Difference between revisions of "NSAIDs and Running"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE: NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin) and Acetaminophen/Paracetamol for runners, impairs healing and interferes with hydration}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE: NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin) and Acetaminophen/Paracetamol for runners, impairs healing and interferes with hydration}}
 
[[File:Extra Strength Tylenol and Tylenol PM.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Acetaminophen (brand names Tylenol, aspirin-free Anacin, Excedrin, and numerous cold medicines)]]
 
[[File:Extra Strength Tylenol and Tylenol PM.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Acetaminophen (brand names Tylenol, aspirin-free Anacin, Excedrin, and numerous cold medicines)]]
NSAIDs are generally unhelpful for runners, masking the symptoms while impairing healing, interfering with hydration and can be life threatening. Risks include kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, intestinal damage, and liver failure. The most common NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and Aspirin. They work by inhibiting a particular enzyme ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclooxygenase Cyclooxygenase]) which reduces pain, fever and inflammation. Ibuprofen use is so common among runners that it is sometimes called "Vitamin I"<ref name="VitaminI"/>, with one study finding about 60% of runners using NSAIDs during training<ref name="JoslinLloyd2013"/>. This is unsurprising given the estimates of injury rates in runners varying between 20% and 80%<ref name="van Gent-2007"/>. This article also covers Acetaminophen (also called Paracetamol), though it's not technically an NSAID.  
+
NSAIDs are generally unhelpful for runners, masking the symptoms while impairing healing, interfering with hydration and can be life threatening. Risks include kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, intestinal damage, and liver failure. The most common NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and Aspirin. They work by inhibiting a particular enzyme ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclooxygenase Cyclooxygenase]) which reduces pain, fever and inflammation. Ibuprofen use is so common among runners that it is sometimes called "Vitamin I"<ref name="VitaminI"/>, with one study finding about 60% of runners using NSAIDs during training<ref name="JoslinLloyd2013"/>. This is unsurprising given the estimates of injury rates in runners varying between 20% and 80%<ref name="vanGent-2007"/>. This article also covers Acetaminophen (also called Paracetamol), though it's not technically an NSAID.  
==NSAIDs and Healing==
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=NSAIDs and Healing=
 
The inflammation response of our bodies is a key part of the healing process. Using NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation has been shown to impair healing in different tissue types:
 
The inflammation response of our bodies is a key part of the healing process. Using NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation has been shown to impair healing in different tissue types:
 
* '''Muscles'''<ref name="MuscleTrappe"/>. A 2001 study showed that Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen reduce [[Muscle|muscle]] growth after eccentric exercise. Another study<ref name="muscle"/> on muscle damage and NSAIDs showed impaired recovery in the early stages of healing. There was some increased [[Protein]] synthesis with NSAIDs in latter stages of healing, but the muscles were still weaker 28 days after injury. Other studies<ref name="muscle2"/><ref name="muscle3"/> have shown that four days after injury, NSAIDs resulted in very little muscle regeneration compared with no drugs.
 
* '''Muscles'''<ref name="MuscleTrappe"/>. A 2001 study showed that Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen reduce [[Muscle|muscle]] growth after eccentric exercise. Another study<ref name="muscle"/> on muscle damage and NSAIDs showed impaired recovery in the early stages of healing. There was some increased [[Protein]] synthesis with NSAIDs in latter stages of healing, but the muscles were still weaker 28 days after injury. Other studies<ref name="muscle2"/><ref name="muscle3"/> have shown that four days after injury, NSAIDs resulted in very little muscle regeneration compared with no drugs.
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* '''Cartilage. ''' NSAIDs have been shown<ref name="CartilageRabbit"/> to impair the healing of bone and cartilage in rabbits.
 
* '''Cartilage. ''' NSAIDs have been shown<ref name="CartilageRabbit"/> to impair the healing of bone and cartilage in rabbits.
 
* '''Bone fractures.''' Tests on rats shows that a NSAID (Celecoxib) in the early stages of bone healing impaired healing, producing a weaker repair.<ref name="bone"/> A study <ref name="BoneLaurence "/> in 2004 declared " Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs continue to be prescribed as analgesics for patients with healing fractures even though these drugs diminish bone formation, healing, and remodeling".
 
* '''Bone fractures.''' Tests on rats shows that a NSAID (Celecoxib) in the early stages of bone healing impaired healing, producing a weaker repair.<ref name="bone"/> A study <ref name="BoneLaurence "/> in 2004 declared " Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs continue to be prescribed as analgesics for patients with healing fractures even though these drugs diminish bone formation, healing, and remodeling".
===Counterpoint===
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==Counterpoint==
 
While there is extensive experimental evidence for NSAIDs impairing healing, there are also some studies that show no change with NSAID use, and a few that indicated improved healing. For instance, one study<ref name="LigamentImprovement"/> showed that using an NSAID for 6 days after injury resulted in a 42% increased ligament strength at day 14, though there was no change by day 21. Another study<ref name="LigamentUninjuredImprovement"/> showed that an NSAID did not change ligament healing, but did improve the strength of the uninjured ligaments. However, my reading indicates that the preponderance of evidence shows NSAIDs impair healing.  
 
