Suppression of LPS-Induced Inflammation by Chalcone Flavokawain A through Activation of Nrf2/ARE-Mediated Antioxidant Genes and Inhibition of ROS/NFκB Signaling Pathways in Primary Splenocytes

Oxidative stress is an important contributing factor for inflammation. Piper methysticum, also known as Kava-kava, is a shrub whose root extract has been consumed as a drink by the pacific islanders for a long time. Flavokawain A (FKA) is a novel chalcone derived from the kava plant that is known to have medicinal properties. This study was aimed at demonstrating the antioxidant molecular mechanisms mediated by FKA on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced inflammation in BALB/c mouse-derived primary splenocytes. In vitro data show that the nontoxic concentrations of FKA (2-30 μM) significantly suppressed the proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) release but induced the secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine. It was also shown that FKA pretreatment significantly downregulated the LPS-induced ROS production and blocked the activation of the NFκB (p65) pathway leading to the significant suppression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β protein expressions. Notably, FKA favored the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 leading to the downstream expression of antioxidant proteins HO-1, NQO-1, and γ-GCLC via the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway signifying the FKA’s potent antioxidant mechanism in these cells. Supporting the in vitro data, the ex vivo data obtained from primary splenocytes derived from the FKA-preadministered BALB/c mice (orally) show that FKA significantly suppressed the proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) secretion in control-, LPS-, or Concanavalin A- (Con A-) stimulated cells. A significant decrease in the ratios of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6/IL-10; TNF-α/IL-10) showed that FKA possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, BALB/c mice induced with experimental pancreatitis using cholecystokinin- (CCK-) 8 showed decreased serum lipase levels due to FKA pretreatment. We conclude that with its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, chalcone flavokawain A could be a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases.

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Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bischofia javanica (Blume) Leaf Methanol Extracts through the Regulation of Nrf2 and TAK1

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10081295 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1295

Author(s):

Sewoong Lee ◽

Jain Ha ◽

Jiyoung Park ◽

Eunjeong Kang ◽

Sung-Hyun Jeon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Nuclear Translocation ◽

The Philippines ◽

No Production ◽

Related Factor ◽

Nuclear Factor ◽

Antioxidant Genes ◽

Methanol Extracts ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Bischofia Javanica

Bischofia javanica (Blume) has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases such as tonsillitis and ulcers throughout Asia, including China, Indonesia, and the Philippines: however, the molecular mechanisms by which B. javanica exerts its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties remain largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of methanol extracts of B. javanica leaves (MBJ) in vitro and in vivo. MBJ decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. The observed suppression of inflammatory responses by MBJ was correlated with an inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Additionally, MBJ induced nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that upregulates the expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant genes. Furthermore, MBJ exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in an acute hepatitis mouse model. In conclusion, our results confirm the medicinal properties of B. javanica, and therefore MBJ could be applied to improve inflammatory and redox imbalances in different types of pathologies.

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Medicinal Plants in the Records of Latvian Folk Medicine and Analysis of Their Practical Applications. Doctoral Thesis

10.25143/prom-rsu_2021-08_dt ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Inga Sīle ◽

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plants ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

European Medicines Agency ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Traditional Use ◽

Practical Applications ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Medicinal plant knowledge in Europe is rooted in a long history of health traditions. Numerous ethnobotanical studies across Europe have addressed the increasing importance of the traditional use of medicinal plants. Latvia is a country with old folk medicine traditions and an extensive folk knowledge archive. The aim of this thesis was to collect and analyse knowledge about the use of the medicinal plants found in the records of Latvian folk medicine and to search for new ideas regarding the practical applications of these plants. This thesis reveals, for the first time to the international scientific community, the important ethnobotanical information contained in the records of Latvian folk medicine that had not yet been translated into English and are therefore less visible to researchers from all over the world. This thesis provides a list of the used plant species and plant parts, the dosage forms of herbal medicines, the routes of administration, and the disorders treated with medicinal plants mentioned in the records of Latvian folk medicine and used by indigenous people of Latvia in the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th centuries. In total, the thesis includes information on 211 plant taxa, most of which were utilized for the treatment of digestive and respiratory system disorders. To understand whether the information mentioned in the folklore material is relevant today, it was compared with evidence-based information regarding the uses of the listed plant, including official herbal monographs. During this study, it was concluded that only 59 plant taxa mentioned in the studied records of Latvian folk medicine are included in the official monographs of the European Medicines Agency, and most of the plant indications mentioned in the records have not been described in evidence-based monographs. After the systematic analysis of folklore materials, additional information on the molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activities of Pelargonium sidoides DC. and Prunus padus L. were investigated to confirm their traditional use for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. The obtained results provide evidence that both plant extracts exhibit pronounced in vitro and ex vivo anti-inflammatory activities, supporting their use in Latvian ethnomedicine as effective anti-inflammatory agents. The obtained results are important as they provide ideas for further research related to possibilities regarding the use of plants growing in the territory of Latvia and allow new perspectives to be gained for both national and international ethnobotanical research.

