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Lou Y, Liang Q, Xin L, Ren M, Hang Q, Qin F, Xiong Z. Integrated untargeted and targeted testicular metabolomics to reveal the regulated mechanism of Gushudan on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of kidney-yang-deficiency-syndrome rats. Biomed Chromatogr 2024; 38:e5872. [PMID: 38638009 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5872] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Modern studies have shown that neuroendocrine disorders caused by the dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis are one of the important pathogenetic mechanisms of kidney-yang-deficiency-syndrome (KYDS). The preventive effect of Gushudan on KYDS has been reported, but its regulatory mechanisms on the HPG axis have not been elucidated. In this study, we developed an integrated untargeted and targeted metabolomics analysis strategy to investigate the regulatory mechanism of Gushudan on the HPG axis in rats with KYDS. In untargeted metabolomics, we screened 14 potential biomarkers such as glycine, lysine, and glycerol that were significantly associated with the HPG axis. To explore the effect of changes in the levels of potential biomarkers on KYDS, all of them were quantified in targeted metabolomics. With the quantitative results, correlations between potential biomarkers and testosterone, a functional indicator of the HPG axis, were explored. The results showed that oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and energy depletion, induced by metabolic disorders in rats, were responsible for the decrease in testosterone levels. Gushudan improves metabolic disorders and restores testosterone levels, thus restoring HPG axis dysfunction. This finding elucidates the special metabolic characteristics of KYDS and the therapeutic mechanism of Gushudan from a new perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Lou
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, China
| | - Qinghua Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, China
| | - Ling Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, China
| | - Mengxin Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, China
| | - Qian Hang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, China
| | - Feng Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, China
| | - Zhili Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, China
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Zhan X, Xiao Y, Jian Q, Dong Y, Ke C, Zhou Z, Liu Y, Tu J. Integrated analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling reveals the effect of Atractylodes oil on Spleen Yang Deficiency Syndrome in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117205. [PMID: 37741473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Spleen Yang Deficiency Syndrome (SYDS), which is a syndrome commonly treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), manifests as overall metabolic dysfunction caused mainly by digestive system disorders. Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. (AL) is a widely used traditional herb with the efficacy of eliminate dampness and strengthen the spleen, Atractylodes oil (AO) is a medicinal component of AL and can be used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders. However, its effects on SYDS and underlying mechanisms have not been clarified to date. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of AO in the improvement of the symptoms of SYDS in rat and the underlying mechanism by integrating transcriptomics, and metabolomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS The SYDS rats induced by reserpine were treated with AO. The protective effect of AO on SYDS rats was evaluated by serum biochemical detection, histopathological analyses. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), colorimetric assay and immunofluorescence (IF) were performed to determine the levels of relevant indicators of mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in the liver. Liver metabolites and transcript levels were assessed by non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics to analyze potential molecular mechanisms and targets. The expression of the corresponding proteins was verified using Western blotting. RESULTS AO not only regulated the digestion, absorption function and oxidative stress status of SYDS rats, but also improved mitochondrial function and alleviated energy metabolism disorders in SYDS rats. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that AO regulation is mainly exerted in amino acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, TCA cycle as well as PPAR and AMPK signaling pathways. In addition, The AMPK signaling pathway was verified and AO promoted AMPK phosphorylation and the expression of SIRT1, PGC-1α, and PPARα in SYDS rats. CONCLUSIONS The therapeutic effect of AO on SYDS is potentially attributable to activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, which enhances transport and regulation of energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhan
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Yangxin Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Qipan Jian
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Yan Dong
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Chang Ke
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Yanju Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Jiyuan Tu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan, 430065, China.
