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Biomedical subjects

F Kauffmann

Publications and source records attributed to F Kauffmann.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Relationship of serum neutral endopeptidase E.C.3.4.24.11 activity to alcohol consumption.

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) is an ubiquitous enzyme that inactivates numerous endogenous peptides in the brain, kidney, and lung in vivo. The origin of the circulating soluble form and its determinants are largely unknown. The relationships of smoking habits and alcohol consumption to serum NEP activity have been explored in a longitudinal epidemiological study conducted in 204 Lorraine coal miners. At both surveys, 4 years apart, NEP activity was significantly related to alcohol consumption (in grams/day) reported by questionnaire, with correlation coefficients of 0.26 (p = 0.001) in 1990 and 0.23 (p = 0.001) in 1994. The correlations of gamma-glutamyltransferase to NEP activity were even stronger with correlation coefficients of 0.71 (p = 0.0001) in 1990 and 0.79 (p = 0.0001) in 1994. Longitudinally, the change in NEP activity between the first and the second surveys was significantly correlated with change in alcohol consumption (r = to 0.18, p = 0.02) and with change in gamma-glutamyltransferase level (r = 0.60, p = 0.0001). Serum NEP activity was unrelated to smoking habits. Results support the hypothesis of a causal role of alcohol on serum NEP activity.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Relationship of serum elastin peptide level to single breath transfer factor for carbon monoxide in French coal miners.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and epidemiological studies have given discordant results on the usefulness of the level of circulating elastin peptide (EP), a potential marker of both elastin destruction (a key phenomenon in pulmonary emphysema) and neosynthesis, for assessing structural changes in the lung extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between levels of EP and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and single breath transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TLCO and KCO) in coal miners. METHODS: The study population comprised 227 working coal miners aged 34-50 years consisting of 75 miners heavily exposed to underground coal dust with pulmonary radiographs classified as 0/1 or 1/0 by the International Labour Office classification, 75 exposed miners with radiographs classified as normal (0/0), and 77 miners slightly exposed to coal dust with normal radiographs. The subjects answered a standardised questionnaire and performed spirometric tests and a carbon monoxide (CO) transfer test. RESULTS: No association was observed between EP levels and % predicted FEV1 (or FEV1/FVC). The level of EP increased significantly with decreased % predicted TLCO (r = -0.20). Miners in the lowest % predicted KCO quintile had higher EP levels than the rest (3.28 (1.37) vs 2.47 (1.16)). A significantly lower EP level was observed in miners with radiographs classified as 1/0 or 0/1, especially in those with round opacities, compared with miners with a normal radiograph, and in current smokers compared with the rest. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the level of EP may reflect some remodelling activity in emphysema and lung fibrosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Relationship of upper airway disease to tobacco smoking and allergic markers: a cohort study of men followed up for 5 years.

Data derived from a cohort study of 191 men, seen 5 years apart, were used to investigate the involvement in allergic as well as in nonallergic upper airway disease (UAD) of two risk factors, immediate hypersensitivity and tobacco smoking, the roles of which have been well established in lower airway disease. At both surveys, UAD and smoking habits were assessed by an extended version of the BMRC/ECSC questionnaire. UAD consisted of usual or chronic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis and perceived nasal hyperresponsiveness (PNHR) to tobacco smoke, cold air or exercise. Immediate hypersensitivity was determined either in vivo (skin prick test, SPT, positivity) or in vitro (total IgE). UAD prevalence and smoking habits did not vary significantly over 5 years. On the contrary, SPT positivity increased significantly between the two surveys. At both surveys, SPT positivity for common aeroallergens (grass pollens overall) was significantly related to seasonal allergic rhinitis but not to usual or chronic rhinitis and to PNHR. Similarly, the total IgE level was increased in seasonal allergic rhinitis, but never significantly. Current smoking was always a habit significantly more frequent in men reporting chronic rhinitis (odds ratios of 5.3 and 4.9 in 1985 and 1990, respectively). The relationship was of the dose-response type: the more the subjects smoked, the more they reported chronic rhinitis. In contrast, seasonal allergic rhinitis was more associated with exsmoking, either in 1985 or in 1990. These results were confirmed longitudinally and after exclusion of asthmatics. Further investigations are needed to support the hypothesis raised by our data according to which immediate hypersensitivity, as assessed by SPT positivity for common aeroallergens, and tobacco smoking might intervene alternatively in UAD, probably because of the 'healthy smoker effect'.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Epidemiological study of the genetics and environment of asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and atopy: phenotype issues.

