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Jin J, Byun JK, Choi YK, Park KG. Targeting glutamine metabolism as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:706-715. [PMID: 37009798 PMCID: PMC10167356 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00971-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferating cancer cells rely largely on glutamine for survival and proliferation. Glutamine serves as a carbon source for the synthesis of lipids and metabolites via the TCA cycle, as well as a source of nitrogen for amino acid and nucleotide synthesis. To date, many studies have explored the role of glutamine metabolism in cancer, thereby providing a scientific rationale for targeting glutamine metabolism for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the mechanism(s) involved at each step of glutamine metabolism, from glutamine transporters to redox homeostasis, and highlight areas that can be exploited for clinical cancer treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms underlying cancer cell resistance to agents that target glutamine metabolism, as well as strategies for overcoming these mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the effects of glutamine blockade on the tumor microenvironment and explore strategies to maximize the utility of glutamine blockers as a cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghwa Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, South Korea
| | - Jun-Kyu Byun
- BK21 FOUR Community-based Intelligent Novel Drug Discovery Education Unit, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Korea
| | - Yeon-Kyung Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, 41404, Korea.
| | - Keun-Gyu Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, South Korea.
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Chae HS, Hong ST. Overview of Cancer Metabolism and Signaling Transduction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:12. [PMID: 36613455 PMCID: PMC9819818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable progress in cancer treatment up to now, we are still far from conquering the disease. The most substantial change after the malignant transformation of normal cells into cancer cells is the alteration in their metabolism. Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support the elevated energy demand as well as the acquisition and maintenance of their malignancy, even in nutrient-poor environments. The metabolic alterations, even under aerobic conditions, such as the upregulation of the glucose uptake and glycolysis (the Warburg effect), increase the ROS (reactive oxygen species) and glutamine dependence, which are the prominent features of cancer metabolism. Among these metabolic alterations, high glutamine dependency has attracted serious attention in the cancer research community. In addition, the oncogenic signaling pathways of the well-known important genetic mutations play important regulatory roles, either directly or indirectly, in the central carbon metabolism. The identification of the convergent metabolic phenotypes is crucial to the targeting of cancer cells. In this review, we investigate the relationship between cancer metabolism and the signal transduction pathways, and we highlight the recent developments in anti-cancer therapy that target metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Suk Chae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University, Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 561-712, Jeonnbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Tshool Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 561-712, Jeonnbuk, Republic of Korea
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Kubik J, Humeniuk E, Adamczuk G, Madej-Czerwonka B, Korga-Plewko A. Targeting Energy Metabolism in Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105572. [PMID: 35628385 PMCID: PMC9146201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular diseases. The development of molecular and biochemical techniques has expanded the knowledge of changes occurring in specific metabolic pathways of cancer cells. Increased aerobic glycolysis, the promotion of anaplerotic responses, and especially the dependence of cells on glutamine and fatty acid metabolism have become subjects of study. Despite many cancer treatment strategies, many patients with neoplastic diseases cannot be completely cured due to the development of resistance in cancer cells to currently used therapeutic approaches. It is now becoming a priority to develop new treatment strategies that are highly effective and have few side effects. In this review, we present the current knowledge of the enzymes involved in the different steps of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway, and possible targeted therapies. The review also focuses on presenting the differences between cancer cells and normal cells in terms of metabolic phenotype. Knowledge of cancer cell metabolism is constantly evolving, and further research is needed to develop new strategies for anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kubik
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (G.A.); (A.K.-P.)
| | - Ewelina Humeniuk
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (G.A.); (A.K.-P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-448-65-20
| | - Grzegorz Adamczuk
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (G.A.); (A.K.-P.)
| | - Barbara Madej-Czerwonka
- Human Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Korga-Plewko
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (G.A.); (A.K.-P.)
