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Bisht S, Mao Y, Easwaran H. Epigenetic dynamics of aging and cancer development: current concepts from studies mapping aging and cancer epigenomes. Curr Opin Oncol 2024; 36:82-92. [PMID: 38441107 PMCID: PMC10939788 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000001020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review emphasizes the role of epigenetic processes as incidental changes occurring during aging, which, in turn, promote the development of cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Aging is a complex biological process associated with the progressive deterioration of normal physiological functions, making age a significant risk factor for various disorders, including cancer. The increasing longevity of the population has made cancer a global burden, as the risk of developing most cancers increases with age due to the cumulative effect of exposure to environmental carcinogens and DNA replication errors. The classical 'somatic mutation theory' of cancer cause is being challenged by the observation that multiple normal cells harbor cancer driver mutations without resulting in cancer. In this review, we discuss the role of age-associated epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, which occur across all cell types and tissues with advancing age. There is an increasing body of evidence linking these changes with cancer risk and prognosis. SUMMARY A better understanding about the epigenetic changes acquired during aging is critical for comprehending the mechanisms leading to the age-associated increase in cancer and for developing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Bisht
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yiqing Mao
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hariharan Easwaran
- Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Aiderus A, Barker N, Tergaonkar V. Serrated colorectal cancer: preclinical models and molecular pathways. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:76-91. [PMID: 37880007 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Serrated lesions are histologically heterogeneous, and detection can be challenging as these lesions have subtle features that may be missed by endoscopy. Furthermore, while approximately 30% of colorectal cancers (CRCs) arise from serrated lesions, only 8-10% of invasive serrated CRCs exhibit serrated morphology at presentation, suggesting potential loss of apparent characteristics with increased malignancy. Thus, understanding the genetic basis driving serrated CRC initiation and progression is critical to improve diagnosis and identify therapeutic biomarkers and targets to guide disease management. This review discusses the preclinical models of serrated CRCs reported to date and how these systems have been used to provide mechanistic insights into tumor initiation, progression, and novel treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Aiderus
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Nick Barker
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 2 Medical Drive, MD9, Singapore 117593, Republic of Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 8 Medical Drive, MD7, Singapore 117596, Republic of Singapore
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3
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Messaritakis I, Psaroudaki E, Vogiatzoglou K, Sfakianaki M, Topalis P, Iliopoulos I, Mavroudis D, Tsiaoussis J, Gouvas N, Tzardi M, Souglakos J. Unraveling the Role of Molecular Profiling in Predicting Treatment Response in Stage III Colorectal Cancer Patients: Insights from the IDEA International Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4819. [PMID: 37835512 PMCID: PMC10571744 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the molecular profiles of 237 stage III CRC patients from the international IDEA study. It also sought to correlate these profiles with Toll-like and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms, clinicopathological and epidemiological characteristics, and patient outcomes. METHODS Whole Exome Sequencing and PCR-RFLP on surgical specimens and blood samples, respectively, were performed to identify molecular profiling and the presence of Toll-like and vitamin D polymorphisms. Bioinformatic analysis revealed mutational status. RESULTS Among the enrolled patients, 63.7% were male, 66.7% had left-sided tumors, and 55.7% received CAPOX as adjuvant chemotherapy. Whole exome sequencing identified 59 mutated genes in 11 different signaling pathways from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) CRC panel. On average, patients had 8 mutated genes (range, 2-21 genes). Mutations in ARAF and MAPK10 emerged as independent prognostic factors for reduced DFS (p = 0.027 and p < 0.001, respectively), while RAC3 and RHOA genes emerged as independent prognostic factors for reduced OS (p = 0.029 and p = 0.006, respectively). Right-sided tumors were also identified as independent prognostic factors for reduced DFS (p = 0.019) and OS (p = 0.043). Additionally, patients with tumors in the transverse colon had mutations in genes related to apoptosis, PIK3-Akt, Wnt, and MAPK signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Molecular characterization of tumor cells can enhance our understanding of the disease course. Mutations may serve as promising prognostic biomarkers, offering improved treatment options. Confirming these findings will require larger patient cohorts and international collaborations to establish correlations between molecular profiling, clinicopathological and epidemiological characteristics and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ippokratis Messaritakis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (K.V.); (M.S.); (D.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Eleni Psaroudaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (K.V.); (M.S.); (D.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Konstantinos Vogiatzoglou
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (K.V.); (M.S.); (D.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Maria Sfakianaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (K.V.); (M.S.); (D.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Pantelis Topalis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Iliopoulos
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Division of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Mavroudis
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (K.V.); (M.S.); (D.M.); (J.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71100 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Gouvas
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 99010 Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | - Maria Tzardi
- Laboratory of Pathology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - John Souglakos
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; (E.P.); (K.V.); (M.S.); (D.M.); (J.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71100 Heraklion, Greece
