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Hsieh CCJ, Lo YC, Wang HH, Shen HY, Chen YY, Lee YC. Amelioration of the brain structural connectivity is accompanied with changes of gut microbiota in a tuberous sclerosis complex mouse model. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:68. [PMID: 38296969 PMCID: PMC10830571 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease that causes benign tumors and dysfunctions in many organs, including the brain. Aside from the brain malformations, many individuals with TSC exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms. Among these symptoms, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common co-morbidities, affecting up to 60% of the population. Past neuroimaging studies strongly suggested that the impairments in brain connectivity contribute to ASD, whether or not TSC-related. Specifically, the tract-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis provides information on the fiber integrity and has been used to study the neuropathological changes in the white matter of TSC patients with ASD symptoms. In our previous study, curcumin, a diet-derived mTOR inhibitor has been shown to effectively mitigate learning and memory deficits and anxiety-like behavior in Tsc2+/- mice via inhibiting astroglial proliferation. Recently, gut microbiota, which is greatly influenced by the diet, has been considered to play an important role in regulating several components of the central nervous system, including glial functions. In this study, we showed that the abnormal social behavior in the Tsc2+/- mice can be ameliorated by the dietary curcumin treatment. Second, using tract-based DTI analysis, we found that the Tsc2+/- mice exhibited altered fractional anisotropy, axial and radial diffusivities of axonal bundles connecting the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, and amygdala, indicating a decreased brain network. Third, the dietary curcumin treatment improved the DTI metrics, in accordance with changes in the gut microbiota composition. At the bacterial phylum level, we showed that the abundances of Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Tenericutes were significantly correlated with the DTI metrics FA, AD, and RD, respectively. Finally, we revealed that the expression of myelin-associated proteins, myelin bassic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP) was increased after the treatment. Overall, we showed a strong correlation between structural connectivity alterations and social behavioral deficits, as well as the diet-dependent changes in gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu-Chun Lo
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hui Wang
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ying Shen
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Yin Chen
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chao Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- International Master Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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2
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Navarro-Hortal MD, Romero-Márquez JM, Jiménez-Trigo V, Xiao J, Giampieri F, Forbes-Hernández TY, Grosso G, Battino M, Sánchez-González C, Quiles JL. Molecular bases for the use of functional foods in the management of healthy aging: Berries, curcumin, virgin olive oil and honey; three realities and a promise. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 63:11967-11986. [PMID: 35816321 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2098244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
As the number of older people has grown in recent decades, the search for new approaches to manage or delay aging is also growing. Among the modifiable factors, diet plays a crucial role in healthy aging and in the prevention of age-related diseases. Thus, the interest in the use of foods, which are rich in bioactive compounds such as functional foods with anti-aging effects is a growing market. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of action of foods considered as functional foods in aging, namely berries, curcumin, and virgin olive oil. Moreover, honey is also analyzed as a food with well-known healthy benefits, but which has not been deeply evaluated from the point of view of aging. The effects of these foods on aging are analyzed from the point of view of molecular mechanisms including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, genomic stability, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, and deregulated nutrient-sensing. A comprehensive study of the scientific literature shows that the aforementioned foods have demonstrated positive effects on certain aspects of aging, which might justify their use as functional foods in elderly. However, more research is needed, especially in humans, designed to understand in depth the mechanisms of action through which they act.
