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Yao M, Wang H, Wang Z, Song C, Sa X, Du W, Ye M, Qiao X. Construct Phenylethanoid Glycosides Harnessing Biosynthetic Networks, Protein Engineering and One-Pot Multienzyme Cascades. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402546. [PMID: 38616162 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402546] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) exhibit a multitude of structural variations linked to diverse pharmacological activities. Assembling various PhGs via multienzyme cascades represents a concise strategy over traditional synthetic methods. However, the challenge lies in identifying a comprehensive set of catalytic enzymes. This study explores biosynthetic PhG reconstruction from natural precursors, aiming to replicate and amplify their structural diversity. We discovered 12 catalytic enzymes, including four novel 6'-OH glycosyltransferases and three new polyphenol oxidases, revealing the intricate network in PhG biosynthesis. Subsequently, the crystal structure of CmGT3 (2.62 Å) was obtained, guiding the identification of conserved residue 144# as a critical determinant for sugar donor specificity. Engineering this residue in PhG glycosyltransferases (FsGT61, CmGT3, and FsGT6) altered their sugar donor recognition. Finally, a one-pot multienzyme cascade was established, where the combined action of glycosyltransferases and acyltransferases boosted conversion rates by up to 12.6-fold. This cascade facilitated the reconstruction of 26 PhGs with conversion rates ranging from 5-100 %, and 20 additional PhGs detectable by mass spectrometry. PhGs with extra glycosyl and hydroxyl modules demonstrated notable liver cell protection. This work not only provides catalytic tools for PhG biosynthesis, but also serves as a proof-of-concept for cell-free enzymatic construction of diverse natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingju Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Haotian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chenglin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaolin Sa
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Du
- Agilent Technologies, 3 Wangjing North Road, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xue Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
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Yang Z, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Liu X, Jiang Y, Jiang Y, Liu T, Hu Y, Chang H. Echinacoside ameliorates post-stroke depression by activating BDNF signaling through modulation of Nrf2 acetylation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155433. [PMID: 38547621 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155433] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects approximately one-third of stroke survivors, leading to adverse outcomes in rehabilitation, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality rates. Despite these implications, the underlying causes of PSD remain unclear, posing challenges for prevention and treatment. Echinacoside (ECH), a natural compound with known neuroprotective and antidepressant properties, holds significant therapeutic potential for PSD. However, the precise mechanism of its action remains unknown. PURPOSE To unravel the specific mechanism through which ECH alleviates PSD by exploring the intricate interplay between ECH and Nrf2, as well as its impact on the BDNF/TrkB signaling axis. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A rat PSD model was established though middle cerebral artery occlusion coupled with chronic unpredictable mild stress, followed by ECH treatment. The rats' depressive state was evaluated using the sucrose preference test and force swimming test. Brain damage was assessed through TTC staining, Nissl staining, and TUNEL assay. The multifaceted mechanism of ECH in PSD was investigated using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, dual-luciferase assay, and western blotting. Additionally, the interaction between ECH and Nrf2 was explored through molecular docking and microscale thermophoresis. RESULTS Our findings unveiled a novel facet of ECH action, demonstrating its unique ability to upregulate Nrf2 through acetylation within the hippocampus of PSD-affected rats (p < 0.05). Moreover, ECH showcased its distinctive potential by enhancing BDNF transcriptional activity, activating the BDNF/TrkB signaling axis, and orchestrating a comprehensive response against oxidative stress and apoptosis, thereby alleviating PSD symptoms in rats (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study not only provides insights into the pivotal role of Nrf2 in mediating the BDNF/TrkB axis activation by ECH but also highlights the novelty of ECH's mechanism in addressing PSD. The elucidation of these unique aspects positions ECH as a groundbreaking candidate for further exploration and development in the realm of PSD intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Yang
- Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 160, Chaoyang Middle Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, 222004, China
| | - Yalin Zhao
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 138, Xianlin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 160, Chaoyang Middle Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, 222004, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510405, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 160, Chaoyang Middle Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, 222004, China
| | - Yongxia Jiang
- Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 160, Chaoyang Middle Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, 222004, China
| | - Yongqu Jiang
- Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 160, Chaoyang Middle Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, 222004, China
| | - Tingyu Liu
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 138, Xianlin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yue Hu
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 138, Xianlin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu 210023, China; Shen Chun-ti Nation-Famous Experts Studio for Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance, Changzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China; Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210001, PR China.
| | - Hui Chang
- Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 160, Chaoyang Middle Road, Haizhou District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, 222004, China.