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Kaneko M, Nakashima M, Sugiura K, Ishida N, Tamura S, Tani S, Yamade M, Hamaya Y, Osawa S, Tatsuta K, Kurachi K, Baba S, Iwashita Y, Arai T, Sugimura H, Maekawa M, Sugimoto K, Iwaizumi M. Both MLH1 deficiency and BRAFV600E mutation are a unique characteristic of colorectal medullary carcinoma: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35022. [PMID: 37746995 PMCID: PMC10519469 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although immunohistochemistry (IHC) for mismatch repair (MMR) proteins (MMR IHC) is used to identify DNA MMR status, universal screening of all patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) using a combination of both MMR IHC and genetic testing for the BRAFV600E mutation is limited in Japan. This study aimed to better understand the histopathological characteristics of CRCs, which exhibit both deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) and BRAFV600E mutation. MMR IHC of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from tumor areas obtained from 651 patients with CRC who underwent surgical resection at Hamamatsu University Hospital (Hamamatsu, Japan) between August 2016 and March 2022 were used to evaluate MMR status, which was determined by staining for the expression of 4 MMR proteins (MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6). All dMMR tumors were additionally evaluated for BRAFV600 mutation status via Sanger sequencing. Patient clinical characteristics (age, sex, tumor location, size, and tumor pathology) were then classified using their dMMR and BRAFV600 mutation statuses. Among the 651 patients with CRC, 58 carried tumors with dMMR, of which 52 were deficiency in MLH1 (dMLH1). Interestingly, all 16 medullary carcinomas that were analyzed showed characteristics corresponding to the presence of both dMLH1 and BRAFV600E mutation (P = .01). These results suggest that colorectal medullary carcinomas can be diagnosed based on their unique characteristics of harboring the BRAFV600E mutation and exhibiting dMLH1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanao Kaneko
- First Department of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Nakashima
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University of School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kiichi Sugiura
- First Department of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Natsuki Ishida
- Department of Endoscopic and Photodynamic Medicine, Hamamatsu University of School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tamura
- First Department of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Shinya Tani
- First Department of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Mihoko Yamade
- First Department of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hamaya
- First Department of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Osawa
- Department of Endoscopic and Photodynamic Medicine, Hamamatsu University of School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kyota Tatsuta
- Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University of School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Kurachi
- Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University of School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Baba
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yuji Iwashita
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tomio Arai
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Sugimura
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masato Maekawa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Ken Sugimoto
- First Department of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Moriya Iwaizumi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Fennell LJ, Hartel G, McKeone DM, Bond CE, Kane A, Leggett BA, Patch AM, Whitehall VL. Comparative analysis of Illumina Mouse Methylation BeadChip and reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing for routine DNA methylation analysis. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100323. [PMID: 36452869 PMCID: PMC9701610 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100323] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Researching the murine epigenome in disease models has been hampered by the lack of appropriate and cost-effective DNA methylation arrays. Here we perform a comprehensive, comparative analysis between the Mouse Methylation BeadChip (MMB) and reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) in two murine models of colorectal carcinogenesis. We evaluate the coverage, variability, and ability to identify differential DNA methylation of RRBS and MMB. We show that MMB is an effective tool for profiling the murine methylome that performs comparably with RRBS, identifying similar differentially methylated pathways. Although choice of technology is experiment dependent and will be predicated on the underlying biology being probed, these analyses provide insights into the relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lochlan J. Fennell
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, Cell and Molecular Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, 19 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- Statistics Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Diane M. McKeone
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, Cell and Molecular Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine E. Bond
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, Cell and Molecular Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexandra Kane
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, Cell and Molecular Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Conjoint Internal Medical Laboratories, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Barbara A. Leggett
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, Cell and Molecular Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Womens’ Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ann-Marie Patch
- Clinical Genomics Laboratory, Genetics and Computational Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Vicki L.J. Whitehall
- Conjoint Gastroenterology Laboratory, Cell and Molecular Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Conjoint Internal Medical Laboratories, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Curtius K, Gupta S, Boland CR. Review article: Lynch Syndrome-a mechanistic and clinical management update. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 55:960-977. [PMID: 35315099 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant familial condition caused by a pathogenic variant (PV) in a DNA mismatch repair gene, which then predisposes carriers to various cancers. AIM To review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis and clinical strategies for detection and management of LS. METHODS A narrative review synthesising knowledge from published literature, as well as current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for management of LS was conducted. RESULTS LS tumours are characterised by unique pathogenesis, ultimately resulting in hypermutation, microsatellite instability and high immunogenicity that has significant implications for cancer risk, clinical presentation, treatment and surveillance. LS is one of the most common hereditary causes of cancer, and about 1 in 279 individuals carry a PV in an LS gene that predisposes to associated cancers. Individuals with LS have increased risks for colorectal, endometrial and other cancers, with significant variation in lifetime risk by LS-associated gene. CONCLUSIONS As genetic testing becomes more widespread, the number of individuals identified with LS is expected to increase in the population. Understanding the pathogenesis of LS informs current strategies for detection and clinical management, and also guides future areas for clinical innovation. Unravelling the mechanisms by which these tumours evolve may help to more precisely tailor management by the gene involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Curtius
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samir Gupta
- Section of Gastroenterology, San Diego Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - C Richard Boland
- Division of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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