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Deng F, Lei J, Chen J, Zhao M, Zhao C, Fu M, Sun M, Zhang M, Qiu J, Gao Q. DNA methylation-mediated 11βHSD2 downregulation drives the increases in angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II within preeclamptic placentas. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23714. [PMID: 38814727 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400199r] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex human-specific complication frequently associated with placental pathology. The local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the human placenta, which plays a crucial role in regulating placental function, has been extensively documented. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a class of steroid hormones. PE cases often have abnormalities in GCs levels and placental GCs barrier. Despite extensive speculation, there is currently no robust evidence indicating that GCs regulate placental RAS. This study aims to investigate these potential relationships. Plasma and placental samples were collected from both normal and PE pregnancies. The levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II (Ang II), cortisol, and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11βHSD) were analyzed. In PE placentas, cortisol, ACE, and Ang II levels were elevated, while 11βHSD2 expression was reduced. Interestingly, a positive correlation was observed between ACE and cortisol levels in the placenta. A significant inverse correlation was found between the methylation statuses within the 11βHSD2 gene promoter and its expression, meanwhile, 11βHSD2 expression was negatively correlated with cortisol and ACE levels. In vitro experiments using placental trophoblast cells confirmed that active GCs can stimulate ACE transcription and expression through the GR pathway. Furthermore, 11βHSD2 knockdown could enhance this activating effect. An in vivo study using a rat model of intrauterine GCs overexposure during mid-to-late gestation suggested that excess GCs in utero lead to increased ACE and Ang II levels in the placenta. Collectively, this study provides the first evidence of the relationships between 11βHSD2 expression, GCs barrier, ACE, and Ang II levels in the placenta. It not only contributes to understanding the pathological features of the placental GCs barrier and RAS under PE conditions, also provides important information for revealing the pathological mechanism of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengying Deng
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Third People's Hospital of Bengbu Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Chenxuan Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Mengyu Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Meihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Junlan Qiu
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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2
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Volqvartz T, Andersen HHB, Pedersen LH, Larsen A. Obesity in pregnancy-Long-term effects on offspring hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and associations with placental cortisol metabolism: A systematic review. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:4393-4422. [PMID: 37974556 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16184] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, affecting one in three pregnant women worldwide, is not only a major obstetric risk factor. The resulting low-grade inflammation may have a long-term impact on the offspring's HPA axis through dysregulation of maternal, placental and fetal corticosteroid metabolism, and children born of obese mothers have increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The long-term effects of maternal obesity on offspring neurodevelopment are, however, undetermined and could depend on the specific effects on placental and fetal cortisol metabolism. This systematic review evaluates how maternal obesity affects placental cortisol metabolism and the offspring's HPA axis. Pubmed, Embase and Scopus were searched for original studies on maternal BMI, obesity, and cortisol metabolism and transfer. Fifteen studies were included after the screening of 4556 identified records. Studies were small with heterogeneous exposures and outcomes. Two studies found that maternal obesity reduced placental HSD11β2 activity. In one study, umbilical cord blood cortisol levels were affected by maternal BMI. In three studies, an altered cortisol response was consistently seen among offspring in childhood (n = 2) or adulthood (n = 1). Maternal BMI was not associated with placental HSD11β1 or HSD11β2 mRNA expression, or placental HSD11β2 methylation. In conclusion, high maternal BMI is associated with reduced placental HSD11β2 activity and a dampened cortisol level among offspring, but the data is sparse. Further investigations are needed to clarify whether the HPA axis is affected by prenatal factors including maternal obesity and investigate if adverse effects can be ameliorated by optimising the intrauterine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabia Volqvartz
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Henning Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Agnete Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Lu YT, Zhang D, Zhang QY, Zhou ZM, Yang KQ, Zhou XL, Peng F. Apparent mineralocorticoid excess: comprehensive overview of molecular genetics. J Transl Med 2022; 20:500. [PMID: 36329487 PMCID: PMC9632093 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03698-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Apparent mineralocorticoid excess is an autosomal recessive form of monogenic disease characterized by juvenile resistant low-renin hypertension, marked hypokalemic alkalosis, low aldosterone levels, and high ratios of cortisol to cortisone metabolites. It is caused by defects in the HSD11B2 gene, encoding the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which is primarily involved in the peripheral conversion of cortisol to cortisone. To date, over 50 deleterious HSD11B2 mutations have been identified worldwide. Multiple molecular mechanisms function in the lowering of 11β-HSD2 activity, including damaging protein stability, lowered affinity for the substrate and cofactor, and disrupting the dimer interface. Genetic polymorphism, environmental factors as well as epigenetic modifications may also offer an implicit explanation for the molecular pathogenesis of AME. A precise diagnosis depends on genetic testing, which allows for early and specific management to avoid the morbidity and mortality from target organ damage. In this review, we provide insights into the molecular genetics of classic and non-classic apparent mineralocorticoid excess and aim to offer a comprehensive overview of this monogenic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong-Yu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ze-Ming Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kun-Qi Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-Liang Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Fan Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Andrawus M, Sharvit L, Atzmon G. Epigenetics and Pregnancy: Conditional Snapshot or Rolling Event. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012698. [PMID: 36293556 PMCID: PMC9603966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics modification such as DNA methylation can affect maternal health during the gestation period. Furthermore, pregnancy can drive a range of physiological and molecular changes that have the potential to contribute to pathological conditions. Pregnancy-related risk factors include multiple environmental, behavioral, and hereditary factors that can impact maternal DNA methylation with long-lasting consequences. Identification of the epigenetic patterns linked to poor pregnancy outcomes is crucial since changes in DNA methylation patterns can have long-term effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the epigenetic changes that influence pregnancy-related molecular programming such as gestational diabetes, immune response, and pre-eclampsia, in an effort to close the gap in current understanding regarding interactions between the environment, the genetics of the fetus, and the pregnant woman.
