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M-C Vantyghem

Publications and source records attributed to M-C Vantyghem.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

[Calcium sensing receptor: physiology and pathology].

Calcium is a major ion in human metabolism and its level is highly controlled. This regulation is performed via the Calcium Sensing Receptor, a discovery which ten years ago led to the explanation of a number of clinical disorders. The syndromes caused by CaSR abnormalities are characterized by hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia, associated with inappropriate calciuria. An underlying genetic or auto-immune cause may be demonstrated. High blood calcium levels linked to mutations of the CaSR gene lead to familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and the neonatal and non neonatal forms with severe hypercalcemic. Hypocalcemia determined by mutations in the CaSR gene include autosomal dominant hypocalcemia and its sporadic form. Another clinical presentation similar to Bartter syndrome has been reported. Auto-antibodies directed against CaSRs, seen in auto-immune diseases, can lead to similar clinical presentations. Finally, CaSR polymorphisms modulate the range of blood calcium levels. With diagnosis of these diseases deleterious therapeutics can be avoided. The discovery of this receptor has led to new therapeutic prospects such as calcimimetics for hyperthyroidism.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Management strategies for brittle diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an intrinsically unstable condition. However, the term "brittle diabetes" is reserved for those cases in which the instability, whatever its cause, results in disruption of life and often recurrent and/or prolonged hospitalization. It affects 3/1000 insulin-dependent diabetic patients, mainly young women. Its prognosis is poor with lower quality of life scores, more microvascular and pregnancy complications and shortened life expectancy. Three forms have been described: recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis, predominant hypoglycemic forms and mixed instability. Main causes of brittleness include malabsorption, certain drugs (alcohol, antipsychotics), defective insulin absorption or degradation, defect of hyperglycemic hormones especially glucocorticoid and glucagon, and above all delayed gastric emptying as a result of autonomic neuropathy. Psychosocial factors are very important and factitious brittleness may lead to a self-perpetuating condition. The assessment of brittle diabetes requires quantification of the variability of blood glucose levels. To quantify instability, measures which have been developed, include Mean Amplitude of the largest Glycemic Excursions (MAGE), Mean Of Daily Differences (MODD), Lability Index (LI), Low Blood Glucose Index (LBGI), Clarke's score, Hyposcore, and continuous blood glucose monitoring. Once psychogenic problems have been excluded, therapeutic strategies require firstly, the treatment of underlying organic causes of the brittleness whenever possible and secondly optimising standard insulin therapy using analogues, multiple injections and consideration of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion. Alternative approaches may still be needed for the most severely affected patients. Isolated islet transplantation (IIT), which restores glucose sensing, should be considered in cases of hypoglycaemic unawareness and/or lability especially if the body mass index is < 25, but with current immunosuppressive protocols patients must have normal renal function and preferably no plans for pregnancy. Implantable pumps have advantages for patients who either weigh more than 80 kgs or have abnormalities of kidney or liver function or are highly sensitised.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1↗

[Hereditary hypophosphatemia in adults].

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets groups together X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR) and hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH, autosomal recessive). Clinical and biological characteristics and treatment depend on specific etiology. Mutations causing hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets involve PHEX located on Xp11.22 for XLH and FGF-23 located on 12p13 for ADHR. The gene involved in HHRH remains unknown: candidates may encode proteins that modulate phosphate transporter expression or activity. Others forms of rickets must be ruled out: acquired hypophosphatemia due to oncogenic osteomalacia, X-linked recessive hypophosphatemic rickets or Dent's disease, and hereditary 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets with a defect either in the 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene (pseudo-vitamin D deficiency rickets, PDDR) or in the vitamin D receptor (hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets, HVDRR).

Adult↗

[Iron overload and insulin resistance].

There is increasing evidence that moderately elevated body iron stores, below levels commonly found in genetic hemochromatosis, may be associated with adverse health outcomes. Genetic hemochromatosis, characterized by transferrin saturation (TS) greater than 45%, is most often linked to homozygosity of the HFE C282Y allele. The phenotype is also modulated by mutations of more recently discovered genes (including ferroportin, hemojuvelin, hepcidin, and transferrin receptor) and environmental factors (including alcohol, viruses, diet, blood loss). Iron overload without hemochromatosis is characterized by high levels of serum ferritin and normal TS, as seen in dysmetabolic hepatosiderosis. Elevated serum ferritin levels predict incident type 2 diabetes in prospective studies and have been associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, glucose tolerance disturbances, central adiposity, and metabolic syndrome. High ferritin levels are not synonymous with iron overload and may in some cases be a simple marker of insulin resistance.

