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Tong XY, Hussain H, Shamaladevi N, Norenberg MD, Fadel A, El Hiba O, Abdeljalil EG, Bilal EM, Kempuraj D, Natarajan S, Schally AV, Jaszberenyi M, Salgueiro L, Paidas MJ, Jayakumar AR. Age and Sex in the Development of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Role of Alcohol. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:228. [PMID: 38666840 PMCID: PMC11048384 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological condition linked to liver failure. Acute HE (Type A) occurs with acute liver failure, while chronic HE (Type C) is tied to cirrhosis and portal hypertension. HE treatments lag due to gaps in understanding its development by gender and age. We studied how sex and age impact HE and its severity with combined liver toxins. Our findings indicate that drug-induced (thioacetamide, TAA) brain edema was more severe in aged males than in young males or young/aged female rats. However, adding alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) worsens TAA's brain edema in both young and aged females, with females experiencing a more severe effect than males. These patterns also apply to Type A HE induced by azoxymethane (AZO) in mice. Similarly, TAA-induced behavioral deficits in Type C HE were milder in young and aged females than in males. Conversely, EtOH and TAA in young/aged males led to severe brain edema and fatality without noticeable behavioral changes. TAA metabolism was slower in aged males than in young or middle-aged rats. When TAA-treated aged male rats received EtOH, there was a slow and sustained plasma level of thioacetamide sulfoxide (TASO). This suggests that with EtOH, TAA-induced HE is more severe in aged males. TAA metabolism was similar in young, middle-aged, and aged female rats. However, with EtOH, young and aged females experience more severe drug-induced HE as compared to middle-aged adult rats. These findings strongly suggest that gender and age play a role in the severity of HE development and that the presence of one or more liver toxins may aggravate the severity of the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Y. Tong
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (X.Y.T.); (M.D.N.)
| | - Hussain Hussain
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA;
| | | | - Michael D. Norenberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (X.Y.T.); (M.D.N.)
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Aya Fadel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ocean Medical Center-Hackensack Meridian Health, Brick, NJ 08724, USA;
| | - Omar El Hiba
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology, Health, and Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neuroscience and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (O.E.H.); (E.-M.B.)
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Sciences and Health Technologies, Epidemiology and Biomedical Unit, Settat 26000, Morocco;
| | - El got Abdeljalil
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Sciences and Health Technologies, Epidemiology and Biomedical Unit, Settat 26000, Morocco;
| | - El-Mansoury Bilal
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology, Health, and Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neuroscience and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (O.E.H.); (E.-M.B.)
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Sciences and Health Technologies, Epidemiology and Biomedical Unit, Settat 26000, Morocco;
| | - Deepak Kempuraj
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Sampath Natarajan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, India;
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Miklos Jaszberenyi
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Luis Salgueiro
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
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DeMorrow S, Cudalbu C, Davies N, Jayakumar AR, Rose CF. 2021 ISHEN guidelines on animal models of hepatic encephalopathy. Liver Int 2021; 41:1474-1488. [PMID: 33900013 PMCID: PMC9812338 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This working group of the International Society of Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism (ISHEN) was commissioned to summarize and update current efforts in the development and characterization of animal models of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). As defined in humans, HE in animal models is based on the underlying degree and severity of liver pathology. Although hyperammonemia remains the key focus in the pathogenesis of HE, other factors associated with HE have been identified, together with recommended animal models, to help explore the pathogenesis and pathophysiological mechanisms of HE. While numerous methods to induce liver failure and disease exist, less have been characterized with neurological and neurobehavioural impairments. Moreover, there still remains a paucity of adequate animal models of Type C HE induced by alcohol, viruses and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; the most common etiologies of chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S DeMorrow
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas, USA; Research division, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple Texas USA.,Correspondance: Sharon DeMorrow, PhD, ; tel: +1-512-495-5779
| | - C Cudalbu
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Davies
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - AR Jayakumar
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service and South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami FL, USA
| | - CF Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Beneficial and Deleterious Effects of Female Sex Hormones, Oral Contraceptives, and Phytoestrogens by Immunomodulation on the Liver. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194694. [PMID: 31546715 PMCID: PMC6801544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is considered the laboratory of the human body because of its many metabolic processes. It accomplishes diverse activities as a mixed gland and is in continuous cross-talk with the endocrine system. Not only do hormones from the gastrointestinal tract that participate in digestion regulate the liver functions, but the sex hormones also exert a strong influence on this sexually dimorphic organ, via their receptors expressed in liver, in both health and disease. Besides, the liver modifies the actions of sex hormones through their metabolism and transport proteins. Given the anatomical position and physiological importance of liver, this organ is evidenced as an immune vigilante that mediates the systemic immune response, and, in turn, the immune system regulates the hepatic functions. Such feedback is performed by cytokines. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are strongly involved in hepatic homeostasis and in pathological states; indeed, female sex hormones, oral contraceptives, and phytoestrogens have immunomodulatory effects in the liver and the whole organism. To analyze the complex and interesting beneficial or deleterious effects of these drugs by their immunomodulatory actions in the liver can provide the basis for either their pharmacological use in therapeutic treatments or to avoid their intake in some diseases.
