Screening of hepatocellular carcinoma in French patients.
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
Biomedical subjects
G Pelletier
Publications and source records attributed to G Pelletier.
Trans fatty acid isomers in Canadian human milk.
The fatty acid composition, total trans content (i.e., sum of all the fatty acids which may have one or more trans double bonds) and geometric and positional isomer distribution of unsaturated fatty acids of 198 human milk samples collected in 1992 from nine provinces of Canada were determined using a combination of capillary gas-liquid chromatography and silver nitrate thin-layer chromatography. The mean total trans fatty acid content was 7.19 +/- 3.03% of the total milk fatty acids and ranged from 0.10 to 17.15%. Twenty-five of the 198 samples contained more than 10% total trans fatty acids, and thirteen samples contained less than 4%. Total trans isomers of linoleic acid were 0.89% of the total milk fatty acids with 18:2 delta 9c,13t being the most prevalent isomer, followed by 18:2 delta 9c,12t and 18:2 delta 9t,12c. Using the total trans values in human milk determined in the present study, the intake of total trans fatty acids from various dietary sources by Canadian lactating women was estimated to be 10.6 +/- 3.7 g/person/d, and in some individuals, the intake could be as high as 20.3 g/d. The 18:1 trans isomer distribution differed from that of cow's milk fat but was remarkably similar to that in partially hydrogenated soybean and canola oils, suggesting that partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are the major source of these trans fatty acids.
Canada↗
Involvement of serotonin in the regulation of GnRH gene expression in the male rat brain.
The role of serotonin (5-HT) in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis is still controversial. In order to evaluate the influence of 5-HT on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, we have investigated the effects of repeated administration (during 2 days) of 5-HT, the 5-HT1+2 receptor antagonist methysergide, the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin, and the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron on GnRH mRNA levels in the male rat medial preoptic area (MPOA), as measured by quantitative in situ hybridization. The treatment with 5-HT decreased by 32% the number of silver grains overlying labelled neurons. The administration of methysergide and ketanserin increased the hybridization signal by 32% and 29%, respectively. On the other hand, the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist did not modify GnRH mRNA levels. The present results clearly indicate that the serotoninergic system exerts a negative tonic influence on the biosynthesis of GnRH as evaluated by mRNA level measurements. They also strongly suggest that the influence of 5-HT in the regulation of GnRH neuronal activity is mediated via activation of 5-HT2 receptor, although an involvement of 5-HT1 receptors cannot be totally excluded.
Animals↗
Gallstone recurrence after successful lithotripsy.
We report the recurrence rate of gallstone within 5 years after successful lithotripsy. One hundred and fifty consecutive patients (solitary stones, 102 patients; multiple stones, 48 patients) were followed up for a median of 42 months (range 6-72) after stone clearance and cessation of bile acid therapy. No patient received any therapy to prevent recurrence. Thirty-seven patients developed recurrent gallstones. Probabilities of recurrence were (mean +/- SD) 6.6% +/- 2%, 15.7% +/- 3%, 22.8% +/- 3.6%, 29.7% +/- 4.5%, 32.2% +/- 5% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively. The recurrence rate was lower in patients who had solitary stones than in patients with multiple stones (26.1% versus 47% at 5 years, respectively; p<0.009 - log rank test). Only five patients developed recurrent symptoms or stone complication (14%). We conclude that the recurrence rate after successful lithotripsy is lower than expected from dissolution studies, due to a low recurrence rate in patients who had solitary stones.
Adolescent↗
Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on GnRH gene expression in the rat brain as studied by in situ hybridization.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal androgen that is converted into potent androgens and/or estrogens in peripheral tissues. To further investigate the potential role of DHEA in reproductive functions in the rat, we have studied the effect of 2-day administration of DHEA on GnRH gene expression in brain of sham-operated and castrated animals of both sexes. In the male rat, orchiectomy induced an increase in the hybridization signal. In sham-operated animals, DHEA decreased GnRH mRNA levels induced by orchiectomy. In orchiectomized rats, DHEA also depressed the amount of mRNA levels and then reversed the increase in mRNA levels induced by orchiectomy. In female animals, as observed in the male, castration produced an increase in the hybridization signal. In both sham-operated and ovariectomized animals, DHEA administration increased mRNA levels. These data clearly indicate that DHEA administration can modify neuronal GnRH gene expression in adult rats of both sexes, the effect being inhibitory in the male and stimulating in the female. This modulation of GnRH neuronal activity, which is probably exerted following the conversion of DHEA into active sex steroids, might be at least partly responsible for modifications of the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis induced by DHEA.
Animals↗
Investigation of the effect of coffee lipids on serum cholesterol in hamsters.
