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Biomedical subjects

C Boileau

Publications and source records attributed to C Boileau.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Association between an endoglin gene polymorphism and systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension.

UNLABELLED: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by early generalized microangiopathy with disturbed angiogenesis. Endoglin gene (ENG) encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein which acts as an accessory receptor for the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, and is crucial for maintaining vascular integrity. A 6-base insertion in intron 7 (6bINS) of ENG has been reported to be associated with microvascular disturbance. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to investigate the relationship between 6bINS and the vascular complication pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in SSc in a French Caucasian population. METHODS: Two hundred eighty SSc cases containing 29/280 having PAH diagnosed by catheterism were compared with 140 patients with osteoarthritis. Genotyping was performed by polymerase-chain-reaction-based fluorescence and direct sequencing of genomic DNA. RESULTS: The polymorphism was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We observed a significant lower frequency of 6bINS allele in SSc patients with associated PAH compared with controls [10.3 vs 23.9%, P = 0.01; odds ratio (OR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-0.89], and a trend in comparison with SSc patients without PAH (10.3 vs 20.3%, P = 0.05; OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.19-1.08). Genotypes carrying allele 6bINS were also less frequent in SSc patients with PAH than in controls (20.7 vs 42.9%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Thus the frequency of 6bINS differs between SSc patients with or without PAH, suggesting the implication of ENG in this devastating vascular complication of SSc.

Adult↗

Mutational heterogeneity in low-density lipoprotein receptor gene related to familial hypercholesterolemia in Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genes. Until now, molecular data concerning FH in Morocco is still limited. To gain more information in this field and to assess the contribution of these three genes in the cause of FH determinism, we analyzed six unrelated Moroccan probands and twenty-five of their family's members. METHODS: After LDLR and APOB genotype analysis, we screened the LDLR gene for mutations using southern blot and PCR-sequencing analysis. We also screened the APOB gene for the two common mutations R3500Q and R3531C by PCR-mediated site-directed mutagenesis. The PCSK9 gene was analyzed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: We identified three novel mutations (C25X, IVS3+5G>T, D558A) and two mutations previously described (D151N, A480E) in the LDLR gene. The R3500Q and R3531C mutations are absent in our probands and for 1 proband, the implication of LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 genes was excluded, supporting the implication of a fourth gene in the determination of FH. CONCLUSION: These data are in agreement with our previous study that suggests a heterogeneous mutational spectrum of FH in Morocco.

Adolescent↗

Lack of association between the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 (PTPN22)*620W allele and systemic sclerosis in the French Caucasian population.

The minor allele of the R620W missense single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs2476601) in the PTPN22 (protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22) gene has been reported to be associated with multiple autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis and vitiligo. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease with some autoimmune abnormalities. The aim of our study was to test for association of the PTPN22*620W allele with SSc in a French Caucasian cohort with a case-control study of 121 patients with SSc and 103 controls. All patients and controls were genotyped for the PTPN22*R620W SNP. No association was found between the PTPN22*620W allele and SSc (7% v 9.2%, p = 0.39). The frequency of genotypes carrying at least one 620W allele was similar in both groups (13% v 17%, p = 0.38). The PTPN22*620W allele was also not associated with autoantibody patterns. Thus, the PTPN22*R620W polymorphism cannot be regarded as a genetic susceptibility factor for SSc in the French Caucasian population.

