan
- Academy of TCM Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, China.
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Göbel A, Rachner TD, Hoffmann O, Klotz DM, Kasimir-Bauer S, Kimmig R, Hofbauer LC, Bittner AK. High serum levels of leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG-1) are associated with poor survival in patients with early breast cancer. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2789-2798. [PMID: 38413424 PMCID: PMC11147863 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07434-0] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG-1) is a secreted glycoprotein that is mainly produced in the liver. Elevated levels of LRG-1 are found in a multitude of pathological conditions including eye diseases, diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In patients with early breast cancer (BC), high intratumoral LRG-1 protein expression levels are associated with reduced survival. In this study, we assessed serum levels of LRG-1 in patients with early BC and investigated its correlation with the presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow and survival outcomes. METHODS Serum LRG-1 levels of 509 BC patients were determined using ELISA and DTCs were assessed by immunocytochemistry using the pan-cytokeratin antibody A45-B/B3. We stratified LRG-1 levels according to selected clinical parameters. Using the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test and multivariate Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and prognostic relevance were assessed. RESULTS Mean serum levels of LRG-1 were 29.70 ± 8.67 µg/ml. Age was positively correlated with LRG-1 expression (r = 0.19; p < 0.0001) and significantly higher LRG-1 levels were found in patients over 60 years compared to younger ones (30.49 ± 8.63 µg/ml vs. 28.85 ± 8.63 µg/ml; p = 0.011) and in postmenopausal patients compared to premenopausal patients (30.15 ± 8.34 µg/ml vs. 26.936.94 µg/ml; p = 0.002). Patients with no DTCs showed significantly elevated LRG-1 levels compared to the DTC-positive group (30.51 ± 8.69 µg/ml vs. 28.51 ± 8.54 µg/ml; p = 0.004). Overall and BC-specific survival was significantly lower in patients with high serum LRG-1 levels (above a cut-off of 33.63 µg/ml) compared to patients with lower LRG-1 levels during a mean follow-up of 8.5 years (24.8% vs. 11.1% BC-specific death; p = 0.0003; odds ratio 2.63, 95%CI: 1.56-4.36). Multivariate analyses revealed that LRG-1 is an independent prognostic marker for BC-specific survival (p = 0.001; hazard ratio 2.61). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the potential of LRG-1 as an independent prognostic biomarker in patients with early BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Göbel
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Healthy Ageing Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Tilman D Rachner
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Healthy Ageing Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Hoffmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Martin Klotz
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lorenz C Hofbauer
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Healthy Ageing Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Bittner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Heidelberg, Germany
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Zhu ZG, Wang Z, Wu Q, Miao DL, Jin YQ, Chen L. Identification of the CD8+ T-cell Related Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Based on Integrated Analysis of Bulk and Single-cell RNA Sequencing Data. J Immunother 2024:00002371-990000000-00107. [PMID: 38809517 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The infiltration of CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment is associated with better survival and immunotherapy response. However, their roles in gastric cancer have not been explored so far. In here, the profiles of GC gene expression were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Single-cell transcriptomic data originated from GSE134520. Cell clustering, annotation, and CD8+ T-cell differential genes were from the TISCH database. We determined 896 CD8+ T-cell differential genes by scRNA-seq analysis. After integrating immune-related genes, 174 overlapping genes were obtained and a novel risk model was subsequently built. The performance of CD8+ T-cell-associated gene signature was assessed in the training and external validation sets. The gene signature showed independent risk factors of overall survival for GC. A quantitative nomogram was built to enhance the clinical efficacy of this signature. Furthermore, low-risk individuals showed higher mutation status, higher immune checkpoint expression, low Tumour Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores, and higher IPS-PD-1 combined IPS-CTLA4 scores, indicating a greater response to immunotherapy. In addition, analysis of IMvigor210 immunotherapy cohort demonstrated that low-risk individuals had a favorable response to prognosis and immunotherapy. In conclusion, we generated a CD8+ T-cell-related signature that can serve as a promising tool for personalized prognosis prediction and guiding decisions regarding immunotherapy in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Gang Zhu
- Department of Intervention and Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
