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Aggeletopoulou I, Tsounis EP, Triantos C. Vitamin D and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Novel Mechanistic Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4901. [PMID: 38732118 PMCID: PMC11084591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094901] [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] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly prevalent condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in the liver, often associated with metabolic disorders. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and the development and progression of MASLD. The current review provides a concise overview of recent studies uncovering novel mechanistic insights into the interplay between vitamin D and MASLD. Several epidemiological studies have highlighted a significant association between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of MASLD. Vitamin D, traditionally known for its role in bone health, has now been recognized as a key player in various physiological processes, including immune regulation and inflammation. Experimental studies using animal models have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency exacerbates liver steatosis and inflammation, suggesting a potential protective role against MASLD. Mechanistically, vitamin D appears to modulate MASLD through multiple pathways. Firstly, the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is abundantly expressed in liver cells, indicating a direct regulatory role in hepatic function. Activation of the VDR has been shown to suppress hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation, providing a mechanistic basis for the observed protective effects. Additionally, vitamin D influences insulin sensitivity, a critical factor in MASLD pathogenesis. Improved insulin sensitivity may mitigate the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, thus attenuating MASLD progression. In parallel, vitamin D exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in MASLD pathophysiology. Experimental evidence suggests that the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D extend to the liver, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, key drivers of MASLD, and the likelihood of hepatocyte injury and fibrosis. Understanding the complex interplay between vitamin D and MASLD provides a basis for exploring targeted therapeutic strategies and preventive interventions. As vitamin D deficiency is a modifiable risk factor, addressing this nutritional concern may prove beneficial in mitigating the burden of MASLD and associated metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.A.); (E.P.T.)
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Karam ZM, Yari A, Najmadini A, Khorasani NN, Attari R, Jafarinejad-Farsangi S, Karam MAM, Najafipour H, Saeidi K. Association of the ESR1 (rs9340799), OLR1 (rs3736234), LIPC (rs2070895), VDR (rs2228570), and CETP (rs708272) Polymorphisms With Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in Iranian Patients. J Clin Lab Anal 2024; 38:e25026. [PMID: 38506378 PMCID: PMC10997818 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.25026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a devastating illness and a leading cause of death worldwide, primarily caused by atherosclerosis resulting from a genetic-environmental interaction. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the ESR1 (rs9340799), OLR1 (rs3736234), LIPC (rs2070895), VDR (rs2228570), and CETP (rs708272) polymorphisms, lipid profile parameters, and CAD risk in a southeast Iranian population. METHODS A total of 400 subjects (200 CAD patients with hyperlipidemia and 200 healthy controls) were enrolled in this case-control study. Five selected polymorphisms were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. RESULTS For all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the population under study was in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The T-risk allele frequency of rs2228570 was associated with an increased risk of CAD. The TT and CT genotypes of rs2228570 had also been associated with the risk of CAD. Additionally, the TT genotype was associated with higher serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. The GG genotype of the rs3736234 was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride (TG) levels, and the AA genotype of the rs708272 was associated with higher HDL-c levels. Based on these findings, we propose that the VDR (rs2228570) polymorphism was associated with serum HDL-c and LDL-c levels and may serve as potential risk factors for CAD within the Iranian population. Moreover, rs3736234 and rs708272 influence the concentrations of TG and HDL-c, respectively. CONCLUSION These findings provided insights into the complex interplay between genetic variations, cardiovascular risk, and lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Miri Karam
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Yari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Atefeh Najmadini
- Department of Medical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nima Norouzi Khorasani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rezvan Attari
- Department of Biology, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Miri Karam
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Najafipour