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Homma T, Shirato T, Akihara R, Kobayashi S, Lee J, Yamada KI, Miyata S, Takahashi M, Fujii J. Mice deficient in aldo-keto reductase 1a (Akr1a) are resistant to thioacetamide-induced liver injury. Toxicol Lett 2018; 294:37-43. [PMID: 29763686 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aldehyde reductase (Akr1a) has been reported to be involved in detoxification of reactive aldehydes as well as in the synthesis of bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid (AsA). Because Akr1a is expressed at high levels in the liver and is involved in xenobiotic metabolism, our objective was to investigate the hepato-protective role of Akr1a in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatotoxicity model using Akr1a-deficient (Akr1a-/-) mice. Wild-type (WT) and Akr1a-/- mice were injected intraperitoneally with TAA and the extent of liver injury in the acute phase was assessed. Intriguingly, the extent of TAA-induced liver damage was less in the Akr1a-/- mice than in the WT mice. Biomarkers for the ER stress-induced apoptosis pathway were markedly decreased in the livers of Akr1a-/- mice, whereas AsA levels in plasma did not change significantly in any of the mice. In the liver, TAA is converted to reactive metabolites such as TAA S-oxide and then to TAA S, S-dioxide via the action of CYP2E1. In Akr1a-/- mice, CYP2E1 activity was relatively lower than WT mice at the basal level, leading to reactive TAA metabolites being produced at lower levels after the TAA treatment. The levels of liver proteins that were modified with these metabolites were also lower in the Akr1a-/- mice than the WT mice after the TAA treatment. Furthermore, after a lethal dose of a TAA challenge, the WT mice all died within 36 h, whereas almost all of the Akr1a-/- mice survived. These collective results suggest that Akr1a-/- mice are resistant to TAA-induced liver injury, and it follows that the absence of Akr1a might modulate TAA bioactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takujiro Homma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan.
| | - Takaya Shirato
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Akihara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Sho Kobayashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Jaeyong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Yamada
- Department of Bio-functional Science, Faculty of Pharmacological Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Motoko Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Junichi Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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Huc T, Jurkowska H, Wróbel M, Jaworska K, Onyszkiewicz M, Ufnal M. Colonic hydrogen sulfide produces portal hypertension and systemic hypotension in rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 243:96-106. [PMID: 29130338 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217741869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas, at low concentrations is also a biological mediator in animals. In the colon, hydrogen sulfide is produced by intestinal tissues and gut sulfur bacteria. Gut-derived molecules undergo liver metabolism. Portal hypertension is one of the most common complications contributing to the high mortality in liver cirrhosis. We hypothesized that the colon-derived hydrogen sulfide may affect portal blood pressure. Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained either on tap water (controls) or on water solution of thioacetamide to produce liver cirrhosis (CRH-R). Hemodynamics were measured after administration of either saline or Na2S, a hydrogen sulfide donor, into (1) the colon, (2) the portal vein, or (3) the femoral vein. Expression of enzymes involved in hydrogen sulfide metabolism was measured by RT-PCR. CRH-R showed a significantly higher portal blood pressure but a lower arterial blood pressure than controls. Saline did not affect hemodynamic parameters. In controls, intracolonic hydrogen sulfide decreased arterial blood pressure and portal blood flow but increased portal blood pressure. Similarly, hydrogen sulfide administered into the portal vein decreased arterial blood pressure but increased portal blood pressure. In contrast, hydrogen sulfide administered into the systemic vein decreased both arterial and portal blood pressures. CRH-R showed significantly greater responses to hydrogen sulfide than controls. CRH-R had a significantly higher liver concentration of hydrogen sulfide but lower expression of rhodanese, an enzyme converting hydrogen sulfide to sulfate. In conclusion, colon-administered hydrogen sulfide increases portal blood pressure while decreasing the systemic arterial blood pressure. The response to hydrogen sulfide is more pronounced in cirrhotic rats which show reduced hydrogen sulfide liver metabolism. Therefore, colon-derived hydrogen sulfide may be involved in the regulation of portal blood pressure, and may contribute to portal hypertension. Impact statement Accumulating evidence suggests that gut-derived molecules affect the control of the circulatory system. Mechanisms controlling liver circulation have been profoundly studied; however, the effects of gut bacteria-derived molecules on portal blood pressure have not been established. In the colon, hydrogen sulfide is produced by intestinal tissues and gut sulfur bacteria. We found that colon-administered hydrogen sulfide increases portal blood pressure while decreasing the systemic arterial blood pressure. The hemodynamic response to hydrogen sulfide was more pronounced in cirrhotic rats which showed reduced hydrogen sulfide liver metabolism, i.e. lower expression of rhodanese, an enzyme converting hydrogen sulfide to sulfate. We propose that colon-derived hydrogen sulfide may affect the regulation of portal and arterial blood pressures and may be involved in portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Huc
