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Suckling CJ. The allure of targets for novel drugs. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:472-484. [PMID: 38389887 PMCID: PMC10880906 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00621b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The challenges of bringing new medicines to patients have been extensively discussed and debated, including consideration of the contribution that academic laboratories can make. At the University of Strathclyde, drug discovery has been a continuing focal activity since the 1960s, and in the past 30 years, the author has led or contributed to many projects of different character and for diverse diseases. A feature common to these projects is the extension of concepts of molecular and biological targets in drug discovery research. In mechanistic terms, these have included compounds that are activators and not inhibitors, and in particular multitargeted compounds. With respect to relevance to disease, schizophrenia, pulmonary disfunction, autoimmune, and infectious disease are most relevant. These projects are discussed in the context of classical medicinal chemistry and more recent concepts in and approaches to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Suckling
- Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde 295 Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 1Xl Scotland UK
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2
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Evans CE, Zhao YY. Molecular Basis of Nitrative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Hypertension. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 967:33-45. [PMID: 29047079 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-63245-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a lung vascular disease with marked increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary artery pressure (>25 mmHg at rest). In PH patients, increases in pulmonary vascular resistance lead to impaired cardiac output and reduced exercise tolerance. If untreated, PH progresses to right heart failure and premature lethality. The mechanisms that control the pathogenesis of PH are incompletely understood, but evidence from human and animal studies implicate nitrative stress in the development of PH. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) result in nitrative stress, which in turn induces posttranslational modification of key proteins important for maintaining pulmonary vascular homeostasis. This affects their functions and thereby contributes to the pathogenesis of PH. In this chapter, molecular mechanisms underlying nitrative stress-induced PH are reviewed, molecular sources of ROS and RNS are delineated, and evidence of nitrative stress in PH patients is described. A better understanding of such mechanisms could lead to the development of novel treatments for PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin E Evans
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, 835 South Wolcott Avenue, E403-MSB, M/C 868, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.,Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,British Heart Foundation Center of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - You-Yang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, 835 South Wolcott Avenue, E403-MSB, M/C 868, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA. .,Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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3
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Sardana M, Moll M, Farber HW. Novel investigational therapies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2015; 24:1571-96. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2015.1098616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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4
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Francis BN, Hale A, Channon KM, Wilkins MR, Zhao L. Effects of tetrahydrobiopterin oral treatment in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in rat. Pulm Circ 2015; 4:462-70. [PMID: 25621160 DOI: 10.1086/677361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a major role in maintaining pulmonary vascular homeostasis. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor that stabilizes the dimerization of eNOS and balances nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide production, may have therapeutic potential in pulmonary hypertension. In the isolated perfused lung, we demonstrated a direct effect of exogenous administration of BH4 on pulmonary NO production, leading to acute vasorelaxation during the plateau phase of hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. In the chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension rat model, chronic BH4 oral administration attenuated the pressor response to hypoxia (mean pulmonary artery pressure ± standard error of the mean, 31.8 ± 0.5 mmHg at 100 mg/kg/day; placebo group, 36.3 ± 0.6 mmHg; P < 0.05). During telemetric monitoring, right ventricular systolic pressure was reduced by approximately 50% after 1 week of BH4 treatment at 100 mg/kg/day. BH4 at 100 mg/kg/day reduced right ventricular hypertrophy (from 0.55 ± 0.01 to 0.50 ± 0.01; P < 0.05) and pulmonary vascular muscularization (from 79.2% ± 2% to 65.2% ± 3%; P < 0.01). BH4 treatment enhanced lung eNOS activity and reduced superoxide production, with a net increase in cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels. BH4 is effective in attenuating pulmonary hypertension in the hypoxic rat model when given as a rescue therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahaa N Francis
- Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Experimental Medicine and Toxicology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Hale
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Keith M Channon
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Martin R Wilkins
- Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Experimental Medicine and Toxicology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lan Zhao
- Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Experimental Medicine and Toxicology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Abstract
Oxidative stress has many implications in the pathogenesis of lung diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species and antioxidants, how they relate to normal physiological function and the pathophysiology of different lung diseases, and therapeutic strategies. The production of ROS/RNS from endogenous and exogenous sources is first discussed, followed by antioxidant systems that restore oxidative balance and cellular homeostasis. The contribution of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in lung disease pathogenesis is also discussed. An overview of therapeutic strategies is provided, such as augmenting NO bioactivity, blocking the production of ROS/RNS and replacement of deficient antioxidants. The limitations of current strategies and failures of clinical trials are then addressed, followed by discussion of novel experimental approaches for the development of improved antioxidant therapies.
