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Lucas-Herald AK, Montezano AC, Alves-Lopes R, Haddow L, O’Toole S, Flett M, Lee B, Amjad SB, Steven M, McNeilly J, Brooksbank K, Touyz RM, Ahmed SF. Effects of Sex Hormones on Vascular Reactivity in Boys With Hypospadias. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e735-e744. [PMID: 37672642 PMCID: PMC10795938 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arteries from boys with hypospadias demonstrate hypercontractility and impaired vasorelaxation. The role of sex hormones in these responses in unclear. AIMS We compared effects of sex steroids on vascular reactivity in healthy boys and boys with hypospadias. METHODS Excess foreskin tissue was obtained from 11 boys undergoing hypospadias repair (cases) and 12 undergoing routine circumcision (controls) (median age [range], 1.5 [1.2-2.7] years) and small resistance arteries were isolated. Vessels were mounted on wire myographs and vascular reactivity was assessed in the absence/presence of 17β-estradiol, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone. RESULTS In controls, testosterone and 17β-estradiol increased contraction (percent of maximum contraction [Emax]: 83.74 basal vs 125.4 after testosterone, P < .0002; and 83.74 vs 110.2 after estradiol, P = .02). 17β-estradiol reduced vasorelaxation in arteries from controls (Emax: 10.6 vs 15.6 to acetylcholine, P < .0001; and Emax: 14.6 vs 20.5 to sodium nitroprusside, P < .0001). In hypospadias, testosterone (Emax: 137.9 vs 107.2, P = .01) and 17β-estradiol (Emax: 156.9 vs 23.6, P < .0001) reduced contraction. Androgens, but not 17β-estradiol, increased endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation in cases (Emax: 77.3 vs 51.7 with testosterone, P = .02; and vs 48.2 with DHT to acetylcholine, P = .0001; Emax: 43.0 vs 39.5 with testosterone, P = .02; and 39.6 vs 37.5 with DHT to sodium nitroprusside, P = .04). CONCLUSION In healthy boys, testosterone and 17β-estradiol promote a vasoconstrictor phenotype, whereas in boys with hypospadias, these sex hormones reduce vasoconstriction, with androgens promoting vasorelaxation. Differences in baseline artery function may therefore be sex hormone-independent and the impact of early-life variations in androgen exposure on vascular function needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Lucas-Herald
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, McGill University, 1001 Boul Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Rheure Alves-Lopes
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Laura Haddow
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Stuart O’Toole
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Martyn Flett
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Boma Lee
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - S Basith Amjad
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Mairi Steven
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Jane McNeilly
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Katriona Brooksbank
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, McGill University, 1001 Boul Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
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Traish AM. Major cardiovascular disease risk in men with testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism): appraisal of short, medium and long-term testosterone therapy - a narrative review. Sex Med Rev 2023; 11:384-394. [PMID: 37587664 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low testosterone (T) levels are associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and altered lipid profiles, thus contributing to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Hence T deficiency has a detrimental effect on men's vascular health, quality of life and increased mortality. OBJECTIVES This review aims to present summary of data in the contemporary clinical literature pertaining to the benefits of T therapy in clinical studies with varying durations on vascular health in men with T deficiency. METHODS A Medline search using PubMed and EMBASE was performed using the following key words: "testosterone deficiency," "testosterone therapy," major cardiovascular adverse events", "cardiovascular disease". Relevant studies were extracted, evaluated, and analyzed. We evaluated findings from clinical trials, observational studies and systematic reviews and meta-analyses to develop a comprehensive account of the critical role of T in maintaining vascular health. RESULTS Considerable evidence beginning with studies published in 1940s concomitant with findings from the utmost recent clinical studies suggests a clinical value of T therapy in maintaining vascular health and reducing cardiovascular mortality. The current scientific and clinical evidence demonstrates strong relationship between low circulating T levels and risk of cardiovascular disease and T therapy is deemed safe in men with hypogonadism when given in the physiological range with no apparent harm. CONCLUSION What emerges from the current clinical literature is that, irrespective of the length of study durations, testosterone therapy provides significant health benefits and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. More important is that data from many observational and registry studies, demonstrated that longer durations of testosterone therapy were associated with greater health benefits and reduced cardiovascular risk. T therapy in men with T deficiency reduces the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events attributed to improving overall metabolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmaged M Traish