The effect of coffee total lipids (CTL), coffee non-saponifiable matter (NSM) and coffee diterpene alcohols (DTA) extracted from Coffea arabica beans on serum cholesterol in adult male Syrian hamsters was examined. The animals were fed either a commercial laboratory chow diet (study 1), containing 5% fat and low in saturated fat (1.46 g/100 g diet) and cholesterol (0.03 g/100 g diet) or a semi-synthetic diet (study 2) set in gelatine, containing 10% fat and high in saturated fat (4 g/100 g diet) and cholesterol (0.5 g/100 g diet). The coffee lipid extracts were dissolved in olive oil (concentration either 5 mg CTL, 0.5 mg NSM or 0.5 mg DTA per 250 microliters olive oil) in study 1 and in coconut oil (concentration either 20 mg CTL, 2 mg NSM or 2 mg DTA per 250 microliters) in study 2. A dose of 250 microliters of these solutions was administered daily to hamsters by gavage. Control animals received 250 microliters vehicle only. For serum lipid analysis, blood samples were obtained on days 0, 7 and 14 in study 1 and on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 in study 2. Statistical analyses of the data in Study 1 indicated a tendency for serum total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol to increase with administration of CTL, NSM and DTA. In contrast, in study 2 there were no significant differences in serum lipid levels between control and coffee lipid-treated groups across time. In either study, total serum cholesterol levels of the three coffee lipid groups were not significantly different from each other. These results support the concept that coffee lipids may be hypercholesterolaemic and indicate that diterpenes could be the lipid component responsible for such an effect. However, it appears that this hypercholesterolaemic effect is apparent only when the background diet is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. A high saturated fat/high cholesterol diet may mask the hypercholesterolaemic effect of coffee lipids.
Animals↗
Case study: dreamy state and temporal lobe dysfunction in a migrainous adolescent.
Symptoms of migraine can be very atypical during childhood and adolescence. This article describes a case in which the symptoms of migraine were mainly psychiatric: dreamy state, intermittent confusion, partial amnesia, and childlike regressive behavior with depressive features. Although the results from neurological examinations and electroencephalographic recordings were normal when the individual was symptomatic or not, temporal lobe dysfunction, determined by 99mTc-hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxamine single-photon emission computed tomography, was evident during the migraine.
Adolescent↗
Role of neuropeptide Y in the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the male rat arcuate nucleus as evaluated by in situ hybridization.
Neuroanatomical data have clearly demonstrated the existence of synaptic contacts between neuropeptide Y (NPY) endings and tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons in the rat arcuate nucleus. In order to determine the influence of NPY in the biosynthesis of dopamine, we have studied the effects of NPY and some NPY analogs on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression in TIDA neurons in the male rat. The following peptides: NPY, PYY, [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY (a Y1 receptor agonist) and NPY13-36 (a Y2 receptor agonist) were injected into the left lateral ventricle of adult male rats. All the animals were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde 4 h after injection. Cryostat sections through the arcuate nucleus were processed for quantitative in situ hybridization. The intracerebroventricular injection of NPY, PYY and [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY induced an increased of 43, 33 and 42%, respectively, in the number of grains overlying TH neurons. On the other hand, the Y2 receptor agonist NPY13-36 did not influence mRNA levels. These data then strongly suggest that NPY positively regulates the genetic expression of TH in rat TIDA neurons via the Y1 NPY receptor subtype.
Animals↗
Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on pituitary prolactin and arcuate nucleus neuron tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA levels in the rat.
It is well documented that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal androgen, is converted into potent androgens and/or estrogens in peripheral tissues. Since sex steroids are involved in the regulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion, we have studied the effect of DHEA administration on PRL mRNA levels in both adult male and female rats. Since tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons are involved in the negative regulation of PRL, we have also evaluated the effects of DHEA on the genetic expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis in TIDA neurons. Sham-operated and castrated animals of both sexes received during 2 days DHEA at the dose of 6 mg/kg/day, starting on the first day after castration. PRL and TH mRNA levels were measured by quantitative in situ hybridization. In the male rat, orchiectomy performed 3 days earlier did not modify PRL mRNA levels. DHEA administration increased the hybridization signal in both sham-operated and orchiectomized animals. In the female, ovariectomy decreased PRL mRNA levels and, as observed in the male, DHEA treatment induced an increase in the hybridization signal in both control and ovariectomized rats. In TIDA neurons, castration increased TH mRNA levels as evaluated by number of grains over labelled neurons and the number of TH-labelled cells per section in both male and female animals. In both sham-operated male rats and orchiectomized animals, DHEA decreased the hybridization signal. In the female, DHEA administration completely prevented the increase in TH mRNA levels due to ovariectomy. In sham-operated female rats, the treatment had no effect. These data clearly indicate that in both male and female rats DHEA exerts an estrogenic influence on both PRL and TH gene expression. Although these in vivo experiments do not allow to establish whether the stimulation of PRL gene expression is due to an action of the steroid on the pituitary or at the hypothalamic level or alternatively at both sites, it is likely that one of the mechanisms of action of DHEA might be related to a decrease in dopamine release following a depression of TIDA neuron activity.
