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Wang Z, Li D, Chen M, Yu X, Chen C, Chen Y, Zhang L, Shu Y. A comprehensive study on the regulation of Compound Zaoren Granules on cAMP/CREB signaling pathway and metabolic disorder in CUMS-PCPA induced insomnia rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 332:118401. [PMID: 38815875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118401] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Compound Zaoren Granules (CZG), an optimized herbal formulation based on the traditional Chinese medicine prescription Suanzaoren decoction, are designed specifically for insomnia treatment. However, the mechanisms underlying its efficacy in treating insomnia are not yet fully understood. AIM OF THE STUDY The research investigated the mechanisms of CZG's improvement in insomnia by regulating cAMP/CREB signaling pathway and metabolic profiles. METHODS The main components of CZG were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Subsequently, these validated components were applied to network pharmacological analysis to predict signaling pathways associated with insomnia. We evaluated the effect of CZG on BV-2 cells in vitro. We also evaluated the behavioral indexes of CUMS combined with PCPA induced insomnia in rats. HE staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the pathological damage of hippocampus. ELISA was used to detect the levels of various neurotransmitters, orexins, HPA axis, and inflammatory factors in insomnia rats. Then we detected the expression of cAMP/CREB signaling pathway through ELISA, WB, and IHC. Finally, the metabolomics was further analyzed by using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS to investigate the changes in the hippocampus of insomnia rats and the possible metabolic pathways were also speculated. RESULTS The results of CZG in vitro experiments showed that CZG has protective and anti-inflammatory effects on LPS induced BV-2 cells. A total of 161 chemical components were identified in CZG. After conducting network pharmacology analysis through these confirmed components, we select the cAMP/CREB signaling pathway for further investigate. The behavioral research results on insomnia rats showed that CZG significantly prolonged sleep time, mitigated brain tissue pathological damage, and exhibited liver protective properties. CZG treats insomnia by regulating the content of various neurotransmitters, reducing levels of orexin, HPA axis, and inflammatory factors. It can also treat insomnia by upregulating the expression of the cAMP/CREB signaling pathway. Hippocampus metabolomics analysis identified 69 differential metabolites associated with insomnia. The metabolic pathways related to these differential metabolites have also been predicted. CONCLUSION These results indicate that CZG can significantly prolong sleep time. CZG is used to treat insomnia by regulating various neurotransmitters, HPA axis, inflammatory factors, cAMP/CREB signaling pathways, and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine & Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Danting Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine & Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Key laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Min Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine & Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiaocong Yu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine & Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, 210029, China
| | - Yajun Chen
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, 210029, China
| | - Lingfeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yachun Shu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine & Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Jiangsu Province Seaside Rehabilitation Hospital, Lianyungang, 222042, China.
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Hatori S, Matsui F, Zhou Z, Norimoto H. Microglia mediate the increase in slow-wave sleep associated with high ambient temperature. J Physiol Sci 2024; 74:37. [PMID: 39020291 PMCID: PMC11253348 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-024-00929-0] [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] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
An increase in ambient temperature leads to an increase in sleep. However, the mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of microglia in the increase of sleep caused by high ambient temperature. We confirmed that at 35 °C, slow-wave sleep was significantly increased relative to those observed at 25 °C. Notably, this effect was abolished upon treatment with PLX3397, a CSF1R inhibitor that can deplete microglia, while sleep amount at 25 °C was unaffected. These observations suggest that microglia play a pivotal role in modulating the homeostatic regulation of sleep in response to the fluctuations in ambient temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Hatori
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Futaba Matsui
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Zhiwen Zhou
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Norimoto
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan.
