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Vahdat Lasemi F, Mahjoubin Tehran M, Aghaee-Bakhtiari SH, Jalili A, Jaafari MR, Sahebkar A. Harnessing nucleic acid-based therapeutics for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: state of the art. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1116-1131. [PMID: 30980904 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is one of the major but modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Despite the accessibility of statins and other lipid-lowering drugs, the burden of ACVD is still high globally, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. Nucleic acid-based technologies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering (si)RNAs, miRNAs, and decoys, are emerging therapeutic modalities for the treatment of ACVD. These technologies aim to degrade gene mRNA transcripts to decrease the levels of atherogenic lipoproteins. Using gene-silencing approaches, the levels of atherogenic lipoproteins can be decreased by targeting proteins that have key roles in lipoprotein metabolism. Here, we highlight preclinical and clinical findings using these approaches for the development of novel therapies against ACVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Vahdat Lasemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin Tehran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Hamid Aghaee-Bakhtiari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Bioinformatics Research Group, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amin Jalili
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Optimization of 2',4'-BNA/LNA-Based Oligonucleotides for Splicing Modulation In Vitro. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1828:395-411. [PMID: 30171556 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8651-4_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated splicing modulation is an attractive strategy for treating genetic disorders. In 2016, two splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) were approved by the FDA. To date, various types of novel artificial nucleic acids have been developed, and their potential for splicing modulations has been demonstrated. To apply these novel chemistries to SSOs, it is necessary to determine the appropriate design for each artificial nucleic acid such as the length of the SSO and number of modifications. In this protocol, we focus on SSOs modified with 2'-O,4'-methylene-bridged nucleic acid (2',4'-BNA)/locked nucleic acid (LNA), which is an artificial nucleic acid that shows extremely high binding affinity to target RNA strands. We describe our typical protocol for the optimization of 2',4'-BNA-based SSOs.
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Morihiro K, Kasahara Y, Obika S. Biological applications of xeno nucleic acids. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2017; 13:235-245. [PMID: 27827481 DOI: 10.1039/c6mb00538a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Xeno nucleic acids (XNAs) are a group of chemically modified nucleic acid analogues that have been applied to various biological technologies such as antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs and aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunihiko Morihiro
- National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085, Japan and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Yuuya Kasahara
- National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085, Japan and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Obika
- National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0085, Japan and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Shibata MA, Shibata E, Maemura K, Kondo Y, Harada-Shiba M. Pathological and molecular analyses of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-knockout mice. Med Mol Morphol 2017; 50:130-144. [PMID: 28247010 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-017-0154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of consistent and reliable methods for the analysis of atherosclerosis molecular pathways and for testing the efficiency of new therapeutics is of utmost importance. Here, we fed ApoE-knockout (KO) mice with high-fat diet to for 16 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic lesions in mice were methodically investigated using pathologic analyses and molecular biology tools. These lesions were histopathologically classified into three categories: early, progressive, and combined lesions. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that both F4/80 (macrophage marker) and tenascin-C are expressed in these lesions. Real-time PCR analysis conducted using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues with atherosclerotic lesions demonstrated an increase in the levels of many inflammatory chemokines, including Cxcl16, while antibody arrays performed using frozen atherosclerotic tissue samples showed elevated TIMP-1 expression. Subsequent immunohistochemical analyses showed that the expression of CXCL16, TIMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-8, and LOX-1 is localized in the atherosclerotic lesions. We confirmed that the expression of these proteins is localized to atherosclerotic lesion, which suggests their roles in the development of the lesions in ApoE-KO mice. Therefore, this mouse model represents an appropriate tool for elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying the development of atherosclerosis, and a model for the evaluation of therapeutic efficiency of novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masa-Aki Shibata
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical College, 2-7, Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan.
