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Peng X, He Z, Yuan D, Liu Z, Rong P. Lactic acid: The culprit behind the immunosuppressive microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189164. [PMID: 39096976 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189164] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
As a solid tumor with high glycolytic activity, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) produces excess lactic acid and increases extracellular acidity, thus forming a unique immunosuppressive microenvironment. L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) play a very important role in glycolysis. LDH is the key enzyme for lactic acid (LA) production, and MCT is responsible for the cellular import and export of LA. The synergistic effect of the two promotes the formation of an extracellular acidic microenvironment. In the acidic microenvironment of HCC, LA can not only promote the proliferation, survival, transport and angiogenesis of tumor cells but also have a strong impact on immune cells, ultimately leading to an inhibitory immune microenvironment. This article reviews the role of LA in HCC, especially its effect on immune cells, summarizes the progress of LDH and MCT-related drugs, and highlights the potential of immunotherapy targeting lactate combined with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopei Peng
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Molecular Imaging Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhenhu He
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Molecular Imaging Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Dandan Yuan
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Molecular Imaging Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Department of Radiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Molecular Imaging Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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2
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Zhang M, Zhong J, Song Z, Xu Q, Chen Y, Zhang Z. Regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in precancerous lesions of gastric cancer: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117068. [PMID: 39018877 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117068] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) represent a critical pathological stage in the transformation from normal gastric mucosa to gastric cancer (GC). The global incidence of PLGC has been rising over the past few decades, with a trend towards younger onset ages. Increasing evidence suggests that early prevention and treatment of PLGC can effectively reverse the malignant development of gastric mucosal epithelial cells. However, there is currently a lack of effective therapeutic drugs and methods. Recent years have witnessed substantial advancements in PLGC research, with the elucidation of novel regulatory mechanisms offering promising avenues for clinical intervention and drug development. This review aims to delineate potential targets for early prevention and diagnosis of GC while exploring innovative approaches to PLGC management. This article focuses on elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of the inflammatory microenvironment, bile acids (BA), glycolysis, autophagy, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and cellular senescence. We pay particular attention to potential therapeutic targets for PLGC, with the goal of providing insights and theoretical basis for clinical research on PLGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maofu Zhang
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jialin Zhong
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Zhongyang Song
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730020, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yuchan Chen
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730050, China.
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3
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Koltai T, Fliegel L. Exploring monocarboxylate transporter inhibition for cancer treatment. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:135-169. [PMID: 38464385 PMCID: PMC10918235 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00210] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells are separated from the environment by a lipid bilayer membrane that is relatively impermeable to solutes. The transport of ions and small molecules across this membrane is an essential process in cell biology and metabolism. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) belong to a vast family of solute carriers (SLCs) that facilitate the transport of certain hydrophylic small compounds through the bilipid cell membrane. The existence of 446 genes that code for SLCs is the best evidence of their importance. In-depth research on MCTs is quite recent and probably promoted by their role in cancer development and progression. Importantly, it has recently been realized that these transporters represent an interesting target for cancer treatment. The search for clinically useful monocarboxylate inhibitors is an even more recent field. There is limited pre-clinical and clinical experience with new inhibitors and their precise mechanism of action is still under investigation. What is common to all of them is the inhibition of lactate transport. This review discusses the structure and function of MCTs, their participation in cancer, and old and newly developed inhibitors. Some suggestions on how to improve their anticancer effects are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Koltai
- Hospital del Centro Gallego de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 2199, Argentina
| | - Larry Fliegel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2R3, Alberta, Canada