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Dritsoula A, Camilli C, Moss SE, Greenwood J. The disruptive role of LRG1 on the vasculature and perivascular microenvironment. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1386177. [PMID: 38745756 PMCID: PMC11091338 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1386177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The establishment of new blood vessels, and their subsequent stabilization, is a critical process that facilitates tissue growth and organ development. Once established, vessels need to diversify to meet the specific needs of the local tissue and to maintain homeostasis. These processes are tightly regulated and fundamental to normal vessel and tissue function. The mechanisms that orchestrate angiogenesis and vessel maturation have been widely studied, with signaling crosstalk between endothelium and perivascular cells being identified as an essential component. In disease, however, new vessels develop abnormally, and existing vessels lose their specialization and function, which invariably contributes to disease progression. Despite considerable research into the vasculopathic mechanisms in disease, our knowledge remains incomplete. Accordingly, the identification of angiocrine and angiopathic molecules secreted by cells within the vascular microenvironment, and their effect on vessel behaviour, remains a major research objective. Over the last decade the secreted glycoprotein leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), has emerged as a significant vasculopathic molecule, stimulating defective angiogenesis, and destabilizing the existing vasculature mainly, but not uniquely, by altering both canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signaling in a highly cell and context dependent manner. Whilst LRG1 does not possess any overt homeostatic role in vessel development and maintenance, growing evidence provides a compelling case for LRG1 playing a pleiotropic role in disrupting the vasculature in many disease settings. Thus, LRG1 has now been reported to damage vessels in various disorders including cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, ocular disease, and lung disease and the signaling processes that drive this dysfunction are being defined. Moreover, therapeutic targeting of LRG1 has been widely proposed to re-establish a quiescent endothelium and normalized vasculature. In this review, we consider the current status of our understanding of the role of LRG1 in vascular pathology, and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Dritsoula
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Kang Y, Li H, Liu Y, Li Z. Regulation of VEGF-A expression and VEGF-A-targeted therapy in malignant tumors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:221. [PMID: 38687357 PMCID: PMC11061008 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05714-5] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), a highly conserved dimeric glycoprotein, is a key regulatory gene and a marker molecule of angiogenesis. The upregulation of VEGF-A facilitates the process of tumor vascularization, thereby fostering the initiation and progression of malignant neoplasms. Many genes can adjust the angiogenesis of tumors by changing the expression of VEGF-A. In addition, VEGF-A also exhibits immune regulatory properties, which directly or indirectly suppresses the antitumor activity of immune cells. The emergence of VEGF-A-targeted therapy alone or in rational combinations has revolutionized the treatment of various cancers. This review discusses how diverse mechanisms in various tumors regulate VEGF-A expression to promote tumor angiogenesis and the role of VEGF-A in tumor immune microenvironment. The application of drugs targeting VEGF-A in tumor therapy is also summarized including antibody molecule drugs and traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiting Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Tsuruta H, Yasuda-Yamahara M, Yoshibayashi M, Kuwagata S, Yamahara K, Tanaka-Sasaki Y, Chin-Kanasaki M, Matsumoto S, Ema M, Kume S. Fructose overconsumption accelerates renal dysfunction with aberrant glomerular endothelial-mesangial cell interactions in db/db mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167074. [PMID: 38354758 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167074] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
For the advancement of DKD treatment, identifying unrecognized residual risk factors is essential. We explored the impact of obesity diversity derived from different carbohydrate qualities, with an emphasis on the increasing trend of excessive fructose consumption and its effect on DKD progression. In this study, we utilized db/db mice to establish a novel diabetic model characterized by fructose overconsumption, aiming to uncover the underlying mechanisms of renal damage. Compared to the control diet group, the fructose-fed db/db mice exhibited more pronounced obesity yet demonstrated milder glucose intolerance. Plasma cystatin C levels were elevated in the fructose model compared to the control, and this elevation was accompanied by enhanced glomerular sclerosis, even though albuminuria levels and tubular lesions were comparable. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the whole kidney highlighted an increase in Lrg1 in glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) in the fructose model, which appeared to drive mesangial fibrosis through enhanced TGF-β1 signaling. Our findings suggest that excessive fructose intake exacerbates diabetic kidney disease progression, mediated by aberrant Lrg1-driven crosstalk between GECs and mesangial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Tsuruta
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Mako Yasuda-Yamahara
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Mamoru Yoshibayashi
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shogo Kuwagata
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Kosuke Yamahara
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yuki Tanaka-Sasaki
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Masami Chin-Kanasaki
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shoma Matsumoto
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Ema
- Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models, Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shinji Kume
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, Japan.
