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Wang S, Ye F, Ren Q, Sun S, Xia W, Wang Z, Guo H, Li H, Zhang S, Lowe S, Chen M, Du Q, Weihong Li. The anti-liver fibrosis effect of Tibetan medicine (Qiwei Tiexie capsule) is related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vivo and in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117283. [PMID: 37827298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117283] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qiwei Tiexie capsule (QWTX) is an improved form of a classical prescription of Tibetan medicine-Qiwei Tiexie pill. It has been employed in the treatment of a variety of chronic liver disorders, including liver fibrosis. Uncertainty still exists regarding the mechanism of QWTX action in liver fibrosis. AIM OF THE STUDY Confirm the anti-liver fibrosis effect of QWTX and reveal its mechanism from the perspective of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo experiment: A rat model of carbon tetrachloride -induced liver fibrosis was constructed. All rats were randomly divided into six groups: a control group, a model group, a group receiving the positive drug (Biejia Ruangan tablet), and three groups receiving QWTX at high, medium, and low doses. The contents of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TBil) were detected in serum. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's staining were used to assess the histomorphological alteration of the liver. The levels of glutathione peroxidase, hydroxyproline, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) in the liver were determined using the corresponding detection kits. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of NLRP3, adaptor protein (ASC), caspase-1, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In vitro experiment: Four groups of rat hepatic stellate cell line (HSC-T6) cells were created: the control group, the low-dose QWTX group (0.05 mg/mL), the medium-dose QWTX group (0.1 mg/mL), and the high-dose QWTX group (0.2 mg/mL). Cell viability was assessed using a cell counting kit, and the amounts of collagen type I (Col I) and IL-1β in the cell lysate were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and α-SMA were also estimated. RESULTS QWTX had an inhibitory effect on liver fibrosis and a negative effect on HSC activation, while it improved liver histopathological injury and abnormal liver function and increased hydroxyproline content and glutathione peroxidase activity in vivo. QWTX decreased the expression of α-SMA, NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, and IL-1β both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Tibetan medicine QWTX had a significant anti-liver fibrosis effect that was related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China; Bei Jing Jing Mei Group General Hospital, Beijing, 102300, China
| | - Fei Ye
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Qingjia Ren
- Institute of Tibetan Medicine, University of Tibetan Medicine, Lhasa, 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shengnan Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Weina Xia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Zhuwei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Haolin Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Han Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Shujing Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Scott Lowe
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, MO, 64106, USA
| | - Meng Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China
| | - Qinghong Du
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China; Institute of Tibetan Medicine, University of Tibetan Medicine, Lhasa, 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Weihong Li
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102401, China.
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Li F, Yan T, Wang S, Wen X. Exosome-associated miRNA-99a-5p targeting BMPR2 promotes hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic fibrosis. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4021-4031. [PMID: 37354366 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01122-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a serious stage of chronic liver injury. Inhibition of hepatic stellate cells activation and hepatocytes apoptosis is important measures in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Studies have shown that exosomes are involved in regulating the information transmission between cells, but there are few studies on the interaction between exosomes from HSC and hepatocytes. This study screened miRNAs with significant differences related to liver fibrosis in the database. Then, we activated HSC applying transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and collected exosomes. The expression of miRNA in HSC-derived exosomes was verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results of cell function test showed that HSC-derived exocrine miRNA-99a-5p could inhibit hepatocytes proliferation and promote hepatocytes apoptosis. Conversely, inhibition of miRNA-99a-5p can promote hepatocytes proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. Target gene prediction and luciferase assay show that miRNA can specifically bind to BMPR2 site sequence. In addition, we also detected the expression of BMPR2 and apoptosis-related protein by qRT-PCR and Western blot (WB). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that HSC-derived exocrine miRNA-99a-5p can promote hepatocytes apoptosis and participate in the process of liver fibrosis by targeting BMPR2. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of HSC-derived exocrine miRNA-99a-5p in hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, 570311, Hainan, China.
| | - Tengfei Yan
- Baoding First Central Hospital, Baoding, 071000, Heibei, China
| | - Shunlan Wang
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, 570208, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaohong Wen
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, 570208, Hainan, China.
