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Biomedical subjects

C Denis

Publications and source records attributed to C Denis.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

TTF, a gene encoding a novel small G protein, fuses to the lymphoma-associated LAZ3 gene by t(3;4) chromosomal translocation.

We have previously shown that the LAZ3/BCL6 gene encoding a potential transcription factor, is disrupted in B-diffuse large cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) with 3q27 chromosomal abnormalities involving the immunoglobulin (IG) genes. However, LAZ3 rearrangement also occurs in NHL bearing 3q27 translocations without involvement of the IG genes: for example the VAl cell line exhibits t(3;4)(q27;p11). In the present work we have used a RT-PCR method to detect and to sequence the LAZ3 mRNA products from the VAL cell line. We report that the consequence of the t(3;4) is the expression of a chimeric transcript of LAZ3 with a new gene encoding a small G-like protein, termed TTF (Translocation Three Four). Nucleotide sequence analysis of a 1.4 kb cDNA predicts that the TTF gene encodes a protein of 191 amino-acids similar to members of the RAS superfamily including HRAS (27% identical), RAB1A (30% identical) and RHO proteins: the human RAC1, RHOB and CDC42Hs proteins (respectively 43, 44 and 45% identical) and the yeast RHO2 protein (44% identical). Unlike most other small G proteins which are expressed ubiquitously, TTF was transcribed only in hemopoietic cells as a 2.2 kb transcript. TTF may define a new subgroup of RHO-like proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Energetic status and mitochondrial oxidative capacity of rat skeletal muscle in response to creatine analogue ingestion.

A creatine analogue, beta-guanidinopropionic acid (beta-GPA), was administered in the food (1% w/w) of 8 male rats for 6 weeks, while 8 control rats received a standard diet. Mitochondrial oxidative capacity and cytosolic modulators of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (free ADP, ATP-to-free ADP ratio) were evaluated in the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. Mitochondrial adaptation to the diet was significantly different between muscles. Citrate synthase activity and mitochondrial ATP synthesis rate were 35 and 45% higher in EDL muscle, respectively, whereas they were virtually unchanged in the soleus muscle. In both muscles, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity remained unaffected. Regardless of muscle type, creatine, phosphocreatine and ATP concentrations, as well as the total adenine nucleotide content (ATP + ADP + AMP), were significantly lower in beta-GPA fed rats. Whereas free ADP concentration remained unchanged, a significantly greater decrease in ATP-to-free ADP ratio was observed in EDL than in the soleus muscle. It is suggested that regulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, through changes in metabolite concentrations, could be an important factor to consider for mitochondrial adaptation induced by beta-GPA feeding.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Cancellous bone in human acetabulum: microradiographic and histomorphometric aspects.

The acetabular cancellous bone of 18 subjects aged 57-88 years was characterized by low mass and a poorly ramified pattern according to microradiographic analysis. There was no correlation between the histomorphometric data of this region and those of the iliac crest. Microcalluses were visible in 13 acetabular samples, whereas they were absent from the iliac crest. As the acetabular trabeculae appeared decidedly longitudinal, age-related bone rarefaction is suggested to occur in two different ways: uniform thinning of the trabeculae and selective disappearance of transverse elements. The remaining longitudinal trabeculae are considered to be most useful for the weight-bearing function of the hip joint.

Acetabulum↗

Mechanical step variability during treadmill running.

The present study was designed to study intra-individual step variability measured both on vertical displacement of the body (delta Z) and on step time (delta t) parameters by means of a kinematic arm and during treadmill running. A group of 17 subjects ran successively at 60%, 80%, 100% and 140% of their maximal aerobic velocity (Vamax). The total number of steps analysed was 6116. The absolute delta Z step variability (sigma delta Z) ranged between 5 mm and 21 mm while the absolute delta t variability (sigma delta t) ranged between 6 ms and 40 ms. Step variabilities were due to step asymmetry (from 38.5% to 48.5% of the step variability) and to stride variability. For submaximal velocities (60%, 80%, and 100% Vamax) both sigma delta t and sigma delta Z were independent of velocity or body dimensions whereas differences between subjects were significant (P < 0.01) for sigma delta Z. On the other hand, variabilities were significantly increased when velocity was changed from submaximal to the 140% Vamax level. Furthermore, at submaximal levels sigma delta Z was linked to the subject's energy cost of running (P < 0.05). Therefore, the intra-individual step variability should not be neglected in future studies on mechanical efficiency of running and it is suggested that, to obtain a good accuracy (better than 1%, P < 0.05) on mean value and variability of the mechanical parameters, measurements should be performed on at least 32-64 consecutive steps, which corresponds to about 15 to 20s of running.

