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Costa A, Lucarini E. Treating chronic stress and chronic pain by manipulating gut microbiota with diet: can we kill two birds with one stone? Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38889540 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2365021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Background: Chronic stress and chronic pain are closely linked by the capacity to exacerbate each other, sharing common roots in the brain and in the gut. The strict intersection between these two neurological diseases makes important to have a therapeutic strategy aimed at preventing both to maintain mental health in patients. Diet is an modifiable lifestyle factor associated with gut-brain axis diseases and there is growing interest in its use as adjuvant to main therapies. Several evidence attest the impact of specific diets or nutrients on chronic stress-related disorders and pain with a good degree of certainty. A daily adequate intake of foods containing micronutrients such as amino acids, minerals and vitamins, as well as the reduction in the consumption of processed food products can have a positive impact on microbiota and gut health. Many nutrients are endowed of prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective potential which make them useful tools helping the management of chronic stress and pain in patients. Dietary regimes, as intermittent fasting or caloric restriction, are promising, although further studies are needed to optimize protocols according to patient's medical history, age and sex. Moreover, by supporting gut microbiota health with diet is possible to attenuate comorbidities such as obesity, gastrointestinal dysfunction and mood disorders, thus reducing healthcare costs related to chronic stress or pain.Objective: This review summarize the most recent evidence on the microbiota-mediated beneficial effects of macro- and micronutrients, dietary-related factors, specific nutritional regimens and dietary intervention on these pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Costa
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Area and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Area and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Feng Z, Fang C, Ma Y, Chang J. Obesity-induced blood-brain barrier dysfunction: phenotypes and mechanisms. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:110. [PMID: 38678254 PMCID: PMC11056074 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03104-9] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity, a burgeoning global health issue, is increasingly recognized for its detrimental effects on the central nervous system, particularly concerning the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This manuscript delves into the intricate relationship between obesity and BBB dysfunction, elucidating the underlying phenotypes and molecular mechanisms. We commence with an overview of the BBB's critical role in maintaining cerebral homeostasis and the pathological alterations induced by obesity. By employing a comprehensive literature review, we examine the structural and functional modifications of the BBB in the context of obesity, including increased permeability, altered transport mechanisms, and inflammatory responses. The manuscript highlights how obesity-induced systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation contribute to BBB disruption, thereby predisposing individuals to various neurological disorders. We further explore the potential pathways, such as oxidative stress and endothelial cell dysfunction, that mediate these changes. Our discussion culminates in the summary of current findings and the identification of knowledge gaps, paving the way for future research directions. This review underscores the significance of understanding BBB dysfunction in obesity, not only for its implications in neurodegenerative diseases but also for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, System of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, System of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinzhong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, System of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xueyuan Ave 1068, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Junlei Chang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, System of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xueyuan Ave 1068, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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Huang H, Huang J, Lu W, Huang Y, Luo R, Bathalian L, Chen M, Wang X. A Four-Week High-Fat Diet Induces Anxiolytic-like Behaviors through Mature BDNF in the mPFC of Mice. Brain Sci 2024; 14:389. [PMID: 38672038 PMCID: PMC11048392 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040389] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) on mood is a widely debated topic, with the underlying mechanisms being poorly understood. This study explores the anxiolytic effects of a four-week HFD in C57BL/6 mice. Five-week-old mice were exposed to either an HFD (60% calories from fat) or standard chow diet (CD) for four weeks, followed by cannula implantation, virus infusion, behavioral tests, and biochemical assays. Results revealed that four weeks of an HFD induced anxiolytic-like behaviors and increased the protein levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and phosphorylated tyrosine kinase receptor B (p-TrkB) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Administration of a BDNF-neutralizing antibody to the mPFC reversed HFD-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors. Elevated BDNF levels were observed in both neurons and astrocytes in the mPFC of HFD mice. Additionally, these mice exhibited a higher number of dendritic spines in the mPFC, as well as upregulation of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). Furthermore, mRNA levels of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase, fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), and the hydrolase matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), also increased in the mPFC. These findings suggest that an HFD may induce FTO and MMP9, which could potentially regulate BDNF processing, contributing to anxiolytic-like behaviors. This study proposes potential molecular mechanisms that may underlie HFD-induced anxiolytic behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Centre for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (H.H.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Y.H.); (R.L.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Jia Huang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Centre for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (H.H.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Y.H.); (R.L.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Wensi Lu
