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Xu KQ, Gong Z, Yang JL, Xia CQ, Zhao JY, Chen X. B-cell-specific signatures reveal novel immunophenotyping and therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:3894-3925. [PMID: 39350784 PMCID: PMC11438648 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i34.3894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy presents both promises and challenges in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its complex immunological microenvironment. The role of B cells, a key part of the immune system, remains uncertain in HCC. AIM To identify B-cell-specific signatures and reveal novel immunophenotyping and therapeutic targets for HCC. METHODS Using the Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub 2 database, we identified B-cell-related genes (BRGs) in HCC. Gene enrichment analysis was performed to explore the possible collaboration between B cells and T cells in HCC. We conducted univariate Cox regression analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas liver HCC collection dataset to find BRGs linked to HCC prognosis. Subsequently, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was utilized to develop a prognostic model with 11 BRGs. The model was validated using the International Cancer Genome Consortium dataset and GSE76427. RESULTS The risk score derived from the prognostic model emerged as an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Analysis of the immune microenvironment and cell infiltration revealed the immune status of various risk groups, supporting the cooperation of B and T cells in suppressing HCC. The BRGs model identified new molecular subtypes of HCC, each with distinct immune characteristics. Drug sensitivity analysis identified targeted drugs effective for each HCC subtype, enabling precision therapy and guiding clinical decisions. CONCLUSION We clarified the role of B cells in HCC and propose that the BRGs model offers promising targets for personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Quan Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Ling Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chu-Qi Xia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jian-Yi Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Second People’s Hospital of Jiaozuo City, Jiaozuo 454001, Henan Province, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
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Kaminska D. The Role of RNA Splicing in Liver Function and Disease: A Focus on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1181. [PMID: 39336772 PMCID: PMC11431473 DOI: 10.3390/genes15091181] [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: 08/18/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is an essential post-transcriptional mechanism that facilitates the excision of introns and the connection of exons to produce mature mRNA, which is essential for gene expression and proteomic diversity. In the liver, precise splicing regulation is critical for maintaining metabolic balance, detoxification, and protein synthesis. This review explores the mechanisms of RNA splicing and the role of splicing factors, particularly in the context of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). This review also highlights how RNA splicing dysregulation can lead to aberrant splicing and impact the progression of liver diseases such as MASLD, with a particular focus on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), which represents the advanced stage of MASLD. Recent advances in the clinical application of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to correct splicing errors offer promising therapeutic strategies for restoring normal liver function. Additionally, the dysregulation of splicing observed in liver diseases may serve as a potential diagnostic marker, offering new opportunities for early identification of individuals more susceptible to disease progression. This review provides insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern splicing regulation in the liver, with a particular emphasis on MASLD, and discusses potential therapeutic approaches targeting RNA splicing to treat MASLD and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kaminska
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Tian H, Tang D, Ma M, Fu X. Expression of signal recognition particle 14 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its relationship with disease progression and patient survival. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2024; 53:460-471. [PMID: 39183055 PMCID: PMC11375497 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2024-0055] [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] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the expression of signal recognition particle 14 (SRP14) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its clinical significance. METHODS The data of SRP14 expression in HCC were obtained from bioinformatics study, and from investigation with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting in clinical samples. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the associations between SRP14 mRNA expression and the overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-specific survival of HCC patients. The effect of SRP14 on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells were determined by EdU staining, MTS, Transwell and wound-healing assays. The potential mechanism for SRP14 regulating HCC was explored through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis as well as qRT-PCR. RESULTS According to the data from GSE14520, TNMplot database and clinical samples, compared with paired tumor-adjacent tissues, non-paired tumor-adjacent tissues and normal tissues, the mRNA expression of SPR14 in HCC tissues was upregulated (all P<0.05). In clinical samples, compared with paired tumor-adjacent tissues, the protein expression of SPR14 in HCC tissues was increased (P<0.05). The increased mRNA expression of SRP14 was associated with good overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-specific survival in HCC patients. SRP14 inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells in vitro. According to the KEGG and GO enrichment analysis, in non-specific HCC, the genes co-expressed with SRP14 may predominantly regulate protein synthesis, processing, and transport, while in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease related HCC, the genes co-expressed with SRP14 could control multiple signaling pathways such as MAPK, cAMP, PI3K-Akt, and Wnt. Mechanistically, SRP14 up-regulated the mRNA expression of tumor suppressor gene GPRC5A inHCC cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS SRP14 may regulate HCC progression and influence patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Dongmei Tang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Meilin Ma
- Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Diabetes and Metabolism Research, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Luo X, Guo J, Deng H, He Z, Wen Y, Si Z, Li J. Unveiling the role of disulfidptosis-related genes in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386905. [PMID: 38812509 PMCID: PMC11133613 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386905] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presents as a common liver disease characterized by an indistinct pathogenesis. Disulfidptosis is a recently identified mode of cell death. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Methods Gene expression profiles were obtained from the bulk RNA dataset GSE126848 and the single-cell RNA dataset GSE136103, both associated with NAFLD. Our study assessed the expression of DRGs in NAFLD and normal tissues. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis were employed to identify the key NAFLD-specific differentially expressed DRGs (DE-DRGs). To explore the biological functions and immune regulatory roles of these key DE-DRGs, we conducted immune infiltration analysis, functional enrichment analysis, consensus clustering analysis, and single-cell differential state analysis. Finally, we validated the expression and biological functions of DRGs in NAFLD patients using histology and RNA-sequencing transcriptomic assays with human liver tissue samples. Results Through the intersection of WGCNA, differentially expressed genes, and DRGs, two key DE-DRGs (DSTN and MYL6) were identified. Immune infiltration analysis indicated a higher proportion of macrophages, T cells, and resting dendritic cells in NAFLD compared to control liver samples. Based on the key DE-DRGs, Two disulfidptosis clusters were defined in GSE126848. Cluster 1, with higher expression of the key DE-DRGs, exhibited increased immune infiltration abundance and was closely associated with oxidative stress and immune regulation compared to cluster 2. High-resolution analysis of mononuclear phagocytes highlighted the potential role of MYL6 in intrahepatic M1 phenotype Kupffer cells in NAFLD patients. Our transcriptome data revealed that the expression levels of the majority of DRGs were significantly increased in NAFLD patients. NAFLD patients exhibit elevated MYL6 correlating with inflammation, oxidative stress, and disease severity, offering promising diagnostic specificity. Conclusion This comprehensive study provides evidence for the association between NAFLD and disulfidptosis, identifying potential target genes and pathways in NAFLD. The identification of MYL6 as a possible treatment target for NAFLD provided a novel understanding of the disease's development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhongzhou Si
- Department of Liver Transplant, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiequn Li
- Department of Liver Transplant, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Wang Y, Liu X, Zuo X, Wang C, Zhang Z, Zhang H, Zeng T, Chen S, Liu M, Chen H, Song Q, Li Q, Yang C, Le Y, Xing J, Zhang H, An J, Jia W, Kang L, Zhang H, Xie H, Ye J, Wu T, He F, Zhang X, Li Y, Zhou G. NRDE2 deficiency impairs homologous recombination repair and sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to PARP inhibitors. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100550. [PMID: 38697125 PMCID: PMC11099347 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100550] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
To identify novel susceptibility genes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we performed a rare-variant association study in Chinese populations consisting of 2,750 cases and 4,153 controls. We identified four HCC-associated genes, including NRDE2, RANBP17, RTEL1, and STEAP3. Using NRDE2 (index rs199890497 [p.N377I], p = 1.19 × 10-9) as an exemplary candidate, we demonstrated that it promotes homologous recombination (HR) repair and suppresses HCC. Mechanistically, NRDE2 binds to the subunits of casein kinase 2 (CK2) and facilitates the assembly and activity of the CK2 holoenzyme. This NRDE2-mediated enhancement of CK2 activity increases the phosphorylation of MDC1 and then facilitates the HR repair. These functions are eliminated almost completely by the NRDE2-p.N377I variant, which sensitizes the HCC cells to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, especially when combined with chemotherapy. Collectively, our findings highlight the relevance of the rare variants to genetic susceptibility to HCC, which would be helpful for the precise treatment of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xianbo Zuo
- Department of Dermatology, Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Cuiling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Faculty of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General of Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shunqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mengyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hongxia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Qingfeng Song
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China; Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Chenning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yi Le
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the 5th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General of Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jinliang Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Jiaze An
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Weihua Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, P.R. China; Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Longli Kang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research on High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Interventional Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General of Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jiazhou Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Tianzhun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Fuchu He
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Xuejun Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province, P.R. China.
| | - Yuanfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Gangqiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences at Beijing, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P.R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China.
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Liu HT, Rau CS, Liu YW, Hsieh TM, Huang CY, Chien PC, Lin HP, Wu CJ, Chuang PC, Hsieh CH. Deciphering the Divergent Gene Expression Landscapes of m6A/m5C/m1A Methylation Regulators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Transcriptomic Analysis. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:2383-2395. [PMID: 38164510 PMCID: PMC10758181 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s448047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction RNA modifications mediated by the m6A, m1A, and m5C regulatory genes are crucial for the progression of malignancy. This study aimed to explore the expression of regulator genes for m6A/m5C/m1A methylation at the single-cell level and to validate their expression in cancerous and adjacent para-cancerous liver tissues of adult patients with HCC who underwent tumor resection. Methods The bulk sequencing from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to identify the dysregulated m6A/m5C/m1A genes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of dysregulated m6A/m5C/m1A genes in collected human HCC tissues and compared with adjacent para-cancerous liver tissues. Immune cell infiltration with these significantly expressed methylation-related genes was evaluated using Timer2.0. Results A discrepancy in m6A/m5C/m1A gene expression was observed between bulk sequencing and scRNA-seq. The clustered heatmap of the scRNA-seq-identified dysregulated m6A/m5C/m1A genes in TCGA cohort revealed heterogeneous expression of these methylation regulators within the cancer, whereas their expression in the adjacent liver tissues was more homogeneous. The real-time PCR validated the significant overexpression of DNMT1, NSUN5, TRMT6, IGF2BP1, and IGFBP3, which were identified using scRNA-seq, and IGFBP2, which was identified using bulk sequencing. These dysregulated methylation genes are mainly correlated with the infiltration of natural killer cells. Discussion This study suggests that cellular diversity inside tumors contributes to the discrepancy in the expression of methylation regulator genes between traditional bulk sequencing and scRNA-seq. This study identified five regulatory genes that will be the focus of further studies regarding the function of m6A/m5C/m1A in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Tsung Liu
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Shyuan Rau
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Wei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Min Hsieh
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ying Huang
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Chen Chien
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ping Lin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Wu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chin Chuang
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hua Hsieh
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
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