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Fullmer TM, Pei S, Zhu Y, Sloan C, Manzanares R, Henrie B, Pires KM, Cox JE, Abel ED, Boudina S. Insulin suppresses ischemic preconditioning-mediated cardioprotection through Akt-dependent mechanisms. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2013; 64:20-9. [PMID: 23994159 PMCID: PMC3835741 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is believed that the diabetic myocardium is refractory to cardioprotection by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) mainly because of impaired insulin signaling to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (PKB or Akt). However, human as well as animal studies have clearly showed that the hearts of type 2 diabetic humans and animals may exhibit increased signaling through PI3K-Akt but yet are resistant to cardioprotection by IPC or ischemic post-conditioning. Therefore, this study was designed to determine whether activation of insulin signaling prior to IPC is detrimental for cardioprotection and to assess the role of insulin receptors (IRs) and Akt in mediating this effect. Wild-type (WT) hearts, hearts lacking IRs or hearts expressing an active form of Akt (myrAkt1) were perfused ex vivo using a Langendorff preparation and were subjected to IPC (3cycles of 5min ischemia followed by 5min reflow before 30min no flow ischemia and then by 45min reperfusion) in the presence or absence of 1nmol/L insulin. Interestingly, whereas insulin was protective against I/R (30min no flow ischemia and 45min reperfusion), it completely abolished cardioprotection by IPC in WT hearts but not in mice lacking insulin receptors (IRs) in cardiomyocytes (CIRKO) or in all cardiac cells (TIRKO). The suppression of IPC-mediated cardioprotection was mediated through downstream signaling to Akt and Gsk3β. In addition, transgenic induction of Akt in the heart was sufficient to abrogate IPC even when insulin was absent, further confirming the involvement of Akt in insulin's suppression of cardioprotection by IPC. These data provide evidence that excessive insulin signaling to Akt is detrimental for cardioprotection by IPC and could explain the failure of the diabetic myocardium to precondition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner M. Fullmer
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Shaobo Pei
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Yi Zhu
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Crystal Sloan
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Robert Manzanares
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Brandon Henrie
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Karla M. Pires
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - James E. Cox
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - E. Dale Abel
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Sihem Boudina
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
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Benson MA, Batchelor H, Chuaiphichai S, Bailey J, Zhu H, Stuehr DJ, Bhattacharya S, Channon KM, Crabtree MJ. A pivotal role for tryptophan 447 in enzymatic coupling of human endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS): effects on tetrahydrobiopterin-dependent catalysis and eNOS dimerization. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:29836-45. [PMID: 23965989 PMCID: PMC3795282 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.493023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a required cofactor for the synthesis of NO by NOS. Bioavailability of BH4 is a critical factor in regulating the balance between NO and superoxide production by endothelial NOS (eNOS coupling). Crystal structures of the mouse inducible NOS oxygenase domain reveal a homologous BH4-binding site located in the dimer interface and a conserved tryptophan residue that engages in hydrogen bonding or aromatic stacking interactions with the BH4 ring. The role of this residue in eNOS coupling remains unexplored. We overexpressed human eNOS W447A and W447F mutants in novel cell lines with tetracycline-regulated expression of human GTP cyclohydrolase I, the rate-limiting enzyme in BH4 synthesis, to determine the importance of BH4 and Trp-447 in eNOS uncoupling. NO production was abolished in eNOS-W447A cells and diminished in cells expressing W447F, despite high BH4 levels. eNOS-derived superoxide production was significantly elevated in W447A and W447F versus wild-type eNOS, and this was sufficient to oxidize BH4 to 7,8-dihydrobiopterin. In uncoupled, BH4-deficient cells, the deleterious effects of W447A mutation were greatly exacerbated, resulting in further attenuation of NO and greatly increased superoxide production. eNOS dimerization was attenuated in W447A eNOS cells and further reduced in BH4-deficient cells, as demonstrated using a novel split Renilla luciferase biosensor. Reduction of cellular BH4 levels resulted in a switch from an eNOS dimer to an eNOS monomer. These data reveal a key role for Trp-447 in determining NO versus superoxide production by eNOS, by effects on BH4-dependent catalysis, and by modulating eNOS dimer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Benson
- the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom, and
| | - Helen Batchelor
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Surawee Chuaiphichai
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Jade Bailey
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Hanneng Zhu
- the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom, and
| | - Dennis J. Stuehr
- the Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Shoumo Bhattacharya
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Keith M. Channon
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J. Crabtree
- From the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
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Abstract
