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Smith MT, Kong D, Kuo A, Imam MZ, Williams CM. Analgesic Opioid Ligand Discovery Based on Nonmorphinan Scaffolds Derived from Natural Sources. J Med Chem 2022; 65:1612-1661. [PMID: 34995453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Strong opioid analgesics, including morphine, are the mainstays for treating moderate to severe acute pain and alleviating chronic cancer pain. However, opioid-related adverse effects, including nausea or vomiting, sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, pruritus (itch), analgesic tolerance, and addiction and abuse liability, are problematic. In addition, the use of opioids to relieve chronic noncancer pain is controversial due to the "opioid crisis" characterized by opioid misuse or abuse and escalating unintentional death rates due to respiratory depression. Hence, considerable research internationally has been aimed at the "Holy Grail" of the opioid analgesic field, namely the discovery of novel and safer opioid analgesics with improved opioid-related adverse effects. In this Perspective, medicinal chemistry strategies are addressed, where structurally diverse nonmorphinan-based opioid ligands derived from natural sources were deployed as lead molecules. The current state of play, clinical or experimental status, and novel opioid ligand discovery approaches are elaborated in the context of retaining analgesia with improved safety and reduced adverse effects, especially addiction liability.
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Moreira F, Carmo H, Guedes de Pinho P, Bastos MDL. Doping detection in animals: A review of analytical methodologies published from 1990 to 2019. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:474-504. [PMID: 33440053 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite the impressive innate physical abilities of horses, camels, greyhounds, or pigeons, doping agents might be administered to these animals to improve their performance. To control these illegal practices, anti-doping analytical methodologies have been developed. This review compiles the analytical methods that have been published for the detection of prohibited substances administered to animals involved in sports over 30 years. Relevant papers meeting the search criteria that discussed analytical methods aiming to detect and/or quantify doping substances in animal biological matrices published from 1990 to 2019 were considered. A total of 317 studies were included, of which 298 were related to horses, demonstrating significant advances toward the development of doping detection methods for equine sports. However, analytical methods for the detection of doping agents in sports involving other species are lacking. Due to enhanced accuracy and specificity, chromatographic analysis coupled to mass spectrometry detection is preferred over immunoassays. Regarding biological matrices, blood and urine remain the first choice, although alternative biological matrices, such as hair and feces, have been considered. With the increasing number and type of drugs used as doping agents, the analytes addressed in the published papers are diverse. It is very important to continue to detect and quantify these drugs, recognizing those that are most frequently used, in order to punish the abusers, protect animals' health, and ensure a healthier and genuine competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Moreira
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Área Técnico-Científica de Farmácia, Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Carmo
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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3
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Mizoguchi H, Fujii H. Exploring μ-Opioid Receptor Splice Variants as a Specific Molecular Target for New Analgesics. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:2866-2877. [PMID: 32962616 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200922113430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Since a μ-opioid receptor gene containing multiple exons has been identified, the variety of splice variants for μ-opioid receptors have been reported in various species. Amidino-TAPA and IBNtxA have been discovered as new analgesics with different pharmacological profiles from morphine. These new analgesics show a very potent analgesic effect but do not have dependence liability. Interestingly, these analgesics show the selectivity to the morphine-insensitive μ-opioid receptor splice variants. The splice variants, sensitive to these new analgesics but insensitive to morphine, may be a better molecular target to develop the analgesics without side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Mizoguchi
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8558, Japan
| | - Hideaki Fujii
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Medical Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
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4