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Affiliation(s)
- María D Navarro-Hortal
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose M Romero-Márquez
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Victoria Jiménez-Trigo
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo-Ourense Campus, Ourense, Spain
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
| | - Tamara Y Forbes-Hernández
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-products Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Sánchez-González
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José L Quiles
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
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Thomas SD, Jha NK, Ojha S, Sadek B. mTOR Signaling Disruption and Its Association with the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041889. [PMID: 36838876 PMCID: PMC9964164 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication along with repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Currently, there are no specific biomarkers for diagnostic screening or treatments available for autistic patients. Numerous genetic disorders are associated with high prevalence of ASD, including tuberous sclerosis complex, phosphatase and tensin homolog, and fragile X syndrome. Preclinical investigations in animal models of these diseases have revealed irregularities in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as well as ASD-related behavioral defects. Reversal of the downstream molecular irregularities, associated with mTOR hyperactivation, improved the behavioral deficits observed in the preclinical investigations. Plant bioactive molecules have shown beneficial pre-clinical evidence in ASD treatment by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In this review, we summarize the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as well as the genetic alterations of the pathway components and its critical impact on the development of the autism spectrum disorder. Mutations in negative regulators of mTORC1, such as TSC1, TSC2, and PTEN, result in ASD-like phenotypes through the disruption of the mTORC1-mediated signaling. We further discuss the various naturally occurring phytoconstituents that have been identified to be bioactive and modulate the pathway to prevent its disruption and contribute to beneficial therapeutic effects in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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Sethiya A, Agarwal DK, Agarwal S. Current Trends in Drug Delivery System of Curcumin and its Therapeutic Applications. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 20:1190-1232. [PMID: 32348221 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200429103647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin is a poly phenolic compound extracted from turmeric. Over the past years, it has acquired significant interest among researchers due to its numerous pharmacological activities like anti- cancer, anti-alzheimer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and so on. However, the clinical use of curcumin is still obstructed due to tremendously poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, lower gastrointestinal absorption, and low permeability through cell that makes its pharmacology thrilling. These issues have led to enormous surge of investigation to develop curcumin nano formulations which can overcome these restrictive causes. The scientists all across the universe are working on designing several drug delivery systems viz. liposomes, micelles, magnetic nano carriers, etc. for curcumin and its composites which not only improve its physiochemical properties but also enhanced its therapeutic applications. The review aims to systematically examine the treasure of information about the medicinal use of curcumin. This article delivers a general idea of the current study piloted to overwhelm the complications with the bioavailability of curcumin which have exhibited an enhanced biological activity than curcumin. This article explains the latest and detailed study of curcumin and its conjugates, its phytochemistry and biological perspectives and also proved curcumin as an efficient drug candidate for the treatment of numerous diseases. Recent advancements and futuristic viewpoints are also deliberated, which shall help researchers and foster commercial translations of improved nanosized curcumin combination for the treatment of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Sethiya
- Department of Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry Laboratory, MLS University, Udaipur, 313001, India
| | | | - Shikha Agarwal
- Department of Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry Laboratory, MLS University, Udaipur, 313001, India
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Atabaki R, Roohbakhsh A, Moghimi A, Mehri S. Protective effects of maternal administration of curcumin and hesperidin in the rat offspring following repeated febrile seizure: Role of inflammation and TLR4. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 86:106720. [PMID: 32585605 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106720] [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] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has a key role in seizure generation and perpetuation in the neonatal period, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway has a prominent role in neuroinflammatory diseases. Administration of antioxidants and targeting TLR4 in the embryonic period may protect rat offspring against the next incidence of febrile seizure and its harmful effects. Curcumin and hesperidin are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and have an inhibitory action on TLR4 receptors. We evaluated the effect of maternal administration of curcumin and hesperidin on infantile febrile seizure and subsequent memory dysfunction in adulthood. Hyperthermia febrile seizure was induced on postnatal days 9-11 on male rat pups with 24 h intervals, in a Plexiglas box that was heated to ~45 °C by a heat lamp. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) assessment for evaluation of inflammatory cytokine levels, TLR4 protein expression, and oxidative responses in the hippocampal tissues. For assessing working memory and long-term potentiation, the double Y-maze test and Schaffer collateral-CA1 in vivo electrophysiological recording were performed, respectively Our results showed that curcumin and hesperidin decreased TNF-α, IL-10, and TLR4 protein expression and reversed memory dysfunction. However, they did not provoke a significant effect on GSH content or amplitude and slope of recorded fEPSPs in the hippocampus. In addition, curcumin, but not hesperidin, decreased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and MDA levels. These findings imply that curcumin and hesperidin induced significant protective effects on febrile seizures, possibly via their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and downregulation of TLR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabi Atabaki