Adult↗

Differential regulation of the bone morphogenic protein antagonist chordin in human normal and osteoarthritic chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of the bone morphogenic protein (BMP) antagonist chordin in normal and osteoarthritic cartilage and synovial membranes, and its regulation in chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts by inflammatory and growth factors. METHODS: Localisation of chordin in tissues was undertaken by immunohistochemistry and gene regulation was determined by real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In normal cartilage, chordin was found at low levels (mean (SD), 7.6 (1.3)%), mainly in the very superficial layers. In osteoarthritis, chordin was also found in the superficial layers (8.9 (1.1)%), though at a significantly higher level (24.7 (1.5)%) in the last two thirds of the cartilage. In contrast to normal cells, chordin mRNA and protein levels were significantly downregulated (p<0.01) in osteoarthritic chondrocytes by all the growth factors tested. Interferon gamma stimulated chordin expression in normal but not in osteoarthritic chondrocytes (p<0.0002), while interleukin 1 beta and tumour necrosis factor alpha did not affect the expression level. However, no difference was found in either the distribution or regulation of chordin in normal and osteoarthritic synovial membranes or synovial fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: The differential distribution and regulation of chordin in normal and osteoarthritic cartilage and chondrocytes suggests an involvement of this antagonist in the osteoarthritic process.

Aged↗

PD-0200347, an alpha2delta ligand of the voltage gated calcium channel, inhibits in vivo activation of the Erk1/2 pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes: a PKCalpha dependent effect.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the in vivo effects of PD-0200347, an alpha(2)delta ligand of voltage gated Ca(2+) channels, on cell signalling in osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes from an experimental dog model, and examine the effect of PD-0200347 on the major signalling pathways involved in OA cartilage degradation. METHODS: OA was surgically induced in dogs by sectioning the anterior cruciate ligament. OA dogs were divided into three groups and treated orally with (a) placebo; (b) 15 mg/kg/day PD-0200347, or (c) 90 mg/kg/day PD-0200347. The animals were killed 12 weeks after surgery. Cartilage specimens from femoral condyles and tibial plateaus were processed for immunohistochemistry. Specific antibodies against the phosphorylated form of PKCalpha, Ras, c-Raf, the MAP kinases Erk1/2, p38, JNK, and the transcription factors, CREB and Elk-1, were used. RESULTS: Levels of all the tested signalling mediators were increased in the placebo treated (OA) group compared with the normal group. PD-0200347 treatment significantly reduced the levels of the active forms of PKCalpha, c-Raf, Erk1/2, and Elk-1; however, the levels of the active forms of Ras, p38, JNK, and CREB were not affected by the PD-0200347 treatment. CONCLUSION: The action of PD-0200347 on OA chondrocytes is probably mediated through the inhibition of Erk1/2 activation via a Ras independent mechanism. This effect is associated with reduction of the activation of transcription factors such as Elk-1, which leads to the inhibition of the induction of the major catabolic factors involved in the degradation process of OA cartilage.

Animals↗

The regulation of human MMP-13 by licofelone, an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenases and 5-lipoxygenase, in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes is mediated by the inhibition of the p38 MAP kinase signalling pathway.

BACKGROUND: MMP-13 is one of the most important metalloproteases (MMP) involved in osteoarthritis. Licofelone, a novel dual inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenases (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), can modulate MMP-13 production in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of licofelone on MMP-13 expression/production, promoter, and major MAP kinase signalling pathways and transcription factors. METHODS: Human osteoarthritis chondrocytes were stimulated by interleukin 1beta (IL1beta) and treated with or without: licofelone (0.3, 1, or 3 mug/ml); NS-398 (10 muM; a specific COX-2 inhibitor); or BayX-1005 (10 muM; a specific 5-LOX inhibitor). MMP-13 synthesis was determined by specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and expression by real time polymerase chain reaction. The effect of licofelone on the MMP-13 promoter was studied through transient transfection; dexamethasone (10(-7) M) was used as comparison. The effect on IL1beta induced MMP-13 signalling pathways was determined using specific ELISA for phosphorylated MAP kinases and transcription factors. RESULTS: Licofelone dose dependently inhibited the IL1beta stimulated production and expression of MMP-13. NS-398 and BayX-1005 had very little effect. Licofelone also inhibited MMP-13 transcription on each of the promoter constructs used. The licofelone inhibition was comparable to that obtained with dexamethasone. Licofelone had no effect on phosphorylated p44/42 or JNK1/2; however, it decreased phosphorylated c-jun and inhibited phosphorylated p38, CREB, and AP-1 activity. CONCLUSIONS: Licofelone inhibited MMP-13 production under proinflammatory conditions on human osteoarthritis chondrocytes, through inhibition of the p38/AP-1 pathway and the transcription factor CREB. This may explain some of the mechanisms whereby licofelone exerts its positive effect on osteoarthritic changes.

