Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G Lagrue

Publications and source records attributed to G Lagrue.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[Obstacles to stopping smoking among patients with vascular risk].

Despite the risk, smoking has only slightly decreased and the percentage of heavy smokers increases. The reason for the paradoxical situation has now been identified in more than 95% of the cases and is due to behaviour amplified by a pharmacological dependence on nicotine. The psycho-active effects of nicotine binding to nicotine receptors in the brain, produce a quasi constant physical dependence and a psychic dependence in certain smokers.

France↗
PubMed1997

[Effect of smoking on blood rheology].

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cigarette smoking on biologic and rheologic tests, chiefly on the red blood cells (RBC) in measuring the deformability by the Cell Transit Analyser (CTA) and their aggregation by using an ultrasonic interferometry method based on A-mode echography allowed for the measurement of the accumulation rate of particles in a solid plate which is related to their sedimentation rate (Echo-Cell). Nine male smoker subjects with a high nicotine addiction measured by Fagerström questionnaire (> 8) and level of carbon monoxide (CM) in the breathed out air (> 20 ppm), have been compared with ten healthy no-smoker volunteers (CM < 3 ppm). One smoker has been eliminated of statistic evaluations because his glucose level showed a diabetes (10.5 mmol/l). A nailfold capillaroscopy performed in all subjects has eliminated the patterns of latent vasculitis or scleroderma. RBC and platelets counts, hemoglobin, ionogram, gamma GT, ASAT, ALAT, uric acid, total cholesterol and glucose levels were not significantly different between the two groups. On the other hand, in the smoker group, white blood cells count, serum triglycerides and especially fibrinogen values were higher than in the non-smoker's group. RBC sedimentation rate was normal in the two groups but was higher in smoker's group too. Without consumption of alcohol, the mean RBC volume was more important in smokers (91.9 +/- 1.2 versus 87.5 +/- 0.4, p = 0.003). Rheologic tests were more pathologic in smokers. The transit time or RBC by CTA was longer than in control group (1.6 ms +/- 0.02 versus 1.2 +/- 0.05, p = 0.0003). Echo-Cell technic showed a number and size of RBC aggregates more important with a rate of speed of accumulation higher than in the control group. These results demonstrated the toxic effects of smoking alone on blood toward a propensity for thrombotic status.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Treatment of moderate arterial hypertension with physical exercise].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the anti-hypertensive effect of physical exercise programs with that of usual therapeutic regimens. METHODS: Blood pressure measurements at rest and during exercise were compared in two groups of patients with moderately high blood pressure treated either medically or with physical exercise. Outcome was evaluated at 5 years. RESULTS: In the first group there were 28 patients who were given drug treatment (excepting beta blockers). In the second group, 53 patients performed regular physical exercises specifically prescribed. After 5 years, the analysis of variance confirmed that physical exercise had a real anti-hypertensive effect. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise can be an effective mean of treating moderately high blood pressure with a more prolonged effect than drug regimens.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Pulmonary clearance and lung function: influence of acute tobacco intoxication and of vitamin E.

Cigarette smoking increases the alveolar epithelial permeability to small solutes, as assessed by the pulmonary clearance of aerosolized 99mTc-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetate. The involvement of lipid peroxidation in this increased clearance was tested in eight asymptomatic young smokers by investigating the effects of a 3-wk supplementation with oral vitamin E (1,000 IU/day) on pulmonary clearance according to a protocol designed as a single-blind crossover study. Indexes of acute tobacco intoxication (exhaled CO, carboxyhemoglobin, and urinary cotinine) and lung function parameters [including Krogh factor (KCO)] were also studied. Under control conditions, pulmonary clearance was abnormally increased (2.93 +/- 0.78%/min), whereas KCO was in the normal range. Pulmonary clearance correlated strongly with expired CO (P < 0.04), HbCO (P < 0.005), urinary cotinine (P < 0.003), and KCO (P < 0.004). Supplementation with vitamin E, a highly efficient antioxidant, neither decreased the pulmonary clearance nor altered the above correlations. However, the strong correlations observed between pulmonary clearance and indexes of acute tobacco intoxication, which reflect the amount of inhaled smoke and the resultant oxidant stress, do not allow exclusion of the involvement of lipid peroxidation in the pulmonary clearance increase observed in smokers.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Tobacco smoking induces expression of very-high-affinity nicotine binding sites on blood polymorphonuclear cells.

