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Li Q, Wang Y, Yan J, Yuan R, Zhang J, Guo X, Zhao M, Li F, Li X. Osthole ameliorates early diabetic kidney damage by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation and inhibiting TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112131. [PMID: 38669945 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112131] [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] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osthole is a natural active ingredient extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Cnidium monnieri. It has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. However, its effect on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the preventive and therapeutic effects of osthole on DKD and investigate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS A streptozotocin/high-fat and high-sucrose diet induced Type 2 diabetic rat model was established. Metformin served as the positive drug control. Diabetic rats were treated with metformin or three different doses of osthole for 8 weeks. Throughout the treatment period, the progression of DKD was assessed by monitoring increases in urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and uric acid, along with scrutinizing kidney pathology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect inflammatory factors and oxidative stress levels. At the same time, immunohistochemical staining was utilized to evaluate changes in alpha-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, E-cadherin, and apoptosis. The alterations in TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway were ascertained through western blot and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we constructed a high glucose-stimulated HBZY-1 cells model to uncover its molecular protective mechanism. RESULTS Osthole significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, serum creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, urinary protein excretion, and glomerular mesangial matrix deposition in diabetic rats. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis levels. The increase of ROS, apoptosis and hypertrophy in HBZY-1 cells induced by high glucose was reduced by osthole. Immunofluorescence and western blot results demonstrated that osthole down-regulated the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway and related protein expression. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that osthole exhibits potential preventive and therapeutic effects on DKD. It deserves further investigation as a promising drug for preventing and treating DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangsheng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jia Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ruyan Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jiamin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xinhao Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Fenfen Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Xiaotian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Environment and Health of Henan, College of Pharmacy and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology, Zhengzhou 451150, China.
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Li W, Yao C, Guo H, Ni X, Zhu R, Wang Y, Yu B, Feng X, Gu Z, Da Z. Macrophages communicate with mesangial cells through the CXCL12/DPP4 axis in lupus nephritis pathogenesis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:344. [PMID: 38762508 PMCID: PMC11102518 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06708-4] [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] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) occurs in 50% of cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is one of the most serious complications that can occur during lupus progression. Mesangial cells (MCs) are intrinsic cells in the kidney that can regulate capillary blood flow, phagocytose apoptotic cells, and secrete vasoactive substances and growth factors. Previous studies have shown that various types of inflammatory cells can activate MCs for hyperproliferation, leading to disruption of the filtration barrier and impairment of renal function in LN. Here, we characterized the heterogeneity of kidney cells of LN mice by single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and revealed the interaction between macrophages and MCs through the CXC motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12)/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) axis. In culture, macrophages modulated the proliferation and migration of MCs through this ligand-receptor interaction. In LN mice, treatment with linagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor, effectively inhibited MC proliferation and reduced urinary protein levels. Together, our findings indicated that targeting the CXCL12/DPP4 axis with linagliptin treatment may serve as a novel strategy for the treatment of LN via the CXCL12/DPP4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haixia Guo
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi'an Ni
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ran Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuebing Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhifeng Gu
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhanyun Da
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
