1.S100A9 as a promising therapeutic target for diabetic foot ulcers.
Renhui WAN ; Shuo FANG ; Xingxing ZHANG ; Weiyi ZHOU ; Xiaoyan BI ; Le YUAN ; Qian LV ; Yan SONG ; Wei TANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tuo LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):973-981
BACKGROUND:
Diabetic foot is a complex condition with high incidence, recurrence, mortality, and disability rates. Current treatments for diabetic foot ulcers are often insufficient. This study was conducted to identify potential therapeutic targets for diabetic foot.
METHODS:
Datasets related to diabetic foot and diabetic skin were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R software. Enrichment analysis was conducted to screen for critical gene functions and pathways. A protein interaction network was constructed to identify node genes corresponding to key proteins. The DEGs and node genes were overlapped to pinpoint target genes. Plasma and chronic ulcer samples from diabetic and non-diabetic individuals were collected. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to verify the S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9), inflammatory cytokine, and related pathway protein levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to measure epidermal layer thickness.
RESULTS:
In total, 283 common DEGs and 42 node genes in diabetic foot ulcers were identified. Forty-three genes were differentially expressed in the skin of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The overlapping of the most significant DEGs and node genes led to the identification of S100A9 as a target gene. The S100A9 level was significantly higher in diabetic than in non-diabetic plasma (178.40 ± 44.65 ng/mL vs. 40.84 ± 18.86 ng/mL) and in chronic ulcers, and the wound healing time correlated positively with the plasma S100A9 level. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1, and IL-6) and related pathway proteins (phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase [ERK], phospho-p38, phospho-p65, and p-protein kinase B [Akt]) were also elevated. The epidermal layer was notably thinner in chronic diabetic ulcers than in non-diabetic skin (24.17 ± 25.60 μm vs. 412.00 ± 181.60 μm).
CONCLUSIONS
S100A9 was significantly upregulated in diabetic foot and was associated with prolonged wound healing. S100A9 may impair diabetic wound healing by disrupting local inflammatory responses and skin re-epithelialization.
Calgranulin B/therapeutic use*
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Diabetic Foot/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Datasets as Topic
;
Computational Biology
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Animals
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Mice
;
Protein Interaction Maps
;
Immunohistochemistry
2.Bisdemethoxycurcumin suppresses liver fibrosis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibiting CXCL12-induced macrophage polarization.
Wei YUAN ; Xinxin ZENG ; Bin CHEN ; Sihan YIN ; Jing PENG ; Xiong WANG ; Xingxing YUAN ; Kewei SUN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(10):1232-1247
Chronic, unresolved inflammation correlates with persistent hepatic injury and fibrosis, ultimately progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) demonstrates therapeutic potential against HCC, yet its mechanism in preventing hepatic "inflammation-carcinoma transformation" remains incompletely understood. In the current research, clinical HCC specimens underwent analysis using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate the expression of fibrosis markers, M2 macrophage markers, and CXCL12. In vitro, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced LX-2 cells and a co-culture system of LX-2, THP-1, and HCC cells were established. Cell functions underwent assessment through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence evaluated the differential expression of molecules. The interaction between β-catenin/TCF4 and CXCL12 was examined using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), dual luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. A DEN-induced rat model was developed to investigate BDMC's role in liver fibrosis-associated HCC (LFAHCC) development in vivo. Our results showed that clinical HCC tissues exhibited elevated fibrosis and enriched M2 macrophages. BDMC delayed liver fibrosis progression to HCC in vivo. BDMC inhibited the inflammatory microenvironment induced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Furthermore, BDMC suppressed M2 macrophage-induced fibrosis and HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, BDMC repressed TCF4/β-catenin complex formation, thereby reducing CXCL12 transcription in LX-2 cells. Moreover, CXCL12 overexpression reversed BDMC's inhibitory effect on macrophage M2 polarization and its mediation of fibrosis, as well as HCC proliferation and metastasis. BDMC significantly suppressed LFAHCC development through CXCL12 in rats. In conclusion, BDMC inhibited LFAHCC progression by reducing M2 macrophage polarization through suppressing β-catenin/TCF4-mediated CXCL12 transcription.
