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Toll A, Blanco-Hinojo L, Berge D, Manzano A, El Abidi K, Perez-Solà V, Mané A. Relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone, BDNF levels, and hippocampal volume in antipsychotic-naïve first-episode psychosis patients. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1301714. [PMID: 38130289 PMCID: PMC10734033 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1301714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Thyroid hormones play an essential role in hippocampal development, a key structure in psychosis. However, the role of these hormones in first-episode psychosis (FEP) has received limited attention. It has been hypothesized that thyroid hormones could cause morphological modifications in the hippocampal structure through the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In this study, we primarily aimed to determine the relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, peripheral BDNF levels, and hippocampal volume in antipsychotic-naïve FEP patients. We also aimed to determine whether TSH levels were associated with clinical symptomatology. Materials and methods A total of 50 antipsychotic-naïve FEP patients were included in the study. At baseline, we collected fasting blood samples and registered sociodemographic and clinical variables (substance use, DUP, PANSS, GAF, and CDSS). Structural T1 MRI was performed at baseline to quantify brain volumes. No control group was used for this study. Results Of the 50 patients, more than one-third (36%) presented alterations in TSH levels, mainly elevated levels (32% of patients). The TSH levels were inversely correlated with both peripheral BDNF and hippocampal volume. On the multivariate analysis, the model that best predicted the relative hippocampal volume was a single variable model (TSH levels). No significant association was observed between TSH levels and clinical symptomatology. Discussion These results suggest that thyroid hormones could have a neuroprotective effect on the hippocampus in FEP patients, possibly through their effect by increasing BDNF concentrations, which could attenuate brain injury and neuroinflammation. Nevertheless, thyroid hormones could also affect hippocampal volume through other pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Toll
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Blanco-Hinojo
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- MRI Research Unit, Department of Radiology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Berge
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Manzano
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Perez-Solà
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Mané
- Institut de Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
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Farcas A, Hindmarch C, Iftene F. BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphisms as a predictor for clinical presentation in schizophrenia - recent findings. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1234220. [PMID: 37886115 PMCID: PMC10598753 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1234220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a highly heritable, severe psychiatric disorder that involves dysfunctions in thinking, emotions, and behavior, with a profound impact on a person's ability to function normally in their daily life. Research efforts continue to focus on elucidating possible genetic underlying mechanisms of the disorder. Although the genetic loci identified to date to be significantly associated with schizophrenia risk do not represent disease-causing factors, each one of them could be seen as a possible incremental contributor. Considering the importance of finding new and more efficient pharmacological approaches to target the complex symptomatology of this disorder, in this scoping review, we are focusing on the most recent findings in studies aiming to elucidate the contribution of one of the genetic factors involved - the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphisms. Here we performed a systematic search in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases with the search terms: (BDNF gene polymorphism) AND (schizophrenia) for articles published in the last 5 years. To be selected for this review, articles had to report on studies where genotyping for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was performed in participants diagnosed with schizophrenia (or schizophrenia spectrum disorders or first-episode psychosis). The search provided 35 results from Pubmed, 134 results from Embase, and 118 results from the Web of Science database. Twenty-two articles were selected to be included in this review, all reporting on studies where an implication of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms in the disorder's pathophysiology was sought to be elucidated. These studies looked at BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism variants, their interactions with other genes of interest, and different facets of the illness. The Met/Met genotype was found to be associated with higher PANSS positive scores. Furthermore, Met/Met homozygous individuals appear to present with worse cognitive function and lower levels of serum BDNF. In the Val/Val genotype carriers, increased BDNF levels were found to correlate with weight gain under Risperidone treatment. However, due to heterogeneous results, the diversity in study populations and studies' small sample sizes, generalizations cannot be made. Our findings emphasize the need for further research dedicated to clarifying the role of gene polymorphisms in antipsychotic treatment to enhance specificity and efficacy in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Farcas
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Providence Care Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charles Hindmarch
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Queen’s Cardiopulmonary Unit, Translational Institute of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Felicia Iftene
