<1>
Authors
Bouloc A. Delfau-Larue MH. Lenormand B. Meunier F.
Wechsler J. Thomine E. Revuz J. Farcet JP.
Joly P. Bagot M.
Title
Polymerase chain reaction analysis of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement in
cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasias. French Study Group for Cutaneous Lymphomas.
Source
Archives of Dermatology. 135(2):168-72, 1999 Feb.
Abstract
The differential diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia and B-cell
lymphoma may be difficult. Whether the detection of clonal immunoglobulin
gene rearrangement in the cutaneous lesion is predictive of a malignant
outcome remains controversial. We therefore studied cases of cutaneous
lymphoid hyperplasia by polymerase chain reaction analysis. DESIGN:
Retrospective study of patients seen between 1988 and 1996. SETTING: Two
dermatology university departments. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with
cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasias were included according to clinical,
histopathological, and immunophenotypic criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Clinical, histopathological, and laboratory findings. RESULTS: There were 13
men and 11 women (mean age, 49 years) who presented with erythematous or
violaceous papules or nodules. The lesions were unique in 13 cases and
multiple in 11 cases. All patients had immunochemical evidence of a mixed T-
and B-cell infiltrate with polytypic B cells. Polyclonality was demonstrated
in 23 patients, whereas a dominant B-cell clone was detected in 1 patient. No
lymphoma developed during the follow-up (median, 4 years). In the same
period, we studied 53 cases of B-cell lymphomas. Thirty-five (66%) of the 53
cases had a detectable clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangement. CONCLUSIONS:
In the majority of our cases, polyclonality demonstrated by polymerase chain
reaction analysis was in accordance with the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoid
hyperplasia. In 1 of the 24 patients, the presence of a B-cell clone could be
evidenced. This fact did not modify the treatment as there were no
histological or immunophenotypic signs suggestive of a lymphoma.
<2>
Authors
Alexandre D. Anouar Y. Jegou S. Fournier A. Vaudry H.
Title
A cloned frog vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/pituitary adenylate
cyclase-activating polypeptide receptor exhibits pharmacological and tissue
distribution characteristics of both VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors in mammals.
Source
Endocrinology. 140(3):1285-93, 1999 Mar.
Abstract
Three receptor subtypes for the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide
(VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) have
been identified in mammals: the PAC1 receptor (PAC1-R) which is selectively
activated by PACAP, and two VPAC receptors (VPAC1-R and VPAC2-R), which are
equally stimulated by PACAP and VIP. The structures of PACAP and VIP have
been well conserved during evolution, but little is known about VIP/PACAP
receptors in nonmammalian species. An amphibian VIP/PACAP receptor
complementary DNA (cDNA) has been cloned and characterized from a frog (Rana
ridibunda) pituitary cDNA library. The predicted protein contains seven
putative transmembrane domains and exhibits the highest sequence identity
(65%) with the human VPAC1-R. The cloned cDNA was transiently expressed in
LLC-PK1 cells, and its pharmacological profile was determined in
comparison with the human VPAC1-R. Both PACAP and VIP
stimulated cAMP accumulation through the cloned receptor with an EC50 of
about 30 nM. In contrast, secretin, at concentrations that stimulate the
human VPAC1-R, had no effect on cAMP production. RT-PCR analysis revealed the
widespread distribution of this frog VIP/PACAP receptor in peripheral
tissues. In situ hybridization histochemistry using a complementary RNA probe
showed that the receptor gene is highly expressed in several hypothalamic and
thalamic nuclei and to a lesser extent in the pallium and striatum. In the
pituitary, the highest messenger RNA levels were detected in the distal lobe.
Taken together, these data show that the cloned frog receptor shares several
common features with both the VPAC1-R and VPAC2-R of mammals; the frog
receptor exhibits the highest sequence identity with mammalian VPAC1-R, but
the lack of effect of secretin and the brain distribution of the receptor are
reminiscent of the characteristics of the mammalian VPAC2-R. The sequence of
the frog receptor should thus prove useful to decipher the structure-activity
relationships of the VIP/PACAP receptor family.
