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Biomedical subjects

I Gorin

Publications and source records attributed to I Gorin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PTCH mutations and deletions in patients with typical nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome and in patients with a suspected genetic predisposition to basal cell carcinoma: a French study.

The patched (PTCH) mutation rate in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) reported in various studies ranges from 40 to 80%. However, few studies have investigated the role of PTCH in clinical conditions suggesting an inherited predisposition to basal cell carcinoma (BCC), although it has been suggested that PTCH polymorphisms could predispose to multiple BCC (MBCC). In this study, we therefore performed an exhaustive analysis of PTCH (mutations detection and deletion analysis) in 17 patients with the full complement of criteria for NBCCS (14 sporadic and three familial cases), and in 48 patients suspected of having a genetic predisposition to BCC (MBCC and/or age at diagnosis < or =40 years and/or familial BCC). Eleven new germline alterations of the PTCH gene were characterised in 12 out of 17 patients harbouring the full complement of criteria for the syndrome (70%). These were frameshift mutations in five patients, nonsense mutations in five patients, a small inframe deletion in one patient, and a large germline deletion in another patient. Only one missense mutation (G774R) was found, and this was in a patient affected with MBCC, but without any other NBCCS criterion. We therefore suggest that patients harbouring the full complement of NBCCS criteria should as a priority be screened for PTCH mutations by sequencing, followed by a deletion analysis if no mutation is detected. In other clinical situations that suggest genetic predisposition to BCC, germline mutations of PTCH are not common.

Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome↗

Remission from Kaposi's sarcoma on HAART is associated with suppression of HIV replication and is independent of protease inhibitor therapy.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) reduces the incidence and improves the prognosis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). This study was designed to identify factors associated with KS clinical responses in HIV-infected patients during HAART. We reviewed the files of 138 HIV-1-infected patients with KS. Epidemiologic and HIV-related clinical and biological parameters were recorded at KS diagnosis (baseline) and every 6 months thereafter. In a subset of 73 antiretroviral-naive patients, we compared the clinical outcome of KS according to the use or nonuse of protease inhibitors (PI). After 6 months of follow-up, KS remission was more frequent in patients who were naive of HAART and who were at ACTG stage S0 at baseline (P = 0.03 and 0.02). Undetectable HIV viral load was strongly associated with KS remission (P< or = 0.004 at all time points), while CD4 cell count was not. Among the 73 antiretroviral-naive patients at baseline, and who were studied for 24 months, KS outcome did not differ between patients who were prescribed PI-containing and PI-sparing regimens. Intercurrent multicentric Castleman's disease was associated with poor outcome after 60 months of follow-up (P< or = 0.0001). Fourteen deaths occurred after a median follow-up of 37.5 months, eight of which were KS related. Suppression of HIV replication appears to be crucial to control KS. Non-PI-based regimens were equivalent to PI-based regimens as regards the clinical and virological outcome of antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected patients with KS.

Adult↗

[Value of high frequency (20mhZ) and doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of pigmented cutaneous tumors].

PURPOSE: Diagnosis of pigmented skin tumors is often difficult. The aim of the present study is to evaluate high frequency ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound in the localization and the characterization of these tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy six pigmented skin tumors including melanocytic and non melanocytic, benign and malignant lesions have been examined before resection using high frequency ultrasound (20MHz probe) and Doppler ultrasound (13MHz probe-Doppler frequency: 7MHz). Imaging data have been correlated with histological data, available in all cases. RESULTS: Tumors seen at ultrasound were hypoechoic lesions, some of which, particularly malignant melanocytic tumors were vascularized. Precise ultrasonographic location of the tumor was correlated to its histological location: epidermis for purely epidermal proliferations (seborrheic keratoses), superficial dermis for dermal proliferations originating from epidermis (benign dermal nevi, melanomas during vertical growth phase, basal cell carcinomas), middle and deep dermis for dermal proliferations originating from dermis (fibrous histiocytomas, angiomas). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound may help in assessing positive and differential diagnosis of pigmented skin tumors as it precises, before histological examination, the exact location of the lesion within the different skin layers and its origin. As far as malignant melanocytic tumors are concerned, high frequency ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound appear promising in diagnosis algorithm and pronosic of these lesions.

Adolescent↗

[Androgenic alopecia revealing an androgen secreting ovarian tumor].

