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D Cabrol

Publications and source records attributed to D Cabrol.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Interleukin-1beta induces glycosaminoglycan synthesis via the prostaglandin E2 pathway in cultured human cervical fibroblasts.

The aim of this study was to identify, in cultured human cervical fibroblasts, the mechanisms by which interleukin (IL)-1beta induces the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and to explore the putative role of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in this process. Exposure of the cells for 24 h to IL-1beta induced a significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent increase in GAG synthesis. IL-1beta (1 ng/ml) induced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein 6 h after treatment, accompanied by a 7.5-fold increase in PGE(2) production. We confirmed that NS398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, dose-dependently blocked PGE(2) augmentation following IL-1beta treatment. AH23848, the selective EP(4) receptor antagonist, completely abolished IL-1beta-induced GAG synthesis, whereas AH6809, an EP(2) receptor antagonist, had no effect on the stimulatory effects of IL-1beta. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 6 h exposure to IL-1beta induced a notable increase in EP(4) receptor mRNA expression and a decrease in EP(1) receptor mRNA but had no effect on the expression of EP(2) and EP(3) receptor transcripts. In conclusion, these findings indicate that IL-1beta not only induced GAG synthesis by increasing COX-2 protein expression and the subsequent PGE(2) production but also enhanced the responsiveness of cervical fibroblasts to PGE(2) by selectively up-regulating EP(4) receptor mRNA expression. These results suggest that PGE(2) may regulate human cervical ripening in an autocrine/paracrine manner via EP(4) receptors.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2003

[Dating biometry with crown-rump length, precision of a routine practice].

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of an everyday practice for assessing gestational age by ultrasound and redefine the correction of gestational age policy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used first trimester measurements taken during a three-year period. We considered all births from pregnancies that began by an in vitro fertilization procedure. We examined 143 consecutive files containing 257 measurements made by 72 different operators. We applied two reference curves to calculate the date the pregnancy began and the centiles of the prediction interval for +/- 7, +/- 5 and +/- 3 days. RESULTS: The prediction intervals for +/-7, +/-5, +/-3 days excluded 2%, 6%, and 25% respectively of the embryos from one of the two reference curves. These intervals were 1%, 5% and 20%, were better for the other curve. CONCLUSION: Correction of gestational age has to take into consideration variations in the embryo length. We correct the gestational age only if the difference with ultrasound assessment is more than one week.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Survey of the practice of cervical ripening and labor induction in France].

OBJECTIVES: Labor induction is a widespread medical practice in France. The medical or obstetric indications for induction as well as the protocols used probably vary from one maternity to another. The objective of this national survey was to describe current medical practices and procedures in France, regarding labor induction and cervical ripening, eight years after the national consensus on labor induction management. A second objective was to assess mothers' opinion on the induction of their labor/level of satisfaction on their childbirth experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample of maternities was randomly extracted from a list published by the French Ministry of Health. Sampling was performed according to maternity size, geography, and private vs public. Medical information was collected on consecutive labor induction cases in each maternity. Mother's opinions were estimated through a score based on the validated Labour Agentry Scale. RESULTS: Within the 38 maternities included, 21 (55.3%) were public, and 17 (44.7%) private. 1192 women were included in this study and 1090 (91.4%) answered the questionnaire on level of satisfaction. Global rate of elective induction (no medical or obstetric indication) was 24.8% (n=295). Prostaglandins are almost as widely used as oxytocin (45.8% and 47.7% of total labor inductions, respectively). Mostly used methods of delivering prostaglandin are intravaginal (27.1%), controlled-release pessaries (10.2%) and intracervical (8.1%). Among the elective inductions, an important rate of unfavorable cervix was found (n=81, 27.5%) as well as a quite high level of use of prostaglandins (n=51, 17.3%). The statistically independent criteria linked to a high satisfaction score are an older age (OR=1.58; CI 95% [1.80-3.33]), an elective induction (OR=2.44; IC 95% [1.80-3.33]) and a favorable cervix (OR=1.47; [1.08-1.98]). CONCLUSION: The use of prostaglandins in labor induction and cervical ripening is now widespread in France. This technique is not always used in accordance with available scientific data. These results should lead health professionals to set up an evaluation process for their practices, when these are not based on clear scientific evidence.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Current clinical implications of transvaginal ultrasound measurement of the cervix during pregnancy].

Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of the cervix is increasingly used for the prediction of preterm labor. In comparison to clinical vaginal examination, it has the advantages of being highly reproducible, with a low inter-observer variability, and of offering an evaluation of the entire cervical canal, including the internal os. The sensitivity and specificity of transvaginal ultrasound have been validated by several studies in women with symptoms of preterm labor, however its clinical applications and its limits have yet to be fully determined. It is likely to be of benefit in the management of multiple gestations, but it appears unlikely to be of use in low-risk pregnancies. Finally, whether it can be applied to estimate the risk of cervical incompetence, or to determine the need for cervical cerclage placement has not yet been determined by methodologically satisfactory clinical studies.