Adult↗

Influence of hypoxic ventilatory response on arterial O2 saturation during maximal exercise in acute hypoxia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of peripheral chemosensitivity estimated by hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) on arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) during maximal exercise in acute hypoxia. A group of 16 healthy men performed maximal exercise in two conditions of partial pressure of inspired oxygen (PIO2/149 and 70 mm Hg, 19.8 and 9.3 kPa). Measurements of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and SaO2 using an ear-oximeter were carried out in both conditions of PIO2. The HVR was measured at rest by progressive isocapnic hypoxia and evaluated by the slope of the linear regression between the ventilatory flow (VE) and the SaO2 (delta VE/delta SaO2). The absolute value of HVR (in litres per minute per percentage saturation per kilogram) was correlated to maximal expired VE (r = 0.85, P < 0.001), ventilatory equivalent for CO2 (r = 0.83, P < 0.001) and SaO2 (r = 0.60, P < 0.05) determined during maximal exercise in hypoxia: a significant decrease in VO2max (37%) and SaO2 (32%) for PIO2 of 70 mm Hg (9.3 Pa) was observed (P < 0.001). The correlation between the decline of VO2max and arterial oxygen desaturation failed to reach statistical significance (r = 0.47, P = 0.1). The present findings indicated that the peripheral ventilatory chemosensitivity contributed to the interindividual variability of VE and SaO2 during maximal exercise in acute hypoxia.

Adult↗

Cardiovascular risk factors and combined estrogen-progestin replacement therapy: a placebo-controlled study with nomegestrol acetate and estradiol.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of oral E2 replacement therapy combined with nomegestrol acetate, a 19-norprogesterone derivative, on cardiovascular risk factors. DESIGN: A double-blind randomized prospective study comparing the effect of a placebo and two oral E2-nomegestrol acetate combinations (1 mg-2.5 mg and 1.5 mg-3.75 mg) over a three-cycle trial. SETTING: Department of Internal Medicine and Nutrition, Hotel-Dieu, Paris, France. PATIENTS: Fifty-seven nonhysterectomized women with natural menopause. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood pressure, renin substrate, glucose, total cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apoproteins A1 and B, lipoprotein(a), antithrombin III, fibrinogen, plasminogen, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, protein C, and total and free protein S. RESULTS: Both treatments significantly reduced menopausal complaints, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a). Treatment with the 1.5 mg-3.75 mg combination resulted in a significant increase in apolipoprotein A1. No significant change were observed in other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Sequentially combined with oral E2 in hormone replacement therapy, nomegestrol acetate had favorable effects on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. This nonandrogenic progestin decreased lipoprotein(a) levels as observed previously with medroxyprogesterone acetate combined with conjugated equine estrogens.

Apoproteins↗

Mitochondrial ATP production rate in 55 to 73-year-old men: effect of endurance training.

The effect of 6-week endurance training on mitochondrial ATP production rate was investigated in 14 elderly men. Mean age, body weight and height were 63 +/- 6 yr, 75.6 +/- 9.2 kg and 174 +/- 4 cm, respectively. Subjects trained on a Monark cycle ergometer at 79 +/- 8% of their maximal heart rate for 1 h day-1, 4 days week-1. Muscle samples were obtained at rest, before and after endurance training, by a needle biopsy technique and used for determination of mitochondrial ATP production rate in isolated mitochondria and enzyme assays. Endurance training resulted in a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake (L min-1) (P < 0.01). Citrate synthase activity, a mitochondrial marker enzyme, and hexokinase activity increased significantly (both P < 0.01) in response to training while 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I activities remained statistically unchanged. A higher mitochondrial ATP production rate was observed after endurance training with the substrate combinations pyruvate+palmitoyl-L-carnitine+L-glutamate+malate (P < 0.01), L-glutamate (P < 0.001), pyruvate+malate (P < 0.05) and palmitoyl-L-carnitine+malate (P < 0.01). The largest increase was obtained with L-glutamate (170%). Significant correlations were observed between the percent increase in citrate synthase activity and those of mitochondrial ATP production rates. It was concluded that the increased mitochondrial ATP production rate of aged human skeletal muscle with training seems mainly to occur through an increased mitochondrial content, and in a way similar to those observed in young men.

