1.Expression characteristics of placental steroidogenic enzymes in preeclampsia
Zixi CHEN ; Guotai SUN ; Haining JIAO ; Fenfen XIANG ; Zhengrong ZHONG ; Rong WU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1082-1090
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression patterns of key steroidogenic enzymes (CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and CYP19A1) in placental tissues from preeclampsia (PE) patients and evaluate their potential as biomarkers for PE. MethodsA case-control study was conducted using placental tissues from PE patients (PE group, n=3) and normotensive pregnant women (control group, n=3). RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by validation of target gene expression using Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Steroid hormone levels in placental tissues and serum were measured by ELISA. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess associations between protein expression and clinical parameters, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of target genes for PE. ResultsThe results showed that 501 DEGs (P<0.05 and |Log2Fold Change| >1) were identified in PE placental tissues, with KEGG enrichment analysis revealing significant involvement in steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Compared with the control group, PE placental tissues exhibited significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression of HSD3B1 and CYP19A1 (P<0.01), while CYP11A1 expression was upregulated (P<0.05). Serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels were significantly reduced in the PE group (P<0.01), whereas testosterone (T) levels were elevated (P<0.05). Correlation analysis demonstrated that CYP11A1 expression was positively associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) (P<0.01), but negatively correlated with placental growth factor (PLGF) (P<0.01). Conversely, HSD3B1 and CYP19A1 expression showed inverse correlations with these clinical parameters (P<0.01). ROC analysis revealed that CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and CYP19A1 each had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.778 for predicting PE, with 95%CI ranging from 0.614 to 0.942 (P=0.004). The sensitivity was 94.4%, and the specificity was 66.7%. ConclusionThese findings suggest that dysregulated expression of steroidogenic enzymes in PE placental tissues contributes to hormonal imbalance, thereby playing a role in PE pathogenesis. Furthermore, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and CYP19A1 may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for PE.
2.Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsules Reduce Renal Lipid Deposition and Inflammation in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Tao ZHANG ; Jie TAO ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Yiqi YANG ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):114-121
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 40 mg·kg-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol·L-1, increased urine volume, and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows: Blank, model, low- and high-dose (0.98 and 1.96 g·kg-1, respectively) Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules, and losartan potassium (30 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage, urine and kidney specimens were collected, and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion, collagen fiber deposition, mesangial proliferation, and inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), reduced positive expression of nephrin (P<0.05), increased lipid deposition (P<0.05), and up-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group, the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein (P<0.05). Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated, with reduced inflammatory infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and mesangial proliferation, and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue (P<0.05). In addition, all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets (P<0.05), lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), and down-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.
3.Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsules Reduce Renal Lipid Deposition and Inflammation in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Tao ZHANG ; Jie TAO ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Yiqi YANG ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):114-121
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 40 mg·kg-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol·L-1, increased urine volume, and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows: Blank, model, low- and high-dose (0.98 and 1.96 g·kg-1, respectively) Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules, and losartan potassium (30 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage, urine and kidney specimens were collected, and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion, collagen fiber deposition, mesangial proliferation, and inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), reduced positive expression of nephrin (P<0.05), increased lipid deposition (P<0.05), and up-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group, the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR (P<0.05), and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein (P<0.05). Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated, with reduced inflammatory infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and mesangial proliferation, and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue (P<0.05). In addition, all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets (P<0.05), lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), and down-regulated expression of SCAP, SREBP-1c, and NLRP3 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.
4.Research progress of Dexamethasone intravitreal implants in the treatment of diabetic macular edema
Xiaoting YUAN ; Jiao HUANG ; Xiaojuan CHENG ; Rong LI ; Lishuai XU
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):82-87
Diabetic macular edema(DME), a serious complication of diabetic retinopathy(DR), is a chronic condition caused by multiple factors. Throughout its progression, inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)play a critical role. Anti-VEGF drugs have shown significant effectiveness in the treatment of DME; however, some patients may experience persistent DME after injection or require frequent injections. Dexamethasone intravitreal implants(DEX implants)serve as a sustained-release implant characterized by a reasonable release profile and high bioavailability. They offer safe, effective, and prolonged anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in the repair of retinal barrier and reduction of exudation. To further enhance patients' visual quality, exploring the efficacy of DEX implants in combination with existing treatment regimens has great clinical significance. This review primarily discusses the research advancements in DEX implants, focusing on their pharmacological properties, indications for use, and their combination with existing drugs and treatment methods. It also evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of combination therapy or switching to DEX implants compared to current standard treatments, aiming to provide guidance for personalized treatment options for patients with DME.
