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Biomedical subjects

V Fournier

Publications and source records attributed to V Fournier.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

No trend toward a spontaneous improvement of hyperparathyroidism and high bone turnover in normocalcemic long-term renal transplant recipients.

Although hyperparathyroidism is a common feature in renal transplant recipients, the long-term course of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion in these patients is not well established, and the actual contribution of PTH to posttransplant bone disease remains incompletely understood. Therefore, we studied calcium-regulating hormones and serum osteocalcin, as a marker of bone remodeling, in 82 normocalcemic renal transplant recipients with good renal function who had received a graft 6 to 73 months previously and in 82 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. In all subjects, fasting serum and 24-hour urinary samples were collected. The transplant recipients had excessive PTH secretion (serum PTH, 6.9 +/- 0.5 pmol/L in recipients v 3.0 +/- 0.1 pmol/L in healthy subjects; P < 0.001) and high bone turnover (osteocalcin, 16.6 +/- 0.8 microg/L v 8.0 +/- 0.3 microg/L; P < 0.001). (Values are mean +/- SEM.) In addition, transplant recipients had a slightly higher ionized calcium than the healthy subjects, providing definite evidence of an inappropriate PTH secretion in renal transplant recipients. Furthermore, in subgroups of 25 recipients and 25 healthy controls matched for creatinine clearance, the results superimposed those obtained in the whole groups, suggesting that excessive PTH secretion and high bone turnover in renal transplant recipients did not merely reflect the moderately reduced renal function of some recipients. In the whole group of transplant recipients, PTH correlated positively with osteocalcin (r = 0.40; P < 0.001), suggesting that PTH contributes at least partly to posttransplant bone disease. Conversely, there was no correlation between serum PTH or osteocalcin and the delay from grafting. Therefore, our results provide no evidence for a spontaneous improvement of either persistent hyperparathyroidism or high bone turnover in normocalcemic long-term renal transplant recipients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

In vitro characterization of rat bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and their precursors.

Although the rat is commonly used for basic immunology and transplantation research, phenotypic and functional characterization of rat dendritic cells (DCs) lags behind similar studies in the human and mouse. Therefore, these features were examined using DCs propagated from cultures of rat bone marrow maintained in a medium supplemented with granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor. Analysis of cytospin preparations of cultured cells showd that DCs arise from OX7+ myelomonocytic precursors. Typical mature rat DCs were morphologically similar to their mouse and human counterparts and expressed major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (common part determinant of Ia), OX62 (integrin molecule), OX7 (CD90), ICAM-1 (CD54), and CTLA4 counterreceptor, but were negative for OX8 (CD8), OX19 (CD5), W3/25 (CD4), and ED2, a rat macrophage marker. Functional analysis of OX62+ sorted DCs showed that they could effectively present the soluble antigen ovalbumin to naive T cells in vitro. A combination of anti-MHC class II monoclonal antibody and CTLA4-immunoglobulin inhibited allostimulatory ability more effectively than either reagent alone. Implications for studying the role of DCs in immune responses in the rat are discussed.

Abatacept↗
PubMed1996

Evaluation of the toxicological risk to humans of caulerpenyne using human hematopoietic progenitors, melanocytes, and keratinocytes in culture.

The extensive growth of Caulerpa taxifolia in the Mediterranean sea produces important quantities of bioactive secondary metabolites unable to enter the food chain. The cytotoxic effects of caulerpenyne, the major secondary metabolite from C. taxifolia, was studied in different in vitro models: skin cells, primary cultures of melanocytes and keratinocytes, immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT and HESV), and bone marrow cells (hematopoietic progenitors CFU-GM). Typical dose-response curves from neutral red uptake and MTT assays were recorded in all models with IC50 ranging from 6 to 24 microM. Hematopoietic progenitors were more sensitive to caulerpenyne than melanocyte and keratinocyte cell lines, which could be due to their higher proliferative rate. The distribution of aggregates in colonies, macroclusters, and microclusters of hematopoietic progenitors was also altered in the presence of caulerpenyne. From our evaluation of the caulerpenyne concentrations required to result in cellular toxicity, the risks of cutaneous and/or food intoxication to humans may be considered minimal.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1996

Effectiveness and prognostic factors of success in 12 smoking cessation clinics in the hospitals of Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris.