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Hericium erinaceusInhibits TNF-α-Induced Angiogenesis and ROS Generation through Suppression of MMP-9/NF-κB Signaling and Activation of Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Genes in Human EA.hy926 Endothelial Cells

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity ◽

10.1155/2016/8257238 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Hebron C. Chang ◽

Hsin-Ling Yang ◽

Jih-Hao Pan ◽

Mallikarjuna Korivi ◽

Jian-You Pan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Transcriptional Activation ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Nuclear Translocation ◽

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽

Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽

Related Factor ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Antioxidant Genes ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Hericium erinaceus(HE) is an edible mushroom that has been shown to exhibit anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated the antiangiogenic and antioxidant potentials of ethanol extracts of HE in human endothelial (EA.hy926) cells upon tumor necrosis factor-α- (TNF-α-) stimulation (10 ng/mL). The underlying molecular mechanisms behind the pharmacological efficacies were elucidated. We found that noncytotoxic concentrations of HE (50–200 μg/mL) significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced migration/invasion and capillary-like tube formation of endothelial cells. HE treatment suppressed TNF-α-induced activity and/or overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Furthermore, HE downregulated TNF-α-induced nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) followed by suppression of I-κB (inhibitor-κB) degradation. Data from fluorescence microscopy illustrated that increased intracellular ROS production upon TNF-α-stimulation was remarkably inhibited by HE pretreatment in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, HE triggered antioxidant gene expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1),γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCLC), and glutathione levels, which may contribute to inhibition of ROS. Increased antioxidant status was associated with upregulated nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of NF-E2related factor-2 (Nrf2) in HE treated cells. Our findings conclude that antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory activities ofH. erinaceusmay contribute to its anticancer property through modulation of MMP-9/NF-κB and Nrf2-antioxidant signaling pathways.

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Procyanidin A1 Alleviates Inflammatory Response induced by LPS through NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathways in RAW264.7 cells

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-51614-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Shan Han ◽

Hongwei Gao ◽

Shaoru Chen ◽

Qinqin Wang ◽

Xinxing Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Response ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Nuclear Translocation ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Raw264.7 Cells ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Intracellular Ros ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Cellular Thermal Shift Assay

Abstract Inflammation is a complex physiological process that poses a serious threat to people’s health. However, the potential molecular mechanisms of inflammation are still not clear. Moreover, there is lack of effective anti-inflammatory drugs that meet the clinical requirement. Procyanidin A1 (PCA1) is a monomer component isolated from Procyanidin and shows various pharmacological activities. This study further demonstrated the regulatory role of PCA1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory response and oxidative stress in RAW264.7 cells. Our data showed that PCA1 dramatically attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as NO, iNOS, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells administrated with LPS. PCA1 blocked IκB-α degradation, inhibited IKKα/β and IκBα phosphorylation, and suppressed nuclear translocation of p65 in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS. PCA1 also suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK1/2, p38, and ERK1/2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, PCA1 increased the expression of HO-1, reduced the expression of Keap1, and promoted Nrf2 into the nuclear in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Cellular thermal shift assay indicated that PCA1 bond to TLR4. Meanwhile, PCA1 inhibited the production of intracellular ROS and alleviated the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential in vitro. Collectively, our data indicated that PCA1 exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory effect, suggesting that it is a potential agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

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In Vitro and Ex Vivo Effects of Silymarin Derivatives on Proinflammatory Cytokine Secretion Using a Murine Colonic Strip Model

Planta Medica International Open ◽

10.1055/a-0733-3716 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (02) ◽

pp. e55-e60

Author(s):

Leo Fitzpatrick ◽

Ella Mokrushin ◽

George Talbott ◽

Tibebe Woldermariam

Keyword(s):

Cell Lines ◽

Proinflammatory Cytokine ◽

Dextran Sulfate ◽

Dextran Sulfate Sodium ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Cytokine Secretion ◽

