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Rowen TS, Simon JA. Sexual Desire and Pharmacologic Management. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2024; 51:259-271. [PMID: 38777482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Female sexual desire is a complex interplay of neurotransmitters and hormones. Diagnosis is based on clinical features and sexual distress. Treatments that affect neurotransmitters and hormones that may be out of balance can help improve sexual desire in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tami S Rowen
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - James A Simon
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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2
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Mahmoud AA, Elfiky AM, Abo-Zeid FS. The anti-androgenic effect of quercetin on hyperandrogenism and ovarian dysfunction induced in a dehydroepiandrosterone rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Steroids 2022; 177:108936. [PMID: 34752810 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2021.108936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-factorial endocrine disorder associated with hyperandrogenism. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration to prepubertal rats stimulates androgen biosynthesis and generation of the PCOS model. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-androgenic effects of quercetin (Q) in comparison with metformin (MET) on hyperandrogenism and ovarian dysfunction in a DHEA-induced PCOS rat model. After induction of PCOS, female rats were allocated into six groups with 7 rats in each group: normal control; PCOS (DHEA), MET (25 mg/kg, oral administration), Q (25 mg/kg, oral administration), DHEA + MET (25 mg/kg, oral administration), and DHEA + Q (25 mg/kg, oral administration) for 28 days. MET and Q individually reduced body weight, serum free testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio in the PCOS rats. Both treatments elevated estradiol (E2) level, ovarian aromatase protein content, and E2/free T ratio in the PCOS rats. Additionally, MET and Q increased preantral, antral, and preovulatory follicles and corpora lutea counts, while both treatments decreased atretic follicle count and eliminated the formation of cysts in the PCOS rats. MET and Q reduced ovarian Bax and elevated Bcl-2 protein abundance in the PCOS rats. Our study revealed that Q is as effective as MET in reducing hyperandrogenism via decreasing free T level and improving hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function. The results suggest that MET and Q may enhance E2 concentration, ovarian aromatase protein content, folliculogenesis, and decrease atresia via attenuation of hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa A Mahmoud
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Asmaa M Elfiky
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Faten S Abo-Zeid
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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Khanna A, Thomas J, John F, Maliakel B, Krishnakumar IM. Safety and influence of a novel extract of fenugreek on healthy young women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. CLINICAL PHYTOSCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s40816-021-00296-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed is a popular kitchen spice and medicinal herb with wide applications in Indian folklore. Earlier studies have shown that the hydro-ethanolic extracts of fenugreek are efficient in the management of a number of hormone related disorders in women, including post and peri-menopausal discomforts, sexual dysfunctions, lactation and even in amenorrhea. However, systematic informations on their safety and influence on hormonal balance are limited.
Results
Forty-eight healthy menstruating women aged 20 to 48 were randomized either to FHE (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) and supplemented with 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days. FHE did not produce any side effects or adverse events. It offered significant (P < 0.05) beneficial effects to sexual problems (41.6%) and irritability (40%) among the participants who had higher sexual dysfunctions scores (> 1) when monitored by the validated Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) scale. Further, hormone analysis indicated an enhancement in estradiol (P = 0.040), free testosterone (P = 0.025), and total testosterone (P = 0.012) in FHE group in comparison to placebo. There were no significant changes in progesterone (P = 0.174) and FSH (P = 0.879) upon FHE supplementation. The hematological and biochemical safety parameters were also at par with the safety of the extract.
Conclusion
Thus, the supplementation of FHE may be considered as a natural alternative for sexual issues in women.
Trial registration
CTRI/2018/09/015614 dated 05/09/2018.