3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases↗

[Effects of progesterone and progestational hormones on the mammary gland].

The growth of the mammary gland during the active genital period depends on a delicate balance between the action of the two major female sex steroid hormones, estradiol and progesterone. The regulation of growth and maturation of the gland primarily depends on the combined action of estradiol and progesterone. Breast epithelial proliferation is maximal during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. While estrogen appears to be the major impetus to the proliferation of mammary cells, the effect of progestin is subject to debate. Progestins have either a positive, modest or no growth effect or may even inhibit growth. Progestins could stimulate the development of malignant cells in contrast to normal or non-malignant cells. It is difficult to extrapolate in vitro results to the human breast. There is presently no direct evidence that progestins regulate the concentration of estrogen receptors (ER) in normal breasts. Furthermore, it is possible that each type of progestin may have different effects. Most studies suggest that progestins are effective in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and benign breast disease. The therapeutic basis for the use of progestins is the suppression of pituitary-ovarian function the reduction of the effect of estrogen on breast tissues. Whether progestins give protection against breast cancer is less clear. If they do, the mechanism is not the same as that of the endometrium [down-regulation of ER, increase of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (E2DH)]. High doses of oral synthetic progestins are effective in the treatment of breast cancer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Breast↗

Alterations of T cell repertoire after bone marrow transplantation: characterization of over-represented subsets.

We recently demonstrated that frequencies of T cell receptor-V (TcR-V)-specific subsets are frequently altered after both allogeneic and autologous BMT. The data reported here describe several characteristics of altered T cell subsets: (i) their capacity to endure peripherally, (ii) their correspondence to clonal donor T cell subsets, (iii) the origin of the clone (in one case amenable to analysis) from a mature T cell and not from new lymphopoiesis, and (iv) the presence of such a clone throughout a year of follow-up in a patient with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in whom it represented up to 1/10th of CD3+ peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and was found to be host-reactive. Taken together, these findings provide direct evidence for the oligoclonality of a large proportion of the peripheral T cell repertoire in patients subsequent to bone marrow transplantation, possibly accounting for their frequent depressed immune status. Moreover, the anti-host reactivity demonstrated in a clone from the patient with chronic GVHD strongly suggests that an oligoclonal response can be linked to a pathological process.

Adolescent↗

Fusion of the LAZ3/BCL6 and BOB1/OBF1 genes by t(3; 11) (q27; q23) chromosomal translocation.

The LAZ3/BCL6 gene on chromosome 3q27 is recurrently disrupted in B-cell non Hodgkin's lymphomas by translocations involving immunoglobulin genes or other chromosome regions. We have studied the t(3; 11) (q27; q23) translocation, present in a B-cell leukemia cell line (Karpas 231). As a consequence of this translocation, a LAZ3 chimeric transcript was created by fusion, 5' to the LAZ3 exon 2, with a transcribed sequence identical to BOB1/OBF1, a B cell-specific coactivator of octamer-binding transcription factors, recently described. Nucleotidic sequence of a nearly full-length cDNA of the BOB1/OBF1 gene revealed particular features in the 3' untranslated region of the gene, including pyrimidine-rich sequence repeats, an Alu motif, and a polymorphic [CCTT] tetranucleotide microsatellite. Two A to G transition mutations were also detected in the coding region of one allele of a lymphoma B-cell line, Raji, leading to 2 amino-acid changes in the C-terminal region. Due to its cell-specificity and role as a coactivating transcription factor, chromosomal translocation and/or perhaps point mutation of BOB1/OBF1 may contribute to B cell tumorigenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

ATP synthesis kinetic properties of mitochondria isolated from the rat extensor digitorum longus muscle depleted of creatine with beta-guanidinopropionic acid.