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Centre for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (H.H.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Y.H.); (R.L.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Yanjun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Centre for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (H.H.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Y.H.); (R.L.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Ran Luo
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Centre for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (H.H.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Y.H.); (R.L.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Luqman Bathalian
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Centre for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (H.H.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Y.H.); (R.L.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Ming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Centre for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (H.H.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Y.H.); (R.L.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Centre for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (H.H.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Y.H.); (R.L.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Hung LY, Margolis KG. Autism spectrum disorders and the gastrointestinal tract: insights into mechanisms and clinical relevance. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:142-163. [PMID: 38114585 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00857-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are recognized as central neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed by impairments in social interactions, communication and repetitive behaviours. The recognition of ASD as a central nervous system (CNS)-mediated neurobehavioural disorder has led most of the research in ASD to be focused on the CNS. However, gastrointestinal function is also likely to be affected owing to the neural mechanistic nature of ASD and the nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract (enteric nervous system). Thus, it is unsurprising that gastrointestinal disorders, particularly constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, are highly comorbid in individuals with ASD. Gastrointestinal problems have also been repeatedly associated with increased severity of the core symptoms diagnostic of ASD and other centrally mediated comorbid conditions, including psychiatric issues, irritability, rigid-compulsive behaviours and aggression. Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal dysfunction in ASD and its associated behavioural comorbidities, the specific links between these two conditions have not been clearly delineated, and current data linking ASD to gastrointestinal dysfunction have not been extensively reviewed. This Review outlines the established and emerging clinical and preclinical evidence that emphasizes the gut as a novel mechanistic and potential therapeutic target for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Y Hung
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kara Gross Margolis
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Davidson TL, Stevenson RJ. Vulnerability of the Hippocampus to Insults: Links to Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1991. [PMID: 38396670 PMCID: PMC10888241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041991] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a critical brain substrate for learning and memory; events that harm the hippocampus can seriously impair mental and behavioral functioning. Hippocampal pathophysiologies have been identified as potential causes and effects of a remarkably diverse array of medical diseases, psychological disorders, and environmental sources of damage. It may be that the hippocampus is more vulnerable than other brain areas to insults that are related to these conditions. One purpose of this review is to assess the vulnerability of the hippocampus to the most prevalent types of insults in multiple biomedical domains (i.e., neuroactive pathogens, neurotoxins, neurological conditions, trauma, aging, neurodegenerative disease, acquired brain injury, mental health conditions, endocrine disorders, developmental disabilities, nutrition) and to evaluate whether these insults affect the hippocampus first and more prominently compared to other brain loci. A second purpose is to consider the role of hippocampal blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in either causing or worsening the harmful effects of each insult. Recent research suggests that the hippocampal BBB is more fragile compared to other brain areas and may also be more prone to the disruption of the transport mechanisms that act to maintain the internal milieu. Moreover, a compromised BBB could be a factor that is common to many different types of insults. Our analysis indicates that the hippocampus is more vulnerable to insults compared to other parts of the brain, and that developing interventions that protect the hippocampal BBB may help to prevent or ameliorate the harmful effects of many insults on memory and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry L. Davidson
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
