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Coan M, Haefliger S, Ounzain S, Johnson R. Targeting and engineering long non-coding RNAs for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:578-595. [PMID: 38424237 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-024-00693-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (RNATx) aim to treat diseases, including cancer, by targeting or employing RNA molecules for therapeutic purposes. Amongst the most promising targets are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which regulate oncogenic molecular networks in a cell type-restricted manner. lncRNAs are distinct from protein-coding genes in important ways that increase their therapeutic potential yet also present hurdles to conventional clinical development. Advances in genome editing, oligonucleotide chemistry, multi-omics and RNA engineering are paving the way for efficient and cost-effective lncRNA-focused drug discovery pipelines. In this Review, we present the emerging field of lncRNA therapeutics for oncology, with emphasis on the unique strengths and challenges of lncRNAs within the broader RNATx framework. We outline the necessary steps for lncRNA therapeutics to deliver effective, durable, tolerable and personalized treatments for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Coan
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon Haefliger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Rory Johnson
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- FutureNeuro, SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland.
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Chan YT, Wu J, Lu Y, Li Q, Feng Z, Xu L, Yuan H, Xing T, Zhang C, Tan HY, Feng Y, Wang N. Loss of lncRNA LINC01056 leads to sorafenib resistance in HCC. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:74. [PMID: 38582885 PMCID: PMC10998324 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01988-y] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sorafenib is a major nonsurgical option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its clinical efficacy is largely undermined by the acquisition of resistance. The aim of this study was to identify the key lncRNA involved in the regulation of the sorafenib response in HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) single-guide RNA (sgRNA) synergistic activation mediator (SAM)-pooled lncRNA library was applied to screen for the key lncRNA regulated by sorafenib treatment. The role of the identified lncRNA in mediating the sorafenib response in HCC was examined in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism was delineated by proteomic analysis. The clinical significance of the expression of the identified lncRNA was evaluated by multiplex immunostaining on a human HCC microtissue array. RESULTS CRISPR/Cas9 lncRNA library screening revealed that Linc01056 was among the most downregulated lncRNAs in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Knockdown of Linc01056 reduced the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib, suppressing apoptosis in vitro and promoting tumour growth in mice in vivo. Proteomic analysis revealed that Linc01056 knockdown in sorafenib-treated HCC cells induced genes related to fatty acid oxidation (FAO) while repressing glycolysis-associated genes, leading to a metabolic switch favouring higher intracellular energy production. FAO inhibition in HCC cells with Linc01056 knockdown significantly restored sensitivity to sorafenib. Mechanistically, we determined that PPARα is the critical molecule governing the metabolic switch upon Linc01056 knockdown in HCC cells and indeed, PPARα inhibition restored the sorafenib response in HCC cells in vitro and HCC tumours in vivo. Clinically, Linc01056 expression predicted optimal overall and progression-free survival outcomes in HCC patients and predicted a better sorafenib response. Linc01056 expression indicated a low FAO level in HCC. CONCLUSION Our study identified Linc01056 as a critical epigenetic regulator and potential therapeutic target in the regulation of the sorafenib response in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Junyu Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Yuanjun Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Qiucheng Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Zixin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Lin Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Hongchao Yuan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Tingyuan Xing
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Hor-Yue Tan
- Centre for Chinese Medicine New Drug Development, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
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Quintero-Ruiz N, Oliveira WDL, Esteca MV, Granato DC, Simabuco FM. Uncovering the bookshelves of CRISPR-based libraries: Advances and applications in cancer studies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104287. [PMID: 38342473 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104287] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized the genome editing field. CRISPR-based libraries have become powerful tools for high-throughput functional genomics and genetic screening. CRISPR-based libraries can represent a powerful approach to uncovering genes related to chemoresistance and therapy efficacy and to studying cancer cells' fitness. In this review, we conducted an extensive literature search and summarized multiple studies that utilized these libraries in both in vitro and in vivo research, emphasizing their key findings. We provide an overview of the design, construction, and applications of CRISPR-based libraries in different cancer-focused studies and discuss the different types of CRISPR-based libraries. We finally point out the challenges associated with library design, including guide RNA selection, off-target effects, and library complexity. This review provides an overview of the work conducted with CRISPR libraries in the search for new targets that could potentially assist in cancer therapy by contributing to functional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Quintero-Ruiz
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, SP 13484-350, Brazil
| | - Wesley de Lima Oliveira
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, SP 13484-350, Brazil; Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa Em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius Esteca
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, SP 13484-350, Brazil
| | - Daniela Campos Granato
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa Em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Moreira Simabuco
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, SP 13484-350, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil.
