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Schally AV, Block NL, Rick FG. Discovery of LHRH and development of LHRH analogs for prostate cancer treatment. Prostate 2017; 77:1036-1054. [PMID: 28449236 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery, isolation, elucidation of structure, synthesis, and initial testing of the neuropeptide hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), which regulates reproduction, is briefly described. The design, synthesis, and experimental and clinical testing of agonistic analogs of LHRH is extensively reviewed focusing on the development of new methods for the treatment of prostate cancer. Subsequent development of antagonistic analogs of LHRH is then faithfully recounted with special emphasis on therapy of prostate cancer and BPH. The concepts of targeted therapy to peptide receptors on tumors are re-examined and the development of the cytotoxic analogs of LHRH and their status is reviewed. The endeavor to develop better therapies for prostate cancer, based on LHRH analogs, guided much of our work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Norman L Block
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Ferenc G Rick
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education, Miami, Florida
- Department of Urology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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2
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Roger M. [Tribute to Andrew V. Schally]. ANNALES D'UROLOGIE 2005; 39 Suppl 3:S29-31. [PMID: 16302707 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-4401(05)80004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Roger
- Institut de recherche endocrinienne et métabolique, Hôpital Saint- Vincent-de-Paul, 82, avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75014 Paris, France.
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Abstract
The development of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists and antagonists and the principles of their clinical use were reviewed. In the 28 years that have elapsed since the elucidation of the structure of LH-RH, various applications in gynecology, reproductive medicine, and oncology have been established for LH-RH agonists and antagonists. These clinical applications are based on inhibition of the pituitary and the gonads. The advantage of the LH-RH antagonists is due to the fact that they inhibit the secretion of gonadotropins and sex steroids immediately after the first injection and thus achieve rapid therapeutic effects in contrast to the agonists, which require repeated administration. LH-RH antagonists should find applications in the treatment of benign gynecologic disorders and benign prostatic hypertrophy and in assisted reproduction programs. The primary treatment of advanced androgen-dependent prostate cancer is presently based on the use of depot preparations of LH-RH agonists, but antagonists like Cetrorelix already have been tried successfully. Antagonists of LH-RH might be more efficacious than agonists in treatment of patients with breast cancer as well as ovarian and endometrial cancer. Recently, practical cytotoxic analogs of LH-RH that can be targeted to LH-RH receptors on tumors have been synthesized and successfully tested in experimental cancer models. Targeted cytotoxic LH-RH analogs show a great promise for therapy of prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Abstract
When given for the first time to previously untreated patients with advanced prostate cancer, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs induce a transient rise in pituitary luteinizing hormone levels. As a consequence of this increase of LH, there is, within the first 2 to 3 days, a surge of testosterone, which can cause an exacerbation of the symptoms. First reports concerning this flare have been anecdotal, and in most studies, flare is reported with an incidence of 4-33%. This variance is due mainly to the confusion about the definition of the flare phenomenon. No distinctions have been made between clinical flare, with its manifestations of subjective or objective aggravation of cancer related symptoms, and the biochemical flare that results of the LHRH analog administration and that occurs in a majority of patients and is characterized by increases in testosterone, prostatic acid phosphatase, and prostate specific antigen. As the possible interference of the flare phenomenon on the ultimate aftermath of the patient's response to therapy is not yet known, it seems mandatory that flare prevention should be carried out whenever LHRH analogs are prescribed in monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mahler
- Department of Endocrinology, AZ Middelheim, Antwerp, Belgium