While there is extensive experimental evidence for NSAIDs impairing healing, there are also some studies that show no change with NSAID use, and a few that indicated improved healing. For instance, one study<ref name="LigamentImprovement"/> showed that using an NSAID for 6 days after injury resulted in a 42% increased ligament strength at day 14, though there was no change by day 21. Another study<ref name="LigamentUninjuredImprovement"/> showed that an NSAID did not change ligament healing, but did improve the strength of the uninjured ligaments. However, my reading indicates that the preponderance of evidence shows NSAIDs impair healing.  
===Ice, Inflammation and Healing===
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==Ice, Inflammation and Healing==
 
If NSAIDs are bad for healing, should we treat with ice? So far I have found no definitive studies, but ice has a different mechanism of action from NSAIDs. By cooling the tissues, ice temporarily reduces swelling, thereby flushing the wound. If applied for a longer period of time, ice will produce a periodic increase in blood supply that creates a further flushing effect. I have found that ice can produce dramatic improvements in healing speed. See [[Cryotherapy - Ice for Healing]] for more details. There is no evidence that ice reduces any of the inflammation processes.  
 
If NSAIDs are bad for healing, should we treat with ice? So far I have found no definitive studies, but ice has a different mechanism of action from NSAIDs. By cooling the tissues, ice temporarily reduces swelling, thereby flushing the wound. If applied for a longer period of time, ice will produce a periodic increase in blood supply that creates a further flushing effect. I have found that ice can produce dramatic improvements in healing speed. See [[Cryotherapy - Ice for Healing]] for more details. There is no evidence that ice reduces any of the inflammation processes.  
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=Turmeric as an NSAID=
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Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory<ref name="Sahebkar2014"/><ref name="PanahiSahebkar2012"/> that is often considered an alternative to more common NSAIDs. Turmeric has been medicinally used for 1000s of years<ref name="Benzie-"/> and even in large doses turmeric shows low toxicity<ref name="Hsu-2007"/><ref name="Cheng-2001"/><ref name="Chandran-2012"/><ref name="GanigerMalleshappa2007"/> with only a few studies finding nausea and diarrhea<ref name="Hsu-2007"/> or abdominal pain<ref name="Kuptniratsaikul-2014"/>. Turmeric has poor bioavailability<ref name="Anand-2010"/><ref name="AnandKunnumakkara2007"/>, but versions with improved bioavailability are being developed such as Flexofytol<ref name="AppelboomMaes2014"/> or Meriva<ref name="Drobnic-2014"/>. Like other NSAIDs, Turmeric is an effective pain reliever (analgesic)<ref name="Agarwal-2011"/><ref name="Panahi-2014"/><ref name="Kuptniratsaikul-2009"/><ref name="Zhu-2014"/> and it may be effective in treating [[Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness]]<ref name="Nicol-2015"/><ref name="Drobnic-2014"/><ref name="McFarlinVenable2016"/><ref name="TanabeMaeda2015"/><ref name="Davis-2007"/><ref name="Kawanishi-2013"/>. Studies of Turmeric and turmeric derivatives as treatments for osteoarthritis<ref name="Henrotin-2014"/><ref name="Kuptniratsaikul-2014"/> and rheumatoid arthritis<ref name="Chandran-2012"/> show promising results. Digestive problems, a common side effect of NSAIDs, are believed to be because most NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes<ref name="Bertolini-2002"/>. COX-2 is predominantly responsible for inflammation where COX-1 helps maintain the digestive system<ref name="Hawkey-2001"/>. Selectively inhibiting just COX-2 may have the benefits of NSAIDS without the digestive issues<ref name="FutakiTakahashi1994"/><ref name="Hawkey1999"/><ref name="Hawkey-2001"/>. Studies have found that Turmeric is a COX-2 inhibitor<ref name="Moini Zanjani-2014"/><ref name="Moriyuki-2010"/><ref name="Ireson-2001"/><ref name="Lev-Ari-2006"/><ref name="Plummer-1999"/>, and turmeric preferentially inhibits COX-2 over COX-1<ref name="RamsewakDeWitt2000"/>. Turmeric has ~36% COX-1 inhibition and ~77% COX-2 inhibition, while aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen had 41-52% COX-1 inhibition and ~30-40% COX-2 inhibition<ref name="RamsewakDeWitt2000"/>. Diferuloylmethane (Curcumin) is the main active ingredient in turmeric<ref name="Anand-2010"/><ref name="Henrotin-2010"/>, though it also includes monodemethoxycurcumin (curcumin II) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (curcumin III)<ref name="RamsewakDeWitt2000"/>. Concentrations of Diferuloylmethane typically peak 1-2 hours after consumption and decline within 12 hours<ref name="Cheng-2001"/><ref name="Agarwal-2011"/>.
 
=NSAIDs and Acute kidney failure=
 
=NSAIDs and Acute kidney failure=
 
Kidney failure while running is extremely rare, and seems to require multiple factors to come together. Looking at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comrades_Marathon Comrades Marathon], a 90 Km/56 Mile ultramarathon in South Africa, there have only been 19 cases of kidney failure between 1969 and 1986, it even though thousands of people participate each year<ref name="rhabdo1"/>. The following are considered factors in acute kidney failure related to running.
 