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Kwok KY, Choi TLS, Kwok WH, Lau MY, Leung EMK, Leung GNW, Wong JKY, Wan TSM, Adrian FF, Prabhu A, Ho ENM. Detection of bioactive peptides including gonadotrophin-releasing factors (GnRHs) in horse urine using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC/HRMS). Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1274-1286. [PMID: 32558326 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of bioactive peptides as a doping agent in both human and animal sports has become increasingly popular in recent years. As such, methods to control the misuse of bioactive peptides in equine sports have received attention. This paper describes a sensitive accurate mass method for the detection of 40 bioactive peptides and two non-peptide growth hormone secretagogues (< 2 kDa) at low pg/mL levels in horse urine using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC/HRMS). A simple mixed-mode cation exchange solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge was employed for the extraction of 42 targets and/or their in vitro metabolites from horse urine. The final extract was analyzed using UHPLC/HRMS in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode under both full scan and data independent acquisition (DIA, for MS2 ). The estimated limits of detection (LoD) for most of the targets could reach down to 10 pg/mL in horse urine. This method was validated for qualitative detection purposes. The validation data, including method specificity, method sensitivity, extraction recovery, method precision, and matrix effect were reported. A thorough in vitro study was also performed on four gonadotrophin-releasing factors (GnRHs), namely leuprorelin, buserelin, goserelin, and nafarelin, using the S9 fraction isolated from horse liver. The identified in vitro metabolites have been incorporated into the method for controlling the misuse of GnRHs. The applicability of this method was demonstrated by the identification of leuprorelin and one of its metabolites, Leu M4, in urine obtained after intramuscular administration of leuprorelin to a thoroughbred gelding (castrated horse).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Y Kwok
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Timmy L S Choi
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Him Kwok
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming Yip Lau
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Elvis M K Leung
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary N W Leung
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jenny K Y Wong
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terence S M Wan
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Farrington F Adrian
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anil Prabhu
- Department of Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emmie N M Ho
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T, Hong Kong, China
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5
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Antkowiak B, Paluch M, Ciechanowska M, Nawrocka M, Bańkowski K, Michalak O, Kocik J, Kowalczyk M, Izdebski J. Antinociceptive effect of D-Lys(2), Dab(4)N-(ureidoethyl)amide, a new cyclic 1-4 dermorphin/deltorphin analog. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 66:600-5. [PMID: 24948060 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A preliminary evaluation of antinociceptive activity of a new cyclic dermorphin/deltorphin tetrapeptide analog restricted via a urea bridge and containing C-terminal ureidoethylamid {[H-Tyr-d-Lys(&(1))-Phe-Dab(&(2))-CH2CH2NHCONH2][&(1)CO&(2)]} (cUP-1) revealed a significant and long-lasting increase of pain threshold to thermal stimulation after systemic application. The current studies were aimed at further evaluation of cUP-1 activity in animal models of somatic and visceral pain. The influence of cUP-1 on motor functions was also investigated. METHODS The influence of cUP-1 (0.5-2mgkg(-1), iv) on nociceptive threshold to mechanical pressure and analgesic efficacy in formalin and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were estimated. The antinociceptive effect of cUP-1 was compared to that of morphine (MF). The influence of cUP-1 (1, 4 and 8mgkg(-1), iv) on locomotor activity, motor coordination and muscle strength was estimated using open field and rota-rod tests and a grip strength measurement. RESULTS Administration of cUP-1 in doses of 1 and 2mgkg(-1) elicited a significant increase of nociceptive threshold to mechanical pressure. MF applied in the same doses induced an antinociceptive effect only at the higher dose (2mgkg(-1)). There were no marked differences between the effect of cUP-1 and MF at each dose, at relative time points. In the writhing test and both phases of the formalin test, cUP-1 showed a significant, dose-dependent antinociceptive effect which did not markedly differ from that of MF. cUP-1 did not significantly affect motor functions of mice. CONCLUSIONS Systemic application of cUP-1 elicited a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect. The analgesic efficacy of cUP-1 on mechanical nociception, visceral and formalin-induced pain was comparable to that of MF. cUP-1 did not impair motor functions of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Antkowiak