- Department of Biochemistry & Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
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Jósvai A, Török M, Mátrai M, Hetthéssy J, Monori-Kiss A, Makk J, Székács B, Nádasy GL, Várbíró S. Effects of Testosterone Deficiency and Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension on the Biomechanics of Intramural Coronary Arteries. J Sex Med 2020; 17:2322-2330. [PMID: 33067160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Andropause and hypertension also increase the risk of coronary artery damage. AIM To investigate the effect of testosterone deficiency and hypertension on intramural coronary vessels. METHODS 4 groups of 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were studied: control male (Co, n=10), orchidectomized male (OCT, n=13), angiotensin (AII) hypertensive male (AII, n=10), and AII hypertensive and OCT (AII + OCT, n=8). Surgical orchidectomy was performed, and an osmotic minipump was inserted for chronic angiotensin II infusion (100 ng/min/kg). After 4 weeks, spontaneous tone and biomechanical properties of the intramural coronary resistance artery were investigated in vitro, by pressure microarteriography. OUTCOMES Morphology and biomechanics of the intramural coronaries were evaluated: the outer diameter, wall thickness-to-lumen diameter ratio, and tangential wall stress in the contracted and relaxed states. RESULTS The outer diameter was reduced in OCT and AII + OCT groups (on 50 mmHg 315 ± 20 Co; 237 ± 21 OCT; 291 ± 16 AII, and 166 ± 12 μm AII + OCT). The increased wall thickness-to-lumen diameter ratio resulted in lower tangential wall stress in AII + OCT rats (on 50 mmHg 19 ± 2 Co; 24 ± OCT; 26 ± 5 AII, and 9 ± 1 kPa AII + OCT). Spontaneous tone was increased in the hypertensive rats (AII and AII + OCT groups) (on 50 mmHg 7.7 ± 1.8 Co; 6.1 ± 1.4 OCT; 14.5 ± 3.0 AII, and 17.4 ± 4.1 % AII + OCT). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Andropause alone can be considered as a cardiovascular risk factor that will further exacerbate vascular damage in hypertension. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS A limitation of our study is that it was performed on relatively young rats, and the conclusions might not apply to coronary remodelling in older animals with slower adaptation processes. CONCLUSIONS Testosterone deficiency and hypertension damage the mechanical adaptation of the vessel wall additively: double noxa caused inward eutrophic remodeling and increased tone. Jósvai A, Török M, Mátrai M, et al. Effects of Testosterone Deficiency and Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension on the Biomechanics of Intramural Coronary Arteries. J Sex Med 2020;17:2322-2330.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Jósvai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hungarian Defence Forces Medical Centre, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Marianna Török
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Máté Mátrai
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Hetthéssy
- Department of Orthopedics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Monori-Kiss
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jennifer Makk
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Székács
- 2nd Department Internal Medicine, Department Section of Geriatrics, Szt Imre Teaching Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György L Nádasy
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Várbíró
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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The Effect of Different Doses of Zearalenone in Feed on the Bioavailability of Zearalenone and Alpha-Zearalenol, and the Concentrations of Estradiol and Testosterone in the Peripheral Blood of Pre-Pubertal Gilts. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12030144. [PMID: 32111008 PMCID: PMC7150765 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12030144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of long-term (48 days), per os administration of specific zearalenone (ZEN) doses (20 and 40 μg ZEN/kg BW in experimental groups EI and EII, which were equivalent to 200% and 400% of the upper range limit of the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL), respectively) on the bioavailability of ZEN and the rate of changes in estradiol and testosterone concentrations in the peripheral blood of pre-pubertal gilts. ZEN and α-ZEL levels were similar until day 28. After day 28, α-ZEL concentrations increased significantly in group EI, whereas a significant rise in ZEN levels was noted in group EII. The presence of estradiol in peripheral blood plasma was not observed until day 20 of the experiment. Spontaneous secretion of estradiol was minimal, and it was determined at very low levels of up to 10 pg/mL in EI and EII groups. Testosterone concentrations ranged from 4 to 9 ng/mL in all groups. A decrease in the concentrations of both analyzed hormones was reported in the last stage of the experiment. The results of the experiment indicate that: (i) The bioavailability of ZEN in peripheral blood has low diagnostic value, (ii) exposure to low doses of ZEN induces minor changes in the concentrations of the analyzed hormones, which could lead to situational supraphysiological hormone levels and changes in endogenous hormonal balance.
