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Stojko M, Nocoń J, Piłat P, Szpila G, Smolarczyk J, Żmudka K, Moll M, Hawranek M. Innovative Reports on the Effects of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Abuse-How to Lose Your Mind for the Love of Sport. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1439. [PMID: 37629729 PMCID: PMC10456445 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081439] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (anabolic-androgenic steroids, AAS) are testosterone-derived compounds whose popularity and use are constantly growing. Chronic use of AAS leads to many hormonal and metabolic disorders in the human body, which often lead to permanent health damage. Changes affect the following systems: cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, reproductive, digestive, and nervous. We decided to collect the existing knowledge in the literature and enrich it with the latest research reports in the field of degenerative effects of AAS on the nervous system. The work aimed to increase public awareness of the dangers and consequences of AAS use and improve it with the latest research on the neurodegenerative effects of AAS. We hope that our work will contribute to raising public awareness and reducing the use of AAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Stojko
- Student’s Scientific Society, III Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Jakub Nocoń
- Student’s Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Patrycja Piłat
- Student’s Scientific Society, III Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Gabriela Szpila
- Student’s Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Smolarczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 50-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Karol Żmudka
- Student’s Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Martyna Moll
- Student’s Scientific Society, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Michał Hawranek
- III Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
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Sivalokanathan S, Małek ŁA, Malhotra A. The Cardiac Effects of Performance-Enhancing Medications: Caffeine vs. Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11020324. [PMID: 33671206 PMCID: PMC7922604 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several performance-enhancing or ergogenic drugs have been linked to both significant adverse cardiovascular effects and increased cardiovascular risk. Even with increased scrutiny on the governance of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in professional sport and heightened awareness of the associated cardiovascular risk, there are some who are prepared to risk their use to gain competitive advantage. Caffeine is the most commonly consumed drug in the world and its ergogenic properties have been reported for decades. Thus, the removal of caffeine from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of banned substances, in 2004, has naturally led to an exponential rise in its use amongst athletes. The response to caffeine is complex and influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Whilst the evidence may be equivocal, the ability of an athlete to train longer or at a greater power output cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, its impact on the myocardium remains unanswered. In contrast, anabolic androgenic steroids are recognised PEDs that improve athletic performance, increase muscle growth and suppress fatigue. Their use, however, comes at a cost, afflicting the individual with several side effects, including those that are detrimental to the cardiovascular system. This review addresses the effects of the two commonest PEDs, one legal, the other prohibited, and their respective effects on the heart, as well as the challenge in defining its long-term implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Sivalokanathan
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St. George’s University of London and St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London SW17 0RE, UK;
| | - Łukasz A. Małek
- Department of Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Cardiology, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Aneil Malhotra
- Cardiovascular Clinical Academic Group, St. George’s University of London and St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London SW17 0RE, UK;
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Institute of Health and Performance, Manchester M11 3BS, UK
- Correspondence:
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Torrisi M, Pennisi G, Russo I, Amico F, Esposito M, Liberto A, Cocimano G, Salerno M, Li Rosi G, Di Nunno N, Montana A. Sudden Cardiac Death in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users: A Literature Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56110587. [PMID: 33158202 PMCID: PMC7694262 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are a group of synthetic molecules derived from testosterone and its related precursors. AASs are widely used illicitly by adolescents and athletes, especially by bodybuilders, both for aesthetic uses and as performance enhancers to increase muscle growth and lean body mass. When used illicitly they can damage health and cause disorders affecting several functions. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most common medical cause of death in athletes. SCD in athletes has also been associated with the use of performance-enhancing drugs. This review aimed to focus on deaths related to AAS abuse to investigate the cardiac pathophysiological mechanism that underlies this type of death, which still needs to be fully investigated. Materials and Methods: This review was conducted using PubMed Central and Google Scholar databases, until 21 July 2020, using the following key terms: “((Sudden cardiac death) OR (Sudden death)) AND ((androgenic anabolic steroid) OR (androgenic anabolic steroids) OR (anabolic-androgenic steroids) OR (anabolic-androgenic steroid))”. Thirteen articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, for a total of 33 reported cases. Results: Of the 33 cases, 31 (93.9%) were males while only 2 (61%) were females. Mean age was 29.79 and, among sportsmen, the most represented sports activity was bodybuilding. In all cases there was a history of AAS abuse or a physical phenotype suggesting AAS use; the total usage period was unspecified in most cases. In 24 cases the results of the toxicological analysis were reported. The most detected AASs were nandrolone, testosterone, and stanozolol. The most frequently reported macroscopic alterations were cardiomegaly and left ventricular hypertrophy, while the histological alterations were foci of fibrosis and necrosis of the myocardial tissue. Conclusions: Four principal mechanisms responsible for SCD have been proposed in AAS abusers: the atherogenic model, the thrombosis model, the model of vasospasm induced by the release of nitric oxide, and the direct myocardial injury model. Hypertrophy, fibrosis, and necrosis represent a substrate for arrhythmias, especially when combined with exercise. Indeed, AAS use has been shown to change physiological cardiac remodeling of athletes to pathophysiological cardiac hypertrophy with an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Torrisi
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuliana Pennisi
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Ilenia Russo
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Francesco Amico
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Aldo Liberto
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Monica Salerno
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Li Rosi
- Department of Law, Criminology, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Angelo Montana
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.); (I.R.); (F.A.); (M.E.); (A.L.); (G.C.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3287655428
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Mullen C, Whalley BJ, Schifano F, Baker JS. Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in the United Kingdom: An update. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2180-2198. [PMID: 31989581 PMCID: PMC7174889 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are prescribed for medical conditions related to low testosterone. Abuse of AASs has surged as they become recognised as potent image enhancement drugs. The primary goal of most abusers is to obtain a more attractive outward appearance. Abuse is complex. There are a vast range of AAS substances illegally available, the nature of their true composition is difficult to evaluate. Users follow dosing patterns which incorporate a number of different AASs, in addition to other pharmaceutical substances believed to complement the desired physical effects or manage unwanted effects. Animal work and medical case reports suggest potential to cause serious hepatotoxicity, plus possible neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and damage to the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. As the long-term AASs users reach maturity, further controlled experimentation, with larger sample sizes, is required. Data gathering should be directed towards the most vulnerable group of AAS users, females and adolescent boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Mullen
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of the West of ScotlandPaisleyUK
| | - Benjamin J. Whalley
- School of Chemistry, Food and Nutritional Sciences, and PharmacyThe University of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical SciencesUniversity of HertfordshireHatfieldUK
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and HealthHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongHong Kong
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Garner O, Iardino A, Ramirez A, Yakoby M. Cardiomyopathy induced by anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2017-223891. [PMID: 30037963 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bodybuilders use anabolic-androgenic steroids to increase muscle mass, but abuse of these hormones has been related to cardiomyopathy in the past. A 60-year-old Caucasian male bodybuilder with medical history of male hypogonadism and on testosterone replacement therapy, allegedly preparing for a weightlifting competition and receiving stem cell infusions from his trainer, is transferred to the intensive care unit for worsening shortness of breath after failing treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. Chest X-ray on transfer was suggestive of pulmonary oedema, and transthoracic echocardiography showed an ejection fraction of 25%-30%. The patient was taken for cardiac catheterisation, which yielded non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. His testosterone levels were supratherapeutic. Anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse can be a cause of cardiomyopathy in patients who have no other risk factor for such disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Garner
- Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, USA
| | - Alfredo Iardino
- Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, USA
| | - Ana Ramirez
- Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, USA
| | - Maty Yakoby
- Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center at the Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, USA
