1.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
2.Mechanistic Study of ATO and MET Synergistically Promoting Apoptosis in Leukemia Cells
Meng LIU ; Li-Wen-Hui HUANG ; Xiao-Hui SI ; Xin-Qing NIU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1609-1616
Objective:To study the mechanism of arsenic trioxide(ATO)combined with metformin(MET)in promoting apoptosis of leukemia cells.Methods:CCK-8 method was used to detect the viability of leukemia cell line KG1a,K562,and THP1 cells treated by ATO monotherapy,MET monotherapy,and ATO combined with MET.Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of PI3K/Akt and LKB1/AMPK pathway-related genes.Western blot was used to detect the expression of PI3K/Akt and LKB1/AMPK pathway-related proteins and autophagy-related protein LC3B and P62.Results:Compared with the ATO monotherapy group,ATO combined with MET significantly inhibited the growth of KG1a,K562 and THP1 cells,and the difference in KG1a cells was more statistically significant.The combination of the two drugs induced KG1a cell cycle arrest,promoted apoptosis,increased the expression of autophagy-related protein LC3B and P62,up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway and LKB1/AMPK pathway-related genes,as well as the expression of LKB1/AMPK pathway-related proteins,and down-regulated the expression of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins.Conclusion:ATO combined with MET promotes apoptosis by up-regulating LKB1/AMPK and down-regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to regulate the autophagy of leukemia cells.
3.Mechanistic Study of ATO and MET Synergistically Promoting Apoptosis in Leukemia Cells
Meng LIU ; Li-Wen-Hui HUANG ; Xiao-Hui SI ; Xin-Qing NIU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1609-1616
Objective:To study the mechanism of arsenic trioxide(ATO)combined with metformin(MET)in promoting apoptosis of leukemia cells.Methods:CCK-8 method was used to detect the viability of leukemia cell line KG1a,K562,and THP1 cells treated by ATO monotherapy,MET monotherapy,and ATO combined with MET.Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of PI3K/Akt and LKB1/AMPK pathway-related genes.Western blot was used to detect the expression of PI3K/Akt and LKB1/AMPK pathway-related proteins and autophagy-related protein LC3B and P62.Results:Compared with the ATO monotherapy group,ATO combined with MET significantly inhibited the growth of KG1a,K562 and THP1 cells,and the difference in KG1a cells was more statistically significant.The combination of the two drugs induced KG1a cell cycle arrest,promoted apoptosis,increased the expression of autophagy-related protein LC3B and P62,up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway and LKB1/AMPK pathway-related genes,as well as the expression of LKB1/AMPK pathway-related proteins,and down-regulated the expression of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins.Conclusion:ATO combined with MET promotes apoptosis by up-regulating LKB1/AMPK and down-regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to regulate the autophagy of leukemia cells.
4.Investigation on ventilator use and management in secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province
Zheng-hua LIANG ; Si-mei WANG ; Qiu-yu LIU ; Jin-long XU ; Ze-fang LIU ; Dan WEN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(3):75-80
Objective To investigate the current situation of the ventilator use and management in secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province to provide references for management and training of ventilator users.Methods A questionnaire survey involving in 235 nurses from 13 secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province was conducted in terms of general information of the respondents,pipeline connection and parameter setup of ventilators,cleaning,sterilization and maintenance of ventilators,identification and treatment of ventilator alarms and hospital-acquired infection prevention and control.Results The results showed 20.4%of the respondents were nurses from critical care departments,and 79.6%of the respondents underwent the training for using the ventilator in their department;91.9%of the respondents could conduct ventilator self-testing by connecting the simulated lungs after the ventilator was switched on;66.4%of the respondents indicated that the initial parameters of the ventilator were set by the doctor;60.9%of the respondents proved that the performance monitoring and routine maintenance of the ventilator were carried out by the nurse;63.4%of the respondents showed disposable lines were commonly used in the departments.There were 89.8%of the respondents said the daily sterilization and