6R l-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for several enzymes including phenylalanine hydroxylase and the nitric oxide synthases (NOS). Oral supplementation of BH4 has been successfully employed to treat subsets of patients with hyperphenylalaninaemia. More recently, research efforts have focussed on understanding whether BH4 supplementation may also be efficacious in cardiovascular disorders that are underpinned by reduced nitric oxide bioavailability. Whilst numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated a positive association between enhanced BH4 and vascular function, the efficacy of orally administered BH4 in human cardiovascular disease remains unclear. Furthermore, interventions that limit BH4 bioavailability may provide benefit in diseases where nitric oxide over production contributes to pathology. This review describes the pathways involved in BH4 bio-regulation and discusses other endogenous mechanisms that could be harnessed therapeutically to manipulate vascular BH4 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Starr
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, Franklin Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street,London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Genetically modified mouse models have unparalleled power to determine the mechanisms behind different processes involved in the molecular and physiologic etiology of various classes of human pulmonary hypertension (PH). Processes known to be involved in PH for which there are extensive mouse models available include the following: (1) Regulation of vascular tone through secreted vasoactive factors; (2) regulation of vascular tone through potassium and calcium channels; (3) regulation of vascular remodeling through alteration in metabolic processes, either through alteration in substrate usage or through circulating factors; (4) spontaneous vascular remodeling either before or after development of elevated pulmonary pressures; and (5) models in which changes in tone and remodeling are primarily driven by inflammation. PH development in mice is of necessity faster and with different physiologic ramifications than found in human disease, and so mice make poor models of natural history of PH. However, transgenic mouse models are a perfect tool for studying the processes involved in pulmonary vascular function and disease, and can effectively be used to test interventions designed against particular molecular pathways and processes involved in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mita Das
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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Tabima DM, Frizzell S, Gladwin MT. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in pulmonary hypertension. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 52:1970-86. [PMID: 22401856 PMCID: PMC3856647 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular disease can be defined as either a disease affecting the pulmonary capillaries and pulmonary arterioles, termed pulmonary arterial hypertension, or a disease affecting the left ventricle, called pulmonary venous hypertension. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disorder of the pulmonary circulation characterized by endothelial dysfunction, as well as intimal and smooth muscle proliferation. Progressive increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure impair the performance of the right ventricle, resulting in declining cardiac output, reduced exercise capacity, right-heart failure, and ultimately death. While the primary and heritable forms of the disease are thought to affect over 5000 patients in the United States, the disease can occur secondary to congenital heart disease, most advanced lung diseases, and many systemic diseases. Multiple studies implicate oxidative stress in the development of PAH. Further, this oxidative stress has been shown to be associated with alterations in reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathways, whereby bioavailable NO is decreased and ROS and RNS production are increased. Many canonical ROS and NO signaling pathways are simultaneously disrupted in PAH, with increased expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases and xanthine oxidoreductase, uncoupling of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and reduction in mitochondrial number, as well as impaired mitochondrial function. Upstream dysregulation of ROS/NO redox homeostasis impairs vascular tone and contributes to the pathological activation of antiapoptotic and mitogenic pathways, leading to cell proliferation and obliteration of the vasculature. This paper will review the available data regarding the role of oxidative and nitrosative stress and endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension, and provide a description of targeted therapies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Tabima
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
| | - Sheila Frizzell
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
| | - Mark T. Gladwin
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
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Zhang Y, Janssens SP, Wingler K, Schmidt HHHW, Moens AL. Modulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase: a new cardiovascular therapeutic strategy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2011; 301:H634-46. [PMID: 21622818 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01315.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases is associated with reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and/or increased endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)-dependent superoxide formation. These findings support that restoring and conserving adequate NO signaling in the heart and blood vessels is a promising therapeutic intervention. In particular, modulating eNOS, e.g., through increasing the bioavailability of its substrate and cofactors, enhancing its transcription, and interfering with other modulators of eNOS pathway, such as netrin-1, has a high potential for effective treatments of cardiovascular diseases. This review provides an overview of the possibilities for modulating eNOS and how this may be translated to the clinic in addition to describing the genetic models used to study eNOS modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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