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Tenniswood MP, Guenette RS, Lakins J, Mooibroek M, Wong P, Welsh JE. Active cell death in hormone-dependent tissues. Cancer Metastasis Rev 1992; 11:197-220. [PMID: 1356648 DOI: 10.1007/bf00048064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Active cell death (ACD) in hormone-dependent tissues such as the prostate and mammary gland is readily induced by hormone ablation and by treatment with anti-androgens or anti-estrogens, calcium channel agonists and TGF beta. These agents induce a variety of genes within the hormone-dependent epithelial cells including TRPM-2, transglutaminase, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Hsp27 and several other unidentified genes. Not all epithelial cells in the glands are equally sensitive to the induction of ACD. In the prostate, the secretory epithelial cells that are sensitive to hormone ablation are localized in the distal region of the prostatic ducts, and are in direct contact with the neighboring stroma. In contrast, the epithelial cells in the proximal regions of the ducts are more resistant to hormone ablation, probably because the permissive effects of the stroma are attenuated by the presence of the basal epithelial cells, which are intercalated between the epithelium and stroma. The underlying biology of ACD in prostate and mammary glands, and its relevance to hormone resistance, is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Tenniswood
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Pinski J, Yano T, Miller G, Schally AV. Blockade of the LH response induced by the agonist D-Trp-6-LHRH in rats by a highly potent LH-RH antagonist SB-75. Prostate 1992; 20:213-24. [PMID: 1533453 DOI: 10.1002/pros.2990200306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During treatment of prostate cancer patients with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist, a transient LH and sex steroid release, which precedes the secretion blockade, may result in a flare-up of the disease, whereas the antagonists induce an immediate suppression. The administration of the modern, superactive LHRH antagonist SB-75 before or together with the agonist D-Trp-6-LHRH should prevent the "flare-up" phenomena. In order to demonstrate that the LHRH antagonist can prevent the initial stimulation of gonadotropins in response to LHRH agonists, groups of 5-7 male rats were injected s.c. with the antagonist SB-75 in doses in 100, 500, and 1,000 micrograms/rat 1 hour prior to or 1, 2, and 3 days before administration of D-Trp-6-LHRH agonist (50 micrograms/rat). Supraphysiological doses of the agonist were used in order to obtain prolonged stimulation of LH release, which was necessary to study the duration and the extent of LH release inhibition. Blood samples were taken before and 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours after D-Trp-6-LHRH stimulation for measurement of LH levels. The administration of SB-75 in doses of 500 and 1,000 micrograms/rat 3 days prior to administration of the agonist significantly lowered LH response (P less than 0.01), as compared to animals injected with D-Trp-6-LHRH alone. The D-Trp-6-LHRH-stimulated LH secretion was markedly more suppressed by all 3 doses of the antagonist in rats pretreated with SB-75 2 days prior to the stimulation with the agonist. An even greater reduction in LH response could be observed in rats injected with SB-75 1 day prior to the agonist, the magnitude of LH response being decreased by 75% with 500 micrograms/rat SB-75 and by 90% with 1 mg/rat SB-75. The LH response was virtually abolished when the antagonist, SB-75 was given in doses of 500 or 1,000 micrograms/rat 1 hour prior to the D-Trp-6-LHRH injection. Under these conditions, the agonist-induced LH and testosterone secretion was completely suppressed during the whole period of the experiment. The antagonist to agonist dose ratio of 2 to 1 produced a 90% decrease in the LH response to D-Trp-6-LHRH at 2 hours and 75% at 5 hours after agonist administration. The effects of LHRH decapeptide itself (500 micrograms/rat) on LH secretion could be totally suppressed by an injection of 50 micrograms/rat of SB-75 1 hour beforehand.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pinski
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, V.A. Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70146
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Schally AV, Comaru-Schally AM, Gonzalez-Barcena D. Present status of agonistic and antagonistic analogs of LH-RH in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 1992; 46:465-71. [PMID: 1363977 DOI: 10.1016/0753-3322(92)90004-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The methods for treatment of advanced prostate cancer, based on the agonistic analogs of LH-RH were reviewed. New therapeutic approaches utilizing antagonistic analogs of LH-RH such as SB-75 (Cetrorelix) have been described. Analogs of LH-RH chemically linked to various cytotoxic radicals are also being developed. Combinations of LH-RH agonists or antagonists with superactive somatostatin analogues such as Octastatin (RC-160) or with bombesin/GRP antagonists are being investigated in order to delay or prevent the relapse and improve the therapy for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Schally
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242-1109