Acetates↗

Loss of heterozygosity on 10q and mutational status of PTEN and BMPR1A in colorectal primary tumours and metastases.

We investigated the possible role of chromosome 10q losses in colorectal cancer metastasis by carrying out an allelic imbalance study on a series of microsatellite instability-negative (MSI-) primary tumours (n=32) and metastases (n=36) from 49 patients. Our results demonstrate that 10q allelic losses are associated with a significant proportion (25%) of MSI- colorectal tumours, but are not involved in the metastatic process. PTEN and BMPR1A, two genes located in the common deleted region, were screened for mutations in samples with loss of heterozygosity. The absence or low frequency of mutations indicates that the inactivation of these genes by deletion of one allele and mutation of the other one plays only a minor role in MSI- tumours.

Base Sequence↗

Galectin-3 surface expression on human adult chondrocytes: a potential substrate for collagenase-3.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-3 is a lectin detected in mature and early hypertrophic chondrocytes; osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes can re-express hypertrophic markers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the synthesis and subcellular localisation of galectin-3 in adult chondrocytes as well as the possibility of cleavage of galectin-3 by collagenase-1 and -3. METHODS: Galectin-3 was assessed by immunohistochemistry and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in normal and OA cartilage. Its localisation was investigated by subcellular fractionation, immunocytology, and flow cytometry. Proteolysis of galectin-3 by collagenase-1 and -3 was determined by in vitro assay. RESULTS: Galectin-3 expression was increased 2.4-fold as measured by reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR (p<0.05, n = 5) and threefold by immunohistochemistry (p<0.003 n = 6) in OA cartilage compared with normal cartilage. In adult chondrocytes, galectin-3 was found in the cytosol and membrane enriched fractions. Both immunocytology and flow cytometry confirmed the presence of galectin-3 at the surface of chondrocytes. A strong correlation was found between integrin-beta1 and galectin-3 expression at the surface of chondrocytes. Moreover, collagenase-3 cleaved galectin-3 with a higher activity than collagenase-1. The proteolysed sites generated were identical to those produced by gelatinases A and B. CONCLUSION: Galectin-3 may play a part in OA, having two roles, one intracellular and not yet identified, and another at the cell surface, possibly related to the interaction of chondrocytes and the cartilage matrix.

Aged↗

In frame fibrillin-1 gene deletion in autosomal dominant Weill-Marchesani syndrome.

Weill-Marchesani syndrome (WMS) is a connective tissue disorder characterised by short stature, brachydactyly, joint stiffness, and characteristic eye anomalies including microspherophakia, ectopia of the lenses, severe myopia, and glaucoma. Both autosomal recessive (AR) and autosomal dominant (AD) modes of inheritance have been described and a gene for AR WMS has recently been mapped to chromosome 19p13.3-p13.2. Here, we report on the exclusion of chromosome 19p13.3-p13.2 in a large AD WMS family and show that, despite clinical homogeneity, AD and AR WMS are genetically heterogeneous entities. Because two AD WMS families were consistent with linkage to chromosome 15q21.1, the fibrillin-1 gene was sequenced and a 24 nt in frame deletion within a latent transforming growth factor-beta1 binding protein (LTBP) motif of the fibrillin-1 gene was found in a AD WMS family (exon 41, 5074_5097del). This in frame deletion cosegregated with the disease and was not found in 186 controls. This study strongly suggests that AD WMS and Marfan syndrome are allelic conditions at the fibrillin-1 locus and adds to the remarkable clinical heterogeneity of type I fibrillinopathies.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

[Aortic aneurysms excluding Marfan's syndrome].