Animals
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Liver Neoplasms/etiology*
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Humans
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology*
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Liver Cirrhosis/complications*
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Macrophages/drug effects*
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Male
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Rats
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Chemokine CXCL12/genetics*
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Diarylheptanoids/pharmacology*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
beta Catenin/genetics*
3.Clinicopathological characteristics of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma:an analysis of 23 cases
Xingxing WANG ; Dongxian JIANG ; Wei YUAN ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Feng GAO ; Yingyong HOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(8):1017-1023
Purpose To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of follicular dendritic cell carcinoma(FDCS).Methods Hospital records of 23 patients diagnosed with FDCS were retrospectively re-viewed.The morphological,immunohistochemical features,including the detection of CD21,CD23,and CD35 using the EnVision method,and in-situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus encoded nuclear RNA(EBER)were evaluated.Clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed for the evaluation of prognosis.Results The median age of all 23 pa-tients was 50 years(range:27 to 72)and the female to male ratio was 1.3.The median maximum diameter of tumor was 7.0 cm(range:0.5 to 20.0 cm).One case was located in cervical lymph node,while another 22 were discovered in extranodal sites.20 cases were single organ and 3 cases were multiple organs involvement.Microscopically,tumor cells exhibited spindle,oval,or markedly pleomorphic morphology,accompanied by variable lymphoplasmacytic infil-tration in the stroma.CD21,CD35 and CD23 were positive in 22 of 23(95.6%),23 of 23(100.0%)and 4 of 15(26.7%)patients,respectively.EBER in-situ hybridization was positive in 9 of 23 patients(39.1%).The median follow-up time was 84.0(95%CI:50.7-117.3)months,and the 5-year survival rate was 80.2%(95%CI:62.8-97.6).Twelve(52.2%)patients were alive,5(21.7%)were dead,and 6(26.1%)were lost of follow-up.We es-tablished a pathological scoring system containing 5 indexes,i.e.,tumor maximum diameter,mitotic figures,tumor necrosis,cellular pleomorphism and histologic types.Patients with greater than 4 points had a significant poor progno-sis.Conclusion FDCS features a broad spectrum of histologic appearances and behavior.Combined morphological observations(HE staining),applications of a panel of follicular dendritic cell markers and EBER in-situ hybridization are helpful for accurate diagnosis.FDCS poses risks for recurrence,metastasis and death,and those with greater than 4 points in the scoring system have a significant poor prognosis.Long-term follow up is needed.
4.The effects of differential torque of maxillary posterior teeth with clear aligner of tooth extraction correc-tion on anterior teeth 3D mechanics in vitro
Yongjie FAN ; Junting WEI ; Bingle WANG ; Gang WU ; Sensen YANG ; Xingxing WANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(1):104-109
Objective:To investigate the effects of differential torque of maxillary posterior teeth with clear aligner on anterior teeth 3D mechanics.Methods:4 maxillary models were designed for differential torque of posterior teeth on the basis of 3D me-chanical test model with first premolar extraction.The stereolithography models were made with the same size as the standard model by 3D printing.According to the torque of the 6 keys to normal occlusion of Andrews,the standard torque of Andrews was used in group A1.The posterior teeth with lingual-crown torque of 5° were used in groups A2,and those with buccal-crown torque of 5° and 10° were respecitvely used in group A3 and A4.4 sets of corresponding clear aligners were fabricated with a 0.75 mm thick thermoplastic material.Each group had 12 pairs of the same clear aligners.The anterior teeth underwent 0.25 mm activation for en-mass retraction.The six-axis force/torque transducer measurement system was used to measure the force applied by the clear align-ers on the anterior teeth in the 3D directions.Results:In buccolingual direction:in group A1,the 4 incisors received lingual force,in groups A2-A4,the anterior teeth received labial force,and the force on the central incisors was greater than that on later-al incisors.In mesiodistal direction:in group A1-A4,4 incisors received mesial force,and the force on lateral incisors was greater than that on central incisors;in group A1-A4,the canines received distal force;the force on canine in group A4 was greater than that in A2 or A3 groups(P<0.05).The force in the vertical direction on the anterior teeth among the 4 groups(P>0.05).Conclu-sion:When en-mass retraction of the anterior teeth with clear aligner,attention should be taken to the torque of the incisors and the tip of the canines.When the posterior teeth with standard torque,the activation of labial-crown overcorrection of the anterior teeth should be increased.When the posterior teeth with lingual-crown torque or buccal-crown torque,the activation of labial-crown over-correction of the anterior teeth should be appropriately reduced.Increasing the mesial overcorrection design of canines may avoid the extrusion of anterior teeth and the deepening of o-verbite due to the distal inclination of canines.