INTRODUCTION: Androgen-producing tumors of the ovary are rare in postmenopausal women and are revealed by severe virilization. Leydig hilus cell tumors are the most frequent postmenopausal virilizing tumors. In this report, an unusual and rare cause of alopecia due to Leydig cell hyperplasia within the wall of a simple cyst and in the ovarian hilus is described. OBSERVATION: An 80 year-old woman complained of a 10-year history of severe androgenic alopecia associated with very mild facial hirsutism, without others signs of virilization. Hormonal blood levels showed markedly elevated testosterone. Computed tomographic scan of the adrenals and the ovaries revealed an enormous left ovarian cystic mass. Bilateral hystero-ophorectomy was performed. Histological examination demonstrated bilateral Leydig cell hyperplasia within the wall of the cyst and in the right ovarian hilus. Two months postoperative hormonal evaluation demonstrated dramatically decreased plasma levels of testosterone. COMMENTARY: The clinical, X ray and histologic aspects of this case, although rare, show that the presence of virilization should lead to a search for an androgen-secreting ovarian or adrenal tumor.

Aged↗

Individuals with presumably hereditary uveal melanoma do not harbour germline mutations in the coding regions of either the P16INK4A, P14ARF or cdk4 genes.

In familial cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), disruption of the retinoblastoma (pRB) pathway frequently occurs through inactivating mutations in the p16 (p16INK4A/CDKN2A/MTS1) gene or activating mutations in the G1-specific cyclin dependent kinase 4 gene (CDK4). Uveal malignant melanoma (UMM) also occurs in a familial setting, or sometimes in association with familial or sporadic CMM. Molecular studies of sporadic UMM have revealed somatic deletions covering the INK4A-ARF locus (encoding P16INK4A and P14ARF) in a large proportion of tumours. We hypothesized that germline mutations in the p16INK4A, p14ARF or CDK4 genes might contribute to some cases of familial UMM, or to some cases of UMM associated with another melanoma. Out of 155 patients treated at the Institut Curie for UMM between 1994 and 1997, and interviewed about their personal and familial history of melanoma, we identified seven patients with a relative affected with UMM (n = 6) or CMM (n = 1), and two patients who have had, in addition to UMM, a personal history of second melanoma, UMM (n = 1), or CMM (n = 1). We screened by polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism the entire coding sequence of the INK4A-ARF locus (exon 1alpha from p16INK4A, exon 1beta from p14ARF, and exons 2 and 3, common to both genes), as well as the exons 2, 5 and 8 of the CDK4 gene, coding for the functional domains involved in p16 and/or cyclin D1 binding. A previously reported polymorphism in exon 3 of the INK4A-ARF locus was found in one patient affected with bilateral UMM, but no germline mutations were detected, either in the p16INK4A, p14ARF or CDK4 genes. Our data support the involvement of other genes in predisposition to uveal melanoma.

Adult↗

[Adherence to antiretroviral treatments with a protease inhibitor in HIV-infected patients].

OBJECTIVE: Long-term therapeutic success of powerful antiretroviral treatments dependent on patient adherence. This study was conducted to assess the difficulties HIV-infected patients with advanced-stage disease encounter in adhering to antiretroviral treatments with a protease inhibitor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted at our outpatient clinic for 2 months. CD4 counts and HIV viral loads were also determined. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent of the study population which included 262 responded to the questionnaire. The survey was made a median 215 days after initiating the antiprotease treatment with indinavir (71% of the cases), ritonavir (13%), saquinavir (6%), or a combination of protease inhibitors (10%). At onset of antiprotease treatment, mean CD4 count was 171+/-150/mm(3) and mean HIV viral load was 75,000 copies/ml. The treatment was considered to be difficult to take by 43% of the patients; 66% stated they had forgotten to take their drugs at least once a month. It was most difficult to take the drugs prescribed for the afternoon. Shifts of 1 hour were observed in 58% of patients. Non-adherence was frequent (1 failure to take drugs per week), observed in 13% of patients. Most often, the patients stated they had forgotten to take their drugs because of occupational or relational difficulties (52%). Non-adherence increased with duration of treatment. The drug most often associated with non-adherence was indinavir (73%). Age and sex did not influence adherence. Mean RNA HIV serum level was lower than at onset of the antiprotease treatment in the most non-adherent patients. At the time of the questionnaire, there was no difference in serum RNA HIV level or in the percentage of patients with an undetectable level between non-adherent and adherent patients. CONCLUSION: This survey confirmed difficulties in adherence are frequent and worsen with time. No relationship was found between non-adherence and reduction in viral load, suggesting that a short-term effect of these very active drugs despite lack of perfect adherence. Other factors (pharmacology, sensitivity to antiretroviral drugs.) also play a major role in therapeutic success.

Adult↗

Distribution of human herpesvirus-8 latently infected cells in Kaposi's sarcoma, multicentric Castleman's disease, and primary effusion lymphoma.