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Integrated bioinformatics analysis reveals novel key biomarkers and potential candidate small molecule drugs in gestational diabetes mellitus. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:228450. [PMID: 33890634 PMCID: PMC8145272 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the metabolic disorder that appears during pregnancy. The current investigation aimed to identify central differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GDM. The transcription profiling by array data (E-MTAB-6418) was obtained from the ArrayExpress database. The DEGs between GDM samples and non-GDM samples were analyzed. Functional enrichment analysis were performed using ToppGene. Then we constructed the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database (STRING) and module analysis was performed. Subsequently, we constructed the miRNA–hub gene network and TF–hub gene regulatory network. The validation of hub genes was performed through receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Finally, the candidate small molecules as potential drugs to treat GDM were predicted by using molecular docking. Through transcription profiling by array data, a total of 869 DEGs were detected including 439 up-regulated and 430 down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis showed these DEGs were mainly enriched in reproduction, cell adhesion, cell surface interactions at the vascular wall and extracellular matrix organization. Ten genes, HSP90AA1, EGFR, RPS13, RBX1, PAK1, FYN, ABL1, SMAD3, STAT3 and PRKCA were associated with GDM, according to ROC analysis. Finally, the most significant small molecules were predicted based on molecular docking. This investigation identified hub genes, signal pathways and therapeutic agents, which might help us, enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of GDM and find some novel therapeutic agents for GDM.
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Papazoglou P, Peng L, Sachinidis A. Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in the Cardiovascular Toxicity of Anticancer Drugs. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:658900. [PMID: 33987212 PMCID: PMC8110725 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.658900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiovascular toxicity of anticancer drugs promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, cardiovascular toxicity is an important safety issue that must be considered when developing medications and therapeutic applications to treat cancer. Among anticancer drugs, members of the anthracycline family, such as doxorubicin, daunorubicin and mitoxantrone, are known to cause cardiotoxicity and even heart failure. Using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in combination with "Omic" technologies, we identified several cardiotoxicity mechanisms and signal transduction pathways. Moreover, these drugs acted as cardiovascular toxicants through a syndrome of mechanisms, including epigenetic ones. Herein, we discuss the main cardiovascular toxicity mechanisms, with an emphasis on those associated with reactive oxygen species and mitochondria that contribute to cardiotoxic epigenetic modifications. We also discuss how to mitigate the cardiotoxic effects of anticancer drugs using available pharmaceutical "weapons."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luying Peng
- Heart Health Center, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Medical Genetics, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Meister S, Hahn L, Beyer S, Kuhn C, Jegen M, von Schönfeldt V, Corradini S, Schulz C, Kolben TM, Hester A, Appelt T, Mahner S, Jeschke U, Kolben T. Epigenetic modification via H3K4me3 and H3K9ac in human placenta is reduced in preeclampsia. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 145:103287. [PMID: 33662848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKROUND Alterations of DNA accessibility and chromatin structure are associated with diseases. We aimed to investigate epigenetic modifications in preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy-associated hypertonic disease. Specifically, we addressed histone modification proteins H3K9ac (acetylated lysine 9 of the histone H3) and H3K4me3 (trimethylated lysine 4 of the histone H3) in PE. METHODS We analyzed expression of histone proteins H3K4me3 and H3K9ac in 32 PE and 32 control placentas by immunohistochemistry. Further, we carried out confirmatory western blot analysis of respective proteins in 6 representative placentas. We then applied regression models with additional adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS Expression of H3K4me3 and H3K9ac is reduced in PE placentas as demonstrated by immunohistochemical stainings and western blot. There are no differences between female and male fetuses in the presence of these histone modifications. H3K4me3 positively correlated with maternal age (r = 0.444, p = 0.034). CONCLUSION Expression of the placental histone proteins H3K4me3 and H3K9ac is reduced in PE, and independent of fetal gender. Our study underlines the involvement of epigenetic changes in the placenta of women suffering from PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Meister
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Laura Hahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Susanne Beyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Christina Kuhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Jegen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Viktoria von Schönfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Corradini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Germany.
