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Shen Y, Liu F, Zhang M. Therapeutic potential of plant-derived natural compounds in Alzheimer's disease: Targeting microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117235. [PMID: 39094545 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117235] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) with roles in sensing, housekeeping, and defense. Exploring the role of microglia in the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the possible therapeutic mechanism of plant-derived natural compounds (PDNCs) that regulate microglia-associated neuroinflammation may potentially help in elucidating the pathogenesis of AD and provide novel insights for its treatment. This review explores the role of abnormal microglial activation and its dominant neuroinflammatory response, as well as the activation of their target receptors and signaling pathways in AD pathogenesis. Additionally, we report an update on the potential pharmacological mechanisms of multiple PDNCs in modulating microglia-associated neuroinflammation in AD treatment. Dysregulated activation of microglial receptors and their downstream pathways impaired immune homeostasis in animal models of AD. Multiple signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and Toll-like receptors, play important roles in microglial activation and can exacerbate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. PDNCs, such as magnolol, stigmasterol, matrine, naringenin, naringin, and resveratrol, can delay the progression of AD by inhibiting the proinflammatory receptors of microglia, activating its anti-inflammatory receptors, regulating the receptors related to β-amyloid (Aβ) clearance, reversing immune dysregulation, and maintaining the immune homeostasis of microglial downstream pathways. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which microglia cause chronic inflammation in AD and evaluates the beneficial effects of PDNCs on immune regulation in AD by regulating microglial receptors and their downstream pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
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Liu J, Zhang W, Jin S, Zhang H, Xu Y, Xiong P, Qin X, Jia B. Plant-derived inducers in tumor differentiation therapy:A systematic review. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155749. [PMID: 38763009 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155749] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiation therapy, a highly regarded treatment method in tumor research, aims to induce tumor cells to differentiate back to normal cells, deviating from the malignant pathway and returning to a benign state. Its development relies on the continuous discovery of efficient and low-toxic differentiation inducers, including plant-derived active components that offer significant biological utilization and therapeutic potential. For this reason, the exploration of plant-derived inducers, particularly in their application in differentiation therapy, holds great promise in advancing cancer treatment strategies toward more effective and safer alternatives. PURPOSE This paper aims to provide a valuable reference for researchers seeking to identify natural, efficient, and low-toxic differentiation inducers from plants and highlights a promising research direction for the application of differentiation therapy in malignant tumor treatment. METHODS For the collection of pertinent information, an extensive search was conducted across diverse literature and electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, CNKI, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar. This comprehensive approach aimed to retrieve and include all relevant literature from 1985 to 2023. Primary keywords such as "Natural medicinal plant," "Differentiation therapy," and "Differentiation inducer" were utilized, supplemented by secondary search terms including "Cancer," "Tumor," "Herbal medicine," "Induced differentiation," and "Cancer treatment." RESULTS This study systematically evaluated the application of plant-derived inducers in tumor-induced differentiation therapy. Through extensive literature review, specific plant components with confirmed differentiation-inducing properties were identified. Furthermore, potential molecular mechanisms underlying this process were outlined, shedding light on the future development of differentiation therapy in cancer treatment. CONCLUSION Plant-derived active components exhibit substantial biological utility and therapeutic potential. Delving deeper into the research on these components as differentiation inducers holds promise for the selection of novel cancer drugs and the unveiling of novel pathways for cancer treatment. These results emphasize the importance of continued exploration and in-depth research into natural, efficient, and low-toxic differentiation inducers from plants, which could significantly advance cancer treatment strategies. Moreover, the highlighted research direction underscores the relevance of differentiation therapy in the context of malignant tumor treatment, indicating its potential as a safer and more effective alternative in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Shenrui Jin
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Nanbu Hospital of County Chinese Medicine, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637399, China
| | - Yi Xu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Peiyu Xiong
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Xuhua Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China.
| | - Bo Jia
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China.