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Tomar MS, Kumar A, Shrivastava A. Mitochondrial metabolism as a dynamic regulatory hub to malignant transformation and anti-cancer drug resistance. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 694:149382. [PMID: 38128382 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149382] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Glycolysis is the fundamental cellular process that permits cancer cells to convert energy and grow anaerobically. Recent developments in molecular biology have made it evident that mitochondrial respiration is critical to tumor growth and treatment response. As the principal organelle of cellular energy conversion, mitochondria can rapidly alter cellular metabolic processes, thereby fueling malignancies and contributing to treatment resistance. This review emphasizes the significance of mitochondrial biogenesis, turnover, DNA copy number, and mutations in bioenergetic system regulation. Tumorigenesis requires an intricate cascade of metabolic pathways that includes rewiring of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, supply of intermediate metabolites of the TCA cycle through amino acids, and the interaction between mitochondria and lipid metabolism. Cancer recurrence or resistance to therapy often results from the cooperation of several cellular defense mechanisms, most of which are connected to mitochondria. Many clinical trials are underway to assess the effectiveness of inhibiting mitochondrial respiration as a potential cancer therapeutic. We aim to summarize innovative strategies and therapeutic targets by conducting a comprehensive review of recent studies on the relationship between mitochondrial metabolism, tumor development and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manendra Singh Tomar
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal, Saket Nagar, Bhopal, 462020, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh Shrivastava
- Center for Advance Research, Faculty of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Chu YD, Chen CW, Lai MW, Lim SN, Lin WR. Bioenergetic alteration in gastrointestinal cancers: The good, the bad and the ugly. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4499-4527. [PMID: 37621758 PMCID: PMC10445009 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i29.4499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit metabolic reprogramming and bioenergetic alteration, utilizing glucose fermentation for energy production, known as the Warburg effect. However, there are a lack of comprehensive reviews summarizing the metabolic reprogramming, bioenergetic alteration, and their oncogenetic links in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Furthermore, the efficacy and treatment potential of emerging anticancer drugs targeting these alterations in GI cancers require further evaluation. This review highlights the interplay between aerobic glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cancer cells, as well as hypotheses on the molecular mechanisms that trigger this alteration. The role of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, tumor suppressors, and the oncogenetic link between hypoxia-related enzymes, bioenergetic changes, and GI cancer are also discussed. This review emphasizes the potential of targeting bioenergetic regulators for anti-cancer therapy, particularly for GI cancers. Emphasizing the potential of targeting bioenergetic regulators for GI cancer therapy, the review categorizes these regulators into aerobic glycolysis/ lactate biosynthesis/transportation and TCA cycle/coupled OXPHOS. We also detail various anti-cancer drugs and strategies that have produced pre-clinical and/or clinical evidence in treating GI cancers, as well as the challenges posed by these drugs. Here we highlight that understanding dysregulated cancer cell bioenergetics is critical for effective treatments, although the diverse metabolic patterns present challenges for targeted therapies. Further research is needed to comprehend the specific mechanisms of inhibiting bioenergetic enzymes, address side effects, and leverage high-throughput multi-omics and spatial omics to gain insights into cancer cell heterogeneity for targeted bioenergetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-De Chu
- Liver Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Siew-Na Lim
- Department of Neurology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Silva A, Cerqueira MC, Rosa B, Sobral C, Pinto-Ribeiro F, Costa MF, Baltazar F, Afonso J. Prognostic Value of Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 Overexpression in Cancer: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065141. [PMID: 36982217 PMCID: PMC10049181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy production by cancer is driven by accelerated glycolysis, independently of oxygen levels, which results in increased lactate production. Lactate is shuttled to and from cancer cells via monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). MCT1 works both as an importer and an extruder of lactate, being widely studied in recent years and generally associated with a cancer aggressiveness phenotype. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the prognostic value of MCT1 immunoexpression in different malignancies. Study collection was performed by searching nine different databases (PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, OVID, TRIP and PsycINFO), using the keywords "cancer", "Monocarboxylate transporter 1", "SLC16A1" and "prognosis". Results showed that MCT1 is an indicator of poor prognosis and decreased survival for cancer patients in sixteen types of malignancies; associations between the transporter's overexpression and larger tumour sizes, higher disease stage/grade and metastasis occurrence were also frequently observed. Yet, MCT1 overexpression correlated with better outcomes in colorectal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer patients. These results support the applicability of MCT1 as a biomarker of prognosis, although larger cohorts would be necessary to validate the overall role of MCT1 as an outcome predictor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Mónica Costa Cerqueira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Rosa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Sobral
