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Biomedical subjects

M Dumas

Publications and source records attributed to M Dumas.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Feasibility of using quinine, a potential multidrug resistance-reversing agent, in combination with mitoxantrone and cytarabine for the treatment of acute leukemia.

PURPOSE: We demonstrated previously that sera from quinine-treated patients reversed the multidrug resistance (MDR) of a human leukemic cell line. We now report a phase I and II clinical study that examined the toxicity of the combination of quinine with mitoxantrone and cytarabine (Ara-C). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia were treated with quinine formiate (30 mg/kg/d in continuous intravenous (IV) infusion from day 1 through day 5 or 6) associated with Ara-C (1 g/m2 in 3-hour IV infusion twice a day for 5 days) and five increasing doses of mitoxantrone (from 8 mg/m2/d for 4 days to 12 mg/m2/d for 5 days). RESULTS: The main toxicity was severe myelosuppression: the mean times to leukocyte recovery (> 500/microL), granulocytes recovery (> 500/microL), and platelet count recovery (> 50,000/microL) were 23 days (range, 17 to 29 days), 30.6 days (range, 17 to 48 days), and 35.4 days (range, 14 to 75 days), respectively. The nonhematopoietic toxicity of this regimen was acceptable. Nausea and vomiting were common, but severe mucositis was observed in only two patients. Cardiotoxicity was limited to transient episodes of moderate supraventricular tachycardia and a clinically well-tolerated bradycardia. Tinnitus and vertigo were observed in 10 cases (67%), and mild hearing loss and transient increase of serum bilirubin were observed in six patients (40%). Total quinine serum levels reached a steady-state concentration between 6.4 and 18 mg/L in 24 hours. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in eight of 14 (57%) assessable patients, and partial response (PR) was achieved in two additional patients (14%). P-glycoprotein expression was detected on blast cells from five of 13 studied patients before treatment. A response was observed in all P-glycoprotein-positive cases. CONCLUSION: Quinine can be used safely as a potential reversing agent of MDR for the treatment of clinically resistant acute leukemias.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Human African trypanosomiasis: presence of antibodies to galactocerebrosides.

Improvements were made in the immunodetection of anti-galactocerebroside (anti-GalC) antibody in sera of patients with human African trypanosomiasis by thin-layer chromatography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunoadsorption. Rabbit anti-GalC antibodies were used to standardize these techniques and demonstrate their specificity. Anti-GalC antibodies were found in the sera of 42.8% of 63 patients with human African trypanosomiasis. Thirty-four control subjects living in the same endemic area were also tested. Anti-GalC levels were higher in human African trypanosomiasis patients with neurologic disturbances compared with patients without such disturbances. These antibodies were distributed mainly between the IgG and IgM classes, but 28% of the patients with human African trypanosomiasis had increased IgA levels without anti-GalC antibody activity.

Agglutination Tests↗

[Cysticercosis in the province of Kayanza (Burundi)].

Prompted by the diagnosis of two cases of cysticercosis in patients from the same province of Burundi, we conducted a study in this area to determine the cysticercosis incidence rate in this area of Burundi. Patients having presented with more than two convulsive seizures were studied. All of them usually eat pork. Diagnosis was established with the 3 following criteria: positive ELISA reaction in blood and/or CSF; presence of cystercus in subcutaneous node. Cysticercosis was diagnosed in 40 of the 98 investigated patients, 25 presenting a neurocysticercosis.

Animals↗

Study of evoked potentials in human African trypanosomiasis.

Human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness has a stage of neurological involvement characterized by the onset of diffuse meningoencephalitis with sleep disturbances and decreased wakefulness. The pathogenesis of this disease is not well understood. We studied auditory, visual, sensory, and motor evoked potentials in 16 patients with trypanosomiasis in the early stage of meningoencephalitis. In all patients, the brain-stem auditory evoked response (BAER) and the pattern-reversal visual evoked response (PVER) were normal. On the other hand, abnormalities of the somatosensory evoked response (SSER) or the motor evoked response (MER) were found in only five cases; however, their relationship to the illness could not be definitely confirmed. The study results indicate that the evaluated pathways were essentially intact, in particular at the level of the brain-stem in the early stage of the disease. Sleep disturbances and decreased wakefulness noted at this stage were thus linked more closely to functional involvement at the level of the sleep centres than to any detectable specific anatomic lesion.