<3>
Authors
Quintyn JC. Massy J. Quillard M. Brasseur G.
Title
Effects of low alcohol consumption on visual evoked potential, visual field
and visual contrast sensitivity.
Source
Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica. 77(1):23-6, 1999 Feb.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We studied changes in the vision of 16 people after consumption of a
small quantity of alcohol, at a blood alcohol level (BAL) of 0.57 g/kg.
METHODS: We studied visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) using Vistech VCTS
6500, visual evoked potential (VEP) by checked pattern stimulations and the
peripheral visual field (PVF) with a perimetric automatic Humphrey. We first
carried out the tests on sober people and then on individuals with a BAL of
0.57 g/kg. RESULTS: Alcohol consumption caused no significant difference in
performance for these 3 tests. However, at a BAL of 0.57 g/kg there was a
decrease in cerebral function, as shown by an increase in the number of
mistakes made in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. CONCLUSION: These results
suggest that for a low blood alcohol level, visual performance is less
affected by the visual changes than by alteration in brain functions.
<4>
Authors
Lavoinne A. Meisse D. Quillard M. Husson A. Renouf S.
Yassad A.
Title
Glutamine and regulation of gene expression in rat hepatocytes: the role of
cell swelling. [Review] [31 refs]
Source
Biochimie. 80(10):807-11, 1998 Oct.
Abstract
Glutamine is able to regulate the expression of various genes in rat
hepatocytes. This includes genes coding for proteins involved in glutamine
utilization, such as argininosuccinate synthetase (ureagenesis) or
phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (gluconeogenesis). Moreover, glutamine is
also able to stimulate the expression of genes involved in the acute-phase
response, such as the alpha 2-macroglobulin gene. The effect of glutamine on
the regulation of gene expression may be explained, at least in part, by the
cell swelling due to its sodium-dependent transport. The physiological
significance of the effect of glutamine is discussed. [References: 31]
<5>
Authors
Diarra-Mehrpour M. Sarafan N. Bourguignon J. Bonnet F.
Bost F. Martin JP.
Title
Human inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H3 gene. Genomic
organization, promoter analysis, and gene linkage [published erratum appears
in J Biol Chem 1998 Nov 13;273(46):30842].
Source
Journal of Biological Chemistry. 273(41):26809-19, 1998 Oct 9.
Abstract
To understand more about the human inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain
H3 (ITIH3) expression and the relationship between this gene and the family
of other ITI heavy chain genes, an analysis of the structure of the ITIH3
gene and its promoter region was performed. This gene is a single copy gene,
14 kilobase pair in length and consists of 22 exons. ITIH3 shares highly
conserved exon size and intron-exon borders with other ITI
heavy chain genes. We determined that the human ITIH1, ITIH3, and ITIH4 genes
are closely linked within a 45-kilobase pair. They are arranged in the order
of H1-H3-H4, with the ITIH4 gene transcribed in the opposite direction. A
model for the evolution of the ITI heavy chain gene family is presented that
involves multiple rounds of gene duplication plus inversion events. The
minimum promoter region (-135 to +75) is identified in HepG2 cells. The
transient transfection study in various cell lines indicates that the
activity of the ITIH3 promoter is not liver-specific. DNase I footprinting,
mobility shift assays, and cotransfection experiments reveal a functional
CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein site (C/EBP, -1344 to -1305) which interacts
with C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta factors. The latter factors control the
transcription of the ITIH3 gene positively.
<6>
Authors
Parain D.
Title
[Generalized or focal photosensitive epilepsies]. [Review] [22 refs] [French]
Original Title
Les epilepsies photosensibles generalisees ou focales.
Source
Revue Neurologique. 154(11):757-61, 1998 Nov.