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Filipa Pinto-Ribeiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Marta Freitas Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Julieta Afonso
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Duan Q, Zhang S, Wang Y, Lu D, Sun Y, Wu Y. Proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporters in cancer: From metabolic crosstalk, immunosuppression and anti-apoptosis to clinical applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1069555. [PMID: 36506099 PMCID: PMC9727313 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1069555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Warburg effect is known as the hyperactive glycolysis that provides the energy needed for rapid growth and proliferation in most tumor cells even under the condition of sufficient oxygen. This metabolic pattern can lead to a large accumulation of lactic acid and intracellular acidification, which can affect the growth of tumor cells and lead to cell death. Proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) belong to the SLC16A gene family, which consists of 14 members. MCT1-4 promotes the passive transport of monocarboxylate (e.g., lactate, pyruvate, and ketone bodies) and proton transport across membranes. MCT1-4-mediated lactate shuttling between glycolytic tumor cells or cancer-associated fibroblasts and oxidative tumor cells plays an important role in the metabolic reprogramming of energy, lipids, and amino acids and maintains the survival of tumor cells. In addition, MCT-mediated lactate signaling can promote tumor angiogenesis, immune suppression and multidrug resistance, migration and metastasis, and ferroptosis resistance and autophagy, which is conducive to the development of tumor cells and avoid death. Although there are certain challenges, the study of targeted drugs against these transporters shows great promise and may form new anticancer treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixin Duan
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, China,Department of Urology, Nanyang Central Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Nanyang Central Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Urology, Nanyang Central Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Dongming Lu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, China
| | - Yingming Sun
- Department of Medical and Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Yongyang Wu, ; Yingming Sun,
| | - Yongyang Wu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Yongyang Wu, ; Yingming Sun,
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Hiltunen N, Rintala J, Väyrynen JP, Böhm J, Karttunen TJ, Huhta H, Helminen O. Monocarboxylate Transporters 1 and 4 and Prognosis in Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2552. [PMID: 35626155 PMCID: PMC9139933 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are cell membrane proteins transporting lactate, pyruvate, and ketone bodies across the plasma membrane. The prognostic role of MCTs in neuroendocrine tumors is unknown. We aimed to analyze MCT1 and MCT4 expression in small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SB-NETs). The cohort included 109 SB-NETs and 61 SB-NET lymph node metastases from two Finnish hospitals. Tumor samples were immunohistochemically stained with MCT1 and MCT4 monoclonal antibodies. The staining intensity, percentage of positive cells, and stromal staining were assessed. MCT1 and MCT4 scores (0, 1 or 2) were composed based on the staining intensity and the percentage of positive cells. Survival analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression, adjusted for confounders. The primary outcome was disease-specific survival (DSS). A high MCT4 intensity in SB-NETs was associated with better DSS when compared to low intensity (85.7 vs. 56.6%, p = 0.020). A high MCT4 percentage of positive cells resulted in better DSS when compared to a low percentage (77.4 vs. 49.1%, p = 0.059). MCT4 scores 0, 1, and 2 showed DSS of 52.8 vs. 58.8 vs. 100% (p = 0.025), respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the mortality hazard was lowest in the patients with a high MCT4 score. MCT1 showed no association with survival. According to our study, a high MCT4 expression is associated with an improved prognosis in SB-NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hiltunen
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland; (J.R.); (J.P.V.); (T.J.K.); (H.H.); (O.H.)
| | - Jukka Rintala
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland; (J.R.); (J.P.V.); (T.J.K.); (H.H.); (O.H.)
- Surgery Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha P. Väyrynen
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland; (J.R.); (J.P.V.); (T.J.K.); (H.H.); (O.H.)
| | - Jan Böhm
- Department of Pathology, Central Finland Central Hospital, 40620 Jyväskylä, Finland;
| | - Tuomo J. Karttunen
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland; (J.R.); (J.P.V.); (T.J.K.); (H.H.); (O.H.)
| | - Heikki Huhta
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland; (J.R.); (J.P.V.); (T.J.K.); (H.H.); (O.H.)
| | - Olli Helminen
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland; (J.R.); (J.P.V.); (T.J.K.); (H.H.); (O.H.)
- Surgery Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland
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