The causal factors of aneurysm are not the same in the ascending and abdominal aorta. Atheroma is the dominant lesion in the abdominal aorta and genetic abnormalities predisposing to "mediacystic necrosis" are more frequently observed in ascending aortic aneurysms. The causal genetic abnormalities are multiple: abnormalities of fibrillin type I in Marfan's syndrome, collagen abnormalities in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, abnormalities of microfibrils, possible metallo-proteases, with many gene candidates. Finally, some ascending aortic aneurysms are associated with bicuspid aortic valves, some of which are familial. Familial factors are less evident in abdominal aortic aneurysms: genes favoring atheroma may be responsible but the factors which predispose to dilatation and non stenosis are not well known: they would seem to be general factors because the tendency to arterial dilatation is diffuse. In all cases, because of the high risk of disease in a close relative, a familial enquiry would seem to be justified with echocardiography for close relatives of affected subjects, especially when young and female.

Aortic Aneurysm↗

[Marfan syndrome].

Marfan's syndrome is a monogenetic disease with an autosomal dominant transmission generally accompanied by type I fibrillin abnormality. This widely-distributed molecule participates in the structure of connective tissues so that any aberration may result in disease of many systems: skeletal morphology, dislocation of the lens, neurological or cutaneous signs and dilatation of the aorta predisposing to dissection, mitral valve prolapse being a common association. The diagnosis, clinical because of the size of the culprit gene and the multiplicity of the possible mutations, is sometimes difficult, and diagnostic criteria have been proposed. It is important to make the diagnosis because treatment is based on the restriction of violent exercise, betablocker therapy and regular echocardiographic monitoring of the ascending aorta, the region at highest risk of dilatation and dissection. A family enquiry is essential to make the diagnosis before the onset of complications in pauci-symptomatic patients (great intra-familial variability). Pregnancy poses special problems in these patients.

Adult↗

No evidence of somatic FGFR3 mutation in various types of carcinoma.

Germline specific point mutations in the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) are associated with autosomal dominant human skeletal dysplasia and craniosynostosis syndromes. Mutations identical to the germinal activating mutations found in severe skeletal dysplasias have been identified in certain types of cancer: at low frequency in multiple myeloma and cervix carcinoma and at high frequency in bladder carcinoma. We analysed, by SSCP and sequencing, the prevalence of FGFR3 mutations in 116 primary tumours of various types (upper aerodigestive tract, oesophagus, stomach, lung and skin). The regions analysed encompassed all FGFR3 point mutations previously described in severe skeletal dysplasia and cancers. No mutations were detected in the tumour types examined, suggesting that FGFR3 mutations are restricted to a few tumour types, the evidence to date suggesting that they are very specific to bladder carcinomas.

Bone Diseases, Developmental↗

[Factors associated with refusal of organ donation in France from 1996 to 1999].

OBJECTIVE: The demand for organ transplantation exceeds organ donation in France and refusal to organ donation remains close to 30%. This study analysed risk factors associated with refusal of organ donation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PATIENTS: All potential organ donors registered by the French transplantation agency between 1996 and 1999 were included, excepted those with a contraindication to organ procurement or a logistic problem: 5,911 donors were included. METHODS: Data analysed were those collected routinely on the French database. A logistic model was used to identify statistically significant factors and a stepwise procedure was performed to identify independent factors linked with refusal. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, age > 60 years and age < 13 years, stroke, lack of suicide, localisation in an university hospital and in others regions than the Centre-East of France were associated with a higher refusal rate. Year of harvesting, low level of organ procurement activity were not associated with refusal. In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with refusal were age > 60 years [Odds-Ratio (OR) = 1.2)] or age < 13 years (OR = 1.5), stroke (OR = 1.2), meningitis and cranial tumour (OR = 1.4), suicide (OR = 0.5) and others French regions than Centre-East. CONCLUSION: The risk factors described should be taking into account when family's members are approached for donation. They represent the interactions between the history of the donors, harvesting organisation, and sociocultural factors.

Adolescent↗

Regulation of extrathymic T cell development and turnover by oncostatin M.

