1.Comparative study on replacing Wnt3a with small molecule compound CHIR99021 in colorectal cancer organoid culture
Run LI ; Feng LIN ; Ruoyu WANG ; Wenzhi LIU ; Shanshan LIANG
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(6):393-400
Objective:To compare the efficacy of Wnt3a factor and small molecule compound CHIR99021 in culturing colorectal cancer organoid, and to explore the feasibility of replacing Wnt3a with CHIR99021.Methods:The organoids were cultured using 2 culture systems containing Wnt3a or CHIR99021, based on the colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 and rectal cancer tissue from one patient (surgical specimen from the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University), including Wnt3a cell organoid, CHIR99021 cell organoid, Wnt3a tissue organoid, and CHIR99021 tissue organoid. The growth of organoids was observed under the optical microscope. The pathological characteristics of organoids and the rectal cancer tissue were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, which included cytokeratin(CK) 7, CK20, Ki-67, and stemness marker CD133. The expression of β-catenin (a key Wnt pathway protein) was analyzed by Western blotting (WB) method. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoids were analyzed by drug susceptible test and GraphPad Prism 9.0 software. Independent sample- t test was used for statistical analysis. Results:Under the optical microscope, the size of CHIR99021 cell organoid was relatively uniform, while the size of the Wnt3a cell organoid was uneven, compact and dense spherical structure was formed in both organoids. HE staining showed tumor features including increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and obvious nuclear atypia in the Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoids. The results of IHC staining showed that CK7 was negative, and CK20 and Ki-67 were positive in the Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoids. The results of WB method showed that the relative expression level of β-catenin of the CHIR99021 cell organoid was higher than that of the Wnt3a cell organoid (0.89±0.09 vs. 0.26±0.04), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=13.80, P<0.001). The results of drug susceptible test demonstrated that the IC50 value of the Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoid was 10.91 and 14.55 μmol/L, respectively. Further IHC staining showed that CD133 was positive in the Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoids, with stronger intensity in the CHIR99021 cell organoid. The pathological characteristics of Wnt3a and CHIR99021 tissue organoid were consistent with those of the rectal cancer tissue of the patient, with all CK7 being negative and CK20 and Ki-67 being positive. Conclusions:Both Wnt3a and CHIR99021 can successfully establish colorectal cancer organoids with consistent pathological characteristics. The IC50 value of the CHIR99021 cell organoid is high, which is related to the increased stemness of organoids. The pathological characteristics of Wnt3a and CHIR99021 tissue organoid are consistent with those of the rectal cancer tissue from the patient.
2.Natural diosmin alleviating obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway.
Can LIU ; Siyu HAO ; Mengdi ZHANG ; Xueyu WANG ; Baiwang CHU ; Tingjie WEN ; Ruoyu DANG ; Hua SUN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(7):863-870
Obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are linked to numerous chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and type II diabetes. Previous research identified the natural flavonoid diosmin, derived from Chrysanthemum morifolium, as a regulator of glucose metabolism. However, its effects on lipid metabolism and underlying mechanisms remained unexplored. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway serves a critical function in glucose and lipid metabolism. The relationship between diosmin and the AMPK pathway has not been previously documented. This investigation examined diosmin's capacity to reduce lipid content through AMPK pathway activation in hepatoblastoma cell line G2 (HepG2) and 3T3-L1 cells. The study revealed that diosmin inhibits lipogenesis, indicating its potential as an anti-obesity agent in obese mice. Moreover, diosmin demonstrated effective MASLD alleviation in vivo. These findings suggest that diosmin may represent a promising therapeutic candidate for treating obesity and MASLD.
Diosmin/administration & dosage*
;
Animals
;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics*
;
Humans
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Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/enzymology*
;
Mice
;
Obesity/enzymology*
;
Hep G2 Cells
;
Male
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3T3-L1 Cells
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Lipid Metabolism/drug effects*
;
Chrysanthemum/chemistry*
;
Lipogenesis/drug effects*
3.An exploration of the historical development of modern Chinese dental societies
Yahui LI ; Ruoyu CHENG ; Yalong LIU ; Ying PAN
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(9):1028-1034
Modern Chinese dental societies have been a crucial part of the progress of stomatology in China, serving as both witnesses and key drivers of its development. By reviewing historical materials related to these societies, this paper focuses on analyzing their establishment background, developmental stages, overall scale, and major activities. The findings reveal that dental societies exhibited regional, phased, professional, and academic characteristics. Furthermore, the study highlights their contributions to strengthening dental education, promoting standardization within the industry, facilitating academic exchanges, and advocating for the integration of oral and systemic health. This research enriches the study of modern Chinese stomatology history.
