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Chakrovorty A, Bhattacharjee B, Saxena A, Samadder A, Nandi S. Current Naturopathy to Combat Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:808-841. [PMID: 36173068 PMCID: PMC10227918 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220927121022] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, which may ultimately involve cell death. The most common neurodegenerative disorder in the brain happens with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia. It ultimately leads to neuronal death, thereby impairing the normal functionality of the central or peripheral nervous system. The onset and prevalence of AD involve heterogeneous etiology, either in terms of genetic predisposition, neurometabolomic malfunctioning, or lifestyle. The worldwide relevancies are estimated to be over 45 million people. The rapid increase in AD has led to a concomitant increase in the research work directed towards discovering a lucrative cure for AD. The neuropathology of AD comprises the deficiency in the availability of neurotransmitters and important neurotrophic factors in the brain, extracellular betaamyloid plaque depositions, and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Current pharmaceutical interventions utilizing synthetic drugs have manifested resistance and toxicity problems. This has led to the quest for new pharmacotherapeutic candidates naturally prevalent in phytochemicals. This review aims to provide an elaborative description of promising Phyto component entities having activities against various potential AD targets. Therefore, naturopathy may combine with synthetic chemotherapeutics to longer the survival of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnob Chakrovorty
- Department of Zoology, Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Lab., University of Kalyani, Kalyani, 741235, India
| | - Banani Bhattacharjee
- Department of Zoology, Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Lab., University of Kalyani, Kalyani, 741235, India
| | - Aaruni Saxena
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Asmita Samadder
- Department of Zoology, Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Lab., University of Kalyani, Kalyani, 741235, India
| | - Sisir Nandi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Affiliated to Uttarakhand Technical University, Kashipur, 244713, India
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Khezri MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. Icariin: A Potential Neuroprotective Agent in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:2954-2962. [PMID: 35802286 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. They are characterized by the loss of neurons and synapses in special parts of the central nervous system (CNS). There is no definitive treatment for AD and PD, but extensive studies are underway to identify the effective drugs which can slow the progression of these diseases by affecting the factors involved in their pathophysiology (i.e., aggregated proteins, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress). Icariin, a natural compound isolated from Epimedii herba, is known because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this regard, there are numerous studies indicating its potential as a natural compound against the progression of CNS disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this review aims to re-examine findings on the pharmacologic effects of icariin on factors involved in the pathophysiology of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. .,Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Sanati M, Aminyavari S, Afshari AR, Sahebkar A. Mechanistic insight into the role of metformin in Alzheimer's disease. Life Sci 2022; 291:120299. [PMID: 34999113 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a type of dementia, is characterized by progressive memory decline and cognition impairment. Despite the considerable body of evidence regarding AD pathophysiology, current therapies merely slow down the disease progression, and a comprehensive therapeutic approach is unavailable. Accordingly, finding an efficient multifunctional remedy is necessary to blunt the increasing rate of AD incidence in the upcoming years. AD shares pathophysiological similarities (e.g., impairment of cognitive functions, insulin sensitivity, and brain glucose metabolism) with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), which offers the utilization of metformin, a biguanide hypoglycemic agent, as an alternative therapeutic approach in AD therapy. Emerging evidence has revealed the impact of metformin in patients suffering from AD. It has been described that metformin employs multiple mechanisms to improve cognition and memory impairment in pre-clinical AD models, including reduction of hippocampal amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) load, suppression of inflammation, amelioration of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, restriction of apoptotic neuronal death, and induction of neurogenesis. This review discusses the pre-clinical evidence, which may shed light on the role of metformin in AD and provide a more comprehensive mechanistic insight for future studies in this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Samaneh Aminyavari