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Paluch
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Ciechanowska
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Nawrocka
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Janusz Kocik
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Kowalczyk
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Warsaw, Poland; Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Izdebski
- Warsaw University, Department of Chemistry, Warsaw, Poland
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6
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Steel R, Timms M, Levina V, Vine J. A high throughput screen for 17 Dermorphin peptides in equine and human urine and equine plasma. Drug Test Anal 2013; 6:909-21. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Steel
- Biological Research Unit; Racing Analytical Services Ltd; 400 Epsom Road Flemington Victoria Australia 3031
| | - Mark Timms
- Biological Research Unit; Racing Analytical Services Ltd; 400 Epsom Road Flemington Victoria Australia 3031
| | - Vita Levina
- Biological Research Unit; Racing Analytical Services Ltd; 400 Epsom Road Flemington Victoria Australia 3031
| | - John Vine
- Biological Research Unit; Racing Analytical Services Ltd; 400 Epsom Road Flemington Victoria Australia 3031
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7
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Guillemyn K, Kleczkowska P, Novoa A, Vandormael B, Van den Eynde I, Kosson P, Asim MF, Schiller PW, Spetea M, Lipkowski AW, Tourwé D, Ballet S. In vivo antinociception of potent mu opioid agonist tetrapeptide analogues and comparison with a compact opioid agonist-neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist chimera. Mol Brain 2012; 5:4. [PMID: 22289619 PMCID: PMC3284447 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-5-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An important limiting factor in the development of centrally acting pharmaceuticals is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Transport of therapeutic peptides through this highly protective physiological barrier remains a challenge for peptide drug delivery into the central nervous system (CNS). Because the most common strategy to treat moderate to severe pain consists of the activation of opioid receptors in the brain, the development of active opioid peptide analogues as potential analgesics requires compounds with a high resistance to enzymatic degradation and an ability to cross the BBB. Results Herein we report that tetrapeptide analogues of the type H-Dmt1-Xxx2-Yyy3-Gly4-NH2 are transported into the brain after intravenous and subcutaneous administration and are able to activate the μ- and δ opioid receptors more efficiently and over longer periods of time than morphine. Using the hot water tail flick test as the animal model for antinociception, a comparison in potency is presented between a side chain conformationally constrained analogue containing the benzazepine ring (BVD03, Yyy3: Aba), and a "ring opened" analogue (BVD02, Yyy3: Phe). The results show that in addition to the increased lipophilicity through amide bond N-methylation, the conformational constraint introduced at the level of the Phe3 side chain causes a prolonged antinociception. Further replacement of NMe-D-Ala2 by D-Arg2 in the tetrapeptide sequence led to an improved potency as demonstrated by a higher and maintained antinociception for AN81 (Xxx2: D-Arg) vs. BVD03 (Xxx2: NMe-D-Ala). A daily injection of the studied opioid ligands over a time period of 5 days did however result in a substantial decrease in antinociception on the fifth day of the experiment. The compact opioid agonist - NK1 antagonist hybrid SBCHM01 could not circumvent opioid induced tolerance. Conclusions We demonstrated that the introduction of a conformational constraint has an important impact on opioid receptor activation and subsequent antinociception in vivo. Further amino acid substitution allowed to identify AN81 as an opioid ligand able to access the CNS and induce antinociception at very low doses (0.1 mg/kg) over a time period up to 7 hours. However, tolerance became apparent after repetitive i.v. administration of the investigated tetrapeptides. This side effect was also observed with the dual opioid agonist-NK1 receptor antagonist SBCHM01.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Guillemyn
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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8