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4
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Rolon S, Huynh C, Guenther M, Gardezi M, Phillips J, Gehrand AL, Raff H. Insulin and glucose responses to hypoxia in male and female neonatal rats: Effects of the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14663. [PMID: 33393733 PMCID: PMC7780235 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is common with preterm birth and may lead to long-term effects on adult pancreatic endocrine function and insulin sensitivity. This phenomenon may be sexually dimorphic due to the hypoxia-induced augmentation of the neonatal androgen surge in male newborns. We evaluated this phenomenon by pretreating neonatal rats on postnatal days (PD) 1, 6, 13, or 20 with flutamide (a nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist) at a standard or a high dose (10 or 50 mg/kg) compared to vehicle control. One day later, neonatal rats were exposed to either acute normoxic or hypoxic separation (fasting) for 90 min, and blood was sampled for the measurement of insulin and glucose and the calculation of HOMA-IR as an index of insulin resistance. During normoxic and hypoxic separation (fasting), flutamide increased insulin secretion in PD2, PD7, and PD14 pups, high dose flutamide attenuated insulin secretion, and high dose flutamide attenuated the increase in HOMA-IR due to hypoxia. Our studies suggest a unique role of the androgen receptor in the control of neonatal pancreatic function, possibly by blocking a direct effect of neonatal testosterone or in response to indirect regulatory effects of androgens on insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Rolon
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke's Medical CenterAdvocate Aurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWIUSA
- Department of MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWIUSA
| | - Christine Huynh
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke's Medical CenterAdvocate Aurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWIUSA
| | - Maya Guenther
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke's Medical CenterAdvocate Aurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWIUSA
| | - Minhal Gardezi
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke's Medical CenterAdvocate Aurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWIUSA
| | - Jonathan Phillips
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke's Medical CenterAdvocate Aurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWIUSA
| | - Ashley L. Gehrand
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke's Medical CenterAdvocate Aurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWIUSA
| | - Hershel Raff
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke's Medical CenterAdvocate Aurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWIUSA
- Department of MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWIUSA
- Department of SurgeryMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWIUSA
- Department of PhysiologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWIUSA
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5
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Khanna A, John F, Das S, Thomas J, Rao J, Maliakel B, Im K. Efficacy of a novel extract of fenugreek seeds in alleviating vasomotor symptoms and depression in perimenopausal women: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Food Biochem 2020; 44:e13507. [PMID: 33025616 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The present randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of a standardized fenugreek extract (FHE) on perimenopausal discomforts and its influence on hormonal balance and safety. Healthy women characterized with perimenopausal symptoms (n = 48), as assessed by MRS questionnaire, were randomized either to FHE (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) and supplemented with 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days. Both inter and intra-group comparison revealed a significant improvement in somatic, psychological, and urogenital scores in FHE group, especially for hot flashes (25.9%), night sweats (26.5%), depression (31.8%), and insomnia (21.6%). Further hormone analysis revealed an enhancement in serum estradiol (18.9%), free testosterone (38.2%), and progesterone (19.9%) concentrations and a significant decrease in FSH (38.2%) and SHBG (21.1%) concentrations toward establishing a hormonal balance among FHE-group; without significant changes in other clinical safety parameters. Thus, FHE supplementation offered a significant reduction in vasomotor effects and depression in perimenopausal women, without any adverse effects PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Fenugreek is a popular kitchen spice and Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of health conditions including diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hepatotoxicity, gastritis, and also for a variety of hormone-related health conditions such as sexual functions, lactation, osteoporosis, PCOS, and post/perimenopausal discomforts. Fenugreek is rich in alkaloids, steroidal saponins, flavonoids and 4-hydroxyisoleucine. The present randomized-controlled study investigated the plausible application of a standardized hydro-ethanolic extract of fenugreek seeds (FHE) having a unique 3:1 ratio for protodioscin to trigonelline in the management of perimenopausal discomforts. It was observed that FHE at a dosage of 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days significantly reduced the discomforts, especially vasomotor symptoms and depression, and helped to attain a hormonal balance without any adverse effects or deviations in clinical safety parameters. Thus, FHE could be a potential natural agent for the management of post and perimenopausal discomforts and has to be explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Khanna
