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Biomedical subjects

G Debry

Publications and source records attributed to G Debry.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Effects of coffee on the respiratory system].

The consumption of coffee is a very old and popular habit. It is possible that it may have an effect on the respiratory system and on the regulation of respiration. Apart from the manifestations of hypersensitivity linked to the handling of green coffee, the consumption of coffee can have different effects. On the one hand it has a beneficial effect on bronchospasm. On the other hand its consumption has been suspected of contributing to the development of chronic airflow obstruction (COPD) and also in the genesis of bronchial cancer, without, however, its responsibility being proven in a clear fashion. In fact, in these two latter pathological circumstances, the causal relationship is probably indirectly linked to the fact that there is a strong positive correlation between the consumption of coffee and of tobacco. Finally the consumption of coffee increases ventilatory frequency in normal subjects and also in the course of COPD, and if taken in large quantities by pregnant women, there is an increased risk of neonatal apnoea in the newborn, by an abrupt cessation in the caffeine level.

Adult

[Advertisements for the treatment of obesity or deceit without limits].

In magazines the advertisements for slimming diets or products are more and more frequent. The study of these advertisements shows that most of them do not give any indication on the composition of products or on the nature of the proposed methods. The selling arguments are the most often fallacious: freely diminution of body weight without dieting and physical activities, lack of checks, no successive increase of body weight, dramatic and quick slimming, debatable informations on the mechanisms of actions. In addition these treatments are followed without medical supervision. They are the antithesis of the right therapeutics of obesities. The diffusion of these methods as that of the numerous books on the slimming diets or technics in various European countries requires a study in order to protect the patients against their exploitation and a proposal of legislation for the European Countries in the whole which will make up the future Great European Community.

Advertising

[Nutritional requirements of elderly].

Nutritional requirements of the elderly (more than 70 years old) are not yet well known. The aging-associated changes of the body composition with decrease of height, bodyweight, fat free mass, increase of adipose tissue and the decrease of physical energy expenditure modify the nutritional requirements. Owing the insufficiency of our scientific knowledge the energy and protein requirements of elderly people are assumed by W.H.O. experts as 70 p. 100 of adults' ones. Water, minerals, trace elements and vitamins requirements would be similar to those of adults. The quality of meals and their hedonic properties are important factors for the preservation of appetite.

Aged

[Diet peculiarities. Vegetarianism, veganism, crudivorism, macrobiotism].

People who refuse to eat meat animal products mostly adhere to vegetarianism, veganism, crudivorism or macrobiotism, But these food habits are only one part of life-style chosen for spiritual, ethic or hygienic and healthy motivations. Except vitamin B12 deficiencies these regimens do not produce other deficiencies if they are correctly followed and if the energy intake is in agreement with the RDA'S. They reduce the risks of metabolic diseases, coronaropathies, arterial hypertension, colon cancer, diverticular disease of the colon, kidney and gallstones. Nevertheless crudivorism and macrobiotism are associated with high risks of deficiencies especially in children and pregnant women.

Deficiency Diseases

[Enteral feeding. Principles and techniques, nutritive solutions].

A great number of nutritional solutions can be found owing to the technical progress of enteral nutrition and the diversity of available nutritive solutions. In this paper are described the various materials, their advantages and disadvantages together with the available nutritive solutions. The interests of new methods of gastrostomy by endoscopy and the progress due to the use of nutritive pumps are pointed out. Physicians can now choose the type of feeding adapted to specific nutrients requirements of the patients. They can also vary it in relation to its tolerance and the evolution of nutritional situation. Practice of enteral nutrition needs a very accurate knowledge of material, nutritive solutions and technical uses. They also have to be in agreement with the strict obligations of food hygiene.

Enteral Nutrition

Physiological importance of omega-3/omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in man. An overview of still unresolved and controversial questions.

The 'essentiality' of (omega-6) and (omega-3) fatty acids in mammals is well known. Nevertheless, some important points remain unclear concerning their implication in physiology. After a short discussion about the definition of essential fatty acids deficiency, this brief overview deals with some of these points, pointing out some of the unresolved questions. Different subjects are approached concerning the (omega-6) and (omega-3) fatty acids metabolism: desaturases, eicosanoids, production, as well as some of their metabolic effects on cell membranes, intestinal function, glucose and lipid metabolism, haemorheology.

Aging

Evaluation of (13C)ethanol incorporation into very-low-density lipoprotein triglycerides using gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry coupling.

Gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/IRMS) coupling was used to evaluate (13C)ethanol incorporation into plasmatic very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides of three healthy human volunteers. After the perfusion of 13C-enriched alcohol, VLDL triglyceride fractions were extracted from plasma samples and prepared for the analysis of (13C)fatty acid methyl esters. The GC/IRMS coupling line, the analytical procedure and the data collection are described. The results show that ethanol itself may be used as a substrate for lipogenesis, though to a small extent: less than 10% of VLDL triglycerides may be derived from this metabolic pathway. Ethanol incorporates predominantly into myristic and palmitic acid. The small amount of sample material required for analysis, which minimizes the amount of isotope-labelled substrate required, makes this technique a valuable tool for metabolic investigations in human subjects.