5.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
6.Quality control protocol for adult overweight and obesity screening in health management (examination) institutions (2025 edition)
Jianling FAN ; Tiejun WANG ; Pengfei YANG ; Keke DING ; Xiaoning HAO ; Sunfang JIANG ; Ankang LÜ ; Jianping LU ; Sheng RONG ; Weibin SHI ; Shengwei SUN ; Yan TAN ; Qilei TU ; Zhiping WANG ; Bing WANG ; Jianyun WANG ; Weijian WANG ; Yan WANG ; Qun XU ; Chenli ZHANG ; Fan ZHANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Yansong ZHENG ; Jieru ZHOU ; Dan CHEN ; Jiaoyang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(6):1097-1111
Obesity, as a chronic recurrent disease, has become a major public health challenge in China. To implement the requirements of the Healthy China Initiative (2019—2030), under domestic guidelines or consensus statements on overweight and obesity, and in alignment with the latest scientific advances globally, the Quality control protocol for adult overweight and obesity screening in health management (examination) institutions (2025 edition) was developed. This protocol was drafted by the Health Management Center of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital and formulated through multiple rounds of deliberation by experts in China’s health examination quality control field. The protocol establishes unified standards for screening facilities, personnel qualifications, and measurement or testing procedures. It defines specific screening items, outlines a standardized screening pathway, and sets requirements for the final medical review, ensuring the scientific validity, effectiveness, and safety of the screening process. The implementation of this protocol will enhance the consistency of weight management practices for adults across health examination institutions and strengthen the quality control of overweight and obesity screening programs.
7.The Mechanism of Calcium Handling Proteins and NF-κB in Calcium Dyshomeo-stasis of Cardiomyocytes Caused by Acute MDMA Exposure
Rong-Shuai WANG ; Si-Zhe HUANG ; Yun-Yun WANG ; Yan-Fei DENG ; Zi-Jiao DING ; Jie ZHANG ; Yong LIU ; Liang REN ; Liang LIU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(2):144-151,159
Objective To explore the mechanism of myocardial toxicity caused by N-methyl-3,4-methyle-nedioxyamphetamine(MDMA),the changes of intracellular calcium oscillation mode and calcium han-dling proteins during acute exposure to different concentrations of MDMA were detected,and the in-volvement of nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)and its effect on calcium handling proteins were investigated.Methods Primary rat cardiomyocytes were cultured to establish MDMA acute exposure model,and a control group was set up.The MDMA poisoning model was divided into three concentration groups of 10,100 and 1 000 μmol/L.After 1 h of exposure,the morphological changes of cardiomyocytes were ob-served,the cytotoxicity and changes in calcium signals were measured,and the changes in calcium handling proteins RyR2,SERCA2a,PLN,NCX1 and Cav1.2 were detected.The changes of NF-κB activity and the expression of nucleoprotein p-p65(Ser311)and PKCζ after MDMA exposure,and the intervention of NF-κB inhibitors pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ammonium(PDTC)and protein kinase C(PKC)inhibitor chelerythrine(CHE)were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA)and Western blotting.The effects of PDTC intervention on calcium signals,and the expressions of RyR2,SERCA2a,PLN,NCX1 and Cav1.2 after acute MDMA exposure were also observed.Results No obvious changes were observed in the morphology of cardiomyocytes after acute exposure to MDMA,whereas the oscillation waveform of intracytoplasmic calcium ion showed irregular changes with increased oscillation amplitude,intense fluctuations,irregular frequency,and increased fluctuation range of relative optical density values.The expression of RyR2,SERCA2a and NCX1 increased,while the expression of Cav1.2 and PLN de-creased.Acute MDMA exposure could increase NF-κB activity,while PDTC and CHE intervention could inhibit NF-κB activity.In MDMA exposed group,the expression of PKCζ and nucleoprotein p-p65(Ser311)both increased and could be inhibited by CHE.After the intervention of PDTC to block NF-κB,the amplitude of calcium oscillation was lower than that of the MDMA exposed group,and the expres-sion of RyR2,SERCA2a and NCX1 decreased.There was no significant change in PLN,while the ex-pression of Cav1.2 increased.Conclusion MDMA can lead to an increase of calcium ion concentration in cardiomyocytes.Calcium ions are involved in myocardial toxicity of MDMA.The mechanism is re-lated to changes in calcium handling proteins,mainly associated with the increased expression of RyR2.MDMA can up-regulate the intracellular activity of NF-κB through the PKCζ-NF-κB pathway and affect calcium handling proteins,which aggravate intracellular calcium overload during acute MDMA exposure.