- 1 Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, 37803 Laboratory of the Centre for Preclinical Research , Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland
| | - Halina Jurkowska
- 2 Chair of Medical Biochemistry, 37799 Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow 31-034, Poland
| | - Maria Wróbel
- 2 Chair of Medical Biochemistry, 37799 Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow 31-034, Poland
| | - Kinga Jaworska
- 1 Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, 37803 Laboratory of the Centre for Preclinical Research , Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland
| | - Maksymilian Onyszkiewicz
- 1 Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, 37803 Laboratory of the Centre for Preclinical Research , Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland
| | - Marcin Ufnal
- 1 Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, 37803 Laboratory of the Centre for Preclinical Research , Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland
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6
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Immunomodulatory effects by oral contraceptives in normal and cholestatic female rats: Role of cytokines. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 21:10-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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7
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Dai MZ, Lin YL, Lin HC, Zan HW, Chang KT, Meng HF, Liao JW, Tsai MJ, Cheng H. Highly Sensitive Ammonia Sensor with Organic Vertical Nanojunctions for Noninvasive Detection of Hepatic Injury. Anal Chem 2013; 85:3110-7. [DOI: 10.1021/ac303100k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhi Dai
- Institute of Physics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lo Lin
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary
Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory,
Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Cheng Lin
- Department of Photonics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Wen Zan
- Department of Photonics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Ting Chang
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory,
Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Institute of
Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Fei Meng
- Institute of Physics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Wang Liao
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary
Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - May-Jywan Tsai
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory,
Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Henrich Cheng
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory,
Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Institute of
Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Neural Regeneration,
Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, School
of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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8
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Abstract
Sex differences in the incidence of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension have been reported by epidemiological studies. Previous studies have indicated that estrogen therapy improved hepatic fibrosis, inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells, and reduced portal pressure, whereas the administration of exogenous estrogens resulted in some potential risks, limiting their clinical use. However, the biological actions of estrogens are mediated by three subtypes of estrogen receptors (ERs): ERα, ERβ, and G-protein-coupled ER. These ER subtypes act in distinct ways and exert different biological effects that mediate genomic and nongenomic events, resulting in tissue-specific responses. In addition, active estrogen metabolites, with little or no affinity for ERs, could mediate the fibrosuppressive effect of estrogens through an ER-independent pathway. Taken together, such specific estrogen derivatives as ER selective agonists, or active estrogen metabolites, would provide novel therapeutic opportunities, stratifying this hormonal treatment, thereby reducing undesired side-effects in the treatment of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
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Abbasi MH, Akhtar T, Malik IA, Fatima S, Khawar B, Mujeeb KA, Mustafa G, Hussain S, Iqbal J, Sheikh N. Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Thioacteamide and Alterations in Blood Cell Indices in Rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/jct.2013.41032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Bin WT, Ma LM, Xu Q, Shi XL. Embryonic hepatocyte transplantation for hepatic cirrhosis: Efficacy and mechanism of action. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:309-22. [PMID: 22294837 PMCID: PMC3261526 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i4.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of action of allogeneic embryonic hepatocyte transplantation for the treatment of hepatic cirrhosis.
