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Biomedical subjects

G Rodier

Publications and source records attributed to G Rodier.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Effect of glicentin, oxyntomodulin and related peptides on isolated gastric smooth muscle cells.

Glicentin (proglucagon 1-69 GLIC) and oxyntomodulin (proglucagon 33-69 or OXM) are two peptide hormones that are co-released from ileum and large intestine during digestion. They modulate in vivo gastric acid secretion and the gastro-pyloro-duodenal activity. The specificity of their effects is linked to the presence of their C-terminal octapepide. As yet, no isolated target cell that responds specifically to this family of peptides has been described. The present report describes the in vitro effect of human synthetic GLIC, OXM and octapeptide-bearing fragments on smooth muscle cells isolated from the rabbit antrum. GLIC or OXM decreased the mean length of the cells by: 13.9 +/- 0.8% and 15.5 +/- 0.9%, respectively - GLIC being 16 times more potent than OXM (respective EC50 values: 5 and 83 pM). The C-terminal fragments OXM(19-37) and OXM(30-37) were as efficient as GLIC or OXM. Their potencies were OXM = OXM(19-37)>>OXM(30-37). Glucagon, which corresponds to OXM without the C-terminal octapeptide, or glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide) did not have any effect. The response to OXM was not influenced by antagonists to muscarinic, cholecystokinin or substance P receptors. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate for the first time an isolated target cell that responds specifically to GLIC, OXM and other octapeptide-bearing peptides.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Involvements of the peripheral nervous system and primary Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome].

Peripheral neuropathy in primary Sjögren's syndrome is common although often unrecognized in mild forms of this affection. They are characterized by a predominently sensory deficiency and can be divided in several entities, of which the most important are: axonal distal symmetric polyneuropathy, either of sensory or sensory-motor presentation, which are supposed to be consecutive to ischemia induced by the vasculitis of the vasa nervorum; sensory neuronopathy mimicking the paraneoplastic syndromes from a clinical and electrophysiological point of view which are supposed to be linked to neuronal degeneration secondary to a lymphocytic infiltration of the dorsal root and ganglia; trigeminal sensory neuropathy, either alone or associated with one of the previously cited forms. The prescribed courses of etiological treatment consisting of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents are only effective in some acute forms. Tracking down systematically these peripheral neuropathies in patients affected by Sjögren's syndrome is the best way to recognize them. Alternatively, patients with unexplained neuropathies should be evaluated for the presence of Sjögren's syndrome.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

Secretion of insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins by human normal and hyperplastic prostatic cells in primary culture.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign proliferative disorder of unknown etiology found in men. Because insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) with their binding proteins (IGFBPs) are involved in the control of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism, we compared their secretion by prostatic epithelial and stromal cells in primary culture from the four different zones of normal prostate and from hyperplastic tissue to assess their contributions to the hyperplastic development. IGF-I could not be detected in the conditioned medium from either epithelial or stromal cells from normal and BPH tissues. IGF-II concentrations were the same in the conditioned medium from the epithelial cells of the different zones of the normal prostate and that of BPH cells. IGF-II concentrations secreted in stromal cell culture medium, however, were higher in the periurethral zone than in the peripheral and central zones. Moreover, in the periurethral zone, stromal cells secreted higher concentrations of IGF-II than did epithelial cells. Also, BPH stromal cells secreted more IGF-II than did BPH epithelial cells. IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-4 were all secreted by both epithelial and stromal cells. In contrast, IGFBP-5 was only produced by stromal cells of the periurethral zone of the normal prostate and BPH tissue. IGFBP-3 was predominantly secreted by normal stromal cells of the transitional zone. We observed that BPH stromal cells presented the same pattern of IGF-II and IGFBP production as normal stromal cells of the periurethral zone. These data support the hypothesis that the periurethral zone is the main region of the prostate implicated in the development of BPH. They also suggest that the variability in both IGF-II secretion and the secreted forms of IGFBPs, depending on anatomical location within the organ, may be important for the autocrine regulation of normal and hyperplastic prostate growth.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1996

[Amyloidosis, protein conformation dynamics and neurologic diseases].

The abnormal protein which accumulates in the extracellular space in the central nervous system in Alzheimer's disease and prion diseases could result from similar mechanisms. Many studies have demonstrated that the abnormal protein is resistant to proteolytic agents. This resistance is correlated with a modification in the conformation of the protein, inverting the ratio of alpha and beta helix structures. This change in conformation could be the cause of the central nervous system lesions. The mechanism of the modification in conformation could be related to a process of hydrophobisation of the protein resulting from mutation. A hydrophilic amino acid would be replaced by a hydrophobic amino acid or in sporadic forms, modifications in the environment of the peptide may lead to physical and chemical aggressions. Hydrophobisation of the two proteins could later lead to formation of polymers and then insoluble aggregates with the physical and chemical characteristics of the amyloid substance. Polymerisation could be triggered by the formation of protein dimers which would be, in one case, an endogenous protein, PrP, and in the other exogenous proteins coming from the environment.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1994

Neurobehavioral changes following bilateral infarct in the caudate nuclei: a case report with pathological analysis.

A patient presenting with loss of psychic self activation (LPSA) was studied clinically and at autopsy. Clinically, the patient showed changes that can be ascribed to the interruption of frontal-subcortical circuits. Pathological analysis revealed bilateral lesions of the caudate nuclei. This case extends others based on radiological findings and confirms the importance of the caudate nuclei in behavioral functions.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Monitoring for HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I sero-progression and sero-conversion in a population at risk in east Africa.

