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Don EE, Middelkoop MA, Hehenkamp WJK, Mijatovic V, Griffioen AW, Huirne JAF. Endometrial Angiogenesis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Infertility in Patients with Uterine Fibroids-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7011. [PMID: 37108180 PMCID: PMC10138959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women, with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) as the main reported symptom. Additionally, an association between fibroids and infertility has been established, especially if the fibroid protrudes in the uterine cavity. Hormonal therapy is associated with side-effects and as well as hysterectomy, which is incompatible with a desire to conceive. To improve treatment, it is essential to unravel the etiology of fibroid-related symptoms. We aim to evaluate endometrial angiogenesis in women with fibroids, with and without AUB, and the influence of pharmaceutical therapies in these patients. Furthermore, we explore the possible role of altered angiogenesis in patients with fibroids and infertility. We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA-guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42020169061), and included 15 eligible studies. Endometrial expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and adrenomedullin was increased in patients with fibroids. This suggests aberrant angiogenesis, potentially involving disturbed vessel maturation, resulting in immature and fragile vessels. Treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, ulipristal acetate, and continuous oral contraception pills reduced several angiogenic parameters, including VEGF. If infertile and fertile patients with fibroids were compared, a significant decreased expression of the bone morphogenetic protein/Smad-protein pathway was found, possibly caused by the increased expression of transforming growth factor-beta. For future therapeutic development, these different angiogenic pathways could be of interest as possible targets to treat fibroid-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Don
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mei-An Middelkoop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter J. K. Hehenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Velja Mijatovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan W. Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith A. F. Huirne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Farris M, Bastianelli C, Rosato E, Brosens I, Benagiano G. Uterine fibroids: an update on current and emerging medical treatment options. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2019; 15:157-178. [PMID: 30774352 PMCID: PMC6350833 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s147318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common gynecological disorder, classically requiring surgery when symptomatic. Although attempts at finding a nonsurgical cure date back to centuries, it is only around the middle of the last century that serious attempts at a medical treatment were carried out. Initially, both progestins and estrogen–progestin combinations have been utilized, although proof of their usefulness is lacking. A major step forward was achieved when peptide analogs of the GnRH were introduced, first those with superagonist properties and subsequently those acting as antagonists. Initially, the latter produced side effects preventing their routine utilization; eventually, this problem was overcome following the synthesis of cetrorelix. Because both types of analogs produce hypoestrogenism, their use is limited to a maximum of 6 months and, for this reason, today they are utilized as an adjuvant treatment before surgery with overall good results. Over the last decade, new, nonpeptidic, orally active GnRH-receptor blockers have also been synthesized. One of them, Elagolix, is in the early stages of testing in women with fibroids. Another fundamental development has been the utilization of the so-called selective progesterone receptor modulators, sometimes referred to as “antiprogestins”. The first such compound to be applied to the long-term treatment of fibroids was Mifepristone; today, this compound is mostly used outside of Western Countries, where the substance of choice is Ulipristal acetate. Large clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of Ulipristal in the long-term medical therapy of fibroids, although some caution must be exercised because of the rare occurrence of liver complications. All selective progesterone receptor modulators produce unique endometrial changes that are today considered benign, reversible, and without negative consequences. In conclusion, long-term medical treatment of fibroids seems possible today, especially in premenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Farris
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy, .,The Italian Association for Demographic Education, Rome, Italy,
| | - Carlo Bastianelli
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy,
| | - Elena Rosato
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy,
| | - Ivo Brosens
- Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy,
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Kolanska K, Varinot J, Canlorbe G, Bergeron C, Mekinian A, Capmas P, Koskas M, Daraï E, Aractingi S, Bendifallah S, Chabbert-Buffet N. Absence of predictable long-term molecular effect of ulipristal acetate (UPA) on the endometrium. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:825-834. [PMID: 30898512 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the effects of ulipristal acetate (UPA) on the expression of endometrial proliferation and maturation markers? DESIGN A total of 45 endometrium-containing blocks of hysterectomy samples from non-menopausal women with a diagnosis of moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids: 14 women operated on at the end of a 3-month course of UPA; four women who had discontinued UPA treatment 1-12 months before surgery; 27 control unexposed samples (14 in the proliferative and 13 in the secretory phase). Immunohistochemical staining of Ki67, vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor 2 (VEGFR2), oestradiol receptor, progesterone receptor, interleukin-15 (IL-15), indoleamin-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and C-C motif chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) markers were analysed in both endometrial compartments and layers. RESULTS Under UPA, oestradiol receptor and progesterone receptor expression is similar to the proliferative phase in both layers, although with a decrease in cell proliferation. IL-15, IDO and CCL2 expressions are similar to the proliferative phase, suggesting a progesterone-antagonist effect of UPA. VEGFR2 staining suggests a trend to a mixed agonist-antagonist effect. No significant difference is observed in the post-UPA proliferative phase group compared with the control group in both layers of the endometrium. CONCLUSION The effect of 3-month UPA treatment is mostly progesterone receptor antagonist-like. After treatment is discontinued, there are no signs of any long-term effects of this molecule on endometrial proliferation and maturation. Therefore, UPA may be administered to women willing to conceive in the short term without consequences for further implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Kolanska