A creatine analogue, beta-guanidinopropionic acid (beta-GPA), was administered in the food (1% w/w) of 8 male rats while 8 control rats received a standard diet. Mitochondrial oxidative capacity and kinetic parameters of mitochondrial ATP synthesis, apparent maximal ATP synthesis rate (Vmax) and apparent Michaelis constant for free ADP (Km), were investigated in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. Mitochondrial ATP synthesis rate was measured by a bioluminescent method over a large range of ADP concentration (2-30 microM). As a result of the diet, Vmax was significantly increased (P < 0.05) while Km remained unchanged at around 20 microM. Citrate synthase (CS) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activities were significantly increased (both P < 0.05). Vmax was tightly correlated with CS activity (P < 0.001; r = 0.84). It was concluded that the increase in maximal mitochondrial ATP synthesis rate after beta-GPA feeding in EDL muscle was essentially due to a general increase in mitochondrial enzyme concentrations.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Molecular cloning of a t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation breakpoint centromeric to the BCL1-MTC.

In B-cell malignancies, the t(11;14)(q13;q32) at the 11q13 BCL1 locus is characterized by a scattering of breakpoint sites along a 100 kb genomic region, between the BCL1 major translocation cluster (MTC) and the PRAD1 (also termed cyclin D1 or CCND1) gene. Recently, the 11q13 breakpoint region was extended on both sides, centromeric to the MTC and telomeric to PRAD1. We report here the molecular cloning of a new t(11;14) breakpoint site, 20 kb centromeric to the MTC, from a patient with prolymphocytic leukemia. We subcloned a non-repetitive DNA fragment near the breakpoint and mapped this new 11q13 probe (pHO11c) relative to already identified breakpoint sites, using long- and short-range physical mapping within the BCL1 locus. Rearrangements in the BCL1 locus are associated with deregulation of the PRAD1 gene, which is often overexpressed, particularly in mantle-cell malignancies. The detectable but weak PRAD1 expression in the case we present suggests that this breakpoint centromeric to the MTC still lies inside the BCL1 locus boundaries. We think that attention should be focused on this region centromeric to the BCL1-MTC, where the investigation of previously unidentified translocations may increase understanding of the PRAD1 gene deregulation in t(11;14) associated pathologies.

Adult↗

[Antiovulatory action of chlormadinone acetate].

Antiovulatory action of chlormadinone acetate (5 mg twice daily from day 7 to day 25) has been assessed in 6 healthy volunteers by daily determination of plasma FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone. Hormonal profiles during the second treated cycle show that preovulatory gonadotropin surge is blunted and that no significant progesterone secretion occurs. Estradiol production is variable up to the middle of the cycle, and then homogeneously low normal. Menstrual cyclicity is respected and ovarian function is restored during the first cycle after treatment disruption.

Adult↗

Binding of heparin fractions to von Willebrand factor: effect of molecular weight and affinity for antithrombin III.

To investigate the influence of the structure of heparin on its binding to vWF, we compared heparin fractions of different molecular weight (MW) or affinity for antithrombin III (ATIII). We studied the interaction of purified 125I-vWF or plasma vWF, labeled with a pool of 125I-monoclonal antibodies to vWF, with unfractionated heparin immobilized on agarose beads. Fractions were compared as competitors of these interactions and their effect was quantitated by their half-maximal inhibition (IC50). When the MW of the fractions decreased, especially below 7500, their IC50 increased, indicating that the affinity of the fractions for vWF decreased with their MW. Using heparin-derived oligosaccharides, we also demonstrated that a minimal chain length of 18 monosaccharides was required for heparin binding to vWF. In addition, different fractions with low affinity for ATIII were compared as competitors of 125I-vWF binding to heparin-agarose. Despite a very low content of ATIII binding sites, some fractions retained a low IC50. Thus, heparin interaction with vWF is independent of the presence of the ATIII binding site and is mostly dependent on the length of the heparin chain. These data suggest that unfractionated heparin is a more potent inhibitor of vWF-dependent functions than low MW heparin fractions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Solid-phase von Willebrand factor contains a conformationally active RGD motif that mediates endothelial cell adhesion through the alpha v beta 3 receptor.