The Epidemiological Study of the Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA) combined a case-control study and a family study. The total sample of 1,854 consisted of 348 patients with asthma selected through chest clinics and 416 control subjects and nuclear families ascertained through the cases. The protocol included standardized questionnaires, bronchial responsiveness, allergen skin-prick tests according to international protocols, total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level measurements, and blood eosinophilia. Criteria used to select subjects with asthma and determine asthma status of relatives for affected sibling pair linkage analysis are described. Based on figures from the 348 asthma cases of the EGEA study, issues relative to the definition of severe asthma and intermediate phenotypes such as bronchial responsiveness and allergic markers are discussed. Given the phenotypic heterogeneity involved, relevant phenotypes that may lead to the detection of genetic factors will depend on the hypothesis tested. Standardization of primary data and subphenotypes is a prerequisite for pooling data, which will be needed in the future to better understand the genetics and environmental factors of asthma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Validity of subjective assessment of changes in respiratory health status: a 30 year epidemiological study of workers in Paris.

The validity of scales used for subjective assessment of health, particularly transitional indices, is under discussion. The aim of the present study was to assess the concurrent and predictive validity of a simple estimate of long-term subjective assessment of respiratory health changes. A longitudinal study of 915 workers was conducted over 30 yrs, with both retrospective self-assessment of respiratory health changes and objective measurements of spirometric values 12 yrs apart. An assessment of the reason for death during the subsequent 20 yrs was performed. Subjective assessment of respiratory deterioration over 12 yrs was significantly related to both cross-sectional lung function values and longitudinal lung function changes (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) decline), an association which remained after adjustment for FEV1 level. It was also related to the same risk factors as decline in FEV1 (smoking, occupational exposure). Self-evaluation of respiratory deterioration was significantly predictive of death from all causes, with the highest (but nonsignificant) rate ratio for respiratory causes. Asthmatics exhibited greater long-term variability (objective and subjective) than nonasthmatics. Independent of dyspnoea, self-assessment of respiratory health deterioration was significantly related to FEV1. Subjective assessment of long-term changes in respiratory health provides valid information.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Decrease in selenium status in relation to coal dust exposure.

Selenium (Se) plasma levels were studied in 222 coal miners to assess whether selenium is decreased in relation to coal dust exposure, taking age, alcohol, and tobacco consumption into account. Selenium levels decreased significantly with age and current tobacco consumption, among miners aged 34-50. Long-term and current exposure to coal dust were studied. The lowest Se values were observed for those with both long-term and current exposure (60.2 ng/ml), the highest for those never or slightly exposed (64.1 ng/ml); those with long-term exposure not currently exposed fell in an intermediate position (61.3 ng/ml). No relation was observed with alcohol consumption. The association of coal dust with low selenium remained significant after adjustment for age and smoking.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Alcohol consumption, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and pulmonary function: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study in working men.

