*2.2. Blood Collection and Plasma Preparation*

Plasma was prepared as suggested by the Human Proteome Organization Plasma Proteome Project. Blood samples (3 mL) were collected into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-containing tubes at baseline, week 1, week 4 (randomization), and week 10 (post-randomization week 6), and the blood samples were obtained from subjects after an overnight fast (at least 12 h) from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Blood samples centrifuged at 2000× *g* for 15 min at room temperature (RT) immediately after sample collection. Plasma was transferred to 0.5 mL tubes and frozen within 20 min after centrifugation. Then, the samples were placed on ice and transported to the laboratory and immediately frozen at –80 ◦C until assayed.