Carbon Isotopes

Lactose and cataract in humans: a review.

In this review, the relationship between lactose and human cataract is examined from the presently available biochemical, metabolic, and epidemiological data. The exceptional cases of homozygous enzyme deficiency being excluded, fragmentary data give reason to believe that a risk of cataract secondary to lactose and galactose ingestion is present in certain subpopulations. In these population groups, the size of which is unknown, the lens could be exposed to intermittent episodes of hypergalactosemia due to the presence of a partial enzyme deficiency in the galactose metabolic pathway, and/or the persistence of a high adult jejunal lactase activity, and/or to a large and repeated consumption of either whole lactose or easily absorbed lactose (hydrolyzed forms and nonpasteurized yogurt).

Animals

Effects of dietary cholesterol and phytosterol overload on Wistar rat plasma lipids.

To study the effects of dietary phytosterols on plasma cholesterol, Wistar rats were fed diets containing a cholesterol overload (24 mg/day), to which phytosterols were added or not (24 or 96 mg/day). The cholesterol overload led to a marked increase in cholesterol, mainly linked to very-low-density and low-density lipoproteins. Phytosterols reduced those effects, the highest dose being most efficient. No undesirable effect was observed either on body or on liver weights. This shows that low doses of phytosterols are sufficient to significantly decrease a plasma cholesterol enhancement induced by a dietary cholesterol overload.

Animals

[Estimation of the daily dietary fiber intake in France].

The recent progress in the knowledge of dietary fiber, largely based on epidemiological evidence, suggests that they have an essential role in human health. Furthermore, the effects of high-fiber diets on bowel habits have been well known for a long time. Several studies showed the correlations between intestinal transit time (ITT) and fecal wet weight (FWW) and FWW and the consumption of dietary fiber. The FWW could therefore be a basis for determining a recommended intake of dietary fiber to achieve a regular ITT in adult humans. It appears that little has been published about food consumption and particularly about dietary fiber intake in France. Using the statistical data on French food consumption published by the French National Institute of Economic Studies, we evaluated the average daily consumption of dietary fiber of French adults at about 16 g. Analyzing several suggestions, we conclude that the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber should be in the range of 30-40 g for French adults.

Defecation

[Nutritional requirements of aged people].

The nutritional requirements of elderly people are yet not well known. Energy requirements are depending on age and bodyweight: in man between 6700 kJ/j and 9100 kJ/j, in women 6200 kJ/j and 8100 kJ/j. Protein requirements are similar in both sexes: between 50-60 grs/j. Carbohydrates and lipids are covering respectively 50-55% and 30-35% of total energy intake. Water requirements are 1,25 l/j whose at least 0,71 l/j of beverages. Mineral requirements are: 75-100 mEq/j for sodium, 12-25 mEq/j for potassium, 1000 mgrs/j for calcium, 500 mgrs/j for magnesium and 10 mgrs/j for iron. Trace elements and vitamins requirements are insufficiently known. Actually one consider that they are similar to those of adults. An energy intake of 6700 kJ/j, even if the foods are diversified, does not cover the nutritional requirements of elderly people.

Aged

Metabolic effects of a single administration of growth hormone on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in normal-weight and obese subjects.

The effects on lipid metabolism of a single intramuscular dose of SR 29001 (0.15 U/kg body wt), a biosynthetic human growth hormone (hGH), were explored in a double-blind randomized crossover vs a placebo study of six normal-weight and six obese subjects (Quetelet Index greater than 120%). Circulating hGH concentrations reached means of 35 and 28 ng/mL in the normal-weight and obese subjects, respectively. Free fatty acids increased in both groups (p less than 0.05); increases in beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate concentrations were more moderate (NS). Plasma glucose increased significantly despite a significant increase in insulin (p less than 0.002). The lipolytic effect persisted after a standardized 950-kcal meal eaten 5 h after hGH administration. A delayed increase in somatomedin-C and decreases in blood urea and total cholesterol were also observed (p less than 0.05). Despite increased insulin secretion, biosynthetic hGH produced a significant increase of lipolysis in both groups, which was only partially suppressed by food.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid

Effects of stigmasterol-supplemented diets on fecal neutral sterols and bile acid excretion in rats.

To study the effects of dietary stigmasterol on sterol and bile acids metabolism, Wistar rats were fed diets containing various amounts of stigmasterol. Feeding high stigmasterol doses (11, 26 or 52 mg/day) led to increased cholesterol, coprostanol and bile acid output. These effects were dose-dependent, and likely to be related to the inhibitory effect of plant sterols on cholesterol absorption. Moreover, it accounts for the beneficial effect of the stigmasterol on cholesterol lowering.