We evaluated whether the location of a smoking cessation clinic in a hospital enhances the success rate compared to that found in the literature, regardless of the type of treatment. We assessed the results and identified prognostic factors of success in 12 smoking cessation clinics situated in 12 hospitals of the Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP). The clinics were included in the study after a call for participation. The response rate was 60%. The study design was prospective, multicentric and descriptive. The study lasted 9 months. Follow-up took place 3 and 6 months after the first visit. The definition of success was self-reported total abstinence from cigarette smoking during the month preceding the 6-month follow-up. Success rate was 27%, failures were 66%, and 7% were lost to follow-up. Prognostic factors of success were not related to the hospital setting. We conclude that for a number of structural reasons that we explain, according to this study, the location of smoking cessation clinics in hospitals does not enhance their success rate compared to that found in the literature.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

A new protocol for the propagation of dendritic cells from rat bone marrow using recombinant GM-CSF, and their quantification using the mAb OX-62.

Bone marrow (BM)-derived dendritic cells (DC) are the most potent known antigen (Ag) presenting cell in vivo and in vitro. Detailed analysis of their properties and mechanisms of action requires an ability to produce large numbers of DC. Although DC have been isolated from several rat tissues, including BM, the yield is uniformly low. We describe a simple method for the propagation of large numbers of DC from rat BM and document cell yield with the rat DC marker, OX-62. After depletion of plastic-adherent and Fc+ cells by panning on dishes coated with normal serum, residual BM cells were cultured in gelatin coated flasks using murine rGM-CSF supplemented medium. Prior to analysis, non-adherent cells were re-depleted of contaminating Fc+ cells. Propagation of DC was monitored by double staining for FACS analysis (major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+/OX-62+, OX-19-). Functional assay, morphological analysis and evaluation of homing patterns of cultured cells revealed typical DC characteristics. MHC class II and OX-62 antigen expression increased with time in culture and correlated with allostimulatory ability. DC yield increased until day 7, when 3.3 x 10(6) DC were obtained from an initial 3 x 10(8) unfractionated BM cells. Significant numbers of DC can be generated from rat BM using these simple methods. This should permit analysis and manipulation of rat DC functions in vivo and in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Surveillance of children with liver transplantation].

The benefit of liver transplantation in children with end-stage liver disease is now well established. About 80% of the children are alive 5 years after liver transplantation. These good results are obtained not only because of the improvements of the surgical techniques, but also secondary to the reffinements of the follow-up of the patients. In the intensive care unit, clinical, biological and radiological cares must be permanent, allowing graft function assessment, correction of the haemodynamic disturbances, initiation of specific therapies and the research of any complication which must be promptly treated. The main surgical complications are intraperitoneal haemorrhage, biliary and vascular failures. Bacterial and viral infections, rejection represent frequent medical complications. Following the discharge from the intensive care unit, the children are checked daily until patient and graft conditions reach normal status. As time goes, the risk of complications is decreasing, but does not disappear, underlying the need for regular and long follow-up. In almost children, liver transplantation offers normal growth and scooling.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1994

[Home parenteral nutrition in children: practical modalities].

Today, the duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) is unlimited. PN is used in digestive tract chronic disease (the digestive tract is either unusable or is at rest) or in oncology, hematology and renutrition before transplantation. Thanks to technical advances, PN, although sophisticated, may be applied at home if an active involvement of one parent is obtained. Home PN is indicated when it is planned for more than 3 months. The indications as a function of the disease, socio-cultural background and the distance to the PN centre are reviewed. The technical modalities such as vascular access, the choice of a catheter, the nutriments to be perfused, the parents' training and the logistic support are studied. Complications of home PN are identical to those of prolonged PN; infections is the most frequent. Results of PN as well as the quality of life of the children are briefly reported.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Common bilio-pancreatic channel. Apropos of a case with intermittent dilatation of the biliary tracts].

