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Huertas-Bello M, Cuéllar-Sáenz JA, Rodriguez CN, Cortés-Vecino JA, Navarrete ML, Avila MY, Koudouna E. A Pilot Study to Evaluate Genipin in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis Models: Modulation of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Matrix Metalloproteinases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086904. [PMID: 37108070 PMCID: PMC10138382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious keratitis is a vision-threatening microbial infection. The increasing antimicrobial resistance and the fact that severe cases often evolve into corneal perforation necessitate the development of alternative therapeutics for effective medical management. Genipin, a natural crosslinker, was recently shown to exert antimicrobial effects in an ex vivo model of microbial keratitis, highlighting its potential to serve as a novel treatment for infectious keratitis. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of genipin in an in vivo model of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) keratitis. Clinical scores, confocal microscopy, plate count, and histology were carried out to evaluate the severity of keratitis. To assess the effect of genipin on inflammation, the gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), were evaluated. Genipin treatment alleviated the severity of bacterial keratitis by reducing bacterial load and repressing neutrophil infiltration. The expression of interleukin 1B (IL1B), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 8 (IL8), interleukin 15 (IL15), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon γ (IFNγ), as well as MMP2 and MMP9, were significantly reduced in genipin-treated corneas. Genipin promoted corneal proteolysis and host resistance to S. aureus and P. aeruginosa infection by suppressing inflammatory cell infiltration, regulating inflammatory mediators, and downregulating the expression of MMP2 and MMP9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Huertas-Bello
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Jerson Andrés Cuéllar-Sáenz
- Grupo de Investigación Parasitología Veterinaria, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Cristian Nicolas Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Jesús Alfredo Cortés-Vecino
- Grupo de Investigación Parasitología Veterinaria, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Myriam Lucia Navarrete
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Marcel Yecid Avila
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Elena Koudouna
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
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Genipin, an Inhibitor of UCP2 as a Promising New Anticancer Agent: A Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105637. [PMID: 35628447 PMCID: PMC9147402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genipin is a protein cross-linking agent extracted from Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) fruits. This fruit has conventionally been used as a Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammation and jaundice and as an edible colorant in oriental countries. Uncoupling protein (UCP)-2 is a member of the family of uncoupling proteins, which are anion transporters positioned in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Genipin has been shown to have hepatoprotective activity, acting as an effective antioxidant and inhibitor of mitochondrial UCP2, and is also reported to exert significant anticancer effects. In this review, the author presents the latest progress of genipin as an anticancer agent and concisely describes its various mechanisms of action. In brief, genipin inhibits UCP2 to attenuate generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to ROS/c-Jun N-terminal kinase-dependent apoptosis of cancer cells. Genipin also increases the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-2, a kind of tumor promoter in a variety of cancers, as well as induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in in vitro and in vivo models. These findings suggest that genipin can serve as a promising novel antitumor agent that could be applicable for chemotherapy and/or chemoprevention for cancers.