Chronic exposure to oncostatin M (OM) has been shown to stimulate extrathymic T cell development. The present work shows that in OM transgenic mice, 1) massive extrathymic T cell development takes place exclusively the lymph nodes (LNs) and not in the bone marrow, liver, intestines, or spleen; and 2) LNs are the sole site where the size of the mature CD4+ and CD8+ T cell pool is increased (6- to 7-fold). Moreover, when injected into OM transgenic mice, both transgenic and nontransgenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells preferentially migrated to the LNs rather than the spleen. Studies of athymic recipients of fetal liver grafts showed that lymphopoietic pathway modulated by OM was truly thymus independent, and that nontransgenic progenitors could generate extrathymic CD4+CD8+ cells as well as mature T cells under the paracrine influence of OM. The progeny of the thymic-independent differentiation pathway regulated by OM was polyclonal in terms of Vbeta usage, exhibited a phenotype associated with previous TCR ligation, and displayed a rapid turnover rate (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine pulse-chase assays). This work suggests that chronic exposure to OM 1) discloses a unique ability of LNs to sustain extrathymic T cell development, and 2) increases the number and/or function of LN niches able to support seeding of recirculating mature T cells. Regulation of the lymphopoietic pathway discovered in OM transgenic mice could be of therapeutic interest for individuals with thymic hypoplasia or deficient peripheral T cell niches.

Animals↗

UMD (Universal mutation database): a generic software to build and analyze locus-specific databases.

The human genome is thought to contain about 80,000 genes and presently only 3,000 are known to be implicated in genetic diseases. In the near future, the entire sequence of the human genome will be available and the development of new methods for point mutation detection will lead to a huge increase in the identification of genes and their mutations associated with genetic diseases as well as cancers, which is growing in frequency in industrial states. The collection of these mutations will be critical for researchers and clinicians to establish genotype/phenotype correlations. Other fields such as molecular epidemiology will also be developed using these new data. Consequently, the future lies not in simple repositories of locus-specific mutations but in dynamic databases linked to various computerized tools for their analysis and that can be directly queried on-line. To meet this goal, we devised a generic software called UMD (Universal Mutation Database). It was developed as a generic software to create locus-specific databases (LSDBs) with the 4(th) Dimension(R) package from ACI. This software includes an optimized structure to assist and secure data entry and to allow the input of various clinical data. Thanks to the flexible structure of the UMD software, it has been successfully adapted to nine genes either involved in cancer (APC, P53, RB1, MEN1, SUR1, VHL, and WT1) or in genetic diseases (FBN1 and LDLR). Four new LSDBs are under construction (VLCAD, MCAD, KIR6, and COL4A5). Finally, the data can be transferred to core databases.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Mutation analysis in a small cohort of New Zealand patients originating from the United Kingdom demonstrates genetic heterogeneity in familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and familial defective apolipoprotein B-100 (FDB) are relatively common lipid disorders caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B (apo B) genes, respectively. Molecular analysis at these loci was performed in eight New Zealand subjects with clinical features of heterozygous FH. Utilization of an in vitro lymphocyte receptor assay demonstrated normal receptor function in four patients, three of whom screened positive for the founder-type apo B mutation, R3500Q, causing FDB. Four patients with reduced LDLR function, consistent with heterozygous FH, revealed three previously documented mutations in exons 3 (W66X), 6 (C292Y) and 7 (G322S) of the LDLR gene and, a novel 2-bp deletion (TC or CT) after nucleotide 1204 (or 1205) in exon 9. The remaining patient was found to be FH/FDB negative after extensive mutation screening using both denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and heteroduplex-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Haplotype analysis at the LDLR and apo B loci finally excluded the likelihood that mutations in these two genes underlie the FH phenotype in the molecularly uncharacterized New Zealand family originating from the United Kingdom. This family represents a valuable source of material for future genetic dissection of autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH), shown to be a heterogeneous disease through molecular analysis.

Adult↗