| | - Christian Schulz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Theresa Maria Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Anna Hester
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Tamara Appelt
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Augsburg, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Cirkovic A, Garovic V, Milin Lazovic J, Milicevic O, Savic M, Rajovic N, Aleksic N, Weissgerber T, Stefanovic A, Stanisavljevic D, Milic N. Systematic review supports the role of DNA methylation in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia: a call for analytical and methodological standardization. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:36. [PMID: 32631423 PMCID: PMC7336649 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00313-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have recently examined the role of epigenetic mechanisms in preeclampsia pathophysiology. One commonly examined epigenetic process is DNA methylation. This heritable epigenetic marker is involved in many important cellular functions. The aim of this study was to establish the association between DNA methylation and preeclampsia and to critically appraise the roles of major study characteristics that can significantly impact the association between DNA methylation and preeclampsia. MAIN BODY A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE for original research articles published over time, until May 31, 2019 in English. Eligible studies compared DNA methylation levels in pregnant women with vs. without preeclampsia. Ninety articles were included. Epigenome-wide studies identified hundreds of differentially methylated places/regions in preeclamptic patients. Hypomethylation was the predominant finding in studies analyzing placental tissue (14/19), while hypermethylation was detected in three studies that analyzed maternal white blood cells (3/3). In candidate gene studies, methylation alterations for a number of genes were found to be associated with preeclampsia. A greater number of differentially methylated genes was found when analyzing more severe preeclampsia (70/82), compared to studies analyzing less severe preeclampsia vs. controls (13/27). A high degree of heterogeneity existed among the studies in terms of methodological study characteristics including design (study design, definition of preeclampsia, control group, sample size, confounders), implementation (biological sample, DNA methylation method, purification of DNA extraction, and validation of methylation), analysis (analytical method, batch effect, genotyping, and gene expression), and data presentation (methylation quantification measure, measure of variability, reporting). Based on the results of this review, we provide recommendations for study design and analytical approach for further studies. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this review support the role of DNA methylation in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Establishing field-wide methodological and analytical standards may increase value and reduce waste, allowing researchers to gain additional insights into the role of DNA methylation in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cirkovic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - V Garovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - J Milin Lazovic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - O Milicevic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Savic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - N Rajovic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - N Aleksic
- Center for Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Weissgerber
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, QUEST Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Stefanovic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - D Stanisavljevic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - N Milic
- Institute for Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Zhou X, Zhang XX, Mahmmod YS, Hernandez JA, Li GF, Huang WY, Wang YP, Zheng YX, Li XM, Yuan ZG. A Transcriptome Analysis: Various Reasons of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Caused by Acute Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Physiol 2020; 11:115. [PMID: 32140111 PMCID: PMC7042390 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite, which can affect the pregnancy outcomes in infected females by damaging the uterus, and the intrauterine environment as well as and the hypothalamus resulting in hormonal imbalance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the parasite-induced poor pregnancy outcomes and the key genes regulating these mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the gene expression in the mouse’s uterus following experimentally-induced acute infection with T. gondii RH strain. Three groups of female mice were intraperitoneally injected with tachyzoites as follow; 3 days before pregnancy (FBD6), after pregnancy (FAD6), and after implantation (FID8) as the experimental groups. Another corresponding three groups served as control, were injected with normal saline at the same time. Transcriptome analysis of the total RNA extracted from both infected and non-infected mouse uterus samples was performed using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Results The three experimental groups (FBD6, FAD6, and FID8) had a total of 4,561, 2,345, and 2,997 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared to the controls. The significantly upregulated and downregulated DEGs were 2,571 and 1,990 genes in FBD6, 1,042 and 1,303 genes in FAD6 and 1,162 and 1,835 genes in FID8 group, respectively. The analysis of GO annotation, and KEGG pathway showed that DEGs were mainly involved in anatomical structure development, transport, cell differentiation, embryo development, hormone biosynthetic process, signal transduction, immune system process, phagosome, pathways in cancer, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways. Conclusion T. gondii infection can induce global transcriptomic changes in the uterus that may cause pregnancy hypertension, destruct the intrauterine environment, and hinder the normal development of placenta and embryo. Our results may help to understand the molecular mechanisms of the acute T. gondii infection, which could promote the development of new therapeutics or prophylactics for toxoplasmosis in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yasser S Mahmmod