METHODS: Rat embryonic hepatocytes were characterized by examining cell markers. Wistar rats with CCl4-induced cirrhosis were randomly divided into two groups: a model group receiving continuous CCl4, and a cell transplantation group receiving continuous CCl4 and transplanted with embryonic fluorescent-labeled hepatocytes. In addition, a normal control group was composed of healthy rats. All rats were sacrificed after 2 wk following the initiation of the cell transplant. Ultrasound, pathological analyses and serum biochemical tests were used to evaluate the efficacy of embryonic hepatocyte transplantation. To analyze the recovery status of cirrhotic hepatocytes and the signaling pathways influenced by embryonic hepatocyte transplantation, real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the mRNA expression of stellate activation-associated protein (STAP), c-myb, α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect α-SMA and ET-1 protein expression in hepatic tissues.
RESULTS: Gross morphological, ultrasound and histopathological examinations, serum biochemical tests and radioimmunoassays demonstrated that hepatic cirrhosis was successfully established in the Wistar rats. Stem cell factor receptor (c-kit), hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met), Nestin, α fetal protein, albumin and cytokeratin19 markers were observed in the rat embryonic hepatocytes. Following embryonic hepatocyte transplantation, there was a significant reversal in the gross appearance, ultrasound findings, histopathological properties, and serum biochemical parameters of the rat liver. In addition, after the activation of hepatic stellate cells and STAP signaling, α-SMA, c-myb and ET-1 mRNA levels became significantly lower than in the untreated cirrhotic group (P < 0.05). These levels, however, were not statistically different from those of the normal healthy group. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analyses revealed that α-SMA and ET-1 protein expression levels in the transplantation group were significantly lower than in the untreated cirrhotic group, but being not statistically different from the normal group.
CONCLUSION: Transplantation of embryonic hepatocytes in rats has therapeutic effects on cirrhosis. The described treatment may significantly reduce the expression of STAP and ET-1.
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Tsuda N, Matsui O. Signal profile on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver cirrhosis induced in rats: correlation with transporter expression. Eur Radiol 2011; 21:2542-50. [PMID: 21830099 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-011-2228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the transporter expression and signal profile on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhotic liver induced in rats, and investigate the correlation of the transporter expression and fibrosis rate in both diseases. METHODS Forty-eight rats were divided into four groups of 12: TAA (cirrhosis), NASH 7- and 10-week, and control groups. Each group was divided into two subgroups: Group 1 for MRI and Group 2 for transporter examinations. RESULTS The relative enhancement of the TAA group was significantly lower than those of other groups (p < 0.01). The T(max) and T(1/2) of the NASH 10-week group was significantly prolonged in comparison with the TAA group (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the oatp1 expression, whereas the mrp2 expression of the TAA group was significantly higher than those of other groups (p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between the fibrosis rate and oatp1 expression, whereas a paradoxical correlation was found between the fibrosis rate and mrp2 expression (NASH: negative correlation, r = 0.91, p < 0.01; TAA: positive correlation, r = 0.85, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that the mrp2 expression in cirrhosis increases in comparison with NASH, and there was a paradoxical correlation between the fibrosis rate and mrp2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Tsuda
- Diagnostic Imaging Medical Affairs, Medical Affairs, Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd., 4-9, Umeda 2-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka 530-0001, Japan.