Adolescent↗

Sufficient levels of quinine in the serum circumvent the multidrug resistance of the human leukemic cell line K562/ADM.

Reversal of multidrug drug resistance (MDR) has been achieved in vitro by a variety of agents including verapamil, quinidine, cyclosporine A, and amiodarone. The toxicity of these agents precludes the achievement of sufficient levels in the serum to circumvent efficiently the MDR in vivo. The authors previously demonstrated that quinine, the widely used antimalarial agent, is able to reverse primary resistance of rat colon cancer cells to anthracyclines. In this report, the efficiency of quinine formiate in reversing the doxorubicin (ADM) (Adriamycin, Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH) resistance of the well-defined MDR human leukemic cell line K562/ADM was demonstrated. In culture medium, quinine is slightly less effective than verapamil in increasing the cytotoxicity and uptake of ADM when both drugs are used at the same concentration. A nontoxic dose of 5 micrograms/ml is necessary to reverse the MDR in K562/ADM cells. In patients receiving quinine formiate in a continuous intravenous infusion, a significant correlation (r = 0.84) was found between the serum levels of quinine and the ability of sera to increase ADM uptake in K562/ADM cells. When quinine is administered at a conventional dose (25 to 30 mg/kg/d), serum levels consistently reach more than 8 micrograms/ml without severe side effects; ear noises and vertigo are the dose-limiting side effects. At these concentrations, quinine induces a more than double increase in ADM uptake in K562/ADM cells. Pharmacokinetic data indicate that quinine should be administered 24 to 36 hours before anti-cancer drugs in clinical trials that test its efficiency as a modifier of MDR in human hematologic malignant neoplasms.

Doxorubicin↗

Endoneurial proliferation of perineurial cells in leprosy.

In leprous neuropathy the perineurium has very often an abnormal multilayered appearance and is infiltrated by many different types of inflammatory cells. We report here 13 cases characterized by an abnormal endoneurial proliferation of fibroblasts which seems to differentiate in perineurial cells. In several instances there is formation of many intrafascicular microcompartments. Such aspects have been described in various, but infrequent, cases of experimental and human neuropathies. It seems that severe Wallerian degeneration, diffuse endoneurial macrophage infiltration and lesion of the perineurium might lead to such a process.

Cell Division↗

Galactocerebrosides are antigens for immunoglobulins in sera of an experimental model of trypanosomiasis in sheep.

In an experimental model of human African trypanosomiasis in sheep inoculated with Trypanosoma brucei brucei, we report an immunoglobulin reactivity towards central nervous system (CNS) glycolipids. Immunocharacterization of the glycolipid antigens was performed on thin-layer chromatography using peroxidase-labelled second antibody. An immunoreactivity against galactocerebroside antigens was observed in inoculated animals up to a dilution of 1:600 and was suppressed after immunoadsorption of sera on pure galactocerebrosides. As galactocerebroside antigen is responsible for demyelination in several experimental models, the relation between the important glycolipid immunoreactivity in inoculated sheep sera and the pathogenesis of CNS demyelination in African trypanosomiasis is suggested.

Animals↗

Seroepidemiology of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I/II in Benin (West Africa).

In 1988-1989, a national survey was conducted in Benin to determine the distribution of HTLV-I infection in a representative sample of adult individuals. This study comprised 2625 healthy subjects recruited in the six provinces of Benin and 1300 blood donors from Cotonou and from the other five provinces. Sera were screened for HTLV-I antibody by both immunofluorescence (IF) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Sera positive or doubtful by at least one technique were further analyzed by Western blot and radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) when indeterminate. Samples were considered as positive if they reacted with two gene products. No blood donor was positive. Over the 2625 subjects, 39 (1.5%) were positive. We observed a statistical difference between male and female (1%, 2%, p less than 0.05). A difference was also observed according to the areas studied: the HTLV-I antibody rate increased from coastal (0.3%) to northern (5.4%) provinces. HTLV-I seroprevalence increased significantly with age. This survey shows that HTLV-I infection exists in Benin but varies according to regions.

