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Abo Al-Azayem S, Kishk NA, Shamloul R, Attia A, Elsayed RM, Magdy R. Patterns and predictors of sexual dysfunction in women with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109421. [PMID: 37677900 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Available data about sexual-related problems among Egyptian women with epilepsy (WWE) are scarce. Hence, this work aimed to study the pattern and predictors of sexual dysfunction in a sample of Egyptian WWE. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, sexually active WWE and age and years of marriage-matched healthy controls were included. The Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFI) was used to assess sexual function in both groups. RESULTS In the patient group (n = 142), the median age was 33 (28-39), whereas the median age of the control group (n = 142) was 33.5 (28-36). Women with epilepsy had significantly lower desire, arousal, pain, and FSFI-total scores than the control group (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.023, 0.008, respectively). There was a significant difference between the FSFI-total score of women on polytherapy and those on monotherapy (P = 0.042), as well as between those on enzyme-inducing ASMs and those on ASMs that did not affect P450 (P = 0.032). Seizure frequency in the last three months was negatively correlated with scores of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction (P 0.047, 0.02, 0.009, 0.013, 0.046, respectively). By multiple backward linear regression models, age, and seizure frequency were the significant predictors of the FSFI-total score (B -0.219, -0.33, respectively). CONCLUSION The pattern of sexual dysfunction among Egyptian WWE is characterized by reduced sexual desire, arousal deficits, and sexual-related pain. Seizure frequency, epilepsy duration, enzyme-inducing medications, and multiple anti-seizure medications (ASMs) may adversely affect WWE's sexual health. The only factor that could predict higher sexual dysfunction in WWE was higher seizure frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirmeen A Kishk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham Shamloul
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abeer Attia
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Radwa M Elsayed
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rehab Magdy
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Nucera B, Rinaldi F, Dono F, Lanzone J, Evangelista G, Consoli S, Tappatà M, Narducci F, Troisi S, Trinka E, Brigo F. Progesterone and its derivatives for the treatment of catamenial epilepsy: A systematic review. Seizure 2023; 109:52-59. [PMID: 37229848 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.05.004] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Catamenial epilepsy (CE) is defined as an increase in seizure frequency during specific phases of the menstrual cycle in women with epilepsy. The treatment usually includes a combination of non-hormonal and hormonal therapies. This systematic review summarizes the available data on the efficacy of progesterone and its derivates to treat CE. METHODS We performed a systematic search of the literature to identify studies reporting data on the use of progesterone and its derivatives (any type and dose) for the treatment of CE. The main outcome included the efficacy of progesterone and its derivatives on seizure frequency. RESULTS Nineteen articles (457 patients) were included; four were randomized controlled trials (two comparing progesterone vs placebo and two comparing norethisterone vs placebo). Progesterone was generally administered during the luteal phase (from day 15 to 25) or during perimenstrual exacerbations (from day 23 to 25), with an average dose of 10-30 mg/day to a maximum of 300 mg/day. The therapy, usually well tolerated, was ineffective in the randomized controlled trials; conversely, it was associated with an overall reduction in seizure frequency in case reports and uncontrolled studies. CONCLUSIONS Although data from uncontrolled studies suggest that hormone therapy with progesterone may be useful in the treatment of CE, its efficacy has not been demonstrated in controlled trials. The possible antiseizure effect of progesterone could be mediated by its active metabolite allopregnanolone, making the plasmatic measurement of these hormones mandatory to evaluate efficacy. Further randomized controlled trials should investigate the efficacy of progesterone and its derivatives, addressing these pharmacological issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Nucera
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano, Italy; Paracelsus Medical University, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - F Rinaldi
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano, Italy; Paracelsus Medical University, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - F Dono
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, ''G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - J Lanzone
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Unit of Milan Institute, Italy
| | - G Evangelista
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, ''G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - S Consoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, ''G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - M Tappatà
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurolgiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Italy
| | - F Narducci
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy
| | - S Troisi
- Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - E Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Salzburg, Austria
| | - F Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano, Italy
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Lai W, Shen N, Zhu H, He S, Yang X, Lai Q, Li R, Ji S, Chen L. Identifying risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome in women with epilepsy: A comprehensive analysis of 248 patients. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13250. [PMID: 36942563 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