Kidney failure while running is extremely rare, and seems to require multiple factors to come together. Looking at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comrades_Marathon Comrades Marathon], a 90 Km/56 Mile ultramarathon in South Africa, there have only been 19 cases of kidney failure between 1969 and 1986, it even though thousands of people participate each year<ref name="rhabdo1"/>. The following are considered factors in acute kidney failure related to running.
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* The most common NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), and Aspirin) are unlikely to help with DOMS.
 
* The most common NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), and Aspirin) are unlikely to help with DOMS.
 
* There is some evidence that Naproxen may be more effective than the common NSAIDs. There is not enough evidence to reach a conclusion on Diclofenac, Codeine, Rofecoxib, Ketoprofen, or Bromelain.
 
* There is some evidence that Naproxen may be more effective than the common NSAIDs. There is not enough evidence to reach a conclusion on Diclofenac, Codeine, Rofecoxib, Ketoprofen, or Bromelain.
 +
* There is also some evidence that Turmeric may help with DOMS.
 
* If an NSAID is taken for DOMS, it should probably be taken immediately after the damaging exercise rather than waiting until the soreness develops.
 
* If an NSAID is taken for DOMS, it should probably be taken immediately after the damaging exercise rather than waiting until the soreness develops.
* It seems likely that taking an NSAID for DOMS will reduce the muscular growth that would normally occur as part of the recovery.
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* It seems likely that taking an NSAID for DOMS will reduce the muscular growth that would normally occur as part of the recovery. In one study, rabbits treated with flurbiprofen after DOMS inducing exercise regained more strength after 3-7 days, but between days 7 and 28 days the treated rabbits became weaker while the controls became stronger<ref name="Mishra-1995"/>. This is only one study, and on animals, but it is rather troubling as none of the human studies look at the results over this time period.
** In one study, rabbits treated with flurbiprofen after DOMS inducing exercise regained more strength after 3-7 days, but between days 7 and 28 days the treated rabbits became weaker while the controls became stronger<ref name="Mishra-1995"/>. This is only one study, and on animals, but it is rather troubling as none of the human studies look at the results over this time period.
 
 
==A Summary of the Research on NSAIDs and DOMS==
 
==A Summary of the Research on NSAIDs and DOMS==
 
The table below summarizes the research I located on the effect of NSAIDs on DOMS in humans. I've only considered the primary DOMS markers of soreness (pain) and weakness, rather than including things like blood enzymes. For each NSAID I've shown how many studies show an improvement and how many studies show no effect.  
 
The table below summarizes the research I located on the effect of NSAIDs on DOMS in humans. I've only considered the primary DOMS markers of soreness (pain) and weakness, rather than including things like blood enzymes. For each NSAID I've shown how many studies show an improvement and how many studies show no effect.  
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| 1xNo Effect<ref name="Stone-2002"/>
 
| 1xNo Effect<ref name="Stone-2002"/>
 
|  
 
|  
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|-
 +
| Turmeric
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| 2xImproved<ref name="Nicol-2015"/><ref name="Drobnic-2014"/>
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2xNo Effect<ref name="McFarlinVenable2016"/><ref name="TanabeMaeda2015"/>
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| 2xImproved<ref name="TanabeMaeda2015"/><ref name="Davis-2007"/>
 
|}
 
|}
 
=NSAIDs and Intestinal Damage=
 
=NSAIDs and Intestinal Damage=
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=References=
 