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique et médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, 4 rue de la Chine, Paris 75020, France; INSERM UMRS 938, Faculté de médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Saint-Antoine, 27 rue Chaligny, PARIS cedex 12 75571, France
| | - Justine Varinot
- Service d'anatomopathologie, Hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, 4 rue de la Chine, Paris 75020, France
| | - Geoffroy Canlorbe
- INSERM UMRS 938, Faculté de médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Saint-Antoine, 27 rue Chaligny, PARIS cedex 12 75571, France; Service de chirurgie et cancérologie gynécologique et mammaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié-Salpêtrière, Charles-Foix, Sorbonne Université, 47/83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, Paris 75013, France
| | | | - Arsène Mekinian
- Service de médecine interne, Hôpital Saint Antoine, AP-HP, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75012, France
| | - Perrine Capmas
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique, CHU de Bicêtre, AP-HP, 78, rue du Général-Leclerc, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre 94270, France
| | - Martin Koskas
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique, CHU de Bichat, AP-HP, Paris 75018, France
| | - Emile Daraï
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique et médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, 4 rue de la Chine, Paris 75020, France; INSERM UMRS 938, Faculté de médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Saint-Antoine, 27 rue Chaligny, PARIS cedex 12 75571, France
| | - Selim Aractingi
- INSERM UMRS 938, Faculté de médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Saint-Antoine, 27 rue Chaligny, PARIS cedex 12 75571, France; Faculté de médecine Paris 5 Descartes, 12 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris 75006, France
| | - Sofiane Bendifallah
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique et médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, 4 rue de la Chine, Paris 75020, France; INSERM UMRS 938, Faculté de médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Saint-Antoine, 27 rue Chaligny, PARIS cedex 12 75571, France
| | - Nathalie Chabbert-Buffet
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique et médecine de la reproduction, Hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, 4 rue de la Chine, Paris 75020, France; INSERM UMRS 938, Faculté de médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Saint-Antoine, 27 rue Chaligny, PARIS cedex 12 75571, France.
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Garnock-Jones KP, Duggan ST. Ulipristal Acetate: A Review in Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids. Drugs 2017; 77:1665-1675. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-017-0812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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The history and use of the progesterone receptor modulator ulipristal acetate for heavy menstrual bleeding with uterine fibroids. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 40:105-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Arendas K, Leyland NA. Use of Ulipristal Acetate for the Management of Fibroid-Related Acute Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2016; 38:80-3. [PMID: 26872761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Episodes of acute abnormal uterine bleeding related to uterine fibroids can cause significant morbidity. Traditional management with high-dose hormonal regimens may not be as effective when used in women with fibroids. CASE A 32-year-old woman with a 12 cm uterine fibroid presented with an episode of acute abnormal uterine bleeding requiring blood transfusion. In lieu of using a hormonal maintenance regimen after the bleeding had stabilized, the patient was treated with ulipristal acetate 5 mg daily for three months. Amenorrhea was induced rapidly and the patient had no further episodes of acute excessive uterine bleeding. She subsequently underwent a laparoscopic myomectomy with a satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION Ulipristal acetate has been shown to induce amenorrhea rapidly in women with uterine fibroids, and it can be a useful treatment in the emergency management of fibroid-related acute abnormal uterine bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Arendas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | - Nicholas A Leyland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
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Benagiano G, Bastianelli C, Farris M, Brosens I. Selective progesterone receptor modulators: an update. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2014; 15:1403-15. [PMID: 24787486 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2014.914494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs) show promise in several areas of medicine and this work has been summarized by us in 2008. AREAS COVERED Since the publication of our reviews, several developments have taken place in the field of reproductive medicine. The first is emergency contraception (EC). Two SPRMs are clinically utilized today: mifepristone (MFP) and ulipristal acetate (UPA). MFP is available for EC in up to 120 h following unprotected intercourse. A dose of 10 mg is significantly more effective than levonorgestrel (LNG). In a metanalysis of the use of UPA versus LNG up to 72 h after unprotected intercourse, failure rates of 1.4 versus 2.2% were reported. The second is contraception. A daily dose of 2 mg MFP can block ovulation and several MFP regimens are being tested, including a vaginal ring releasing MFP. The third is the preoperative administration in women harboring leiomyomas, where clinical testing of several SPRM has shown that they can decrease uterine leiomyomas' size and substantially reduce uterine bleeding. SPRM can induce unusual, specific endometrial appearances. Many believe that these changes should not cause concern, but the issue remains controversial. EXPERT OPINION SPRMs are very effective in EC and for the preoperative treatment of uterine leiomyomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Benagiano
- University of Rome, 'Sapienza', Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Urology , C/O AIED Via Toscana 30, 00187 Rome , Italy
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Chabbert-Buffet N, Pintiaux A, Bouchard P. The immninent dawn of SPRMs in obstetrics and gynecology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 358:232-43. [PMID: 22415029 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs) have been developed since the late 70s when mifepristone was first described. They act through nuclear progesterone receptors and can have agonist or mixed agonist antagonist actions depending on the cell and tissue. Mifepristone has unique major antagonist properties allowing its use for pregnancy termination. Ulipristal acetate has been marketed in 2009 for emergency contraception and has been recently approved for preoperative myoma treatment. Further perspectives for SPRMs use include long term estrogen free contraception, endometriosis treatment. However long term applications will be possible only after confirmation of endometrial safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Chabbert-Buffet
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Department, AP-HP, Hospital Tenon, UPMC Paris 06, Paris, France.