4.A report of two cases of hypoadrenocorticism caused by megestrol acetate
Ruoyu ZHOU ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Meijuan DONG ; Yanlong BU ; Zhaohui CUI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(3):242-244
Megestrol acetate is widely used in clinical practice and offers benefits to patients. However, it carries potential adverse effects, such as hypoadrenocorticism, which is often overlooked due to its atypical clinical manifestations. This report describes two cases of megestrol acetate-induced hypoadrenocorticism. Through a review of relevant literature, the mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies are summarized to enhance clinicians′ awareness of this potential complication.
5.An exploration of the historical development of modern Chinese dental societies
Yahui LI ; Ruoyu CHENG ; Yalong LIU ; Ying PAN
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(9):1028-1034
Modern Chinese dental societies have been a crucial part of the progress of stomatology in China, serving as both witnesses and key drivers of its development. By reviewing historical materials related to these societies, this paper focuses on analyzing their establishment background, developmental stages, overall scale, and major activities. The findings reveal that dental societies exhibited regional, phased, professional, and academic characteristics. Furthermore, the study highlights their contributions to strengthening dental education, promoting standardization within the industry, facilitating academic exchanges, and advocating for the integration of oral and systemic health. This research enriches the study of modern Chinese stomatology history.
6.A report of two cases of hypoadrenocorticism caused by megestrol acetate
Ruoyu ZHOU ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Meijuan DONG ; Yanlong BU ; Zhaohui CUI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(3):242-244
Megestrol acetate is widely used in clinical practice and offers benefits to patients. However, it carries potential adverse effects, such as hypoadrenocorticism, which is often overlooked due to its atypical clinical manifestations. This report describes two cases of megestrol acetate-induced hypoadrenocorticism. Through a review of relevant literature, the mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies are summarized to enhance clinicians′ awareness of this potential complication.
7.Comparative study on replacing Wnt3a with small molecule compound CHIR99021 in colorectal cancer organoid culture
Run LI ; Feng LIN ; Ruoyu WANG ; Wenzhi LIU ; Shanshan LIANG
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(6):393-400
Objective:To compare the efficacy of Wnt3a factor and small molecule compound CHIR99021 in culturing colorectal cancer organoid, and to explore the feasibility of replacing Wnt3a with CHIR99021.Methods:The organoids were cultured using 2 culture systems containing Wnt3a or CHIR99021, based on the colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 and rectal cancer tissue from one patient (surgical specimen from the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University), including Wnt3a cell organoid, CHIR99021 cell organoid, Wnt3a tissue organoid, and CHIR99021 tissue organoid. The growth of organoids was observed under the optical microscope. The pathological characteristics of organoids and the rectal cancer tissue were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, which included cytokeratin(CK) 7, CK20, Ki-67, and stemness marker CD133. The expression of β-catenin (a key Wnt pathway protein) was analyzed by Western blotting (WB) method. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoids were analyzed by drug susceptible test and GraphPad Prism 9.0 software. Independent sample- t test was used for statistical analysis. Results:Under the optical microscope, the size of CHIR99021 cell organoid was relatively uniform, while the size of the Wnt3a cell organoid was uneven, compact and dense spherical structure was formed in both organoids. HE staining showed tumor features including increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and obvious nuclear atypia in the Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoids. The results of IHC staining showed that CK7 was negative, and CK20 and Ki-67 were positive in the Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoids. The results of WB method showed that the relative expression level of β-catenin of the CHIR99021 cell organoid was higher than that of the Wnt3a cell organoid (0.89±0.09 vs. 0.26±0.04), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=13.80, P<0.001). The results of drug susceptible test demonstrated that the IC50 value of the Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoid was 10.91 and 14.55 μmol/L, respectively. Further IHC staining showed that CD133 was positive in the Wnt3a and CHIR99021 cell organoids, with stronger intensity in the CHIR99021 cell organoid. The pathological characteristics of Wnt3a and CHIR99021 tissue organoid were consistent with those of the rectal cancer tissue of the patient, with all CK7 being negative and CK20 and Ki-67 being positive. Conclusions:Both Wnt3a and CHIR99021 can successfully establish colorectal cancer organoids with consistent pathological characteristics. The IC50 value of the CHIR99021 cell organoid is high, which is related to the increased stemness of organoids. The pathological characteristics of Wnt3a and CHIR99021 tissue organoid are consistent with those of the rectal cancer tissue from the patient.