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Garlic constituents for cancer prevention and therapy: From phytochemistry to novel formulations. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:105837. [PMID: 34450316 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the oldest plants cultivated for its dietary and medicinal values. This incredible plant is endowed with various pharmacological attributes, such as antimicrobial, antiarthritic, antithrombotic, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities. Among the various beneficial pharmacological effects of garlic, the anticancer activity is presumably the most studied. The consumption of garlic provides strong protection against cancer risk. Taking into account the multi-targeted actions and absence of considerable toxicity, a few active metabolites of garlic are probably to play crucial roles in the killing of cancerous cells. Garlic contains several bioactive molecules with anticancer actions and these include diallyl trisulfide, allicin, diallyl disulfide, diallyl sulfide, and allyl mercaptan. The effects of various garlic-derived products, their phytoconstituents and nanoformulations have been evaluated against skin, prostate, ovarian, breast, gastric, colorectal, oral, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Garlic extract, its phytocompounds and their nanoformulations have been shown to inhibit the different stages of cancer, including initiation, promotion, and progression. Besides, these bioactive metabolites alter the peroxidation of lipid, activity of nitric oxide synthetase, nuclear factor-κB, epidermal growth factor receptor, and protein kinase C, cell cycle, and survival signaling. The current comprehensive review portrays the functions of garlic, its bioactive constituents and nanoformulations against several types of cancers and explores the possibility of developing these agents as anticancer pharmaceuticals.
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Oncology Therapeutics Targeting the Metabolism of Amino Acids. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081904. [PMID: 32824193 PMCID: PMC7463463 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism promotes cancer cell proliferation and survival by supporting building block synthesis, producing reducing agents to mitigate oxidative stress, and generating immunosuppressive metabolites for immune evasion. Malignant cells rewire amino acid metabolism to maximize their access to nutrients. Amino acid transporter expression is upregulated to acquire amino acids from the extracellular environment. Under nutrient depleted conditions, macropinocytosis can be activated where proteins from the extracellular environment are engulfed and degraded into the constituent amino acids. The demand for non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) can be met through de novo synthesis pathways. Cancer cells can alter various signaling pathways to boost amino acid usage for the generation of nucleotides, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging molecules, and oncometabolites. The importance of amino acid metabolism in cancer proliferation makes it a potential target for therapeutic intervention, including via small molecules and antibodies. In this review, we will delineate the targets related to amino acid metabolism and promising therapeutic approaches.
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Miraghajani M, Rafie N, Hajianfar H, Larijani B, Azadbakht L. Aged Garlic and Cancer: A Systematic Review. Int J Prev Med 2018; 9:84. [PMID: 30487964 PMCID: PMC6212616 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_437_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which increases health-care costs. It has been reported that some dietary components such as aged garlic, one of the garlic preparations with no strong odor and harsh irritating taste, exhibits anticancer effects. This review summarizes the potential beneficial effects of aged garlic on cancer incidences as well as prevention and improvement of factors related to malignancy. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched. All study designs which were focused on cancer incidence, or indices related to malignancy as outcomes in human, animal, and human cells studies, and aged garlic and its ingredients as exposures were reviewed in accordance to the items for systematic reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Initially, 304 articles were identified. Then, 25 articles which met the inclusion criteria were selected. Based on the evaluation, overall quality score of human studies was well. Although there were inconsistent evidence from human studies, results of the animal and laboratory results were mostly consistent. The overall findings may suggest that intakes of aged garlic are inversely associated with cancer. In this regard, the studies have shortcomings. Therefore, more precise investigations will be necessary to decide whether aged garlic consumption is recommendable as a part of cancer prevention or control programs. However, due to anticancer properties of aged garlic, its consumption along with healthy diet may have beneficial effects on cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Miraghajani
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,The Early Life Research Unit, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nahid Rafie
- Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Hajianfar
- Department of Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Isfahan, Iran.,Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Azadbakht