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Zhang M, Pi Y, Ma L, Li F, Luo J, Cai Y, Wu Y, Liu M, Dai Y, Zheng F, Yue H. Effects of ginseng on short-chain fatty acids and intestinal microbiota in rats with spleen-qi deficiency based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and 16s rRNA technology. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023; 37:e9640. [PMID: 37942687 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Spleen-qi deficiency syndrome, a common weakness syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, results from insufficient spleen-qi levels. For centuries, ginseng has been relied upon as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat spleen-qi deficiency syndrome. Until now, the mechanism feature of ginseng in treating temper deficiency through intestinal bacteria and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites has not been fully elucidated. METHODS This study established a rat model of spleen-qi deficiency via multi-factor compound modeling that involved fatigue injury and a controlled diet. The content of SCFAs between different treatment groups was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. And the 16s rRNA sequencing technology was applied to reveal the effects of ginseng on the intestinal microecological environment of the rats. RESULTS It was found that the ginseng treatment group exhibited the most remarkable regulatory effect on propionic acid, surpassing all other administration groups. Ginseng increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and decreased that of harmful bacteria at the genus level in rats with spleen-qi deficiency syndrome. And propionic acid is significantly positively correlated with Lactobacillus level and significantly negatively correlated with uncultured_bacterium_f_Muribaculaceae (p < 0.05). n-Butyric acid is negatively correlated with the Faecalibaculum level (p < 0.01). n-Valeric acid is significantly negatively correlated with the Romboutsia level (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The mechanism of ginseng treatment for spleen-qi deficiency is elucidated from the perspective of gut microbiota and its metabolite SCFAs. It provides a new way for further development and utilization of ginseng and a theoretical basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyu Zhang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yijun Pi
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Liting Ma
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Fangtong Li
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yongyu Cai
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yongxi Wu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yulin Dai
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Fei Zheng
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hao Yue
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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Li F, Pi Y, Zhang M, Ma L, Wu Y, Luo J, Cai Y, Dai Y, Zheng F, Yue H. Urine and serum metabolomics study of wild ginseng in rats with spleen-qi deficiency using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci 2023; 46:e2300344. [PMID: 37438972 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202300344] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Patients with a spleen-qi deficiency often exhibit dysfunction in the metabolic system. Metabolites are considered the most direct reflection of individual physiological and pathological conditions and represent attractive candidates to provide deep insights into disease phenotypes. This study examines the potential therapeutic mechanism of wild ginseng on spleen-qi deficiency through the analysis of serum and urine metabolomics using rapid-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The reasons for the superiority of wild ginseng treatment over cultivated ginseng were also analyzed in depth. After wild ginseng intervention, anandamide, urobilinogen, aldosterone, and testosterone glucuronide were significantly reduced in serum. Meanwhile, argininosuccinic acid, L-cysteine, and seven other metabolites were significantly elevated in serum. Nine metabolites, including L-acetylcarnitine, and citrulline were elevated in the urine, and trimethylamine N-oxide, adrenic acid, and 10 other metabolites were reduced. Arginine biosynthesis, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, thiamin metabolism, taurine, and tryptophan metabolism pathways were mainly improved. Further analysis was conducted on the relationship between Lactobacillus and Akkermansia bacteria with metabolites, and it was found that they are mainly related to amino acid metabolites. This study provides strong theoretical support and direction for further explanation of the immune mechanism of wild ginseng and lays the foundation for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangtong Li
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Yijun Pi
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Meiyu Zhang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Liting Ma
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Yongxi Wu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Jing Luo
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Yongyu Cai
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Yulin Dai
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Fei Zheng
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Hao Yue
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, School of health management, Changchun, P. R. China