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Radhakrishnan H, Ubele MF, Krumholz SM, Boaz K, Mefford JL, Jones ED, Meacham B, Smiley J, Puskás LG, Powell DK, Norris CM, Stark CEL, Head E. Tacrolimus Protects against Age-Associated Microstructural Changes in the Beagle Brain. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5124-5133. [PMID: 33952632 PMCID: PMC8197636 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0361-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of calcineurin leads to astrocyte hyperactivation, neuronal death, and inflammation, which are characteristics often associated with pathologic aging and Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, prevents age-associated microstructural atrophy, which we measured using higher-order diffusion MRI, in the middle-aged beagle brain (n = 30, male and female). We find that tacrolimus reduces hippocampal (p = 0.001) and parahippocampal (p = 0.002) neurite density index, as well as protects against an age-associated increase in the parahippocampal (p = 0.007) orientation dispersion index. Tacrolimus also protects against an age-related decrease in fractional anisotropy in the prefrontal cortex (p < 0.0001). We also show that these microstructural alterations precede cognitive decline and gross atrophy. These results support the idea that calcineurin inhibitors may have the potential to prevent aging-related pathology if administered at middle age.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hyperactive calcineurin signaling causes neuroinflammation and other neurobiological changes often associated with pathologic aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Controlling the expression of calcineurin before gross cognitive deficits are observable might serve as a promising avenue for preventing AD pathology. In this study, we show that the administration of the calcineurin inhibitor, tacrolimus, over 1 year prevents age- and AD-associated microstructural changes in the hippocampus, parahippocampal cortex, and prefrontal cortex of the middle-aged beagle brain, with no noticeable adverse effects. Tacrolimus is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans to prevent solid organ transplant rejection, and our results bolster the promise of this drug to prevent AD and aging-related pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamsanandini Radhakrishnan
- Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Margo F Ubele
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Stephanie M Krumholz
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Kathy Boaz
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Jennifer L Mefford
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Erin Denhart Jones
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Beverly Meacham
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Jeffrey Smiley
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | | | - David K Powell
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
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Bednarikova Z, Gancar M, Wang R, Zheng L, Tang Y, Luo Y, Huang Y, Spodniakova B, Ma L, Gazova Z. Extracts from Chinese herbs with anti-amyloid and neuroprotective activities. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 179:475-484. [PMID: 33675837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Many Chinese herbs are well known for their neuroprotective and anti-oxidant properties. Extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Anemarrhenae asphodeloides, tanshinone IIA (tanIIA), salvianolic acid B (Sal B) and sarsasapogenin (ML-1), were selected to study their dissociation potential towards Aβ42 peptide fibrils and neuroprotective effect on cells. Moreover, derivatives of sarsasapogenin (ML-2, ML-3 and ML-4) have been prepared by the addition of modified carbamate moiety. TanIIA and Sal B have shown to possess a strong ability to dissociate Aβ42 fibrils. The dissociation potential of ML-1 increased upon the introduction of carbamate moiety with N-heterocycles. In silico data revealed that derivatives ML-4 and Sal B interact with Aβ42 regions responsible for fibril stabilization through hydrogen bonds. Contrary, tanIIA binds close to a central hydrophobic region, which may lead to destabilization of fibrils. Sarsasapogenin derivative ML-2 decreased nitride oxide production, and derivative ML-4 enhanced the growth of neurites. The reported data highlight the possibility of using active compounds to design novel treatment agents for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Bednarikova
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Gancar
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Rui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., 200237 Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., 200237 Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., 200237 Shanghai, China
| | - Yating Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., 200237 Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., 200237 Shanghai, China
| | - Barbora Spodniakova
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Lei Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., 200237 Shanghai, China
| | - Zuzana Gazova
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
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Lu Q, Zhu H, Liu X, Tang C. Icariin sustains the proliferation and differentiation of Aβ 25-35-treated hippocampal neural stem cells via the BDNF-TrkB-ERK/Akt signaling pathway. Neurol Res 2020; 42:936-945. [PMID: 32727295 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1792701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Icariin (ICA) can be potentially used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanism was not clear. The current study explored the effects of ICA on hippocampal neural stem cells, aiming to provide a comprehensive basis for its clinical application. METHODS Hippocampal neural stem cells were isolated from newborn rats and their differentiation ability was evaluated by performing immunofluorescence staining. Next, Aβ cell model was constructed by treating the cells with Aβ25-35, and then the model