Abstract
Photosensitivity is defined by a pattern of occipital or more diffuse spikes
and waves. Several techniques are needed for exploration: intermittent light
stimulation (ILS), patterns, TV-screen, video games. Photosensitivity is a
genetic characteristic. Only diffuse spikes and waves induced by ILS are
correlated with epilepsy. Pure photogenic epilepsy is characterized by
seizures induced by visual stimuli alone, usually by TV-screen. Video games
may also have a triggering effect due to the slow-moving patterns or intense
brightness. Several epileptic syndromes are associated with photosensitivity
with or without visually-induced seizures. These syndromes are most often
generalized and idiopathic. [References: 22]
<7>
Authors
Del Gallo G. Koning E. Teniere P.
Scotte M.
Title
[Migration of a surgical clip to the biliary tract after a hepatectomy
(letter)]. [French]
Original Title
Migration d'un clip chirurgical dans la voie biliaire apres hepatectomie.
Source
Gastroenterologie Clinique et Biologique. 22(12):1112-3, 1998 Dec.
<8>
Authors
Anselme F. Saoudi N. Poty H. Douillet R.
Cribier A.
Title
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of common atrial flutter: significance of
palpitations and quality-of-life evaluation in patients with proven isthmus
block.
Source
Circulation. 99(4):534-40, 1999 Feb 2.
Abstract
BACKGROUND--Creation of a complete bidirectional inferior vena cava-tricuspid
annulus isthmus block (CBIB) by radiofrequency catheter ablation is now a
well-accepted criterion for prevention of common atrial flutter (AFl)
recurrences. However, some patients still complain of palpitations after
ablation, and it is not known whether these are related to AFl recurrences or
to other arrhythmias. METHODS AND RESULTS--Among 100 consecutive patients
referred to our institution for AFl ablation, CBIB was created in 83. There
were 54 patients (group A) in whom AFl was the only documented arrhythmia
before ablation and 29 patients (group B) in whom atrial fibrillation (AFib)
had been documented in addition to AFl. An electrophysiological control study
was performed in 40 patients 1 to 3 months after ablation. Arrhythmic events,
medications, and functional status were evaluated at midterm follow-up (n=77;
14. 7+/-8.4 months; range, 4 to 34 months). The SF-36 questionnaire and the
Symptom Checklist--Frequency and Severity Scale specific for cardiac
arrhythmia were used to assess quality of life in 63 patients at long-term
follow-up (27.1+/-8.5 months). Recurrence of AFl was documented in only 1
patient 6 months after ablation. AFib was recorded in 28 patients (36.4%),
and atypical AFl was found in 3 patients. Thirty-two group A patients (66.7%)
and 17 group B patients (58.6%) were still arrhythmia free at midterm
follow-up. Even at long-term follow-up and in group B patients, AFl ablation
was followed by a clear improvement in quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS--Palpitations after creation of CBIB are due mostly to AFib but
not to AFl recurrence. This technique provides a significant and persistent
clinical benefit and may suppress all atrial arrhythmia in a subset of
patients suffering from both AFl and AFib.
<9>
Authors
Le Blanc-Louvry I. Ducrotte P.
Peillon C. Testart J.
Denis P. Michot F.
Teniere P.
Title
Upper jejunal motility after pancreatoduodenectomy according to the type of
anastomosis, pancreaticojejunal or pancreaticogastric.
Source
Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 188(3):261-70, 1999 Mar.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to compare upper jejunal motor
patterns after Billroth II pancreatoduodenectomy according to the type of
pancreatic anastomosis (pancreaticojejunostomy [PJA] or
pancreaticogastrostomy [PGA]) and the presence or absence of postoperative
symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Manometric recordings during fasting and after a
750-kcal meal were performed in the afferent limb in 12 patients (7 PJA, 5
PGA) and in the efferent limb in 15 other patients (7 PJA, 8 PGA) with a
postoperative delay of 15+/-6 days and 3.9+/-2.2 months respectively. Patient
data were compared to those of 20 healthy controls. RESULTS: During fasting,
the 2 main abnormal findings were a higher incidence (p < 0.05) and a slower
migration velocity (p < 0.01) of incomplete phase III by
comparison with that recorded in controls. No difference for
phase III was observed between the 2 surgical procedures regardless of
recording site. Trimebutine, 100 mg intravenously, induced a phase III
in 89% of the patients. Delay of motor response varied from 5 to 10
minutes without difference between the recording site; it was less than 2
minutes in 100% of controls. Trimebutine-induced phase III showed similar
propagation abnormalities to the spontaneous phase III. Duration of the fed
pattern (p < 0.001) and motor index (p < 0.001) were significantly lower than
in controls after the meal, in both limbs, whatever the type of anastomosis.
