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Annevelink CE, Westra J, Sala-Vila A, Harris WS, Tintle NL, Shearer GC. A Genome-Wide Interaction Study of Erythrocyte ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Species and Memory in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort. J Nutr 2024; 154:1640-1651. [PMID: 38141771 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.12.035] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive decline, and more specifically Alzheimer's disease, continues to increase in prevalence globally, with few, if any, adequate preventative approaches. Several tests of cognition are utilized in the diagnosis of cognitive decline that assess executive function, short- and long-term memory, cognitive flexibility, and speech and motor control. Recent studies have separately investigated the genetic component of both cognitive health, using these measures, and circulating fatty acids. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the potential moderating effect of main species of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on an individual's genetically conferred risk of cognitive decline. METHODS The Offspring cohort from the Framingham Heart Study was cross-sectionally analyzed in this genome-wide interaction study (GWIS). Our sample included all individuals with red blood cell ω-3 PUFA, genetic, cognitive testing (via Trail Making Tests [TMTs]), and covariate data (N = 1620). We used linear mixed effects models to predict each of the 3 cognitive measures (TMT A, TMT B, and TMT D) by each ω-3 PUFA, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (0, 1, or 2 minor alleles), ω-3 PUFA by SNP interaction term, and adjusting for sex, age, education, APOE ε4 genotype status, and kinship (relatedness). RESULTS Our analysis identified 31 unique SNPs from 24 genes reaching an exploratory significance threshold of 1×10-5. Fourteen of the 24 genes have been previously associated with the brain/cognition, and 5 genes have been previously associated with circulating lipids. Importantly, 8 of the genes we identified, DAB1, SORCS2, SERINC5, OSBPL3, CPA6, DLG2, MUC19, and RGMA, have been associated with both cognition and circulating lipids. We identified 22 unique SNPs for which individuals with the minor alleles benefit substantially from increased ω-3 fatty acid concentrations and 9 unique SNPs for which the common homozygote benefits. CONCLUSIONS In this GWIS of ω-3 PUFA species on cognitive outcomes, we identified 8 unique genes with plausible biology suggesting individuals with specific polymorphisms may have greater potential to benefit from increased ω-3 PUFA intake. Additional replication in prospective settings with more diverse samples is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen E Annevelink
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jason Westra
- Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI), Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Aleix Sala-Vila
- Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI), Sioux Falls, SD, United States; Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - William S Harris
- Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI), Sioux Falls, SD, United States; Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Nathan L Tintle
- Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI), Sioux Falls, SD, United States; Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Gregory C Shearer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.
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Ebright B, Duro MV, Chen K, Louie S, Yassine HN. Effects of APOE4 on omega-3 brain metabolism across the lifespan. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00065-1. [PMID: 38609814 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have important roles in human nutrition and brain health by promoting neuronal functions, maintaining inflammatory homeostasis, and providing structural integrity. As Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology progresses, DHA metabolism in the brain becomes dysregulated, the timing and extent of which may be influenced by the apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) allele. Here, we discuss how maintaining adequate DHA intake early in life may slow the progression to AD dementia in cognitively normal individuals with APOE4, how recent advances in DHA brain imaging could offer insights leading to more personalized preventive strategies, and how alternative strategies targeting PUFA metabolism pathways may be more effective in mitigating disease progression in patients with existing AD dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Ebright
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Marlon V Duro
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Stan Louie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Hussein N Yassine
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Gao J, Fan H, Wang X, Cheng Y, Hao J, Han S, Wu S. Association between serum omega-3 PUFAs levels and cognitive impairment in never medically treated first-episode patients with geriatric depression: A cross-sectional study. J Affect Disord 2024; 346:1-6. [PMID: 37923225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geriatric depression increases the public health burden and health care costs, reduces quality of life. Studies have shown the association between ω-3 PUFAs levels and inflammatory markers levels and depression, but few have explored the relationship between omega-3 PUFAs, inflammatory markers, and cognitive function in geriatric depression. This study aimed to compare the differences in ω-3 PUFAs levels and inflammatory markers between geriatric depression with cognitive impairment (CI) and those without CI. METHODS A total of three hundred and five elderly patients were recruited. In addition to collecting basic information, their blood specimens were collected to detect serum EPA, DHA, AA, TC, LDL-C, IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP levels. The Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), and The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were used to assess their depression, anxiety, and cognitive function, respectively. RESULTS Compared to those without CI, geriatric depression patients with CI had higher serum TC, LDL-C levels, lower EPA, DHA, and AA levels, and more elevated IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP levels (all P < 0.05). Further linear regression analysis showed that EPA, DHA, and TNF-α, hs-CRP levels were significantly associated with the occurrence and the severity of CI. LIMITATIONS No causal relationship could be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS Omega-3 PUFAs and inflammatory factors levels may predict CI in elderly patients with MDD in the future. Our findings suggest that ω-3 PUFAs (EPA and DHA) and inflammatory factors (TNF-α and CRP) may predict the occurrence and the severity of CI among elderly MDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Huiyu Fan