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Bono AV, Pozzi E, Robustelli della Cuna G, Preti P. Prostatic cancer--survey of hormonal treatment in Europe. J Int Med Res 1990; 18 Suppl 1:11-25. [PMID: 2182353 DOI: 10.1177/03000605900180s104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostatic cancer is often locally advanced or metastatic when diagnosed, making surgical removal and radiotherapy ineffective treatments. Alternative therapy involves androgen deprivation because prostatic cancer is known to be androgen-dependent. Orchidectomy has proved effective but other methods of reducing androgen concentrations have also been developed. Oestrogens have proved effective, as have progestogens, and both steriodal and non-steroidal anti-androgens have been extensively studied. Another possible treatment is the use of inhibitors of androgen metabolism (aromatase and 5 alpha-reductase). Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogues, which act as antagonists or agonists, have been shown to have efficacies comparable to those of other therapies. Adrenal suppression has provided a useful alternative to adrenalectomy, particularly because of the high morbidity rate of surgery in elderly patients. Complete androgen withdrawal using an anti-androgen in association with surgical or chemical castration may be a more superior treatment. Another possible approach is the use of somatostatin analogues, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of animal prostatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Bono
- Division of Urology, Regional Hospital, Varese, Italy
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Kitasato H, Fabiani B, Busuttil M, Reynes M, Hillova J, Hill M, Mathé G. Regression of the malignant aspects of intraepithelial neoplasias following an LH-RH agonist treatment and detection of human papillomavirus by molecular hybridization. Biomed Pharmacother 1989; 43:183-5. [PMID: 2550098 DOI: 10.1016/0753-3322(89)90213-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients presenting genital intraepithelial neoplasia and/or flat condyloma were treated with DTrp6-LH-RH (triptorelin) to induce a transitory suppression of estrogens. This treatment led in some cases to a complete clinical and histological regression accompanied by a disappearance of human papillomavirus sequences as detected by molecular hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kitasato
- Institut du Cancer et d'Immunogénétique, Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Villejuif, France
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Fekete M, Redding TW, Comaru-Schally AM, Pontes JE, Connelly RW, Srkalovic G, Schally AV. Receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, somatostatin, prolactin, and epidermal growth factor in rat and human prostate cancers and in benign prostate hyperplasia. Prostate 1989; 14:191-208. [PMID: 2471961 DOI: 10.1002/pros.2990140302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Using sensitive multipoint micromethods, we estimated membrane receptors for [D-Trp6]-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone ([ D-Trp6]-LH-RH), somatostatin (SS-14), human prolactin (hPRL), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in experimental Dunning rat prostate cancers and in samples of normal human prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and human prostate cancer (PC) obtained from biopsy, after prostatectomy, or at autopsy. In the Dunning R-3327 rat prostate adenocarcinoma specimens, the receptors were characterized in untreated animals and following in vivo treatment with microcapsules of the agonist [D-Trp6]-LH-RH and the somatostatin analog RC-160. Two populations of binding sites were found for [D-Trp6]-LH-RH, one with high affinity and low capacity and another with low affinity and high capacity. Treatment with [D-Trp6]-LH-RH and RC-160 alone or with the combination of these analogs increased the binding capacity (Bmax) of the low-affinity binding sites for [D-Trp6]-LH-RH and decreased Bmax for hPRL and EGF. Therapy with [D-Trp6]-LH-RH also reduced Bmax of SS-14 binding and dissociation binding constant of high-affinity binding sites for [D-Trp6]-LH-RH, whereas administration of RC-160 or the combination treatment with both analogs increased Bmax of SS-14 binding. These findings are compatible with the view that analogs of LH-RH and SS-14 might exert some direct inhibitory effects on the Dunning prostate cancer. Among 13 human BPH samples examined, only one had receptors for [D-Trp6]-LH-RH, and seven specimens exhibited binding for prolactin. [D-Trp6]-LH-RH receptors were found in all seven samples of human PC but not in any of the eight specimens of normal human prostate. All samples of normal human prostate, BPH, and human PC exhibited binding sites for EGF but not for SS-14. Our findings on the membrane receptors in the human and rat prostate cancers raise the intriguing possibility that LH-RH, acting as a growth factor, along with EGF and prolactin, might be involved in complex interactions that contribute to the promotion of prostate cancer in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fekete
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Administration Medical Center, New Orleans, LA 70146