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Li Y, Kowah JAH, Jiang M, Wu Y, Wang L, Yang F. Synthesis, antibacterial activity, and 3D-QASR studies of matrine-indole derivatives as potential antibiotics. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 102:129671. [PMID: 38387690 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Matrine and indole have antibacterial, anticancer, and other biological activities, in order to develop new antibiotics to solve the problem of multi-drug resistant bacteria. In this paper, we synthesized a series of 29 novel matrine derivatives as potential drug candidates by combining indole analogs and matrine. The antibacterial activity of these compounds was evaluated through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays against five bacterial strains (S. aureus, C. albicans, P. acnes, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli). The obtained results demonstrated promising antibacterial efficacy, particularly for compounds A20 and A18, which exhibited MICs.au values of 0.021 and 0.031 mg/ml, respectively, against S. aureus. Moreover, compounds A20 and A27 displayed remarkable MICc.al values of 2.806 and 4.519 mg/ml, respectively, against C. albicans, surpassing the performance of the clinical antibiotic penicillin G sodium (0.0368 mg/ml) and fluconazole (4.849 mg/ml). These findings underscore the significant bacteriostatic activity of the matrine derivatives. Furthermore, to gain a deeper understanding 3D-QSAR modeling was employed, revealing the critical influence of steric structure, charge distribution, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding within the molecular structure on the bacteriostatic activity of the compounds. Additionally, molecular docking simulations shed light on the interaction between compound A20 and bacterial proteins, highlighting the involvement of hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and π-π conjugation in the formation of stable complexes that inhibit the normal functioning of the proteins. This comprehensive analysis provided valuable insights into the antibacterial mechanism of the novel matrine derivatives, offering theoretical support for their potential application as antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Jamal A H Kowah
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Meiyan Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yaqing Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Lisheng Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Fangfang Yang
- Guangxi - ASEAN Food Inspection and Testing Center, Nanning 530021, China
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Xu J, Zhang Z, Hu H, Yang Y, Xiao C, Xi L, Lu J, Tian S, Zhao H. Synergistic antitumor effects of Peiminine and Doxorubicin on breast cancer through enhancing DNA damage via ZEB1. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116353. [PMID: 38432128 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Peiminine, the primary biologically active compound from Fritillaria thunbergii Miq., has demonstrated significant pharmacological activities. Doxorubicin is one of the most potent chemotherapeutic agents for breast cancer (BC). This study was designed to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Peiminine combined with Doxorubicin in treating BC. Our results demonstrated that the combination of Peiminine and 1 mg/kg Doxorubicin exhibited more significant suppression of tumor growth compared with the monotherapy in MDA-MB-231 xenograft nude mice model, which is comparable to the effect of 3 mg/kg Doxorubicin in vivo. Notably, the 3 mg/kg Doxorubicin monotherapy resulted in organ toxicity, specifically in the liver and heart, whereas no toxicity was observed in the combination group. In vitro, this combined treatment exhibited a synergistic reduction on the viability of BC cells. Peiminine enhanced the cell cycle arrest and DNA damage induced by Doxorubicin. Furthermore, the combination treatment effectively blocked DNA repair by inhibiting the MAPKs signaling pathways. And ZEB1 knockdown attenuated the combined effect of Peiminine and Doxorubicin on cell viability and DNA damage. In conclusion, our study found that the combination of Peiminine and Doxorubicin showed synergistic inhibitory effects on BC both in vivo and in vitro through enhancing Doxorubicin-induced DNA damage. These findings support that their combination is a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for treating BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311402, China
| | - Zeyi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311402, China
| | - Hongtao Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311402, China
| | - Yaqin Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311402, China
| | - Chenghong Xiao
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Luyi Xi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311402, China
| | - Jiahui Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311402, China
| | - Shasha Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311402, China.