| | - Eiko Shibata
- Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1, Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan
| | - Kentaro Maemura
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical College, 2-7, Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
| | - Yoichi Kondo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Division of Life Sciences, Osaka Medical College, 2-7, Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686, Japan
| | - Mariko Harada-Shiba
- Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1, Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan
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Mitsuoka Y, Yamamoto T, Kugimiya A, Waki R, Wada F, Tahara S, Sawamura M, Noda M, Fujimura Y, Kato Y, Hari Y, Obika S. Triazole- and Tetrazole-Bridged Nucleic Acids: Synthesis, Duplex Stability, Nuclease Resistance, and in Vitro and in Vivo Antisense Potency. J Org Chem 2016; 82:12-24. [PMID: 27936689 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.6b02417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides are attractive therapeutic agents for several types of disease. One of the most promising modifications of antisense oligonucleotides is the introduction of bridged nucleic acids. As we report here, we designed novel bridged nucleic acids, triazole-bridged nucleic acid (TrNA), and tetrazole-bridged nucleic acid (TeNA), whose sugar conformations are restricted to N-type by heteroaromatic ring-bridged structures. We then successfully synthesized TrNA and TeNA and introduced these monomers into oligonucleotides. In UV-melting experiments, TrNA-modified oligonucleotides exhibited increased binding affinity toward complementary RNA and decreased binding affinity toward complementary DNA, although TeNA-modified oligonucleotides were decomposed under the annealing conditions. Enzymatic degradation experiments demonstrated that introduction of TrNA at the 3'-terminus rendered oligonucleotides resistant to nuclease digestion. Furthermore, we tested the silencing potencies of TrNA-modified antisense oligonucleotides using in vitro and in vivo assays. These experiments revealed that TrNA-modified antisense oligonucleotides induced potent downregulation of gene expression in liver. In addition, TrNA-modified antisense oligonucleotides showed a tendency for increased liver biodistribution. Taken together, our findings indicate that TrNA is a good candidate for practical application in antisense methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Mitsuoka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University , 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Discovery Research Laboratory for Innovative Frontier Medicines, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. , 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University , 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akira Kugimiya
- Discovery Research Laboratory for Innovative Frontier Medicines, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. , 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Reiko Waki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University , 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Fumito Wada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University , 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Saori Tahara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University , 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Motoki Sawamura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University , 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mio Noda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University , 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuko Fujimura
- Discovery Research Laboratory for Innovative Frontier Medicines, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. , 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Yuki Kato
- Research Laboratory for Development, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. , 3-1-1 Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Hari
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University , 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University , Nishihama, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University , 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Yamamoto T, Wada F, Harada-Shiba M. Development of Antisense Drugs for Dyslipidemia. J Atheroscler Thromb 2016; 23:1011-25. [PMID: 27466159 PMCID: PMC5090806 DOI: 10.5551/jat.rv16001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal elevation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in plasma as well as dysfunction of anti-atherogenic high-density lipoprotein (HDL) have both been recognized as essential components of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and are classified as dyslipidemia. This review describes the arc of development of antisense oligonucleotides for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Chemically-armed antisense candidates can act on various kinds of transcripts, including mRNA and miRNA, via several different endogenous antisense mechanisms, and have exhibited potent systemic anti-dyslipidemic effects. Here, we present specific cutting-edge technologies have recently been brought into antisense strategies, and describe how they have improved the potency of antisense drugs in regard to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In addition, we discuss perspectives for the use of armed antisense oligonucleotides as new clinical options for dyslipidemia, in the light of outcomes of recent clinical trials and safety concerns indicated by several clinical and preclinical studies.