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4
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AMJAD ELHAM, PEZZANI RAFFAELE, SOKOUTI BABAK. A review of the literature on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Res 2024; 32:439-461. [PMID: 38361756 PMCID: PMC10865741 DOI: 10.32604/or.2023.044473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs instruct the Cas9 nuclease to site-specifically cleave DNA in the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Despite the high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the patient's outcome is poor. As a result of the emergence of therapeutic resistance in HCC patients, clinicians have faced difficulties in treating such tumor. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9 screens were used to identify genes that improve the clinical response of HCC patients. It is the objective of this article to summarize the current understanding of the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for the treatment of cancer, with a particular emphasis on HCC as part of the current state of knowledge. Thus, in order to locate recent developments in oncology research, we examined both the Scopus database and the PubMed database. The ability to selectively interfere with gene expression in combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 screening can lead to the discovery of new effective HCC treatment regimens by combining clinically approved drugs. Drug resistance can be overcome with the help of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. HCC signature genes and resistance to treatment have been uncovered by genome-scale CRISPR activation screening, although this method is not without limitations. It has been extensively examined whether CRISPR can be used as a tool for disease research and gene therapy. CRISPR and its applications to tumor research, particularly in HCC, are examined in this study through a review of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- ELHAM AMJAD
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5165665813, Iran
| | - RAFFAELE PEZZANI
- Phytotherapy Lab, Endocrinology Unit, Dipartimento di Medicina (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Ospedale 105, Padova, 35128, Italy
- Associazione Italiana Per La Ricerca Oncologica Di Base, Associazione Italiana Per La Ricerca Oncologica Di Base, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - BABAK SOKOUTI
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 5165665813, Iran
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Shah M, Sarkar D. HCC-Related lncRNAs: Roles and Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:597. [PMID: 38203767 PMCID: PMC10779127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health threat, particularly in regions endemic to hepatitis B and C viruses, and because of the ongoing pandemic of obesity causing metabolic-dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a precursor to HCC. The molecular intricacies of HCC, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and dysregulated signaling pathways facilitate personalized treatment strategies based on molecular profiling. Epigenetic regulation, encompassing DNA methyltion, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs, functions as a critical layer influencing HCC development. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are spotlighted for their diverse roles in gene regulation and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in cancer. In this review, we explore the pivotal role of lncRNAs in HCC, including MAFLD and viral hepatitis, the most prevalent risk factors for hepatocarcinogenesis. The dysregulation of lncRNAs is implicated in HCC progression by modulating chromatin regulation and transcription, sponging miRNAs, and influencing structural functions. The ongoing studies on lncRNAs contribute to a deeper comprehension of HCC pathogenesis and offer promising routes for precision medicine, highlighting the utility of lncRNAs as early biomarkers, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimansha Shah
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Sosnovski KE, Braun T, Amir A, BenShoshan M, Abbas-Egbariya H, Ben-Yishay R, Anafi L, Avivi C, Barshack I, Denson LA, Haberman Y. Reduced LHFPL3-AS2 lncRNA expression is linked to altered epithelial polarity and proliferation, and to ileal ulceration in Crohn disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20513. [PMID: 37993670 PMCID: PMC10665440 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47997-7] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of intestinal epithelial functions is linked to Crohn disease (CD) pathogenesis. We identified a widespread reduction in the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) including LHFPL3-AS2 in the treatment-naïve CD ileum of the RISK pediatric cohort. We validated the reduction of LHFPL3-AS2 in adult CD and noted a further reduction in patients with more severe CD from the RISK cohort. LHFPL3-AS2 knockdown in Caco-2 cells robustly affected epithelial monolayer morphogenesis with markedly reduced confluency and spreading, showing atypical rounding, and clumping. mRNA-seq analysis of LHFPL3-AS2 knockdown cells highlighted the reduction