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Pascal Richette

Publications and source records attributed to Pascal Richette.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Oestrogens inhibit interleukin 1beta-mediated nitric oxide synthase expression in articular chondrocytes through nuclear factor-kappa B impairment.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the presence and functionality of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) in interleukin (IL)1beta-treated rabbit articular chondrocytes in culture, and to determine the mechanisms of 17beta oestradiol (E2) effects on IL1beta-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. METHODS: The presence and functionality of ERalpha were investigated by immunocytochemistry and transient expression of an E2-responsive reporter construct. iNOS expression and production were determined by transient expression of a chimeric iNOS promoter-luciferase construct and protein immunoblotting. Nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by the Griess reaction. DNA-binding activities of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activated protein 1 were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA)-ELISA assays. Nuclear translocation of p65 was studied by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: ERalpha was identified in the nucleus of chondrocytes. ERalpha efficiently transactivated a transiently expressed E2-responsive construct. On IL1beta treatment, ERalpha partially diffused from its nuclear localisation into the cytoplasm and its transactivation ability was impaired. Nevertheless, E2, tamoxifen and raloxifene efficiently inhibited IL1beta-induced NO production (-34%, -31% and -36%, respectively). E2 decreased IL1beta-induced iNOS protein expression (-40%). Transient expression of an iNOS promoter construct strongly suggested that iNOS expression was inhibited at the transcriptional level, and EMSA-ELISA assays showed that E2 reduced (-60%) the IL1beta-induced p65 DNA-binding capacity. Finally, the p65 nuclear translocation induced by IL1beta was also strongly decreased by E2. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support a reciprocal antagonism between oestrogens and IL1beta, ultimately resulting in the decrease of cytokine-dependent NO production through transcriptional inhibition of iNOS expression. This effect was associated with selective inhibition of p65 DNA binding and nuclear translocation.

Animals↗

Activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha pathway potentiates interleukin-1 receptor antagonist production in cytokine-treated chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) agonists protect chondrocytes against the effects of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). METHODS: PPARalpha expression and function in cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes were studied by Northern blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and transient expression of a luciferase reporter construct bearing the human IL-1 receptor antagonist (Il-1Ra) gene promoter. Chondrocytes were incubated in vitro with IL-1beta alone or in combination with CloFibrate (CloF) or other PPAR ligands. Proteoglycans were evaluated by 35S-sulfate incorporation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels were assessed by zymography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and MMP messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured by Northern blotting and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. IL-1beta and IL-1Ra soluble contents were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: CloF counteracted IL-1beta-induced 35S-proteoglycan degradation, gelatinolytic activity, and MMP-1, -3, and -13 mRNA expression. CloF also maximized IL-1beta-induced endogenous production of soluble IL-1Ra (sIL-1Ra). This stimulating effect on IL-1Ra gene expression was shown, by transient expression assay, to be transcriptional. Inhibition of sIL-1Ra expression by a specific small interfering RNA suppressed the effect of CloF on IL-1beta-induced MMP expression. The stimulatory effect of CloF was enhanced by cotransfection with wild-type PPARalpha and abolished by a dominant-negative PPARalpha mutant. Fenofibrate and WY-14643 displayed a similar stimulating effect on the IL-1Ra promoter, while rosiglitazone did not. Two PPAR response elements, an NF-kappaB-binding site, and a CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-binding site were identified in the IL-1Ra promoter. All 4 sites were necessary for mediation of the effects of CloF. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the notion that there is a PPARalpha-dependent mechanism that inhibits IL-1beta function in chondrocytes, which operates via an increase in sIL-1Ra production.

Animals↗

Successful treatment with rasburicase of a tophaceous gout in a patient allergic to allopurinol.

BACKGROUND: A 56-year-old white woman was referred to our institution with a 16-month history of severe, gouty, recurrent, acute polyarthritis involving the finger joints. She also had numerous small subcutaneous tophi in her hands. The patient was intolerant to allopurinol and had mild renal insufficiency attributed to uric-acid nephrolithiasis and interstitial nephropathy. INVESTIGATIONS: Physical examination, laboratory testing, X-rays of the hands, feet and pelvis, CT of the pelvis, microscopic analysis of an aspirate from a finger tophus. DIAGNOSIS: Tophaceous gout associated with urate nephropathy in a patient intolerant to allopurinol. MANAGEMENT: Acute polyarthritis was successfully managed by intravenous bolus methylprednisolone combined with codeine, diclofenac and low-dose colchicine. Rasburicase infusions combined with fenofibrate and sodium bicarbonate achieved to maintain serum acid uric below 360 micromol/l.