- Aman Hospital and Research Center, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Febi John
- Akay Natural Ingredients Pvt. Ltd., Cochin, India
| | - Syam Das
- Akay Natural Ingredients Pvt. Ltd., Cochin, India
| | - Jestin Thomas
- Leads Clinical Research and Bio Services Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, India
| | - Jyoti Rao
- Leads Clinical Research and Bio Services Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, India
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Al-Dujaili EAS, Hajleh MNA, Chalmers R. Effects of Ginseng Ingestion on Salivary Testosterone and DHEA Levels in Healthy Females: An Exploratory Study. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061582. [PMID: 32481563 PMCID: PMC7352699 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginseng is a traditional herbal adaptogen that has been historically used in China and the Far East. Ginsenosides are the active component of ginseng known to exert several actions by targeting "multi-receptor systems", both extracellular and intracellular. In humans, ginseng effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ginseng can influence salivary androgen levels (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) in females. The study followed a parallel partially controlled design. Healthy women (n = 24) were recruited and divided into two groups (A = 20-32 and B = 38-50 years). Volunteers were asked to maintain a food diary pre and post ginseng consumption and collected four salivary samples (7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.) before and after ingesting 75 mg red Korean ginseng extract per day for seven days. Testosterone and DHEA were then assayed by ELISA methods. Group A's mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion increased from 76.3 ± 16.6 to 98.4 ± 21.1 pg/mL post ginseng (p < 0.01) with significant difference at all time points, and mean daily salivary DHEA increased from 1.53 ± 0.63 to 1.98 ± 0.89 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.02). Group B's mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion was 61.2 ± 16.9 and post ginseng 68.1 ± 11.5 pg/mL (p = 0.132), and daily salivary DHEA increased from 0.91 ± 0.32 to 1.62 ± 0.49 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.014) with significant difference at all time points. In conclusion, it appears that ginseng intake significantly increased salivary testosterone levels in the younger women group, but only slightly in the older group. However, DHEA levels in the older women showed a marked and significant increase. These results suggest a potential role for ginseng in modulating salivary androgen levels and that such effect may be more evident in older women where the levels of androgens (DHEA) start to decline. However, it has to be stressed that our results are preliminary and further properly controlled trials are justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad A. S. Al-Dujaili
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-131-339-1785
| | - Maha N. Abu Hajleh
- Department of Pharmaceutical sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Ruth Chalmers
- Biological Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK;
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7
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Rolon S, Huynh C, Guenther M, Gardezi M, Phillips J, Gehrand AL, Raff H. The effects of flutamide on the neonatal rat hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes in response to hypoxia. Physiol Rep 2019; 7:e14318. [PMID: 31876126 PMCID: PMC6930936 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is common with preterm birth and may lead to long-term effects on the adult hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that are sexually dimorphic due to neonatal androgens. Although the adult rat adrenal does not express appreciable CYP17 activity, the neonatal rat adrenal may synthesize androgens that could be a critical local factor in the development of adrenal function. We evaluated these phenomena by pretreating the neonatal rats on postnatal days (PD) 1, 6, 13, 20 with flutamide (a nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist) at a standard or a high dose (10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) compared to vehicle control. One day later, neonatal rats were exposed to acute hypoxia and blood was sampled. We found that (a) in PD2 pups, flutamide augmented corticosterone responses in a sexually dimorphic pattern and without an increase in ACTH, (b) PD7 and PD14 pups had the smallest corticosterone response to hypoxia (c) PD21 pups had an adult-like corticosterone response to hypoxia that was sexually dimorphic, (d) flutamide attenuated ACTH responses in PD7 hypoxic pups, and (e) high-dose flutamide suppressed the HPA axis, FSH, and estradiol. Flutamide demonstrated mixed antagonist and agonist effects that changed during the first three weeks of neonatal life. We conclude that the use of flutamide in neonatal rats to evaluate androgen-induced programming of subsequent adult behavior is not optimal. However, our studies suggest neonatal androgens play a role in regulation of adrenal function that is sexually dimorphic and changes during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Rolon
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke’s Medical CenterAurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsin
- Department of MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin
| | - Christine Huynh
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke’s Medical CenterAurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsin
| | - Maya Guenther
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke’s Medical CenterAurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsin
| | - Minhal Gardezi
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke’s Medical CenterAurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsin
| | - Jonathan Phillips
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke’s Medical CenterAurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsin
| | - Ashley L. Gehrand
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke’s Medical CenterAurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsin
| | - Hershel Raff
- Endocrine Research LaboratoryAurora St. Luke’s Medical CenterAurora Research InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsin
- Department of MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin
- Department of SurgeryMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin
- Department of PhysiologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsin
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8
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Dehydroepiandrosterone on metabolism and the cardiovascular system in the postmenopausal period. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 98:39-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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9
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Bentley C, Hazeldine J, Greig C, Lord J, Foster M. Dehydroepiandrosterone: a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and rehabilitation of the traumatically injured patient. BURNS & TRAUMA 2019; 7:26. [PMID: 31388512 PMCID: PMC6676517 DOI: 10.1186/s41038-019-0158-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe injuries are the major cause of death in those aged under 40, mainly due to road traffic collisions. Endocrine, metabolic and immune pathways respond to limit the tissue damage sustained and initiate wound healing, repair and regeneration mechanisms. However, depending on age and sex, the response to injury and patient prognosis differ significantly. Glucocorticoids are catabolic and immunosuppressive and are produced as part of the stress response to injury leading to an intra-adrenal shift in steroid biosynthesis at the expense of the anabolic and immune enhancing steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated metabolite dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). The balance of these steroids after injury appears to influence outcomes in injured humans, with high cortisol: DHEAS ratio associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Animal models of trauma, sepsis, wound healing, neuroprotection and burns have all shown a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved survival and increased resistance to pathological challenges with DHEA supplementation. Human supplementation studies, which have focused on post-menopausal females, older adults, or adrenal insufficiency have shown that restoring the cortisol: DHEAS ratio improves wound healing, mood, bone remodelling and psychological well-being. Currently, there are no DHEA or DHEAS supplementation studies in trauma patients, but we review here the evidence for this potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and rehabilitation of the severely injured patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Bentley
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham University Medical School, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Jon Hazeldine
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK
- MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham University Medical School, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Carolyn Greig
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Janet Lord
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK
- MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Birmingham University Medical School, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark Foster
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2WB UK
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham Research Park, Birmingham, B15 2SQ UK
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Demacopulo B, Kreimann EL. Bisphenol S increases EZRIN expression and the detrimental effects induced by dehydroepiandrosterone in rat endometrium. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 483:64-73. [PMID: 30654004 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The use of Bisphenol S (BPS) was proposed as an alternative to Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical employed in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is a xenoestrogen that affects normal physiology in several species. It was reported that BPS may also act as a xenoestrogen with harmful effects in the reproductive system. Here we studied the effects of BPS during the induction of a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-like condition in rats. Animals were injected daily with vehicle, DHEA 60 mg/kg, BPS 1 μg/kg and DHEA-BPS, for 20 days. Cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and EZRIN expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. We found an increase in PCNA expression, which correlates with cytoplasmic accumulation of the polarization marker, EZRIN, in the BPS treated groups. Additionally, the administration of BPS in the DHEA treated group augmented the stratification and number of "intraepithelial lumina" in the endometrial surface epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Demacopulo