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Jorge A Hernandez
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Gui-Feng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wan-Yi Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Pei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Ming Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Zi-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Soler-Botija C, Gálvez-Montón C, Bayés-Genís A. Epigenetic Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Diseases. Front Genet 2019; 10:950. [PMID: 31649728 PMCID: PMC6795132 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death worldwide and greatly impact quality of life and medical costs. Enormous effort has been made in research to obtain new tools for efficient and quick diagnosis and predicting the prognosis of these diseases. Discoveries of epigenetic mechanisms have related several pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases, to epigenetic dysregulation. This has implications on disease progression and is the basis for new preventive strategies. Advances in methodology and big data analysis have identified novel mechanisms and targets involved in numerous diseases, allowing more individualized epigenetic maps for personalized diagnosis and treatment. This paves the way for what is called pharmacoepigenetics, which predicts the drug response and develops a tailored therapy based on differences in the epigenetic basis of each patient. Similarly, epigenetic biomarkers have emerged as a promising instrument for the consistent diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. Their good accessibility and feasible methods of detection make them suitable for use in clinical practice. However, multicenter studies with a large sample population are required to determine with certainty which epigenetic biomarkers are reliable for clinical routine. Therefore, this review focuses on current discoveries regarding epigenetic biomarkers and its controversy aiming to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy in cardiovascular patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Soler-Botija
- Heart Failure and Cardiac Regeneration (ICREC) Research Program, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Gálvez-Montón
- Heart Failure and Cardiac Regeneration (ICREC) Research Program, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Bayés-Genís
- Heart Failure and Cardiac Regeneration (ICREC) Research Program, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Cardiology Service, HUGTiP, Badalona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Barcelona Autonomous University (UAB), Badalona, Spain
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Kamrani A, Alipourfard I, Ahmadi-Khiavi H, Yousefi M, Rostamzadeh D, Izadi M, Ahmadi M. The role of epigenetic changes in preeclampsia. Biofactors 2019; 45:712-724. [PMID: 31343798 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder affecting 2-10% of pregnancies and has a major role for perinatal and maternal mortality and morbidity. PE can be occurred by initiation of new hypertension combined with proteinuria after 20 weeks gestation, as well as various reasons such as inflammatory cytokines, poor trophoblast invasion can be related with PE disease. Environmental factors can cause epigenetic changes including DNA methylation, microRNAs (miRNAs), and histone modification that may be related to different diseases such as PE. Abnormal DNA methylation during placentation is the most important epigenetic factor correlated with PE. Moreover, changes in histone modification like acetylation and also the effect of overregulation or low regulation of miRNAs or long noncoding RNAs on variety signaling pathways can be resulted in PE. The aim of this review is to describe of studies about epigenetic changes in PE and its therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Kamrani
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Davood Rostamzadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Morteza Izadi
- Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Ahmadi
- Reproductive Biology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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12
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Liu Q, Jin S, Sun X, Sheng X, Mao Z, Jiang Y, Liu H, Hu C, Xia W, Li Y, Xu S. Maternal Blood Pressure, Cord Glucocorticoids, and Child Neurodevelopment at 2 Years of Age: A Birth Cohort Study. Am J Hypertens 2019; 32:524-530. [PMID: 30772907 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy hypertensive disorders have impaired neurodevelopment in offspring. We aimed to explore the association of normal range maternal blood pressure (BP) with child neurodevelopment, as well as the possible role of placental 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) therein. METHODS Among 1,008 mother-child pairs recruited in Wuhan, China, in 2013-2015, we measured maternal third-trimester BP (systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP)) and cord glucocorticoids (cortisol and cortisone), a marker reflecting placental 11β-HSD2 activity. We evaluated child neurodevelopment using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) with obtaining the Mental and Psychomotor Development Index (MDI and PDI). Multiple regression and mediation analysis were performed to estimate the effect. RESULTS Each 5 mm Hg increase in maternal third-trimester SBP was associated with 1.54 points decrease in MDI (95% confidence interval (CI) = -2.60, -0.48) and 1.23 points decrease in PDI (95% CI = -2.14, -0.31); similar association was observed between DBP and BSID (adjusted β = -1.32; 95% CI = -2.53, -0.10 for MDI and -1.37; 95% CI = -2.42, -0.33 for PDI). Also, we found significant associations between cord cortisol/cortisone ratio and PDI (adjusted β = 2.95; 95% CI = 0.91, 4.99), as well as between maternal BP and cord cortisol/cortisone ratio (adjusted β = -0.03; 95% CI = -0.06, -0.01 for both SBP and DBP). Mediation analysis revealed that cord cortisol/cortisone ratio explained 6.29% of the association between SBP and PDI, and 6.85% between DBP and PDI. CONCLUSIONS Increased maternal normal range BP may affect child neurodevelopment. Furthermore, placental 11β-HSD2 activity might be involved in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuna Jin