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Yoladi FB, Palabiyik-Yucelik SS, Bahador Zirh E, Halici Z, Baydar T. Effects of idebenone and coenzyme Q10 on NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway regulation on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38804209 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2351191] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption leads to liver toxicity. There is a need to investigate effective therapeutic strategies to alleviate alcohol-induced liver injury, which remains the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore here, we looked into and evaluated how ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity was affected by coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and its analog, idebenone (IDE), on the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1 pathway. Hepatotoxicity induced in rats through the oral administration of gradually increasing dosages of ethanol (from 2 to 6 g/kg/day) over 30 days and the effect of CoQ10 (10 or 20 mg/kg) and IDE (50 or 100 mg/kg) were evaluated. Serum hepatotoxicity markers (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, and TBIL), tissue oxidative stress markers and the mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-18, TGF-β, NF-κB, NLRP3, and caspase-1 were evaluated. Masson's trichrome staining was also used to visualize fibrosis in the liver tissue. The results indicated that ethanol exposure led to hepatotoxicity as well as considerable NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway activation. Moreover, CoQ10 or IDE treatment reduced measured parameters in a dosage-dependent manner. Thus, by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1 pathway, CoQ10 and IDE can prevent the hepatotoxicity caused by ethanol, although CoQ10 is more effective than IDE. This study will provide insight into new therapeutic avenues that take advantage of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CoQ10 and IDE in ethanol-induced liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Betül Yoladi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Saziye Sezin Palabiyik-Yucelik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
- Clinical Research, Development and Design Application and Research Center, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Elham Bahador Zirh
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zekai Halici
- Clinical Research, Development and Design Application and Research Center, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Terken Baydar
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Ahmadi F, Kariman K, Mousavi M, Rengel Z. Echinacea: Bioactive Compounds and Agronomy. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1235. [PMID: 38732450 PMCID: PMC11085449 DOI: 10.3390/plants13091235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
For centuries, medicinal plants have been used as sources of remedies and treatments for various disorders and diseases. Recently, there has been renewed interest in these plants due to their potential pharmaceutical properties, offering natural alternatives to synthetic drugs. Echinacea, among the world's most important medicinal plants, possesses immunological, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Nevertheless, there is a notable lack of thorough information regarding the echinacea species, underscoring the vital need for a comprehensive review paper to consolidate existing knowledge. The current review provides a thorough analysis of the existing knowledge on recent advances in understanding the physiology, secondary metabolites, agronomy, and ecology of echinacea plants, focusing on E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida. Pharmacologically advantageous effects of echinacea species on human health, particularly distinguished for its ability to safeguard the nervous system and combat cancer, are discussed. We also highlight challenges in echinacea research and provide insights into diverse approaches to boost the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites of interest in echinacea plants and optimize their large-scale farming. Various academic databases were employed to carry out an extensive literature review of publications from 2001 to 2024. The medicinal properties of echinacea plants are attributed to diverse classes of compounds, including caffeic acid derivatives (CADs), chicoric acid, echinacoside, chlorogenic acid, cynarine, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, polysaccharides, and alkylamides. Numerous critical issues have emerged, including the identification of active metabolites with limited bioavailability, the elucidation of specific molecular signaling pathways or targets linked to echinacoside effects, and the scarcity of robust clinical trials. This raises the overarching question of whether scientific inquiry can effectively contribute to harnessing the potential of natural compounds. A systematic review and analysis are essential to furnish insights and lay the groundwork for future research endeavors focused on the echinacea natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ahmadi
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
| | - Khalil Kariman
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
| | - Milad Mousavi
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
| | - Zed Rengel