=References=
 
<references>
 
<references>
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<ref name="Hawkey1999">CJ Hawkey, COX-2 inhibitors, The Lancet, volume 353, issue 9149, 1999, pages 307–314, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/01406736 01406736], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(98)12154-2 10.1016/S0140-6736(98)12154-2]</ref>
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<ref name="FutakiTakahashi1994">N. Futaki, S. Takahashi, M. Yokoyama, I. Arai, S. Higuchi, S. Otomo, NS-398, a new anti-inflammatory agent, selectively inhibits prostaglandin G/H synthase/cyclooxygenase (COX-2) activity in vitro, Prostaglandins, volume 47, issue 1, 1994, pages 55–59, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/00906980 00906980], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0090-6980(94)90074-4 10.1016/0090-6980(94)90074-4]</ref>
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<ref name="Bertolini-2002">A. Bertolini, A. Ottani, M. Sandrini, Selective COX-2 inhibitors and dual acting anti-inflammatory drugs: critical remarks., Curr Med Chem, volume 9, issue 10, pages 1033-43, May 2002, PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12733982 12733982]</ref>
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<ref name="Zhu-2014">X. Zhu, Q. Li, R. Chang, D. Yang, Z. Song, Q. Guo, C. Huang, Curcumin alleviates neuropathic pain by inhibiting p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase activity-regulated expression of BDNF and cox-2 in a rat model., PLoS One, volume 9, issue 3, pages e91303,  2014, doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0091303 10.1371/journal.pone.0091303], PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24603592 24603592]</ref>
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<ref name="Plummer-1999">SM. Plummer, KA. Holloway, MM. Manson, RJ. Munks, A. Kaptein, S. Farrow, L. Howells, Inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase 2 expression in colon cells by the chemopreventive agent curcumin involves inhibition of NF-kappaB activation via the NIK/IKK signalling complex., Oncogene, volume 18, issue 44, pages 6013-20, Oct 1999, doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.onc.1202980 10.1038/sj.onc.1202980], PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10557090 10557090]</ref>
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<ref name="Lev-Ari-2006">S. Lev-Ari, A. Starr, A. Vexler, V. Karaush, V. Loew, J. Greif, E. Fenig, D. Aderka, R. Ben-Yosef, Inhibition of pancreatic and lung adenocarcinoma cell survival by curcumin is associated with increased apoptosis, down-regulation of COX-2 and EGFR and inhibition of Erk1/2 activity., Anticancer Res, volume 26, issue 6B, pages 4423-30, PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17201164 17201164]</ref>
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<ref name="RamsewakDeWitt2000">R.S. Ramsewak, D.L. DeWitt, M.G. Nair, Cytotoxicity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Curcumins I–III from Curcuma longa, Phytomedicine, volume 7, issue 4, 2000, pages 303–308, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/09447113 09447113], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80048-3 10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80048-3]</ref>
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<ref name="Ireson-2001">C. Ireson, S. Orr, DJ. Jones, R. Verschoyle, CK. Lim, JL. Luo, L. Howells, S. Plummer, R. Jukes, Characterization of metabolites of the chemopreventive agent curcumin in human and rat hepatocytes and in the rat in vivo, and evaluation of their ability to inhibit phorbol ester-induced prostaglandin E2 production., Cancer Res, volume 61, issue 3, pages 1058-64, Feb 2001, PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11221833 11221833]</ref>
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<ref name="Anand-2010">P. Anand, HB. Nair, B. Sung, AB. Kunnumakkara, VR. Yadav, RR. Tekmal, BB. Aggarwal, Design of curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles formulation with enhanced cellular uptake, and increased bioactivity in vitro and superior bioavailability in vivo., Biochem Pharmacol, volume 79, issue 3, pages 330-8, Feb 2010, doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2009.09.003 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.09.003], PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19735646 19735646]</ref>
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<ref name="PanahiSahebkar2012">Y. Panahi, A. Sahebkar, S. Parvin, A. Saadat, A randomized controlled trial on the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in patients with chronic sulphur mustard-induced cutaneous complications, Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, volume 49, issue 6, 2012, pages 580–588, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/0004-5632 0004-5632], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/acb.2012.012040 10.1258/acb.2012.012040]</ref>
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<ref name="Sahebkar2014">Amirhossein Sahebkar, Are Curcuminoids Effective C-Reactive Protein-Lowering Agents in Clinical Practice? Evidence from a Meta-Analysis, Phytotherapy Research, volume 28, issue 5, 2014, pages 633–642, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/0951418X 0951418X], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5045 10.1002/ptr.5045]</ref>
 
<ref name="bone">JBJS | Dose and Time-Dependent Effects of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition on Fracture-Healing http://www.jbjs.org/article.aspx?Volume=89&page=500</ref>
 
<ref name="bone">JBJS | Dose and Time-Dependent Effects of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition on Fracture-Healing http://www.jbjs.org/article.aspx?Volume=89&page=500</ref>
 
<ref name="tendon">NSAIDs Inhibit Tendon-to-Bone Healing in Rotator Cuff Repair http://www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/article.asp?article=295</ref>
 
<ref name="tendon">NSAIDs Inhibit Tendon-to-Bone Healing in Rotator Cuff Repair http://www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/article.asp?article=295</ref>
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<ref name="ToussaintYang2010">K. Toussaint, X. C. Yang, M. A. Zielinski, K. L. Reigle, S. D. Sacavage, S. Nagar, R. B. Raffa, What do we (not) know about how paracetamol (acetaminophen) works?, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, volume 35, issue 6, 2010, pages 617–638, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/02694727 02694727], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01143.x 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01143.x]</ref>
 
<ref name="ToussaintYang2010">K. Toussaint, X. C. Yang, M. A. Zielinski, K. L. Reigle, S. D. Sacavage, S. Nagar, R. B. Raffa, What do we (not) know about how paracetamol (acetaminophen) works?, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, volume 35, issue 6, 2010, pages 617–638, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/02694727 02694727], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01143.x 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2009.01143.x]</ref>
 
<ref name="www.fda.gov">FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes, http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm451800.htm, Accessed on 25 January 2016</ref>
 
