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Bukato K, Kostrzewa T, Gammazza AM, Gorska-Ponikowska M, Sawicki S. Endogenous estrogen metabolites as oxidative stress mediators and endometrial cancer biomarkers. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:205. [PMID: 38566107 PMCID: PMC10985914 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01583-0] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy found in developed countries. Because therapy can be curative at first, early detection and diagnosis are crucial for successful treatment. Early diagnosis allows patients to avoid radical therapies and offers conservative management options. There are currently no proven biomarkers that predict the risk of disease occurrence, enable early identification or support prognostic evaluation. Consequently, there is increasing interest in discovering sensitive and specific biomarkers for the detection of endometrial cancer using noninvasive approaches. CONTENT Hormonal imbalance caused by unopposed estrogen affects the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and carcinogenesis. In addition, due to their ability to cause oxidative stress, estradiol metabolites have both carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic properties. Catechol estrogens are converted to reactive quinones, resulting in oxidative DNA damage that can initiate the carcinogenic process. The molecular anticancer mechanisms are still not fully understood, but it has been established that some estradiol metabolites generate reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, resulting in nitro-oxidative stress that causes cancer cell cycle arrest or cell death. Therefore, identifying biomarkers that reflect this hormonal imbalance and the presence of endometrial cancer in minimally invasive or noninvasive samples such as blood or urine could significantly improve early detection and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Bukato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oncological Gynecology and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk, Smoluchowskiego 17, Gdańsk, 80-214, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kostrzewa
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki 1, Gdansk, 80-211, Poland
| | - Antonella Marino Gammazza
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Magdalena Gorska-Ponikowska
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki 1, Gdansk, 80-211, Poland.
- IEMEST Istituto Euro-Mediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia, Palermo, 90127, Italy.
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, University of Stuttgart, 70174, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Sambor Sawicki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oncological Gynecology and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk, Smoluchowskiego 17, Gdańsk, 80-214, Poland.
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Prokai-Tatrai K, Prokai L. The impact of 17β-estradiol on the estrogen-deficient female brain: from mechanisms to therapy with hot flushes as target symptoms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1310432. [PMID: 38260155 PMCID: PMC10800853 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1310432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex steroids are essential for whole body development and functions. Among these steroids, 17β-estradiol (E2) has been known as the principal "female" hormone. However, E2's actions are not restricted to reproduction, as it plays a myriad of important roles throughout the body including the brain. In fact, this hormone also has profound effects on the female brain throughout the life span. The brain receives this gonadal hormone from the circulation, and local formation of E2 from testosterone via aromatase has been shown. Therefore, the brain appears to be not only a target but also a producer of this steroid. The beneficial broad actions of the hormone in the brain are the end result of well-orchestrated delayed genomic and rapid non-genomic responses. A drastic and steady decline in circulating E2 in a female occurs naturally over an extended period of time starting with the perimenopausal transition, as ovarian functions are gradually declining until the complete cessation of the menstrual cycle. The waning of endogenous E2 in the blood leads to an estrogen-deficient brain. This adversely impacts neural and behavioral functions and may lead to a constellation of maladies such as vasomotor symptoms with varying severity among women and, also, over time within an individual. Vasomotor symptoms triggered apparently by estrogen deficiency are related to abnormal changes in the hypothalamus particularly involving its preoptic and anterior areas. However, conventional hormone therapies to "re-estrogenize" the brain carry risks due to multiple confounding factors including unwanted hormonal exposure of the periphery. In this review, we focus on hot flushes as the archetypic manifestation of estrogen deprivation in the brain. Beyond our current mechanistic understanding of the symptoms, we highlight the arduous process and various obstacles of developing effective and safe therapies for hot flushes using E2. We discuss our preclinical efforts to constrain E2's beneficial actions to the brain by the DHED prodrug our laboratory developed to treat maladies associated with the hypoestrogenic brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Prokai-Tatrai
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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Belluti S, Imbriano C, Casarini L. Nuclear Estrogen Receptors in Prostate Cancer: From Genes to Function. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4653. [PMID: 37760622 PMCID: PMC10526871 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are almost ubiquitous steroid hormones that are essential for development, metabolism, and reproduction. They exert both genomic and non-genomic action through two nuclear receptors (ERα and ERβ), which are transcription factors with disregulated functions and/or expression in pathological processes. In the 1990s, the discovery of an additional membrane estrogen G-protein-coupled receptor augmented the complexity of this picture. Increasing evidence elucidating the specific molecular mechanisms of action and opposing effects of ERα and Erβ was reported in the context of prostate cancer treatment, where these issues are increasingly investigated. Although new approaches improved the efficacy of clinical therapies thanks to the development of new molecules targeting specifically estrogen receptors and used in combination with immunotherapy, more efforts are needed to overcome the main drawbacks, and resistance events will be a challenge in the coming years. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art on ERα and ERβ mechanisms of action in prostate cancer and promising future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Belluti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (C.I.)
| | - Carol Imbriano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (C.I.)