Hemochromatosis↗

Acute insulin response of donors is correlated with pancreatic islet isolation outcome in the pig.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Unpredictability of islet isolation outcome remains a frustrating and costly issue in the clinical implementation of islet transplantation. The aim of this experimental study was to test the hypothesis that the donor's insulin secretory reserve, an in vivo surrogate of functional pancreatic mass, is correlated with the outcome of islet isolation. METHODS: Insulin secretory reserve was evaluated in 28 healthy adult minipigs prior to pancreatectomy and islet isolation. Blood glucose and insulinaemia were measured before and 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 90 min after glucose infusion. Following total pancreatectomy, islet isolation was performed according to Ricordi's semi-automated method, and the total number of islets obtained was determined. Fasting blood glucose, insulinaemia, acute insulin response (AIR), maximal insulinaemia and the glucose decay constant (K(G)) were calculated, and possible associations with the outcome of islet isolation were assessed. RESULTS: AIR and maximal insulinaemia after glucose injection were correlated with the outcome of islet isolation (p<0.01). Mean values for AIR and maximal insulinaemia were significantly different between animals in which islet isolation was successful (n=11) vs those in which it was unsuccessful (n=17) (77.6+/-13.7 microU/ml vs 42.3+/-7.8 microU/ml, p<0.05; 144.7+/-21.6 microU/ml vs 71.9+/-10.4 microU/ml, p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: This study suggests that the donor's pancreatic endocrine mass, as estimated by AIR, is a major determinant of the outcome of islet isolation in large mammals. Our results may explain the frustrating variability of human islet isolation outcome and could lead to a new approach for optimising the selection of brain-dead and/or living pancreas donors.

Animals↗

[Technique of pancreatic procurement for pancreatic islet isolation].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The allograft of pancreatic islets represents a potential alternative to insulin therapy in patients suffering from the most severe forms of Type 1 diabetes. Here we report our experience of pancreatic procurement for isolation and islet allograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pancreata were procured in brain-dead donors. The islets were isolated using techniques developed and validated in pigs and men. Injection of a given preparation was decided after quantitative and qualitative controls. Islets were transplanted in Type 1 diabetic patients already grafted with a kidney or suffering from severe and/or unstable diabetes, after percutaneous or surgical settlement of an intra-portal catheter. Patients received an "Edmonton-like" immunosuppressive protocol. Grafts were repeated once or twice until a total quantity of 10,000 transplanted islet-equivalents was obtained. RESULTS: Twenty-nine pancreata were procured and 14 preparations were grafted to 7 patients. Eleven graftings were done percutaneously and three were surgical. The initial function of the 14 transplants was confirmed by secretion of C-peptide and decrease of insulin doses. Insulin therapy was completely interrupted in the 5 patients having received at least two grafts. CONCLUSION: These preliminary clinical results confirmed that the isolation technique of human islets and the technique of pancreas procurement are mastered by our team. If the results of this assay (assessment one year after graft) confirm our hopes, we will be able to offer islet allografts to an increasing number of patients with severe Type 1 diabetes.

Animals↗

[Hypercalciuria].

The frequency of hypercalciuria is increasing in western countries with an incidence of nephrolithiasis which can reach 13%. Hypercalciuria appears as an alteration of the calcium transport system (kidney, bowel, bone) which is regulated by calcitriol and parathormone. The aim of this review was to screen etiologies of hypercalciuria taking into account recent genetic advances (calcium epithelial channel and calcium sensing receptor). Hypercalciuria may be favored by nutritional causes (diet rich in calcium, sodium, carbohydrates, proteins, poor in phosphates and potassium). It may also be related to an increase in calcium absorption (vitamin D excess, primary hyperparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, lymphoma, estrogens, and certain genetic causes), an increase in osteoresorption (bone metastasis, myeloma, Paget, hyperthyroidism, immobilization, hypercortisolism and corticosteroid therapy), or a decrease of kidney tubular resorption (diuretics, Cacci and Ricci, acromegally, Bartter, familial dominant hypocalcemia, Fanconi, Dent, familial hypomagnesemia-hypercalciuria syndrome, type 1 distal tubular acidosis, pseudohypoaldosteronism, diabetes). If no cause is identified, persistence of hypercalciuria after instituting a correct diet is defined as idiopathic hypercalciuria. Treatment of the cause is essential in secondary hypercalciuria, in addition to diet (low sodium intake, normocalcic diet, hydration), associated with thiazide diuretics and biphosphonates if necessary.

Biological Transport↗

[Epidemiological data and screening criteria of the metabolic syndrome].

THREE DEFINITIONS: The metabolic or X syndrome is defined by an association of metabolic anomalies leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Today, there are at least 3 definitions of X syndrome: those of WHO, EGIR and NCEP. To varying degrees they associate increased abdominal fat, hypertension, glucose tolerance abnormality (ranging from hyperinsulinism to diabetes), and hypertriglyceridemia with low HDL cholesterol. FROM AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome depends on the definition used and varies with the country or ethnic group considered. About 25% of the US and 10% of the French adult populations are concerned. THE RISK OF COMPLICATIONS: According to clinical trials, people with metabolic syndrome have a 2 to 4-fold increase in risk for coronary heart disease. Some of them have a particularly high risk (association of most features of the syndrome, association of an increased waist circumference and hypertriglyceridemia, presence of biological markers such as elevated C-reactive protein or microalbuminuria). Metabolic syndrome is also associated with a 4-fold increase in risk for developing diabetes.