<ref name="www.fda.gov">FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes, http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm451800.htm, Accessed on 25 January 2016</ref>
<ref name="JoslinLloyd2013">Jeremy D Joslin, Jarem B Lloyd, Timur Kotlyar, Susan M Wojcik, NSAID and other analgesic use by endurance runners during training, competition and recovery, South African Journal of Sports Medicine, volume 25, issue 4, 2013, pages 101, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/2078-516X 2078-516X], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.7196/sajsm.495 10.7196/sajsm.495]</ref></references>
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<ref name="JoslinLloyd2013">Jeremy D Joslin, Jarem B Lloyd, Timur Kotlyar, Susan M Wojcik, NSAID and other analgesic use by endurance runners during training, competition and recovery, South African Journal of Sports Medicine, volume 25, issue 4, 2013, pages 101, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/2078-516X 2078-516X], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.7196/sajsm.495 10.7196/sajsm.495]</ref>
<ref name="van Gent-2007">RN. van Gent, D. Siem, M. van Middelkoop, AG. van Os, SM. Bierma-Zeinstra, BW. Koes, Incidence and determinants of lower extremity running injuries in long distance runners: a systematic review., Br J Sports Med, volume 41, issue 8, pages 469-80; discussion 480, Aug 2007, doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.033548 10.1136/bjsm.2006.033548], PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17473005 17473005]</ref>
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<ref name="vanGent-2007">RN. van Gent, D. Siem, M. van Middelkoop, AG. van Os, SM. Bierma-Zeinstra, BW. Koes, Incidence and determinants of lower extremity running injuries in long distance runners: a systematic review., Br J Sports Med, volume 41, issue 8, pages 469-80; discussion 480, Aug 2007, doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.033548 10.1136/bjsm.2006.033548], PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17473005 17473005]</ref>
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<ref name="Benzie-">IFF. Benzie, S. Wachtel-Galor, S. Prasad, BB. Aggarwal, Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine, PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22593922 22593922]</ref>
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<ref name="GanigerMalleshappa2007">S. Ganiger, H.N. Malleshappa, H. Krishnappa, Geetha Rajashekhar, V. Ramakrishna Rao, Frank Sullivan, A two generation reproductive toxicity study with curcumin, turmeric yellow, in Wistar rats, Food and Chemical Toxicology, volume 45, issue 1, 2007, pages 64–69, ISSN [http://www.worldcat.org/issn/02786915 02786915], doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2006.07.016 10.1016/j.fct.2006.07.016]</ref>
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<ref name="Hawkey-2001">CJ. Hawkey, COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors., Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol, volume 15, issue 5, pages 801-20, Oct 2001, doi [http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/bega.2001.0236 10.1053/bega.2001.0236], PMID [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11566042 11566042]</ref>
 +
</references>
 
[[Category:Training]]
 
[[Category:Training]]
 
[[Category:Injury]]
 
[[Category:Injury]]
 
[[Category:Science]]
 
[[Category:Science]]

Revision as of 16:59, 24 February 2016

Acetaminophen (brand names Tylenol, aspirin-free Anacin, Excedrin, and numerous cold medicines)

NSAIDs are generally unhelpful for runners, masking the symptoms while impairing healing, interfering with hydration and can be life threatening. Risks include kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, intestinal damage, and liver failure. The most common NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and Aspirin. They work by inhibiting a particular enzyme (Cyclooxygenase) which reduces pain, fever and inflammation. Ibuprofen use is so common among runners that it is sometimes called "Vitamin I"[1], with one study finding about 60% of runners using NSAIDs during training[2]. This is unsurprising given the estimates of injury rates in runners varying between 20% and 80%[3]. This article also covers Acetaminophen (also called Paracetamol), though it's not technically an NSAID.

1 NSAIDs and Healing

The inflammation response of our bodies is a key part of the healing process. Using NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation has been shown to impair healing in different tissue types:

  • Muscles[4]. A 2001 study showed that Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen reduce muscle growth after eccentric exercise. Another study[5] on muscle damage and NSAIDs showed impaired recovery in the early stages of healing. There was some increased Protein synthesis with NSAIDs in latter stages of healing, but the muscles were still weaker 28 days after injury. Other studies[6][7] have shown that four days after injury, NSAIDs resulted in very little muscle regeneration compared with no drugs.
  • Tendons. A primate study[8] showed "a marked decrease in the breaking strength of tendons at four and six weeks in the ibuprofen-treated animals". Another animal study[9] showed treated tendons were 32% weaker than their untested counterparts.
  • Bone-Tendon Junctions. An animal study[10] of rotator cuff injuries shows that NSAID usage resulted in injuries that did not heal, and those that did heal were weaker than those without NSAID. To quote from the study "Given that NSAID administration was discontinued after 14 days yet affected load-to-failure eight weeks following repair, it appears that inhibition of the early events in the inflammatory cascade has a lasting negative effect on tendon-to-bone healing," Dr. Rodeo said.
  • Cartilage. NSAIDs have been shown[11] to impair the healing of bone and cartilage in rabbits.
  • Bone fractures. Tests on rats shows that a NSAID (Celecoxib) in the early stages of bone healing impaired healing, producing a weaker repair.[12] A study [13] in 2004 declared " Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs continue to be prescribed as analgesics for patients with healing fractures even though these drugs diminish bone formation, healing, and remodeling".

1.1 Counterpoint

While there is extensive experimental evidence for NSAIDs impairing healing, there are also some studies that show no change with NSAID use, and a few that indicated improved healing. For instance, one study[14] showed that using an NSAID for 6 days after injury resulted in a 42% increased ligament strength at day 14, though there was no change by day 21. Another study[15] showed that an NSAID did not change ligament healing, but did improve the strength of the uninjured ligaments. However, my reading indicates that the preponderance of evidence shows NSAIDs impair healing.

1.2 Ice, Inflammation and Healing

If NSAIDs are bad for healing, should we treat with ice? So far I have found no definitive studies, but ice has a different mechanism of action from NSAIDs. By cooling the tissues, ice temporarily reduces swelling, thereby flushing the wound. If applied for a longer period of time, ice will produce a periodic increase in blood supply that creates a further flushing effect. I have found that ice can produce dramatic improvements in healing speed. See Cryotherapy - Ice for Healing for more details. There is no evidence that ice reduces any of the inflammation processes.