The interaction of von Willebrand factor (vWF) with the alpha v beta 3 integrin of human umbilical vein endothelial cells is dependent on the RGD sequence present at residues 1744-1746 of the mature vWF subunit. We compared vWF and its two dimeric fragments, SpIII (residues 1-1365) and SpII (residues 1366-2050), as adhesion substrates. Solid-phase vWF and SpII supported endothelial cell adhesion, whereas SpIII, which contains the glycoprotein (GP) Ib binding domain, did not. Soluble SpII inhibited adhesion to immobilized ligands, whereas soluble vWF did not, suggesting that exposure of the cell attachment domain involves a conformational modification of vWF. Dendroaspin and albolabrin, two RGD-containing peptides of the disintegrin family, were potent inhibitors of cell adhesion to vWF (IC50 approximately 15 nmol/L). Complete inhibition of endothelial cell adhesion to vWF was obtained in the presence of F(ab')2 of monoclonal antibody 9 to vWF, which blocks vWF binding to platelet GPIIb/IIIa. In contrast, monoclonal antibody 713 to vWF, which blocks its binding to platelet GPIb, did not inhibit cell adhesion to vWF. These results indicate that endothelial cell adhesion to vWF is mediated by an RGD-dependent interaction with alpha v beta 3, but does not seem to involve a GPIb-like receptor, and show the importance of the conformation of the RGD sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effects of training in normoxia and normobaric hypoxia on human muscle ultrastructure.

The adaptive response of skeletal muscle to training in normoxia and in severe normobaric hypoxia was studied. The first group of five male subjects trained for 3 weeks on a bicycle (2 h/day, 6 days/week) in normoxia (Control training, Con T). A second group of five subjects trained in an ambient FIO2 decreasing progressively from 12.7% to a final level of 10.0% (hypoxic training, Hyp T). Fourteen months later, these subjects trained in normoxia at the same absolute power (normoxic training, Nor T). Peak oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was measured in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were analysed for fibre size, capillary and ultrastructural composition. Nor T had no effect on muscle tissue or VO2 max. Con T increased volume density of total mitochondria and lipids by 36 and 135% respectively (P < 0.05). Hyp T induced a 10% increase (P < 0.05) in peak VO2 max measured in hypoxia. Mean fibre cross-sectional area, interfibrillar mitochondrial volume density and capillary-to-fibre ratio were increased (P < 0.05) by 10, 42 and 13% respectively in the Hyp T group. These results suggest that training at the same relative workload in normoxia and hypoxia have similar, but not identical, effects on muscle tissue. If training in normoxia is carried out at the same absolute workload as in severe hypoxia, no significant effects are observed.

Adult↗

Ergometric and metabolic adaptation to a 5-s sprint training programme.

The effects of 7 weeks of sprint training (repeated 5-s all-out sprints) on maximal power output (Wv,max) determined during a force-velocity test and a 30-s Wingate test (Wpeak) were studied in ten students [22 (SD 2) years] exercising on a cycle ergometer. Before and after training, muscle biopsies were taken from vastus lateralis muscle at rest for the ten subjects and immediately after a training session for five of them. Sprint training induced an improvement both in peak performances by 25% (Wv,max and Wpeak) and in the 30-s total work by 16%. Before sprint training, the velocity reached with no load (v0) was related to the resting muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) stores (r = 0.87, P < 0.001). The training-induced changes in v0 were observed only when these PCr stores were lowest. This pointed to a possible limiting role of low PCr concentrations in the ability to reach a high velocity. The improvement in performances was linked to an increase in the energy production from anaerobic glycolysis. This result was suggested in muscle by the increase in lactate production measured after a training session associated with the 20% higher activity of both phosphofructokinase and lactate dehydrogenase. The sprint training also increased the proportion of slow twitch fibres closely related to the decrease in fast twitch b fibres. This result would appear to demonstrate an appropriate adaptive reaction following high-intensity intermittent training for the slow twitch fibres which exhibit a greater oxidative capacity.

Adaptation, Physiological↗