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Bryś M, Urbańska K, Olas B. Novel Findings regarding the Bioactivity of the Natural Blue Pigment Genipin in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:902. [PMID: 35055094 PMCID: PMC8776187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genipin is an important monoterpene iridoid compound isolated from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis fruits and from Genipa americana fruits, or genipap. It is a precursor of a blue pigment which may be attractive alternative to existing food dyes and it possesses various potential therapeutic properties such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective activity. Biomedical studies also show that genipin may act as a neuroprotective drug. This review describes new aspects of the bioactivity of genipin against various diseases, as well as its toxicity and industrial applications, and presents its potential mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Bryś
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/3, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Karina Urbańska
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Beata Olas
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/3, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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Koudouna E, Huertas-Bello M, Rodriguez CN, Consuelo Henao S, Navarrete ML, Avila MY. Genipin in an Ex Vivo Corneal Model of Bacterial and Fungal Keratitis. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:31. [PMID: 34436544 PMCID: PMC8399543 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.9.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether genipin (a natural crosslinker) could reduce the colonization and proliferation of bacteria and fungi in an ex vivo model of corneal infection. Methods This study, using an ex vivo model of bacterial and fungal keratitis, investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of genipin crosslinking. Excised corneoscleral buttons were wounded by scalpel incision and subsequently infected with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Candida albicans. After inoculation, corneas were treated with genipin for 24 hours at 37°C. Histologic examinations were carried out, and the number of viable colony-forming units (CFU)/cornea was determined. Results Genipin exerts bactericidal action against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, as well as fungicidal action against C. albicans and significantly reduced the CFU compared to contralateral eyes that received saline treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusions These data identify genipin as a novel ocular antimicrobial agent that has the potential to be incorporated into the therapeutic armamentarium against microbial keratitis. Translational Relevance This study provided evidence for the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of genipin as an alternative crosslinker that could be used in the management of infectious keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Koudouna
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota Colombia
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Marcela Huertas-Bello
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota Colombia
| | - Cristian Nicolas Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota Colombia
| | - Sandra Consuelo Henao
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota Colombia
| | - Myriam Lucia Navarrete
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota Colombia
| | - Marcel Yecid Avila
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Bogota DC, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota Colombia
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Genova-Kalou P, Dyankov G, Marinov R, Mankov V, Belina E, Kisov H, Strijkova-Kenderova V, Kantardjiev T. SPR-Based Kinetic Analysis of the Early Stages of Infection in Cells Infected with Human Coronavirus and Treated with Hydroxychloroquine. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11080251. [PMID: 34436052 PMCID: PMC8392451 DOI: 10.3390/bios11080251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based assays are a valuable tool for examination of virus–host cell interactions and drug discovery processes, allowing for a more physiological setting compared to biochemical assays. Despite the fact that cell-based SPR assays are label-free and thus provide all the associated benefits, they have never been used to study viral growth kinetics and to predict drug antiviral response in cells. In this study, we prove the concept that the cell-based SPR assay can be applied in the kinetic analysis of the early stages of viral infection of cells and the antiviral drug activity in the infected cells. For this purpose, cells immobilized on the SPR slides were infected with human coronavirus HCov-229E and treated with hydroxychloroquine. The SPR response was measured at different time intervals within the early stages of infection. Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to provide the reference data. We found that the results of the SPR and MTT assays were consistent, and SPR is a reliable tool in investigating virus–host cell interaction and the mechanism of action of viral inhibitors. SPR assay was more sensitive and accurate in the first hours of infection within the first replication cycle, whereas the MTT assay was not so effective. After the second replication cycle, noise was generated by the destruction of the cell layer and by the remnants of dead cells, and masks useful SPR signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petia Genova-Kalou
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 44A “Gen. Stoletov” Blvd., 1233 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.G.-K.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
| | - Georgi Dyankov
- Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies “Acad. J. Malinowski” (IOMT), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), 109 “Acad. G. Bonchev” Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (V.M.); (E.B.); (H.K.); (V.S.-K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +359-897-771-945
| | - Radoslav Marinov
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 44A “Gen. Stoletov” Blvd., 1233 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.G.-K.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
| | - Vihar Mankov
- Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies “Acad. J. Malinowski” (IOMT), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), 109 “Acad. G. Bonchev” Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (V.M.); (E.B.); (H.K.); (V.S.-K.)
| | - Evdokiya Belina
- Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies “Acad. J. Malinowski” (IOMT), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), 109 “Acad. G. Bonchev” Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (V.M.); (E.B.); (H.K.); (V.S.-K.)
| | - Hristo Kisov
- Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies “Acad. J. Malinowski” (IOMT), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), 109 “Acad. G. Bonchev” Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (V.M.); (E.B.); (H.K.); (V.S.-K.)
| | - Velichka Strijkova-Kenderova
- Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies “Acad. J. Malinowski” (IOMT), Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), 109 “Acad. G. Bonchev” Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (V.M.); (E.B.); (H.K.); (V.S.-K.)
| | - Todor Kantardjiev
- National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 44A “Gen. Stoletov” Blvd., 1233 Sofia, Bulgaria; (P.G.-K.); (R.M.); (T.K.)