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenxing Mao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yangqian Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hongxiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chen Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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13
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Zhang CM, Sun ZX, Wang ZL, Chen JS, Chang Z, Wang Z, Zhu L, Ma ZH, Peng YJ, Xu ZA, Wang SQ. Abnormal methylation of spermatozoa induced by benzo(a)pyrene in rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2019; 38:846-856. [PMID: 30982342 DOI: 10.1177/0960327119836230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mutations caused by pollutants are possibly linked to many diseases. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is one of the most representative air pollutants and has aroused wide concern because of its strong carcinogenicity. The reproductive toxicity induced by BaP has been identified, but little is known about the characteristics of the methylation changes induced by BaP. In this study, a methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing method was used to detect the methylation of sperm DNA of rats exposed to BaP. Compared with the respective genes in normal rats, there were 3227 hypomethylated genes and 828 hypermethylated genes after BaP exposure. Gene ontology enrichment analysis reported that differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were enriched in the localization, single-multicellular organism process and plasma membrane. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the DMGs were significantly enriched in the Ras signalling pathway, Rap1 signalling pathway, pancreatic secretion and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. DisGeNET disease spectrum analysis showed that DMGs were associated with infertility and certain genetic diseases. Further research needs to be done to explore whether these abnormal methylation are transgenerational.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Zhang
- 1 Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Z X Sun
- 2 Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Z L Wang
- 1 Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - J S Chen
- 2 Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Z Chang
- 1 Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Z Wang
- 2 Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - L Zhu
- 1 Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Z H Ma
- 3 Pain Department of Henan Provincial Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Y J Peng
- 1 Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Z A Xu
- 1 Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - S Q Wang
- 1 Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Zhang Y, Wang T, Jia J, Cao W, Ye L, Wang Y, Zhou B, Zhou R. Association between RUNX3 gene polymorphisms in severe preeclampsia and its clinical features. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e14954. [PMID: 30896667 PMCID: PMC6708840 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000014954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a complex genetic disorder and its pathogenesis remains to be investigated. Single nucleotide polymorphisms serve important roles in genetic predisposition. The present study aimed to explore the association between runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) gene polymorphisms in severe preeclampsia (SPE) and clinical features.A total of 417 participants were enrolled in the present study. The rs2236852, rs7528484 and rs760805 polymorphisms of the RUNX3 gene were tested using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Clinical information of patients and controls was collected. Relationship between clinical feature and different genotype was analyzed.Compared with rs2236852 GG genotype carriers, the odds ratios (OR) for the risk of SPE were 2.26 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.24-4.12; P = .023] in AA genotype carriers. A significantly increased risk of SPE was associated with AG/AA genotypes compared with GG genotypes (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.11-2.75; P = .015). AA homozygote carriers with SPE exhibited lower birth weight, shorter birth length and reduced incidence of hypoproteinemia compared with AG heterozygote carriers (P <.05). A significantly increased risk of SPE was determined to be associated with the rs7528484 CC genotype in codominant and recessive models (CC vs TT: OR, 3.70, 95% CI, 1.31-10.43, P = .01; CC vs TT/TC: OR, 3.98, 95% CI, 1.46-10.87, P = .003). Patients carrying C-allele (TC + CC) presented increased systolic pressure and an increased incidence of neonatal pneumonia compared with TT homozygote carriers (P <.05). Compared with rs760805 TT homozygote carriers, patients carrying AA homozygote exhibited significantly reduced 24 hours urinary protein levels, lower serum creatinine concentrations and a decreased incidence of neonatal asphyxia (P <.05).The present study suggested a genetic association between RUNX3 gene polymorphisms and SPE. The data provided a novel insight to guide future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tao Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University) of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jin Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Wen Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Yanyun Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University) of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University) of Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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15
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Maduro MR. Epigenetic Role in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2017; 24:1481. [PMID: 29017440 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117734934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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