2 Turmeric as an NSAID

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory[16][17] that is often considered an alternative to more common NSAIDs. Turmeric has been medicinally used for 1000s of years[18] and even in large doses turmeric shows low toxicity[19][20][21][22] with only a few studies finding nausea and diarrhea[19] or abdominal pain[23]. Turmeric has poor bioavailability[24][25], but versions with improved bioavailability are being developed such as Flexofytol[26] or Meriva[27]. Like other NSAIDs, Turmeric is an effective pain reliever (analgesic)[28][29][30][31] and it may be effective in treating Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness[32][27][33][34][35][36]. Studies of Turmeric and turmeric derivatives as treatments for osteoarthritis[37][23] and rheumatoid arthritis[21] show promising results. Digestive problems, a common side effect of NSAIDs, are believed to be because most NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes[38]. COX-2 is predominantly responsible for inflammation where COX-1 helps maintain the digestive system[39]. Selectively inhibiting just COX-2 may have the benefits of NSAIDS without the digestive issues[40][41][39]. Studies have found that Turmeric is a COX-2 inhibitor[42][43][44][45][46], and turmeric preferentially inhibits COX-2 over COX-1[47]. Turmeric has ~36% COX-1 inhibition and ~77% COX-2 inhibition, while aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen had 41-52% COX-1 inhibition and ~30-40% COX-2 inhibition[47]. Diferuloylmethane (Curcumin) is the main active ingredient in turmeric[24][48], though it also includes monodemethoxycurcumin (curcumin II) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (curcumin III)[47]. Concentrations of Diferuloylmethane typically peak 1-2 hours after consumption and decline within 12 hours[20][28].

3 NSAIDs and Acute kidney failure

Kidney failure while running is extremely rare, and seems to require multiple factors to come together. Looking at the Comrades Marathon, a 90 Km/56 Mile ultramarathon in South Africa, there have only been 19 cases of kidney failure between 1969 and 1986, it even though thousands of people participate each year[49]. The following are considered factors in acute kidney failure related to running.

  • Dehydration. Exercise reduces blood flow to the kidneys and dehydration makes this worse.
  • NSAIDs. NSAIDs also reduce blood flow to the kidneys[50]. NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production, and prostaglandins are vital to maintaining blood flow to the kidneys. While NSAIDs are considered safe drugs, NSAIDs are associated with a relatively high incidence of adverse drug reactions involving the kidneys. Generally, NSAID side effects are restricted to individuals with predisposition to kidney problems, so extra care should be taken if you have a history of kidney problems. However, athletes push their bodies to extremes, so what applies to the general population may not be valid for runners. One runner was told[51] by doctors that 2400mg Ibuprofen in an ultramarathon was a contributing factor to his kidney failure.
  • Rhabdomyolysis. All strenuous exercise causes some muscle damage, but this is generally resolved without a problem. However large amounts of a Protein called myoglobin from damaged muscle can cause a condition called rhabdomyolysis (AKA 'rhabdo'). While serious rhabdomyolysis is rare, it is worth understanding one key symptom, which is low volume, dark urine, often likened to 'coca-cola'. The other symptoms include severe, incapacitating muscle pain and elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK) in the blood (which requires a specialist test). Some individuals[52] have a genetic condition that makes rhabdomyolysis possible after relatively moderate exercise. Rhabdomyolysis is also more likely after eccentric exercise, such as Downhill Running.
  • Sickness. A viral or bacterial infection is often a factor in exercise related kidney failure.

Looking at the analysis[50] of nine cases of continued kidney failure in Comrades Marathon, seven had taken NSAIDs, four may have had a viral or bacterial infection. The combination of dehydration, rhabdomyolysis, infection and NSAIDs are a perfect storm for the kidneys.

4 NSAIDs and Hyponatremia

The kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluid from the blood as well as excreting or withholding sodium. If kidney function is compromised, then this can result in Hyponatremia, which can be fatal. Some studies[53][54][55] have shown a correlation between NSAID use in races and Hyponatremia, but others[56][57] have not. Using NSAIDs when hydration is a concern increases the risk of problems occuring.

5 NSAIDs causing Heart Attacks or Strokes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings that non-aspirin NSAIDs increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke[58]. The risk appears to be related to ongoing usage rather than single doses, with the risk increasing in the first weeks of usage and the risk may increase with prolonged usage. The increased risk is dose dependent (taking more has a greater risk), and the includes those without heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. Not surprisingly, those already with a higher risk of heart disease or stroke have a proportionately higher risk with NSAID usage.

6 NSAIDs and Infection

Because a bacterial or viral infection puts more stress on the body, including the kidneys, taking NSAIDs and continuing to run increases your risk of complications. If the sickness is too bad to run without NSAIDs, you probably shouldn't run.

7 NSAIDs for Pain Reduction

The primary purpose of NSAIDs is generally for reducing pain, and they are remarkably effective at achieving this. If you need a painkiller, acetaminophen is probably a better choice than ibuprofen, though be careful as it's easy to overdose on Acetaminophen (see below). Acetaminophen has limited anti-inflammatory properties, so it shouldn't impair healing as much as ibuprofen, but it is still good as a painkiller. Combining acetaminophen or other NSAIDs with Caffeine further improves their painkilling effectiveness. After a major race I can sometimes have so much leg pain that I can't sleep and a little acetaminophen can make all the difference. While the acetaminophen may impair healing somewhat I believe the trade-off in improved sleep is worthwhile. After all, the lack of sleep itself will impair healing, so it's a reasonable compromise.