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12
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Hao H, Zhang L, Jiang S, Sun S, Gong P, Xie Y, Zhou X, Wang G. Thioacetamide intoxication triggers transcriptional up-regulation but enzyme inactivation of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. Drug Metab Dispos 2011; 39:1815-22. [PMID: 21733883 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.111.039172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thioacetamide (TAA) is a potent hepatotoxicant and has been widely used to develop experimental liver fibrosis/cirrhosis models. Although the liver toxicity of TAA has been extensively studied, little is known about its potential influence on UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) associated with the development of liver fibrosis. The study presented here aimed to uncover the regulation patterns of UGTs in TAA-induced liver fibrosis of rats. Potential counteracting effects of hepatoprotective agents were also determined. TAA treatment for 8 weeks induced a significant transcriptional up-regulation of the major UGT isoforms, including UGT1A1, UGT1A6, and UGT2B1, accompanied with the dramatic elevations of most typical serum biomarkers of liver function and fibrosis scores. Upon TAA intoxication, the mRNA and protein levels of the major UGT isoforms were increased to 1.5- to 2.5-fold and 2.5- to 3.3-fold of that of the normal control, respectively. The hepatoprotective agents Schisandra spp. lignans extract and dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate could largely abolish TAA-induced up-regulation of all three UGT isoforms. However, enzyme activities of UGTs remained unchanged after TAA treatment. The dissociation of protein expression and enzyme activity could possibly be attributed to the inactivating effects of TAA, upon a NADPH-dependent bioactivation, on UGTs. This study suggests that the transcriptional up-regulation of UGTs may be an alternative mechanism of their preserved activities in liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Tsuda N, Harada K, Matsui O. Effect of change in transporter expression on gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 26:568-76. [PMID: 21332553 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06494.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To analyze the difference in signal intensity on gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among various hepatocellular nodules during hepatocarcinogenesis as correlated with the expressions of the transporters of Gd-EOB-DTPA. METHODS We received institutional animal review board approval prior to the commencement of all studies. Forty rats were divided into three groups. The rats in the tumor groups received N-nitrosomorpholine solution (n = 16), and rats in the cirrhosis group (thioacetamide [TAA] group) received thioacetamide solution (n = 12). As a control, the remaining 12 rats were fed normal water. Each group was divided into two sub-groups: Group 1 for Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI (0.025 mmol Gd/kg, n =7) and Group 2 for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to compare transporter (oatp1 and mrp2) expressions (n = 5 for control and TAA groups, n = 9 for tumor groups). RESULTS Signal enhancement of tumors decreased according to the progress of hepatocarcinogenesis. Although the relative enhancement of each tumor group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference between TAA, hyperplastic nodules (HPN), and HCC(well) groups. The relative enhancement of the HCC(mod) group was significantly lower than the other groups (P < 0.01). The oatp1 expression of HPN tended to be higher than those of HCC(well) and HCC(mod). The mrp2 expression of TAA was significantly higher than those of HCC(well), HCC(mod), HPN and control (P < 0.01). The mrp2 expression of HPN tended to be higher than those of HCC(well ) and HCC(mod). CONCLUSION It was suggested that the signal enhancement on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI would correlate with the transporter expression in various hepatocellular nodules during hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Tsuda
- Diagnostic Imaging Medical Affair, Medical Affairs, Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd., Osaka, Japan.
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Elbarbry F, Ragheb A, Attia A, Chibbar R, Marfleet T, Shoker A. Cyclosporine-induced changes in drug metabolizing enzymes in hyperlipemic rabbit kidneys could explain its toxicity. Xenobiotica 2010; 40:772-81. [DOI: 10.3109/00498254.2010.517276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Tsuda N, Matsui O. Cirrhotic rat liver: reference to transporter activity and morphologic changes in bile canaliculi--gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging. Radiology 2010; 256:767-73. [PMID: 20663976 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.10092065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the difference in signal intensity on gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images between normal and cirrhotic livers in rats as correlated with the expressions of the transporters of gadoxetic acid and the morphopathologic change in bile canaliculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional animal review board approval was received prior to the commencement of all studies. Fifteen rats received thioacetamide (TAA) in their drinking water for 12 weeks to induce liver cirrhosis. As a control, 15 rats were given normal water. After 12 weeks, seven rats in the TAA group and seven rats in the control group underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging (0.025 mmol gadolinium per kilogram of body weight). Five rats in each group were used for comparison of transporter (organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1 [oatp1] and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 [mrp2]) activities. Three rats in each group were used for morphologic examination. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Signal enhancement of the liver in the TAA group significantly decreased in comparison with that in the control group, although the signal enhancement of the kidney in both groups was almost identical. The oatp1 and mrp2 activities were as follows: 2.17 +/- 0.71 (standard deviation) for oatp1 in the TAA group, 2.58 +/- 0.35 for oatp1 in the control group, 3.37 +/- 1.04 for mrp2 in the TAA group, and 0.93 +/- 0.34 for mrp2 in the control group (P = .175 for oatp1, P = .009 for mrp2). At morphologic examination, enlargement of bile canaliculi and hyperplasia or elongation of microvilli were observed in the TAA group. CONCLUSION Findings showed that liver cirrhosis promotes the elimination of gadoxetic acid mediated by mrp2; therefore, mrp2 up-regulation may explain the significant signal intensity loss noted on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR images in the rat. In addition, the up-regulation of mrp2 may be accompanied by morphologic changes in bile canaliculi and microvilli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Tsuda
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging Medical Affairs, Bayer Yakuhin, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka, Japan.