management of the ventilator were performed by the nurse;46.0%of the respondents expressed the external surface of the ventilator was disinfected mainly with gamma disinfectant wipes;44.7%of the respondents indicated the external surface of the ventilator was sterilized every day;48.5%of the respondents said the internal airway of the ventilator was disinfected;57.0%of the respondents proved the disinfection was conducted after the expiratory flow sensors were used by any patient.There were 74.5%of the respondents that had paid attention to the ventilator waveform,and by the ventilator waveform only 21.3%were correct in determining whether there was secretion or fluid in the circuit and 22.1%in clarifying whether there was air leakage in the circuit.There were 59.1%of the respondents indicated that the closed suction tube was replaced once every 24 h;71.1%of the respondents could perform airbag pressure monitoring by the special pressure gauge.Conclusion Most of the nurses from secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province can use ventilators correctly,who have problems in disinfection specifications,infection prevention and control or recognition of ventilation waveform.It's suggested the training be strengthened to enhance the clinical nursing staffs in ventilator management.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):75-80]
5.A preliminary study of mechanosensitive channels Piezo 1 and Piezo 2 promoting neurogenic bladder fibrosis in young rats
Lei LYU ; Yanping ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Junkui WANG ; Shuai YANG ; Zhaokai ZHOU ; Shuai LI ; Yibo WEN ; Yakai LIU ; Guowei SI ; Xingchen LIU ; Jianguo WEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):343-349
Objective: To explore the changes of mechanosensitive channels Piezos (Piezo 1 and Piezo 2) in neurogenic bladder (NB) of young rats and their effects,so as to provide reference for clinical search of new therapeutic targets. Methods: A total of 30 female young SD rats were divided into 5 groups based on random number table method:sham operation group (sham),2-week nerve transection group (NB-2W),6-week nerve transection group (NB-6W),2-week nerve transection + Piezos inhibitor group (NB-P-2W) and 6-week nerve transection + Piezos inhibitor group (NB-P-6W),with 6 rats in each group.The NB models were constructed by transecting the L6 and S1 spinal nerves of young rats.The NB-2W and NB-6W groups were not intervened after modeling,while the NB-P-2W and NB-P-6W groups were intraperitoneally injected with Piezos inhibitor GsMTx4 (10 mg/kg) every 2 days after modeling.Bladder cystometry and ultrasound were performed after 2 and 6 weeks of transection.The expressions of Piezos and fibrosis-related indexes (Collagen Ⅰ and α-smooth muscle actin) were detected in bladder tissues. Results: The results of bladder cystometry showed that the basal bladder pressure in NB-2W group was significantly increased,while it was slightly decreased but was still higher in NB-6W group than in the sham group (P<0.05).Basal bladder pressure was lower in NB-P-2W group than in NB-2W group,but was higher than that in the sham group; basal bladder pressure was lower in NB-P-6W group than in NB-6W group,but higher than that in the sham group (P<0.05).Compared with the sham group,the NB-2W and NB-6W groups had firstly increased and then decreased maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) (P<0.05).Compared with NB-2W group,NB-P-2W group had lower bladder leakage point pressure (BLPP),but higher MCC and bladder compliance (BC) (P<0.05).Compared with NB-6W group,NB-P-6W group had significantly lower BLPP but higher MCC and BC (P<0.05).HE and MASSON staining and ultrasound results showed that,with the extension of nerve transection time,bladder fibrosis gradually worsened,the bladder wall became rough and thickened,calculi were visible inside,and hydronephrosis gradually appeared; the degree of fibrosis in NB-P-2W and NB-P-6W groups was less than that in NB-2W and NB-6W groups,and no hydronephrosis was observed in the upper urinary tract.In addition,Western blotting and immunohistochemical results showed that NB-2W and NB-6W groups had significantly higher relative expression levels of Piezos,Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA than the sham group (P<0.01),while NB-P-2W and NB-P-6W groups had lower relative expression levels of Piezos,Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA than NB-2W and NB-6W groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: The increased expressions of mechanosensitive channels Piezos in NB young rats may be involved in the progression of bladder fibrosis,but its mechanism needs further study.