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | | | - Jingjing Hao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Mental Health Center of Tsingtao, Tsingtao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Siqi Han
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Suping Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Doughty KN, Blazek J, Leonard D, Barlow CE, DeFina LF, Omree Shuval, Farrell SW, Shuval K. Omega-3 index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cognitive function in mid-age and older adults. Prev Med Rep 2023; 35:102364. [PMID: 37601829 PMCID: PMC10432782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cell membranes (omega-3 index or O3I) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are each associated with reduced cognitive impairment, but little research has examined the relationship between O3I and cognitive function while accounting for CRF. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 5,464 healthy men and women aged 55-85 years who had preventive medical examinations between 2009 and 2023. Primary exposures included O3I (<4.0%, 4.0-7.9%, or ≥ 8.0%) and age- and sex-based CRF quintile (1 = low, 2-3 = moderate, 4-5 = high). Cognitive impairment was defined as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of ≤ 25. We used Poisson regression to estimate relative risks (RR) of cognitive impairment, controlling for covariates. O3I < 4% was associated with increased cognitive impairment relative to ≥ 8.0% (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.01-1.44) in a partially adjusted model. This association did not remain statistically significant in the fully adjusted model which included CRF. Low versus high CRF was associated with cognitive impairment (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07-1.53), independent of O3I and clinical biomarkers. The interaction between CRF and O3I was not significant (P = 0.8). In joint association analysis, risk of cognitive impairment was elevated with lower omega-3 index or CRF or both. Additional research is needed to fully understand the association between O3I and cognitive function at varying CRF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly N. Doughty
- Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, USA
| | - Juliana Blazek
- Department of Research, The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David Leonard
- Department of Research, The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Laura F. DeFina
- Department of Research, The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Kerem Shuval
- Department of Research, The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
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Dhillon VS, Thomas P, Lee SL, Deo P, Fenech M. Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid Profiles Are Significantly Altered in South Australian Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease Cases Compared to Matched Controls. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14164. [PMID: 37762467 PMCID: PMC10531649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814164] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional imbalances have been associated with a higher risk for cognitive impairment. This study determined the red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid profile of newly diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients compared to age and gender-matched controls. There was a significant increase in palmitic acid (p < 0.00001) for both MCI and AD groups. Saturated fatty acids were significantly elevated in the MCI group, including stearic acid (p = 0.0001), arachidic acid (p = 0.003), behenic acid (p = 0.0002), tricosanoic acid (p = 0.007) and lignoceric acid (p = 0.001). n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significantly reduced in MCI, including linoleic acid (p = 0.001), γ-linolenic acid (p = 0.03), eicosatrienoic acid (p = 0.009) and arachidonic acid (p < 0.00004). The n-3 PUFAs, α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, were both significantly reduced in MCI and AD (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.00003). A positive correlation was evident between the Mini-Mental State Examination score and nervonic acid in MCI (r = 0.54, p = 0.01) and a negative correlation with γ-linolenic acid in AD (r = -0.43, p = 0.05). Differences in fatty acid profiles may prove useful as potential biomarkers reflecting increased risk for dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varinderpal S. Dhillon
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Philip Thomas
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide 5000, Australia;
| | - Sau L. Lee
- College of Medical and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia;
| | - Permal Deo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Michael Fenech
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
- Genome Health Foundation, Adelaide 5048, Australia
