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Pasanen A, Karjalainen MK, Zhang G, Tiensuu H, Haapalainen AM, Ojaniemi M, Feenstra B, Jacobsson B, Palotie A, Laivuori H, Muglia LJ, Rämet M, Hallman M. Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of gestational duration and spontaneous preterm birth identifies new maternal risk loci. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010982. [PMID: 37871108 PMCID: PMC10621942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) is a major cause of neonatal death and morbidity. Up to 40% of the variation in timing of birth results from genetic factors, mostly due to the maternal genome. METHODS We conducted a genome-wide meta-analysis of gestational duration and spontaneous preterm birth in 68,732 and 98,370 European mothers, respectively. RESULTS The meta-analysis detected 15 loci associated with gestational duration, and four loci associated with preterm birth. Seven of the associated loci were novel. The loci mapped to several biologically plausible genes, for example HAND2 whose expression was previously shown to decrease during gestation, associated with gestational duration, and GC (Vitamin D-binding protein), associated with preterm birth. Downstream in silico-analysis suggested regulatory roles as underlying mechanisms for the associated loci. LD score regression found birth weight measures as the most strongly correlated traits, highlighting the unique nature of spontaneous preterm birth phenotype. Tissue expression and colocalization analysis revealed reproductive tissues and immune cell types as the most relevant sites of action. CONCLUSION We report novel genetic risk loci that associate with preterm birth or gestational duration, and reproduce findings from previous genome-wide association studies. Altogether, our findings provide new insight into the genetic background of preterm birth. Better characterization of the causal genetic mechanisms will be important to public health as it could suggest new strategies to treat and prevent preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Pasanen
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Minna K. Karjalainen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Ge Zhang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Heli Tiensuu
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Antti M. Haapalainen
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marja Ojaniemi
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Bjarke Feenstra
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Health Data and Digitalization, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aarno Palotie
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Psychiatric & Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, and the Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hannele Laivuori
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Louis J. Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mika Rämet
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mikko Hallman
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Chappe Y, Michel P, Joushomme A, Barbeau S, Pierredon S, Baron L, Garenne A, Poulletier De Gannes F, Hurtier A, Mayer S, Lagroye I, Quignard JF, Ducret T, Compan V, Franchet C, Percherancier Y. High-throughput screening of TRPV1 ligands in the light of the Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer technique. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 100:237-257. [PMID: 34127538 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels are attractive drug targets for many therapeutic applications. However, high-throughput screening (HTS) of drug candidates is difficult and remains very expensive. We thus assessed the suitability of the Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) technique as a new HTS method for ion-channel studies by taking advantage of our recently characterized intra- and intermolecular BRET probes targeting the TRPV1 ion channel. These BRET probes monitor conformational changes during TRPV1 gating and subsequent coupling with Calmodulin, two molecular events that are intractable using reference techniques such as automated calcium assay (ACA) and automated patch-clamp (APC). We screened the small-sized Prestwick chemical library, encompassing 1200 compounds with high structural diversity, using either intra- and intermolecular BRET probes or ACA. Secondary screening of the detected hits was done using APC. Multiparametric analysis of our results shed light on the capability of calmodulin inhibitors included in the Prestwick library to inhibit TRPV1 activation by Capsaicin (CAPS). BRET was the lead technique for this identification process. Finally, we present data exemplifying the use of intramolecular BRET probes to study other TRPs and non-TRPs ion channels. Knowing the ease of use of BRET biosensors and the low cost of the BRET technique, these assays may advantageously be included for extending ion-channel drug screening. Significance Statement We screened a chemical library against TRPV1 ion channel using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) molecular probes, and compared the results with the ones obtained using reference techniques such as automated calcium assay and automated patch-clamp. Multiparametric analysis of our results shed light on the capability of Calmodulin antagonists to inhibit chemical activation of TRPV1, and indicates that BRET probes may advantageously be included in ion channel drug screening campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Chappe
- IMS laboratory / CNRS UMR 5218, Bordeaux University, France
| | | | | | - Solène Barbeau
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM U1045, Bordeaux University, France
| | - Sandra Pierredon
- CNRS UMR 5203 - INSERM U1191, Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle, France
| | | | - André Garenne
- IMS laboratory / CNRS UMR 5218, Bordeaux University, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Jean-François Quignard
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM U1045, Bordeaux University, France
| | - Thomas Ducret
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, INSERM U1045, Bordeaux University, France
| | - Vincent Compan
- CNRS UMR 5203 - INSERM U1191, Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle, France
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Li F, Lu H, Wang X, Zhang Q, Liu Q, Wang T. Effectiveness of electroacupuncture for thin endometrium in infertile women: study protocol for a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:73. [PMID: 33478562 PMCID: PMC7818916 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05029-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thin endometrium negatively impacts the reproductive function. Current treatments for thin endometrium do not always improve endometrial receptivity. Preliminary evidence suggests that electroacupuncture could have potential therapy for thin endometrium in infertile women. Thus, this randomized controlled trial was designed to test whether electroacupuncture can improve endometrial receptivity in infertile women with thin endometrium. METHODS This study is a randomized, single-blinded, controlled, clinical trial. A total of 142 eligible patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the electroacupuncture (EA) group or the sham electroacupuncture (SEA) group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants will receive 36 sessions over three menstrual cycles (12 weeks in total), with the same acupoint prescription. The primary outcome of this trial is endometrial thickness in the midluteal phase. The secondary outcomes include endometrial pattern, resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of bilateral uterine artery and endometrium blood flow, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P), and pregnancy rate. The pregnancy rate will be evaluated during a 6-month follow-up after completion of the trial. All other outcomes will be evaluated before treatment, during the treatment of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd menstrual cycle, and 6 months after treatment. DISCUSSION If the outcome confirms the effectiveness of electroacupuncture for thin endometrium in infertile women, this treatment will be proposed for application in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2 000029983. Registered on 18 February 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Li