6.Influencing factors of overactive bladder in college freshmen and the impacts on anxiety,quality of life,and social interaction
Guowei SI ; Ce GAO ; Sida SHAO ; Feng SI ; Yakai LIU ; Songyang WANG ; Maochuan FAN ; Huiqing ZHANG ; Qifeng DOU ; Jianguo WEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(6):513-519
Objective: To investigate the influencing factors of overactive bladder (OAB) in college freshmen and the impacts of OAB on their mental health, quality of life and social interaction. Methods: An epidemiological questionnaire survey was conducted in an anonymous manner on the prevalence of OAB among 5300 freshmen aged 17 to 22 years enrolled in the 2023—2024 academic year in Xinxiang Medical University and Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University.The questionnaire included questions on basic information, history of urinary tract infection, constipation, smoking, history of alcohol consumption, history of coffee/strong tea drinking, history of carbonated beverage drinking, redundant prepuce, phimosis, holding urine, chronic insomnia, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), quality of life score (QoL), and social avoidance and distress scale (SADS).The influencing factors of OAB were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis.The subjects were grouped according to whether they had OAB, and the differences in SAS, QoL and SADS between the OAB group and non-OAB group were compared.The impacts of OAB on the anxiety level, quality of life, and social interaction were analyzed with multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The overall prevalence rate of OAB was 4.9% (244/5018).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the history of urinary tract infection (OR=0.177), constipation (OR=0.636), smoking (OR=0.582), alcohol consumption (OR=0.685), coffee/strong tea drinking (OR=0.387), carbonated beverage drinking (OR=0.631), redundant prepuce (OR=0.673), phimosis (OR=0.311), urine holding (OR=0.593), and chronic insomnia (OR=0.256) were influencing factors for the occurrence of OAB (P<0.05).The OAB group had higher SAS score [(41.18±6.54) vs. (38.61±6.36)], QoL score [(3.65±1.20) vs. (2.79±0.95)], social avoidance score [(6.25±1.86) vs. (5.86±1.51)], social distress score [(6.27±1.59) vs. (5.97±1.32)], and total SADS score [(12.51±2.35) vs. (11.84±2.01)] than the non-OAB group (P<0.05).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that OAB could independently affect the scores of QoL, SAS, and SADS.The OAB group had higher scores of QoL, SAS, and SADS compared with the non-OAB group (P<0.001). Conclusion: History of urinary tract infection, constipation, smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee/strong tea drinking, carbonated beverage drinking, redundant prepuce, phimosis, urine holding, and chronic insomnia are influencing factors for the occurrence of OAB in male college students.Moreover, OAB has negative impacts on their mental health, quality of life, and social interaction.
7.Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in patients with 10 years of hypertension
RUN GUO ; Wen SI ; Yaoyao CUI ; Yiqing CHEN ; Qiao LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):39-42
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in patients with 10 years of hypertension. Methods A total of 350 patients with 10 years or longer course of hypertension who underwent physical examination in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from June 2021 to June 2024 were selected. General information of the patients was collected through questionnaires. Renal function related indicators and imaging results were obtained through relevant laboratory tests and imaging examinations. Based on the results of renal function related indicators, the epidemiological characteristics of chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients with 10 years of hypertension, as well as risk factors for chronic kidney disease in the hypertensive patients were identified. Results Among the 350 patients enrolled in this study, there were 71 (20.29%) with proteinuria, 32 (9.14%) with hematuria, and 40 (11.43%) with decreased renal function. A total of 80 (22.86%) cases with structural variations such as kidney stones and cysts were detected by renal B-mode ultrasound. There were 121 (34.57%) patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease. There were statistically significant differences in gender, age, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia between patients with chronic kidney disease and those without (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that gender, age, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia were the risk factors for chronic kidney disease in patients with hypertension (P<0.05). Conclusion Patients with 10 years of hypertension have a high risk of chronic kidney disease, and the risk factors include gender, age, diabetes, hyperuricemia, and hyperlipidemia.
8.Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification Unraveled The Mechanism of Pachymic Acid in The Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Hang LIU ; Yu-Xin ZHU ; Si-Lin GUO ; Xin-Yun PAN ; Yuan-Jie XIE ; Si-Cong LIAO ; Xin-Wen DAI ; Ping SHEN ; Yu-Bo XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2376-2392
ObjectiveTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable cultural heritage and an important source of antitumor compounds. Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), the dried sclerotium of a polyporaceae fungus, was first documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and has been used therapeutically and dietarily in China for millennia. Traditionally recognized for its diuretic, spleen-tonifying, and sedative properties, modern pharmacological studies confirm that Poria exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pachymic acid (PA; a triterpenoid with the chemical structure 3β-acetyloxy-16α-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24(31)-dien-21-oic acid), isolated from Poria, is a principal bioactive constituent. Emerging evidence indicates PA exerts antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, though these remain incompletely characterized. Neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant pediatric extracranial solid tumor accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, urgently requires safer therapeutics due to the limitations of current treatments. Although PA shows multi-mechanistic antitumor potential, its efficacy against NB remains uncharacterized. This study systematically investigated the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the anti-NB effects of PA by integrating network pharmacology-based target prediction with experimental validation of multi-target interactions through molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and in vitro assays, aimed to establish a novel perspective on PA’s antitumor activity and explore its potential clinical implications for NB treatment by integrating computational predictions with biological assays. MethodsThis study employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets of PA in NB, followed by validation using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA free energy analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments. Network pharmacology analysis included target screening via TCMSP, GeneCards, DisGeNET, SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and PharmMapper. Subsequently, potential targets were predicted by intersecting the results from these databases via Venn analysis. Following target prediction, topological analysis was performed to identify key targets using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, with the binding pocket defined based on crystal structures. MD simulations were performed for 100 ns using GROMACS, and RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding dynamics were analyzed. MM/PBSA calculations were carried out to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex. In vitro validation included RT-qPCR and Western blot, with GAPDH used as an internal control. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of PA on NB cell viability. GO analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve cellular response to chemical stress, vesicle lumen, and protein tyrosine kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed stable binding interactions between PA and the core target proteins AKT1, EGFR, SRC, and HSP90AA1. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed that PA treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1, EGFR, and SRC while increasing the HSP90AA1 mRNA and protein levels. ConclusionIt was suggested that PA may exert its anti-NB effects by inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, and SRC expression, potentially modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial evidence supporting PA’s development as a therapeutic candidate for NB.