8.Effect and mechanism of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on neuroinflammation in rats with traumatic brain injury
Jiafa YANG ; Zhaofeng LU ; Yaqiong WANG ; Ruoyu LU ; Hairong LI ; Mengjia LIU
Journal of Xinxiang Medical College 2024;41(7):631-639
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC)on neuroinflammatory injury in the penumbra of traumatic brain injury(TBI)in rats.Methods Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into the PDTC group,TBI group,sham operation group and control group according to the random number table method,with 15 rats in each group.Rats in the PDTC group were intraperitoneally injected with PDTC(100 mg·kg-1)at 15 minutes before surgery;while the rats in the TBI group,sham operation group,and control group were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of double distilled water.After the cranial window of rats in the TBI group and PDTC group was created,a 2.5 g steel rod with an inner diameter of 6.0 mm was dropped freely from a height of 75 cm through a transparent polyvinyl chloride tube with an inner diameter of 7.0 mm to impact the dura mater and induce right parietal lobe contusion and laceration to establish the TBI model;rats in the sham operation group were sealed with bone wax after the cranial window creation,without any impact applied;rats in the control group were raised under normal conditions.The modified neurological severity score(mNSS)was used to evaluate the degree of neurobehavioral damage in rats in each group at 1,4 and 7 days after modeling.At 2 days after modeling,5 rats in each group were decapitated,and brain tissues were taken for hematoxylin & eosin(HE)staining,and morphological changes of the brain tissues were observed under an optical microscope.The expressions of β-amyloid precursor protein(β-APP)and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)in the brain tissues of rats in each group were detected by immunohistochemical staining.At 24 hours after modeling,5 rats in each group were decapitated,and the right injured penumbra tissues were obtained;the expressions of nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)P65,phosphorylated NF-κB P65,inhibitor of NF-κB(IκB),phosphorylated IKB,NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)and caspase-1 protein in the right injured penumbra tissue of rats in each group were detected by Western blot,and the expressions of NF-κB P65,IκB,NLRP3 and caspase-1 mRNA in the right injured penumbra tissue of rats in each group were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results At 1,4,and 7 days after modeling,the mNSS scores of rats in the TBI group were signifi-cantly higher than those in the PDTC group,control group and sham operation group.The mNSS scores of rats in the PDTC group were significantly higher than those in the control group and sham operation group(P<0.05);there was no statistically significant difference in mNSS scores between the sham operation group and the control group(P>0.05).The neurons and neurogliocyte of rats in the control group and the sham operation group exhibited normal morphology,without swelling and wide-ning of intercellular space.Diffuse hemorrhagic changes were observed in the brain tissues of rats in the TBI group,with different morphologies of neuronal cell body,unclear cell membrane and cytoplasm,pyknosis of cell nuclei,often triangular shape,disappearance of normal structure and nucleoli,and diffuse white blood cells and red blood cells filling the field of vision.The lesion surrounding area of rats in the PDTC group showed ischemic changes,with mild shrinkage of neuronal volume,a uniform light red color,karyopyknosis,nuclear-cytoplasmic dissociation,disappearance of normal structure and nucleoli,and localization of neuroinflammation.There was no significant expression of β-APP and GFAP in the cerebral cortex of rats in the control group and the sham operation group,while the accumulation of β-APP and GFAP in neuronal serosae and/or axons was observed in the brain tissues of rats in the TBI group and the PDTC group.Compared with the TBI group,a decrease in the number and the expression intensity of β-APP and GFAP-positive stained neuronal cells in the cerebral cortex of rats was observed in the PDTC group.The relative expression of NF-κB P65 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the sham operation group,TBI group and PDTC group was significantly higher than that in the control group,and the relative expression of NF-κB P65 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group was significantly higher than that in the TBI group(P<0.05).The relative expression of phosphorylated NF-κB P65 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group