BACKGROUND: A common biliopancreatic channel can be revealed by cholestatic episodes. Its early removal avoids the development of liver cirrhosis and the risk of carcinomatous change. CASE REPORT: A 2 year 9 month-old girl had suffered from jaundice plus dark urine and pale stools for 2 months. A similar episode occurred 7 months later. Ultrasonography showed moderate dilatation of the intra and extrahepatic bile ducts that disappeared a few weeks later. A third episode of cholestasis with moderate dilation of the bile ducts occurred at the age of 3 year 11 months, complicated 2 weeks later by abdominal pain, vomiting and abdominal distension. Her serum amylase activity was 1,380 IU/l (N < 82). Ultrasonography and CT scan showed moderate dilation of the common hepatic duct. Liver biopsy showed pathological features consistent with bile obstruction. Endoscopic retrograde choledocopancreatography showed a long common channel with dilated extra and intrahepatic bile ducts, an incomplete pancreas divisum and numerous intracanalar stones. A sphincterotomy was performed and stones were extracted. The patient is well 18 months after surgery, with normal laboratory and ultrasonographic profiles. CONCLUSION: A common biliopancreatic channel is often associated with choledocal cyst. Whether development of the cyst is preceded by intermittent dilation of the bile ducts, as in this case, remains to be determined.

Bile Ducts↗
PubMed1993

[3 pediatric cases of leptospirosis].

Three children presented with an association of pains, infectious syndrome, acute renal failure, hepatitis and meningitis, that lead to the diagnosis of leptospirosis. The clinical spectrum of this rare disease are recalled.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Leucine kinetics in fed low-birth-weight infants: importance of splanchnic tissues.

Whole body Leu kinetics were determined in fed low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. To assess the importance of first-pass splanchnic extraction of ingested amino acids, two tracers were simultaneously infused by intravenous (L-[1-13C]Leu) and intragastric (L-[5,5,5-2H3]Leu) routes in 13 LBW infants [1,742 +/- 169 (SE) g] fed with protein-enriched human milk (protein intake 3.23 +/- 0.97 g.kg-1.day-1). Splanchnic extraction estimated from plasma [2H3]Leu appearance was 48.2 +/- 15.6% of Leu intake. Total Leu flux, endogenous Leu flux (index of protein catabolism), and nonoxidative Leu disposal (NOLD, index of protein synthesis) were 3.45 +/- 0.57, 1.90 +/- 0.74, and 2.54 +/- 0.62 mumol.kg-1.min-1, respectively. Higher estimates were obtained when using alpha-ketoisocaproate as a precursor pool. There was a wide individual variation of protein intake due to the use of human milk, and, over this range, Leu intake was correlated negatively with endogenous Leu flux (r = 0.88, P less than 0.01) whereas NOLD remained fairly constant. Thus, in LBW infants, 1) splanchnic extraction is two times as high as in adults and might reflect an elevated splanchnic protein turnover and 2) increasing protein intake probably promotes protein gain mainly by inhibiting protein catabolism.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, hepatitis B. Report of a case].

We report on a case of acute pancreatitis in a 9 year-old girl suffering from steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome. Acute abdominal pains revealed pancreatitis whose outcome was favorable after 5 days of total parenteral nutrition. None of the usual causes of pancreatitis was recognized. A serologic profile of hepatitis B, compatible with a chronic carriage of the virus B was found. The possible relationships between pancreatitis, viral hepatitis and the nephrotic syndrome are discussed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

[Stenosing gastroduodenal ulcer in children. Apropos of 3 cases].

Three cases of stenosing peptic ulcers in young children (age 21 months, 6 years and 8 years) are reported. During infancy, peptic ulcer is the main cause of pyloric stenosis after pyloric hypertrophy. The stenosis reveals or complicates primary gastric or duodenal ulcers. A complete cure can only be obtained with medical treatment.

Child↗