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Biomedical subjects

F Grandjean

Publications and source records attributed to F Grandjean.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Cadmium, lead and endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) have been demonstrated to exert endocrine disrupting activities. Their possible role in endometriosis, an oestrogen-dependent disease, is unknown. METHODS: We compared cadmium urinary excretion (CdU) and blood concentration of cadmium (CdB) and lead (PbB) in 119 patients with peritoneal endometriosis and/or deep endometriotic (adenomyotic) nodules of the rectovaginal septum and 25 controls. RESULTS: The mean levels of cadmium in urine and blood did not differ among the groups. Women suffering from endometriotic diseases showed lower levels of PbB than controls. CONCLUSIONS: These data do not support a role for cadmium in the onset or the growth of endometriotic diseases but suggest a possible relationship with lead.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Phylogeography of the threatened crayfish (genus Austropotamobius) in Italy: implications for its taxonomy and conservation.

A nucleotide sequence analysis of a portion of the mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit was performed to define the phylogeography of the threatened crayfish Austropotamobius (Decapoda; Astacidae) in Italy. We collected 61 specimens from 31 localities across the Italian peninsula. For the phylogenetic inference, we combined the 61 Austropotamobius spp sequences obtained from this study with 18 sequences deposited in GenBank and corresponding to Italian, French, Irish, Swiss, and Slovenian locations. Among the analysed sequences, 34 distinct haplotypes were detected. Our results confirmed the presence of both A. pallipes and A. italicus in the Italian peninsula and the existence within the latter species of a strong intraspecific genetic variation, due to the occurrence of four subspecies with a well-defined geographic distribution. From a conservation viewpoint, Italy, with its high haplotype variability, may be considered a 'hot spot' for the genetic diversity of the European native crayfish Austropotamobius. We suggest that re-introduction programs should be conducted with extreme caution in Italy, since not only the two Austropotamobius species but also the four A. italicus subspecies are genetically and taxonomically separate units and require independent conservation plans.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Dual inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase by a reconstituted homeopathic remedy; possible explanation for clinical efficacy and favourable gastrointestinal tolerability.

OBJECTIVE: In order to elucidate potential anti-inflammatory activities of Zeel comp. N and its constituents, the inhibition of the synthesis of Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and Prostaglandin (PGE2) by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclo-oxygenase 1 and 2 (COX 1 and 2) respectively were examined in vitro. MATERIALS: Human HL-60 cells, differentiated for 6-8 days with DMSO (1.2% v/v) were used for the 5-LOX assay. The COX activity assays were carried out with purified enzymes, COX 1 (ram seminal vesicles), COX 2 (sheep placenta) and with human THP-1 cells, differentiated for 24 h with PMA (50 nM). METHODS: LTB4 and PGE2 production in the 5-LOX and COX assays respectively were determined by enzyme linked immunoassays. RESULTS: A reconstituted Zeel comp. N combination as well as its constituent mother tinctures of Arnica montana, Sanguinaria canadensis and Rhus toxicodendron (Toxicodendron quercifolium) showed distinct inhibitory effects on the production of LTB4 by 5-LOX (IC50 values of 10, 20, 2 and 5 microg/ml respectively) and on the synthesis of PGE2 by COX 1 (IC50 values of 50, 80, 40 and 20 microg/ml respectively) and COX 2 enzymes (IC50 values of 60, 110, 50 and 20 microg/ml respectively). The mother tincture of Solanum dulcamara inhibited the production of PGE2 by COX 1 (IC50 40 microg/ml) and COX 2 (IC50 150 microg/ml) but not production of leukotriene LTB4 by 5-LOX. CONCLUSIONS: The observed dual inhibition of both LOX- and COX-metabolic pathways may offer an explanation for the reported clinical efficacy and the favorable gastrointestinal tolerability of the original remedy Zeel comp. N.

Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors↗
PubMed2003

Origin and colonization history of the white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, in Ireland.

The presence of the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex in Ireland is suspected to be a result of human translocations. Two hypotheses have been formulated about the origin of the crayfish: from British populations or from western French populations. In order to resolve this question, nine Irish crayfish populations (a total of 124 individuals) were sampled along a south-north cline and investigated by combining two molecular markers: mtDNA and RAPDs. The mtDNA marker, analysed by RFLP on the entire molecule, showed an absence of polymorphism within and among Irish populations. The RFLP haplotype found in Irish populations was only recorded in western French populations and was different from those found in English populations. This result may be explained by a human introduction of crayfish to Ireland from western French populations. RAPD analysis showed a clinal reduction of genetic variability within Irish populations from south to north, associated with an increase in their genetic differentiation. A stepwise model of translocation from the south to the north of Ireland is proposed and discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

A synthetic, structural, magnetic, and spectral study of several [Fe[tris(pyrazolyl)methane]2](BF4)2 complexes: observation of an unusual spin-state crossover.