was further treated by ICA or shBDNF or the two in combination. The viability and differentiation of the cells were, respectively, analyzed by 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry. The expression of BDNF-TrkB-ERK/Akt signaling pathway was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blot (WB). RESULTS The hippocampal neural stem cells can differentiate into neurons and astrocytes. ICA effectively promoted the viability and differentiation of Aβ cell models. The expression levels of BDNF and TrkB in Aβ cell models were obviously decreased, which were noticeably increased by ICA. Moreover, BDNF knockdown further inhibited the viability and differentiation of Aβ model cells, which could be reversed by ICA. BDNF knockdown not only suppressed the expressions of BDNF and TrkB in Aβ cell models but also effectively prevented the phosphorylation of ERK/Akt; however, these phenomena were significantly alleviated by ICA treatment. DISCUSSION ICA promoted the proliferation and differentiation of Aβ25-35-treated hippocampal neural stem cells through BDNF-TrkB-ERK/Akt signaling pathway. The current findings might contribute to the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Jingmen No.1 People's Hospital , Jingmen, Hubei, China
| | - Hailing Zhu
- Department of Emergency, Jingmen No.1 People's Hospital , Jingmen, Hubei, China
| | - Xuejiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Jingmen No.1 People's Hospital , Jingmen, Hubei, China
| | - Congfeng Tang
- Department of Neurology, Jingmen No.1 People's Hospital , Jingmen, Hubei, China
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Ma L, Yang C, Zheng J, Chen Y, Xiao Y, Huang K. Non-polyphenolic natural inhibitors of amyloid aggregation. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 192:112197. [PMID: 32172082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein misfolding diseases (PMDs) are chronic and progressive, with no effective therapy so far. Aggregation and misfolding of amyloidogenic proteins are closely associated with the onset and progression of PMDs, such as amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease, α-Synuclein (α-Syn) in Parkinson's disease and human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) in type 2 diabetes. Inhibiting toxic aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is regarded as a promising therapeutic approach in PMDs. The past decade has witnessed the rapid progresses of this field, dozens of inhibitors have been screened and verified in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating inhibitory effects against the aggregation and misfolding of amyloidogenic proteins, together with beneficial effects. Natural products are major sources of small molecule amyloid inhibitors, a number of natural derived compounds have been identified with great bioactivities and translational prospects. Here, we review the non-polyphenolic natural inhibitors that potentially applicable for PMDs treatment, along with their working mechanisms. Future directions are proposed for the development and clinical applications of these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zheng
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yushuo Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430035, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Hui S, Yang Y, Peng WJ, Sheng CX, Gong W, Chen S, Xu PP, Wang Z. Protective effects of Bushen Tiansui decoction on hippocampal synapses in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:1680-1686. [PMID: 29171433 PMCID: PMC5696849 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.217347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bushen Tiansui decoction is composed of six traditional Chinese medicines: Herba Epimedii, Radix Polygoni multiflori, Plastrum testudinis, Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, Radix Polygalae, and Rhizoma Acorus tatarinowii. Because Bushen Tiansui decoction is effective against amyloid beta (Aβ) toxicity, we hypothesized that it would reduce hippocampal synaptic damage and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease. To test this hypothesis, we used a previously established animal model of Alzheimer's disease, that is, microinjection of aggregated Aβ25-35 into the bilateral brain ventricles of Sprague-Dawley rats. We found that long-term (28 days) oral administration of Bushen Tiansui decoction (0.563, 1.688, and 3.375 g/mL; 4 mL/day) prevented synaptic loss in the hippocampus and increased the expression levels of synaptic proteins, including postsynaptic density protein 95, the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B subunit, and Shank1. These results suggested that Bushen Tiansui decoction can protect synapses by maintaining the expression of these synaptic proteins. Bushen Tiansui decoction also ameliorated measures reflecting spatial learning and memory deficits that were observed in the Morris water maze (i.e., increased the number of platform crossings and the amount of time spent in the target quadrant and decreased escape latency) following intraventricular injections of aggregated Aβ25-35 compared with those measures in untreated Aβ25-35-injected rats. Overall, these results provided evidence that further studies on the prevention and treatment of dementia with this traditional Chinese medicine are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Hui
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wei-jun Peng
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chen-xia Sheng
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wei Gong
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Pan-pan Xu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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