Differences between the 2 surgical procedures were a slower migration
velocity of phase III (p < 0.01) and a lower postmeal motor index (p < 0.05)
in the efferent limb after PJA than after PGA. Nine of 27 patients were
symptomatic. In these 9 patients, mean phase III migration velocity was
slower (p < 0.001), and mean area under the postprandial curve was higher (p
< 0.01) than in asymptomatic patients. Propagated clusters of contractions
were only found in symptomatic patients and in the afferent limb.
CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatoduodenectomy is associated with significant motor
disturbances, mainly slower phase III and a reduced fed pattern, in the upper
jejunum, at least during the first 3 postoperative months. Few motor
differences were observed between PGA and PJA pancreatic anastomosis. A
lesser occurrence of postsurgical motor anomalies does not appear to be an
argument for preferring PGA to PJA.
<10>
Authors
Gonzalez BJ. Basille M. Vaudry D. Fournier A. Vaudry H.
Title
[Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide]. [Review] [454 refs]
[French]
Original Title
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide.
Source
Annales d Endocrinologie. 59(5):364-405, 1998 Dec.
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been
originally isolated from the sheep hypothalamus on the basis of its ability
to stimulate cAMP formation in anterior pituitary cells. Post-translational
processing of the PACAP precursor generates two biologically active molecular
forms, PACAP38 and PACAP27, and a novel peptide called PACAP-related peptide
whose activity remains unknown. The primary structure of PACAP has been
remarkably conserved during evolution, from protochordates to mammals,
suggesting that the peptide exerts important activities throughout the
vertebrate phylum. The sequence of PACAP27 exhibits substantial similarities
with those of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), glucagon and secretin.
The gene encoding the PACAP precursor is widely expressed in the brain and in
various peripheral organs, notably in endocrine glands, the gastro-intestinal
and uro-genital tracts and the respiratory system. In vivo and in vitro
studies have shown that PACAP exerts multiple activities as a hormone,
neurohormone, neurotransmitter or trophic factor. For instance, PACAP
triggers the release of insulin and glucagon, activates steroidogenesis in
the adrenal gland and gonads, and stimulates the secretion of most
hypophysial cells. PACAP exerts a potent relaxant activity on smooth muscle
fibers in blood vessels, lung and gut. In the brain, PACAP stimulates the
electrical activity of various populations of neurons and increases tyrosine
hydroxylase gene expression. Recent studies have shown that PACAP exerts a
trophic activity during ontogenesis, notably in the adrenal medulla and in
the central nervous system. The biological effects of PACAP are mediated
through three distinct receptor subtypes which exhibit differential
affinities for PACAP and VIP. The PAC1 receptor, which shows high selectivity
for PACAP, is coupled to several transduction systems. In contrast, VPAC1 and
VPAC2, which bind with the same affinity PACAP and VIP, are mainly coupled to
the adenylyl cyclase pathway. The bronchodilatator and vasorelaxant effects
of PACAP, as well as the antiproliferative and neuroprotective actions of the
peptide, make it a valuable target for new drug development. [References:
454]
<11>
Authors
Leroux-Nicollet I. Costentin J.
Title
Transient expression of the vesicular monoamine transporter during
development in the rat thalamus and cortex.
Source
Neuroscience Letters. 248(3):167-70, 1998 Jun 5.
