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Byron M, Lection J, Foster RA, Chenier T, Wagner B, Diel de Amorim M. Prostaglandin-related genes are differentially expressed in equine endometrium with different biopsy grade, degrees of inflammation, and fibrosis. Theriogenology 2024; 227:151-156. [PMID: 39089078 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.014] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Prostaglandins have many roles in the equine reproductive tract, including but not limited to luteolysis, luteal support, ovulation, transport through the uterine tube, uterine contraction, embryonic mobility, inflammation, and fibrosis. Altered secretion of inflammatory proteins are likely to disrupt the balance of endometrial function and could impair fertility. Our overall goal was to measure the expression of several prostaglandin- and inflammation-related genes in mares with different degrees of endometrial histological changes. Our hypothesis was that mares with neutrophilic and lymphocytic plasmocytic inflammation, fibrosis, or different biopsy grades would have altered concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F2α (PGF2α), as well as altered expression of inflammation- and prostaglandin-related genes, compared to mares with minimal to no histological changes on biopsy evaluation. Forty-five endometrial biopsies from estrous mares were assessed by a reproductive pathologist for the degree of neutrophilic inflammation, lymphocytic and plasmocytic inflammation, and fibrosis, and a biopsy grade was assigned based on the Kenney-Doig system. A low-volume uterine lavage was collected from a subset of twenty-six mares prior to biopsy collection and was used to measure PGE2 and PGF2α concentrations via ELISA. Total RNA was extracted from biopsies and mRNA expression was evaluated for twenty-five genes of interest. A restricted maximum likelihood linear model was used to compare differences of mRNA expression, with a statistical significance set at P < 0.05. There was no difference in the abundance of PGE2 or PGF2α between any of the variables tested. Mares with endometrial biopsy grade I had lower expression of NF-kB, PTGS1 and HPGD compared to grade IIA or IIB (P < 0.05). Mares with neutrophilic inflammation had decreased expression of NF-kB, PTGS1, PTGER4, CBR1, mPGES2 and PTGIS compared to mares without inflammation. Mares with mild or minimal endometrial fibrosis had increased expression of mPGES2 and PTGIS, compared to mares with moderate endometrial fibrosis. In conclusion, several genes were identified to be differentially expressed in mares with histological changes compared to mares with no to minimal histological changes. The presence of inflammation and fibrosis may alter the concentration of prostaglandins in endometrial tissue, which could impair many of the uterine reproductive and immune functions during estrus, affecting early embryo survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Byron
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jennine Lection
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Robert A Foster
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Tracey Chenier
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mariana Diel de Amorim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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2
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Ferreira-Dias GM, Alpoim-Moreira J, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A, Rebordão MR, Skarzynski DJ. The path to fertility: Current approaches to mare endometritis and endometrosis. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20240070. [PMID: 39286368 PMCID: PMC11404863 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2024-0070] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The path to fertility in the mare requires an understanding of the hormonal influences, the immune response, genetics, and epigenetic mechanisms involved not only in physiological reproductive processes, but also such pathologies as endometritis and endometrosis. Endometritis may lead to endometrosis establishment. In the presence of endometritis, neutrophils arrive at the mare endometrium, and form neutrophil extracellular traps. While NETosis plays pivotal roles, prolonged inflammation can lead to chronic endometritis, endometrosis, and fertility issues. Matrix metalloproteinases and epigenetic changes influence the course of endometrosis. Inhibitors of specific enzymes involved in NETosis and epigenetic inhibitors have shown potential in reducing pro-fibrotic effects. Collagen type III (COL3) has emerged as a putative biomarker, correlating with endometrosis and useful in fertility assessment. Thus, COL3 may offer a non-invasive diagnostic tool, as a complement to histopathological methods. Epigenetic modifications and miRNA expressions offer new avenues for therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cellular mechanisms at play in mare endometrial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graça Ml Ferreira-Dias
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- AL4AnimalS-Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Alpoim-Moreira
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- AL4AnimalS-Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Maria Rosa Rebordão
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Polytechnic University of Coimbra, S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Dariusz J Skarzynski
- Department of Animal Reproduction with Large Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Environmental and Live Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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3
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Rivera-Concha R, León M, Prado-Sanhueza A, Sánchez R, Taubert A, Hermosilla C, Uribe P, Zambrano F. Cytotoxic Oxidative Stress Effects of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps' Components on Cattle Spermatozoa. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:733. [PMID: 38929172 PMCID: PMC11200964 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060733] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine spermatozoa are highly susceptible to oxidative stress (OS), and it is known to affect their cellular functions. The main leukocyte producers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mammalian semen are polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). PMN activation can result in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which have been shown to affect the motility and function of spermatozoa. However, OS effects on bull spermatozoa derived from individual NETs components have not been investigated. The hypothesis of this study was that specific NETs components might generate OS on bull spermatozoa. Bovine sperm cells were incubated with five NETs-associated molecules, including 30 μg/mL histone 2A (H2A), neutrophil elastase (NE), 1 μg/mL myeloperoxidase (MPO), cathepsin G (Cat-G), and cathelicidin LL37 (LL-37), for a time course ranging from 15 to 240 min. Fluorescence microscopy was used to evaluate the coincubation of bovine PMN and sperm cells. Within 15 min, H2A, NE, and LL-37 caused membrane disruption, while MPO and Cat-G caused OS on bull spermatozoa after 1 h of coincubation. NET formation was observed within 15 min of coincubation in co-cultures of bovine PMN/sperm cells. This study is the first to report on the role of cytotoxic OS effects caused by NETs-derived components in bovine sperm in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rivera-Concha
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT—BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile; (R.R.-C.); (M.L.); (A.P.-S.); (R.S.); (P.U.)