Animals↗
Antibodies against p53 protein in serum of patients with benign or malignant pancreatic and biliary diseases.
Specific markers for pancreatic or biliary cancer have been developed in the past few years. Ca 19-9 has a good sensitivity but it is also increased in benign cholestasis. Mutations in the p53 gene are commonly reported in pancreatic cancer and can be detected by a serological analysis. The aim of this work was to find out the sensitivity and specificity of this new assay in diagnosing cancer of the pancreas or of the bile ducts. The presence of antibodies against p53 was determined by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 29 patients with pancreatic cancer, 33 with biliary tract cancer, and 33 with benign biliary or pancreatic diseases as controls. p53 Antibodies were detected in eight of 29 patients with pancreatic cancer (28%), in five of 33 patients with biliary tract (15%), and in one patient (3%) with stones of the common bile duct. The sensitivity and the specificity for the diagnosis of malignant biliary or pancreatic diseases were 21% and 96% respectively. It is concluded that the presence of p53 antibodies in the serum of patients with pancreatic and biliary diseases is specific for malignancy and independent from the presence of cholestatic disease.
Aged↗
Role of neuropeptide Y in the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in rat adrenal glands.
It is well known that the adrenal medulla contains high concentrations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) where it coexists with epinephrine and norepinephrine. In order to evaluate the possible involvement of NPY in the regulation of the chromafin cells of the rat adrenal medulla, we have studied the effects of NPY and some NPY analogs on the concentrations of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA. The following peptides, NPY, PYY, [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY (a Y1 receptor agonist) and NPY13-36 (a Y2 receptor agonist) were administered intravenously at the dose of 40 micrograms/100 g body weight. All the animals were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde 4 h after injection and cryostat sections of adrenals were processed for in situ hybridization using a 35S-labelled oligonucleotide probe encoding for rat TH. Optical density measurements performed in adrenal medulla demonstrated that the administration of NPY, PYY, and [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY induced a marked increase in the hybridization signal while the Y2 receptor agonist NPY13-36 did not affect TH mRNA levels. Then, these data clearly indicate that NPY positively regulates the genetic expression of TH probably via the Y1 NPY receptor subtype. They suggest that variations in the levels of circulating NPY or in the release of NPY by the chromaffin cells themselves (in autocrine and/or paracrine way) can increase the biosynthesis of catecholamines in rat adrenals.
Adrenal Medulla↗
Evidence for the involvement of chromaffin cells in the stimulatory effect of tachykinins on corticosteroid secretion by the frog adrenal gland.
The adrenal gland of the frog is innervated by a network of fibers containing two tachykinins (ranakinin and [Leu3,Ile7]neurokinin A), which both stimulate corticosteroid secretion from frog adrenal tissue. The aim of the present study was to determine the mode of action of tachykinins on the frog adrenal gland. Double immunolabeling of tissue sections with a monoclonal antibody to tyrosine hydroxylase and an antiserum to substance P showed that tachykinin-containing fibers are preferentially apposed onto chromaffin cells. Immunocytochemical labeling at the electron microscope level revealed that tachykinin-immunoreactive fibers establish close contacts only with adrenochromaffin cells. Ranakinin stimulated corticosterone and aldosterone secretion from perifused adrenal slices, but had no stimulative effect on dispersed adrenal cells. Cytoautoradiographic labeling of frog adrenal cells in primary culture with [3H]substance P revealed the existence of specific binding sites located exclusively on chromaffin cells. Microfluorimetric measurement of cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in cultured adrenal cells showed that ranakinin induced a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i in chromaffin cells (ED50 = 2 x 10(-7) M). In contrast, ranakinin did not affect [Ca2+]i in adrenocortical cells. The present results indicate that in the frog adrenal gland, tachykinin-containing fibers make preferential contacts with chromaffin cells, and tachykinins directly activate chromaffin cells. These data suggest that the stimulative effect of tachykinins on corticosteroid secretion is mediated via presynaptic activation of adrenochromaffin cells.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
The effect of feed intake and growth hormone-releasing factor on lactating dairy cows.