Abstract
The postnatal developmental pattern of the central vesicular monoamine
transporter-2 (VMAT2) was analyzed in the rat brain by means of quantitative
autoradiography with a specific and high affinity ligand
[3H]dihydrotetrabenazine ([3H]TBZOH). We show a dense expression of VMAT2 in
the cortex (especially area 17) and thalamus (particularly the dorsal lateral
geniculate nucleus) at postnatal days 1 and 8. This pattern of VMAT2
distribution was transient since it was no longer observed at day 20 or in
the adult rat brain where VMAT2 density was weak and uniform in these
regions. These data suggest that monoamine vesicular storage participates in
the early postnatal maturation of thalamus and cortex.
<12>
Authors
Cribier A. Eltchaninoff H. Koning R.
Rath PC. Arora R. Imam A. El-Sayed M. Dani S. Derumeaux G.
Benichou J. Tron C. Janorkar S. Pontier
G. Letac B.
Title
Percutaneous mechanical mitral commissurotomy with a newly designed metallic
valvulotome: immediate results of the initial experience in 153 patients.
Source
Circulation. 99(6):793-9, 1999 Feb 16.
Abstract
BACKGROUND--Percutaneous balloon valvotomy has become a common treatment of
mitral stenosis, but the cost of the procedure remains a limitation in
countries with restricted financial resources, leading to a frequent reuse of
the disposable catheters. To overcome this limitation, a reusable metallic
valvotomy device has been developed with the goals of both improving the
mitral valvotomy results and decreasing the cost of the procedure. METHODS
AND RESULTS--The device consists of a detachable metallic cylinder with 2
articulated bars screwed onto the distal end of a disposable catheter whose
proximal end is connected to an activating pliers. By the transseptal route,
the device is advanced across the valve over a traction guidewire. Squeezing
the pliers opens the bars up to a maximum extent of 40 mm. The clinical
experience consisted of 153 patients with a broad spectrum of mitral valve
deformities. The procedure was successful in 92% of cases and resulted in a
significant increase in mitral valve area, from 0.95+/-0.2 to 2. 16+/-0.4
cm2. No increase in mitral regurgitation was noted in 80% of cases. Bilateral
splitting of the commissures was observed in 87%. Complications were 2 cases
of severe mitral regurgitation (1 requiring surgery), 1 pericardial
tamponade, and 1 transient cerebrovascular embolic event. In this series, the
maximum number of consecutive patients treated with the same device was 35.
CONCLUSIONS--The results obtained with this new device are encouraging and at
least comparable to those of current balloon techniques. Multiple uses after
sterilization should markedly decrease the procedural cost, a major advantage
in countries with limited resources and high incidence of mitral stenosis.
<13>
Authors
Pourtau J. Soria C. Paysant J. Vannier JP.
Vasse M.
Title
In-vitro effect of oncostatin M on the release by endothelial cells of von
Willebrand factor, tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen
activator inhibitor-1.
Source
Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis. 9(7):609-15, 1998 Oct.
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that levels of plasma fibrinogen,
von Willebrand factor (vWf), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and
tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) are associated with the incidence of
vascular disease. Since oncostatin M dramatically induces fibrinogen
biosynthesis by hepatocytes and could be implicated in vascular injury
leading to atherosclerosis, we have analyzed the effect of oncostatin M on
PAI-1, vWf and tPA secretion by endothelial cells. A 2-h incubation of human
umbilical vein endothelial cells with oncostatin M increases thrombin-induced
secretion of vWf to the same extent as tumour necrosis factor-alpha or
interleukin-1 (137+/-26% of control for 5 ng/ml oncostatin M, P < 0.001,
n=5). The effects on tPA and PAI-1 secretion were different depending on the
type of endothelial cells tested. On human umbilical vein endothelial cells,
oncostatin M induced an increase in PAI-1 and a decrease in tPA secretion,
which could explain the thrombogenicity of oncostatin M on large vessels. On
a human microvasculature endothelial cell line, oncostatin M did not modify
PAI-1 but induced an increase in tPA secretion. This observation of the
effects of oncostatin M on both macro- and microvasculature could explain the
increased levels of vWf, PAI-1 and tPA in the plasma of atherosclerotic
subjects identified in epidemiological studies, suggesting that oncostatin M
could play a key role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.