Epidemiological studies of the relationships between pulmonary function and reported alcohol intake showed inconsistent results. The use of biological markers of alcohol is needed. The objective of this study was to assess the relationships of alcohol consumption, assessed by a standardized questionnaire, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), to forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) level and decline over 10 years, in working men. Three hundred twenty-eight policemen aged 22-55 years were examined in 1980 (first survey) and again in 1990 (second survey). The two cross-sectional analyses used the 1980 data and the 1990 data separately. Longitudinal analysis used 1980 alcohol consumption and GGT values, and 10-year FEV1 decline. In both cross-sectional surveys, elevated alcohol consumption was significantly associated with impaired age-adjusted and height-adjusted FEV1. Further adjustment for smoking habit, education level, and asthmatic status did not alter these results. An increase of 25 g/day of alcohol was associated with 50.0 ml (95% confidence interval: 1.5 to 98.5) and 55.3 ml (95% confidence interval: 7.8 to 102.8) decrease of corresponding multivariate-adjusted FEV1 in 1980 and in 1990, respectively. GGT was also negatively associated with FEV1 in both cross-sectional surveys. Similar patterns of associations were also observed between vital capacity measurements and alcohol variables. In the longitudinal analysis, there was no relationship between either alcohol consumption or GGT and FEV1 decline. Findings suggest that alcohol consumption was associated with impaired lung function, but there was no evidence of accelerated FEV1 decline over 10 years related to alcohol consumption in this "healthy" population of middle-aged men.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1996

Associations of blood group-related antigens to FEV1, wheezing, and asthma.

Discordant results have been observed regarding the associations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases with secretor, Lewis, and ABO histo-blood groups, which are defined by glycosyltransferases. These enzymes build up oligosaccharide structures that play a role in the adhesion of environmental factors to epithelial cells. The objectives of the present study were to assess the role of all three systems, Lewis (Le), salivary ABH secretor (Se), and red cell blood group ABO, on lung function, wheezing, and asthma in a cohort of 228 coal miners studied cross-sectionally, considering the potential modifying effect of environmental factors on these associations. Asthma was significantly related to nonsecretor phenotype. Significantly lower lung function and higher prevalences of wheezing and asthma were observed in Lewis-negative or nonsecretor subjects of blood group O. Very low lung function values were observed in the small group of Lewis-negative nonsecretors who lack both Le and Se controlled fucoses (1% of Caucasians). Lewis-positive, salivary ABH secretors who have these two fucoses represent 70% of Caucasians. Among these subjects, lower lung function was observed in blood group A, and in a lesser extent in blood group B, i.e., with terminal alpha GaINAc or alpha Gal respectively, than in blood group O subjects. ABO, Lewis, and secretor phenotypes did not account for the potential genetic heterogeneity of subjects toward smoking, but alcohol consumption appeared to exert a protective effect on lung function in Lewis-negative subjects (10% of Caucasians). If confirmed in other populations, the magnitude of the effects observed regarding low lung function in Lewis-negative ABH nonsecretors, and the protective effect of Lewis negative on the deleterious effect of alcohol, may be of clinical importance. Further studies of the combined effects of various histo-blood group genetic systems seem worthwhile, particularly for airflow limitation, wheezing, and asthma, possibly with reference to susceptibility to infectious agents.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1996

Lack of a relationship of elastin peptide level to emphysema assessed by CT scans.

Clinical reports suggest that peptide (EP) concentration may be used as a subclinical marker of pulmonary emphysema. This hypothesis was tested in a clinical study by comparing EP concentration in male emphysematous patients with the level in two control groups, and by exploring the relation of elastin peptide level to high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan emphysema score among emphysematous patients. Serum EP level was determined among male emphysematous patients with at least 20% of emphysema (n = 27) and in two populations of male workers, drawn from epidemiologic studies (227 coal miners and 310 policemen). No difference in elastin peptide concentration was observed between emphysematous patients and control subjects (mean +/- SD = 2.39 +/- 1.18 micrograms/ml in patients versus 2.55 +/- 1.34 micrograms/ml in policemen and 2.59 +/- 1.20 micrograms/ml in coal miners). The correlation of elastin peptide concentration with percentage of pulmonary emphysema was negative and of borderline significance (r = -0.36; p = 0.06). These results cast doubts on the usefulness of elastin peptide level as a predictive marker of pulmonary emphysema.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Long-term effects of therapy on respiratory health.