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Comaru-Schally AM, Kushner DS. Prostatic carcinoma with lung metastases in a former bagasse worker; LH-RH analogs as an alternative therapy. Am J Med Sci 1988; 296:348-53. [PMID: 2973752 DOI: 10.1097/00000441-198811000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Hjertberg H, Varenhorst E, Svensson M, Kågedal B, Nordenskjöld B. Treatment of prostatic cancer by monthly injections of an LHRH-analogue depot. Acta Oncol 1988; 27:361-4. [PMID: 2974290 DOI: 10.3109/02841868809093555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Thirty-six patients with advanced prostatic cancer were treated by monthly depot injections of a luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone analogue (LHRH-a). Five of these patients were also pretreated for 14 days with cyproterone acetate (CPA) in order to counteract initial increase in testosterone concentration. Two weeks after the initial depot injection the serum testosterone had been reduced to and was maintained at castrate level. Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were also significantly reduced. Of the 31 patients 23 showed objective regression at 3 months, 9 had stable disease and none showed progression. At 3 months 22 patients reported subjective improvement. At 12 months 18 showed objective regression, 7 had withdrawn from therapy and 6 showed progression. Side effects were acceptable and comparable to those following surgical castration. It is shown that CPA counteracts the initial increase in testosterone concentration at initiation of LHRH-a treatment. We conclude that depot preparations of LHRH-analogues, both with and without pretreatment with CPA, are useful in the treatment of patients with advanced prostatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hjertberg
- Department of Urology, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
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Schally AV, Redding TW. Somatostatin analogs as adjuncts to agonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in the treatment of experimental prostate cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1987; 84:7275-9. [PMID: 2890164 PMCID: PMC299275 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.84.20.7275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of a long-acting delivery system for the agonist [D-Trp6]luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone ([D-Trp6]LH-RH) with modern somatostatin analogs was studied in the Dunning R-3327H rat prostate cancer model. Microcapsules of [D-Trp6]LH-RH releasing 25 micrograms/day were injected once a month. In the first experiment the adjunct was the somatostatin analog D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr-NH2 (RC-121), administered at a dose of 2.5 micrograms twice a day, and the therapy was continued for 70 days. Tumor volume was significantly decreased by [D-Trp6]LH-RH microcapsules or RC-121 given alone. The combination of microcapsules and analog RC-121 caused a greater inhibition of tumor growth than the single agents. Similar effects were seen when the percent increase in the tumor volume was examined. The inhibition of tumor growth caused by the [D-Trp6]LH-RH microcapsules was greater than that caused by RC-121. The combination of the two agents was again the most effective, resulting in the smallest increase in tumor volume. Tumor weights were much lower in the groups treated with microcapsules or RC-121 alone than in controls. The lowest tumor weights were obtained in the group that received the combination of [D-Trp6]LH-RH microcapsules and RC-121. Similar results were obtained in the second experiment, in which the animals were treated for a period of 83 days with microcapsules containing the somatostatin analog D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Trp-NH2 (RC-160) that released 5 micrograms/day and were injected twice a month alone or in combination with microcapsules of [D-Trp6]LH-RH. Microcapsules of analog RC-160 given alone significantly decreased tumor growth as measured by the final tumor volume, the percentage change from the initial tumor volume, and the reduction in tumor weight. The inhibition of tumor growth induced by [D-Trp6]LH-RH microcapsules was greater than that caused by RC-160. The most striking decrease in tumor weight and volume was obtained in animals treated with microcapsules of [D-Trp6]LH-RH combined with the delayed delivery system for RC-160. The overall response to the combination therapy could reflect the inhibition by somatostatin analogs of the proliferation of prostate cancer cells through a decrease in growth hormone and prolactin release and interference with endogenous growth factors, in addition to the main effect, which is the suppression by [D-Trp6]LH-RH of the growth of androgen-dependent tumor cells. Our results indicate that somatostatin analogs enhance the inhibitory effects of [D-Trp6]LH-RH on the growth of prostate tumors. The administration of somatostatin analogs in combination with microcapsules of [D-Trp6]LH-RH might improve clinical response in patients with advanced prostate carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Administration Medical Center, New Orleans, LA 70146
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