8 NSAIDs and DOMS

Main article: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) generally occurs between 24 and 72 hours after unusual or severe exercise, such as racing a marathon or Downhill Running. The use of NSAIDs to prevent or treat DOMS has been widely researched, with somewhat mixed results. Even scholarly reviews of the research have differing conclusions[59] [60] [61][62]. My conclusions based on the available research are:

  • The most common NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), and Aspirin) are unlikely to help with DOMS.
  • There is some evidence that Naproxen may be more effective than the common NSAIDs. There is not enough evidence to reach a conclusion on Diclofenac, Codeine, Rofecoxib, Ketoprofen, or Bromelain.
  • There is also some evidence that Turmeric may help with DOMS.
  • If an NSAID is taken for DOMS, it should probably be taken immediately after the damaging exercise rather than waiting until the soreness develops.
  • It seems likely that taking an NSAID for DOMS will reduce the muscular growth that would normally occur as part of the recovery. In one study, rabbits treated with flurbiprofen after DOMS inducing exercise regained more strength after 3-7 days, but between days 7 and 28 days the treated rabbits became weaker while the controls became stronger[63]. This is only one study, and on animals, but it is rather troubling as none of the human studies look at the results over this time period.

8.1 A Summary of the Research on NSAIDs and DOMS

The table below summarizes the research I located on the effect of NSAIDs on DOMS in humans. I've only considered the primary DOMS markers of soreness (pain) and weakness, rather than including things like blood enzymes. For each NSAID I've shown how many studies show an improvement and how many studies show no effect.

NSAID Soreness Weakness
Ibuprofen 2xImproved[64][65]

7xNo Effect[66][67][68] [69][70][71][72]

1xMaybe[64]

8xNo Effect[66][67][68] [69][70][71][65][72]

Ibuprofen Gel 1xNo Effect[73]
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) 2xNo Effect[74][75]
Aspirin 2xImproved[76][77]

2xNo Effect[74][75]

2xNo Effect[76][77]
Naproxen 4xImproved[78][79][80][81]

1xNo Effect[82]

3xImproved[78][79][80]

1xNo Effect[82]

Diclofenac Possible slight reduction[83]
Codeine 1xNo Effect[74]
Rofecoxib 1xNo Effect[84]
Ketoprofen 1xImproved[85] 1xImproved[85]
Bromelain 1xNo Effect[72]
Turmeric 2xImproved[32][27]

2xNo Effect[33][34]

2xImproved[34][35]

9 NSAIDs and Intestinal Damage

As little as one hour of intense cycling can result in indications of small intestinal damage[86]. This is believed to be due to the redirection of blood away from the digestive system and towards the active muscles. These markers are significantly higher if 400mg ibuprofen (the standard single adult dose) is taken before the exercise[87]. The marker used is Plasma Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein which is an early marker of intestinal necrosis[88].

The level of a marker of intestinal damage during and after 60 minutes of cycling at 70% V̇O2max.

10 NSAIDs and Wound Healing

Main article: Popping Blisters

Ibuprofen, and possibly other NSAIDs, impair wound healing and should be avoided[89][90].

11 NSAIDs and Racing

Taking NSAIDs in ultramarathon events can improve performance by reducing pain and acute inflammation, but doing so represents a significant risk. There is some evidence[91] [92] that many runners taking NSAIDs have the same level of pain and greater damage markers compared with non-users. This may be because the runners push themselves to a similar level of pain, with the NSAIDs allowing them to do more damage.

  • It seems likely that NSAIDs will increase the risk of injury rather than reducing it, as the symptoms of damage will be masked.
  • The most common NSAID for racing seems to be ibuprofen. I've not seen any evidence of the relative effectiveness of different NSAIDs on performance.
  • It is better to take liquid ibuprofen than tablets or capsules. The tablets and capsules take longer to dissolve and if you have a digestive problem they may not be fully absorbed. You can chew the tablets, but this is unpleasant and ibuprofen can irritate your mouth and throat slightly, so the liquid form is best. It's obviously harder to transport, but you can fill an old film canister with a dose.
  • Before an ultramarathon race, you should think through under what circumstances you will consider using NSAIDs and what dosage. Make sure your crew knows that you're taking NSAIDs in case anything happens.
  • Extra care should be taken when NSAIDs are used in combination with dehydration, sickness or running the causes serious muscle damage.
  • Taking NSAIDs in marathon or shorter races is probably ineffective as the level of damage seen is not as great as in ultramarathon events.
  • If you need NSAIDs to start a race, you probably should not compete.

12 Longer Term NSAID usage

Using NSAIDs for longer periods of time can lead to serious health problems and can be fatal. I have a running friend who had a bleeding ulcer from using Ibuprofen, which is a known[93] side effect. The likelihood of a bleeding or perforated ulcer goes up with time, from 1% after 3-6 months, to 2-4% after 12 months. 35% of long term Ibuprofen users get an ulcer[94], which are grim odds.