Adult↗

Influence of hydration on ultrafilterable platinum kinetics and kidney function in patients treated with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II).

It has been reported that hypertonic saline provides protection against the renal toxicity of cisplatin (CDDP). We therefore evaluated its influence on the plasma and urinary pharmacokinetics of ultrafilterable platinum and kidney function as estimated by creatinine, inulin and PAH clearance. We undertook a randomized trial including two groups of ten patients receiving 100 mg/m2 CDDP in isotonic (group 1) or hypertonic saline (group 2) by a 20-min infusion. The hydration consisted of dextrose in group 1 and isotonic saline in group 2. Maximal concentration (Cmax), protein binding and cumulative urinary excretion were significantly higher in the dextrose group. Urinary flow decreased in this group but not in the other one. Inulin clearance was higher in the dextrose group than in the saline group and P-aminohippuric acid (PAH) clearance was not significantly different in these groups of patients. Hyponatremia was observed in the dextrose group. These results suggest that hypertonic saline infusion and saline hydration may enhance the diffusion of CDDP into tissues, lowering Cmax and renal excretion of platinum. The reduction of protein binding may indicate a diminution of aquation of CDDP in plasma. Our results suggest that the infusion of CDDP in hypertonic saline with salt hydration could exert a protective effect on the kidney. Moreover, there is a lessening of the risk of cellular hyperhydration. However, the better influence of dextrose hydration on glomerular filtration leads us to recommend a combination of the two methods of hydration for better tolerance and efficacy.

Chlorides↗

Acute or subacute alcoholic neuropathy mimicking Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Over the last 10 years we have encountered 8 patients with chronic alcoholism who presented with severe symmetrical polyneuropathy, primarily proximal in 6, which evolved over a period of 24 h to 3 weeks. In 3 cases, artificial ventilation was required. Sensory symptoms were in all instances intense, and tendon reflexes absent. CSF protein levels were normal. The course was one of gradual improvement, often incomplete with residual motor and distal sensory deficits. Three patients died within 2 months to 2 years with multiple and severe pathologies attributable to chronic alcoholism. There was no evidence for disorders other than the alcoholism and malnutrition. Electrophysiological findings were consistent with predominantly axonal lesions and nerve biopsy specimens confirmed acute and severe axonal lesions. Several of these patients had been referred to us with a possible diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome due to the severity of the neuropathy and the rapidity of its onset (Landry syndrome). Acute alcoholic neuropathy is distinguishable, however, on clinical, electrophysiological and morphological grounds.

Acute Disease↗

Quinine circumvents the doxorubicin resistance of a multidrug resistant human leukemic cell-line, K562/DXR.

Reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR) has been obtained in vitro by a variety of agents but clinical use of these resistance modifiers is hampered by their own toxicity. Quinine, the natural isomer of quinidine, is demonstrated to circumvent doxorubicin (DXR) resistance of an MDR human leukemic cell-line, K562/DXR. In culture medium, quinine (5 mu/ml or more) significantly increases cytotoxicity and accumulation of DXR in the resistant cells but not in the parental sensitive cells. When quinine is administered by continuous intravenous infusion in the doses conventionally used in chloroquino-resistant malaria (30 mg/kg/d), serum levels reach 8-11 micrograms/ml without prohibitive toxicity. Sera from quinine-treated patients enhance DXR uptake in K562/DXR cells in dose-dependent fashion. The conditions for the safe use of quinine as an MDR modifier in the treatment of refractory human hemopoietic malignancies are defined.

Doxorubicin↗

[Cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis: epidemiological survey in North Togo].