The targets of nicotine in the central nervous system (CNS) have been identified as nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors. Because of their localization in the brain, no data are available about their in vivo modifications. However, nonneuronal nicotine binding sites have been identified on peripheral blood cells. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of tobacco smoking on granulocyte nicotine binding sites. Binding assays were performed on granulocyte membranes using (-)(3H)nicotine and were analyzed by the Scatchard method in nonsmokers (n=10), smokers (n=10), and ex-smokers (n=10). In nonsmokers, a single-affinity binding site was detected with Kd = 1.08 +/- 0.05 x 10 -9 M. In contrast, in smokers, two different classes of binding sites were identified: one with Kd1 = 2.80 +/- 0.81 x 10 -11 M and another with Kd2 = 3.92 +/- 0.58 x 10 -9 M, similar to the binding site in nonsmokers. Moreover, a twofold increase in nicotine binding-site density was observed in smokers. Ex-smokers recovered a single class of binding sites similar to those observed in nonsmokers when they had stopped smoking for more than 1 yr, whereas recent ex-smokers (1 to 8 mo) displayed a pattern similar to that in smokers, as demonstrated by the persistence of two classes of nicotine binding sites. Chronic nicotine exposure induces modifications of nicotine binding sites on granulocytes. It is noteworthy that the persistence of such alterations corresponds to the very high rate of relapse into smoking observed during the early stages of tobacco cessation. Consequently, monitoring of nicotine binding sites could constitute an interesting approach to understanding the pharmacologic mechanisms involved in tobacco dependence.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Low-dose angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor captopril to reduce proteinuria in adult idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a prospective study of long-term treatment.

The objective of this trial was to determine the long-term antiproteinuric effect of a low-dose of the angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) captopril in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), stable renal function, and no indicators of poor long-term prognosis. Fourteen adult IMN outpatients (median age 53 years) with a median duration of disease of 3 years received 12.5 mg of captopril twice a day for 12 months in a prospective trial. The effects of therapy were evaluated on the basis of plasma creatinine, 24-h proteinuria, the proteinuria selectivity index, albuminaemia, and serum IgG levels. Data were compared by means of the non-parametric paired Wilcoxon test. Three patients withdrew from the trial. Renal function remained stable in the 11 who completed the study. A clear decrease in proteinuria was observed after 1 month of therapy, which persisted with time and was associated with a trend towards a further long-term decrease. An increase in serum albumin was only observed after 6 months of therapy, again with a trend towards an increase over time. Serum IgG levels increased during therapy. This study together with data from the literature suggests a potential long-term benefit of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors in moderately proteinuric IMN. Prospective trials comparing low-dose and high-dose ACEI to no treatment or a placebo in non-severe IMN are now required.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Effect of smoking on the fetus and the child during pregnancy].

Cigarette smoking remains a frequent problem during pregnancy. Nicotine has deleterious effects on the foetus. The most common problem remains "small for date" babies. However, this is a minor problem compared with two major toxic consequences: intellectual impairment and increased rate of infantile cancer. Many studies have shown diminished intellectual capacity, behavioural problems and an increase of sudden infant death syndrome. The cancerigenic and genotoxic effects of smoking are well documented with recent studies showing the genotoxicity of amniotic fluid in smoking pregnant women and lymphocyte chromosome mutation in newborns. The frequency of cancers, particularly leukaemia, lymphoma and cerebral tumours are increased in children born to women who smoke during pregnancy. It is therefore excessively important to help pregnant women and their doctors become aware of the toxic effects of active or passive smoking in pregnancy and encourage the patients and their friends and relations to stop smoking as soon as pregnancy is diagnosed or if it's possible before the pregnancy.