8.Advances in the role of gut microbiota-drived short-chain fatty acids in autoimmune diseases in children
Zuxiong GAO ; Chuyue SU ; Zhenzheng CAO ; Rong JIAO
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(7):456-460
Alterations in the gut microbiota can lead to the occurrence of autoimmune diseases and affect the immune system through various metabolic pathways,ultimately causing damage to target organs. Short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),the common metabolic product of the gut microbiota,are closely related to the functions of multiple organs and diseases. An increasing number of studies have shown that SCFAs can regulate the immune response of the body and influence the immune process of various autoimmune diseases. However,there are relatively few domestic studies on the relationship between SCFAs and autoimmune diseases in childhood. This article aims to explore the role of SCFAs in various common autoimmune diseases in childhood and summarize the alleviation of clinical manifestations in children with various autoimmune diseases by SCFAs,providing research ideas for exploring the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases,and enrich the theoretical basis for conducting fecal microbiota transplantation therapy.
9.Antipyretic Effect and Mechanism of Qingwen Baiduling Prescription on Dry Yeast-induced Fever
Jing PAN ; Zheng CAO ; Biao JIA ; Xianglu RONG ; Jiao GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):73-81
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antipyretic effect of the Qingwen Baiduling prescription in a dry yeast-induced rat fever model and to investigate its antipyretic mechanism, providing a theoretical basis for its clinical application. MethodsSPF-grade male SD rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n=6 per group): control, model, aspirin (20 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Qingwen Baiduling prescription groups (14.40, 7.20, 3.60 g·kg-1). The fever model was established by subcutaneous injection of dry yeast suspension on the back. After model induction, body temperature was recorded every 1 hour. Drugs were administered at 6 hours after modeling, and body temperature was continuously recorded hourly for 12 hours. Record the body temperature of rats to observe the trend of changes in body temperature. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, as well as hypothalamic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hypothalamic tissue morphology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect hypothalamic expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), inhibitor κBα (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), IκB kinase α (IKKα), IKKβ, phosphorylated IKKα/β (p-IKKα/β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed a significant increase in body temperature 6 hours after modeling (P0.01), confirming successful fever induction. Serum IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and hypothalamic cAMP and PGE2 levels were significantly elevated (P0.01). Hypothalamic neurons exhibited irregular morphology and disordered distribution, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration and microglial aggregation. Expression levels of TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related proteins and phosphorylated proteins were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the model group, 2-3 hours after administration, all Qingwen Baiduling prescription dose groups significantly reduced body temperature (P0.01). All dose groups significantly decreased serum IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and hypothalamic cAMP and PGE2 levels (P0.05, P0.01). Neuronal morphology was markedly improved in the high- and medium-dose groups, with narrowed intercellular spaces and reduced inflammatory infiltration. The prescription effectively inhibited hypothalamic expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, p-IKKα/β, and COX2 proteins (P0.05, P0.01). ConclusionQingwen Baiduling prescription effectively reduces body temperature in rats by mitigating the further effects of inflammatory cytokines on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center through the blood-brain barrier. Its antipyretic mechanism may be related to inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation.
10.Cation Channel TMEM63A Autonomously Facilitates Oligodendrocyte Differentiation at an Early Stage.
Yue-Ying WANG ; Dan WU ; Yongkun ZHAN ; Fei LI ; Yan-Yu ZANG ; Xiao-Yu TENG ; Linlin ZHANG ; Gui-Fang DUAN ; He WANG ; Rong XU ; Guiquan CHEN ; Yun XU ; Jian-Jun YANG ; Yongguo YU ; Yun Stone SHI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(4):615-632
Accurate timing of myelination is crucial for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Here, we identified a de novo heterozygous mutation in TMEM63A (c.1894G>A; p. Ala632Thr) in a 7-year-old boy exhibiting hypomyelination. A Ca2+ influx assay suggested that this is a loss-of-function mutation. To explore how TMEM63A deficiency causes hypomyelination, we generated Tmem63a knockout mice. Genetic deletion of TMEM63A resulted in hypomyelination at postnatal day 14 (P14) arising from impaired differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Notably, the myelin dysplasia was transient, returning to normal levels by P28. Primary cultures of Tmem63a-/- OPCs presented delayed differentiation. Lentivirus-based expression of TMEM63A but not TMEM63A_A632T rescued the differentiation of Tmem63a-/- OPCs in vitro and myelination in Tmem63a-/- mice. These data thus support the conclusion that the mutation in TMEM63A is the pathogenesis of the hypomyelination in the patient. Our study further demonstrated that TMEM63A-mediated Ca2+ influx plays critical roles in the early development of myelin and oligodendrocyte differentiation.
Animals
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Cell Differentiation/physiology*
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Oligodendroglia/metabolism*
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Mice, Knockout
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Mice
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Male
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Myelin Sheath/metabolism*
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Humans
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Child
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Cells, Cultured
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Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells/metabolism*

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