The complexes [Fe[HC(3,5-Me2pz)3]2](BF4)2 (1), [Fe[HC(pz)3]2](BF4)2 (2), and [Fe[PhC(pz)2(py)]2](BF4)2 (3) (pz = 1-pyrazolyl ring, py = pyridyl ring) have been synthesized by the reaction of the appropriate ligand with Fe(BF4)2.6H2O. Complex 1 is high-spin in the solid state and in solution at 298 K. In the solid phase, it undergoes a decrease in magnetic moment at lower temperatures, changing at ca. 206 K to a mixture of high-spin and low-spin forms, a spin-state mixture that does not change upon subsequent cooling to 5 K. Crystallographically, there is only one iron(II) site in the ambient-temperature solid-state structure, a structure that clearly shows the complex is high-spin. Mössbauer spectral studies show conclusively that the magnetic moment change observed at lower temperatures arises from the complex changing from a high-spin state at higher temperatures to a 50:50 mixture of high-spin and low-spin states at lower temperatures. Complexes 2 and 3 are low-spin in the solid phase at room temperature. Complex 2 in the solid phase gradually changes over to the high-spin state upon heating above 295 K and is completely high-spin at ca. 470 K. In solution, variable-temperature 1H NMR spectra of 2 show both high-spin and low-spin forms are present, with the percentage of the paramagnetic form increasing as the temperature increases. Complex 3 is low-spin at all temperatures studied in both the solid phase and solution. An X-ray absorption spectral study has been undertaken to investigate the electronic spin states of [Fe[HC(3,5-Me2pz)3]2](BF4)2 and [Fe[HC(pz)3]2](BF4)2. Crystallographic information: 2 is monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 10.1891(2) A, b = 7.6223(2) A, c = 17.2411(4) A, beta = 100.7733(12) degrees, Z = 2; 3 is triclinic, P1, a = 12.4769(2) A, b = 12.7449(2) A, c = 13.0215(2) A, alpha = 83.0105(8) degrees, beta = 84.5554(7) degrees, gamma = 62.5797(2) degrees, Z = 2.

Crystallography↗
PubMed2001

Drastic bottlenecks in the endangered crayfish species Austropotamobius pallipes in Spain and implications for its colonization history.

Variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was surveyed, using restriction endonucleases, in the white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes lusitanicus, from 14 populations sampled in Spain. Four additional samples from France (1), Slovenia (1) and Italy (2) were also analysed. Among the 11 haplotypes listed, only one was detected from the 154 animals sampled from Spanish populations. This haplotype was also recorded in the Fosso di Ferfereta population (Italy). Estimates of nucleotide sequence divergence among haplotypes ranged from 0.45% to 17.4%. Interpopulational genetic relationships showed that Spanish populations were closely related to those of Fosso di Ferfereta with a small genetic distance (0.0003) found between them. AMOVA revealed that most of the genetic variance (71.97%) was attributed to variation between European regions. These results are in accordance with a drastic bottleneck event during the history of the Spanish populations. Four suggestions, based on human introduction, selection and recent or ancient historical events are discussed in relation to the lack of genetic variation in the Spanish crayfish stock.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Population genetic structure of the endangered freshwater crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes, assessed using RAPD markers.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed to characterize the genetic diversity of Austropotamobius pallipes, a threatened freshwater crayfish native to Europe. Four decamer primers which generated six unambiguous polymorphic bands were used to analyse crayfish from 21 populations sampled in the major part of its range. Genetic diversity within populations of A. pallipes, estimated by Shannon's diversity index, ranged from 0 to 0.446 with a mean of 0.159. A UPGMA dendrogram constructed from pairwise PhiST values between populations, revealed three clusters corresponding to populations sampled in the southern, northwestern and eastern part of its range. AMOVA analysis revealed a high genetic structure of A. pallipes populations PhiST=0.814, with 73.11% of the genetic variation distributed between these clusters. It suggests a historical geographical separation of these groups into three refugial areas, probably in the Rhine, Mediterranean and Atlantic basins during recent glaciations. The close genetic relationships between English and western French populations are in accordance with a natural postglacial origin of English populations from individuals having survived in an Atlantic refugium. However, the present results suggest that the Irish stock originated from a human translocation of individuals from an Atlantic refugium.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Sequential gene expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and lung resistance protein: functional activity of P-gp and MRP present in the doxorubicin-resistant human K562 cell lines.