- National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina (CNEA), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Department of Radiobiology, Av. General Paz 1499 (1650), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Erica L Kreimann
- National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina (CNEA), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Department of Radiobiology, Av. General Paz 1499 (1650), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Hoefel AL, Arbo BD, Vieira-Marques C, Cecconello AL, Cozer AG, Ribeiro MFM, Kucharski LC. Female rats are more susceptible to metabolic effects of dehydroepiandrosterone treatment. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 96:1069-1075. [PMID: 30011383 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that presents several effects on metabolism; however, most of the studies have been performed on male animals, while few authors have investigated possible sex differences regarding the metabolic effects of DHEA. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of DHEA on metabolic parameters of male and ovariectomized female Wistar rats. Sex differences were found in the metabolism of distinct substrates and in relation to the effect of DHEA. In respect to the glucose metabolism in the liver, the conversion of glucose to CO2 and the synthesis of lipids from glucose were 53% and 33% higher, respectively, in males. Also, DHEA decreased hepatic lipogenesis only in females. Regarding the hepatic glycogen synthesis pathway, females presented 73% higher synthesis than males, and the effect of DHEA was observed only in females, where it decreased this parameter. In the adipose tissue, glucose uptake was 208% higher in females and DHEA decreased this parameter. In the muscle, glucose uptake was 168% higher in females and no DHEA effect was observed. In summary, males and females present a different metabolic profile, with females being more susceptible to the metabolic effects of DHEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lúcia Hoefel
- a Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,b Laboratório de Interação Neuro-humoral, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dutra Arbo
- c Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Claudia Vieira-Marques
- a Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,b Laboratório de Interação Neuro-humoral, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia Cecconello
- b Laboratório de Interação Neuro-humoral, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Aline Gonçalves Cozer
- a Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Flávia Marques Ribeiro
- b Laboratório de Interação Neuro-humoral, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Kucharski
- a Laboratório de Metabolismo e Endocrinologia Comparada, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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12
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Mahmoud YI, Mahmoud AA, Abo-Zeid FS, Fares NH. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on the ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcomes in perimenopausal rats (DHEA and fertility in perimenopausal rats). Life Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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13
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Teixeira CJ, Ribeiro LM, Veras K, da Cunha Araujo LC, Curi R, de Oliveira Carvalho CR. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation is not beneficial in the late postmenopausal period in diet-induced obese rats. Life Sci 2018; 202:110-116. [PMID: 29601891 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal steroid hormone that is a precursor of sexual hormones. It is reduced during aging and is strongly associated with insulin resistance and obesity. There is evidence for beneficial effects of this steroid, in both human and animal models, during perimenopause. However, the impact of DHEA treatment during late postmenopause on glucose metabolism is not clearly documented. We tested the hypothesis that DHEA supplementation could improve insulin sensitivity in an ovariectomized obese rat model (OVX) that was fed a high-fat diet for 11 weeks. MAIN METHODS Female Wistar rats at 8 weeks of age were OVX or SHAM-operated. Eight weeks after the surgery, the animals were randomly treated with vehicle or DHEA for 3 weeks. Food intake, metabolic parameters and insulin sensitivity were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS Following the ovariectomy, increased body weight gain, adiposity index, and feeding efficiency were observed, despite there being no change in food and energy intake. The OVX rats also displayed glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, decreased insulin-induced IRS1/2 tyrosine phosphorylation in the skeletal muscle, and reduced serum VLDL-c and TAG levels. OVX rats treated with 10 mg/kg DHEA (OVX + DHEA) exhibited estradiol (E2) serum levels similar to SHAM animals, with no change in uterus mass. DHEA treatment also resulted in an increase in energy intake. SIGNIFICANCE Despite the positive effects of DHEA supplementation observed in menopausal women and ovariectomized rats, a potential negative effect on glucose metabolism and insulin action in the late postmenopausal condition in diet-induced obese OVX rats are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Jordão Teixeira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Sao Paulo, 1524 Prof. Lineu Prestes Ave., ICB 1, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciene Maria Ribeiro