Cerclage, Cervical↗
PubMed2001

Biochemical markers (without markers of infection) of the risk of preterm delivery. Implications for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: New biochemical markers for the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) give a more precise and earlier diagnosis than the usual ones. We reviewed the data about the principal markers. RESULTS: Using studies with good methodology and a large number of subjects, we observe that the predictive value of these new markers is somewhat higher than those of the usual markers. Fetal fibro-nectin (FNf) and cervical ultrasound undeniably improve the identification of patients at risk of preterm birth, both in the general population and in these threatened preterm delivery. However no management has yet been demonstrated efficacious, especially in a general population so any recommendations for their systematic utilisation is premature. Other biochemical markers (salivary estriol, serum CRH, etc.) are still under assessment and should not be used outside research protocols. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: It is appropriate to integrate either FNf or cervical ultrasound into daily clinical practice for patients with signs of preterm labor. These new indicators are of special use when the diagnosis is uncertain with the standard markers (uterine contractions, digital examination). Among these patients, they should reduce the number of hospitalizations and of useless treatments, because of their good negative predictive value. At the same time, for patients poorly 'labeled' by the clinical examination, they should allow the application of intensive management (intravenous tocolysis, corticoids, in utero transfers). CONCLUSION: Future studies should evaluate these tests in everyday practice. The objective is not to predict preterm birth but to prevent either it or its negative consequences. This goal will be met when we have an effective treatment, without associated adverse effects, to offer patients after a positive test result.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed2001

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal tail and postabortum anatomical description.

Fetal ultrasound examination at 13 weeks of gestation demonstrated a homogeneously echogenic protrusion, or tail, 7 mm in length, in the sacral region. At 15 weeks, the ultrasound appearance was consistent with a regression of the tail and by 21 weeks it had completely disappeared. Severe intrauterine growth restriction with reduced uterine blood flow was diagnosed at 21 weeks and intrauterine death occurred at 24 weeks of gestation. Postmortem examination revealed a 4-mm caudal appendage which contained no vertebrae on radiography. The appendage was located under and behind the last sacral vertebra suggesting a true vestigial tail with a delayed process of regression.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

EP(4) receptors mediate prostaglandin E(2)-stimulated glycosaminoglycan synthesis in human cervical fibroblasts in culture.

The aim of this study was to determine the prostaglandin E (EP) receptors and second messengers implicated in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis by human cervical fibroblasts in culture. Human cervical fibroblasts were obtained from cervical biopsies in pre-menopausal, cycling women. Cultured cells were incubated with prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and an array of agonists and antagonists. Glycosaminoglycan synthesis was assayed after extraction by measuring the [(3)H]glucosamine and [(35)S]sulphate incorporated into GAG and cAMP production was determined by radioimmunoassay. PGE(2) significantly stimulated GAG synthesis. Neither 17-phenyl-trinor-PGE(2), the EP(1) selective agonist, nor sulprostone, an EP(3) agonist, had any effect on GAG production. Butaprost, the EP(2) selective agonist, also failed to increase GAG synthesis. AH6809, an EP(2) antagonist, had no effect on PGE(2)-stimulated GAG production. AH23848, an EP(4) antagonist, inhibited the GAG synthesis provoked by PGE(2). PGE(2) and butaprost significantly increased cAMP production. Both AH6809 and AH23848 inhibited the PGE(2)-stimulated cAMP production. H89, a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor, did not inhibit PGE(2)-stimulated GAG synthesis and Sp-cAMPS, a selective PKA activator, failed to increase GAG production. In conclusion, both EP(4) and EP(2) receptors are present and functional in human cervical fibroblasts. Only EP(4) receptors mediate PGE(2) stimulated GAG synthesis in a PKA-independent pathway.

Alprostadil↗
PubMed2001

Is up-regulation of phosphodiesterase 4 activity by PGE2 involved in the desensitization of beta-mimetics in late pregnancy human myometrium?

Elevation of cAMP content resulting from stimulation of the receptor-adenylyl cyclase complex is involved in maintaining the quiescence of the human myometrium during pregnancy. The magnitude of this elevation is critically influenced by the rate of cAMP hydrolysis by phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes. In the present study we report that in term myometrium, enhanced cAMP-specific PDE4 activity takes part in the heterologous desensitization to the beta-mimetic, salbutamol. Indeed, pretreatment with a PDE4-selective inhibitor potentiates the relaxant effect of salbutamol on myometrial strips of women at term. Furthermore, the reduced relaxant effect of salbutamol after long-term treatment of myometrial strips with PGE2, a potent myometrial effector, can be reversed by PDE4 inhibition. Using a model of cultured myometrial cells, we also demonstrated that PGE2 is able to up-regulate PDE4 activity, at least through the induction of synthesis of PDE4B and PDE4D short forms, which, in turn, dampen the cAMP accumulation provoked by the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. Such data suggest that in late pregnancy endogenous PGE2 might up-regulate PDE4 activity and lessen the responsiveness of myometrium to beta-mimetic activation. Accordingly, coapplication of a selective PDE4 inhibitor might greatly improve the usefulness of beta-mimetic in tocolysis.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed2001

[Tocolysis. Atosiban, an ocytcin-receptor antagonist].