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Providence Care Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Shkundin A, Halaris A. Associations of BDNF/BDNF-AS SNPs with Depression, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar Disorder. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1395. [PMID: 37763162 PMCID: PMC10533016 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is crucial for various aspects of neuronal development and function, including synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter release, and supporting neuronal differentiation, growth, and survival. It is involved in the formation and preservation of dopaminergic, serotonergic, GABAergic, and cholinergic neurons, facilitating efficient stimulus transmission within the synaptic system and contributing to learning, memory, and overall cognition. Furthermore, BDNF demonstrates involvement in neuroinflammation and showcases neuroprotective effects. In contrast, BDNF antisense RNA (BDNF-AS) is linked to the regulation and control of BDNF, facilitating its suppression and contributing to neurotoxicity, apoptosis, and decreased cell viability. This review article aims to comprehensively overview the significance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BDNF/BDNF-AS genes within psychiatric conditions, with a specific focus on their associations with depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The independent influence of each BDNF/BDNF-AS gene variation, as well as the interplay between SNPs and their linkage disequilibrium, environmental factors, including early-life experiences, and interactions with other genes, lead to alterations in brain architecture and function, shaping vulnerability to mental health disorders. The potential translational applications of BDNF/BDNF-AS polymorphism knowledge can revolutionize personalized medicine, predict disease susceptibility, treatment outcomes, and guide the selection of interventions tailored to individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelos Halaris
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
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Toll A, Blanco-Hinojo L, Berge D, Martín-Subero M, Casanovas F, El-Abidi K, Perez-Solà V, Mané A. Higher lymphocyte count associated with larger hippocampal volume and fewer depressive symptoms in drug-na ïve first-episode psychosis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 69:47-55. [PMID: 36709614 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Circulating white blood cells (leucocytes), which form the peripheral immune system, are crucial in inflammatory processes but their role in brain structural change in schizophrenia has been scarcely studied. With this study we want to determine how and which type of white blood cells are associated with hippocampal volume (as a key structure in schi- zophrenia etiopathology) in first episode psychosis (FEP) patients. Moreover, to determine the association between white blood cells and clinical symptomatology, including positive and negative symptoms, cognition and depression. For this purpose fifty drug-naïve FEP were included in this study. All patients underwent an assessment at baseline and at 1 year follow-up, including sociodemographic and clinical variables (substance use, DUP, PANSS, GAF and CDSS). Fasting blood samples were obtained before administering any medication at baseline. Structural T1 MRI was performed at baseline and brain volumes were quantified. In the present study, higher lymphocyte count was associated with larger right hippocampal volume at baseline in FEP drug-naive patients. Higher lymphocyte count was associated with lower depressive symptomatology measured with CDSS and Marder depressive factor from PANSS at baseline and 1-year follow -up. These results suggest that lymphocytes may have a protective effect in hippocampal volume at baseli- ne in antipsychotic naïve FEP and also, are associated with a better depressive course over follow up. These results open the door to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Toll
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Fundació Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Laura Blanco-Hinojo
- Fundació Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain; Department of Radiology, MRI Research Unit, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Berge
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Fundació Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Marta Martín-Subero
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Francesc Casanovas
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Khadija El-Abidi
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Perez-Solà
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Fundació Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Anna Mané
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Fundació Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
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Vouga Ribeiro N, Tavares V, Bramon E, Toulopoulou T, Valli I, Shergill S, Murray R, Prata D. Effects of psychosis-associated genetic markers on brain volumetry: a systematic review of replicated findings and an independent validation. Psychol Med 2022; 52:1-16. [PMID: 36168994 PMCID: PMC9811278 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given psychotic illnesses' high heritability and associations with brain structure, numerous neuroimaging-genetics findings have been reported in the last two decades. However, few findings have been replicated. In the present independent sample we aimed to replicate any psychosis-implicated SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), which had previously shown at least two main effects on brain volume. METHODS A systematic review for SNPs showing a replicated effect on brain volume yielded 25 studies implicating seven SNPs in five genes. Their effect was then tested in 113 subjects with either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, 'at risk mental state' or healthy state, for whole-brain and region-of-interest (ROI) associations with grey and white matter volume changes, using voxel-based morphometry. RESULTS We found FWER-corrected (Family-wise error rate) (i.e. statistically significant) associations of: (1) CACNA1C-rs769087-A with larger bilateral hippocampus and thalamus white matter, across the whole brain; and (2) CACNA1C-rs769087-A with larger superior frontal gyrus, as ROI. Higher replication concordance with existing literature was found, in decreasing order, for: (1) CACNA1C-rs769087-A, with larger dorsolateral-prefrontal/superior frontal gyrus and hippocampi (both with anatomical and directional concordance); (2) ZNF804A-rs11681373-A, with smaller angular gyrus grey matter and rectus gyri white matter (both with anatomical and directional concordance); and (3) BDNF-rs6265-T with superior frontal and middle cingulate gyri volume change (with anatomical and allelic concordance). CONCLUSIONS Most literature findings were not herein replicated. Nevertheless, high degree/likelihood of replication was found for two genome-wide association studies- and one candidate-implicated SNPs, supporting their involvement in psychosis and brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Vouga Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vânia Tavares