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Mizoguchi H, Bagetta G, Sakurada T, Sakurada S. Dermorphin tetrapeptide analogs as potent and long-lasting analgesics with pharmacological profiles distinct from morphine. Peptides 2011; 32:421-7. [PMID: 21126548 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Revised: 11/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dermorphin (Tyr-d-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH(2)) is a heptapeptide isolated from amphibian skin. With a very high affinity and selectivity for μ-opioid receptors, dermorphin shows an extremely potent antinociceptive effect. The structure-activity relationship studies of dermorphin analogs clearly suggest that the N-terminal tetrapeptide is the minimal sequence for agonistic activity at μ-opioid receptors, and that the replacement of the d-Ala(2) residue with d-Arg(2) makes the tetrapeptides resistant to enzymatic metabolism. At present, only a handful of dermorphin N-terminal tetrapeptide analogs containing d-Arg(2) have been developed. The analogs show potent antinociceptive activity that is greater than that of morphine with various injection routes, and retain high affinity and selectivity for μ-opioid receptors. Interestingly, some analogs show pharmacological profiles that are distinct from the traditional μ-opioid receptor agonists morphine and [d-Ala(2),NMePhe(4),Gly-ol(5)]enkephalin (DAMGO). These analogs stimulate the release of dynorphins through the activation of μ-opioid receptors. The activation of κ-opioid receptors by dynorphins is suggested to reduce the side effects of μ-opioid receptor agonists, e.g., dependence or antinociceptive tolerance. The dermorphin N-terminal tetrapeptide analogs containing d-Arg(2) may provide a new target molecule for developing novel analgesics that have fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Mizoguchi
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, Tohoku Pharmaceutical University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8558, Japan
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9
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Gromovykh PS, Sokolov OY, Kost NV, Zozulya AA, Guzevatykh LS, Andreeva LA, Alfeeva LY, Shevchenko KV, Shevchenko VP, Nagaev IY, Myasoyedov NF. The use of tritium-labeled dermorphin for studying the interactions of C-terminal dermorphin fragment Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2 and its stereoisomer Tyr-D-Pro-Ser-NH2 with opioid receptors. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2008; 419:104-106. [PMID: 18536274 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496608020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P S Gromovykh
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, pl. Akademika Kurchatova 46, Moscow, 123182, Russia
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Pontieri FE, Lattanzi R, Benincasa D, Cavallari M, Negri L, Orzi F. Effects of the intravenous administration of [Lys7]dermorphin on local cerebral glucose utilization in the rat. Eur J Pharmacol 2006; 544:17-20. [PMID: 16831415 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2006] [Revised: 06/08/2006] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The use of analgesic opioids in the clinical setting is hampered by the reinforcing and addictive properties of these drugs. Moreover, chronic administration of conventional opioids is accompanied by progressive reduction of the analgesic effects, that often forces clinicians to increase dosages, exposing a subject to serious side-effects. Thus, interest is growing in the development and characterization of synthetic opioid agonists with lower reinforcing properties than conventional opioids. [Lys7]dermorphin is a mu1 receptor agonist with 20-30 times stronger analgesic properties than morphine. Previous data indicate that the drug causes fewer side-effects than conventional opioids, and is less likely to produce physical dependence than morphine. In this study we investigated the effects of the intravenous administration of a range of doses of [Lys7]dermorphin (0.002, 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg) on local cerebral glucose utilization in the rat, by means of the quantitative [14C]2-deoxyglucose method. The results of the study showed dose-related reductions of cerebral metabolic rates for glucose in limbic, sensory-motor and autonomic regions following the intravenous administration of [Lys7]dermorphin. Such pattern of changes is similar to those measured earlier following the administration of analgesic doses of drugs stimulating mu-opioid receptors. Within the nucleus accumbens, and the shell portion in particular, we did not measure any increase of glucose utilization, rather a significant decrease following the administration of the higher dose of [Lys7]dermorphin. These findings contribute to the definition of the functional consequences of the administration of [Lys7]dermorphin, and indirectly suggest the lack of effect of the drug on mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco E Pontieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, II Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza', Italy.