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8, also called KSHV) is linked to the etiopathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD), and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). The universal presence of HHV-8 in early KS has not yet been shown. We used a mAb (LN53) against latent nuclear antigen-1 (LNA-1) of HHV-8 encoded by ORF73 to study the distribution of the cell types latently infected by HHV-8 in patch, plaque, and nodular KS, MCD, and PEL. In early KS, HHV-8 is present in <10% of cells forming the walls of ectatic vessels. In nodular KS, HHV-8 is present in cells surrounding slit-like vessels and in >90% of spindle cells, but not in normal vascular endothelium. In addition, HHV-8 colocalizes with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), a marker of lymphatic and precursor endothelium. In early KS lesions, VEGFR-3 is more extensively expressed than LNA-1, indicating that HHV-8 is not inducing the proliferation of VEGFR-3-positive endothelium directly. In MCD, HHV-8 is present in mantle zone large immunoblastic B cells. No staining for LNA-1 is seen in samples from multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and angiosarcoma, supporting the absence of any etiological link between these diseases and HHV-8.

Antigens, CD↗

The influence of highly active antiretroviral therapy on AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.

To assess the clinical and biological benefit of highly active antiretroviral therapy on AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), 13 patients with AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (five pulmonary KS and eight cutaneous KS) were prospectively followed for a mean duration of 12 months. Six patients were treated with specific anti-KS chemotherapy before or simultaneously with the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. Clinical response was assessed according to the AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) criteria. CD4 cell counts, plasma HIV-1 RNA and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) viraemia were measured at baseline and at different points. Among patients with pulmonary KS, we observed three complete responses (CR), one partial response (PR) and one progression. The median survival time after the diagnosis of pulmonary KS was 15 months with a median duration of the response after the discontinuation of specific chemotherapy for KS of 8 months. Among patients with cutaneous KS, we observed four CR, three PR and one stable response. A complete response was significantly associated with a reversal in HHV-8 viraemia (five of six vs. one of six; P = 0.02, Mann-Whitney test).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 infection measured by antibodies to a latent nuclear antigen in patients with various dermatologic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) has been detected in all epidemiological forms of Kaposi sarcoma (KS). The role of HHV-8 in dermatologic diseases other than KS is controversial. Some studies based on polymerase chain reaction findings suggest an association between HHV-8 and epithelial tumors of the skin, lymphoproliferative disorders, or pemphigus. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of antibodies against a latent nuclear antigen of HHV-8 in patients with various dermatologic diseases. DESIGN: An indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to search for HHV-8 antibodies. SETTING: Ambulatory or hospitalized patients from a university hospital associated with a research laboratory. PATIENTS: Eighty-three patients with various non-KS dermatologic diseases and 16 patients with KS who were seronegative for the human immunodeficiency virus. Controls were 100 healthy subjects living in the same area. RESULTS: Antibodies to HHV-8 were found in 100% (16/16) of the patients with KS and 3.6% (3/83) of the patients with non-KS dermatologic diseases: 1 patient with pemphigus vulgaris, 1 with discoid lupus erythematosus, and 1 with bullous pemphigoid. The prevalence of antibodies to HHV-8 in controls was 2% (2/100) and was not significantly different than the prevalence in patients with dermatologic diseases other than KS (P =.28). CONCLUSIONS: Our serologic study confirms the higher prevalence of HHV-8 antibodies in patients with KS and demonstrates that contrary to other human herpesviruses, HHV-8 is not a ubiquitous virus in France. We could not determine any causal association between HHV-8 and pemphigus or lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin.

Adult↗

[Absence of HHV-8 virus detected in immature hemangiomas in infants].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to search for the presence of HHV-8 DNA sequences in Biopsy specimens from hemangioma of the infancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 9 biopsies from hemangioma. DNA of human beta-globin gene and HHV-8 were searched for by PCR using specific primers. Amplified products were revealed after an hybridization with an internal probe digoxigenin-labelled. RESULTS: Human beta-globin gene could be detected in all samples illustrating the absence of PCR inhibitor. HHV-8 could never be detected in samples analyzed. DISCUSSION: Our study does not imply any causative role of HHV-8 in the pathogenesis of hemangioma. This result must be confirmed by serologic studies.

Biopsy↗

[Value of high-frequency (20 MHz)in the diagnosis of cutaneous tumors].

The purpose of the present study is to asses the value of high frequency ultrasonography (20 MHz), a new noninvasive imaging technique, in cutaneous tumors. Cutaneous tumors are clinically varied and their diagnosis is still based on histopathological analysis. 140 cutaneous tumors have been examined with US and imaging findings have been compared to the results of clinical and histological examinations. This study shows that high frequency ultrasonography, even though it cannot replace pathological analysis, may help the dermatologist in the positive diagnosis of some cutaneous tumors and in accessing the location and the in depth-extension of the lesions in the different layers of the skin.

Adolescent↗

Oxidative modulation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase in human fibroblasts: possible role in psoriasis.