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elvira Bramon
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’ College London, London, UK
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Timothea Toulopoulou
- Department of Psychology & National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Centre (ASBAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Isabel Valli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’ College London, London, UK
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sukhi Shergill
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’ College London, London, UK
| | - Robin Murray
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’ College London, London, UK
| | - Diana Prata
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Meng X, Zheng JL, Sun ML, Lai HY, Wang BJ, Yao J, Wang H. Association between MTHFR (677C>T and 1298A>C) polymorphisms and psychiatric disorder: A meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271170. [PMID: 35834596 PMCID: PMC9282595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies showed that genetic polymorphism of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is related to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). However, no consistent conclusion has been determined. This meta-analysis aims to interrogate the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms (677C>T and 1298A>C) and the occurrence of ADHD, BD and SCZ. We retrieved case-control studies that met the inclusion criteria from the PubMed database. Associations between MTHFR polymorphisms (677C>T and 1298A>C) and ADHD, BD and SCZ were measured by means of odds ratios (ORs) using a random effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additionally, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were performed. After inclusion criteria were met, a total of five studies with ADHD including 434 cases and 670 controls, 18 studies with BD including 4167 cases and 5901 controls and 44 studies with SCZ including 16,098 cases and 19913 controls were finally included in our meta-analysis. Overall, our meta-analytical results provided evidence that the MTHFR 677C>T was associated with occurrence of BD and SCZ, while the 1298A>C polymorphism was related to ADHD and BD, and additionally the sensitivity analysis indicated these results were stable and reliable. This may provide useful information for relevant studies on the etiology of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyao Meng
- School of Basic Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Ji-long Zheng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, China Criminal Police College, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Mao-ling Sun
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Hai-yun Lai
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Bao-jie Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, P.R. China
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Qiu B, Zhong Z, Righter S, Xu Y, Wang J, Deng R, Wang C, Williams KE, Ma YY, Tsechpenakis G, Liang T, Yong W. FKBP51 modulates hippocampal size and function in post-translational regulation of Parkin. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:175. [PMID: 35244772 PMCID: PMC11072506 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04167-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
FK506-binding protein 51 (encoded by Fkpb51, also known as Fkbp5) has been associated with stress-related mental illness. To investigate its function, we studied the morphological consequences of Fkbp51 deletion. Artificial Intelligence-assisted morphological analysis revealed that male Fkbp51 knock-out (KO) mice possess more elongated dentate gyrus (DG) but shorter hippocampal height in coronal sections when compared to WT. Primary cultured Fkbp51 KO hippocampal neurons were shown to exhibit larger dendritic outgrowth than wild-type (WT) controls and pharmacological manipulation experiments suggest that this may occur through the regulation of microtubule-associated protein. Both in vitro primary culture and in vivo labeling support a role for FKBP51 in the regulation of microtubule-associated protein expression. Furthermore, Fkbp51 KO hippocampi exhibited decreases in βIII-tubulin, MAP2, and Tau protein levels, but a greater than 2.5-fold increase in Parkin protein. Overexpression and knock-down FKBP51 demonstrated that FKBP51 negatively regulates Parkin in a dose-dependent and ubiquitin-mediated manner. These results indicate a potential novel post-translational regulatory mechanism of Parkin by FKBP51 and the significance of their interaction on disease onset. KO has more flattened hippocampus using AI-assisted measurement Both pyramidal cell layer (PCL) of CA and granular cell layer (GCL) of DG distinguishable as two layers: deep cell layer and superficial layer. Distinct MAP2 expression between deep and superficial layer between KO and WT, Higher Parkin expression in KO brain Mechanism of FKBP51 inhibition resulting in Parkin, MAP2, Tau, and Tubulin expression differences between KO and WT mice, and resulting neurite outgrowth differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Qiu
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Zhaohui Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100032, China
| | - Shawn Righter
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yuxue Xu
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Ran Deng
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Kent E Williams
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yao-Ying Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Gavriil Tsechpenakis
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Tiebing Liang
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Weidong Yong
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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