Only scant information is available on the long-term consequences to respiratory health of treatment with bronchodilators and oral corticosteroids. In the present study, we aimed to gain more information about these consequences. We examined 712 men working in the Paris area, by means of a subjective assessment of whether their respiratory health worsened or improved from 1960 to 1972, the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) over this time-period, and mortality from 1972 to 1992, in relation to respiratory therapy dispensed during a 2 year period in 1970-1971, as recorded in social security reimbursement records. As expected, subjects with respiratory symptoms or airflow limitation were more likely to have been prescribed respiratory therapy. After accounting for the effect of lung function level and smoking, subjects dispensed inhaled beta-agonists were likely to feel their condition had worsened and had a greater decline in FEV1 from 1960 to 1972. Among subjects with airflow limitation who reported asthma or persistent wheeze, having been dispensed oral corticosteroids on an intermittent basis was associated with improved survival (relative risk (RR) 0.32; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.10-0.91) after adjusting for FEV1 level and smoking category. Our results add to the evidence that regular use of beta-agonist bronchodilators may be associated with adverse effects on respiratory health, whilst intermittent use of corticosteroids may be of long-term benefit.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1995

Occupational exposures estimated by means of job exposure matrices in relation to lung function in the PAARC survey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this analysis of the French Cooperative PAARC (Pollution Atmosphérique et Affections Respiratoires Chroniques) survey, was to test whether occupational exposures to dusts, gases, or chemical fumes or to specific hazards, estimated by job exposure matrices, were related to a decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). METHODS: The most recent occupation was recorded in adults, aged 25-59, from non-manual worker households. Analysis was restricted to 10,046 subjects whose occupation was encountered at least 10 times in the study and who performed good FEV1 tracings. From occupational title, exposures to dusts, gases, and chemical fumes, and to specific hazards were classified in three categories (no, low, and high) with a British, a French, and an Italian job exposure matrix. Specific hazards were analysed for the British and French job exposure matrices for the same 42 specific dusts, gases, and chemical fumes. To limit spurious associations, a selection of seven hazard groups and 12 specific hazards was set before the start of the analysis. Based on the consistency of the relations according to sex and the British and French job exposure matrices, associations of age, height, city, and smoking adjusted FEV1 score with occupational exposures were classified as very likely, possible, or unlikely. RESULTS: For the three job exposure matrices and both sexes clear exposure-response relations between the level of exposure to dusts, gases, and chemical fumes, and a decrease in FEV1 were found. Associations with FEV1 were classified as very likely for known hazards such as organic dusts and textile dusts, and not previously recognised hazards such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and detergents, and as possible for solvents, waxes and polishes, and diesel fumes. Associations found for PAHs and solvents were confirmed by the Italian job exposure matrix. Associations remained significant in women, but not in men, after adjustment for educational level. CONCLUSIONS: Hypotheses have been generated for exposure to detergents, PAHs, and solvents, but they need to be interpreted with caution before replication. Significant associations found for known risk factors with a decrease in FEV1 are arguments for the validity of the matrices. Despite the expected limitations of job exposure matrices, these results encourage further work to improve exposure assessment by job exposure matrices.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Longitudinal observations of serum IgE and skin prick test response.

The objective of the study was to assess skin prick test and IgE changes in a working population surveyed 5 yr apart and to determine whether age and smoking habits modify these changes. SPTs were performed on 223 subjects by the same method and common allergens (a mixture of grass pollens and a mixture of 95% house dust and 5% house dust mite). IgE measurements were done in duplicate by the same technique at each survey. A SPT-positive response at the first survey was highly predictive of a positive value at the second survey. The prevalence of positive SPT significantly increased in 5 yr (from 17.5 to 24.7%). A strong correlation was observed between IgE levels 5 yr apart (r = 0.92), and the IgE level appeared very stable. The initial IgE level was significantly greater among the converters than in consistently negative subjects (92.3 versus 30.1 IU/ml). Conversely, the initial IgE level was lower for the reverters than in consistently positive subjects (36.8 versus 97.0 IU/ml). In SPT negatives, non- and exsmokers had a greater decrease in IgE than current smokers (p = 0.06). IgE level appears to be a good predictor of SPT changes for both conversion and reversion. The IgE level appears very stable in midadulthood, which suggests that the adult environment may play a small effect in IgE level.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Heart rate variability during sleep in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Effects of mild decrease in oxygen saturation.