An epidemiologic survey was carried out by a team of medical doctors working in the Kozah district of North Togo during April 1987. It was designed to evaluate the incidence of epilepsy and cysticercosis, taking a sample population of 5,264 subjects aged over 15 years old. 81.7% of the population feed on pigs which are allowed to roam freely in the vicinity of people's habitations. Cysticercosis (123 cases; incidence 23.3 cases per thousand) was diagnosed when one of the following three tests gave a positive result:--serum sample greater than or equal to 0.400 OD with ELISA test (101 cas),--identification of a cysticercosis cyst on anatomopathological examination of subcutaneous cysts (12 cases),--presence of typical calcification patterns revealed by cranial or muscle X-rays (21 cases in 18 patients). General epilepsy or partial motor fits were entirely clinically diagnosed (88 cases; 16 per thousand of population). Cysticercosis proved to be the cause of 29.5% epileptic sufferers, onset occurring after the age of 50 in 66% of these patients.

Adolescent↗

Pharmacokinetics of amiodarone in the isolated rat lung.

In these studies we examined the kinetics of amiodarone (Am) uptake and efflux in/from the lung, and the influence of other amphiphilics on these processes. We used single-pass perfused isolated lungs from rats. Medium containing Am (30 microM + 1 microCi of [14C]Am) was perfused through the lung for 20 min (uptake), followed by 20 min of perfusion with drug-free medium (efflux). Lack of metabolism enabled us to follow Am by measuring the amount of radioactivity in perfusate and lung. Other concentrations of Am (3, 60 and 120 microM; n = 2-4 each) were also examined. Inhibited uptake and accelerated efflux of Am were attempted with the pneumophilic amphiphilics chlorimipramine, chlorphentermine, chlorpromazine, verapamil and with the main metabolite of Am: desethylamiodarone (60 and/or 240 microM; n = 3-4 lungs each). Lung extracted Am extensively during uptake. The amount of Am accumulated at 20 min (inflowing concentration: 30 microM) averaged 1307 +/- 109 (S.E.) nmol/g, corresponding to a tissue to medium ratio of 43.3 +/- 1.6. Spontaneous efflux of Am was incomplete. At 40 min, 862 +/- 105 nmol of Am remained bound per g of lung, suggesting sequestration of Am in a slowly effluxable pool in which calculations show that more than 50% of the drug will ultimately persist. Uptake and efflux rates obey biexponential kinetics, indicating storage into two pools. Uptake rate and the amount of Am accumulated in lung at 20 min increased in proportion to inflowing concentration up to 60 microM. At 120 microM the increase was less. Neither amphiphilic was capable of inhibiting Am uptake, whereas only chlorphentermine significantly accelerated Am efflux.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amiodarone↗

[4 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome with axonal lesions].

We report the neurological features observed in 4 patients who developed a clinically typical Guillain-Barré syndrome. Electrophysiological and histological data displayed an unusual number of axonal lesions, although these were always associated with demyelination. These cases must be distinguished from the rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome with pure axonal lesions. Three patients had a poor functional recovery. This confirms the more severe prognosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome with major axonal degenerative changes.

Adult↗

Evaluation of the effect of furosemide on ultrafilterable platinum kinetics in patients treated with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum.

It has been reported that furosemide can prevent platinum nephrotoxicity by dilution of the toxic drug in the tubule or by another unknown mechanism. To evaluate its influence on ultrafilterable platinum pharmacokinetics, we undertook a randomized prospective trial of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) (80 mg/m2 by a 20-min infusion) administered to 20 patients with hydration-induced diuresis. Ten patients received 20 mg/m2 furosemide 1 h before CDDP administration, and 10 patients received no diuretic drug. Plasma and urinary pharmacokinetics of platinum and creatinine were compared in both groups of patients. Plasma total and ultrafilterable platinum was always higher in the furosemide group. However, protein binding, urinary concentrations, cumulative urinary excretion, renal clearance and creatinine clearance/renal clearance ratio (fractional clearance) were not statistically different. Moreover, the fractional clearance was successively lower, equal and higher than one in both groups. These results suggest that: (1) furosemide probably causes water depletion leading to a rise in plasma concentrations; (2) its protection by a pharmacokinetic interaction is doubtful, since all other parameters (especially urinary parameters) are not significantly modified; (3) renal clearance and fractional clearance suggest a bidirectional transport of platinum in the tubule not influenced by the diuretic drug.

Cisplatin↗