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Yamamoto T, Yahara A, Waki R, Yasuhara H, Wada F, Harada-Shiba M, Obika S. Amido-bridged nucleic acids with small hydrophobic residues enhance hepatic tropism of antisense oligonucleotides in vivo. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:3757-65. [PMID: 25690587 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00242g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
High scalability of a novel bicyclic nucleoside building block, amido-bridged nucleic acid (AmNA), to diversify pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides is described. N2'-functionalization of AmNA with a variety of hydrophobic groups is straightforward. Combinations of these modules display similar antisense knockdown effects and improve cellular uptake, relative to sequence-matched conventional 2',4'-bridged nucleic acid (2',4'-BNA) in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Yamamoto T, Sawamura M, Wada F, Harada-Shiba M, Obika S. Serial incorporation of a monovalent GalNAc phosphoramidite unit into hepatocyte-targeting antisense oligonucleotides. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 24:26-32. [PMID: 26678173 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The targeting of abundant hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPR) with trivalent N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) is a reliable strategy for efficiently delivering antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to the liver. We here experimentally demonstrate the high systemic potential of the synthetically-accessible, phosphodiester-linked monovalent GalNAc unit when tethered to the 5'-terminus of well-characterised 2',4'-bridged nucleic acid (also known as locked nucleic acid)-modified apolipoprotein B-targeting ASO via a bio-labile linker. Quantitative analysis of the hepatic disposition of the ASOs revealed that phosphodiester is preferable to phosphorothioate as an interunit linkage in terms of ASGPR binding of the GalNAc moiety, as well as the subcellular behavior of the ASO. The flexibility of this monomeric unit was demonstrated by attaching up to 5 GalNAc units in a serial manner and showing that knockdown activity improves as the number of GalNAc units increases. Our study suggests the structural requirements for efficient hepatocellular targeting using monovalent GalNAc and could contribute to a new molecular design for suitably modifying ASO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Motoki Sawamura
- Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Fumito Wada
- Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mariko Harada-Shiba
- Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Kivelä AM, Huusko J, Ylä-Herttuala S. Prospect and progress of gene therapy in treating atherosclerosis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15:1699-712. [PMID: 26328616 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1084282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite considerable improvements in therapies, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, in addition to current treatment options, new therapeutic approaches are still needed. AREAS COVERED In this review, novel gene and RNA interference-based therapy approaches and promising target genes for treating atherosclerosis are addressed. In addition, relevant animal models for the demonstration of the efficacy of different gene therapy applications, and current progress toward more efficient, targeted and safer gene transfer vectors are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Atherosclerosis represents a complex multifactorial disease that is dependent on the interplay between lipoprotein metabolism, cellular reactions and inflammation. Recent advances and novel targets, especially in the field of RNA interference-based therapies, are very promising. However, it should be noted that the modulation of a particular gene is not as clearly associated with a complex polygenic disease as it is in the case of monogenic diseases. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis, further progress in vector development and the demonstration of treatment efficacy in relevant animal models will be required before gene therapy of atherosclerosis meets its clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annukka M Kivelä
- a 1 University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine , Kuopio, Finland +358 403 552 075 ;
| | - Jenni Huusko
- a 1 University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine , Kuopio, Finland +358 403 552 075 ;
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- a 1 University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine , Kuopio, Finland +358 403 552 075 ; .,b 2 Science Service Center , Kuopio, Finland.,c 3 Kuopio University Hospital, Gene Therapy Unit , Kuopio, Finland
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Pressler JW, Haller A, Sorrell J, Wang F, Seeley RJ, Tso P, Sandoval DA. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy restores glucose homeostasis in apolipoprotein A-IV KO mice. Diabetes 2015; 64:498-507. [PMID: 25157093 PMCID: PMC4303973 DOI: 10.2337/db14-0825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bariatric surgery is the most successful strategy for treating obesity, yet the mechanisms for this success are not clearly understood. Clinical literature suggests that plasma levels of apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) rise with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). apoA-IV is secreted from the intestine postprandially and has demonstrated benefits for both glucose and lipid homeostasis. Because of the parallels in the metabolic improvements seen with surgery and the rise in apoA-IV levels, we hypothesized that apoA-IV was necessary for obtaining the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery. To test this hypothesis, we performed vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), a surgery with clinical efficacy very similar to that for RYGB, in whole-body apoA-IV knockout (KO) mice. We found that VSG reduced body mass and improved both glucose and lipid homeostasis similarly in wild-type mice compared with apoA-IV KO mice. In fact, VSG normalized the impairment in glucose tolerance and caused a significantly greater improvement in hepatic triglyceride storage in the apoA-IV KO mice. Last, independent of surgery, apoA-IV KO mice had a significantly reduced preference for a high-fat diet. Altogether, these data suggest that apoA-IV is not necessary for the metabolic improvements shown with VSG, but also suggest an interesting role for apoA-IV in regulating macronutrient preference and hepatic triglyceride levels. Future studies are necessary to determine whether this is the case for RYGB as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh W Pressler
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - April Haller
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Joyce Sorrell
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Randy J Seeley
- Department of Surgery, North Campus Research Complex, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Patrick Tso
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Darleen A Sandoval
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH Department of Surgery, North Campus Research Complex, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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