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Mladěnka P, Applová L, Patočka J, Costa VM, Remiao F, Pourová J, Mladěnka A, Karlíčková J, Jahodář L, Vopršalová M, Varner KJ, Štěrba M. Comprehensive review of cardiovascular toxicity of drugs and related agents. Med Res Rev 2018; 38:1332-1403. [PMID: 29315692 PMCID: PMC6033155 DOI: 10.1002/med.21476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in most developed countries of the world. Pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and toxins can significantly contribute to the overall cardiovascular burden and thus deserve attention. The present article is a systematic overview of drugs that may induce distinct cardiovascular toxicity. The compounds are classified into agents that have significant effects on the heart, blood vessels, or both. The mechanism(s) of toxic action are discussed and treatment modalities are briefly mentioned in relevant cases. Due to the large number of clinically relevant compounds discussed, this article could be of interest to a broad audience including pharmacologists and toxicologists, pharmacists, physicians, and medicinal chemists. Particular emphasis is given to clinically relevant topics including the cardiovascular toxicity of illicit sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines, cathinones), drugs that prolong the QT interval, antidysrhythmic drugs, digoxin and other cardioactive steroids, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, female hormones, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, and anticancer compounds encompassing anthracyclines and novel targeted therapy interfering with the HER2 or the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Přemysl Mladěnka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KrálovéCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Lenka Applová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KrálovéCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Jiří Patočka
- Department of Radiology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health and Social StudiesUniversity of South BohemiaČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
- Biomedical Research CentreUniversity HospitalHradec KraloveCzech Republic
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Fernando Remiao
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Jana Pourová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KrálovéCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Aleš Mladěnka
- Oncogynaecologic Center, Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsUniversity HospitalOstravaCzech Republic
| | - Jana Karlíčková
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Ecology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KrálovéCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Luděk Jahodář
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Ecology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KrálovéCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Marie Vopršalová
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KrálovéCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Kurt J. Varner
- Department of PharmacologyLouisiana State University Health Sciences CenterNew OrleansLAUSA
| | - Martin Štěrba
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec KrálovéCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
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Ge Y, Liu S, Singh SM. Strong Man with a Weak Heart: The Ill Effects of Performance-Enhancing Drug Use. Am J Med 2017; 130:e5-e7. [PMID: 27427320 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Ge
- Cardiology Division, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Shiying Liu
- Cardiology Division, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheldon M Singh
- Cardiology Division, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, Canada
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Malik AK, Melookaran AM, Simon GS, Zhu Q. Effects of Substance Abuse on the Cardiovascular System and Its Management. Subst Abus 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1951-2_43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Pope HG, Wood RI, Rogol A, Nyberg F, Bowers L, Bhasin S. Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:341-75. [PMID: 24423981 PMCID: PMC4026349 DOI: 10.1210/er.2013-1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use, media attention has focused almost entirely on PED use by elite athletes to illicitly gain a competitive advantage in sports, and not on the health risks of PEDs. There is a widespread misperception that PED use is safe or that adverse effects are manageable. In reality, the vast majority of PED users are not athletes but rather nonathlete weightlifters, and the adverse health effects of PED use are greatly underappreciated. This scientific statement synthesizes available information on the medical consequences of PED use, identifies gaps in knowledge, and aims to focus the attention of the medical community and policymakers on PED use as an important public health problem. PED users frequently consume highly supraphysiologic doses of PEDs, combine them with other PEDs and/or other classical drugs of abuse, and display additional associated risk factors. PED use has been linked to an increased risk of death and a wide variety of cardiovascular, psychiatric, metabolic, endocrine, neurologic, infectious, hepatic, renal, and musculoskeletal disorders. Because randomized trials cannot ethically duplicate the large doses of PEDs and the many factors associated with PED use, we need observational studies to collect valid outcome data on the health risks associated with PEDs. In addition, we need studies regarding the prevalence of PED use, the mechanisms by which PEDs exert their adverse health effects, and the interactive effects of PEDs with sports injuries and other high-risk behaviors. We also need randomized trials to assess therapeutic interventions for treating the adverse effects of PEDs, such as the anabolic-androgen steroid withdrawal syndrome. Finally, we need to raise public awareness of the serious health consequences of PEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison G Pope
- McLean Hospital (H.G.P.), Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478; University of Southern California (R.I.W.), Los Angeles, California 90089; University of Virginia (A.R.), Charlottesville, Virginia 22904; Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, (F.N.), Upsala University, SE-751 24, Upsala, Sweden; United States Anti-Doping Agency (L.B.), Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919; and Brigham and Women's Hospital (S.B.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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