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Zhang Y, Li WW, Wang Y, Fan YW, Wang QY, Liu C, Jiang S, Shang EX, Duan JA. Investigation of the material basis and mechanism of Lizhong decoction in ameliorating ulcerative colitis based on spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117666. [PMID: 38159822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lizhong decoction (LZD), a classical herbal prescription recorded by Zhang Zhongjing in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases, has been extensively used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical practice for thousands of years. However, its material basis and underlying mechanism are not yet clear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to explore the material basis and potential mechanism of LZD against UC based on the spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, LZD was extracted by a systematic solvent extraction method into four parts. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technique was used to identify the compounds from different polar parts, and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model was used to evaluate the efficacy of each fraction. Then, the spectrum-effect analyses of compounds and efficacy indicators were established via grey relational analysis (GRA), bivariate correlation analysis (BCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). Finally, the potential mechanism of LZD for UC therapy was explored by network pharmacology, and the results were further verified by molecular docking and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS 66 chemical components of LZD were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology. The pharmacodynamic results showed that extraction parts of LZD had different therapeutic effects on UC, among which ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts had significant anti-colitis effects, which might be the main effective fractions of LZD. Furthermore, the spectrum-effect analyses indicated that 21 active ingredients such as liquiritin apioside, neolicuroside, formononetin, ginsenoside Rg1, 6-gingesulfonic acid, licoricesaponin A3, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid were the main material basis for LZD improving UC. Based on the above results, network pharmacology suggested that the amelioration of LZD on UC might be closely related to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, molecular docking technology and RT-qPCR further verified that LZD could markedly inhibit the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Overall, our study first identified the chemical compositions of LZD by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Furthermore, the material basis and potential mechanism of LZD in improving UC were comprehensively elucidated via spectrum-effect relationships, network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification. The proposed strategy provided a systematic approach for exploring how herbal medicines worked. More importantly, it laid the solid foundation for further clinical application and rational development of LZD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Wen-Wen Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yu-Wen Fan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Qu-Yi Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Chen Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Shu Jiang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
| | - Er-Xin Shang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
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Yu C, Qiu J, Xiong M, Ren B, Zhong M, Zhou S, Li Y, Zeng M, Song H. Protective effect of Lizhong Pill on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats: Possible involvement of TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116991. [PMID: 37536648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The traditional Chinese medicine formula Lizhong Pill (LZP) and its herbal constituents are frequently utilized in Asian (China, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, etc.) and some European (Russia, Sweden, UK, etc.) nations to treat various gastrointestinal ailments. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the protective impact and potential mechanism of LZP against indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using a biochemical kit, we investigated the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in rat serum, as well as pepsin in rat stomach tissue, using an IND-induced rat model of gastric mucosal injury. Various imaging tools, including HE staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were used to examine the gastric mucosa's surface morphology and ultrastructure. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to predict the binding capacity of the primary bioactive components of LZP to the critical molecular protein targets in the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways. At the same time, immunofluorescence was used to determine the protein expressions of CASP3, VCAM1, MAPK15, MMP3, IL-17RA, and TNFR1. RESULTS The present study demonstrates that LZP (3.75 and 7.50 g/kg) significantly reduces the gastric mucosal injury index induced by IND. This effect is evidenced by the improved morphology, surface, and structure of the gastric mucosa, as determined by HE, SEM, and TEM findings. Additionally, 3.75 and 7.50 g/kg LZP intervention significantly increased SOD and CAT contents and inhibited pepsin and GST activities. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the small molecular components of LZP can bind spontaneously to crucial proteins involved in the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways, including MAPK15, MMP3, VCAM1, and CASP3. The immunofluorescence findings proved that LZP (3.75 and 7.50 g/kg) can inhibit the protein expressions of MAPK15, MMP3, VCAM1, CASP3, IL-17RA, and TNFR1. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation findings demonstrate that LZP can potentially ameliorate IND-induced damage to the gastric mucosa by inhibiting IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways. These results offer encouraging support for using alternative medicine to manage drug-induced gastric mucosal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Yu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Jingyue Qiu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Meng Xiong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Baoping Ren
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Meiqi Zhong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Sainan Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Yuejun Li
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Meiyan Zeng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Houpan Song
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
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Yan D, Ye S, He Y, Wang S, Xiao Y, Xiang X, Deng M, Luo W, Chen X, Wang X. Fatty acids and lipid mediators in inflammatory bowel disease: from mechanism to treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1286667. [PMID: 37868958 PMCID: PMC10585177 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1286667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Though the pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear, diet is increasingly recognized as a pivotal factor influencing its onset and progression. Fatty acids, essential components of dietary lipids, play diverse roles in IBD, ranging from anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory functions to gut-microbiota modulation and barrier maintenance. