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Gu J, Lane ME, Da Silva Sil Dos Santos B, Heinrich M. Topical and transdermal botanical formulations of the Chinese pharmacopoeia-A review. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 39120471 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8286] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
In pharmaceutics, ingredients are classified as active ingredients and excipients. In topical/transdermal phytomedicines, an ingredient may serve both functions. Published information on these dual-purpose ingredients and their pharmacological relevance is limited. An intriguing scenario arises in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations, where active ingredients and excipients are undifferentiated. This study analyzes ingredients in TCM topical/transdermal formulations, aiming at harmonization of understanding of TCMs. The most commonly recorded ingredients from such formulations in the Chinese pharmacopoeia 2020 (ChP 2020) are reviewed, aiming at developing innovative topical/transdermal phytomedicines. Current editions of Chinese historical documents were reviewed to explore the principles underlying the use of these ingredients. TCM formulations containing botanical drugs for topical/transdermal application were selected from the ChP 2020. The use of botanical materials in TCM formulations is guided by the "Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi" principle rooted in Yin-Yang and the five elements' theories. In the ChP 2020, 155 botanical drugs, along with 40 excipients (from the "procedure" section, focusing on processing and technical parameters), were identified from 34 botanical formulations intended for topical/transdermal application. Pungent and aromatic botanical materials were the most frequently recorded. Adhesive plasters were the most commonly recorded TCM dosage form, employing specific matrix blends. This new perspective of study reveals the prevalence of pungent and aromatic botanical materials, the common use of adhesive plasters, multifunctional properties of botanical oils, and formulation adaptability in TCM topical/transdermal products. These insights should inform novel formulation designs for both pharmaceutical and phytopharmacological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Gu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, UK
| | - Majella E Lane
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Michael Heinrich
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, China
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, UK
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Zhou Z, Nan Y, Li X, Ma P, Du Y, Chen G, Ning N, Huang S, Gu Q, Li W, Yuan L. Hawthorn with "homology of medicine and food": a review of anticancer effects and mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1384189. [PMID: 38915462 PMCID: PMC11194443 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1384189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, there has been a gradual increase in the incidence of cancer, affecting individuals at younger ages. With its refractory nature and substantial fatality rate, cancer presents a notable peril to human existence and wellbeing. Hawthorn, a medicinal food homology plant belonging to the Crataegus genus in the Rosaceae family, holds great value in various applications. Due to its long history of medicinal use, notable effects, and high safety profile, hawthorn has garnered considerable attention and plays a crucial role in cancer treatment. Through the integration of modern network pharmacology technology and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a range of anticancer active ingredients in hawthorn have been predicted, identified, and analyzed. Studies have shown that ingredients such as vitexin, isoorientin, ursolic acid, and maslinic acid, along with hawthorn extracts, can effectively modulate cancer-related signaling pathways and manifest anticancer properties via diverse mechanisms. This review employs network pharmacology to excavate the potential anticancer properties of hawthorn. By systematically integrating literature across databases such as PubMed and CNKI, the review explores the bioactive ingredients with anticancer effects, underlying mechanisms and pathways, the synergistic effects of drug combinations, advancements in novel drug delivery systems, and ongoing clinical trials concerning hawthorn's anticancer properties. Furthermore, the review highlights the preventive health benefits of hawthorn in cancer prevention, offering valuable insights for clinical cancer treatment and the development of TCM with anticancer properties that can be used for both medicinal and edible purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yuhua Du
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Guoqing Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Na Ning
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shicong Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qian Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Weiqiang Li
- Department of Chinese Medical Gastrointestinal, The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Wuzhong, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Lu Z, Yuan Y, Han Q, Wang Y, Liang Q. Lab-on-a-chip: an advanced technology for the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Chin Med 2024; 19:80. [PMID: 38853247 PMCID: PMC11163804 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00956-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Benefiting from the complex system composed of various constituents, medicament portions, species, and places of origin, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses numerous customizable and adaptable efficacies in clinical practice guided by its theories. However, these unique features are also present challenges in areas such as quality control, screening active ingredients, studying cell and organ pharmacology, and characterizing the compatibility between different Chinese medicines. Drawing inspiration from the holistic concept, an integrated strategy and pattern more aligned with TCM research emerges, necessitating the integration of novel technology into TCM modernization. The microfluidic chip serves as a powerful platform for integrating technologies in chemistry, biology, and biophysics. Microfluidics has given rise to innovative patterns like lab-on-a-chip and organoids-on-a-chip, effectively challenging the conventional research paradigms of TCM. This review provides a systematic summary of the nature and advanced utilization of microfluidic chips in TCM, focusing on quality control, active ingredient screening/separation, pharmaceutical analysis, and pharmacological/toxicological assays. Drawing on these remarkable references, the challenges, opportunities, and future trends of microfluidic chips in TCM are also comprehensively discussed, providing valuable insights into the development of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenghui Lu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Third-Level Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yue Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of TCM Pharmacology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Qiang Han