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Antao HS, Sacadura-Leite E, Bandarra NM, Figueira ML. Omega-3 index as risk factor in psychiatric diseases: a narrative review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1200403. [PMID: 37575565 PMCID: PMC10416246 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have described associations between the omega-3 index (defined as the RBC percentage of EPA and DHA) and mental conditions, but no risk stratification or target value has gathered consensus so far. This narrative review aims to summarize the published data on the association between omega-3 index and mental illness and to contribute to the concept of an omega-3 index in the field of mental health. The bibliographic searches have been carried out in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases to find relevant English language original research studies related to that association. The study search and selection process were registered in a PRISMA flow. Thirty-six studies were included in this review examining the links between omega-3 index and postpartum depression (3), major depression (15), major depression and bipolar disorder (1), bipolar disorder (4), schizophrenia and major depression (1), schizophrenia and other psychosis (5) and dementia (7). Thirty of these studies found either significant differences in omega-3 index between patients and controls or inverse relationships between omega-3 index and disease severity. The published evidence is compelling enough to suggest omega-3 index as a risk factor for some psychiatric diseases, specifically, major depression, postpartum depression, psychosis, and dementia. In occidental populations, we propose a risk threshold of (a) 4-5% in major depression and dementia, (b) 5% in postpartum depression, and (c) 4% for psychosis transition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ema Sacadura-Leite
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- CISP – Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública, ENSP, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
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Otoki Y, Yu D, Shen Q, Sahlas DJ, Ramirez J, Gao F, Masellis M, Swartz RH, Chan PC, Pettersen JA, Kato S, Nakagawa K, Black SE, Swardfager W, Taha AY. Quantitative Lipidomic Analysis of Serum Phospholipids Reveals Dissociable Markers of Alzheimer's Disease and Subcortical Cerebrovascular Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 93:665-682. [PMID: 37092220 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220795] [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: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating phospholipid species have been shown to predict Alzheimer's disease (AD) prognosis but the link between phospholipid disturbances and subcortical small vessel cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) common in AD patients is not known. OBJECTIVE This study used quantitative lipidomics to measure serum diacyl, alkenyl (ether), alkyl, and lyso phospholipid species in individuals with extensive CeVD (n = 29), AD with minimal CeVD (n = 16), and AD with extensive CeVD (n = 14), and compared them to age-matched controls (n = 27). Memory was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test. 3.0T MRI was used to assess hippocampal volume, atrophy, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes as manifestations of CeVD. RESULTS AD was associated with significantly higher concentrations of choline plasmalogen 18:0_18:1 and alkyl-phosphocholine 18:1. CeVD was associated with significantly lower lysophospholipids containing 16:0. Phospholipids containing arachidonic acid (AA) were associated with poorer memory in controls, whereas docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing phospholipids were associated with better memory in individuals with AD+CeVD. In controls, DHA-containing phospholipids were associated with more atrophy and phospholipids containing linoleic acid and AA were associated with less atrophy. Lysophospholipids containing 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 were correlated with less atrophy in controls, and of these, alkyl-phosphocholine 18:1 was correlated with smaller WMH volumes. Conversely, 16:0_18:1 choline plasmalogen was correlated with greater WMH volumes in controls. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates discernable differences in circulating phospholipids in individuals with AD and CeVD, as well as new associations between phospholipid species with memory and brain structure that were specific to contexts of commonly comorbid vascular and neurodegenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Otoki
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Food Function Analysis, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Di Yu
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Qing Shen
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Demetrios J Sahlas
- Department of Medicine (Neurology Division), McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Joel Ramirez
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Gao
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mario Masellis
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology Division) and the Northern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Richard H Swartz
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pak Cheung Chan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jacqueline A Pettersen
- Department of Medicine (Neurology Division) and the Northern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shunji Kato
- Laboratory of Food Function Analysis, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nakagawa
- Laboratory of Food Function Analysis, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Sandra E Black
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology Division), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Walter Swardfager
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- University Health Network Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ameer Y Taha
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Yassine HN. The omega-3 index in Alzheimer's disease: Ready for prime time? Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 116:1474-1475. [PMID: 36253954 PMCID: PMC9761771 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hussein N Yassine
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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