and the sham operation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,the relative expression of phosphorylated NF-κB P65 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the TBI group was significantly higher than that in the control group and the sham operation group,and the relative expression of phosphorylated NF-κB P65 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group was significantly lower than that in both TBI group and sham operation group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the relative expression of IκB protein in the brain tissues of rats between the sham operation group and the control group(P>0.05);the relative expression of IκB protein in the brain tissues of rats in the TBI group was significantly higher than that in the control group,and the relative expression of IκB protein in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group was significantly lower than that in the control group,sham operation group,and TBI group(P<0.05).The relative expression of phosphorylated IκB protein in the brain tissues of rats in the TBI group was significantly lower than that in the control group and the sham operation group,and the relative expression of phosphorylated IκB protein in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group was significantly higher than that in the TBI group(P<0.05).The relative expression of NLRP3 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the sham opera-tion group was significantly higher than that in the control group,the relative expression of NLRP3 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the TBI group and the PDTC group was significantly lower than that in the sham operation group and the control group,and the relative expression of NLRP3 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the TBI group was significantly lower than that in the PDTC group(P<0.05).The relative expression of caspase-1 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the sham opera-tion group,PDTC group,and TBI group was significantly higher than that in the control group,and the relative expression of caspase-1 protein in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group was significantly lower than that in the TBI group(P<0.05).The relative expression of NF-κB P65 mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group,TBI group,and sham operation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,the relative expression of NF-κB P65 mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group and TBI group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group,and the relative expres-sion of NF-κB P65 mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group was significantly lower than that in the TBI group(P<0.05).The relative expression of IκB mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group and TBI group were signifi-cantly higher than that in the control group,and the expression of IκB mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the sham operation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The relative expression of IκB mRNA in the brain tis-sues of rats in the PDTC group and TBI group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group,and the relative expression of IκB mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group was significantly lower than that in the TBI group(P<0.05).The relative expression of NLRP3 mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group and TBI group was significantly higher than that in the control group,the relative expression of NLRP3 mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the sham operation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,the relative expression of NLRP3 mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group and TBI group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group,and the relative expression of NLRP3 mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the PDTC group was significantly lower than that in the TBI group(P<0.05).The relative expression of caspase-1 mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the sham operation group,TBI group,and PDTC group was significantly lower than that in the control group,the relative expression of caspase-1 mRNA in the brain tissues of rats in the TBI group and PDTC group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group(P<0.05).Conclusion PDTC can effectively improve neural functional deficit score and reduce neuroinflammatory injury in TBI rats,the mechanism of which may be related to regulating mRNA and protein expression of NF-κB/NLRP3 axis-related inflammatory injury indicators and regulating downstream inflammatory factors.
