1.Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Extract Regulates Blood Pressure in Rat Model of Metabolic Hypertension Induced by High-sugan and High-fat Diet via TRPC3/6/NOX2/4 Sigraling Pathway
Chang CHEN ; Hongyu WU ; Ling LI ; Yuebo JIANG ; Sheng ZHANG ; Yunna CHEN ; Weidong CHEN ; Daiyin PENG ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):217-228
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in treating metabolic hypertension induced by a high-sugar and high-fat diet in rats based on network pharmacology, proteomics, and animal experiments. MethodsThirty male SD rats were randomized into the control, model, positive drug (tetrandrine, Tet, 50 mg·kg-1·d-1), low-dose Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (DS-L, 45×104 mg·kg-1·d-1), and high-dose Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (DS-H, 90×104 mg·kg-1·d-1) groups. Except for the control group, each group was fed a high-fat and high-sugar diet for 8 weeks for the modeling of metabolic hypertension. Following successful modeling, drug interventions were conducted through gavage for 4 weeks. Blood pressure and lipid indicators were monitored, and cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography. Samples from the thoracic aorta and cardiac tissue were collected for histopathological examination. Network pharmacology analysis identified key active components, potential targets, and mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in treating hypertension. Proteomics technology was employed to analyze the differential proteins and major pathway targets to synergistically elucidate the antihypertensive mechanism of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Ca2+ concentrations in the thoracic aorta and cardiac tissue were measured. The protein levels of transient receptor potential cation channel (TRPC)3, TRPC6, NADPH oxidase (NOX)2, and NOX4 were quantified via Western blotting. The levels of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Molecular docking analysis was performed for the main components of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with TRPC3, TRPC6, NOX2, and NOX4. ResultsThe experimental results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited abnormally elevated blood pressure and increased lipid levels (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the DS-L group exhibited reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P<0.05), decreased serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.05), and increased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.01). The DS-H and Tet groups showed more significant effects (P<0.01). Moreover, the interventions attenuated vascular wall thickening, myocardial cell injury, and collagen and lipid deposition. Network pharmacology and proteomics prediction results indicated that the core targets of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in treating hypertension were TRPC3, TRPC6, NOX2, and NOX4, and the core pathways included calcium signaling, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signaling, and atherosclerosis-related pathways. The molecular mechanism experiment results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated tissue Ca2+ concentrations, exacerbated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and upregulated protein levels of TRPC3, TRPC6, NOX2, and NOX4 in the thoracic aorta and myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, DS-L reduced the free Ca2+ concentration, lowered the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, SOD, and MDA (P<0.05), and downregulated the protein levels of TRPC3, TRPC6, NOX2, and NOX4 in the thoracic aorta and myocardial tissue (P<0.05). DS-H and Tet exhibited more significant effects (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the main components of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma had strong binding affinity with the core targets of hypertension. ConclusionSalviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma may ameliorate oxidative stress and mitigate inflammatory responses by regulating the TRPC3/6/NOX2/4 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating abnormal blood pressure abnormality and myocardial injury in hypertensive rats.
2.Effects and Regulation of Glycosylation Modifications on G Protein-coupled Receptor Function
Fang-Ming WU ; Sheng-Long LING ; Pan SHI ; Yu SUN ; Chang-Lin TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2352-2364
Glycosylation constitutes a critical, highly intricate, and diverse co- and post-translational modification characterized by the covalent attachment of sugar moieties to proteins, lipids, or small RNAs. Complex glycans are ubiquitously present across nearly all living organisms. Despite their prevalence, our comprehension of glycan diversity remains limited, likely due to the inherent challenges associated with elucidating their structural complexity. Among post-translational modifications, protein glycosylation is notably prevalent, involving the enzymatic transfer of oligosaccharides to specific amino acid residues by glycosyltransferases. This modification plays a pivotal role in modulating protein function, including participation in various biological and biochemical recognition processes. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), encoded by approximately one thousand genes, share a conserved architecture comprising seven transmembrane helices interconnected by three intracellular and three extracellular loops. Representing the largest family of human membrane proteins, GPCRs regulate a vast array of physiological and pathological processes, thereby constituting the most extensive class of therapeutic targets. In mammalian systems, the majority of GPCRs undergo glycosylation predominantly at their extracellular N-terminus or extracellular loops, primarily through N-linked and O-linked glycosylation. These covalent carbohydrate modifications exert profound effects on multiple facets of GPCR biology, including endoplasmic reticulum folding and quality control, membrane trafficking and surface expression, receptor internalization and recycling or degradation, ligand binding and signal transduction, biased signaling, and receptor dimerization. Notably, glycosylation can exert both positive and negative regulatory influences on these processes. Dysregulation of GPCR glycosylation has been implicated in a range of pathological conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, underscoring its physiological and pathological significance. Aberrant glycosylation patterns may lead to dysfunctional receptor signaling, thereby contributing to disease progression. Consequently, elucidating the precise roles of glycosylation in GPCR function not only enhances fundamental understanding of receptor biology but also facilitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting glycosylation pathways or specific GPCR glycoforms. Although the functional consequences of glycosylation have been investigated for several decades, delineating their exact structural underpinnings has remained challenging due to the intrinsic flexibility and heterogeneity of carbohydrate structures. Recent advances in structural biology, particularly single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography, have catalyzed a paradigm shift in our understanding of GPCR glycosylation. The integration of these sophisticated structural techniques with biochemical approaches has redefined glycosylation as a complex structural element integral to receptor function. These developments provide a molecular framework for comprehending how glycans influence receptor pharmacology and open new avenues for the rational design of glyco-engineered biologics and allosteric modulators targeting specific extracellular motifs. This mini-review concentrates on glycosylation within the GPCR superfamily, summarizing the impact of glycosylation modifications on receptor function and regulatory mechanisms, recent progress in the structural biology of GPCR glycosylation, and prospective directions for future research in this field.
3.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
4.Frequent association of malignant effusions in plasmablastic lymphoma:a single‑institutional experience of nine cases in Taiwan
Bo‑Jung CHEN ; Yu‑Ting KUO ; Sheng‑Tsung CHANG ; Khin‑Than WIN ; Shang‑Wen CHEN ; Sheng‑Yen HSIAO ; Yin‑Hsun FENG ; Yen‑Chuan HSIEH ; Shih‑Sung CHUANG
Blood Research 2025;60():22-
Purpose:
Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma that is characterized by terminal B-cell differ‑ entiation. In the West, PBL usually occurs in patients with immunodeficiencies, particularly those induced by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We investigated the clinicopathological features of PBL at a single institute in Taiwan, where HIV infection is rare.
Methods:
This retrospective chart review identified PBL cases that were treated at a single institute in southern Tai‑ wan between 2008 and 2024.
Results:
We identified nine patients (four males and five females; median age 71 years). Of the eight patients tested for HIV, only one tested positive. Pathologically, the tumors showed plasmablastic morphology and immunopheno‑ type, and three (33%) cases tested positive for Epstein–Barr virus. Six (67%) patients presented with Stage IV disease, including five (56%) with malignant effusion. Six patients were treated with chemotherapy and the remaining three received only supportive care. During a median follow-up of 10 months, five patients died of progressive disease, two died of unrelated diseases, and two were alive with PBL relapse.
Conclusion
In Taiwan, PBL constitutes a rare and aggressive clinical condition and is frequently associated with malignant effusion. In contrast to Western patients, the PBL in most patients from Taiwan was unrelated to HIV infection.
6.Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Superficial Parotid Pleomorphic Adenoma
Chih-Ying LEE ; Wei-Che LIN ; Sheng-Dean LUO ; Pi-Ling CHIANG ; An-Ni LIN ; Cheng-Kang WANG ; Chun-Yuan CHAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):460-470
Objective:
To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA).
Materials and Methods:
From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups.
Results:
In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000).
Conclusion
RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.
7.Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Superficial Parotid Pleomorphic Adenoma
Chih-Ying LEE ; Wei-Che LIN ; Sheng-Dean LUO ; Pi-Ling CHIANG ; An-Ni LIN ; Cheng-Kang WANG ; Chun-Yuan CHAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):460-470
Objective:
To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA).
Materials and Methods:
From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups.
Results:
In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000).
Conclusion
RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.
8.Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Superficial Parotid Pleomorphic Adenoma
Chih-Ying LEE ; Wei-Che LIN ; Sheng-Dean LUO ; Pi-Ling CHIANG ; An-Ni LIN ; Cheng-Kang WANG ; Chun-Yuan CHAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):460-470
Objective:
To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA).
Materials and Methods:
From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups.
Results:
In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000).
Conclusion
RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.