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Sao Paulo, 1524 Prof. Lineu Prestes Ave., ICB 1, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Katherine Veras
- Department of Nutrition, University of Mogi das Cruzes, 200 Dr. Cândido X. A. Souza Ave., Sao Paulo 08780-911, SP, Brazil
| | - Layanne Cabral da Cunha Araujo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Sao Paulo, 1524 Prof. Lineu Prestes Ave., ICB 1, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Rui Curi
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, 868 Galvao Bueno, Sao Paulo 01506-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla Roberta de Oliveira Carvalho
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Sao Paulo, 1524 Prof. Lineu Prestes Ave., ICB 1, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Barakat R, Oakley O, Kim H, Jin J, Ko CJ. Extra-gonadal sites of estrogen biosynthesis and function. BMB Rep 2017; 49:488-96. [PMID: 27530684 PMCID: PMC5227141 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2016.49.9.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are the key hormones regulating the development and function of reproductive organs in all vertebrates. Recent evidence indicates that estrogens play important roles in the immune system, cancer development, and other critical biological processes related to human well-being. Obviously, the gonads (ovary and testis) are the primary sites of estrogen synthesis, but estrogens synthesized in extra- gonadal sites play an equally important role in controlling biological activities. Understanding non-gonadal sites of estrogen synthesis and function is crucial and will lead to therapeutic interventions targeting estrogen signaling in disease prevention and treatment. Developing a rationale targeting strategy remains challenging because knowledge of extra-gonadal biosynthesis of estrogens, and the mechanism by which estrogen activity is exerted, is very limited. In this review, we will summarize recent discoveries of extra-gonadal sites of estrogen biosynthesis and their local functions and discuss the significance of the most recent novel discovery of intestinal estrogen biosynthesis. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(9): 488-496]
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Barakat
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61802, Unites States; Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
| | - Oliver Oakley
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky 40475, United States
| | - Heehyen Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jooyoung Jin
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - CheMyong Jay Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61802, Unites States
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15
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Chen TS, Chen YT, Liu CH, Sun CC, Mao FC. Steroidogenic enzymes of adipose tissue in modulation of trivalent chromium in a mouse model of PCOS. Gynecol Endocrinol 2017; 33:48-52. [PMID: 27449565 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2016.1205579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a type of endocrine metabolic disorder with many different consequences to health, most commonly infertility, obesity and insulin resistance. Trivalent chromium (Cr3+) was previously found to improve the metabolic profiles of patients with PCOS. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Cr on regulating steroidogenic enzymes in adipose tissue. Female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups (n = 6 per group): the control group, PCOS + placebo milk group and PCOS + Cr-containing milk group. The dietary intake of Cr significantly decreased fasting blood sugar (FBS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels in the murine model of PCOS. Importantly, we found significant correlations among the levels of Cr, insulin and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). In adipose tissue, decreases in the enzyme expressions of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, but not of aromatase, were observed. By understanding the role of steroidogenic enzymes in PCOS in normal and pathological states, trace elements may be used as a form of adjunctive therapy in the management of patients with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Sheng Chen
- a Department of Veterinary Medicine , College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- a Department of Veterinary Medicine , College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Liu
- a Department of Veterinary Medicine , College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ching Sun
- a Department of Veterinary Medicine , College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Frank Chiahung Mao
- a Department of Veterinary Medicine , College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University , Taichung , Taiwan
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16