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Hu L, Chen J, Duan H, Zou Z, Qiu Y, Du J, Chen J, Yao X, Kiyohara H, Nagai T, Yao Z. A screening strategy for bioactive components of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang regulating spleen-qi deficiency based on "endobiotics-targets-xenobiotics" association network. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116605. [PMID: 37178982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been prevalent in China for over 700 years to treat spleen-qi deficiency related diseases, such as gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. However, the bioactive components responsible for regulating spleen-qi deficiency remain unclear and have puzzled many researchers. AIM OF THE STUDY The current study focuses on efficacy evaluation of regulating spleen-qi deficiency and screening the bioactive components of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang were evaluated through blood routine examination, immune organ index, and biochemical analysis. Metabolomics was utilized to analyze the potential endogenous biomarkers (endobiotics) in the plasma, and the prototypes (xenobiotics) of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang in the bio-samples were characterized using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Then, these endobiotics were used as "bait" to predict targets based on network pharmacology and to screen potential bioactive components from the absorbed prototypes in the plasma by constructing an "endobiotics-targets-xenobiotics" association network. Further, the anti-inflammatory activities of representative compounds (calycosin and nobiletin) were validated through poly(I:C)-induced pulmonary inflammation mice model. RESULTS Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang exhibited immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities in spleen-qi deficiency rat, as supported by the observation of increased levels of D-xylose and gastrin in serum, an increase in the thymus index and number of lymphocytes in blood, as well as a reduction in the level of IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Furthermore, plasma metabolomic analysis revealed a total of 36 Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang related endobiotics, which were mainly enriched in primary bile acids biosynthesis, the metabolism of linoleic acid, and the metabolism of phenylalanine pathways. Meanwhile, 95 xenobiotics were characterized in plasma, urine, small intestinal contents, and tissues of spleen-qi deficiency rat after Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang treatment. Using an integrated association network, six potential bioactive components of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang were screened. Among them, calycosin was found to significantly reduce the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, increase the number of lymphocytes, while nobiletin dramatically decreased the levels of CXCL10, TNF-α, GM-CSF, and IL-6. CONCLUSION Our study proposed an available strategy for screening bioactive components of BYZQT regulating spleen-qi deficiency based on "endobiotics-targets-xenobiotics" association network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liufang Hu
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Huifang Duan
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenyu Zou
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuan Qiu
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jing Du
- Tong Ren Tang Technologies Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100079, China.
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xinsheng Yao
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hiroaki Kiyohara
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology for Phytomedicines, Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Tokyo, 1088641, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nagai
- Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology for Phytomedicines, Ōmura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University, Tokyo, 1088641, Japan.
| | - Zhihong Yao
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Lei C, Chen J, Huang Z, Men Y, Qian Y, Yu M, Xu X, Li L, Zhao X, Jiang Y, Liu Y. Ginsenoside Rg1 can reverse fatigue behavior in CFS rats by regulating EGFR and affecting Taurine and Mannose 6-phosphate metabolism. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1163638. [PMID: 37101547 PMCID: PMC10123289 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1163638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by significant and persistent fatigue. Ginseng is a traditional anti-fatigue Chinese medicine with a long history in Asia, as demonstrated by clinical and experimental studies. Ginsenoside Rg1 is mainly derived from ginseng, and its anti-fatigue metabolic mechanism has not been thoroughly explored. Methods: We performed non-targeted metabolomics of rat serum using LC-MS and multivariate data analysis to identify potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways. In addition, we implemented network pharmacological analysis to reveal the potential target of ginsenoside Rg1 in CFS rats. The expression levels of target proteins were measured by PCR and Western blotting. Results: Metabolomics analysis confirmed metabolic disorders in the serum of CFS rats. Ginsenoside Rg1 can regulate metabolic pathways to reverse metabolic biases in CFS rats. We found a total of 34 biomarkers, including key markers Taurine and Mannose 6-phosphate. AKT1, VEGFA and EGFR were identified as anti-fatigue targets of ginsenoside Rg1 using network pharmacological analysis. Finally, biological analysis showed that ginsenoside Rg1 was able to down-regulate the expression of EGFR. Conclusion: Our results suggest ginsenoside Rg1 has an anti-fatigue effect, impacting the metabolism of Taurine and Mannose 6-phosphate through EGFR regulation. This demonstrates ginsenoside Rg1 is a promising alternative treatment for patients presenting with chronic fatigue syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofang Lei
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yinian Men
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Qian
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhi Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Youming Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yueyun Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yueyun Liu,
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Ginseng fermentation solution is associated with immune response in lung adenocarcinoma by modulating the differential expression of the m7G regulators. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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