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Li D, Wan X, Yun Y, Li Y, Duan W. Genes Selectively Expressed in Rat Organs. Curr Genomics 2024; 25:261-297. [PMID: 39156728 PMCID: PMC11327808 DOI: 10.2174/0113892029273121240401060228] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding organic functions at a molecular level is important for scientists to unveil the disease mechanism and to develop diagnostic or therapeutic methods. Aims The present study tried to find genes selectively expressed in 11 rat organs, including the adrenal gland, brain, colon, duodenum, heart, ileum, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, and stomach. Materials and Methods Three normal male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were anesthetized, their organs mentioned above were harvested, and RNA in the fresh organs was extracted. Purified RNA was reversely transcribed and sequenced using the Solexa high-throughput sequencing technique. The abundance of a gene was measured by the expected value of fragments per kilobase of transcript sequence per million base pairs sequenced (FPKM). Genes in organs with the highest expression level were sought out and compared with their median value in organs. If a gene in the highest expressed organ was significantly different (p < 0.05) from that in the medianly expressed organ, accompanied by q value < 0.05, and accounted for more than 70% of the total abundance, the gene was assumed as the selective gene in the organ. Results & Discussion The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Ontology (GO) pathways were enriched by the highest expressed genes. Based on the criterion, 1,406 selective genes were screened out, 1,283 of which were described in the gene bank and 123 of which were waiting to be described. KEGG and GO pathways in the organs were partly confirmed by the known understandings and a good portion of the pathways needed further investigation. Conclusion The novel selective genes and organic functional pathways are useful for scientists to unveil the mechanisms of the organs at the molecular level, and the selective genes' products are candidate disease markers for organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xulian Wan
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yu Yun
- The Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yongkun Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Weigang Duan
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
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Liang J, Chen T, Xu H, Wang T, Gong Q, Li T, Liu X, Wang J, Wang Y, Xiong L. Echinacoside Exerts Antihepatic Fibrosis Effects in High-Fat Mice Model by Modulating the ACVR2A-Smad Pathway. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300553. [PMID: 38366962 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300553] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an increasingly common chronic liver disease in which hepatic fibrosis is the major pathological change. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/mall mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) signaling is the main effector of fibrosis. Although the antifibrotic effect of echinacoside (Ech) on the liver has been indicated previously, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate both in vivo and in vitro antifibrotic properties of Ech. METHODS AND RESULTS Cell viability and scratch/wound assays show that Ech significantly inhibits the proliferation, migration, and activation of human hepatic stellate LX-2 cells. In mice with high-fat diet-induced hepatic fibrosis, Ech treatment attenuates the progression of liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis and subsequent functional validation demonstrate that Ech achieves antifibrotic effects by the activin receptor type-2A (ACVR2A)-mediated TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway; ultimately, ACVR2A is demonstrated to be an important target for hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting and inducing the expression of ACVR2A in LX-2 cells. CONCLUSION Ech exerts potent antifibrotic effects by inhibiting the ACVR2A-mediated TGF-β1/Smad signaling axis and may serve as an alternative treatment for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liang
- Department of Medicine, Linfen Vocational and Technical College, Linfen, Shanxi, 041000, China
| | - Ting Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Honglei Xu
- Medical Security Center, The No. 983th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Forces of Chinese PLA, Tianjin, 300142, China
| | - Tingfang Wang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Qi Gong
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Tingting Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201700, China
| | - Yun Wang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Liyan Xiong
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
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Wang W, Jiang S, Zhao Y, Zhu G. Echinacoside: A promising active natural products and pharmacological agents. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106951. [PMID: 37804927 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Echinacoside, a natural phenylethanoid glycoside, was discovered and isolated from the garden plant Echinacea angustifolia DC., belonging to the Compositae family, approximately sixty years ago. Extensive investigations have revealed that it possesses a wide array of pharmacologically beneficial activities for human health, particularly notable for its neuroprotective and anticancer activity. Several crucial concerns surfaced, encompassing the recognition of active metabolites that exhibited inadequate bioavailability in their prototype form, the establishment of precise molecular signal pathways or targets associated with the aforementioned effects of echinacoside, and the scarcity of dependable clinical trials. Hence, the question remains unanswered as to whether scientific research can effectively utilize this natural compound. To support future studies on this natural product, it is imperative to provide a systematic overview and insights into potential future prospects. The current review provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing knowledge on echinacoside, encompassing its wide distribution, structural diversity and metabolism, diverse therapeutic applications, and improvement of echinacoside bioavailability for its potential utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shujun Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Guoxue Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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