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11
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Broccardo M, Usenko AB, Uranova MG, Guzevatykh LS, Kamensky AA, Andreeva LA, Alfeeva LY, Myasoedov NF, Giannini E, Improta G, Emel'yanova TG. In vitro and in vivo opioid activity of [DPro(6)]dermorphin, a new dermorphin analogue. Peptides 2003; 24:419-28. [PMID: 12732340 DOI: 10.1016/s0196-9781(03)00057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To study the effects of inducing stereo-chemical modifications in the structure of dermorphin (DM) so as to improve its mu-opioid receptor affinity and its resistance to C-terminal enzymatic degradation, in the Institute of Molecular Genetics of Moscow, we synthesized a new DM analogue ([DPro(6)]DM) and analyzed the changes induced in the biological activities of DM by substituting the Pro(6) residue with DPro(6). We compared the activity of the new DM analogue and DM in in vitro assays and in in vivo tests of analgesia, thermoregulation, heart rate recordings, and gastrointestinal motility in rats. In the in vitro tests, guinea pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD), although the opioid activities of [DPro(6)]DM indicated that the peptide was always less potent than DM, its lower IC(50) ratios (mu/delta) showed that it had higher mu-opioid receptor selectivity. In the in vivo analgesic test, [DPro(6)]DM, when injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) (0.5-5 and 10mg/kg) in rats, had the same antinociceptive efficacy as DM and when injected intranasally (i.n.) (0.005 and 0.02 mg/kg) it induced a more stable and long-lasting analgesia than DM (the AUC was about 91% higher for [DPro(6)]DM than for DM). Moreover, these data confirm that the intranasal route is advantageous for peripheral drug administration. In the heart rate study, [DPro(6)]DM and DM (0.5mg/kg, i.p.), induced a similar, weak bradycardia. The only difference was that [DPro(6)]DM induced a longer-lasting effect than DM. Conversely, in body temperature regulation [DPro(6)]DM induced weaker inhibitory activity than DM (56% of the DM-induced response); it did so only in a cold environment and at the maximal used dose (0.5mg/kg, i.p.) without inducing vasomotor effects. In the gastrointestinal study, [DPro(6)]DM and DM (0.005, 0.05, and 0.5mg/kg, i.p.) significantly slowed upper gastrointestinal transit of a charcoal meal and inhibited colonic propulsion. Comparison of the ED(50) values of [DPro(6)]DM (0.03 mg/kg) and DM (0.009 mg/kg) showed that the DM analogue was about three times less potent than DM in slowing gastrointestinal and colonic transit. In conclusion, all these data overall suggest that structural maneuvering in the Pro(6)-residue of the DM molecule changes its affinity for mu-opioid receptor subtypes and confirms the usefulness of experimental studies involving structural modifications in obtaining new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Broccardo
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology "V Erspamer," University of Rome "La Sapienza," P le A Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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12
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Neilan CL, Nguyen TM, Schiller PW, Pasternak GW. Pharmacological characterization of the dermorphin analog [Dmt(1)]DALDA, a highly potent and selective mu-opioid peptide. Eur J Pharmacol 2001; 419:15-23. [PMID: 11348625 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(01)00946-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The dermorphin-derived peptide [Dmt(1)]DALDA (H-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH(2)), labels mu-opioid receptors with high affinity and selectivity in receptor binding assays. In mouse, radiant heat tail-flick assay [Dmt(1)]DALDA produced profound spinal and supraspinal analgesia, being approximately 5000- and 100-fold more potent than morphine on a molar basis, respectively. When administered systemically, [Dmt(1)]DALDA was over 200-fold more potent than morphine. Pharmacologically, [Dmt(1)]DALDA was distinct from morphine. [Dmt(1)]DALDA displayed no cross-tolerance to morphine in the model used and it retained supraspinal analgesic activity in morphine-insensitive CXBK mice. Supraspinally, it also differed from morphine in its lack of sensitivity towards naloxonazine. Finally, in antisense mapping studies, [Dmt(1)]DALDA was insensitive to MOR-1 exon probes that reduced morphine analgesia, implying a distinct receptor mechanism of action. Thus, [Dmt(1)]DALDA is an interesting and extraordinarily potent, systemically active peptide analgesic, raising the possibility of novel approaches in the design of clinically useful drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Neilan
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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13
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Abstract
In 1980 the skin of certain frogs belonging to the genus Phyllomedusinae was found to contain two new peptides that proved to be selective mu-opioid agonists, and named dermorphins. Since 1987 deltorphins, a family of highly selective delta-opioid peptides were identified either by cloning of the cDNA from frog skins or isolation of the peptides. The distinctive feature of opioid peptides is the presence of a naturally occurring D-enantiomer at the second position in their common N-terminal sequence, Tyr-D-Xaa-Phe. The discovery of the amphibian opiate peptides, provided new insights into the functional role of the mu- and delta-opiate systems. It also provided models for novel analgesics with enhanced therapeutic benefits and reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Negri
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University "La Sapienza," P.le Aldo Moro, 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy.