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Third-Level Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Third-Level Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qionglin Liang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine-X, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Third-Level Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemistry, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Yang Y, Chen YK, Xie MZ. Exploring the transformative impact of traditional Chinese medicine on depression: Insights from animal models. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:607-623. [PMID: 38808079 PMCID: PMC11129158 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i5.607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression, a prevalent and complex mental health condition, presents a significant global health burden. Depression is one of the most frequent mental disorders; deaths from it account for 14.3% of people worldwide. In recent years, the integration of complementary and alternative medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has gained attention as a potential avenue for addressing depression. This comprehensive review critically assesses the efficacy of TCM interventions in alleviating depressive symptoms. An in-depth look at different research studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses is used in this review to look into how TCM practices like herbal formulations, acupuncture, and mind-body practices work. The review looks at the quality of the evidence, the rigor of the methods, and any possible flaws in the current studies. This gives us an idea of where TCM stands right now in terms of treating depression. This comprehensive review aims to assess the efficacy of TCM interventions in alleviating depressive symptoms. In order to learn more about their possible healing effects, the study also looks into how different types of TCM work, such as herbal formulas, acupuncture, and mind-body practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410200, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yan-Kun Chen
- Precision Medicine R&D Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410200, Hunan Province, China
| | - Meng-Zhou Xie
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410200, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Medicinal and Functional Food, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410200, Hunan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of TCM Heart and Lung Syndrome Differentiation and Medicated Diet and Dietotherapy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410200, Hunan Province, China
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Hou HJ, Cong TZ, Cai Y, Ba YH, Chen ME, Yang JY, Luo ZH. Influencing factors of hospitalization cost of hypertension patients in traditional Chinese medicine hospitals. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1329768. [PMID: 38737867 PMCID: PMC11084283 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1329768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to analyze the influencing factors of hospitalization cost of hypertensive patients in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine, TCM) hospitals, which can provide a scientific basis for hospitals to control the hospitalization cost of hypertension. Methods In this study, 3,595 hospitalized patients with a primary diagnosis of tertiary hypertension in Tianshui City Hospital of TCM, Gansu Province, China, from January 2017 to June 2022, were used as research subjects. Using univariate analysis to identify the relevant variables of hospitalization cost, followed by incorporating the statistically significant variables of univariate analysis as independent variables in multiple linear regression analysis, and establishing the path model based on the results of the multiple linear regression finally, to explore the factors influencing hospitalization cost comprehensively. Results The results showed that hospitalization cost of hypertension patients were mainly influenced by length of stay, age, admission pathways, payment methods of medical insurance, and visit times, with length of stay being the most critical factor. Conclusion The Chinese government should actively exert the characteristics and advantages of TCM in the treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension, consistently optimize the treatment plans of TCM, effectively reduce the length of stay and steadily improve the health literacy level of patients, to alleviate the illnesses pain and reduce the economic burden of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-jia Hou
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian-zhen Cong
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu Cai
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ya-hui Ba
- School of Business and Management, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Meng-en Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-yu Yang
- School of Business and Management, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhong-hua Luo
- School of Marxism Studies, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
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Liu S, Xu L, Shen Y, Wang L, Lai X, Hu H. Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang decreases Tau hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease via the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:117031. [PMID: 37579924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117031] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alzheimer's disease (AD) belongs to the category of "senile dementia" in traditional Chinese medicine. AD is associated with brain emptiness or collaterals blocked by phlegm-heat. "Fumanjian" from Jingyue Quanshu treats dementia by promoting qi circulation, alleviating depression, eliminating turbidity, cultivating positivity, and dispelling evil spirits. Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang (QKF), derived from Fumanjian, is effective in treating AD owing to previously mentioned clinical effects. Elucidating the mechanism(s) of action of QKF on AD associated with phlegm-heat may be beneficial for therapeutic management; however, further research is needed. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to determine the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in AD, especially the specific effector protein involved, and explore the efficacy of QKF in treating AD by modulating the PI3K/Akt signal. MATERIALS AND METHODS High-performance liquid chromatography-Q-orbitrap-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the chemical components of QKF. Subsequently, APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice were used for behavioral tests, and hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining were used to assess the neuroprotective and cognitive effects of QKF. Cerebrospinal fluid pharmacology was used in in vitro validation, and Aβ25-35 was used to induce PC12 cells to establish the AD cell model. Various methods, including immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, morphological assay, cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay, and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)staining, were used to evaluate the effect of QKF on Tau hyperphosphorylation and anti-apoptosis. These methods also assessed the influence of QKF on the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway involving the mRNA and protein expressions. Finally, the inhibitor - LY294002 was used for reverse validation. RESULTS We identified 295 chemical components in the water extract of QKF.QKF improved spatial cognition and learning memory in APP/PS1 mice, protected PC12 cell morphology, improved cell survival, reduced Aβ25-35-induced apoptosis, and inhibited the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein via the PI3k/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway. Furthermore, this protective effect of QKF was reduced by LY294002 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS QKF can improve spatial cognition, learning, and memory abilities in APP/PS1 mice and protect PC12 cells. Decreasing the Tau hyperphosphorylation in AD exhibits curative efficacy on AD via the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xue Yuan Xi Road, Lu Cheng District, Wenzhou, 325000, China; The Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Luting Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xue Yuan Xi Road, Lu Cheng District, Wenzhou, 325000, China; The Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Yan Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xue Yuan Xi Road, Lu Cheng District, Wenzhou, 325000, China; The Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Liuying Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xue Yuan Xi Road, Lu Cheng District, Wenzhou, 325000, China; The Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Lai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xue Yuan Xi Road, Lu Cheng District, Wenzhou, 325000, China; The Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Haiyan Hu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xue Yuan Xi Road, Lu Cheng District, Wenzhou, 325000, China; The Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China.
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Duan B, Hu Q, Ding F, Huang F, Wang W, Yin N, Liu Z, Zhang S, He D, Lu Q. The effect and mechanism of Huangqin-Baishao herb pair in the treatment of dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e23082. [PMID: 38144295 PMCID: PMC10746484 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23082] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The haungqing (Scutellariae Radix) and baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) herb pair (HBHP) is a common prescribed herbal formula or is added to other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Purpose Elucidate the efficacy and potential mechanism of HBHP against UC. Methods First, The UC model of mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was established. The mice were randomly divided into Control group, DSS group, SASP group (390 mg/kg), and HPHP group (1.95 g/kg), with 8 mice per group. Drugs were administrated via oral gavage for 7 days. Then, Disease activity index (DAI), length of the colon, histopathology, and changes in inflammatory cytokines in colonic tissues were analyzed to assess the effect of HBHP on UC. Besides, Network pharmacology was applied to identify the active compounds, core targets of HBHP in the treatment of UC, and the corresponding signaling pathways to explore the underlying mechanisms. Finally, Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular docking were performed to validate the results. Results HBHP significantly reduced DAI score and decreased colon length shortening in DSS-induced UC mice. The administration of HBHP was able to effectively alleviated mucosal ulceration and epithelial destruction. In addition, HBHP treatment obviously - reduced the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in colon tissues (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). 35 bioactive compounds and 290 HBHP targets related to UC were obtained. Among them 3 key active compounds (baicalein, panicolin, and norwogonin) with higher degree values in the drug-compound-target network and 21 hub genes (STAT3, JAK2, SRC, AKT1, PIK3CA, and VEGFA, etc.) were identified. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that HBHP's mechanisms mainly involve the JAK-STAT pathway. Abnormal activation of JAK/STAT signaling is believed to be involved in the pathogeneses of UC. Notably, WB and IHC showed that HBHP significantly down-regulated the protein expression levels of p-JAK2 (p < 0.05) and p-STAT3 (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). JAK2 and STAT3 might be core targets for the action of HBHP; this possibility was also supported by molecular docking. Conclusions HBHP could alleviate DSS-induced UC, reduce tissue inflammation, and its mechanism might primarily be achieved by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, our work revealed that network pharmacology combined with experimental verification is a cogent means of studying the mechanism of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailu Duan
- Postdoctoral Research Station, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, Wuhan, 430070, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Qiong Hu
- First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan City & Union Jiangnan Hospital, HUST, Wuhan, 430200, China
| | - Fengmin Ding
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Fang Huang
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Postdoctoral Research Station, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM Affiliated to Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Nina Yin
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Postdoctoral Research Station, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, Wuhan, 430070, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Postdoctoral Research Station, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Dongchu He
- Postdoctoral Research Station, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qiping Lu
- Postdoctoral Research Station, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA, Wuhan, 430070, China
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