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Hipólito A, Martins F, Mendes C, Lopes-Coelho F, Serpa J. Molecular and Metabolic Reprogramming: Pulling the Strings Toward Tumor Metastasis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:656851. [PMID: 34150624 PMCID: PMC8209414 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.656851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a major hurdle to the efficient treatment of cancer, accounting for the great majority of cancer-related deaths. Although several studies have disclosed the detailed mechanisms underlying primary tumor formation, the emergence of metastatic disease remains poorly understood. This multistep process encompasses the dissemination of cancer cells to distant organs, followed by their adaptation to foreign microenvironments and establishment in secondary tumors. During the last decades, it was discovered that these events may be favored by particular metabolic patterns, which are dependent on reprogrammed signaling pathways in cancer cells while they acquire metastatic traits. In this review, we present current knowledge of molecular mechanisms that coordinate the crosstalk between metastatic signaling and cellular metabolism. The recent findings involving the contribution of crucial metabolic pathways involved in the bioenergetics and biosynthesis control in metastatic cells are summarized. Finally, we highlight new promising metabolism-based therapeutic strategies as a putative way of impairing metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hipólito
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Martins
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cindy Mendes
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Lopes-Coelho
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
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Li JK, Chou JY, Yin CL, Fu XQ, Wu Y, Chen YJ, Bai JX, Wu JY, Liang C, Yu ZL. A two-herb formula inhibits STAT3 signaling and exerts anti-melanoma effects in cell and animal models. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113671. [PMID: 33307054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Malignant melanoma is a fatal cancer. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been proposed as a therapeutic target of melanoma. An herbal formula Huai-Hua-San (HHS) comprising Sophorae Flos (SF) and Gardeniae Fructus (GF) is traditionally used for treating cancers including melanoma, but the pharmacological basis is unknown. AIMS OF THIS STUDY This study aimed to investigate the anti-melanoma effects of an ethanolic extract of HHS (HHSE), and explore the involvement of STAT3 signaling in the effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS An UPLC-TOF/MS method was developed to control the quality of HHSE. A B16F10 allograft mouse model and three melanoma cell lines (B16F10, A375 and A2058) were used to determine the anti-melanoma effects of HHSE. Dacarbazine (DTIC) and Stattic were used as positive controls. Cell viability was detected using MTT and crystal violet staining assays. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry after the cells were stained with Annexin-V/PI. Cell invasive ability was examined using the transwell assay. Protein levels were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS The contents of crocin I, crocin II, quercetin and kaempferol in HHSE were 0.59%, 0.98%, 4.66% and 1.15%, respectively. A clinically relevant dose of HHSE (0.1 g/kg/day, i.g. for 15 consecutive days) significantly suppressed B16F10 tumor growth in mice. HHSE dose-dependently reduced cell viability and dampened invasion of, and induced apoptosis in, melanoma cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that HHSE inhibited the phosphorylation/activation of STAT3 in B16F10 allografts and in cultured melanoma cells. In cell models, HHSE also inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 upstream kinases, JAK2 (Tyr1007/1008) and Src (Tyr416), lowered STAT3 nuclear levels, and down-regulated the protein levels of STAT3-targeted molecules. Over-activation of STAT3 in A375 cells significantly attenuated the cytotoxic effects of HHSE. CONCLUSIONS HHSE exhibits anti-melanoma effects in cell and mouse models. Inhibition of STAT3 signaling contributes to the anti-melanoma mechanisms of HHSE. Our findings lay a groundwork for developing HHSE as a modern agent for melanoma management, and provide pharmacological justifications for the traditional use of HHS in treating melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Kui Li
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ji-Yao Chou
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng-Le Yin
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiu-Qiong Fu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying-Jie Chen
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Bai
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia-Ying Wu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun Liang
- Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research and State Key Lab of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Yu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China.
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