5.Chromatin landscape alteration uncovers multiple transcriptional circuits during memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
Qiao LIU ; Wei DONG ; Rong LIU ; Luming XU ; Ling RAN ; Ziying XIE ; Shun LEI ; Xingxing SU ; Zhengliang YUE ; Dan XIONG ; Lisha WANG ; Shuqiong WEN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jianjun HU ; Chenxi QIN ; Yongchang CHEN ; Bo ZHU ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Xia WU ; Lifan XU ; Qizhao HUANG ; Yingjiao CAO ; Lilin YE ; Zhonghui TANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):575-601
Extensive epigenetic reprogramming involves in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation. The elaborate epigenetic rewiring underlying the heterogeneous functional states of CD8+ T cells remains hidden. Here, we profile single-cell chromatin accessibility and map enhancer-promoter interactomes to characterize the differentiation trajectory of memory CD8+ T cells. We reveal that under distinct epigenetic regulations, the early activated CD8+ T cells divergently originated for short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. We also uncover a defined epigenetic rewiring leading to the conversion from effector memory to central memory cells during memory formation. Additionally, we illustrate chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying long-lasting versus transient transcription regulation during memory differentiation. Finally, we confirm the essential roles of Sox4 and Nrf2 in developing memory precursor effector and effector memory cells, respectively, and validate cell state-specific enhancers in regulating Il7r using CRISPR-Cas9. Our data pave the way for understanding the mechanism underlying epigenetic memory formation in CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism*
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Cell Differentiation
;
Chromatin/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Immunologic Memory
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
;
SOXC Transcription Factors/immunology*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Gene Regulatory Networks
;
Enhancer Elements, Genetic
6.Study on safety,pharmacokinetics,and pharmacodynamics of YZJ-3058 tablets for single oral administration in healthy Chinese subjects
Yan TIAN ; Xinyi YANG ; Shuangshuang LIN ; Jinjie HE ; Jingjing WANG ; Qiong WEI ; Xingxing HUANG ; Xiaojie WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(6):796-803
AIM:To evaluate the safety and toler-ability of single dose oral BTK inhibitor YZJ-3058 tablets under fasting conditions in healthy adults,as well as the pharmacokinetic and pharmacologi-cal characteristics of YZJ-3058 and its metabolites.METHODS:A total of 22 healthy subjects were en-rolled in this experiment and administered a single dose orally.They were divided into three groups:50 mg,100 mg,and 200 mg.Among them,2 sub-jects were enrolled in the 50 mg dose group,and 10 subjects were enrolled in the 100 mg and 200 mg dose groups,respectively.RESULTS:In healthy subjects,YZJ-3058 tablets were administered orally on an empty stomach at doses of 50,100,and 200 mg,with a median Tmax of 1.25 to 2.00 hours and an average Cmax of 62.85,89.44,and 99.20 ng/mL,re-spectively.The average AUC0-t was 183.87,297.72,and 453.98 h·ng-1·mL,respectively.The average AUC0-∞ was 189.30,321.33,and 551.44 h·ng-1·mL,and the median t1/2 was 1.16,5.06,and 7.97 hours,respectively.After a single oral administration of 50,100,and 200 mg YZJ-3058 tablets,the highest target occupancy rate was achieved at 4 hours.The average BTK occupancy rates at 24 hours after ad-ministration were 88.95%,96.73%,and 99.24%,re-spectively.The average BTK occupancy rates at 48 hours after administration were 75.65%,89.80%,and 96.68%,respectively.No serious adverse events or adverse events leading to withdrawal oc-curred,and all subjects had good tolerability.CON-CLUSION:YZJ-3058 tablets have good safety and tolerability for single oral administration on an empty stomach in healthy subjects within the dose range of 50-200 mg.Cmax and AUC increase with dose,with fast absorption and saturation.The ter-minal elimination rate gradually slows down with dose increase,and it has a significant and sus-tained occupying effect on BTK targets.