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Wang Y, Li Y, Qiu Y, Shen M, Wang L, Shao J, Zhang F, Xu X, Zhang Z, Guo M, Zheng S. Artesunate Induces Ferroptosis in Hepatic Stellate Cells and Alleviates Liver Fibrosis via the ROCK1/ATF3 Axis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:36-51. [PMID: 38250467 PMCID: PMC10794272 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Development of fibrosis in chronic liver disease requires activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and leads to a poor outcome. Artesunate (Art) is an ester derivative of artemisinin that can induce ferroptosis in HSCs, and activated transcriptional factor 3 (ATF3) is an ATF/CREB transcription factor that is induced in response to stress. In this study, we examined the role of the Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1)/ATF3 axis in Art-induced ferroptosis in HSCs. Methods HSC activation and ferroptosis were studied in vitro by western blotting, polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and other assays. ATF3 electrophoretic mobility and ROCK1 protein stability were assayed by western blotting. Immunoprecipitation was used to detect the interaction of ROCK1 and ATF3, as well as ATF3 phosphorylation. A ubiquitination assay was used to verify ROCK1 degradation. Atf3-interfering and Rock1-overexpressing mice were constructed to validate the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity of Art in vivo. Results Art induced ferroptosis in HSCs following glutathione-dependent antioxidant system inactivation resulting from nuclear accumulation of unphosphorylated ATF3 mediated by ROCK1-ubiquitination in vitro. Art also decreased carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice, which was reversed by interfering with Atf3 or overexpressing Rock1. Conclusions The ROCK1/ATF3 axis was involved in liver fibrosis and regulation of ferroptosis, which provides an experimental basis for further study of Art for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yangling Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Shen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Xuefen Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Mei Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
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Konishi H, Rahmawati FN, Okamoto N, Akuta K, Inukai K, Jia W, Muramatsu F, Takakura N. Discovery of Transcription Factors Involved in the Maintenance of Resident Vascular Endothelial Stem Cell Properties. Mol Cell Biol 2024; 44:17-26. [PMID: 38247234 PMCID: PMC10829836 DOI: 10.1080/10985549.2023.2297997] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A resident vascular endothelial stem cell (VESC) population expressing CD157 has been identified recently in mice. Herein, we identified transcription factors (TFs) regulating CD157 expression in endothelial cells (ECs) that were associated with drug resistance, angiogenesis, and EC proliferation. In the first screening, we detected 20 candidate TFs through the CD157 promoter and gene expression analyses. We found that 10 of the 20 TFs induced CD157 expression in ECs. We previously reported that 70% of CD157 VESCs were side population (SP) ECs that abundantly expressed ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Here, we found that the 10 TFs increased the expression of several ABC transporters in ECs and increased the proportion of SP ECs. Of these 10 TFs, we found that six (Atf3, Bhlhe40, Egr1, Egr2, Elf3, and Klf4) were involved in the manifestation of the SP phenotype. Furthermore, the six TFs enhanced tube formation and proliferation in ECs. Single-cell RNA sequence data in liver ECs suggested that Atf3 and Klf4 contributed to the production of CD157+ VESCs in the postnatal period. We concluded that Klf4 might be important for the development and maintenance of liver VESCs. Our work suggests that a TF network is involved in the differentiation hierarchy of VESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Konishi
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Fitriana N. Rahmawati
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Naoki Okamoto
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Keigo Akuta
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Koichi Inukai
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Weizhen Jia
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Muramatsu
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Takakura