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zeng Y, Li Y, Yang J, Pu X, Du J, Yang X, Yang T, Yang S. Therapeutic Role of Functional Components in Alliums for Preventive Chronic Disease in Human Being. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2017; 2017:9402849. [PMID: 28261311 PMCID: PMC5316450 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9402849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. Functional components in alliums have long been maintained to play a key role in modifying the major risk factors for chronic disease. To obtain a better understanding of alliums for chronic disease prevention, we conducted a systematic review for risk factors and prevention strategies for chronic disease of functional components in alliums, based on a comprehensive English literature search that was conducted using various electronic search databases, especially the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and CNKI for the period 2007-2016. Allium genus especially garlic, onion, and Chinese chive is rich in organosulfur compounds, quercetin, flavonoids, saponins, and others, which have anticancer, preventive cardiovascular and heart diseases, anti-inflammation, antiobesity, antidiabetes, antioxidants, antimicrobial activity, neuroprotective and immunological effects, and so on. These results support Allium genus; garlic and onion especially may be the promising dietotherapeutic vegetables and organopolysulfides as well as quercetin mechanism in the treatment of chronic diseases. This review may be used as scientific basis for the development of functional food, nutraceuticals, and alternative drugs to improve the chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Zeng
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650205, China
| | - Yuping Li
- Yuxi Agriculture Vocation-Technical College, Yunnan, Yuxi 653106, China
| | - Jiazhen Yang
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650205, China
- Kunming Tiankang Science & Technology Limited Company, Yunnan, Kunming 650231, China
| | - Xiaoying Pu
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650205, China
| | - Juan Du
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650205, China
| | - Xiaomeng Yang
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650205, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650205, China
| | - Shuming Yang
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650205, China
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Liu J, Ge YY, Zhu HC, Yang X, Cai J, Zhang C, Lu J, Zhan LL, Qin Q, Yang Y, Yang YH, Zhang H, Chen XC, Liu ZM, Ma JX, Cheng HY, Sun XC. Fenofibrate increases radiosensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 15:6649-55. [PMID: 25169503 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.16.6649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy is an important treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, how to promote radiation sensitivity in HNSCC remains a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing effects of fenofibrate on HNSCC and explore the underlying mechanisms. HNSCC cell lines CNE-2 and KB were subjected to ionizing radiation (IR), in the presence or absence of fenofibrate treatment. Cell growth and survival, apoptosis and cell cycle were evaluated. In addition, CNE-2 cells were xenografted into nude mice and subjected to IR and/ or fenofibrate treatment. The expression of cyclinB and CDK1 was detected by Western blotting. Our results showed that fenofibrate efficiently radiosensitized HNSCC cells and xenografts in mice, and induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest via reducing the activity of the CDK1/cyclinB1 kinase complex. These data suggest that fenofibrate could be a promising radiosensitizer for HNSCC radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China E-mail :
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Liu M, Zhao Y, Zhang X. Knockdown of glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit by siRNA causes the gold nanoparticles-induced cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118870. [PMID: 25789740 PMCID: PMC4366198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have shown promising medical applications in cancer treatment involved in the regulation of intracellular redox balance. Previously, we have reported that GNPs can trigger apoptosis and necrosis in human lung cancer cells (A549) when L-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO) was used to decrease the expression of intracellular glutathione (GSH). Herein, we investigated the cytotoxicity of GNPs toward lung cancer cells under the glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) was silenced by siRNA. Our results showed that GNPs cause apoptosis and necrosis in cells transfected with GCLC siRNA by elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). These findings demonstrated that the regulation of glutathione synthesis by GCLC siRNA in A549 cells can initiate the gold nanoparticles-induced cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yunxue Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiumei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
- * E-mail:
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Drug resistance-related microRNAs in hematological malignancies: Translating basic evidence into therapeutic strategies. Blood Rev 2015; 29:33-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Jia ZQ, Chen Y, Yan YX, Zhao JX. Iso-suillin isolated from Suillus luteus, induces G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:1423-8. [PMID: 24606477 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.3.1423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Iso-suillin, a natural product isolated from Suillus luteus, has been shown to inhibit the growth of some cancer cell lines. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of this compound are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate how iso-suillin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in a human hepatoma cell line (SMMC-7721). We demonstrated the effects of iso-suillin on cell proliferation and apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells, with no apparent toxicity in normal human lymphocytes, using colony formation assays and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) analysis. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of G1 phase-regulated and apoptosis-associated protein levels in iso-suillin treated SMMC-7721 cells. The results indicated that iso-suillin significantly decreased viability, induced G1 phase arrest and triggered apoptosis in SMMC-7721cells. Taken together, these results suggest the potential of iso-suillin as a candidate for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Jia
- The Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China E-mail :
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Al-Fatlawi AA, Al-Fatlawi AA, Irshad M, Zafaryab M, Alam Rizvi MM, Ahmad A. Rice Bran Phytic Acid Induced Apoptosis Through Regulation of Bcl-2/Bax and p53 Genes in HepG2 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:3731-6. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.8.3731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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