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.37 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Lu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.37 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.37 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.37 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianchen Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.37 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO.39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075 Sichuan Province People’s Republic of China
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Sohn JO, Seong SY, Kim HJ, Jo YM, Lee KH, Chung MK, Song HJ, Park KS, Lim JM. Alterations in intracellular Ca 2+ levels in human endometrial stromal cells after decidualization. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 515:318-324. [PMID: 31153638 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.05.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) is an important element for many physiological functions of the uterus, including embryo implantation. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of altered intracellular Ca2+ levels in decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells (hEMSCs). hEMSCs showed high levels of mesenchymal stem cell marker expression (CD73, CD90, and CD105) and did not express markers of hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD31, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR). Decidualization is a process of ovarian steroid-induced endometrial stromal cell proliferation and differentiation. Several types of ion channels, which are regulated by the ovarian hormones progesterone and estradiol, as well as growth factors, are important for endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. The combined application of progesterone (1 μM medroxyprogesterone acetate) and cyclic AMP (0.5 mM) for 6 days not only elevated inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R)-mediated Ca2+ release and IP3R expression, it also promoted ORAI and STIM expression as well as cyclopiazonic acid-induced Ca2+ release. Finally, intracellular Ca2+ levels and ion channel gene expression influenced hEMSC proliferation. These results suggest that cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics, mediated by specific ion channels, serve as an important step in the decidualization of hEMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ohn Sohn
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921, South Korea; Fertility Medical Center, Seoul Women's Hospital, Bucheon, 14544, South Korea
| | - Seung Yong Seong
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Hongcheon, 25159, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Kim
- Department of Physiology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Yoon Mi Jo
- Fertility Medical Center, Seoul Women's Hospital, Bucheon, 14544, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Hoon Lee
- Fertility Medical Center, Seoul Women's Hospital, Bucheon, 14544, South Korea
| | - Mi Kyung Chung
- Seoul Rachel Fertility Center, Seoul, 04146, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Song
- Fertility Medical Center, Seoul Women's Hospital, Bucheon, 14544, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Sun Park
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Hongcheon, 25159, South Korea.
| | - Jeong Mook Lim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921, South Korea; Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921, South Korea.
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Yang J, Zhang D, Yu Y, Zhang RJ, Hu XL, Huang HF, Lu YC. Binding of FGF2 to FGFR2 in an autocrine mode in trophectoderm cells is indispensable for mouse blastocyst formation through PKC-p38 pathway. Cell Cycle 2016; 14:3318-30. [PMID: 26378412 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1087622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGF1, FGF2 and FGF4) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4) have been reported to be expressed in preimplantation embryos and be required for their development. However, the functions of these molecules in trophectoderm cells (TEs) that lead to the formation of the blastocyst as well as the underlying mechanism have not been elucidated. The present study has demonstrated for the first time that endogenous FGF2 secreted by TEs can regulate protein expression and distribution in TEs via the FGFR2-mediated activation of PKC and p38, which are important for the development of expanded blastocysts. This finding provides the first explanation for the long-observed phenomenon that only high concentrations of exogenous FGFs have effects on embryonic development, but in vivo the amount of endogenous FGFs are trace. Besides, the present results suggest that FGF2/FGFR2 may act in an autocrine fashion and activate the downstream PKC/p38 pathway in TEs during expanded blastocyst formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,d Department of Assisted Reproduction ; Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine ; Shanghai , China
| | - Dan Zhang
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Ying Yu
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Run-Ju Zhang
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - Xiao-Ling Hu
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,c The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University ; Shanghai , China
| | - Yong-Chao Lu
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology ; Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China.,b The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou, Zhejiang , China
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Lin XH, Liu ME, Xu HY, Chen XJ, Wang H, Tian S, Sheng JZ, Huang HF. Leptin down-regulates γ-ENaC expression: a novel mechanism involved in low endometrial receptivity. Fertil Steril 2014; 103:228-35.e3. [PMID: 25450293 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) expression in endometrium of overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during the window of implantation, and to explore the mechanism linking leptin-mediated reduction of γ-ENaC to low endometrial receptivity. DESIGN Controlled, prospective, clinical, experimental study. SETTING University-based infertility center. PATIENT(S) Blood and endometrium samples were collected from 12 control women and 12 overweight/obese PCOS patients. Pregnancy outcomes were obtained from 245 women with male-factor infertility (533 cycles) and 57 infertile women with PCOS (120 cycles) who underwent intrauterine insemination. INTERVENTION(S) Human endometrial biopsies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Expression of ENaC mRNA and protein in endometrium. RESULT(S) The expression of γ-ENaC decreased in the secretory phase endometrium of PCOS patients who showed increased serum leptin levels. In cultured endometrial cells (Ishikawa cells), leptin dose-dependently down-regulated the expression of γ-ENaC and reduced the JAr spheroid attachment rate, which could be blocked by knockdown of STAT3, a signal in the pathway of leptin receptor activation. The overweight/obese PCOS patients with increased serum leptin levels showed a significantly increased biochemical pregnancy rate, suggesting that high leptin might attenuate endometrial receptivity and increase very early pregnancy loss. CONCLUSION(S) High serum leptin may reduce endometrial receptivity by activating the STAT3 signal pathway and down-regulating γ-ENaC expression in the endometrium. These results provide valuable new insights into the molecular mechanisms linking abnormal ENaC gene expression to early pregnancy loss in overweight/obese PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Hua Lin
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao-E Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Jun Chen
- Medical Reproductive Center, Enze Maternity Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Medical Reproductive Center, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shen Tian
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Zhong Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - He-Feng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China; International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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