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Chen L, Li F, Ni JH, Hao YX, Feng G, Shen XY, You Y. Ursolic acid alleviates lupus nephritis by suppressing SUMO1-mediated stabilization of NLRP3. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155556. [PMID: 38810552 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and cause a wide range of severe clinical manifestations, including lupus nephritis (LN), which is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality in individual with SLE. Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural compound with favorable anti-inflammatory properties and has been employed to treat multiple disease, including inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. However, its therapeutic potential on LN and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. PURPOSE This aim of this study was to investigate the impact of UA on LN and its underlying mechanism. METHODS MRL/lpr lupus-prone mouse model was used and UA was administered orally for 8 weeks. Dexamethasone was used as a positive control. After 8 weeks of administration, the spleen-to-body-weight ratio, renal function, urine albumin excretion, cytokines levels, and the deposition of immune complex were measured. The primary mouse glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and SV40-MES-13 were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), either alone or in combination with nigericin, to establish an in vitro model. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome were investigated both in vivo and in vitro using qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Our results revealed that UA prominently alleviated LN in MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice, leading to a significant reduction in proteinuria production, infiltration of immune cells infiltration, and histopathological damage in the renal tissue. In addition, UA exerted inhibitory effects on the secretion of IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1, pyroptosis, and ASC speck formation in primary mouse GMCs and SV40-MES-13 cells. Furthermore, UA facilitated the degradation of NLRP3 by suppressing SUMO1-mediated SUMOylation of NLRP3. CONCLUSION UA possess a therapeutical effect on LN in MRL/lpr mice by enhancing the degradation of NLRP3 through inhibition of SUMO1-mediated SUMOylation of NLRP3. Our findings provide a basis for proposing UA as a potential candidate for the treatment of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- Dermatology Department Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Hui Ni
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Hao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guize Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan You
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Hoseinzadeh A, Mahmoudi M, Rafatpanah H, Rezaieyazdi Z, Tavakol Afshari J, Hosseini S, Esmaeili SA. A new generation of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells differentially trained by immunoregulatory probiotics in a lupus microenvironment. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:358. [PMID: 38072921 PMCID: PMC10712058 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03578-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests that multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising intervention strategy in treating autoimmune inflammatory diseases. It should be stated that systemic immunoregulation is increasingly recognized among the beneficial effects of MSCs and probiotics in treating morbid autoimmune disorders such as lupus. This study aimed to determine if immunoregulatory probiotics L. rhamnosus or L. delbrueckii can change the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs in lupus-like disease. METHODS Pristane-induced lupus (PIL) mice model was created via intraperitoneal injection of Pristane and then confirmed. Naïve MSCs (N-MSCs) were coincubated with two Lactobacillus strains, rhamnosus (R-MSCs) or delbrueckii (D-MSCs), and/or a combination of both (DR-MSCs) for 48 h, then administrated intravenously in separate groups. Negative (PBS-treated normal mice) and positive control groups (PBS-treated lupus mice) were also investigated. At the end of the study, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis were used to determine the percentage of Th cell subpopulations in splenocytes and the level of their master cytokines in sera, respectively. Moreover, lupus nephritis was investigated and compared. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Abnormalities in serum levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies, creatinine, and urine proteinuria were significantly suppressed by MSCs transplantation, whereas engrafted MSCs coincubation with both L. strains did a lesser effect on anti-dsDNA antibodies. L. rhamnosus significantly escalated the ability of MSCs to scale down the inflammatory cytokines (IFN-ɣ, IL-17), while L. delbrueckii significantly elevated the capacity of MSCs to scale down the percentage of Th cell subpopulations. However, incubation with both strains induced MSCs with augmented capacity in introducing inflammatory cytokines (IFN-ɣ, IL-17). Strikingly, R-MSCs directly restored the serum level of TGF-β more effectively and showed more significant improvement in disease parameters than N-MSCs. These results suggest that R-MSCs significantly attenuate lupus disease by further skew the immune phenotype of MSCs toward increased immunoregulation. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrated that Lactobacillus strains showed different capabilities in training/inducing new abilities in MSCs, in such a way that pretreated MSCs with L. rhamnosus might benefit the treatment of lupus-like symptoms, given their desirable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Hoseinzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mahmoudi
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Houshang Rafatpanah
- Immunology Research Centre, Division of Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaieyazdi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jalil Tavakol Afshari
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology, BuAli Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Hosseini