Allopurinol↗

[Arthrosis].

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Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Hypomagnesemia and chondrocalcinosis in short bowel syndrome.

Chondrocalcinosis is a result of deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in cartilage and fibrocartilage. Chondrocalcinosis is usually sporadic but has also been associated with a variety of metabolic diseases including hypomagnesemia. Reported cases of hypomagnesemia associated chondrocalcinosis were mostly due to renal genetic disorders such as Bartter's or Gitelman's syndrome. We describe 3 patients with chronic hypomagnesemia induced by short bowel syndrome who developed symptomatic chondrocalcinosis. CPPD crystals were identified by polarizing light microscopy in one patient. The underlying intestinal pathology was radiation enteritis in 2 patients and mesenteric arterial thrombosis in the third. Our observations strengthen the hypothesis of a role for magnesium in CPPD crystal deposition disease.

Aged↗

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma down-regulates chondrocyte matrix metalloproteinase-1 via a novel composite element.

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) induces degradation via hyperexpression of an array of genes, including metalloproteinases (MMP), in cartilage cells during articular degenerative diseases. In contrast, natural ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) display protective anti-cytokine effects in these cells. We used the PPAR agonist rosiglitazone (Rtz) to investigate PPAR-gamma isotype on IL-1beta-target genes. Immunocytochemistry, electrophoretic mobility shift, and transient transfection assays revealed a functional PPAR-gamma in chondrocytes in vitro. Rtz displayed significant inhibition of IL-1beta effects in chondrocytes. Low Rtz concentrations (close to K(d) values for PPAR-gamma, 0.1 to 1 microm) inhibited the effects of IL-1beta on (35)S-sulfated proteoglycan production and gelatinolytic activities and downregulated MMP1 expression at mRNA and protein levels. We have investigated the mechanism of action of Rtz against IL-1beta-mediated MMP1 gene hyperexpression. Rtz effect occurs at the transcriptional level of the MMP1 promoter, as observed in transiently transfected cells with pMMP1-luciferase vector. Transient expression of wild type PPAR-gamma enhanced Rtz inhibitory effect in chondrocytes, whereas a mutated dominant negative PPAR-gamma abolished it, supporting the role of PPAR-gamma in this effect. MMP1 gene promoter analysis revealed the involvement of a cis-acting element located at -83 to -77, shown to be a composite PPRE/AP1 site. Gel mobility and supershift assays demonstrated that PPAR-gamma and c-Fos/c-Jun proteins bind this cis-acting element in a mutually exclusive way. Our data highlight a new PPAR-gamma-dependent inhibitory mechanism on IL-1beta-mediated cartilage degradation occurring through DNA binding competition on the composite PPRE/AP1 site in the MMP1 promoter.

Animals↗

The ANKH gene and familial calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease.

Familial calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition (CPPD) disease is a chronic condition in which CPPD microcrystals deposit in the joint fluid, cartilage, and periarticular tissues. Two forms of familial CPPD disease have been identified: CCAL1 and CCAL2. The CCAL1 locus is located on the long arm of chromosome 8 and is associated with CPPD and severe osteoarthritis. The CCAL2 locus has been mapped to the short arm of chromosome 5 and identified in families from the Alsace region of France and the United Kingdom. The ANKH protein is involved in pyrophosphate metabolism and, more specifically, in pyrophosphate transport from the intracellular to the extracellular compartment. Numerous ANKH gene mutations cause familial CCAL2; they enhance ANKH protein activity, thereby elevating extracellular pyrophosphate levels and promoting the formation of pyrophosphate crystals, which produce the manifestations of the disease. Recent studies show that growth factors and cytokines can modify the expression of the normal ANKH protein. These results suggest a role for ANKH in sporadic CPPD disease and in CPPD associated with degenerative disease.

Animals↗

Structure-modifying agents for osteoarthritis: an update.