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Kolsoum Saeidi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Dawood RM, Salum GM, Abd El-Meguid M, Fotouh BES. Molecular Insights of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Pathogenesis. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024; 44:111-123. [PMID: 38301145 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0162] [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: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most prevalent chronic liver disease. Many hepatic abnormalities are associated with NAFLD such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Moreover, the pathogenesis of NAFLD has numerous etiologies and can be explained due to the existence of several of stimulus that act simultaneously on genetically susceptible patients. These stimuli include obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. In addition, identifying the role of gut microbiota on NAFLD progression has been illustrated. In this review, we clarified the several factors that lead to the development of NAFLD and identify those who are most at risk of developing liver end-stage disease. Highlighting the noninvasive diagnostic NAFLD markers could be helpful in the disease prevention and treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Mohammed Dawood
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ghada Maher Salum
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mai Abd El-Meguid
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Basma El-Sayed Fotouh
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
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Sinha RA. Targeting nuclear receptors for NASH/MASH: From bench to bedside. LIVER RESEARCH 2024; 8:34-45. [PMID: 38544909 PMCID: PMC7615772 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a tipping point leading to liver injury and subsequent hepatic complications in the natural progression of what is now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver diseases (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). With no pharmacological treatment currently available for MASH/NASH, the race is on to develop drugs targeting multiple facets of hepatic metabolism, inflammation, and pro-fibrotic events, which are major drivers of MASH. Nuclear receptors (NRs) regulate genomic transcription upon binding to lipophilic ligands and govern multiple aspects of liver metabolism and inflammation. Ligands of NRs may include hormones, lipids, bile acids, and synthetic ligands, which upon binding to NRs regulate the transcriptional activities of target genes. NR ligands are presently the most promising drug candidates expected to receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration as a pharmacological treatment for MASH. This review aims to cover the current understanding of NRs, including nuclear hormone receptors, non-steroid hormone receptors, circadian NRs, and orphan NRs, which are currently undergoing clinical trials for MASH treatment, along with NRs that have shown promising results in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit A Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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El-Masry AS, Medhat AM, El-Bendary M, Mohamed RH. Vitamin D receptor rs3782905 and vitamin D binding protein rs7041 polymorphisms are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility in cirrhotic HCV patients. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:319. [PMID: 38066559 PMCID: PMC10704848 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severity of chronic hepatitis C and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are associated with genetic variations within vitamin D receptor (VDR) in several populations. This study aims to determine the significance of the VDRs (rs2228570, rs3782905, rs11568820) and DBP (rs7041) for the susceptibility to HCC in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection and their effect on the progression of liver cirrhosis to carcinogenesis. METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) VDR (rs2228570, rs3782905), and DBP rs7041 were genotyped using restriction fragment length-PCR (RFLP-PCR) technique and VDR rs11568820 was genotyped using single strand polymorphism PCR (SSP PCR). These SNPs genotypes, haplotypes and linkage disequilibrium analyses were examined in 299 Egyptian individuals (100 HCV-cirrhotic patients, 99 HCC- HCV patients, and 100 healthy controls). RESULT The VDR rs2228570 CC genotype, VDR rs3782905 GC and CC genotypes, and DBP rs7041 GG genotype are significantly higher in HCC. It is noteworthy that, VDR rs3782905 CC and DBP rs7041 TG genotypes are higher in HCV induced liver cirrhosis than with HCC progression in HCV infected patients. Furthermore, among patients, the relationship between these SNPs and smoking status, gender, and HCC susceptibility was reported. CONCLUSION Among the four investigated SNPs, there are associations between VDR rs3782905 and DBP rs7041 and the HCC progression in Egyptian patients chronically infected with HCV. These SNPs are considered as risk factors in HCV induced liver cirrhosis and HCC. The combinations of these SNPs with smoking status and gender are statistically linked to a high risk of HCC. Future research with a larger sample size of subjects with HCV infection is advised, because chronic liver disease induced by HCV infection is the primary cause of HCC in Egypt. We recommend screening of these SNPs for prediction of LC and HCC development in HCV infected patients, which may improve the used therapeutic protocol. These results suggest that VDR polymorphisms may be potential determinants for HCC susceptibility in Egyptian HCV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Samir El-Masry
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amina M Medhat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud El-Bendary