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14
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Mollay C, Wechselberger C, Mignogna G, Negri L, Melchiorri P, Barra D, Kreil G. Bv8, a small protein from frog skin and its homologue from snake venom induce hyperalgesia in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 1999; 374:189-96. [PMID: 10422759 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(99)00229-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
From skin secretions of Bombina variegata and Bombina bombina, we isolated a small protein termed Bv8. The sequence of its 77 amino acids was established by peptide analysis and by cDNA cloning of the Bv8 precursor. Bv8 stimulates the contraction of the guinea-pig ileum at nanomolar concentrations. The contraction is not inhibited by a variety of antagonists. Injection of a few micrograms of Bv8 into the brain of rats elicits, as assessed by the tail-flick test and paw pressure threshold, a marked hyperalgesia which lasts for about 1 h. Bv8 is related to protein A, a component of the venom of the black mamba. After i.c.v. injection, protein A is even more active than Bv8 in inducing hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mollay
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Salzburg
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Negri L, Lattanzi R, Tabacco F, Scolaro B, Rocchi R. Glycodermorphins: opioid peptides with potent and prolonged analgesic activity and enhanced blood-brain barrier penetration. Br J Pharmacol 1998; 124:1516-22. [PMID: 9723966 PMCID: PMC1565530 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0701971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
1. In order to improve the in vivo stability of the opioid peptide dermorphin we synthesized O-betaglucosylated analogs ([Ser7-O-betaGlc]dermorphin and [Ser7-O-betaGlc(Ac)4]-dermorphin) and C-alphagalactosylated analogs ([Ala7-C-alphaGal]dermorphin and [Ala7-C-alphaGal(Ac)4]-dermorphin). 2. O- and C-glycosylation of dermorphin halved the peptide affinity for brain mu-opioid receptors and the biological potency in guinea-pig ileum assay (GPI). Despite their lower opioid receptor affinity, when administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v., 8-40 pmol) and subcutaneously (s.c., 0.5-3 micromol kg(-1)) in rats, glycosylated analogs were two times more potent than dermorphin in reducing the nociceptive response to radiant heat. Acetylation of sugar hydroxyl groups reduces 5-10 times both biological activity on GPI and mu-receptor affinity, whereas the antinociceptive potency was equal to (i.c.v.) or only two-three times lower (s.c.) than dermorphin potency. 3. Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Index (BBB-PI) of the glycodermorphins was significantly higher than that of dermorphin, indicating a facilitated entry into the brain: O-beta-linked glucoconiugates are expected to enter CNS by the glucose transporter GLUT-1 of the endothelial barrier. However the calculated BBB-PI for the C-alphagalactoside was about two times higher than that of the O-betaglucoside, excluding the implication of GLUT-1 that is known to be selective for O-beta-links and preferring for the exose glucose. 4. The enhanced brain permeability with the subsequent decrease in peripheral dosage of these opioid peptides did not result in lowering constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Negri
- Institute of Medical Pharmacology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Negri L, Lattanzi R, Tabacco F, Melchiorri P. Respiratory and cardiovascular effects of the mu-opioid receptor agonist [Lys7]dermorphin in awake rats. Br J Pharmacol 1998; 124:345-55. [PMID: 9641552 PMCID: PMC1565382 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0701823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Changes in respiratory variables, arterial blood pressure and heart rate were studied in awake rats after injection of the opioid peptide [Lys7]dermorphin and its main metabolites, [1-5]dermorphin and [1-4]dermorphin. 2. Fifteen minutes after injection, doses of [Lys7]dermorphin producing antinociception (i.c.v., 36-120 nmol; s.c., 0.12-4.7 micromol kg(-1)) significantly increased respiratory frequency and minute volume of rats breathing air or hypoxic inspirates. This respiratory stimulation was reversed to depression by the 5-HT receptor antagonist ritanserin (2 mg kg(-1), s.c.), was blocked by naloxone (0.1 mg kg(-1), s.c.), significantly reduced by the mu1 opioid receptor antagonist naloxonazine (10 mg kg(-1), s.c., 24 h before) but unaffected by peripherally acting opioid antagonist naloxone methyl bromide (3 mg kg(-1), s.c.). Forty five minutes after injection, doses of the peptide producing catalepsy (s.c., 8.3-14.2 micromol kg(-1), i.c.v., 360 nmol) significantly reduced respiratory frequency and volume of rats breathing air and blocked the hypercapnic ventilator response of rats breathing from 4% to 10% CO2. I.c.v. administration of [1-5]dermorphin and [1-4]dermorphin (from 36 to 360 nmol) never stimulated respiration but significantly reduced basal and CO2-stimulated ventilation. Opioid respiratory depression was only antagonized by naloxone. 3. In awake rats, [Lys7]dermorphin (0.1-1 mg kg(-1), s.c.) decreased blood pressure. This hypotensive response was abolished by naloxone, reduced by naloxone methyl bromide and unaffected by naloxonazine. 4. In conclusion, the present study indicates that analgesic doses of [Lys7]dermorphin stimulate respiration by activating central mu1 opioid receptors and this respiratory stimulation involves a forebrain 5-hydroxytryptaminergic excitatory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Negri