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Zhu M, Jun S, Nie X, Chen J, Hao Y, Yu H, Zhang X, Sun L, Liu Y, Yuan X, Yuan F, Wang S. Mapping of afferent and efferent connections of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase-expressing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14808. [PMID: 38887205 PMCID: PMC11183208 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14808] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-expressing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) contribute to the regulation of autonomic functions. However, the neural circuits linking these neurons to other brain regions remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the connectivity mechanisms of the PNMT-expressing neurons in the NTS (NTSPNMT neurons). METHODS The methodologies employed in this study included a modified rabies virus-based retrograde neural tracing technique, conventional viral anterograde tracing, and immunohistochemical staining procedures. RESULTS A total of 43 upstream nuclei projecting to NTSPNMT neurons were identified, spanning several key brain regions including the medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, cerebellum, diencephalon, and telencephalon. Notably, dense projections to the NTSPNMT neurons were observed from the central amygdaloid nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, area postrema, and the gigantocellular reticular nucleus. In contrast, the ventrolateral medulla, lateral parabrachial nucleus, and lateral hypothalamic area were identified as the primary destinations for axon terminals originating from NTSPNMT neurons. Additionally, reciprocal projections were evident among 21 nuclei, primarily situated within the medulla oblongata. CONCLUSION Our research findings demonstrate that NTSPNMT neurons form extensive connections with numerous nuclei, emphasizing their essential role in the homeostatic regulation of vital autonomic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchu Zhu
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
- Department of Laboratory DiagnosticsHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Shirui Jun
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Xiaojun Nie
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Jinting Chen
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Yinchao Hao
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Hongxiao Yu
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Lu Sun
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Yuelin Liu
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Xiangshan Yuan
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of NeurologyJinshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Fang Yuan
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
- Hebei Key Laboratory of NeurophysiologyShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of NeurobiologyHebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
- Hebei Key Laboratory of NeurophysiologyShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceChina
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Liu Q, Bell BJ, Kim DW, Lee SS, Keles MF, Liu Q, Blum ID, Wang AA, Blank EJ, Xiong J, Bedont JL, Chang AJ, Issa H, Cohen JY, Blackshaw S, Wu MN. A clock-dependent brake for rhythmic arousal in the dorsomedial hypothalamus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6381. [PMID: 37821426 PMCID: PMC10567910 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41877-4] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks generate rhythms of arousal, but the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unclear. In Drosophila, the clock output molecule WIDE AWAKE (WAKE) labels rhythmic neural networks and cyclically regulates sleep and arousal. Here, we show, in a male mouse model, that mWAKE/ANKFN1 labels a subpopulation of dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) neurons involved in rhythmic arousal and acts in the DMH to reduce arousal at night. In vivo Ca2+ imaging reveals elevated DMHmWAKE activity during wakefulness and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, while patch-clamp recordings show that DMHmWAKE neurons fire more frequently at night. Chemogenetic manipulations demonstrate that DMHmWAKE neurons are necessary and sufficient for arousal. Single-cell profiling coupled with optogenetic activation experiments suggest that GABAergic DMHmWAKE neurons promote arousal. Surprisingly, our data suggest that mWAKE acts as a clock-dependent brake on arousal during the night, when mice are normally active. mWAKE levels peak at night under clock control, and loss of mWAKE leads to hyperarousal and greater DMHmWAKE neuronal excitability specifically at night. These results suggest that the clock does not solely promote arousal during an animal's active period, but instead uses opposing processes to produce appropriate levels of arousal in a time-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Benjamin J Bell
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Dong Won Kim
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sang Soo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mehmet F Keles
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Qili Liu
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Ian D Blum
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Annette A Wang
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Elijah J Blank
- Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jiali Xiong
- Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Joseph L Bedont
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Anna J Chang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Habon Issa
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mark N Wu
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Starnes AN, Jones JR. Inputs and Outputs of the Mammalian Circadian Clock. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040508. [PMID: 37106709 PMCID: PMC10136320 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms in mammals are coordinated by the central circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Light and other environmental inputs change the timing of the SCN neural network oscillator, which, in turn, sends output signals that entrain daily behavioral and physiological rhythms. While much is known about the molecular, neuronal, and network properties of the SCN itself, the circuits linking the outside world to the SCN and the SCN to rhythmic outputs are understudied. In this article, we review our current understanding of the synaptic and non-synaptic inputs onto and outputs from the SCN. We propose that a more complete description of SCN connectivity is needed to better explain how rhythms in nearly all behaviors and physiological processes are generated and to determine how, mechanistically, these rhythms are disrupted by disease or lifestyle.