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Marion León
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT—BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile; (R.R.-C.); (M.L.); (A.P.-S.); (R.S.); (P.U.)
| | - Aurora Prado-Sanhueza
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT—BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile; (R.R.-C.); (M.L.); (A.P.-S.); (R.S.); (P.U.)
- Ph.D. Program in Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Raúl Sánchez
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT—BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile; (R.R.-C.); (M.L.); (A.P.-S.); (R.S.); (P.U.)
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.T.); (C.H.)
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.T.); (C.H.)
| | - Pamela Uribe
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT—BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile; (R.R.-C.); (M.L.); (A.P.-S.); (R.S.); (P.U.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Fabiola Zambrano
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT—BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile; (R.R.-C.); (M.L.); (A.P.-S.); (R.S.); (P.U.)
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
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Parrilla Hernández S, Franck T, Munaut C, Feyereisen É, Piret J, Farnir F, Reigner F, Barrière P, Deleuze S. Characterization of Myeloperoxidase in the Healthy Equine Endometrium. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030375. [PMID: 36766264 PMCID: PMC9913682 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030375] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloperoxidase (MPO), as a marker of neutrophil activation, has been associated with equine endometritis. However, in absence of inflammation, MPO is constantly detected in the uterine lumen of estrous mares. The aim of this study was to characterize MPO in the uterus of mares under physiological conditions as a first step to better understand the role of this enzyme in equine reproduction. Total and active MPO concentrations were determined, by ELISA and SIEFED assay, respectively, in low-volume lavages from mares in estrus (n = 26), diestrus (n = 18) and anestrus (n = 8) in absence of endometritis. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on 21 endometrial biopsies randomly selected: estrus (n = 11), diestrus (n = 6) and anestrus (n = 4). MPO, although mostly enzymatically inactive, was present in highly variable concentrations in uterine lavages in all studied phases, with elevated concentrations in estrus and anestrus, while in diestrus, concentrations were much lower. Intracytoplasmic immunoexpression of MPO was detected in the endometrial epithelial cells, neutrophils and glandular secretions. Maximal expression was observed during estrus in mid and basal glands with a predominant intracytoplasmic apical reinforcement. In diestrus, immunopositive glands were sporadic. In anestrus, only the luminal epithelium showed residual MPO immunostaining. These results confirm a constant presence of MPO in the uterine lumen of mares in absence of inflammation, probably as part of the uterine mucosal immune system, and suggest that endometrial cells are a source of uterine MPO under physiological cyclic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Parrilla Hernández
- Physiology of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Thierry Franck
- Center for Oxygen Research and development (CORD), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Carine Munaut
- Laboratory of Tumor and Developmental Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Émilie Feyereisen
- Laboratory of Tumor and Developmental Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Joëlle Piret
- Department of Morphology and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Farnir
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Applied to Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | - Stéfan Deleuze
- Physiology of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Equine and Companion Animal Reproduction, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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5
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Witkowski M, Duliban M, Rak A, Profaska-Szymik M, Gurgul A, Arent ZJ, Galuszka A, Kotula-Balak M. Next-Generation Sequencing analysis discloses genes implicated in equine endometrosis that may lead to tumorigenesis. Theriogenology 2022; 189:158-166. [PMID: 35760027 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Endometrosis is a periglandular fibrosis associated with dysfunction of affected glandular epithelial cells that is the most common cause of reduced fertility in mares, although it is not fully understood. The etiology of the disease is still partially unknown. This study focuses on understanding the genetic mechanisms potentially underlying endometrosis in mares using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technique. Endometrial samples, used in the study, were obtained in the anestrus phase both from healthy mares and those diagnosed with endometrosis. The NGS data were analyzed for gene involvement in biological processes and pathways (e.g. STAR, KOBAS-I, STRING, and ClustVis software). Bioinformatic analysis revealed differential expression of 55 transcripts. In tissues with endometrosis, most genes displayed upregulated expression. The protein-protein interaction analysis disclosed a substantial transcript network including transcripts related to metabolism e.g. sulfur metabolism (SELENBP1), ovarian steroidogenesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and chemical carcinogenesis (CYP1B1), COXs (COX4I1, COX3, UQCRFS1) as well as transcripts related to immune response