Animals

[Effect of ornithine oxoglutarate on the duration and quality of wound healing in extensive reparative and plastic surgical methods].

Fifty-two overweight female patients hospitalized for a major plastic surgical procedure were included in a therapeutic trial designed to evaluate wound healing. Twenty-seven patients were randomized to a placebo and 25 to ornithine oxoglutarate (Cetornan). There were no statistical differences between patients concerning age, type of plasty, extent of detachment, or overall evaluation of physical condition at the time of randomisation. Evaluation was based mainly on clinical criteria, including duration and quality of healing, and type of complications. Results showed a significant improvement in time to healing in the Cetornan group (18 +/- 1 day) as compared to the placebo group (26 +/- 3 days) (p less than 0.01). Complications occurred in nine of the 27 patients under placebo (30%) and in three of the 25 patients under Cetornan (12%) (p = 0.07). Clinical and biological tolerance was outstanding. No patient was excluded during the trial.

Adult

Metabolic effects of acarbose in young healthy men.

To explore the long-term metabolic effects of acarbose in man, 6 healthy men (25 +/- 2 years; BMI: 21.6 +/- 2.7) were fed a controlled diet in a metabolic ward for 7 consecutive weeks. After an initial 3-week period to ensure a metabolic steady-state, they received 300 mg/d of acarbose (100 mg before each meal) for the remaining 4 weeks. Stool and urine collections were made over 7 d on weeks 3 and 7. Faecal excretion of water, nitrogen, carbohydrate, fat, zinc, magnesium, copper, chromium, iron, calcium and phosphorus and urinary excretion of nitrogen, urea and calcium were measured. In addition, fasting and postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as fasting triglycerides, total cholesterol, apolipoproteins (Apo) A-I, A-II, and B, zinc and copper, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and E concentrations were measured before and at the end of the acarbose period. Weight, food consumption, and water balance were not modified by acarbose. Faecal nitrogen excretion increased significantly but the nitrogen balance remained positive. Faecal excretion of carbohydrate, fat, iron and chromium were significantly increased by acarbose. Apos A-I and A-II decreased significantly. Plasma levels of vitamin B6 increased and vitamin A concentrations decreased with acarbose. This study provides new insights into the metabolic effects of acarbose with respect to nitrogen, mineral and vitamin metabolism.

Acarbose

Effect of parental malnutrition on enzyme content of rat pancreas.

The aim of this study was to assess in rat pups the influence of protein diets ingested by their mothers during gestation and lactation on the enzyme content of the pancreas of the offspring. Rat pups born of either well-nourished mothers or of mothers fed a diet moderately restricted in protein (9% casein w/w) were studied. After weaning, the pups were fed on one of three diets: a well-balanced diet, a 5% casein diet (protein restricted), or a well-balanced diet of a similar caloric value as the protein-restricted diet (pair-fed rat pups). The pups were sacrificed after intervals of one to 25 weeks after weaning. The results showed that the enzyme content of the pancreas increased progressively with time in pups born of malnourished mothers, particularly in pups fed the protein-restricted diet. This suggests prolonged maturation of the pancreas. Pups fed the 5% casein diet had a decreased amylase content per milligram of DNA but not of other enzymes. Malnutrition in the mother increased the ratio of enzymes to DNA and the total pancreatic enzyme content at different times after weaning, indicating that maternal malnutrition had a prolonged effect on the pancreatic enzyme content of the pups' pancreas. This mechanism could play a role in the pathogenesis of tropical chronic calcific pancreatitis in man and explain some of the geographic differences in the incidence of the disease.

Amylases

[Elimination kinetics of organochlorine compounds in the 1st week of breast feeding].

The elimination kinetics of organochlorine compounds (DDE, lindane, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide and heptachlor) from day 2 to day 10 of breast feeding was studied in 39 volunteers who had a baby in the Maternity Department in Nancy. If there was any contamination of the mothers' milk with DDT, the levels were below the level of detection. In contrast, contamination with DDE was high (112.6 ng/g fat content) on day 2, although it decreased rapidly, to 38.6 ng/g by day 3. On day 2, contamination with lindane, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide and heptachlor averaged 43.8, 23.5, 25.4 and 7.4 ng/g fat, respectively, and the levels showed a linear decrease on subsequent days in all cases except that of heptachlor, for which no significant negative correlation with time could be demonstrated. A breast-fed infant thus absorbs measurable quantities of pesticides but not in excess of the acceptable daily doses. Levels of contamination of human milk in France are lower than those reported in Canadian and Italian studies but are higher than the levels in formulated milk.

Aldrin