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - Rania Hassan Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Sharifan P, Darroudi S, Rafiee M, Roustai Geraylow K, Hemmati R, Rashidmayvan M, Safarian M, Eslami S, Vatanparast H, Zare-Feizabadi R, Mohammadi-Bjgiran M, Ghazizadeh H, Khorasanchi Z, Bagherniya M, Ferns G, Rezaie M, Ghayour-Mobarhan M. The effects of low-fat dairy products fortified with 1500 IU vitamin D 3 on serum liver function biomarkers in adults with abdominal obesity: a randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2023; 42:102. [PMID: 37749703 PMCID: PMC10521569 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00401-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to affect liver function biomarkers. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of consuming vitamin D fortified low-fat dairy products on liver function tests in adults with abdominal obesity. METHODS This total blinded randomized controlled trial was undertaken on otherwise healthy abdominally obese adults living in Mashhad, Iran. Milk and yogurt were fortified with 1500 IU vitamin D3 nano-capsules. Participants were randomized to receive fortified milk (n = 73), plain milk (n = 73), fortified yogurt (n = 69), and plain yogurt (n = 74) for 10 weeks. Blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of the study to assess serum levels of vitamin D, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Gamma glutamyl transferase. RESULTS A total of 289 participants completed the study (54% female). The groups were homogenous in terms of age, sex, weight, energy intake, and physical activity level (p-value > 0.05). After the trial, vitamin D serum levels were significantly increased in both groups receiving fortified products (both p < 0.001). There was a significant time*group effect only in serum ALP (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Consumption of dairy products fortified by 1500 IU vitamin D3 might have detrimental effects on serum levels of some liver enzymes in individuals with abdominal obesity. Further studies needed to determine these effects and underlying mechanisms. TRIAL REGISTRATION IRCT20101130005280N27 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Sharifan
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Susan Darroudi
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rafiee
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kiarash Roustai Geraylow
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Romina Hemmati
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashidmayvan
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohamad Safarian
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saeid Eslami
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hassan Vatanparast
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Reza Zare-Feizabadi
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Mohammadi-Bjgiran
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamideh Ghazizadeh
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Khorasanchi
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagherniya
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gordon Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Room 346, Mayfield House, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9PH, SSX, UK
| | - Mitra Rezaie
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan
- Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Bustin SA, Jellinger KA. Advances in Molecular Medicine: Unravelling Disease Complexity and Pioneering Precision Healthcare. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14168. [PMID: 37762471 PMCID: PMC10531697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The escalating impacts of the climate crisis, zoonotic spill-over, and antibiotic resistance have positioned molecular medicine at the forefront of pioneering translational research [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A. Bustin
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Kurt A. Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, A1150 Vienna, Austria
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Voltan G, Cannito M, Ferrarese M, Ceccato F, Camozzi V. Vitamin D: An Overview of Gene Regulation, Ranging from Metabolism to Genomic Effects. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1691. [PMID: 37761831 PMCID: PMC10531002 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is a pro-hormone characterized by an intricate metabolism and regulation. It is well known for its role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, and in bone health. However, several studies have assessed a huge number of extra-skeletal functions, ranging from cell proliferation in some oncogenic pathways to antioxidant and immunomodulatory functions. Vitamin D exerts its role by binding to VDRs (vitamin D receptors), which are located in many different tissues. Moreover, VDRs are able to bind hundreds of genomic loci, modulating the expression of various primary target genes. Interestingly, plenty of gene polymorphisms regarding VDRs are described, each one carrying a potential influence against gene expression, with relapses in several chronic diseases and metabolic complications. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic aspects of vitamin D and VDR, emphasizing the gene regulation of vitamin D, and the genetic modulation of VDR target genes. In addition, we briefly summarize the rare genetic disease linked to vitamin D metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Voltan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.V.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (V.C.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Ospedale Civile 105, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Cannito
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.V.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (V.C.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Ospedale Civile 105, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Ferrarese
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.V.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (V.C.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Ospedale Civile 105, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.V.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (V.C.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Ospedale Civile 105, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Camozzi
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (G.V.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (V.C.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Ospedale Civile 105, 35128 Padova, Italy
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