Atosiban, the first member of a new tocolytic drug class, the ocytocin-receptor antagonists, has just been awarded marketing approval in Europe. The clinical effectiveness of atosiban is comparable to that of ritodrine, but atosiban is better tolerated with no evidence of significant maternal or fetal adverse effects. Maintenance therapy with atosiban cannot yet be envisaged due to the lack of a satisfactory formulation at the present time.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Dating biometry during the first trimester: accuracy of an every-day practice.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of an every-day practice for assessing gestational age by ultrasound measurement of the greatest embryonic length (GEL). DESIGN: This retrospective study used measurements taken during the first trimester. SUBJECTS: We considered all births in this hospital between 1 January 1992 and 31 December 1994 from pregnancies that began by an in-vitro fertilization procedure (IVF). We examined 143 consecutive files, containing 257 measurements made by 72 different operators. METHODS: The precision of seven embryo growth curves was compared. We calculated for each curve its ability to predict (95% prediction interval) the date the pregnancy began, using these dated pregnancies. RESULT: For GEL measurements between 3 and 80 mm, which includes most of our population, Robinson and Wisser (2) were the most appropriate curves. The 95% prediction interval was 9.5 and 10.2 days respectively. CONCLUSION: Dating pregnancies in every-day practice with GEL is nearly as accurate as prospective studies with only one or two scanners.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Place of amniocentesis in the assessment of preterm labour.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits and indications for amniocentesis in cases of preterm labor with or without preterm rupture of membranes. METHOD: A review of the literature on amniocentesis in cases of intra-amniotic infection. RESULTS: Amniocentesis is an invasive method that allows the diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection. However, no randomized trials have been performed from which we can assess the benefits and complications of amniocentesis in preterm labor. CONCLUSION: The published data do not justify the routine practice of amniocentesis in preterm labor. More data are needed to evaluate the benefits and complications of this practice. Only randomized trials of patients in preterm labor, comparing those who undergo amniocentesis with those who do not, will clarify the indications for this procedure.

Amniocentesis↗
PubMed2000

[Mothers' behavior regarding infant sleep position: effects of the last public campaign to prevent sudden infant death syndrome].

BACKGROUND: To define infant care practices in maternity units and those subsequently adopted at home. Using these data, we evaluated the acceptance and application of recommendations issued by the previous public education campaign on infant sleeping position as related to sudden infant death syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey was carried out in two maternity units (Port-Royal and Créteil) and in one pediatric consultation unit (affiliated with Port-Royal maternity). RESULTS: The mixed position (side or back) is used equally with, respectively, 47% at Port-Royal and 45% at Créteil. The supine sleeping position (French public health recommendations) is used by 12% of the mothers at Port-Royal and by 40% at Créteil. It appears that hospital nurseries play an important role in determining the mother's preference for the sleeping position (64% at Port-Royal and 54% at Créteil), but it does not adequately explain all mothers' responses. However, as the infants mature (> two months old), the more spontaneously they changed their sleeping position. All the infants placed in a side sleeping position moved to a supine sleeping position during the night. Upon awakening, infants were found mostly in the supine position (in contrast to the national public education campaign). CONCLUSION: Our results show that mothers and hospital nurseries were distressed in terms of ensuring the supine sleeping position of the infant. New choices of sleeping positions were initiated by mothers. For example, they used the side position after feedings essentially in the case of reflux or during the daytime. The supine position was used when the mothers were assured that any problems had been avoided or only during the night.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effects of progesterone on prostaglandin E(2)-induced changes in glycosaminoglycan synthesis by human cervical fibroblasts in culture.