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Li L, Liu T, Shi Y. Treatment of preterm brain injury via gut-microbiota-metabolite-brain axis. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14556. [PMID: 38108213 PMCID: PMC10805406 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14556] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain injury in preterm infants potentially disrupts critical structural and functional connective networks in the brain. It is a major cause of neurological sequelae and developmental deficits in preterm infants. Interesting findings suggest that the gut microbiota (GM) and their metabolites contribute to the programming of the central nervous system (CNS) during developmental stages and may exert structural and functional effects throughout the lifespan. AIM To summarize the existing knowledge of the potential mechanisms related to immune, endocrine, neural, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) mediated by GM and its metabolites in neural development and function. METHODS We review the recent literature and included 150 articles to summarize the mechanisms through which GM and their metabolites work on the nervous system. Potential health benefits and challenges of relevant treatments are also discussed. RESULTS This review discusses the direct and indirect ways through which the GM may act on the nervous system. Treatment of preterm brain injury with GM or related derivatives, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, dietary interventions, and fecal transplants are also included. CONCLUSION This review summarizes mechanisms underlying microbiota-gut-brain axis and novel therapeutic opportunities for neurological sequelae in preterm infants. Optimizing the initial colonization and microbiota development in preterm infants may represent a novel therapy to promote brain development and reduce long-term sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- Department of PediatricsShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Tianjing Liu
- Department of PediatricsShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yongyan Shi
- Department of PediatricsShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
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Li C, Zhang J, Liu H, Yuan H, Cai J, Fogaça MV, Zhang YW. The synergistic mechanism of action of Dajianzhong decoction in conjunction with ketamine in the treatment of depression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115137. [PMID: 37453197 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115137] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a multifactorial syndrome with a variety of underlying pathological mechanisms. While ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, exhibits a rapid antidepressant action in the central never system (CNS), the potential addiction and psychotomimetic adverse effects of ketamine limit its chronic use in clinical practice. Therefore, it is necessary to discover an additional agent that shows a synergistic antidepressant activity with ketamine to sustain its therapeutic action so as to reduce its use frequency in depression treatment. The present study indicated that Dajianzhong decoction (DJZT), an empirical herbal formula used for the clinical treatment of several inflammation-related intestinal disorders, sustains behavioral and synaptic action of ketamine in depressive mouse models. Additionally, ketamine was also demonstrated to exert a synergistic action with DJZT to alleviate the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced abnormalities in gut barrier proteins and colonic histology, and subsequently to normalize the diversity and composition of gut microbiota. Furthermore, DJZT was shown to possess an anti-inflammatory activity to prevent activation of NF-κB from releasing proinflammatory cytokines, specifically through inhibiting Th17 cells/IL-17A pathway. Our results uncovered the mechanism of action of DJZT in conjunction with ketamine in depression treatment by which these agents target different pathological factors across biological systems and exert a synergistic activity through a bidirectional communication in the gut-brain axis, and also provided new insights into the systematic treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Li
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiping Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hanhe Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huijie Yuan
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jianxin Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Manoela V Fogaça
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Yuan-Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Wang C, Li H, Chen C, Yao X, Yang C, Yu Z, Ren J, Ming Y, Huang Y, Rong Y, Ma Y, Liu L. High-Fat Diet Consumption Induces Neurobehavioral Abnormalities and Neuronal Morphological Alterations Accompanied by Excessive Microglial Activation in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Adolescent Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119394. [PMID: 37298345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119394] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between a high-fat diet (HFD) consumption and emotional/cognitive disorders is widely documented. One distinctive feature of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a kernel emotion- and cognition-related brain region, is its protracted adolescent maturation, which makes it highly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of environmental factors during adolescence. Disruption of the PFC structure and function is linked to emotional/cognitive disorders, especially those that emerge in late adolescence. A HFD consumption is common among adolescents, yet its potential effects on PFC-related neurobehavior in late adolescence and any related underlying mechanisms are yet to be established. In the present study, adolescent (postnatal days 28-56) male C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (CD) or a HFD and underwent behavioral tests in addition to Golgi staining and immunofluorescence targeting of the medial PFC (mPFC). The HFD-fed adolescent mice exhibited anxiety- and depression-like behavior and abnormal mPFC pyramidal neuronal morphology accompanied by alterations in microglial morphology indicative of a heightened state of activation and increased microglial PSD95+ inclusions signifying excessive phagocytosis of the synaptic material in the mPFC. These findings offer novel insights into the neurobehavioral effects due to adolescent HFD consumption and suggest a contributing role in microglial dysfunction and prefrontal neuroplasticity deficits for HFD-associated mood disorders in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conghui Wang
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiuting Yao
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chenxi Yang
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhehao Yu
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiayi Ren
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yue Ming
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yi Rong
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yu Ma
- Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lijie Liu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
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