of genes and pathways linked with apical polarity, actin bundles, morphogenesis, and the b-catenin-TCF4 complex. LHFPL3-AS2 knockdown significantly reduced the ability of cells to form an internal lumen within the 3-dimensional (3D) cyst model, with mislocalization of actin and adherent and tight junction proteins, affecting epithelial polarity. LHFPL3-AS2 knockdown also resulted in defective mitotic spindle formation and consequent reduction in epithelial proliferation. Altogether, we show that LHFPL3-AS2 reduction affects epithelial morphogenesis, polarity, mitotic spindle formation, and proliferation, which are key processes in maintaining epithelial homeostasis in CD. Reduced expression of LHFPL3-AS2 in CD patients and its further reduction with ileal ulceration outcome, emphasizes its significance in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya E Sosnovski
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tzipi Braun
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amnon Amir
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marina BenShoshan
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Haya Abbas-Egbariya
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rakefet Ben-Yishay
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Anafi
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Camilla Avivi
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iris Barshack
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lee A Denson
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yael Haberman
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Shen J, Cao J, Chen M, Zhang Y. Recent advances in the role of exosomes in liver fibrosis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023. [PMID: 37114594 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM We aim to summarize the current status of research on the role of exosomes in liver fibrosis. METHODS A review of the relevant literature was performed and the key findings were presented. RESULTS Most studies focused on the role of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells, other types of stem cells, and liver resident cells including hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis. Exosomes have been reported to play an essential role in the inactivation or activation of hepatic stellate cells through the delivery of non-coding RNAs and proteins. In recent years, this exosome cargo has become a research hotspot. CONCLUSIONS Recent studies have indicated the potential therapeutic benefit of exosomes in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiasheng Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Xie J, Ning Y, Zhang L, Lin Y, Guo R, Wang S. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0006470 inhibits the malignant behavior of gastric cancer cells <em>via</em> regulation of miR-1234/TP53I11 axis. Eur J Histochem 2022; 66. [PMID: 36190397 PMCID: PMC9577378 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2022.3477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a subtype of a common malignant tumor found in the digestive system. Hsa_circ_0006470 is known to be closely associated with the development of GC. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which hsa_circ_0006470 regulates the tumorigenesis of GC has not been fully elucidated. To investigate the role of hsa_circ_0006470 in GC, its expression levels were assessed in GES-1, AGS, MKN45, and SNU5 cells by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to evaluate the localization of hsa_circ_0006470 in AGS and MKN45 cells. In addition, cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethynyl- 2’-deoxyuridine assays were performed to evaluate the viability and proliferation of GC cells, respectively. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the interaction among hsa_circ_0006470, microRNA (miR)- 1234, and TP53I11. The expression levels of TP53I11, Akt, p-Akt, forkhead box O1, and cyclin dependent kinase 2 in AGS cells were analyzed by Western blotting. The data indicated that hsa_circ_0006470 expression was downregulated in AGS cells. In addition, overexpression (OE) of hsa_circ_0006470 could inhibit the viability and proliferation of GC cells. Moreover, OE of hsa_circ_0006470 inhibited the migration of GC cells and induced G1 cell cycle phase arrest. Moreover, miR-1234 was bound to hsa_circ_0006470 and TP53I11 was targeted by miR-1234. Furthermore, OE of hsa_circ_0006470 inhibited the tumorigenesis of GC via the regulation of the miR-1234/TP53I11 axis. In summary, the present study demonstrated that OE of hsa_circ_0006470 notably inhibited the tumorigenesis of GC by regulating the miR-1234/TP53I11 axis. Therefore, the present study may provide a theoretical basis for exploring novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbi Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai.
| | - Yong Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai.
| | - Lihang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai.
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai.
| | - Runsheng Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai.
| | - Shanjuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai.
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