To assess the risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with epilepsy (WWE) and develop a practical approach for PCOS screening based on clinical characteristic, blood indicator, and anti-seizure medication (ASM) profiles. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 248 WWE who were consecutively enrolled from the Epilepsy Center of West China Hospital between April 2021 and March 2022. The epilepsy characteristics, blood indicators, and use of ASMs were compared between WWE with and without PCOS. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors independently associated with PCOS. The differential analysis showed that younger age at onset of epilepsy (<13 years), a history of birth hypoxia, obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2 ), use of levetiracetam (LEV) (≥1 year), higher levels of cholesterol, luteinizing hormone (LH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulin were associated with PCOS (p < .05). Multivariate logistic regression identified that obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2 ), use of LEV (≥1 year), and higher levels of AMH and LH were independently associated with PCOS in WWE (p < .05). Obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2 ), LEV use (≥1 year), and elevated AMH and LH levels suggest an increased in the probability of occurrence of PCOS in WWE. The combination of these profiles provides a practical approach for screening PCOS in WWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlin Lai
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ning Shen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Shixu He
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ximeng Yang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Lai
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuming Ji
- Office of Programme Design and Statistics, Clinical Research Management Department, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Casanova EL, Sharp JL, Edelson SM, Kelly DP, Casanova MF. A Cohort Study Comparing Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder with and without Generalized Joint Hypermobility. Behav Sci (Basel) 2018; 8:bs8030035. [PMID: 29562607 PMCID: PMC5867488 DOI: 10.3390/bs8030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Reports suggest comorbidity between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). People with EDS and the broader spectrum of Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) often present with immune- and endocrine-mediated conditions. Meanwhile, immune/endocrine dysregulation is a popular theme in autism research. We surveyed a group of ASD women with/without GJH to determine differences in immune/endocrine exophenotypes. ASD women 25 years or older were invited to participate in an online survey. Respondents completed a questionnaire concerning diagnoses, immune/endocrine symptom history, experiences with pain, and seizure history. ASD women with GJH (ASD/GJH) reported more immune- and endocrine-mediated conditions than their non-GJH counterparts (p = 0.001). Autoimmune conditions were especially prominent in the ASD/GJH group (p = 0.027). Presence of immune-mediated symptoms often co-occurred with one another (p < 0.001–0.020), as did endocrine-mediated symptoms (p < 0.001–0.045), irrespective of the group. Finally, the numbers of immune- and endocrine-mediated symptoms shared a strong inter-relationship (p < 0.001), suggesting potential system crosstalk. While our results cannot estimate comorbidity, they reinforce concepts of an etiological relationship between ASD and GJH. Meanwhile, women with ASD/GJH have complex immune/endocrine exophenotypes compared to their non-GJH counterparts. Further, we discuss how connective tissue regulates the immune system and how the immune/endocrine systems in turn may modulate collagen synthesis, potentially leading to higher rates of GJH in this subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Greenville Health System Children's Hospital, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
| | - Julia L Sharp
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | | | - Desmond P Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics, Greenville Health System Children's Hospital, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
| | - Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Greenville Health System Children's Hospital, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
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Siddiqui AN, Siddiqui N, Khan RA, Kalam A, Jabir NR, Kamal MA, Firoz CK, Tabrez S. Neuroprotective Role of Steroidal Sex Hormones: An Overview. CNS Neurosci Ther 2016; 22:342-50. [PMID: 27012165 PMCID: PMC6492877 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone, estrogens, and testosterone are the well-known steroidal sex hormones, which have been reported to have "nonreproductive "effects in the brain, specifically in the neuroprotection and neurotrophy. In the last one decade, there has been a surge in the research on the role of these hormones in neuroprotection and their positive impact on different brain injuries. The said interest has been sparked by a desire to understand the action and mechanisms of these steroidal sex hormones throughout the body. The aim of this article was to highlight the potential outcome of the steroidal hormones, viz. progesterone, estrogens, and testosterone in terms of their role in neuroprotection and other brain injuries. Their possible mechanism of action at both genomic and nongenomic level will be also discussed. As far as our knowledge goes, we are for the first time reporting neuroprotective effect and possible mechanism of action of these hormones in a single article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nasir Siddiqui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Nahida Siddiqui
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Rashid Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Abul Kalam
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Nasimudeen R Jabir
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Shams Tabrez
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Complex, multidirectional interactions between hormones, seizures, and the medications used to control them can present a challenge for clinicians treating patients with epilepsy. Many hormones act as neurosteroids, modulating brain excitability via direct binding sites. Thus, changes in endogenous or exogenous hormone levels can affect the occurrence of seizures directly as well as indirectly through pharmacokinetic effects that alter the concentrations of antiepileptic drugs. The underlying structural and physiological brain abnormalities of epilepsy and the metabolic activity of antiepileptic drugs can adversely affect hypothalamic and gonadal functioning. Knowledge of these complex interactions has increased and can now be incorporated in meaningful treatment approaches for men and women with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Harden
- Division of Epilepsy and Electroencephalography, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.