Albuminuria↗

[Insulin resistance physiopathology].

AMONG THE BIOLOGICAL MEDIATORS OF INSULIN RESISTANCE: two compounds released by the adipocyte are found, such as free fatty acids and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. They are incriminated in the deleterious role of visceral adiposity on the metabolic parameters. INTRA-CELL CORTISOL: Attention is also focused on the potential implication of cortisol in the genesis of metabolic syndrome, because cortisol is a potent antagonist of the effect of insulin and its presence in excess enhances visceral obesity and insulin resistance. GENETIC ASPECTS: Although no major locus has yet been identified, recent findings of several mutations or polymorphisms in genes acting in different regulation systems (adiponectin, PPARgamma2) also provide an interesting insight into the pathogenesis of this syndrome. Moreover, there is growing epidemiological evidence that intra-uterine factors could induce a so-called programming of the individual that may, at least in part, account for the difficulties encountered by the classical genetic approach.

Adipocytes↗

[Treatment principles for the metabolic syndrome].

GENERAL PRINCIPLES: The general progression throughout the world in type 2 diabetes has lead medical Authorities to develop mass screening but also prevention measures, notably for "high-risk" subjects such as those exhibiting a metabolic syndrome. Studies on the topic have shown that preventing type 2 diabetes was possible via lifestyle changes, possibly in association with pharmacological therapy (metformine, acarbose, thiazolidinediones, orlistat). The other therapeutic stakes in the context of the metabolic syndrome also concern the management of all identified cardiovascular risk factors. REGARDING HYPERTENSION: there are currently no specific recommendations available in the framework of metabolic syndrome, with regard to lowering blood pressure and how to obtain it. However there is evidence that patients may benefit from the strict control of blood pressure (< or =130/85 mm Hg). REGARDING DYSLIPIDEMIA: LDL cholesterol remains the main target, with a goal depending on individual cardiovascular risk (<1 or 1.30 g/l in the case of metabolic syndrome). Statins are of major interest in this context. However, it is also established that normalisation of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol contributes to the improvement of cardiovascular Issues. The respective indications for fibrates or fibrate/statin associations still need to be defined in primary as in secondary prevention.

Algorithms↗

Thyroid carcinomas involving follicular and parafollicular C cells: seventeen cases with characterization of RET oncogenic activation.

Recent studies have focused on the occurrence of concomitant medullary-papillary thyroid carcinomas (MTC-PTC). The aims of this report were to compare the frequency of occult PTC in a population with MTC versus a control population that had undergone thyroidectomies and to check whether differences could be related to particular phenotype or genotype. To achieve these goals, we determined the frequency of occult PTC among patients operated for MTC (n = 82) or undergoing total thyroidectomy mainly for goiter and/or nodules (n = 7313) between 1994-2001. We then examined the clinical, histologic, and genetic characteristics (using a bio-chemical family inquiry and screening for RET germline mutations) of patients with associated PTC-MTC. Results show a significantly higher frequency of occult PTC in MTC (14.7%) than in total thyroidectomy (6.8%; p < 0.01). Seventeen cases of MTC or bilateral C-cell hyperplasia (CCH) and separate occult PTC were identified from 16 different families. Although common RET mutations providing evidence of familial forms of MTC were identified in only 3 of 16 families, clinical and histologic features usually seen in inherited forms of MTC such as young age of occurrence, bilateral CCH or associated case in family were found in 11 of the remaining 14 patients. In conclusion, results suggest that the association of MTC-PTC is not only a coincidence. Surprisingly, 11 of 17 MTC-PTC patients exhibited clinical, histologic, and/or family features usually encountered in familial forms despite the fact that no RET defect were present. This suggests the possible involvement of another gene or uncommon abnormality of RET gene.

Adult↗

[Thiazolidinediones in type 2 diabetes. Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma)].

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) form a new class of oral antidiabetic agents. They improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glycemia, lipidemia and insulinemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Their mechanism is original, since they activate the nuclear receptor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPARgamma), altering the expression of genes involved in glucose and lipid homeostasis. Stimulating PPARgamma improves insulin sensitivity via several mechanisms: 1) it raises the expression of GLUT4 glucose transporter; 2) it regulates release of adipocyte-derived signaling factors that affect insulin sensitivity in muscle, and 3) it contributes to a turn-over in adipose tissue, inducing the production of smaller, more insulin sensitive adipocytes. TZDs also affect free fatty acids (FFA) lipotoxicity on islets, improving pancreatic B-cell function. In addition, triglycerides and FFA levels are lowered by TZDs. Two TZDs, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, have recently obtained the European commercial licence, but their use is restricted to the association with metformin or sulfonylureas. At the moment, they are indicated in type 2 diabetes but could be of interest in a broader array of diseases related to insulin resistance. As for side effects, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone may cause increased plasma volume, edema and dose-related weight gain. TZDs offer an attractive option in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, though it may be too soon to determine if they prevent vascular complications, as do other oral antidiabetic agents. An important issue for the future will be to assess the influence of weight gain in the long time.

Adipocytes↗