- Rayan Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Roohbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Moghimi
- Rayan Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Soghra Mehri
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Hsieh CCJ, Lo YC, Li SJ, Lin TC, Chang CW, Chen TC, Yang SH, Lee YC, Chen YY. Detection of endophenotypes associated with neuropsychiatric deficiencies in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex using diffusion tensor imaging. Brain Pathol 2020; 31:4-19. [PMID: 32530070 PMCID: PMC8018051 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare hereditary disease, which results from the mutation of either TSC1 or TSC2, and its clinical features include benign tumors and dysfunctions in numerous organs, including the brain. Many individuals with TSC manifest neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as learning impairments, cognitive deficits and anxiety. Current pharmacological treatment for TSC is the use of mTOR inhibitors. However, they are not effective in treating neuropsychiatric symptoms. We previously used curcumin, a diet-derived mTOR inhibitor, which possesses both anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties, to improve learning and memory deficits in Tsc2+/- mice. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides microstructural information in brain tissue and has been used to study the neuropathological changes in TSC. In this study, we confirmed that the impaired recognition memory and increased anxiety-like behavior in Tsc2+/- mice can be reversed by curcumin treatment. Second, we found altered fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity in the anterior cingulate cortex and the hippocampus of the Tsc2+/- mice, which may indicate altered circuitry. Finally, the mTOR complex 1 hyperactivity was found in the cortex and hippocampus, coinciding with abnormal cortical myelination and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the hippocampal CA1 of Tsc2+/- mice, both of which can be rescued with curcumin treatment. Overall, DTI is sensitive to the subtle alterations that cannot be detected by conventional imaging, suggesting that noninvasive DTI may be suitable for longitudinally monitoring the in vivo neuropathology associated with the neuropsychiatric symptoms in TSC, thereby facilitating future clinical trials of pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Chin-Jung Hsieh
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11574, Taiwan.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lo
- PhD Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ssu-Ju Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chun Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wen Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chieh Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hung Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chao Lee
- PhD Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - You-Yin Chen
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11574, Taiwan.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan.,PhD Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
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Guo Y, Zhu H, Weng M, Wang C, Sun L. Chemopreventive effect of Betulinic acid via mTOR -Caspases/Bcl2/Bax apoptotic signaling in pancreatic cancer. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:178. [PMID: 32513155 PMCID: PMC7282238 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-02976-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer is aggressive with no symptoms until the advanced stage reached. The increased resistance of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy demonstrates a dilemma in the clinical field. Hence, it is a matter of great urgency to develop an effective drug to treat patients with pancreatic cancer. Betulinic acid is a major triterpene isolated from spina date seed. Several studies have suggested its low toxicity and side effects to patients with malaria and inflammation. However, relevant studies on betulinic acid in inhibiting cancer were insufficient and the molecular mechanism was unclear. This study aimed to systematically explore the potential anti-cancer functions of betulinic acid in pancreatic cancer, and investigate its underlying molecular mechanism. Methods The Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation, transwell invasion assay, wound healing assay, flow cytometry and xenograft nude mice model were used to evaluate the effect of betulinic acid on the proliferation, invasion and migration ability of pancreatic cancer cells. Results Our results showed that betulinic acid obviously suppressed pancreatic cancer both in vitro and in vivo in a dose-dependent manner. We also determined that betulinic acid inhibited pancreatic cancer by specifically targeting mTOR signaling rather than Nrf2 or JAK2. Conclusions These findings clarify that betulinic acid is a potential and valuable anticancer agent for pancreatic cancer, and indicate the specific molecular target of betulinic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, Wenzhou Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hengyue Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, Wenzhou Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Weng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, Wenzhou Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, Wenzhou Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Linxiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, Wenzhou Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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