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a serious health issue for many liver patients and is currently diagnosed using liver biopsy. The erroneous nature of this technique urges the search for better, noninvasive alternatives. In this regard, proteomics has been described as a useful biomarker discovery tool and has become increasingly applied in the study of liver fibrosis. Experimental and clinical studies have already provided deeper insights in the molecular pathways of liver fibrosis and even confirmed previous findings. Recent advances in proteomic strategies and tools enable multiple fractionation, multiple protein identifications and parallel analyses of multiple samples. Despite its increasing popularity, proteomics still faces certain pitfalls concerning preanalytical variability, protein coverage and statistic reliability. Proteomics is still evolving, but will undoubtedly contribute to a better understanding of the basics of the pathology and certainly offer opportunities in liver fibrosis diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Kang JS, Wanibuchi H, Morimura K, Wongpoomchai R, Chusiri Y, Gonzalez FJ, Fukushima S. Role of CYP2E1 in thioacetamide-induced mouse hepatotoxicity. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2007; 228:295-300. [PMID: 18374380 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2007.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Revised: 11/08/2007] [Accepted: 11/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous experiments showed that treatment of mice and rats with thioacetamide (TAA) induced liver cell damage, fibrosis and/or cirrhosis, associated with increased oxidative stress and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Some experiments suggest that CYP2E1 may be involved in the metabolic activation of TAA. However, there is no direct evidence on the role of CYP2E1 in TAA-mediated hepatotoxicity. To clarify this, TAA-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated using Cyp2e1-null mice. Male wild-type and Cyp2e1-null mice were treated with TAA (200 mg/kg of body weight, single, i.p.) at 6 weeks of age, and hepatotoxicity examined 24 and 48 h after TAA treatment. Relative liver weights of Cyp2e1-null mice were significantly different at 24 h compared to wild-type mice (p<0.01). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in Cyp2e1-null mice were significantly different at both time points compared to wild-type mice (p<0.01). Histopathological examination showed Cyp2e1-null mice represented no hepatototoxic lesions, in clear contrast to severe centriobular necrosis, inflammation and hemorrhage at both time points in wild-type mice. Marked lipid peroxidation was also only limited to wild-type mice (p<0.01). Similarly, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and glutathione peroxidase mRNA expression in Cyp2e1-null mice did not significantly differ from the control levels, contrasting with the marked alteration in wild-type mice (p<0.01). Western blot analysis further revealed no increase in iNOS expression in Cyp2e1-null mice. These results reveal that CYP2E1 mediates TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in wild-type mice as a result of increased oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Seok Kang
- Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
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Li D, Zhang LL, Hou HS, Shi Q, Shen BJ. Dynamic changes of liver in cirrhosis model of rabbits. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2006; 14:1403-1407. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v14.i14.1403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To establish a relatively simple and feasible rabbit model of liver cirrhosis and analyze the dynamic changes of function and histopathology of cirrhotic liver.
METHODS: Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups, of which twenty were received subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) along with gastric infusion of edible ethanol for eight weeks. Animals in control group were fed with regular water and injected subcutaneously with the same quantity of olive oil. The development of hepatic fibrosis was recorded by Masson's trichrome method fortnightly. Blood samples were collected to measure the blood protein and enzymes fortnightly.