Twenty-four lactating dairy cows, averaging 30.0 kg/d of milk and 159 d of lactation, were used to study the effect of feed intake and growth hormone-releasing factor in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. For the first 10-d period, cows had free access to a TMR and received a fixed amount of high moisture corn, protein supplement, and hay. In the second 10-d period, 12 cows were maintained on this high intake, and 12 cows received 70% of their previous intake (low intake). During the following 10-d period, each intake group was divided, and each of two subgroups (n = 6) received twice daily s.c. injections of saline or growth hormone-releasing factor (10 micrograms/kg of BW per injection). Feed restriction decreased milk production by 24%. Milk production increase was not different following growth hormone-releasing factor treatment for cows maintained at high intake (4.6 kg/d) or low intake (3.4 kg/d). Feed restriction increased concentration of growth hormone but did not affect IGF-I concentration. Growth hormone-releasing factor increased IGF-I concentration similarly for both intake groups but increased concentrations of insulin and IGF-binding proteins-1 and -3 only in the high intake group. Low intake did not affect growth hormone, IGF-I, or milk responses to growth hormone-releasing factor, but suppressed the increase in concentrations of insulin and IGF-binding proteins-1 and -3 following treatment with growth hormone-releasing factor for cows on high intake.
Animal Feed↗
[Endoscopic sphincterotomy: treatment of common bile duct lithiasis].
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Gallstones↗
[Common bile duct lithiasis: diagnosis and treatment].
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Gallstones↗
Inhibitory effect of 5 beta-pregnan-3 alpha-o1-20-one on gonadotropin-releasing hormone gene expression in the male rat.
Neuroanatomical data have documented the existence of synaptic contacts between gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) terminals and preoptic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the rat anterior hypothalamus. In addition, pharmacological studies have suggested that the GABAergic system may be involved in the control of gonadotropin release. Moreover, it has been shown that some progesterone metabolites such as 5 beta-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one (5 beta 3 alpha P) are able to interact with the GABAA receptor complex. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of chronic (5 days) treatment with the GABAA-positive ligand 5 beta 3 alpha P (20 mg/kg body weight i.p., twice a day) or with the GABAA agonist muscimol (1 mg/kg body weight i.p., twice a day) alone or in combination on GnRH mRNA levels in the preoptic area of the male anterior hypothalamus as measured by in situ hybridization. Treatment with 5 beta 3 alpha P produced a 30% decrease in the number of grains overlying labelled cells, while muscimol treatment decreased the hybridization signal by 36%. The concomitant administration of 5 beta 3 alpha P and muscimol resulted in a 46% decrease in the GnRH mRNA levels. This inhibitory effect was completely antagonized by the concomitant administration of picrotoxin (4 mg/kg body weight i.p., twice a day). These data suggest that the GABAA receptor complex and steroids that interact positively with this GABAA receptor complex may play an important role in the regulation of GnRH biosynthesis by hypothalamic neurons.
Animals↗
[Explorations of the common bile duct in the era of laparoscopic surgery].
The advent of laparoscopic surgical procedures has infatuated both patients and surgeons. Potential beneficiaries in France could number 50,000 per year for gall stone surgery alone. The affect this type of procedure could have on exploration of the common bile duct has led to a certain degree of controversy in the literature. From 10 to 15% of the patients who undergo cholecystectomy have a stone in the common duct and require specific treatment. The clinician thus must propose an exploration of the common duct and decide on whether it should be performed before, during or after cholecystectomy. The choice of the exploration technique is directly related to the planned surgical approach. Most surgeons have abandoned the dogma of systematic per-operative cholangiography. The risk of missing a stone in the common bile duct in patients with no suggestive clinical or laboratory signs has been evaluated at 0 to 2%, suggesting that per-operative exploration is needed only in symptomatic cases. Transcutaneous echography cannot be considered as the reference technique since its sensitivity in no greater than 80%, similar to intravenous cholangiography. Reliable exploration currently relies on two techniques: endoscopic retrograde cholangiography which gives the diagnosis in 95% of the cases and echoendoscopy which has the advantage of a lower rate of complications. Other new improvements including miniaturization of the endoscopes are currently being tested. The correct approach must take into account the planned surgical procedure, the age and clinical situation of the patient and the experience of the operators with each technique.
Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗
Involvement of an autoregulatory mechanism for the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene expression in neurons in the rat preoptic area.
To verify the hypothesis that GnRH neurons can influence each other, we have studied the effects of GnRH, a potent GnRH agonist (Des-Gly10, D-Ala6-proethylamide9)-GnRH and a GnRH antagonist Antide on GnRH gene expression in the male rat preoptic area (POA). Hypophysectomized rats received into the left lateral brain ventricle either the vehicle or each of the peptides. GnRH mRNA levels in neurons in POA were evaluated by quantitative in situ hybridization using a 35S-labelled 48-base oligonucleotide. In hypophysectomized animals, a 18% decrease in the number of silver grain overlying GnRH neurons was observed as compared to intact animals. In hypophysectomized animals neither GnRH nor the GnRH agonist modified GnRH mRNA levels. On the other hand, the administration of Antide induced a 34% increase in the levels of GnRH mRNA. These results suggest that GnRH exerts a negative regulation of the GnRH gene expression in neurons in the POA probably via GnRH receptors.
Animals↗