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Wang Q, Fan X, Sheng Q, Yang M, Zhou P, Lu S, Gao Y, Kong Z, Shen N, Lv Z, Wang R. N6-methyladenosine methylation in kidney injury. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:170. [PMID: 37865763 PMCID: PMC10590532 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01586-7] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple mechanisms are involved in kidney damage, among which the role of epigenetic modifications in the occurrence and development of kidney diseases is constantly being revealed. However, N6-methyladenosine (M6A), a well-known post-transcriptional modification, has been regarded as the most prevalent epigenetic modifications in higher eukaryotic, which is involved in various biological processes of cells such as maintaining the stability of mRNA. The role of M6A modification in the mechanism of kidney damage has attracted widespread attention. In this review, we mainly summarize the role of M6A modification in the progression of kidney diseases from the following aspects: the regulatory pattern of N6-methyladenosine, the critical roles of N6-methyladenosine in chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury and renal cell carcinoma, and then reveal its potential significance in the diagnosis and treatment of various kidney diseases. A better understanding of this field will be helpful for future research and clinical treatment of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimeng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoting Fan
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghao Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Meilin Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Shangwei Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhijuan Kong
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhimei Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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Liu S, Zhou W. Research progress in functional magnetic resonance imaging assessment of lupus nephritis kidney injury. Lupus 2023; 32:1143-1154. [PMID: 37556364 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231193790] [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: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis is one of the most common and severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus and is also a major predictor of poor prognosis and mortality. Lupus nephritis has the characteristics of insidious onset, complex pathological types, rapid progression of organ damage, and easy recurrence. Currently, kidney damage in lupus nephritis is usually assessed based on urine analysis, renal biopsy, and glomerular filtration rates. However, they all have certain limitations, making it difficult to diagnose lupus nephritis early and assess its severity and progression. With the rapid development of functional magnetic resonance, multiple functional imaging techniques are expected to provide more useful information for the pathophysiological development, early diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and renal function evaluation of lupus nephritis. This article reviews the principle of multiple functional magnetic resonance imaging and the research status of evaluating renal function in lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangjiao Liu
- Department of Radiology, YueYang Central Hospital, Yueyang, China
| | - Wenming Zhou
- Department of Radiology, YueYang Central Hospital, Yueyang, China
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Tsai CY, Li KJ, Shen CY, Lu CH, Lee HT, Wu TH, Ng YY, Tsao YP, Hsieh SC, Yu CL. Decipher the Immunopathological Mechanisms and Set Up Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Patients with Lupus Nephritis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10066. [PMID: 37373215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most severe complications in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Traditionally, LN is regarded as an immune complex (IC) deposition disease led by dsDNA-anti-dsDNA-complement interactions in the subendothelial and/or subepithelial basement membrane of glomeruli to cause inflammation. The activated complements in the IC act as chemoattractants to chemically attract both innate and adaptive immune cells to the kidney tissues, causing inflammatory reactions. However, recent investigations have unveiled that not only the infiltrating immune-related cells, but resident kidney cells, including glomerular mesangial cells, podocytes, macrophage-like cells, tubular epithelial cells and endothelial cells, may also actively participate in the inflammatory and immunological reactions in the kidney. Furthermore, the adaptive immune cells that are infiltrated are genetically restricted to autoimmune predilection. The autoantibodies commonly found in SLE, including anti-dsDNA, are cross-reacting with not only a broad spectrum of chromatin substances, but also extracellular matrix components, including α-actinin, annexin II, laminin, collagen III and IV, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Besides, the glycosylation on the Fab portion of IgG anti-dsDNA antibodies can also affect the pathogenic properties of the autoantibodies in that α-2,6-sialylation alleviates, whereas fucosylation aggravates their nephritogenic activity. Some of the coexisting autoantibodies, including anti-cardiolipin, anti-C1q, anti-ribosomal P autoantibodies, may also enhance the pathogenic role of anti-dsDNA antibodies. In clinical practice, the identification of useful biomarkers for diagnosing, monitoring, and following up on LN is quite important for its treatments. The development of a more specific therapeutic strategy to target the pathogenic factors of LN is also critical. We will discuss these issues in detail in the present article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Youh Tsai
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital & College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24352, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Yu Shen
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsun Lu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ting Lee
- MacKay Memorial Hospital & MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Hung Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Yung Ng
- Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital & College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24352, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Po Tsao
- Division of Holistic and Multidisciplinary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Li Yu
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 106319, Taiwan
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