Developmental Disabilities↗
PubMed1994

High-dose immunoglobulin therapy for severe IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if polyvalent IgG is promising therapy for severe IgG nephropathy. DESIGN: Open prospective cohort study. SETTING: Referral nephrology unit. PATIENTS: 11 adult patients with severe IgA nephropathy (9 who had idiopathic disease and 2 who had Henoch-Schönlein purpura) and indicators of poor prognosis. INTERVENTION: Patients were given high-dose immunoglobulins (2 g/kg each month) for 3 successive months, followed by intramuscular immunoglobulins (preparation content, 16.5%; 0.35 mL/kg every 15 days) for another 6 months. MEASUREMENTS: Histologic changes were analyzed by comparing pre- and post-therapy renal biopsy specimens blindly, using an activity index (14-point scale), a sclerosis index (10-point scale), and a semiquantitative immunofluorescence test of immune deposits. Proteinuria, hematuria, leukocyturia, enzymuria, and global renal function (creatinine and polyfructosan clearances) were evaluated before and after intervention. RESULTS: Proteinuria (median level before intervention, 5.20 g/d; median level after intervention, 2.25 g/d), hematuria, and leukocyturia decreased substantially. The decrease in glomerular filtration rate was greatly slowed or stopped (median rate of decline in glomerular filtration before, -3.78 mL/min per month; after, 0 mL/min per month). The histologic index of activity (median index before, 5; after, 2) and the staining intensity of glomerular IgA and C3 deposits also decreased. Immunoglobulin therapy was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Immunoglobulin therapy may be effective in treating severe IgA nephropathy and protecting renal function. However, prospective controlled trials must confirm these preliminary results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Smoking cessation methods: recommendations for health professionals. Advisory Group of the European School of Oncology.

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death. Approximately 40% of Europeans now smoke. Many smokers want to stop but do not make the attempt, and of those who try, most are unsuccessful. Primary care health providers can help their patients to stop by using brief behavioural and pharmacological interventions. Specialised smoking cessation clinics can support selected patients referred by primary care providers. This report reviews intervention techniques for health care providers, which, in combination with effective legislative and educational interventions, can significantly reduce the prevalence of smoking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Toxicology of tobacco].

Tobacco is one of the major toxic agents in our civilization. The extent and severity of the current smoking epidemics are due to the use of industrial cigarettes: their smoke, less irritant than that of cigars and pipe, can be inhaled intensively with rapid absorption of all toxic compounds. Tobacco smoke is composed of a gas phase (CO2, CO, CNH, etc.) and a particle phase (a very fine aerosol) in which more than 4000 substances have been identified. The main toxic compounds in tobacco are Co, nicotine and tars. CO binds to haemoglobin to form COHb, a major factor of hypoxia and vascular accidents. Within a few seconds, nicotine reaches the brain where it binds to specific receptors, which explains its psycho-active effects (psychological dependence) and the induction of physical dependence. This dual dependence is responsible for the failures and relapses observed in attempted withdrawals. Furthermore, nicotine stimulates the sympathetic system with hypersecretion of catecholamines resulting in vascular complications. Tars contain carcinogenic substances, such as aromatic hydrocarbons, which exert local effects on the respiratory tract and systemic effects since they are absorbed by the lungs; this explains the remote neoplasias such as cancer of the bladder. Tars also contain irritant agents (acrolein, formaldehyde, etc.) and oxidative substances responsible for chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Thus, all organs and tissues can be damaged by the toxic compounds that are present in tobacco and, in particular, in tobacco smoke.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

Long-term cyclosporin A therapy for severe idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Fifteen patients with nephrotic idiopathic membranous nephropathy (MN) with predictors of poor outcome were treated with a long cyclosporin A (CyA) regimen at the dose of 4-5 mg/kg/day for a median period of 15 months (range 12-30). Four of the 15 patients did not respond to CyA, and the therapy was discontinued after 4 months. A partial remission (proteinuria < 2 g/day) was observed in 7 of 15 patients and a complete remission (proteinuria < 0.2 g/day) in 4 of 15 patients; good results (partial+complete remission) were, thus, obtained in 11 of 15 patients (73%). Two patients are still receiving therapy. A relapse of the nephrotic syndrome occurred in 3 of 9 patients on withdrawal of CyA, but the relapse remained sensitive to CyA. Side effects were mild. We conclude that CyA may be efficient in the treatment of MN and should be evaluated in controlled trials.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Proteinuria selectivity index--prognostic value in lipoid nephrosis and related diseases.

In order to predict the steroid response in lipoid nephrosis (LN), we studied age, sex, proteinuria level, histological features and proteinuria selectivity index (SI; ratio between IgG and transferrin clearances) in 52 LN cases (minimal-change disease: n = 39; focal glomerulosclerosis+IgM nephropathy: n = 13). The multivariate analysis showed that age, sex and proteinuria level were not contributive, whereas histology and SI were. The predictive value of SI was much higher than that of histological type (McFadden's r2: 47% vs. 22%, p < 0.001). Thus, SI should be systemically assessed in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome for reviewing the pathologic classification obtained by histology. However, if its prognostic value is lower than that of selectivity, initial renal biopsy remains necessary for diagnosis in adults.

Adolescent↗