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), products of indigestible dietary fiber fermentation by gut microbiota, have strong anti-inflammatory properties and are seen as key protective factors against IBD. Among long-chain fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibit pro-inflammatory effects, while oleic acid and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids display anti-inflammatory actions. Lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids serve as bioactive molecules, influencing immune cell functions and offering both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory benefits. Recent research has also highlighted the potential of medium- and very long-chain fatty acids in modulating inflammation, mucosal barriers, and gut microbiota in IBD. Given these insights, dietary intervention and supplementation with short-chain fatty acids are emerging as potential therapeutic strategies for IBD. This review elucidates the impact of various fatty acids and lipid mediators on IBD and delves into potential therapeutic avenues stemming from these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuyu Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-Resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sidan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-Resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-Resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Minzi Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-Resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiwei Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-Resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuejie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-Resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Non-Resolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Li H, Ye XF, Su YS, He W, Zhang JB, Zhang Q, Zhan LB, Jing XH. Mechanism of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Promoting Mucosal Healing in Ulcerative Colitis. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:847-856. [PMID: 35412218 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-022-3531-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The latest guideline about ulcerative colitis (UC) clinical practice stresses that mucosal healing, rather than anti-inflammation, is the main target in UC clinical management. Current mucosal dysfunction mainly closely relates to the endoscopic intestinal wall (mechanical barrier) injury with the imbalance between intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) regeneration and death, as well as tight junction (TJ) dysfunction. It is suggested that biological barrier (gut microbiota), chemical barrier (mucus protein layer, MUC) and immune barrier (immune cells) all take part in the imbalance, leading to mechanical barrier injury. Lots of experimental studies reported that acupuncture and moxibustion on UC recovery by adjusting the gut microbiota, MUC and immune cells on multiple targets and pathways, which contributes to the balance of IEC regeneration and death, as well as TJ structure recovery in animals. Moreover, the validity and superiority of acupuncture and moxibustion were also demonstrated in clinic. This study aims to review the achievements of acupuncture and moxibustion on mucosal healing and analyse the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, 213002, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Ye
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, 213002, China
| | - Yang-Shuai Su
- Research Center of Meridians, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wei He
- Research Center of Meridians, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jian-Bin Zhang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 211005, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, 213002, China
| | - Li-Bin Zhan
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Liaoning University of Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, 116600, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Jing
- Research Center of Meridians, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Sun HX, Zhu Y. Progress on Regulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome by Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. Chin J Integr Med 2023:10.1007/s11655-023-3551-1. [PMID: 37148482 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3551-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, non-specific intestinal disease that not only affects the quality of life of patients and their families but also increases the risk of colorectal cancer. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an important component of inflammatory response system, and its activation induces an inflammatory cascade response that is involved in the development and progression of UC by releasing inflammatory cytokines, damaging intestinal epithelial cells, and disrupting the intestinal mucosal barrier. Chinese medicine (CM) plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of UC and is able to regulate NLRP3 inflammasome. Many experimental studies on the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome mediated by CM have been carried out, demonstrating that CM formulae with main effects of clearing heat, detoxifying toxicity, drying dampness, and activating blood circulation. Flavonoids and phenylpropanoids can effectively regulate NLRP3 inflammasome. Other active components of CM can interfere with the process of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation, leading to a reduction in inflammation and UC symptoms. However, the reports are relatively scattered and lack systematic reviews. This paper reviews the latest findings regarding the NLRP3 inflammasome activation-related pathways associated with UC and the potential of CM in treating UC through modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome. The purpose of this review is to explore the possible pathological mechanisms of UC and suggest new directions for development of therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Xian Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, China
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, China.
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Zhou B, Liu J, Wang Y, Wu F, Wang C, Wang C, Liu J, Li P. Protective Effect of Ethyl Rosmarinate against Ulcerative Colitis in Mice Based on Untargeted Metabolomics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1256. [PMID: 35163182 PMCID: PMC8836019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aiming at assessing the therapeutic effect of ethyl rosmarinate (ER) on ulcerative colitis (UC), the following activities were performed in vitro and in vivo in the present study. Firstly, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was established to determine the level of inflammatory factors. Then, a UC mice model induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was established to further investigate the effects of ER on symptoms, inflammatory factors and colon histopathology. Finally, serum and colon metabolomics studies were performed to identify the biomarkers and metabolisms closely related to the protective effect of ER on UC. The results showed that after ER intervention, the levels of inflammatory factors (NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and key enzyme (MPO) in cell supernatant, serum or colon were significantly decreased, and the disease activity index and colon tissue damage in mice were also effectively improved or restored. In addition, 28 biomarkers and 6 metabolisms were found to be re-regulated by ER in the UC model mice. Therefore, it could be concluded that ER could effectively ameliorate the progression of UC and could be used as a new natural agent for the treatment of UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baisong Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.Z.); (J.L.); (F.W.); (C.W.); (C.W.)
| | - Juntong Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.Z.); (J.L.); (F.W.); (C.W.); (C.W.)
| | - Yaru Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
| | - Fulin Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.Z.); (J.L.); (F.W.); (C.W.); (C.W.)
| | - Caixia Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.Z.); (J.L.); (F.W.); (C.W.); (C.W.)
| | - Cuizhu Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.Z.); (J.L.); (F.W.); (C.W.); (C.W.)
- Research Center of Natural Drug, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jinping Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.Z.); (J.L.); (F.W.); (C.W.); (C.W.)
- Research Center of Natural Drug, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Pingya Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (B.Z.); (J.L.); (F.W.); (C.W.); (C.W.)
- Research Center of Natural Drug, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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