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Effect of medroxyprogesterone on development of pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling in mice. Neuroscience 2012; 207:283-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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8
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Hill M, Vrbíková J, Zárubová J, Kancheva R, Velíková M, Kancheva L, Kubátová J, Dušková M, Marusič P, Pařízek A, Stárka L. The steroid metabolome in lamotrigine-treated women with epilepsy. Steroids 2011; 76:1351-7. [PMID: 21787799 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy in women may be associated with reproductive disorders and alterations in serum steroid levels. Some steroids can be induced by epilepsy and/or treatment with antiepileptic drugs; however, there are still limited data available concerning this effect on the levels of other neuroactive steroid metabolites such as 3a-hydroxy-5a/b-reduced androstanes. AIM To evaluate steroid alterations in women with epilepsy (WWE) on lamotrigine monotherapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Eleven WWE and 11 age-matched healthy women underwent blood sampling in both phases of their menstrual cycles (MCs). The steroid metabolome, which included 30 unconjugated steroids, 17 steroid polar conjugates, gonadotropins, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), was measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS WWE had lower cortisol levels (status p<0.001), but elevated levels of unconjugated 17-hydroxypregnenolone (status p<0.001). Progesterone was higher in the follicular menstrual phase (FP) in WWE than in the controls (status×menstrual phase p<0.05, Bonferroni multiple comparisons p<0.05), whereas 17-hydroxyprogesterone was higher in WWE in both menstrual phases (status p<0.001). The steroid conjugates were mostly elevated in WWE. The levels of 5α/β-reduced androstanes in WWE that were significantly higher than the controls were etiocholanolone (status p<0.001), 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (status p<0.001), and the 5α/β-reduced androstane polar conjugates (status p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS WWE showed a trend toward higher circulating 3α-hydroxy-5α/β-reduced androstanes, increased activity of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase in the Δ(5)-steroid metabolic pathway, and increased levels of the steroid polar conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hill
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní třída 8, Praha 1, CZ 116 94, Czech Republic.
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Verrotti A, D'Egidio C, Mohn A, Coppola G, Parisi P, Chiarelli F. Antiepileptic drugs, sex hormones, and PCOS. Epilepsia 2011; 52:199-211. [PMID: 21204821 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02897.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive endocrine dysfunction in women with epilepsy is an important issue, and in recent years there is growing evidence to support the effect on sex hormones of both epilepsy per se and various antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Focal epileptic discharges from the temporal lobe may have a direct influence on the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, thereby altering the release of sex steroid hormones. The role of laterality and severity of epilepsy is still conflicting. The use of the liver enzyme-inducing AEDs--such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine--can increase serum sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations, leading to diminished bioactivity of testosterone (T) and estradiol. Valproic acid, an enzyme inhibitor, has been associated with the occurrence of reproductive endocrine disorders characterized by high serum T, free androgen index, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations, and with polycystic changes in ovaries and menstrual disorders. A better understanding of the effects of AEDs on sex hormones is key to selecting the appropriate AEDs and is crucial for reproductive health in female patients.
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Neurol 2010; 23:194-201. [DOI: 10.1097/wco.0b013e328338cade] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Verrotti A, D'Egidio C, Coppola G, Parisi P, Chiarelli F. Epilepsy, sex hormones and antiepileptic drugs in female patients. Expert Rev Neurother 2010; 9:1803-14. [PMID: 19951139 DOI: 10.1586/ern.09.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Women with epilepsy have a higher incidence of reproductive endocrine disorders than the general female population. These alterations include polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperandrogenemia, infertility, hypothalamic amenorrhea and hyperprolactinemia. Reproductive dysfunction is attributed both to epilepsy itself and to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Focal epileptic discharges from the temporal lobe may have a direct influence on the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, thus altering the release of sex steroid hormones, including the production of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prolactin. AEDs may modulate hormone release from the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and they may alter the metabolism of sex hormones and their binding proteins. Hepatic enzyme-inducing AEDs, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin, may be most clearly linked to altered metabolism of sex steroid hormones, but valproic acid, an enzyme inhibitor, has also been associated with a frequent occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome and hyperandrogenism in women with epilepsy. Therefore, treatment of epilepsy and selection of AEDs are important for reproductive health in female patients. The aim of the present review is to critically evaluate the recently published data concerning the interactions between sex hormones, epilepsy and AEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 5, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
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Grover S, Kukreti R. Research Highlights. Pharmacogenomics 2009. [DOI: 10.2217/pgs.09.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Grover
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India
| | - Ritushree Kukreti
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India
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