13 Acetaminophen Overdose Danger (AKA Paracetamol, Tylenol)

Acetaminophen does not have the same risk of ulcers, but it is linked to liver damage, especially in those who drink alcohol. Acetaminophen is the leading cause of acute liver failure[95][96]. There are concerns[97] that even the standard dose can cause changes in liver function. Acetaminophen can cause delayed symptoms[96], with people seeking medical help up to 5 days after the overdose (20% < 12 hours, 35% 12-24 hours, 45% 24 hours+). Overdoses of Acetaminophen can be caused by taking slightly too much over several days, with the toxicity building up[96]. This problem is again exacerbated by those taking alcohol with Acetaminophen[96]. (One factor that increases the risk is that some common medications, such as cold remedies, include Acetaminophen. If people do not add in the dose of Acetaminophen from these other sources, it is easy to unwittingly exceed the safe dosage.)

14 Is Acetaminophen an NSAID?

Acetaminophen (also called paracetamol) is generally not classified as an NSAID[98]. While Acetaminophen has limited anti-inflammatory properties, it shares the same mechanism of action with most NSAIDs of inhibiting the COX enzyme and the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis[99][100][101][102]. Therefore, this article includes Acetaminophen in with NSAIDs.

15 References

  1. Urban Dictionary: Vitamin I http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Vitamin%20I
  2. Jeremy D Joslin, Jarem B Lloyd, Timur Kotlyar, Susan M Wojcik, NSAID and other analgesic use by endurance runners during training, competition and recovery, South African Journal of Sports Medicine, volume 25, issue 4, 2013, pages 101, ISSN 2078-516X, doi 10.7196/sajsm.495
  3. RN. van Gent, D. Siem, M. van Middelkoop, AG. van Os, SM. Bierma-Zeinstra, BW. Koes, Incidence and determinants of lower extremity running injuries in long distance runners: a systematic review., Br J Sports Med, volume 41, issue 8, pages 469-80; discussion 480, Aug 2007, doi 10.1136/bjsm.2006.033548, PMID 17473005
  4. Skeletal Muscle PGF2αand PGE2 in Response to Eccentric Resistance Exercise: Influence of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/86/10/5067.long
  5. An In Vitro Investigation Into the Effects of Repetitive Motion and Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Medication on Human Tendon Fibroblasts http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/23/1/119
  6. Cost-conscious prescribing of nonsteroidal anti-in... [Arch Intern Med. 1992] - PubMed result http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1417372
  7. Sports Injuries - NSAIDs: Why We Do Not Recommend Them http://www.caringmedical.com/sports_injury/nsaids.asp
  8. Oral ibuprofen: evaluation of its effect on peritendinous adhesions and the breaking strength of a tenorrhaphy. [J Hand Surg Am. 1986] - PubMed result http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3511134#
  9. A cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor impairs ligament heal... [Am J Sports Med. 2001 Nov-Dec] - PubMed result http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11734496?dopt=Abstract&holding=npg
  10. NSAIDs Inhibit Tendon-to-Bone Healing in Rotator Cuff Repair http://www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/article.asp?article=295
  11. Effect of ibuprofen on the healing and remodeling of bone and articular cartilage in the rabbit temporomandibular joint http://www.joms.org/article/0278-2391%2892%2990276-6/abstract
  12. JBJS | Dose and Time-Dependent Effects of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition on Fracture-Healing http://www.jbjs.org/article.aspx?Volume=89&page=500
  13. Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Bone Formation and Soft-Tissue Healing -- Dahners and Mullis 12 (3): 139 -- Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.jaaos.org/cgi/content/abstract/12/3/139
  14. The effect of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug... [Am J Sports Med. 1988 Nov-Dec] - PubMed result http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3239621?dopt=Abstract&holding=npg
  15. The influence of a cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor on i... [Am J Sports Med. 2003 Jul-Aug] - PubMed result http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12860547
  16. Amirhossein Sahebkar, Are Curcuminoids Effective C-Reactive Protein-Lowering Agents in Clinical Practice? Evidence from a Meta-Analysis, Phytotherapy Research, volume 28, issue 5, 2014, pages 633–642, ISSN 0951418X, doi 10.1002/ptr.5045
  17. Y. Panahi, A. Sahebkar, S. Parvin, A. Saadat, A randomized controlled trial on the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in patients with chronic sulphur mustard-induced cutaneous complications, Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, volume 49, issue 6, 2012, pages 580–588, ISSN 0004-5632, doi 10.1258/acb.2012.012040
  18. IFF. Benzie, S. Wachtel-Galor, S. Prasad, BB. Aggarwal, Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine, PMID 22593922
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  20. 20.0 20.1 AL. Cheng, CH. Hsu, JK. Lin, MM. Hsu, YF. Ho, TS. Shen, JY. Ko, JT. Lin, BR. Lin, Phase I clinical trial of curcumin, a chemopreventive agent, in patients with high-risk or pre-malignant lesions., Anticancer Res, volume 21, issue 4B, pages 2895-900, PMID 11712783
  21. 21.0 21.1 B. Chandran, A. Goel, A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis., Phytother Res, volume 26, issue 11, pages 1719-25, Nov 2012, doi 10.1002/ptr.4639, PMID 22407780
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