7.Clinicopathological characteristics of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma:an analysis of 23 cases
Xingxing WANG ; Dongxian JIANG ; Wei YUAN ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Feng GAO ; Yingyong HOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(8):1017-1023
Purpose To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of follicular dendritic cell carcinoma(FDCS).Methods Hospital records of 23 patients diagnosed with FDCS were retrospectively re-viewed.The morphological,immunohistochemical features,including the detection of CD21,CD23,and CD35 using the EnVision method,and in-situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus encoded nuclear RNA(EBER)were evaluated.Clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed for the evaluation of prognosis.Results The median age of all 23 pa-tients was 50 years(range:27 to 72)and the female to male ratio was 1.3.The median maximum diameter of tumor was 7.0 cm(range:0.5 to 20.0 cm).One case was located in cervical lymph node,while another 22 were discovered in extranodal sites.20 cases were single organ and 3 cases were multiple organs involvement.Microscopically,tumor cells exhibited spindle,oval,or markedly pleomorphic morphology,accompanied by variable lymphoplasmacytic infil-tration in the stroma.CD21,CD35 and CD23 were positive in 22 of 23(95.6%),23 of 23(100.0%)and 4 of 15(26.7%)patients,respectively.EBER in-situ hybridization was positive in 9 of 23 patients(39.1%).The median follow-up time was 84.0(95%CI:50.7-117.3)months,and the 5-year survival rate was 80.2%(95%CI:62.8-97.6).Twelve(52.2%)patients were alive,5(21.7%)were dead,and 6(26.1%)were lost of follow-up.We es-tablished a pathological scoring system containing 5 indexes,i.e.,tumor maximum diameter,mitotic figures,tumor necrosis,cellular pleomorphism and histologic types.Patients with greater than 4 points had a significant poor progno-sis.Conclusion FDCS features a broad spectrum of histologic appearances and behavior.Combined morphological observations(HE staining),applications of a panel of follicular dendritic cell markers and EBER in-situ hybridization are helpful for accurate diagnosis.FDCS poses risks for recurrence,metastasis and death,and those with greater than 4 points in the scoring system have a significant poor prognosis.Long-term follow up is needed.
8.Study on safety,pharmacokinetics,and pharmacodynamics of YZJ-3058 tablets for single oral administration in healthy Chinese subjects
Yan TIAN ; Xinyi YANG ; Shuangshuang LIN ; Jinjie HE ; Jingjing WANG ; Qiong WEI ; Xingxing HUANG ; Xiaojie WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(6):796-803
AIM:To evaluate the safety and toler-ability of single dose oral BTK inhibitor YZJ-3058 tablets under fasting conditions in healthy adults,as well as the pharmacokinetic and pharmacologi-cal characteristics of YZJ-3058 and its metabolites.METHODS:A total of 22 healthy subjects were en-rolled in this experiment and administered a single dose orally.They were divided into three groups:50 mg,100 mg,and 200 mg.Among them,2 sub-jects were enrolled in the 50 mg dose group,and 10 subjects were enrolled in the 100 mg and 200 mg dose groups,respectively.RESULTS:In healthy subjects,YZJ-3058 tablets were administered orally on an empty stomach at doses of 50,100,and 200 mg,with a median Tmax of 1.25 to 2.00 hours and an average Cmax of 62.85,89.44,and 99.20 ng/mL,re-spectively.The average AUC0-t was 183.87,297.72,and 453.98 h·ng-1·mL,respectively.The average AUC0-∞ was 189.30,321.33,and 551.44 h·ng-1·mL,and the median t1/2 was 1.16,5.06,and 7.97 hours,respectively.After a single oral administration of 50,100,and 200 mg YZJ-3058 tablets,the highest target occupancy rate was achieved at 4 hours.The average BTK occupancy rates at 24 hours after ad-ministration were 88.95%,96.73%,and 99.24%,re-spectively.The average BTK occupancy rates at 48 hours after administration were 75.65%,89.80%,and 96.68%,respectively.No serious adverse events or adverse events leading to withdrawal oc-curred,and all subjects had good tolerability.CON-CLUSION:YZJ-3058 tablets have good safety and tolerability for single oral administration on an empty stomach in healthy subjects within the dose range of 50-200 mg.Cmax and AUC increase with dose,with fast absorption and saturation.The ter-minal elimination rate gradually slows down with dose increase,and it has a significant and sus-tained occupying effect on BTK targets.