9.Comparative analysis of the efficacy of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair combined with Toupet or Dor fundoplication for esophageal hiatal hernia
Sheng-Chang LIANG ; Jin-Lian WANG ; Yi-Bin GUO ; Qi ZHANG ; Yu-Peng ZHANG ; Ting-Bao CAO ; Kun-Peng QU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(9):1122-1128
Objective To investigate the postoperative efficacy of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair(LHHR)combined with Toupet or Dor fundoplication for the treatment of esophageal hiatal hernia(HH).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the case data of HH patients who underwent LHHR combined with Toupet(Toupet group,n=53)and Dor(Dor group,n=53)fundoplication between December 2018 and December 2022 in Department of General Surgery of Gansu Provincial Hospital.Intraoperative and postoperative recovery outcomes of both groups were observed.We analyzed and compared the incidence of dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire(GERD-Q)scores at preoperative and postoperative intervals of 1 month,6 months,and 1 year.The incidence of postoperative complications and the 1-year recurrence rate were compared between the two groups.Additionally,factors influencing postoperative dysphagia within the first month were examined.Results The differences between the two groups in operation time,intraoperative bleeding,postoperative ventilation time,postoperative extubation time and hospitalization time were not statistically significant(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of immediate postoperative dysphagia in two groups(P>0.05).Furthermore,the differences between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative complications,such as bloating,abdominal pain and diarrhea,were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The incidence of dysphagia in Toupet group was higher than that in Dor group at 1 month postoperatively,and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.017);but the difference in the incidence of dysphagia between the two groups at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively was not statistically significant(P=0.767,1.000).The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that both surgical procedure(OR=2.613,95%CI 1.141-5.983,P=0.023)and esophageal contractile reserve function(OR=2.921,95%CI 1.203-7.095,P=0.018)were independent risk factors for the incidence of dysphagia in patients with HH at 1 month after surgery.Compared with the preoperative period,the GERD-Q symptom scores were lower in both groups at 1 month,6 months,and 1 year postoperatively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at the same time point(Fintergroup=0.334,P=0.565).The difference between the two groups in 1-year postoperative recurrence rates was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusions LHHR combined with Toupet or Dor fundoplication are both safe and effective surgical procedures for the treatment of HH,with excellent reflux control,fewer complications and lower recurrence rates,but Toupet fundoplication is more likely to have postoperative short-term dysphagia than Dor fundoplication.
10.Chemical composition and efficacy of warming lung and resolving fluid retention of Asarum forbesii grown under different shading conditions.
Lu LIAO ; Li-Xian LU ; Hong-Zhuan SHI ; Qiao-Sheng GUO ; Cheng-Hao FEI ; Kun ZHAO ; Yuan-Yuan XING ; Yong SU ; Chang LIU ; Xin-Yue YUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):384-394
Asarum forbesii is a perennial herb born in a shaded and humid environment, which is warm in nature. With the efficacy of warming lung, resolving fluid retention, and relieving coughs, it can be used to treat the syndrome of cold fluid accumulating in lung. To investigate the effects of different shading conditions on the composition and efficacy of A. forbesii, this study planted A. forbesii under 20% natural light(NL20), 40% natural light(NL40), 60% natural light(NL60), and 80% natural light(NL80) and utilized ultra performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) and micro broth 2-fold dilution method to detect the volatile chemical compounds and the minimum inhibitory concentration. At the same time, the study investigated the effects of A. forbesii grown under different shading conditions on the signs, pathological changes of lung tissues, serum cytokine levels, activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅴ in lung tissues, and relative expression of related genes of mice with syndrome of cold fluid accumulating in lung. The results indicated that with the increase of shading, the content of kakuol, methyl eugenol, and asarinin in A. forbesii and the antibacterial effect showed a tendency of increasing first and then decreasing, and the NL40 group was significantly better than the other groups. Under the conditions of NL20 and NL40, A. forbesii significantly alleviated the pathological damage to lung tissues, restored the homeostasis of the lung, and enhanced the energy metabolism level of mice with syndrome of cold fluid accumulating in lung. In addition, A. forbesii planted under the two conditions reduced the content of interleukin-8(IL-8), interleukin-13(IL-13), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and mucin 5AC(MUC5AC), increased the levels of interleukin-10(IL-10) and aquaporin 1(AQP1), lowered the expression of MMP9, VEGF, TGF-β, and MAPK3. In conclusion, the therapeutic effect of A. forbesii on the syndrome of cold fluid accumulating in lung was positively correlated with the degree of shading, and the chemical composition and efficacy of warming lung and resolving fluid retention were optimal under the conditions of NL20-NL40. This study can provide reference for the pharmacological research and cultivation of A. forbesii.
Animals
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Mice
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Lung/pathology*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
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Light
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Cytokines/genetics*
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Humans

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