9.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Metabolic Reprogramming to Treat Lung Cancer: A Review
Xiaoli WEN ; Fangyan CAI ; Ling LIU ; Si SHAN ; Xiang ZHANG ; Hongning LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):269-279
Lung cancer has the highest morbidity and mortality rate among all cancers. Because of the complex pathogenesis, there are limitations in the common Western medicine treatment methods. Clinical and experimental studies have proved that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can not only effectively treat lung cancer and alleviate the clinical symptoms of cancer patients but also reduce the adverse reactions and complications caused by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy to improve the quality of life of the patients. The biological behaviors of lung cancer cells, such as proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, are closely related to their metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer involves a series of metabolic changes such as increased glucose uptake and consumption, enhanced glycolysis, increased amino acid uptake and catabolism, and enhanced lipid and protein synthesis. Studies have reported that TCM active components, extracts, and compound prescriptions can effectively inhibit the biological behaviors of lung cancer by regulating metabolic reprogramming. Therefore, this paper reviews the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM active components, extracts, and compound prescriptions in regulating metabolic reprogramming of lung cancer, with the aim of providing a new way of thinking for the treatment of lung cancer by TCM regulation of metabolic reprogramming of lung cancer cells. The available studies suggest that TCM mainly inhibits the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)/c-Myc, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and hypoxia-inducible factor-α (HIF-1α) pathways. Furthermore, the expression of monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), hexokinase (HK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) are inhibited. In this way, TCM inhibits the glucose uptake by lung cancer cells and glycolysis in lung cancer cells to reduce the energy metabolism of tumor cells, ultimately achieving the therapeutic effect on lung cancer.
10.Network pharmacology and animal experiments reveal molecular mechanisms of Cordyceps sinensis in ameliorating heart aging and injury in mice by regulating Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway.
Si-Yi LIU ; Yue TU ; Wei-Ming HE ; Wen-Jie LIU ; Kai-Zhi WEN ; Cheng-Juan LI ; Chao HAN ; Xin-Yu LIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1063-1074
This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of the traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps sinensis(CS) in ameliorating heart aging and injury in mice based on animal experiments and network pharmacology. A mouse model of heart aging was established by continuously subcutaneous injection of D-galactose(D-gal). Thirty mice were randomly assigned into a normal group, a model group, a low-dose CS(CS-L) group, a high-dose CS(CS-H) group, and a vitamin E(VE) group. Mice in these groups were administrated with normal saline, different doses of CS suspension, or VE suspension via gavage daily. After 60 days of treatment with D-gal and various drugs, all mice were euthanized, and blood and heart tissue samples were collected for determination of the indicators related to heart aging and injury in mice. Experimental results showed that both high and low doses of CS and VE ameliorated the aging phenotype, improved the heart index and myocardial enzyme spectrum, restored the expression levels of proteins associated with cell cycle arrest and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes(SASP), and alleviated the fibrosis and histopathological changes of the heart tissue in model mice. From the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),259 active ingredients of CS were retrieved. From Gene Cards and OMIM, 2 568 targets related to heart aging were identified, and 133common targets shared by CS and heart aging were obtained. The Gene Ontology(GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes( KEGG) pathway enrichment revealed that the pathways related to heart aging involved oxidative stress,apoptosis, inflammation-related signaling pathways, etc. The animal experiment results showed that both high and low doses of CS and VE ameliorated oxidative stress and apoptosis in the heart tissue to varying degrees in model mice. Additionally, CS-H and VE activated the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) pathway and inhibited the expression of key proteins in the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) pathway in the heart tissue of model mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrated based on network pharmacology and animal experiments that CS may alleviate heart aging and injury in aging mice by reducing oxidative stress,apoptosis, and inflammation in the heart via the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway.
Animals
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Cordyceps/chemistry*
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Mice
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
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NF-kappa B/genetics*
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Aging/genetics*
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Male
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Network Pharmacology
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics*
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Heart/drug effects*
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Humans
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Myocardium/metabolism*
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Membrane Proteins/genetics*


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