Raw 264.7 ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Anti Inflammatory

AbstractSilymarin has anti-inflammatory properties and documented anti-colitis activity. Our prior study determined that in vitro treatment with certain extracted fractions of silymarin inhibited stimulated proinflammatory cytokine secretion from cell lines relevant to colitis. In this study, colitis was induced in mice by giving dextran sulfate sodium drinking water for 6 days. The ex vivo effects of crude silymarin extract, two different silymarin fractions, as well as commercially derived silibinin and isosilibinin were examined by determining the secretion of MIP-2, TNF-α, and IL-17 in cell culture media from colonic strips. Further, the effects of silymarin-derived treatments on IL-8 and TNF-α secretion induced by the colitis supernatant was characterized with HT-29 colonic epithelial and RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. Prominent inhibition of MIP-2 and TNF-α secretion from colonic strips of mice with/without dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis was observed with various silymarin treatments. Further, inhibition of dual (IL-23+IL-1β) cytokine-stimulated secretion of IL-17 from colonic strips of mice was found with certain silymarin treatments. Significant attenuation of TNF-α secretion from colitis supernatant-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was observed for crude silymarin extract and isosilibinin treatments. Finally, inhibition of IL-8 secretion from the colitis supernatant-stimulated HT29 colonic epithelial cell line was found with isosilibinin. These results contribute to the identification of silymarin-derived flavonoligans with optimal anti-inflammatory properties for further testing in colitis models.

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Literature-Based Drug Repurposing in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Reduced Inflammatory M1 Macrophage Polarization by Jisil Haebaek Gyeji-Tang Alleviates Cardiovascular Disease In Vitro and Ex Vivo

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/8881683 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Ga-Ram Yu ◽

Seung-Jun Lee ◽

Da-Hoon Kim ◽

Dong-Woo Lim ◽

Hyuck Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Nuclear Translocation ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Macrophage Polarization ◽

Reducing Power ◽

Mapk Signaling ◽

Raw 264.7 ◽

M1 Macrophage ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Relatively high proportions of proinflammatory M1-like macrophages in tissues may lead to vascular impairment and trigger numerous diseases including atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease (CVD). Jisil Haebaek Gyeji-tang (JHGT), a polyherbal decoction, is traditionally used to treat various human ailments including chest pain, angina, and myocardial infarction. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of JHGT on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated M1 macrophage polarization generated via the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. The reducing power of JHGT was also investigated using DAF-FA DA in a zebrafish model. JHGT significantly reduced inflammatory mediator levels, including iNOS, COX2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as compared with LPS-stimulated controls in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, JHGT suppressed the ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK pathways and reduced p-IκBα levels and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, treatment with JHGT significantly reduced the NO levels in LPS-treated zebrafish larva ex vivo. Our findings show the potent anti-inflammatory properties of JHGT are due to its suppression of MAPK signaling, NF-κB translocation, and M1 macrophage polarization.

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Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Acute Oral Toxicity, and Qualitative Phytochemistry of The Aqueous Root Extract of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. Ex Oliv. & Hiern.)

Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1177/2515690x211064585 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 ◽

pp. 2515690X2110645

Author(s):

Evans Kapanat Akimat ◽

George Isanda Omwenga ◽

Gervason Apiri Moriasi ◽

Mathew Piero Ngugi

Keyword(s):

Plant Extract ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Root Extract ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Acute Oral Toxicity ◽

Oral Toxicity ◽

Anti Inflammatory

The root and leaf extracts of Launaea cornuta have been locally used in traditional medicine for decades to manage inflammatory conditions and other oxidative-stress-related syndromes; however, their pharmacologic efficacy has not been scientifically investigated and validated. Accordingly, we investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory ( in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) efficacy, acute oral toxicity, and qualitative phytochemical composition of the aqueous root extract of L. cornuta. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the 2,2-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test methods were used to determine the studied plant extract’s antioxidant activity. Besides, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the studied plant extract was investigated using in vitro (anti-proteinase and protein denaturation), ex vivo (membrane stabilization), and in vivo (carrageenan-induced paw oedema in Swiss albino mice) methods. The studied plant extract demonstrated significant in vitro antioxidant effects, which were evidenced by higher DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP activities, in a concentration-dependent manner ( p < 0.05). Generally, the studied plant extract exhibited significant in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy, respectively, and in a concentration/dose-dependent manner compared with respective controls ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the studied plant extract did not cause any observable signs of acute oral toxicity, even at the cut-off dose of 2000 mg/Kg BW (LD50 > 2000 mg/Kg BW), and was thus considered safe. Additionally, qualitative phytochemistry revealed the presence of various antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory-associated phytochemicals, which were deemed responsible for the reported pharmacologic efficacy. Further studies to characterise bioactive molecules and their mode(s) of pharmacologic efficacy are encouraged.