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Toms D, Pan B, Li J. Endocrine Regulation in the Ovary by MicroRNA during the Estrous Cycle. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:378. [PMID: 29403434 PMCID: PMC5786742 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormonal control of the estrous cycle that occurs in therian mammals is essential for the production of a functional egg. Supporting somatic cell types found within the ovary, such as granulosa and theca cells, respond to endocrine signals to support oocyte maturation and ovulation. Following the release of the egg, now available for fertilization, coordinated hormonal signaling between the mother and putative embryo are required for the establishment of pregnancy. If no conception occurs, both the ovary and uterus are "reset" in preparation for another cycle. The complex molecular changes that occur within cells in response to hormone signaling include a network of non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression. They are thus able to fine-tune cellular responses to hormones and confer robustness in gene regulation. In this review, we outline the important roles established for miRNAs in regulating female reproductive hormone signaling during estrus, with a particular focus on signaling pathways in the ovary. Understanding this miRNA network can provide important insights to improving assisted reproductive technologies and may be useful in the diagnosis of female reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Toms
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bo Pan
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Julang Li
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Julang Li,
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Kang J, Ge C, Yu L, Li L, Ma H. Long-Term Administration of Dehydroepiandrosterone Accelerates Glucose Catabolism via Activation of PI3K/Akt-PFK-2 Signaling Pathway in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159077. [PMID: 27410429 PMCID: PMC4943648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has a fat-reducing effect, while little information is available on whether DHEA regulates glucose metabolism, which would in turn affect fat deposition. To investigate the effects of DHEA on glucose metabolism, rats were administered a high-fat diet containing either 0 (HCG), 25 (HLG), 50 (HMG), or 100 (HHG) mg·kg-1 DHEA per day via gavage for 8 weeks. Results showed that long-term administration of DHEA inhibited body weight gain in rats on a high-fat diet. No statistical differences in serum glucose levels were observed, whereas hepatic glycogen content in HMG and HHG groups and muscle glycogen content in HLG and HMG groups were higher than those in HCG group. Glucokinase, malate dehydrogenase and phosphofructokinase-2 activities in HMG and HHG groups, pyruvate kinase and succinate dehydrogenase activities in HMG group, and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in all DHEA treatment groups were increased compared with those in HCG group. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glycogen phosphorylase mRNA levels were decreased in HMG and HHG groups, whereas glycogen synthase-2 mRNA level was increased in HMG group compared with those in HCG. The abundance of Glut2 mRNA in HMG and HHG groups and Glut4 mRNA in HMG group was higher than that in HCG group. DHEA treatment increased serum leptin content in HMG and HHG groups compared with that in HCG group. Serum insulin content and insulin receptor mRNA level in HMG group and insulin receptor substrate-2 mRNA level in HMG and HHG group were increased compared with those in HCG group. Furthermore, Pi3k mRNA level in HMG and Akt mRNA level in HMG and HHG groups were significantly increased than those in HCG group. These data showed that DHEA treatment could enhance glycogen storage and accelerate glucose catabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet, and this effect may be associated with the activation of PI3K/Akt-PFK-2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Kang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chongyang Ge
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haitian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail:
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18
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Early ovarian follicular development in prepubertal Wistar rats acutely exposed to androgens. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2016; 7:384-90. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174416000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Androgens may directly modulate early ovarian follicular development in preantral stages and androgen excess before puberty may disrupt this physiological process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of follicular morphology and circulating androgen and estradiol levels in prepubertal Wistar rats acutely exposed to androgens. Prepubertal female Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: control, equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) intervention and eCG plus dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) intervention (eCG+DHEA). Serum DHEA, testosterone and estradiol levels were determined, and ovarian morphology and morphometry were assessed. The eCG+DHEA group presented increased serum estradiol and testosterone levels as compared with the control group (P<0.01), and higher serum DHEA concentration v. the eCG-only and control groups (P<0.01). In addition, the eCG+DHEA group had a higher number of, and larger-sized, primary and secondary follicles as compared with the control group (P<0.05). The eCG group presented intermediate values for number and size of primary and secondary follicles, without significant differences as compared with the other two groups. The number of antral follicles was higher in the eCG+DHEA and eCG groups v. controls (P<0.05). The number of primordial, atretic and cystic follicles were similar in all groups. In conclusion, the present experimental model using an acute eCG+DHEA intervention was useful to investigate events involved in initial follicular development under hyperandrogenic conditions, and could provide a reliable tool to study defective follicular development with possible deleterious reproductive consequences later in life.
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