The terms "chondroprotective" and "structure-modifying" were coined to identify a class of drugs capable of preventing, stabilizing, or repairing joint damage caused by osteoarthritis. The method of reference for evaluating structure-modifying effects in knee or hip osteoarthritis is the measurement of joint space loss on serial plain radiographs. Joint space width can be measured manually or by a computer. Several radiological techniques have been described for measuring joint space width in the medial femorotibial compartment of the knee and the superolateral part of the hip. Most studies of potentially structure-modifying effects evaluated slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis, which are currently used for their delayed symptomatic effect in osteoarthritis. Although most of these agents have shown promising effects in vitro, none has been proven to produce clinically meaningful structure-modifying effects in humans with osteoarthritis.

Animals↗

Cyclic tensile stretch modulates proteoglycan production by intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells through production of nitrite oxide.

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is the main pathophysiological process implicated in low back pain and is a prerequisite to disc herniation. Clinically, mechanical forces are important modulators of the degeneration, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not known and needs investigation to identify the biological target. The aim of this work was to study, at the molecular level, the effects of cyclic tensile stretch (CTS) on the production of proteoglycan by intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells since proteoglycans seem to be implicated in the dynamic process of intervertebral disc degeneration. Such cells of rabbit were cultured at high density on plates with a flexible bottom. CTS was applied with use of a pressure-operated instrument to deform the plates. With CTS at 1% elongation (1 Hz frequency), the level of (35)S-labeled neosynthesized proteoglycans that accumulated in the cellular pool or were secreted in the culture medium did not change, but at 5% elongation, the level was significantly reduced after 8 h of stimulation (30 and 21%, respectively) and further reduced at 24 h (43 and 41%, respectively). Introducing the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide had no effect on this result. Neither aggrecan and biglycan expression nor proteoglycan physical properties were modified. The level of nitrite oxide production significantly increased by 3.5 times after 8 h of 5% elongation. Introducing the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors N(G)-methyl-l-arginine or N-omega nitro-l-arginine diminished the effects of CTS on the production of nitrite oxide and proteoglycans. By contrast, introducing N-iminoethyl-l-lysine (a more specific inhibitor of inductible NOS [iNOS]) had little or no effect. Taken together, these results suggest that cNOS activation seems to be more implicated in the 5% CTS modulation of proteoglycan production than iNOS activation. These results suggest that CTS can help regulate the intervertebral disc matrix by decreasing proteoglycan production through a post-translational regulation involving nitrite oxide. This result could be of interest in the development of local therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling intervertebral disc degeneration.

Animals↗

Estrogens, cartilage, and osteoarthritis.

A role for estrogens in osteoarthritis is consistent with the larger increases in women than in men in the incidence and prevalence of hip, knee, and finger osteoarthritis after 50 years of age. Furthermore, hormone replacement therapy for the menopause seems to be associated with a decrease in the prevalence of symptoms and radiological alterations related to hip and knee osteoarthritis. The two estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERalpha and Erbeta) have been identified in normal and osteoarthritic cartilage, indicating that cartilage can respond to estrogens. Finally, in vivo experiments in animals and in vitro studies have shed light on the mechanisms by which estrogens may influence chondrocyte metabolism.

Animals↗

Modulation of proteoglycan production by cyclic tensile stretch in intervertebral disc cells through a post-translational mechanism.

Proteoglycan production is one of the major extracellular matrix components implicated in the dynamic process of intervertebral disc degeneration. Mechanical stress is an important modulator of the degeneration, but the underlying molecular mechanism at the proteoglycan level remains unclear. The aim of this work was to study the regulation of proteoglycan production by cyclic tensile stretch applied to intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells. Matrix metalloproteinases do not seem to be implicated in the regulation of proteoglycan production. By contrast, nitrite oxide production is induced by cyclic tensile stretch, in a time, intensity, and frequency dependant manner. Using a non-specific nitric oxide synthases inhibitor [NG-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMA)], we suppress totally the inhibition of proteoglycan production induced by cyclic tensile stretch suggesting the implication of nitric oxide synthases in the observed phenomenon. Introducing the transcriptional inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole or a more specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthases II [N-iminoethyl-L-lysine (L-NIL)] did not affect the decreased proteoglycan production, which suggests a post-translational regulation. In contrast, N-omega nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) a more specific inhibitor of NOS I and III abrogated the cyclic tensile stretch-dependant inhibition of proteoglycan production. These results suggest that cyclic tensile stretch regulates proteoglycan production through a post-translational mechanism involving nitrite oxide. This result could be of interest in the development of local therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling intervertebral disc degeneration.

Animals↗