| | - Huajun Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311402, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Binwen Rd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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Wu MY, Han QJ, Ai Z, Liang YY, Yan HW, Xie Q, Xiang ZM. Assessment of chemotherapy resistance changes in human colorectal cancer xenografts in rats based on MRI histogram features. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1301649. [PMID: 38357206 PMCID: PMC10864667 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1301649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose We investigated the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) histogram features, a non-invasive method, in assessing the changes in chemoresistance of colorectal cancer xenografts in rats. Methods A total of 50 tumor-bearing mice with colorectal cancer were randomly divided into two groups: control group and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group. The MRI histogram characteristics and the expression levels of p53 protein and MRP1 were obtained at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 120 h, and 168 h after treatment. Results Sixty highly repeatable MRI histogram features were obtained. There were 16 MRI histogram parameters and MRP1 resistance protein differences between groups. At 24 h after treatment, the MRI histogram texture parameters of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) images (10%, 90%, median, energy, and RootMeanSquared) and D images (10% and Range) were positively correlated with MRP1 (r = 0.925, p = 0.005). At 48 h after treatment, histogram texture parameters of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images (Energy) were positively correlated with the presence of MRP1 resistance protein (r = 0.900, p = 0.037). There was no statistically significant difference between MRI histogram features and p53 protein expression level. Conclusions MRI histogram texture parameters based on T2WI, D, and ADC maps can help to predict the change of 5-FU resistance in colorectal cancer in the early stage and provide important reference significance for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Yi Wu
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Jia Han
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Ai
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Ying Liang
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Wen Yan
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital/Department of Medical Imaging, Nansha Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Xiang
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Cao G, Li J, Mao Z, Zhang Y. Oxymatrine Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice by Regulating the Immune Balance of T Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:5879. [PMID: 37570855 PMCID: PMC10420974 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155879] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic immunity and autoimmune disorders. We have previously found that oxymatrine (OMT), a natural alkaloid, can alleviate rheumatoid arthritis without knowing whether OMT can alleviate rheumatoid arthritis through gut microbiota. In this study, we found that OMT can alleviate collagen-induced arthritis in mice and reconstruct the immune balance of Th1/Th2, Treg/Th17, and Tfr/Tfh cells. Colon transcriptome gene enrichment analysis indicated that oxymatrine may alleviate collagen induced arthritis in mice through immune system process pathway. Furthermore, OMT significantly altered the gut microbiota variety, changed the composition of microbial colonies, and reshaped the gut microbiota of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice, which may participate in the regulation of the balance of Th1/Th2, Treg/Th17, and Tfr/Tfh cells to alleviate collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yanli Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; (G.C.); (J.L.); (Z.M.)
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Chen Z, Dong Y, Yan Q, Li Q, Yu C, Lai Y, Tan J, Fan M, Xu C, Li L, Shen W, Gu J, Cheng H, Sun D. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of a ratio-optimized drug pair of Sophora flavescens Aiton and Coptis chinensis Franch and study on the mechanism of anti-colorectal cancer effect of two alkaloids thereof. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1198467. [PMID: 37404762 PMCID: PMC10316516 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1198467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The drug pair consisting of Sophora flavescens Aiton (Sophorae flavescentis radix, Kushen) and Coptis chinensis Franch. (Coptidis rhizoma, Huanglian), as described in Prescriptions for Universal Relief (Pujifang), is widely used to treat laxation. Matrine and berberine are the major active components of Kushen and Huanglian, respectively. These agents have shown remarkable anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. A mouse model of colorectal cancer was used to determine the most effective combination of Kushen and Huanglian against anti-colorectal cancer. The results showed that the combination of Kushen and Huanglian at a 1:1 ratio exerted the best anti-colorectal cancer effect versus other ratios. Moreover, the anti-colorectal cancer effect and potential mechanism underlying the effects of matrine and berberine were evaluated by the analysis of combination treatment or monotherapy. In addition, the chemical constituents of Kushen and Huanglian were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 67 chemical components were identified from the Kushen-Huanglian drug pair (water extraction), and the levels of matrine and berberine were 129 and 232 µg/g, respectively. Matrine and berberine reduced the growth of colorectal cancer and relieved the pathological conditions in mice. In addition, the combination of matrine and berberine displayed better anti-colorectal cancer efficacy than monotherapy. Moreover, matrine and berberine reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Campilobacterota at phylum level and that of Helicobacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Candidatus_Arthromitus, norank_f_Lachnospiraceae, Rikenella, Odoribacter, Streptococcus, norank_f_Ruminococcaceae, and Anaerotruncus at the genus level. Western blotting results demonstrated that treatment with matrine and berberine decreased the protein expressions of c-MYC and RAS, whereas it increased that of sirtuin 3 (Sirt3). The findings indicated that the combination of matrine and berberine was more effective in inhibiting colorectal cancer than monotherapy. This beneficial effect might depend on the improvement of intestinal microbiota structure and regulation of the RAS/MEK/ERK-c-MYC-Sirt3 signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Chen
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Dong
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuying Yan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengtao Yu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Yueyang Lai
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiani Tan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Minmin Fan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Changliang Xu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Liu Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Weixing Shen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Junfei Gu
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haibo Cheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongdong Sun
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Prevention and Treatment of Tumor Research Center for Theory and Application of Cancer Toxin Pathogenesis, Nanjing, China
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