- Institute of Medical Pharmacology, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
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17
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Fiori A, Cardelli P, Negri L, Savi MR, Strom R, Erspamer V. Deltorphin transport across the blood-brain barrier. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:9469-74. [PMID: 9256506 PMCID: PMC23226 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.17.9469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo antinociception studies demonstrate that deltorphins are opioid peptides with an unusually high blood-brain barrier penetration rate. In vitro, isolated bovine brain microvessels can take up deltorphins through a saturable nonconcentrative permeation system, which is apparently distinct from previously described systems involved in the transport of neutral amino acids or of enkephalins. Removing Na+ ions from the incubation medium decreases the carrier affinity for deltorphins (-25%), but does not affect the Vmax value of the transport. The nonselective opiate antagonist naloxone inhibits deltorphin uptake by brain microvessels, but neither the selective delta-opioid antagonist naltrindole nor a number of opioid peptides with different affinities for delta- or mu-opioid receptors compete with deltorphins for the transport. Binding studies demonstrate that mu-, delta-, and kappa-opioid receptors are undetectable in the microvessel preparation. Preloading of the microvessels with L-glutamine results in a transient stimulation of deltorphin uptake. Glutamine-accelerated deltorphin uptake correlates to the rate of glutamine efflux from the microvessels and is abolished by naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fiori
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, University "La Sapienza", 00185 Rome, Italy
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el-Hashim A, D'Agostino B, Matera MG, Page C. Characterization of adenosine receptors involved in adenosine-induced bronchoconstriction in allergic rabbits. Br J Pharmacol 1996; 119:1262-8. [PMID: 8937732 PMCID: PMC1915904 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1996.tb16031.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Recent work has suggested that adenosine may be involved in asthma via the activation of A1 receptors. However, the role of the recently cloned A3 receptor in airways is largely unknown. In the present study, we have investigated the role of the A3 receptor in adenosine-induced bronchoconstriction in allergic rabbits. 2. Aerosol challenge of antigen (Ag) immunized rabbits with the adenosine precursor, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), resulted in a dose-dependent fall in dynamic compliance (Cdyn). The maximum fall in Cdyn in these rabbits was significantly greater than that in litter matched, sham immunized animals (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the maximum increase in airways resistance (Rt) between Ag and sham immunized rabbits (P > 0.05). 3. Aerosol challenge of Ag immunized rabbits with cyclopentyl-adenosine (CPA) (A1-receptor agonist) elicited a dose-dependent fall in Cdyn in Ag immunized rabbits and the maximum fall in Cdyn in these rabbits was significantly greater than that observed in sham immunized rabbits (P < 0.05). Similarly, CPA induced dose-dependent increases in R1 in Ag immunized rabbits whereas sham immunized rabbits failed to respond to CPA within the same dose range. The maximum increase in RL in Ag immunized rabbits was significantly greater than that of sham immunized rabbits (P < 0.05). 4. Aerosol challenge of either Ag or sham immunized rabbits with the A3 agonist aminophenylethyladenosine (APNEA) did not elicit dose-dependent changes in either RL or Cdyn. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the maximum response, measured by either parameter, between the two animal groups (P > 0.05). 5. These data provide further evidence for a role of the A1 receptor in the airways, but do not support a role for the A3 receptor in adenosine-induced bronchoconstriction in the allergic rabbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- A el-Hashim
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Kings College, University of London