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Rehmann-Sutter C, Hornig N, Stammberger B, Stoff H. The past and future of "sex genes". MED GENET-BERLIN 2023; 35:153-161. [PMID: 38840815 PMCID: PMC10842558 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2023-2040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Much later than the discovery of "sex chromosomes" and of "sex hormones", genetics started delivering detailed explanations of sex-determining developmental pathways. Despite increasing knowledge of biological processes, concepts and theories about sex development are never based on facts alone. There are inevitable entanglements of biological description and changing cultural assumptions and they play a key role in how sex genes are framed and interpreted in biological research. In this review article we first focus on the early 20th century biology that worked in a hormone-based paradigm. Genetic explanations emerged later, first on the basis of sex chromosomes; starting in the 1980s, on the basis of genes. We highlight orthodox views of female development, which saw the default pathway of human sex development. We will show how recent findings in biology challenge it. The article discusses the interactions of causal claims in science with cultural assumption about gender and outlines three influential strands of critical feminist philosophy of science: the critique of genetic determinism and genetic essentialism, of dualist assumptions, and of an androcentric bias in the conception of research strategies. In the final section we suggest key agenda points of future genetic research on sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Rehmann-Sutter
- Universität zu LübeckInstitut für Medizingeschichte und WissenschaftsforschungKönigstraße 4223552LübeckDeutschland
| | - Nadine Hornig
- Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu KielInstitut für HumangenetikSchwanenweg 2424105KielDeutschland
| | - Birgit Stammberger
- Universität zu LübeckInstitut für Medizingeschichte und WissenschaftsforschungKönigstraße 4223552LübeckDeutschland
| | - Heiko Stoff
- Medizinische Hochschule HannoverInstitut für Ethik, Geschichte und Philosophie der MedizinCarl-Neuberg-Str. 130625HannoverDeutschland
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Shu Q, Yang G, Tang M, Guo C, Zhang H, Li J. Upregulated estrogen receptors impairs myogenesis and elevates adipogenesis related factor levels in the paravertebral muscles of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 652:22-30. [PMID: 36806085 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is 2-3% worldwide and is more common in girls. Estrogen receptors (ERs) is supposed to be related to sex differences and development of IS. Meanwhile, paravertebral muscle (PVM) abnormalities play important roles in the pathogenesis of IS. But the changes of ERs between the PVMs from IS patients and controls, and the mechanism by which ERs may affect IS patients remain unclear. Thus, the expression levels of ERs, myogenesis regulator (MYOG) and adipogenesis related factors (CEBPA, PPARγ, FABP4), as well as morphological changes in the PVMs and primary skeletal muscle mesenchymal progenitor cells (hSM-MPCs) of IS patients and controls were investigated. Increased expression levels of ERs and CEBPA, PPARγ, FABP4, together with severe myofiber necrosis and fat infiltration, were found in the PVMs of IS patients. Meanwhile, upregulated ERs, FABP4 and CEBPA, downregulated MYOG and impaired myogenesis were also revealed in the hSM-MPCs of IS patients compared with those of controls. Upregulation of ERs inhibited myogenesis but increased expression of CEBPA and FABP4 in C2C12 myoblasts. Nevertheless, treatment of ER antagonist increased expression of MYOG, enhanced myogenesis and decreased expression of CEBPA and FABP4 in skeletal muscle cells of IS patients. Therefore, our study suggested that PVMs specific upregulation of ERs could impair myogenesis and increase the expression of adipogenesis related factors, further leading to PVMs abnormalities in IS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyang Shu
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorder, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Guanteng Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorder, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Mingxing Tang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorder, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Chaofeng Guo
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorder, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Hongqi Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorder, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorder, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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Patel J, Chen S, Katzmeyer T, Pei YA, Pei M. Sex-dependent variation in cartilage adaptation: from degeneration to regeneration. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:17. [PMID: 37024929 PMCID: PMC10077643 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00500-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite acknowledgement in the scientific community of sex-based differences in cartilage biology, the implications for study design remain unclear, with many studies continuing to arbitrarily assign demographics. Clinically, it has been well-established that males and females differ in cartilage degeneration, and accumulating evidence points to the importance of sex differences in the field of cartilage repair. However, a comprehensive review of the mechanisms behind this trend and the influence of sex on cartilage regeneration has not yet been presented. This paper aims to summarize current findings regarding sex-dependent variation in knee anatomy, sex hormones' effect on cartilage, and cartilaginous degeneration and regeneration, with a focus on stem cell therapies. Findings suggest that the stem cells themselves, as well as their surrounding microenvironment, contribute to sex-based differences. Accordingly, this paper underscores the contribution of both stem cell donor and recipient sex to sex-related differences in treatment efficacy. Cartilage regeneration is a field that needs more research to optimize strategies for better clinical results; taking sex into account could be a big factor in developing more effective and personalized treatments. The compilation of this information emphasizes the importance of investing further research in sex differences in cartilage biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhanvee Patel
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9196, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9196, USA
| | - Song Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, 610083, Sichuan, China
| | - Torey Katzmeyer
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9196, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9196, USA
| | - Yixuan Amy Pei
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9196, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9196, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ming Pei
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9196, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9196, USA.