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Abstract
Excessive menstrual bleeding reflects aberrant angiogenesis, generally due to submucosal myomas and endometrial polyps, although it is also frequently observed with long-term progestin-only contraception, impaired haemostasis and hormonal disorders. Surgery (hysterectomy, endometrial ablation) is used too frequently. Uterine artery embolisation is also an option for myomas. Medical treatments include combined oral contraception, progestins and levonorgestrel-releasing Intrauterine System. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists provide significant improvements in bleeding for myomas, but also decrease estrogen secretion (e.g. hot flushes, decreased bone mass). Progestins, although used widely, remain poorly effective as they promote myoma cell growth. Recently, Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators (SPRMs) have been shown to induce amenorrhea whilst maintaining endogenous estrogen secretion. Phase II studies have also demonstrated decreased fibroid size in SPRM-treated women. Although the mechanism of amenorrhea observed after SPRM treatment is still poorly understood, they may control uterine bleeding via a direct effect on endometrial blood vessels. Suppression of bleeding in women with uterine fibroids receiving SPRMs is associated with moderate reductions in uterine artery blood flow, without major changes in angiogenic factors and extracellular matrix composition; a clear difference to modifications observed with progestins. These data suggest major progress in the treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Bouchard
- Department of Endocrinology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
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Bouchard P, Chabbert-Buffet N, Fauser BCJM. Selective progesterone receptor modulators in reproductive medicine: pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:1175-89. [PMID: 21944187 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Revised: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Maruo T, Ohara N, Yoshida S, Nakabayashi K, Sasaki H, Xu Q, Matsuo H, Sitruk-Ware R, Yamada H. Lessons learned from the preclinical drug discovery of asoprisnil and ulipristal for non-surgical treatment of uterine leiomyomas. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2011; 6:897-911. [PMID: 22646213 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2011.602670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor in women during the reproductive years. Menorrhagia is the common symptom and accounts for the most frequent indication for hysterectomy. Thus, development of a novel drug for non-surgical treatment of uterine leiomyoma is needed for the betterment of women's health. AREA COVERED This review introduces a translational research initiated by use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for contraceptive purposes. During follow-up, a patient informed that heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine myoma was strikingly reduced after the insertion of device. The patient's unexpected comment led the authors to perform clinical trials of LNG-IUS for the management of menorrhagia in women with uterine myomas and striking reduction in menorrhagia was obtained by the use of LNG-IUS. MRI examination, however, revealed that the volume of myomas decreased in some, but increased in the other instances. This unexpected finding with MRI directed the authors to characterize the effects of progesterone (P4) and progesterone receptor modulators (PRMs) on uterineleiomyoma cell growth in vitro. EXPERT OPINION In consistence with the in vitro data obtained, randomized controlled clinical trials of PRMs in patients with uterine leiomyomas at several institutions have demonstrated that oral administration of PRMs (asoprisnil and ulipristal) for 3 months reduced leiomyoma volume, resulting in a significant improvement of the associated symptoms. However, a novel pattern of PRM-associated endometrial changes was recognized in the endometrial pathology, demonstrating unusual epithelial types not seen in the normal menstrual cycle of a premenstrual woman. Thus, follow-up studies to determine whether the novel endometrial changes remain, disappear or progress to something else are needed for the possible long-term use of PRMs for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Maruo
- Kobe Children's Hospital and Feto-Maternal Medical Center, 1-1-1 Takakuradai, Suma-ku, Kobe 654-0081 , Japan +81 78 732 0030 ; +81 78 732 0140 ;
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Clinical utility of progesterone receptor modulators and their effect on the endometrium. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2009; 21:318-24. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e32832e07e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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