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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Liu W, Chu Z, Yang C, Yang T, Yang Y, Wu H, Sun J. Discovery of potent STAT3 inhibitors using structure-based virtual screening, molecular dynamic simulation, and biological evaluation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1287797. [PMID: 38023173 PMCID: PMC10652556 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1287797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is ubiquitously hyper-activated in numerous cancers, rendering it an appealing target for therapeutic intervention. Methods and results In this study, using structure-based virtual screening complemented by molecular dynamics simulations, we identified ten potential STAT3 inhibitors. The simulations pinpointed compounds 8, 9, and 10 as forming distinct hydrogen bonds with the SH2 domain of STAT3. In vitro cytotoxicity assays highlighted compound 4 as a potent inhibitor of gastric cancer cell proliferation across MGC803, KATO III, and NCI-N87 cell lines. Further cellular assays substantiated the ability of compound 4 to attenuate IL-6-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr475. Additionally, oxygen consumption rate assays corroborated compound 4's deleterious effects on mitochondrial function. Discussion Collectively, our findings position compound 4 as a promising lead candidate warranting further exploration in the development of anti-gastric cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Zhijie Chu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Tianbao Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Yanhui Yang
- Department of Emergency Trauma Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Haigang Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Junjun Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
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Li M, Duan L, Wu W, Li W, Zhao L, Li A, Lu X, He X, Dong Z, Liu K, Jiang Y. Vortioxetine hydrobromide inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells in vivo and in vitro by targeting JAK2 and SRC. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:24. [PMID: 37147297 PMCID: PMC10163056 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00472-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Most patients are diagnosed in the advanced stage. Inadequate therapeutic strategies and the high recurrence rate lead to the poor 5-year survival rate. Therefore, effective chemopreventive drugs for gastric cancer are urgently needed. Repurposing clinical drugs is an effective strategy for discovering cancer chemopreventive drugs. In this study, we find that vortioxetine hydrobromide, an FDA-approved drug, is a dual JAK2/SRC inhibitor, and has inhibitory effects on cell proliferation of gastric cancer. Computational docking analysis, pull-down assay, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and in vitro kinase assays are used to illustrate vortioxetine hydrobromide directly binds to JAK2 and SRC kinases and inhibits their kinase activities. The results of non-reducing SDS-PAGE and Western blotting indicate that vortioxetine hydrobromide suppresses STAT3 dimerization and nuclear translocation activity. Furthermore, vortioxetine hydrobromide inhibits the cell proliferation dependent on JAK2 and SRC and suppresses the growth of gastric cancer PDX model in vivo. These data demonstrate that vortioxetine hydrobromide, as a novel dual JAK2/SRC inhibitor, curbs the growth of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo by JAK2/SRC-STAT3 signaling pathways. Our results highlight that vortioxetine hydrobromide has the potential application in the chemoprevention of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Lina Duan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Wenjie Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Xuebo Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Xinyu He
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
- Center for Basic Medical Research, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
| | - Yanan Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
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11
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He L, Huang C, Wang H, Yang N, Zhang J, Xu L, Gu T, Li Z, Chen Y. Galanin ameliorates liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice by activating AMPK/ACC signaling and modifying macrophage inflammatory phenotype. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1161676. [PMID: 37180164 PMCID: PMC10169601 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1161676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Galanin is a naturally occurring peptide that plays a critical role in regulating inflammation and energy metabolism, with expression in the liver. The exact involvement of galanin in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related fibrosis remains controversial. Methods The effects of subcutaneously administered galanin were studied in mice with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) induced by a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks, and in mice with liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 for 7 weeks. The underlying mechanism was also studied in vitro on murine macrophage cells (J774A.1 and RAW264.7). Results Galanin reduced inflammation, CD68-positive cell count, MCP-1 level, and mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes in the liver of NASH mice. It also mitigated liver injury and fibrosis caused by CCl4. In vitro, galanin had anti-inflammatory effects on murine macrophages, including reduced phagocytosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Galanin also activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling. Conclusion Galanin ameliorates liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice, potentially by modifying macrophage inflammatory phenotype and activating AMPK/ACC signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingnan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Endoscopy Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Endoscopic, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Naibin Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Leiming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanwen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Li W, Li M, Zhang X, Yue S, Xu Y, Jian W, Qin Y, Lin L, Liu W. Improved profiling of low molecular weight serum proteome for gastric carcinoma by data-independent acquisition. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:6403-6417. [PMID: 35773495 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04196-z] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Low molecular weight proteins (LMWPs) in the bloodstream participate in various biological processes and are closely associated with disease status, whereas identification of serous LMWPs remains a great technical challenge due to the wide dynamic range of protein components. In this study, we constructed an integrated LMWP library by combining the LMWPs obtained by three enrichment methods (50% ACN, 20% ACN + 20 mM ABC, and 30 kDa) and their fractions identified by the data-dependent acquisition method. With this newly constructed library, we comprehensively profiled LMWPs in serum using data-independent acquisition and reliably achieved quantitative results for 75% serous LMWPs. When applying this strategy to quantify LMWPs in human serum samples, we could identify 405 proteins on average per sample, of which 136 proteins were with a MW less than 30 kDa and 293 proteins were with a MW less than 65 kDa. Of note, pre- and post-operative gastric carcinoma (GC) patients showed differentially expressed serous LWMPs, which was also different from the pattern of LWMP expression in healthy controls. In conclusion, our results showed that LMWPs could efficiently distinguish GC patients from healthy controls as well as between pre- and post-operative statuses, and more importantly, our newly developed LMWP profiling platform could be used to discover candidate LMWP biomarkers for disease diagnosis and status monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Li
- The Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Mengna Li
- The Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- The Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Siqin Yue
- The Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Yun Xu
- The Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Wenjing Jian
- The Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Yin Qin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
| | - Lin Lin
- Sustech Core Research Facilities, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Wenlan Liu
- The Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
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13
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Li L, Lu Y, Liu Y, Wang D, Duan L, Cheng S, Liu G. Network Pharmacology Analysis of Huangqi Jianzhong Tang Targets in Gastric Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:882147. [PMID: 35462892 PMCID: PMC9024123 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.882147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Chinese medicine, Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (HJT), is widely used to treat gastric cancer (GC). In this study, network pharmacological methods were used to analyze the potential therapeutic targets and pharmacological mechanisms of HJT in GC. Methods: Bioactive components and targets of HJT and GC-related targets were identified using public databases. The protein-protein interaction network of potential targets of HJT in GC was constructed using the Cytoscape plug-in (v3.8.0), CytoHubba. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed, in addition to molecular docking and animal experiments to verify the results of network pharmacology analysis. Results: A total of 538 GC-related targets were identified. The bioactive components of HJT were selected for drug-likeness evaluation and binomial statistical model screening, which revealed 63 bioactive components and 72 targets. Based on GO enrichment analysis, all targets in the protein-protein interaction network were mainly involved in the response to oxidative stress and neuronal death. Further, KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the treatment of GC with HJT mainly involved the Wnt signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway, thereby providing insights into the mechanism of the effects of HJT on GC. Conclusion: This study revealed the potential bioactive components and molecular mechanisms of HJT, which may be useful for the treatment of GC, and provided insights into the development of new drugs for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Li
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yizhuo Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanling Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Linshan Duan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shuyu Cheng
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guoyan Liu
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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