Previous studies have reported that P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a transmembrane efflux pump involved in multidrug resistance (MDR), was overexpressed in the doxorubicin (Dox)-resistant human erythroleukemia cell line K562. Nevertheless, several results suggested that P-gp was not the only mechanism involved in these resistant cells. Sequential co-expression of other MDR-associated proteins was sometimes reported, as MDR-associated protein (MRP) and lung resistance protein (LRP), in different MDR cell lines. Thus, mRNA expression and stability of P-gp, MRP and LRP were analyzed, while their corresponding protein levels were quantified in correlation with functional assay, in the K562 cell line and two Dox-resistant variants (K562/R). Their P-gp content was in accordance with their degree of resistance, but not as much in the level of mRNA expression, suggesting a post-transcriptional regulation. On the other hand, MRP could play a minor role in MDR because of an unchanged expression in K562/R sublines. A surprising progressive disappearance of LRP in both resistant cells suggested that the original mechanism of drug redistribution may be operative, involving a negative role for LRP.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed2000

Tetralogy of Fallot: transannular and right ventricular patching equally affect late functional status.

BACKGROUND: In tetralogy of Fallot, transannular patching is suspected to be responsible for late right ventricular dilatation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In our institution, 191 patients survived a tetralogy of Fallot repair between 1964 and 1984. Transannular patching was used in 99 patients (52%), patch closure of a right ventriculotomy in 35, and direct closure of a right ventriculotomy in 55. Two had a transatrial-transpulmonary approach. To identify predictive factors of adverse long-term outcome related to right ventricular dilatation, the following events were investigated: cardiac death, reoperation for symptomatic right ventricular dilatation, and NYHA class II or III by Cox regression analysis. Mean follow-up reached 22+/-5 years. The 30-year survival was 86+/-5%. Right ventricular patching, whether transannular or not, was the most significant independent predictor of late adverse event (improvement chi(2)=16.6, P:<0.001). In patients who had direct closure, the ratio between end-diastolic right and left ventricular dimensions on echocardiography was smaller (0.61+/-0.017 versus 0. 75+/-0.23, P:=0.007), with a smaller proportion presenting severe pulmonary insufficiency (9% versus 40%, P:=0.005). There was no difference between right ventricular and transannular patching concerning late outcome (log rank P: value=0.6), right ventricular size (0.70+/-0.28 versus 0.76+/-0.26, P:=0.4), or incidence of severe pulmonary insufficiency (30% versus 43%, P:=0.3). CONCLUSIONS: In tetralogy of Fallot, transannular patching does not result in a worse late functional outcome than patching of an incision limited to the right ventricle. Both are responsible for a similar degree of long-term pulmonary insufficiency and right ventricular dilatation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Preliminary results on the genetic variability of mitochondrial DNA in the signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana.

This study presents a revised method for the extraction of mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) from crayfish species of aquacultural interest, Pacifastacus leniusculus. The mean size of the mitochondrial genome is approximately 18,000 bp. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis performed on the mtDNA has revealed extensive genetic variability within this species. The estimated percentage of nucleotide sequence divergence among the four haplotypes found for P. leniusculus ranges from 1.16 to 3.99%. These data suggest that RFLP analysis of mtDNA may provide greater resolution than protein electrophoresis for population identification among signal crayfish populations. This marker offers new avenues for aquaculture and for understanding the genetic structure and evolutionary history of crayfish populations.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Mitochondrial DNA polymorphism and feminizing sex factors dynamics in a natural population of Armadillidium vulgare (Crustacea, Isopoda).

Sex determination in Armadillidium vulgare may be under the control of two parasitic sex factors that reverse genetic males into functional neo-females. The first feminizing factor (F) is a Wolbachia and the other (f) is probably a sequence of the F bacterial DNA unstably integrated into the host genome. Both of these feminizing factors are mainly maternally transmitted. Here we investigate the mitochondrial DNA polymorphism of wild iso-female lineages harbouring either F or f. Among the four haplotypes present in the population, two were the f-harbouring lineages, while two were common to the F- and f-harbouring lineages. This result suggests that there has been an introgression of the f factor into lineages infected by F Wolbachia. Based on previous data, we propose two different ways to account for such introgression. Given the particular dynamics of feminizing factors (f-harbouring lineages increase in populations at the expense of F-harbouring lineages), such an introgression should prevent the replacement of F-linked mitochondrial types by f-linked mitochondrial types in wild populations.

Animals↗