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Chaudhari S, Cushen SC, Osikoya O, Jaini PA, Posey R, Mathis KW, Goulopoulou S. Mechanisms of Sex Disparities in Cardiovascular Function and Remodeling. Compr Physiol 2018; 9:375-411. [PMID: 30549017 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies demonstrate disparities between men and women in cardiovascular disease prevalence, clinical symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. Enrollment of women in clinical trials is lower than men, and experimental studies investigating molecular mechanisms and efficacy of certain therapeutics in cardiovascular disease have been primarily conducted in male animals. These practices bias data interpretation and limit the implication of research findings in female clinical populations. This review will focus on the biological origins of sex differences in cardiovascular physiology, health, and disease, with an emphasis on the sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone. First, we will briefly discuss epidemiological evidence of sex disparities in cardiovascular disease prevalence and clinical manifestation. Second, we will describe studies suggesting sexual dimorphism in normal cardiovascular function from fetal life to older age. Third, we will summarize and critically discuss the current literature regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of estrogens and androgens on cardiac and vascular physiology and the contribution of these hormones to sex differences in cardiovascular disease. Fourth, we will present cardiovascular disease risk factors that are positively associated with the female sex, and thus, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk in women. We conclude that inclusion of both men and women in the investigation of the role of estrogens and androgens in cardiovascular physiology will advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sex differences in cardiovascular disease. In addition, investigating the role of sex-specific factors in the development of cardiovascular disease will reduce sex and gender disparities in the treatment and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:375-411, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarika Chaudhari
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Spencer C Cushen
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Oluwatobiloba Osikoya
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Paresh A Jaini
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Posey
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Keisa W Mathis
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Styliani Goulopoulou
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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Chrysant SG, Chrysant GS. Cardiovascular benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy in older men with low testosterone. Hosp Pract (1995) 2018; 46:47-55. [PMID: 29478348 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2018.1445405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that low testosterone (T) levels have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and strokes. In contrast, many other studies have demonstrated that normal T levels or the normalization of low T levels with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is associated with decreased incidence of CV events, T2DM, and strokes, besides improving sexual function and the quality of life. However, recent studies have indicated that TRT could lead to increased incidence of CV events and strokes. These latter studies have created a great controversy among physicians regarding these findings, who question the validity of their results. In order to get a better perspective on the current status of TRT in hypogonadal men, a focused Medline and EMBASE search of the English language literature was conducted between 2010 and 2017 using the terms hypogonadism, low Testosterone, cardiovascular disease, testosterone replacement therapy, benefits, risks, older men, mechanism of action, and 58 papers with pertinent information were selected and 48 papers were rejected. The selected papers will be discussed in this review. In conclusion, based on the current status of TRT, the majority of studies indicate that TRT is safe and is associated with prevention of CVD and strokes in hypogonadal men. However, the evidence is not uniform and the therefore, decision to administer TRT should be discussed with the patient till more definitive information becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Chrysant
- a Department of Cardiology , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - George S Chrysant
- b Department of Cardiology , INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
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Abstract
The principle steroidal androgens are testosterone and its metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5α-reductase. Through the classic pathway with androgens crossing the plasma membrane and binding to the androgen receptor (AR) or via mechanisms independent of the ligand-dependent transactivation function of nuclear receptors, testosterone induces genomic and non-genomic effects respectively. AR is widely distributed in several tissues, including vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Androgens are essential for many developmental and physiological processes, especially in male reproductive tissues. It is now clear that androgens have multiple actions besides sex differentiation and sexual maturation and that many physiological systems are influenced by androgens, including regulation of cardiovascular function [nitric oxide (NO) release, Ca2+ mobilization, vascular apoptosis, hypertrophy, calcification, senescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation]. This review focuses on evidence indicating that interplay between genomic and non-genomic actions of testosterone may influence cardiovascular function.
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Fisher RK, Mattern-Schain SI, Best MD, Kirkpatrick SS, Freeman MB, Grandas OH, Mountain DJH. Improving the efficacy of liposome-mediated vascular gene therapy via lipid surface modifications. J Surg Res 2017; 219:136-144. [PMID: 29078873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2017.05.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously defined mechanisms of intimal hyperplasia that could be targets for molecular therapeutics aimed at vascular pathology. However, biocompatible nanocarriers are needed for effective delivery. Cationic liposomes (CLPs) have been demonstrated as effective nanocarriers in vitro. However, in vivo success has been hampered by cytotoxicity. Recently, neutral PEGylated liposomes (PLPs) have been modified with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to enhance cellular uptake. We aim to establish CPP-modified neutral liposomes as viable molecular nanocarriers in vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODS CLPs, PLPs, and CPP-modified PLPs (R8-PLPs) were assembled with short interfering RNA (siRNA) via ethanol injection. Characterization studies determined liposomal morphology, size, and charge. siRNA encapsulation efficiency was measured via RiboGreen assay. Vascular smooth muscle cells were exposed to equal lipid/siRNA across all groups. Rhodamine-labeled liposomes were used to quantify cell association via fluorometry, live/dead dual stain was used to measure cytotoxicity, and gene silencing was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS R8-PLPs exhibited increased encapsulation efficiency equivalent to CLPs. PLPs and R8-PLP-5 mol% and R8-PLP-10 mol% had no cytotoxic effect. CLPs demonstrated significant cytotoxicity. R8-PLP-5 mol% and R8-PLP-10 mol% exhibited increased cell association versus PLPs. R8-PLP-10 mol% resulted in significant gene silencing, in a manner dependent on lipid-to-siRNA load capacity. CONCLUSIONS The negligible cytotoxicity and enhanced cellular association and gene silencing capacity exhibited by R8-PLPs reveal this class of liposomes as a candidate for future applications. Further modifications for optimizing R8-PLPs are still warranted to improve efficacy, and in vivo studies are needed for translational development. However, this could prove to be an optimal nanocarrier for vascular gene therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K Fisher
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | | | - Michael D Best
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Stacy S Kirkpatrick
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Michael B Freeman
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Oscar H Grandas
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Deidra J H Mountain
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee.
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