- WVU Cancer Institute, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
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Li M, Li T, Yin J, Xie C, Zhu J. Evaluation of toxicological effects of bisphenol S with an in vitro human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell: Implications for bone health. Toxicology 2023; 484:153408. [PMID: 36565802 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As the use of bisphenol A (BPA) has been restricted in consumer products, bisphenol S (BPS) is one major alternative to BPA for various materials, leading to growing concerns about its health risks in human beings. However, little is known about the toxic effects of BPS on bone health. We employed human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) for the in vitro assessment of BPS on cell proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal. Our study revealed that BPS at concentrations of 10-10-10-7 M increased cell viability but induced the morphological changes of hBMSCs. Moreover, BPS decreased ROS generation and increased Nrf2 expression. Furthermore, BPS not only activated ERα/β expression but also increased β-catenin expression and induced the replicative senescence of hBMSCs. Furthermore, we found that the upregulation of β-catenin induced by BPS was mediated, in part, by ER signaling. Overall, our results suggested BPS exposure caused the homeostatic imbalance of hBMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- The Laboratory Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Tenglong Li
- The Laboratory Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Juan Yin
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215008, China
| | - Chunfeng Xie
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Jianyun Zhu
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215008, China.
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8
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Hodax JK, DiVall S. Gender-affirming endocrine care for youth with a nonbinary gender identity. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2023; 14:20420188231160405. [PMID: 37006780 PMCID: PMC10064168 DOI: 10.1177/20420188231160405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonbinary individuals, or those who identify outside of the traditional gender binary, are currently present in up to 9% of the general population of youth or up to 55% of gender-diverse youth. Despite the high numbers of nonbinary individuals, this population continues to experience barriers to healthcare due to providers' inability to see beyond the transgender binary and lack of competence in providing nonbinary care. In this narrative review, we discuss using embodiment goals to individualize care of nonbinary individuals, and review hormonal and nonhormonal treatment options for gender affirmation. Hormonal treatments include those often used in binary transgender individuals, such as testosterone, estradiol, and anti-androgens, but with adjustments to dosing or timeline to best meet a nonbinary individual's embodiment goals. Less commonly used medications such as selective estrogen receptor antagonists are also discussed. For nonhormonal options, alterations in gender expression such as chest binding, tucking and packing genitalia, and voice training may be beneficial, as well as gender-affirming surgeries. Many of these treatments lack research specific to nonbinary individuals and especially nonbinary youth, and future research is needed to ensure safety and efficacy of gender-affirming care in this population.
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Niu J, Wang Y, Meng Y, Qi W, Wen J. Asperosaponin VI induces osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells via the estrogen signaling pathway. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32344. [PMID: 36550906 PMCID: PMC9771310 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asperosaponin VI (ASA VI) is an active ingredient found in the traditional Chinese herb Radix Dipsaci, which is used to treat fractures. ASA VI combined with osteogenic medium can induce osteogenic differentiation of rat-derived stem cells. However, whether ASA VI alone can induce osteoblast differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remains unclear. METHODS ASA VI human-derived binding proteins were searched in the PharmMapper database, osteogenesis-related signaling pathways were obtained through a literature search, and proteins contained in these signaling pathways were queried in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. SystemsDock was used to perform online molecular docking of target proteins to evaluate their binding abilities, and validation experiments were performed. RESULTS A total of 620 ASA VI target proteins and 12 osteogenesis-related signaling pathways were queried, and 17 intersecting targets were screened. Molecular docking results showed that these targets had high binding affinity for ASA VI. We selected estrogen receptor 2 and its estrogen signaling pathway for experimental validation. The results showed that ASA VI can induce the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs through the estrogen signaling pathway. CONCLUSION ASA VI can independently induce osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord MSCs, and the estrogen signaling pathway plays an important role in this process. Thus, ASA VI may have potential as an anti-osteoporosis drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junting Niu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yao Meng
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wanli Qi
- Department of Osteosci, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- * Correspondence: Wanli Qi, Department of Osteosci, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China (e-mail: )
| | - Jianping Wen
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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