9.Experimental Study on Regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 by Linalool to Inhibit Hepatic Injury Induced by Aflatoxin B1
Meng WANG ; Chunmiao XUE ; Xin HUANG ; Wenhui LIU ; Ruoyu GAO ; Xuehui BAI ; Guodong HUA ; Baochen ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):89-96
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of linalool against acute liver injury induced by aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in rats and explore its protective mechanism. MethodTwenty male SPF SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control (n=6), AFB1 (n=7), and linalool (n=7) groups. Linalool solution (200 mg·kg-1) was administered preventatively for 14 days, while the control and AFB1 groups intragastrically received an equivalent volume of double distilled water. After preventative administration of linalool, AFB1 solution (1 mg·kg-1, dissolved in saline) was intraperitoneally injected for two consecutive days to induce acute liver injury in rats. Samples were collected and processed 14 days after model establishment. Pathological changes in liver tissue of rats were observed using Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining. Biochemical detection was performed to measure the levels of alanine transaminase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), γ-glutamyl transferase(GGT), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), total bilirubin(TBil), direct bilirubin(DBil), indirect bilirubin(IBil), malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxidedismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) , glutathione(GSH), Fe3+, and Fe2+ in the liver tissue. Western blot was adopted to assess protein expression levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1). Molecular docking was performed to verify the binding between linalool and key proteins of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Molecular dynamics techniques were used to confirm the stability and affinity of linalool binding with key proteins of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. ResultPathological results showed that compared to that in the AFB1 group, the liver structure in the linalool group tended to be normal, with a significant decrease in blue collagen fibers. The linalool group exhibited significantly reduced levels of ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, ALP, TBil, DBil, and IBil (P<0.01), Fe3+ and Fe2+ content, and oxidative stress marker MDA (P<0.01). The levels of antioxidants SOD, CAT, and GSH significantly increased (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed a molecular docking energy between linalool and Nrf2 and HO-1 targets of -5.495 6 and -5.199 4 kcal·mol-1(1 cal≈4.186 J), respectively. Molecular dynamics results indicated strong affinity in the binding of linalool with Nrf2 and HO-1. Western blot revealed a significant increase in Nrf2 protein expression (P<0.05) and a decrease in HO-1 protein expression (P<0.01) in the linalool group. ConclusionLinalool may protect against AFB1-induced acute liver injury by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 ferroptosis signaling pathway to inhibit liver cell ferroptosis and regulate hepatic oxidative stress levels.
10.Effective Components and Mechanism of Cistanches Herba Aqueous Extract Against Diabetic Nephropathy Based on the Spectral-effect Relationship
Tianhua LIU ; Chong MA ; Baicai WANG ; Ruoyu GENG ; Yao ZHAO ; Junping HU ; Jianhua YANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(10):1313-1323
OBJECTIVE
To screen out the pharmacodynamic substances of Cistanches Herba aqueous extracts, explore the basis of the pharmacodynamic substances and their mechanism of action in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN), based on the spectral relationship between the mass spectral peak areas of different elution sites of Cistanches Herba aqueous extracts and their anti-DN effects.
METHODS
UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS technique was used to characterise the chromatographic peaks; MTT method was used to detect the effects of different elution sites of Cistanches Herba aqueous extract on the proliferation of high glucose and high fat HK-2 cells; grey correlation analysis and partial least squares method were used to analyse the spectral relationship between mass spectrometry peak area and anti-DN activity. MTT method was used to determine the anti-DN activities of the individual components of Cistanches Herba aqueous extract; biochemical kit and ELISA were used to determine the levels of oxidative indicators(SOD, GSH-P) and inflammatory factors(IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β); Western blotting was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.
RESULTS
UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS technique speculated and identified 72 common compounds; In Cistanches Herba aqueous extracts, water, 20% ethanol, and 40% ethanol-eluted sites differentially increased the proliferation rate of HK-2 cells in a high-sugar, high-fat environment; Partial least squares and grey correlation analyses showed that the constituents of the aqueous extracts of Cistanches Herba with greater anti-DN contributions were 8-epideoxymatricinic acid, geniposidic acid, pinoresinol, betaine and syringin, et al. MTT assay reveals that 8-epi-deoxystrychnic acid and geniposidic acid had significant proliferative effects on HK-2 cells in a high glucose and high fat environment; Biochemical kit and ELISA showed that 8-epideoxystrychnic acid and geniposidic acid were able to up-regulate the activity of SOD and GSH-Px, and at the same time they had an inhibitory effect on the expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β. Western blotting results showed that 8-epideoxystrychnic acid and geniposidic acid were able to down-regulate and up-regulate the markers of dermal mesenchymal transition: α-SMA, Collagen Ⅰ and E-cadherin, and they could exert anti-DN effects by inhibiting the PI3K-Akt pathway.
CONCLUSION
The two compounds, 8-epideoxystrychnic acid and geniposidic acid, which are screened by the spectroeffective relationship of anti-DN among the many chemical constituents contained in Cistanches Herba, can affect oxidative stress, inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of renal tubular cells by inhibiting the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, and improve renal pathology, degree of fibrosis and renal function, which will be useful for the in-depth study of aqueous extracts of Cistanches Herba in the treatment of DN.


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