9.The effects of differential torque of maxillary posterior teeth with clear aligner of tooth extraction correc-tion on anterior teeth 3D mechanics in vitro
Yongjie FAN ; Junting WEI ; Bingle WANG ; Gang WU ; Sensen YANG ; Xingxing WANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(1):104-109
Objective:To investigate the effects of differential torque of maxillary posterior teeth with clear aligner on anterior teeth 3D mechanics.Methods:4 maxillary models were designed for differential torque of posterior teeth on the basis of 3D me-chanical test model with first premolar extraction.The stereolithography models were made with the same size as the standard model by 3D printing.According to the torque of the 6 keys to normal occlusion of Andrews,the standard torque of Andrews was used in group A1.The posterior teeth with lingual-crown torque of 5° were used in groups A2,and those with buccal-crown torque of 5° and 10° were respecitvely used in group A3 and A4.4 sets of corresponding clear aligners were fabricated with a 0.75 mm thick thermoplastic material.Each group had 12 pairs of the same clear aligners.The anterior teeth underwent 0.25 mm activation for en-mass retraction.The six-axis force/torque transducer measurement system was used to measure the force applied by the clear align-ers on the anterior teeth in the 3D directions.Results:In buccolingual direction:in group A1,the 4 incisors received lingual force,in groups A2-A4,the anterior teeth received labial force,and the force on the central incisors was greater than that on later-al incisors.In mesiodistal direction:in group A1-A4,4 incisors received mesial force,and the force on lateral incisors was greater than that on central incisors;in group A1-A4,the canines received distal force;the force on canine in group A4 was greater than that in A2 or A3 groups(P<0.05).The force in the vertical direction on the anterior teeth among the 4 groups(P>0.05).Conclu-sion:When en-mass retraction of the anterior teeth with clear aligner,attention should be taken to the torque of the incisors and the tip of the canines.When the posterior teeth with standard torque,the activation of labial-crown overcorrection of the anterior teeth should be increased.When the posterior teeth with lingual-crown torque or buccal-crown torque,the activation of labial-crown over-correction of the anterior teeth should be appropriately reduced.Increasing the mesial overcorrection design of canines may avoid the extrusion of anterior teeth and the deepening of o-verbite due to the distal inclination of canines.
10.A novel intracoronary hypothermia device reduces myocardial reperfusion injury in pigs
Zhiqiang PEI ; Jin QIU ; Yongchao ZHAO ; Shuai SONG ; Rui WANG ; Wei LUO ; Xingxing CAI ; Bin LIU ; Han CHEN ; Jiasheng YIN ; Xinyu WENG ; Yizhe WU ; Chenguang LI ; Li SHEN ; Junbo GE
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(20):2461-2472
Background::Hypothermia therapy has been suggested to attenuate myocardial necrosis; however, the clinical implementation as a valid therapeutic strategy has failed, and new approaches are needed to translate into clinical applications. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a novel selective intracoronary hypothermia (SICH) device in mitigating myocardial reperfusion injury.Methods::This study comprised two phases. The first phase of the SICH was performed in a normal porcine model for 30 minutes ( n = 5) to evaluate its feasibility. The second phase was conducted in a porcine myocardial infarction (MI) model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion which was performed by balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 60 minutes and maintained for 42 days. Pigs in the hypothermia group ( n = 8) received hypothermia intervention onset reperfusion for 30 minutes and controls ( n = 8) received no intervention. All animals were followed for 42 days. Cardiac magnetic resonance analysis (five and 42 days post-MI) and a series of biomarkers/histological studies were performed. Results::The average time to lower temperatures to a steady state was 4.8 ± 0.8 s. SICH had no impact on blood pressure or heart rate and was safely performed without complications by using a 3.9 F catheter. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were lower at 60 min post perfusion in pigs that underwent SICH as compared with the control group. On day 5 post MI/R, edema, intramyocardial hemorrhage, and microvascular obstruction were reduced in the hypothermia group. On day 42 post MI/R, the infarct size, IL-6, CRP, BNP, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were reduced, and the ejection fraction was improved in pigs that underwent SICH.Conclusions::The SICH device safely and effectively reduced the infarct size and improved heart function in a pig model of MI/R. These beneficial effects indicate the clinical potential of SICH for treatment of myocardial reperfusion injury.

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