Previous studies have established that cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity, as well as 8-azido-[32P]-cAMP binding to the RI and RII regulatory subunits, are decreased in cells from psoriatic patients compared to cells from normal patients. Here we show that the exposure of normal human dermal fibroblasts in culture to hydrogen peroxide and to oxygen free-radical generating systems decreased PKA activity, as well as cyclic AMP binding to the RI and RII regulatory subunits, to levels similar to those observed with psoriatic fibroblasts. Likewise, treatment of normal cytosolic preparations of PKA, as well as purified bovine PKA II, in vitro with free radical generating systems also resulted in decreased PKA activity and 8-azido [32P]-cAMP binding to the RI and RII regulatory subunits. Further, treatment of psoriatic fibroblasts with free radical scavenging agents such as vitamins E and C, and mannitol, and also with superoxide dismutase, restored the ability of RI and RII to bind 8-azido-[32P]-cAMP toward normal levels. Western blot analysis showed that the protein levels of the RI and RII subunits are similar in normal and psoriatic fibroblasts, and that the amounts of RI and RII are not altered by treatment of the cells with free radical-generating systems. These results suggest that oxidative modification may serve as a mechanism to alter PKA activity in human cells, and that an altered oxidative state may be involved in mediating the decrease in PKA activity and cyclic AMP binding noted in cells from psoriatic patients.

Animals↗

Exacerbations of clinical symptoms in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patients with multicentric Castleman's disease are associated with a high increase in Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus DNA load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The epidemiologic link between multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and the high frequency of KS herpesvirus (KSHV) detection in both diseases raise the question of a role of this new virus in the pathogenesis of MCD. To explore this hypothesis, the KSHV DNA load was investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 3 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with MCD at different points during the clinical course. Clinical parameters, such as fever and the presence of lymphadenopathy, were systematically assessed. Hemogram and C-reactive protein level determinations were performed as standard procedures. KSHV DNA load was investigated by means of semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction assay using peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the patients. A correlation between the variation in clinical and biologic parameters related to MCD and KSHV DNA load was found, suggesting a close relationship between KSHV and MCD in HIV-1-infected patients.

Castleman Disease↗

Lack of evidence of human herpesvirus 8 DNA sequences in HIV-negative patients with various lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin.

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is a new virus which has been reported in Kaposi's sarcoma and some lymphoproliferative disorders such as Castleman's disease and body-cavity-based lymphoma. Because HHV-8 shares homology with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), we searched for the presence of HHV-8 DNA sequences in various cutaneous T- and B-cell lymphoma by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Forty-seven HIV-negative patients with cutaneous lymphoma or large plaque parapsoriasis were enrolled in the study. For the detection of HHV-8 DNA sequences we used PCR followed by a hybridization with a digoxigenin-labelled probe and nested-PCR. HHV-8 DNA sequences could only be detected in a patient with large plaque parapsoriasis. Our study does not suggest any direct implication of HHV-8 in the pathogenesis of most cutaneous lymphoma. Serological studies will be helpful to appreciate if there is an epidemiological link between HHV-8 and cutaneous lymphomas.

DNA, Viral↗

Reductions in viral load and increases in T lymphocyte numbers in treatment-naive patients with advanced HIV-1 infection treated with ritonavir, zidovudine and zalcitabine triple therapy.

In order to test the hypothesis that a combination of protease inhibitors with nucleoside analogues-agents known to inhibit different steps of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) life cycle--is likely to prove more effective in reducing viral loads than either of those modalities alone, we performed a 60 week, open-label trial in 32 HIV-positive patients with depressed CD4 T lymphocyte cell counts but no active AIDS-defining illnesses. For the first 2 weeks, patients received 600 mg twice daily of liquid ritonavir, a protease inhibitor; then zidovudine 200 mg three times daily and zalcitabine 0.75 mg three times daily were added to the treatment regimen. Mononuclear blood cell fractions were analysed for infected cell levels, using a co-culture system. HIV-1 RNA in plasma was measured both by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (QcRT-PCR); lymphocyte counts were determined by standard laboratory methods. In the 2 weeks of ritonavir therapy, both the mean count of infectious blood cells and plasma HIV RNA levels decreased dramatically. Mean CD4 cell counts increased from 173 cells/mm3 at baseline to 286 cells/mm3; CD8 cell counts rose from 951 cells/mm3 to 1,141 cells/mm3. With the introduction of the nucleoside analogues, infectious cell counts and plasma virus dropped another log unit to a nadir at 8 weeks, while CD4 T lymphocyte counts continued to rise slowly. By week 28, 12 patients had withdrawn due to adverse events, none of which were life-threatening. At week 36, infectious material could not be detected in the cells of 10 of the 17 remaining patients; by week 60, four of the seven patients with residual viraemia at week 24 had undergone viral relapse. After the introduction of a more palatable capsule formulation of ritonavir at week 52, infectious cells and plasma virus were undetectable in 50-60% of patients. The combination of protease inhibitors and nucleoside analogues significantly reduces HIV load, and in some patients may suppress viral activity for sustained periods.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