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Medicinal Plants in the Records of Latvian Folk Medicine and Analysis of Their Practical Applications. Summary of the Doctoral Thesis

10.25143/prom-rsu_2021-08_dts ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Inga Sīle ◽

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plants ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

European Medicines Agency ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Traditional Use ◽

Practical Applications ◽

Anti Inflammatory

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Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Novel Standardized Platelet Rich Plasma Releasates on Knee Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes and Cartilage in vitro

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology ◽

10.2174/1389201020666190619111118 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (11) ◽

pp. 920-933 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lucía Gato-Calvo ◽

Tamara Hermida-Gómez ◽

Cristina R. Romero ◽

Elena F. Burguera ◽

Francisco J. Blanco

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Cartilage Explants ◽

Ex Vivo Model ◽

Chondrocyte Viability ◽

Platelet Concentration ◽

The Absolute ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Background: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has recently emerged as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), but composition heterogeneity hampers comparison among studies, with the result that definite conclusions on its efficacy have not been reached. Objective: 1) To develop a novel methodology to prepare a series of standardized PRP releasates (PRP-Rs) with known absolute platelet concentrations, and 2) To evaluate the influence of this standardization parameter on the anti-inflammatory properties of these PRP-Rs in an in vitro and an ex vivo model of OA. Methods: A series of PRPs was prepared using the absolute platelet concentration as the standardization parameter. Doses of platelets ranged from 0% (platelet poor plasma, PPP) to 1.5·105 platelets/µl. PRPs were then activated with CaCl2 to obtain releasates (PRP-R). Chondrocytes were stimulated with 10% of each PRP-R in serum-free culture medium for 72 h to assess proliferation and viability. Cells were co-stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β (5 ng/ml) and 10% of each PRP-R for 48 h to determine the effects on gene expression, secretion and intra-cellular content of common markers associated with inflammation, catabolism and oxidative stress in OA. OA cartilage explants were co-stimulated with IL-1β (5 ng/ml) and 10% of either PRP-R with 0.75·105 platelets/µl or PRP-R with 1.5·105 platelets/µl for 21 days to assess matrix inflammatory degradation. Results: Chondrocyte viability was not affected, and proliferation was dose-dependently increased. The gene expression of all pro-inflammatory mediators was significantly and dose-independently reduced, except for that of IL-1β and IL-8. Immunoblotting corroborated this effect for inducible NO synthase (NOS2). Secreted matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) was reduced to almost basal levels by the PRP-R from PPP. Increasing platelet dosage led to progressive loss to this anti-catabolic ability. Safranin O and toluidine blue stains supported the beneficial effect of low platelet dosage on cartilage matrix preservation. Conclusion: We have developed a methodology to prepare PRP releasates using the absolute platelet concentration as the standardization parameter. Using this approach, the composition of the resulting PRP derived product is independent of the donor initial basal platelet count, thereby allowing the evaluation of its effects objectively and reproducibly. In our OA models, PRP-Rs showed antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-catabolic properties. Platelet enrichment could favor chondrocyte proliferation but is not necessary for the above effects and could even be counter-productive.

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Cell–cell coupling and DNA methylation abnormal phenotypes in the after-hours mice

Epigenetics & Chromatin ◽

10.1186/s13072-020-00373-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Federico Tinarelli ◽

Elena Ivanova ◽

Ilaria Colombi ◽

Erica Barini ◽

Edoardo Balzani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Dna Methylation ◽

Neuronal Networks ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Neuronal Cultures ◽

Functional Impairments ◽

After Hours ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background DNA methylation has emerged as an important epigenetic regulator of brain processes, including circadian rhythms. However, how DNA methylation intervenes between environmental signals, such as light entrainment, and the transcriptional and translational molecular mechanisms of the cellular clock is currently unknown. Here, we studied the after-hours mice, which have a point mutation in the Fbxl3 gene and a lengthened circadian period. Methods In this study, we used a combination of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro approaches. We measured retinal responses in Afh animals and we have run reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS), pyrosequencing and gene expression analysis in a variety of brain tissues ex vivo. In vitro, we used primary neuronal cultures combined to micro electrode array (MEA) technology and gene expression. Results We observed functional impairments in mutant neuronal networks, and a reduction in the retinal responses to light-dependent stimuli. We detected abnormalities in the expression of photoreceptive melanopsin (OPN4). Furthermore, we identified alterations in the DNA methylation pathways throughout the retinohypothalamic tract terminals and links between the transcription factor Rev-Erbα and Fbxl3. Conclusions The results of this study, primarily represent a contribution towards an understanding of electrophysiological and molecular phenotypic responses to external stimuli in the Afh model. Moreover, as DNA methylation has recently emerged as a new regulator of neuronal networks with important consequences for circadian behaviour, we discuss the impact of the Afh mutation on the epigenetic landscape of circadian biology.

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