Prostaglandins are known to induce cervical ripening and this effect may be mediated by an increase in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of progesterone on prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))-induced changes in GAG synthesis by human cervical cells in culture. Human cervical fibroblasts were obtained by cervical biopsies in hormonally active women and cultured. Cells were submitted to an incubation with progesterone or control medium. A second incubation was then performed with increasing concentrations of PGE(2). GAG synthesis by the cervical cells was assayed after extraction, by incorporation of [(3)H]-glucosamine and [(35)S]-sulphate into GAGs. It was found that progesterone alone induced a dose-dependent increase in GAG synthesis. After pre-incubation with progesterone, PGE(2) further increased [(3)H]-glucosamine and [(35)S]-sulphate uptake. However, when expressed as percentage of stimulation, the stimulatory effect of PGE(2) on GAG synthesis was inhibited at high progesterone concentrations. Therefore we concluded that, although high concentrations of progesterone increase the overall synthesis of GAG, they may also play a preventative role against PGE(2)-induced changes in GAG production during pregnancy.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2000

Selective protein kinase C isoforms are involved in endothelin-1-induced human uterine contraction at the end of pregnancy.

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in contraction of the human myometrium induced by endothelin-1 (ET-1) was investigated at the end of pregnancy. The expression and subcellular distribution of PKC isoforms were examined by Western blot analysis using isoform-specific antibodies. At least three conventional PKC isoforms (cPKC; alpha, beta1, and beta2), two novel PKC isoforms (epsilon and delta), and an atypical PKC isoform (zeta) were detected in pregnant myometrium. Quantitative immunoblotting revealed that all these isoforms were mainly distributed in the particulate fraction. The lack of a calcium chelator to modify the particulate sequestration of cPKC suggests an interaction with an anchoring protein such as receptor-activated C kinase-1, which is evidenced in the particulate fraction of the pregnant myometrium. Of the six isoforms, only PKCbeta1, PKCbeta2, PKCdelta, and PKCzeta were translocated to the particulate fraction, and PKCepsilon to the cytoskeletal fraction, after stimulation with ET-1. Involvement of PKC in the ET-1-induced contractile response is supported by the inhibition caused by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C. However, we demonstrated that the selective cPKC isoform inhibitor, Gö 6976, as well as the substantial depletion of PKCbeta1 and PKCepsilon and the partial depletion of PKCalpha and PKCdelta by a long-term treatment with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate did not prevent ET-1-induced contraction. Accordingly, our results suggest that PKCdelta and PKCzeta activation mediated ET-1-induced contraction, whereas cPKC isoforms were not implicated in the human pregnant myometrium.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed2000

Pro-opiomelanocortin in human pregnancy: evolution of maternal plasma levels, concentrations in cord blood, amniotic fluid and at the feto-maternal interface.

OBJECTIVE: The human placenta normally expresses the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene. The pattern and secretory kinetics of POMC and/or POMC-derived peptides by the placenta during gestation is still debated. We recently demonstrated that full length POMC was a normal product of the human placenta. The aim of our study was to establish its normal secretory kinetics and to explore its physiological relevance. DESIGN: In a prospective, longitudinal study, thirty normal pregnant women had monthly measurements of plasma POMC. In a cross-sectional study of 128 healthy pregnant women, plasma POMC and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) were concomitantly measured to assess their correlation. Finally, POMC levels were assessed in venous and arterial cord blood samples, in amniotic fluid and in retroplacental blood. METHODS: Plasma POMC was measured by a specific IRMA in unextracted blood or biological fluid. RESULTS: Plasma POMC became detectable by the 8th week of pregnancy and reached its maximum at around the 20th week, remaining stable thereafter. The relationship between POMC and gestation time (weeks) best fitted with a third degree polynomia curve. A significant negative correlation (P=0.01) was observed between plasma levels of POMC and hCG after adjustment for gestation time to take into account the dependence of both hormones on this parameter. POMC was not secreted into the fetal circulation at term, but was present in very high levels in amniotic fluid. The highest levels of POMC were present in the retroplacental blood where the values were 35 times higher than in maternal blood; by comparison, corticotrophin releasing hormone and ACTH values in this compartment were twice or equal to those in the maternal blood. CONCLUSION: Placental POMC secretion increases during the first half of pregnancy and reaches a plateau from the 20th week to delivery. The inverse correlation between POMC and hCG plasma levels, and very high POMC levels at the feto-maternal interface suggest a physiological role for this precursor during pregnancy.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2000

[Repetition of corticoid treatment for fetal lung maturation: clinical and experimental scientific data].

Before 34 weeks, one course of antenatal corticosteroids significantly decreases neonatal mortality and morbidity. Courses are repeated every week, because of their alleged loss of efficiency after 7 days, although the relative benefits and risks of repeated courses are poorly known. Data from the literature suggest that improvement in lung function after repeated courses depends on the reduction of the treatment/birth interval and not on the rise in the cumulative dose. These benefits must be balanced against the risk of decreased birth weight induced by repeated courses. Because of their effect on fetal growth, weekly courses of corticosteroids should no longer be given systematically. In clinical practice, pregnancies at high risk of preterm delivery must be reassessed every week before prescribing a new course. Both better understanding of treatment duration of corticosteroids and randomized controlled trials comparing one and multiple courses are needed to improve antenatal management of neonatal respiratory stress syndrome.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