RESULTS: After treatment with CCl4, hepatic fibrosis was aggravated with time went by. As compared with those in normal controls, the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the experimental groups were increased significantly (AST: 983.5 ± 116.7 nkat/L vs 650.1 ± 133.4 nkat/L, P = 0.03; ALT: 1867.1 ± 200.1 nkat/L vs 883.5 ± 116.7 nkat/L, P = 0.01), while the level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) was decreased (100.1 ± 33.3 nkat/L vs 366.7 ± 50.1 nkat/L, P = 0.01) at the end of 8 wk. Typical features of liver cirrhosis and the formation of false lobe were observed at the end of 8 wk.
CONCLUSION: Rabbit models of liver cirrhosis, with a low mortality and high success rate, can be established by combination of CCl4 and ethanol in a relatively short time.
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Kang JS, Morimura K, Toda C, Wanibuchi H, Wei M, Kojima N, Fukushima S. Testicular toxicity of DEHP, but not DEHA, is elevated under conditions of thioacetamide-induced liver damage. Reprod Toxicol 2006; 21:253-9. [PMID: 16303285 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2005.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2005] [Revised: 09/28/2005] [Accepted: 09/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As part of an investigation of possible enhancement by liver disease of testicular toxicity caused by phthalates, we tested the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced rat liver damage model. Male, 6-week-old, F344 rats (n=60) were divided into ten groups. Animals of groups 1-5 received TAA (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, three times per week) for 4 weeks, and groups 6-10 served as controls without TAA. After a 1 week interval, at week 5, powder diet containing DEHP or DEHA was provided to the animals of groups 1 and 6 (DEHP 25000 ppm), groups 2 and 7 (DEHP 6000 ppm), groups 3 and 8 (DEHA 25000 ppm) and groups 4 and 9 (DEHA 6000 ppm), while groups 5 and 10 received basal diet. All animals were sacrificed at week 9. Significant decrease in sperm numbers and motility and increase in morphology abnormalities were evident in group 1 as compared to groups 5 and 6 (p<0.01). However, DEHA treatment was not associated with any apparent testicular toxicity in either TAA- or vehicle-treated animals. Histopathological examination of the testes revealed severe atrophy and degeneration of testicular tubules in all animals given TAA and DEHP at high dose, only mild to moderate lesions being found with DEHP alone. We conclude that liver toxicity induced by TAA is associated with the enhancement of testicular toxicity of DEHP, but not DEHA, in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Seok Kang
- Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
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Kushida M, Wanibuchi H, Morimura K, Kinoshita A, Kang JS, Puatanachokchai R, Wei M, Funae Y, Fukushima S. Dose-dependence of promotion of 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline-induced rat hepatocarcinogenesis by ethanol: evidence for a threshold. Cancer Sci 2005; 96:747-57. [PMID: 16271068 PMCID: PMC11158716 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2005.00110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although ethanol is thought to be a tumor-promoter, there are conflicting results concerning its effects on experimental hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, the relationship between the amount of ethanol consumed and tumor promoting effects has hitherto not been investigated in detail. In the present study, 21-day-old F344/DuCrj rats were fed 200 p.p.m. 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) in their diet for 8 weeks and thereafter received ethanol at doses of 0, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 20% in drinking water ad libitum for 16 weeks. The incidences of hepatocellular adenoma and total tumors increased dose-dependently with statistical significance at doses of 10% and 20%, compared to the initiated control value. Similarly, dose dependence was observed for the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, which was elevated significantly at the dose of 20%. No alteration in development of preneoplastic glutathione-S-transferase placental form positive foci or tumors was observed with 0.1-1%. Cell proliferation also increased dose-dependently and CYP2E1 protein induction was recognized in centrilobular regions without alteration in mRNA levels, but no effects were evident on formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, an oxidative DNA damage marker, or lipid peroxidation in any of the initiated groups. The mRNA expression of cyclin D1 increased dose dependently. The results demonstrated that ethanol dose-dependently promotes hepatocarcinogenesis induced by MeIQx, but with no adverse influence at doses of 1% or less, comparable to sensible drinking levels in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Kushida
- Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Abeno-ku, Japan
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