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Hu Z, Chen G, Yan C, Li Z, Wu T, Li L, Zhang S. Autophagy affects hepatic fibrosis progression by regulating macrophage polarization and exosome secretion. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37186334 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, the role of autophagy in hepatic fibrosis and its effects on macrophage polarization and exosomes (EVs) were verified by establishing hepatic fibrosis model and co-culture model, providing evidence for treatment. METHODS In this study, CCL4 was used to establish hepatic fibrosis model. The morphology and purity of exosomes (EVs) were verified by transmission electron microscopy, western blotting (WB), and nanoparticle tracing analysis (NTA). Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), WB and enzyme-linked immunoadsorption (ELISA) were used to detect hepatic fibrosis markers, macrophage polarization markers and liver injury markers. Histopathological assays were used to verify the liver injury morphology in different groups. The cell co-culture model and hepatic fibrosis model were constructed to verify the expression of miR-423-5p. RESULTS Hepatic fibrosis model showed that CCL4 promoted early autophagy increase but inhibited autophagy flux in liver. mRFP-GFP-LC3 detection showed that both LPS group and Baf group inhibited autophagy flux. This inhibitory effect was reversed by Rap combination therapy. The M1/M2 markers of macrophage polarization were further tested, and it was found that LPS and Baf could promote M1 polarization and inhibit M2 polarization. Rap processing reverses this phenomenon. These data suggest that autophagy can regulate the polarization process of liver macrophages. WB and NTA showed that LPS induced EVs generation. In addition, LPS-induced EVs could promote HSC proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and the expression of fibrosis markers. Macrophage-EVs could affect the fibrosis process of stellate cells through the secretion of miR-423a-5p expression. The hepatic fibrosis model was further established to verify the regulation of autophagy and EVs on the fibrosis process. CONCLUSION This study was showed that autophagy could regulate fibrosis by promoting HSC activation by regulating macrophage polarization and exosome secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqiang Hu
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chuntao Yan
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shengning Zhang
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Doghish AS, Elballal MS, Elazazy O, Elesawy AE, Elrebehy MA, Shahin RK, Midan HM, Sallam AAM. The role of miRNAs in liver diseases: Potential therapeutic and clinical applications. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 243:154375. [PMID: 36801506 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding RNAs that function post-transcriptionally to regulate gene expression by binding to particular mRNA targets and causing destruction of the mRNA or translational inhibition of the mRNA. The miRNAs control the range of liver activities, from the healthy to the unhealthy. Considering that miRNA dysregulation is linked to liver damage, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis, miRNAs are a promising therapeutic strategy for the evaluation and treatment of liver illnesses. Recent findings on the regulation and function of miRNAs in liver diseases are discussed, with an emphasis on miRNAs that are highly expressed or enriched in hepatocytes. Alcohol-related liver illness, acute liver toxicity, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and exosomes in chronic liver disease all emphasize the roles and target genes of these miRNAs. We briefly discuss the function of miRNAs in the etiology of liver diseases, namely in the transfer of information between hepatocytes and other cell types via extracellular vesicles. Here we offer some background on the use of miRNAs as biomarkers for the early prognosis, diagnosis, and assessment of liver diseases. The identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver disorders will be made possible by future research into miRNAs in the liver, which will also help us better understand the pathogeneses of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed S Elballal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ola Elazazy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Elesawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Elrebehy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt.
| | - Reem K Shahin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Heba M Midan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Al-Aliaa M Sallam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
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Basthi Mohan P, Rajpurohit S, Musunuri B, Bhat G, Lochan R, Shetty S. Exosomes in chronic liver disease. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 540:117215. [PMID: 36603656 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.117215] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is the major cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Although there has been a significant advancement in the identification and treatment of liver diseases over time, clinical results are not satisfactory in advanced liver disease. Thus, it is crucial to develop certain technology for early detection, and curative therapies and to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind CLD's pathogenesis. The study of exosomes in CLD is a rapidly developing field. They are structurally membrane-derived nano vesicles released by various cells. In CLD, exosomes released from injured hepatic cells affect intercellular communication, creating a microenvironment conducive to the illness's development. They also carry liver cell-specific proteins and miRNAs, which can be used as diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets for various liver diseases. End-stage liver disease can only be treated by a liver transplant, however, the low availability of compatible organs, high expenses of treatment, and surgical complications significantly lower patient survival rates. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of CLD positively affect the likelihood of curative treatment and high patient survival rates. Considering the possibility that exosomes could be employed as tools for disease diagnostics and clinical intervention, The current study briefly summarizes the roles of exosomes and their cargo in diagnosing and treating liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Basthi Mohan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
| | - Siddheesh Rajpurohit
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Balaji Musunuri
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Ganesh Bhat
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajiv Lochan
- Lead Consultant- Liver transplant Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore, and Adjunct Professor Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
| | - Shiran Shetty
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
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Quiroz Reyes AG, Lozano Sepulveda SA, Martinez-Acuña N, Islas JF, Gonzalez PD, Heredia Torres TG, Perez JR, Garza Treviño EN. Cancer Stem Cell and Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231163677. [PMID: 36938618 PMCID: PMC10028642 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231163677] [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] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer. It is highly lethal and has high recurrence. Death among HCC patients occur mainly due to tumor progression, recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cell subpopulations within the tumor that promote invasion, recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) responsible for primary secretory ECM proteins during liver injury and inflammation. These cells promote fibrogenesis, infiltrate the tumor stroma, and contribute to HCC development. Interactions between HSC and CSC and their microenvironment help promote carcinogenesis through different mechanisms. This review summarizes the roles of CSCs and HSCs in establishing the TME in primary liver tumors and describes their involvement in HCC chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana G Quiroz Reyes
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Sonia A Lozano Sepulveda
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Natalia Martinez-Acuña
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jose F Islas
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado Gonzalez
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Tania Guadalupe Heredia Torres
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jorge Roacho Perez
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Elsa N Garza Treviño
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
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Liu Y, Zheng Y, Yang Y, Liu K, Wu J, Gao P, Zhang C. Exosomes in liver fibrosis: The role of modulating hepatic stellate cells and immune cells, and prospects for clinical applications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133297. [PMID: 37020547 PMCID: PMC10067730 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a global health problem caused by chronic liver injury resulting from various factors. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been found to play a major role in liver fibrosis, and pathological stimuli lead to their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. Complex multidirectional interactions between HSCs, immune cells, and cytokines are also critical for the progression of liver fibrosis. Despite the advances in treatments for liver fibrosis, they do not meet the current medical needs. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles of 30-150 nm in diameter and are capable of intercellular transport of molecules such as lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. As an essential mediator of intercellular communication, exosomes are involved in the physiological and pathological processes of many diseases. In liver fibrosis, exosomes are involved in the pathogenesis mainly by regulating the activation of HSCs and the interaction between HSCs and immune cells. Serum-derived exosomes are promising biomarkers of liver fibrosis. Exosomes also have promising therapeutic potential in liver fibrosis. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells and other cells exhibit anti-liver fibrosis effects. Moreover, exosomes may serve as potential therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis and hold promise in becoming drug carriers for liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhong Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianying Wu
- Department of Digestive Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peiyang Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Chuantao Zhang, ; Peiyang Gao,
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Chuantao Zhang, ; Peiyang Gao,
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