e.g. MMP7, JCHAIN, PIGR, CALR, B2M, FCGRT. Interestingly, the latter has been previously linked with various pathologies including cancers in the female reproductive system. In conclusion, this study evaluated genes that are not directly impacted by sex hormone feedback, but that create a metabolic and immune environment in tissues, thus influencing fertility and pregnancy in mares with endometrosis. Moreover, some of the identified genes may be implicated in tumorigenesis of endometrial lesions. These data may be useful as a starting point in further research, such as the development of targeted strategies for rapid diagnosis and/or prevention of this pathology based on gene and protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Witkowski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology with Andrology and Animal Reproduction Biotechnology, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland; Equine Hospital on the Racing Truck, Sluzewiec, Pulawska 266, 02-684, Warszawa, Poland
| | - M Duliban
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
| | - A Rak
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Krakow, Poland
| | - M Profaska-Szymik
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology with Andrology and Animal Reproduction Biotechnology, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
| | - A Gurgul
- Center for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Redzina 1c, 30-248, Krakow, Poland
| | - Z J Arent
- Department of Animal Infectious Diseases and Food Hygiene, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
| | - A Galuszka
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
| | - M Kotula-Balak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland.
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Evolution of the Concepts of Endometrosis, Post Breeding Endometritis, and Susceptibility of Mares. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060779. [PMID: 35327176 PMCID: PMC8944725 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, the evolution of our understanding about post breeding endometritis (PBE), the susceptibility of mares, and events leading to endometrosis are reviewed. When sperm arrive in the uterus, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are released. They attract neutrophils and induce modulatory cytokines which control inflammation. In susceptible mares, this physiological defense can be prolonged since the pattern of cytokine release differs from that of resistant mares being delayed and weaker for anti-inflammatory cytokines. Delayed uterine clearance due to conformational defects, deficient myometrial contractions, and failure of the cervix to relax is detected by intrauterine fluid accumulation and is an important reason for susceptibility to endometritis. Multiparous aged mares are more likely to be susceptible. Untreated prolonged PBE can lead to bacterial or fungal endometritis called persistent or chronic endometritis. Exuberant or prolonged neutrophilia and cytokine release can have deleterious and permanent effects in inducing endometrosis. Interactions of neutrophils, cytokines, and prostaglandins in the formation of collagen and extracellular matrix in the pathogenesis of fibrosis are discussed. Endometritis and endometrosis are interconnected, influencing each other. It is suggested that they represent epigenetic changes induced by age and hostile uterine environment.
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Skarzynski DJ, Bazer FW, Maldonado-Estrada JG. Editorial: Veterinary Reproductive Immunology. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:823169. [PMID: 35083310 PMCID: PMC8784508 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.823169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz J. Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Science, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Fuller W. Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Juan G. Maldonado-Estrada
- OHVRI Research Group, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Juan G. Maldonado-Estrada
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The Inhibitory Effect of Noscapine on the In Vitro Cathepsin G-Induced Collagen Expression in Equine Endometrium. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101107. [PMID: 34685478 PMCID: PMC8539599 DOI: 10.3390/life11101107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin G (CAT) is a protease released by neutrophils when forming neutrophil extracellular traps that was already associated with inducing type I collagen (COL1) in equine endometrium in vitro. Endometrosis is a fibrotic condition mainly characterized by COL1 deposition in the equine endometrium. The objective was to evaluate if noscapine (an alkaloid for cough treatment with anti-neoplastic and anti-fibrotic properties) would reduce COL1A2 transcription (evaluated by qPCR) and COL1 protein relative abundance (evaluated by western blot) induced by CAT in equine endometrial explants from follicular and mid-luteal phases treated for 24 or 48 h. The explants treated with CAT increased COL1 expression. Noscapine decreased COL1A2 transcription at both estrous cycle phases, but COL1 relative protein only at the follicular phase, both induced by CAT. Additionally, the noscapine anti-fibrotic action was found to be more effective in the follicular phase. The CAT treatment caused more fibrosis at the longest period of treatment, while noscapine acted better at the shortest time of treatment. Our results showed that noscapine could act as an anti-fibrotic drug in equine endometrosis by inhibiting CAT in vitro. Noscapine offers a new promising therapeutic tool for treating fibrosis as a single non-selective agent to be considered in the future.
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