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Abstract
1. In 1980, the skin of certain frogs belonging to the genus Phyllomedusinae was found to contain two new peptides that proved to be selective mu-opioid agonists. Given the name dermorphins, these were the first members of a peptide family that in the past 15 years has grown to reach a total of seven naturally occurring peptides and nearly 30 synthetic analogs. 2. Dermorphin peptides are potent analgesics in rodents and primates, including man. Some dermorphins can enter the blood-brain barrier and produce central antinociception after peripheral administration. 3. The dermorphin family also includes mu 1-opioid receptor selective agonists that produce intense opioid analgesia, but stimulate pulmonary ventilation. 4. Experiments in rats and mice chronically exposed to dermorphins have shown that not only do they have higher antinociceptive efficacy and potency than morphine, but they are also less likely than morphine to produce tolerance, dependence and opiate side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Melchiorri
- Institute of Medical Pharmacology, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Italy
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Negri L, Improta G, Lattanzi R, Potenza RL, Luchetti F, Melchiorri P. Interaction between the mu-agonist dermorphin and the delta-agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin in supraspinal antinociception and delta-opioid receptor binding. Br J Pharmacol 1995; 116:2931-8. [PMID: 8680727 PMCID: PMC1909203 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1995.tb15947.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
1. In rats, the interaction between the mu-opioid agonist dermorphin and the delta-opioid agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin was studied in binding experiments to delta-opioid receptors and in the antinociceptive test to radiant heat. 2. When injected i.c.v., doses of [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin higher than 20 nmol produced antinociception in the rat tail-flick test to radiant heat. Lower doses were inactive. None of the doses tested elicited the maximum achievable response. This partial antinociception was accomplished with an in vivo occupancy of more than 97% of brain delta-opioid receptors and of 17% of mu-opioid receptors. Naloxone (0.1 mg kg-1, s.c.), and naloxonazine (10 mg kg-1, i.v., 24 h before), but not the selective delta-opioid antagonist naltrindole, antagonized the antinociception. 3. In vitro competitive inhibition studies in rat brain membranes showed that [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin displaced [3H]-naltrindole from two delta-binding sites of high and low affinity. The addition of 100 microM Gpp[NH]p produced a three fold increase in the [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin Ki value for both binding sites. The addition of 10 nM dermorphin increased the Ki value of the delta-agonist for the high affinity site five times. When Gpp[NH]p was added to the incubation medium together with 10 nM dermorphin, the high affinity Ki of the delta-agonist increased 15 times. 4. Co-administration into the rat brain ventricles of subanalgesic doses of dermorphin and [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin resulted in synergistic antinociceptive responses. 5. Pretreatment with naloxone or with the non-equilibrium mu-antagonists naloxonazine and beta-funaltrexamine completely abolished the antinociceptive response of the mu-delta agonist combinations. 6. Pretreatment with the delta-opioid antagonists naltrindole and DALCE reduced the antinociceptive response of the dermorphin-[D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin combinations to a value near that observed after the mu-agonist alone. At the dosage used, naltrindole occupied more than 98% of brain delta-opioid receptors without affecting mu-opioid-receptors. 7. These data suggest that in the rat tail-flick test to radiant heat, mu- and delta-opioid agonists co-operate positively in evoking an antinociceptive response. Although interactions between different opioid pathways cannot be excluded, in vitro binding results indicate that this co-operative antinociception is probably mediated by co-activation of the delta-opioid receptors at the cellular level by the mu- and delta-agonist.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Analgesics, Opioid/antagonists & inhibitors
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Interactions
- Injections, Intraventricular
- Male
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Oligopeptides/antagonists & inhibitors
- Oligopeptides/pharmacology
- Opioid Peptides
- Pain Measurement
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
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Affiliation(s)
- L Negri
- Institute of Medical Pharmacology, University La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
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