We sought to determine whether abnormal heart rate modulation by the autonomic nervous system occurs in patients with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in relation to sleep stages and mild changes in arterial oxygen saturation SaO2. On 10 oxygen-dependent 7- to 29-month-old infants with BPD, polygraphic recordings, including heart and respiratory rate and body movement detection, were performed. Heart rate variability was evaluated in high (HF), mid, and low (LF) frequency bands. Parameters were analyzed in two ranges of SaO2: normal range, (SaO2 greater than 95%), and mild decrease in (SaO2, values of 90 to 94%). In contrast to what is normally observed, LF at normal SaO2 was less marked in rapid eye movement, (REM) sleep than in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stage 2. A mild decrease in SaO2, as compared with a normal SaO2 value, was associated with: (1) a heart and respiratory rate acceleration, (2) a decrease in HF in REM sleep (p < 0.02); (3) an increase in LF in NREM sleep stage 2 (p < 0.02), intensifying the change observed in a normal SaO2 level. These data show that a mild decrease in SaO2 increases modifications of autonomic control observed in infants with severe BPD.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia↗
PubMed1994

[Smoking by the 11-16 years old in the Yvelines department in 1990].

Smoking and its risk factors were studied in 1990 on a representative sample of 2,514 pupils in Yvelines by auto-questionnaire. A similar enquiry had been carried out in 1983 with the same methodology. It was noted that between 1983 and 1990, there was a diminution in the prevalence of smoking from 15.4 to 7.6 per cent in the young in Yvelines. Amongst those young people of French nationality, the prevalence of smoking passed from 16 to 9 per cent in boys and from 17 to 12 per cent in girls aged between 11 and 16. This diminution of prevalence affected both brothers, sisters, and best friends whether male or female. The proportion of youth who had never smoked was significantly increased. In 1990, age and smoking habits of best male or female friend had a relationship which was independent of other factors with smoking in the two sexes. In girls, religious practice and (just within the limits of significance) the attitude of parents, and in boys the absence of one parent from the home, were also linked to smoking habits. The evolution of risk factors was discussed, particularly comparing the two studies of 1983 and 1990. All health education should take account of the phenomenon of "youth groups" as initiation occurs early, health education should be made early, at primary school level.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Heart rate and heart rate variability during sleep in small-for-gestational age newborns.

To assess the influence of intrauterine growth retardation on heart rate (HR) and HR variability during sleep, we performed polygraphic recordings in 10 small-for-gestational age (SGA) and 16 appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) newborns. Both groups were clinically and neurologically normal and were at 37 to 41 wk conceptional age. RR intervals were analyzed using the short-time Fourier transform in three frequency bands: 1) high frequency, with a period 3-8 heartbeat; 2) mid frequency, with a period 10-25 heartbeat; and 3) low frequency, with a period 30-100 heartbeat. In both active and quiet sleep, SGA newborns significantly differed from AGA newborns by having a shorter RR interval (p < 0.01) and lower amplitude of HR variability in all bands (p < 0.05) except low frequency in quiet sleep. Quiet sleep differed from active sleep by having a longer RR interval (p < 0.05), higher high-frequency variability (p < 0.02) in both SGA and AGA newborns, and lower low-frequency variability (p < 0.005 for AGA newborns). Our data give evidence of clear modifications of both sympathetic and parasympathetic HR control in the at-risk SGA population. Similarity of between-state characteristics suggests maintained CNS control of HR in SGA as well as in AGA newborns. We speculate that between-group HR and HR variability differences may be related to augmented metabolic rate in SGA compared with AGA newborns.

Basal Metabolism↗