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Neurotransmitters in Type 2 Diabetes and the Control of Systemic and Central Energy Balance. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030384. [PMID: 36984824 PMCID: PMC10058084 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient signal transduction is important in maintaining the function of the nervous system across tissues. An intact neurotransmission process can regulate energy balance through proper communication between neurons and peripheral organs. This ensures that the right neural circuits are activated in the brain to modulate cellular energy homeostasis and systemic metabolic function. Alterations in neurotransmitters secretion can lead to imbalances in appetite, glucose metabolism, sleep, and thermogenesis. Dysregulation in dietary intake is also associated with disruption in neurotransmission and can trigger the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. In this review, we highlight the various roles of neurotransmitters in regulating energy balance at the systemic level and in the central nervous system. We also address the link between neurotransmission imbalance and the development of T2D as well as perspectives across the fields of neuroscience and metabolism research.
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Wang Y, Song Y, Tong L, Wang L, Cao J, Qin G, Liu X, Mi W, Wang E, Guo Y. GABAergic neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus regulate states of consciousness in sevoflurane anesthesia. iScience 2022; 26:105913. [PMID: 36686391 PMCID: PMC9852568 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system in the regulation of anesthetic consciousness is heterogeneous, and the medial hypothalamus (MH), consisting of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), plays an important role in sleep and circadian rhythm. However, the role of MH GABAergic neurons (MHGABA) in anesthesia remains unclear. In this study, we used righting reflex, electroencephalogram (EEG), and arousal behavioral score to evaluate the sevoflurane anesthesia. Activation of MHGABA or DMHGABA neurons prolonged the anesthesia induction time, shortened the anesthesia emergence time, and induced EEG arousal and body movement during anesthesia; meanwhile, VMHGABA neurons activated only induced EEG changes during 1.5% sevoflurane anesthesia. Furthermore, inhibition of DMHGABA neurons significantly deepened sevoflurane anesthesia. Therefore, DMHGABA neurons exert a strong emergence-promoting effect on induction, maintenance, and arousal during sevoflurane general anesthesia, which helps to reveal the mechanism of anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yanping Song
- Department of Anesthesia, 922 Hospital of PLA, Hengyang, Hunan 421002, China
| | - Li Tong
- Anesthesia and Operation Centre, the First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jiangbei Cao
- Anesthesia and Operation Centre, the First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Gang Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xingyang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Weidong Mi
- Anesthesia and Operation Centre, the First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - E. Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China,Corresponding author
| | - Yongxin Guo
- Anesthesia and Operation Centre, the First Medical Centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China,Corresponding author
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Xiao F, Shao S, Zhang H, Li G, Piao S, Zhao D, Li G, Yan M. Neuroprotective effect of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen on rats with p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia via activation of GABA A receptor. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:965308. [PMID: 36483742 PMCID: PMC9722729 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.965308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H.F.Chow [Rhamnaceae; Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS)] has attracted extensive attention as the first choice of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of insomnia. However, recent studies on the sleep-improving mechanism of ZSS have mainly focused on the role of single components. Thus, to further reveal the potential mechanism of ZSS, an assessment of its multiple constituents is necessary. In this study, ZSS extract (ZSSE) was obtained from ZSS via detailed modern extraction, separation, and purification technologies. The chemical constituents of ZSSE were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). For in vivo experiments, a rat model of insomnia induced by p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) was established to investigate the potential effect and corresponding mechanism of ZSSE on improving sleep. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) results revealed that the drug group showed prominent advantages over the model group in improving sleep. Moreover, the brain levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and dopamine (DA) were monitored via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to further study the sleep-improving mechanism of ZSSE. We found that sleep was effectively improved via upregulation of GABA and 5-HT and downregulation of Glu and DA. In addition, molecular mechanisms of ZSSE in improving sleep were studied by immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that sleep was improved by regulating the expression levels of GABA receptor subunit alpha-1 (GABAARα1) and GABA acid receptor subunit gamma-2 (GABAARγ2) receptors in the hypothalamus and hippocampus tissue sections. Therefore, this work not only identified the active ingredients of ZSSE but also revealed the potential pharmacological mechanism of ZSSE for improving sleep, which may greatly stimulate the prospective development and application of ZSSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqin Xiao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyin Zhang
- Northeast Asia Research Institute, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Guangfu Li
- Northeast Asia Research Institute, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Songlan Piao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Daqing Zhao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Guangzhe Li
- Northeast Asia Research Institute, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Mingming Yan
- Northeast Asia Research Institute, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Center of Health Food of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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