Thirty-three individuals from East Africa, at risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections, were selected to be monitored over a five month period for evidence of sero-progression and/or sero-conversion for human immunodeficiency virus type-1 and type-2 (HIV-1, HIV-2), and human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-I). Initially, all sera were reactive by at least one retroviral screening assay, but most produced negative or indeterminate results by western blot assays. Five months after the initial screening, western blot assays indicated that one individual exhibited full sero-conversion for HIV-1; one HIV-1 positive individual also became positive for HIV-2; and two subjects showed sero-progression to become HTLV-I confirmed positive. Sera from fourteen individuals produced indeterminate results by western blot for HIV-1, ten of which were previously negative; the remaining four sera exhibited reactivity to at least one additional viral specific antigen after the five months. Circulating HIV-1 antigen was not demonstrated in any of the sera but DNA isolated from one of the individuals with indeterminate results produced a positive reaction for HIV-1 by the polymerase chain reaction.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1992

Diagnostic challenges: lymphotropic sero-"questionables".

During a sero-survey for lymphotropic retroviruses, seven screening tests were performed for the three lymphotropic retroviruses of relevance in Djibouti, East Africa (HIV-1, HIV-2 and HTLV-1). Of the 82 subjects whose sera reacted in at least one retroviral screening assay, about one third could be followed, and their sera were re-examined after a 5-month interval, and then after an additional 3-month interval. Six selected individuals are reported here, whose retroviral serologies presented important and often unexplained changes over an eight-month period. The six cases summarize prototypic situations and present serological results in a style appropriate to stimulate thought on the significance and interpretation of lymphotropic viral serologies. Each case study is followed by a set of questions that formulate pertinent serological concepts.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and attitudes towards them in populations at risk in Djibouti].

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are an increasing public health problem in Djibouti. The authors have attempted to obtain basic information on the level of knowledge concerning STDs and on the sexual behaviour of highly sexually promiscuous individuals for use in the organization of future STD control programmes; the information was obtained from a population of 213 bar hostesses, 66 unlicensed prostitutes, and 115 male sufferers from STDs. The level of knowledge of these diseases was very high among the prostitutes and the bar hostesses, except that little was known about syphilis by the bar hostesses; the male sufferers were relatively ignorant concerning both syphilis and AIDS. Medical and paramedical personnel do not figure among the sources given for knowledge of STDs. On the other hand, friends play an important role in this knowledge, especially among unlicensed prostitutes. The second most frequently instanced source was radio and TV. The bar hostesses and the unlicensed prostitutes often exhibited distinct social characteristics. Neither education nor marriage appeared to prevent men from contracting STDs. The use of condoms is extremely rare among STD patients and not very common among unlicensed prostitutes. Half the bar hostesses report their frequent use.

Djibouti↗
PubMedDate not supplied

HHV-6 in Djibouti--an epidemiological survey in young adults.

Human herpesvirus type six (HHV-6), previously called human B-cell lymphotropic virus (HBLV), was first isolated in 1986 from patients with various lymphoproliferative disorders, some related to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In order to investigate the epidemiology of HHV-6 in the Horn of Africa, we studied 281 young adults living in the city of Djibouti during June 1988. Of these, 181 belonged to various groups at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), while 100 represented the normal young adult population. Sera were screened and titrated for antibodies against HHV-6 by an indirect fluorescent antibody assay. The percentage seropositivity for HHV-6 was 71 in the normal population, 75 in the population at risk for HIV, and 93 in the population of subjects with a confirmed positive HIV Western blot. Mean titres of positive sera were similar in all population groups. No correlation existed between HHV-6 seropositivity and age, sex, tribe, habitat, and risk factors for HIV. A positive correlation was noted between HHV-6 and patients complaining of fatigue.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Low prevalence of infection by HTLV-I in populations at risk for HIV in Djibouti.

In order to determine whether HTLV-I (a recently discovered retrovirus causing T-cell leukaemias and lymphomas, as well as tropical spastic paraparesis) was present in Djibouti in 1988, we investigated 576 subjects belonging to various groups at risk of acquiring HIV, a related retrovirus transmitted analogously to HTLV-I. Sera were screened by a commercial agglutination assay and confirmation of repeatedly reactive sera was performed by specific Western blot analysis. Four sera were strongly positive for HTLV-I by Western blotting, while one serum displayed equivocal reactivity. All positive sera came from young women who engaged in prostitution. This accounted for an HTLV-I seropositivity rate of 0.7% (95% CI, 0.03-1.4%) in the total study population and 1.2% (95% CI, 0.02-2.4%) in the population engaged in prostitution. We concluded that in Djibouti in June 1988, HTLV-I was present but that the prevalence of infection in high risk individuals was very low.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Rumors of disease in the global village: outbreak verification.

Emerging infectious diseases and the growth of information technology have produced new demands and possibilities for disease surveillance and response. Increasing numbers of outbreak reports must be assessed rapidly so that control efforts can be initiated and unsubstantiated reports can be identified to protect countries from unnecessary economic damage. The World Health Organization has set up a process for timely outbreak verification to convert large amounts of data into accurate information for suitable action. We describe the context and processes of outbreak verification and information dissemination.

Communicable Disease Control↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Plasmodium falciparum travels by train from Ethiopia to Djibouti].

To investigate the role of the Djibouti-Ethiopian railway as a potential vehicle for inter-regional spread of malaria vectors and malaria parasites, we performed a double-sided study, both entomological and parasitological, during November 1989, at the frontier post of Guelile where the trains from Ethiopia enter the Republic of Djibouti. No malaria-transmitting mosquitoes were collected either from the daily passenger train or from the weekly vegetables train. One hundred and five passengers entering Djibouti by train from Ethiopia had a thick film examined for malaria parasites. Five smears were positive for Plasmodium falciparum, among them two showed gametocytes. We conclude that the railway may be an effective route for the propagation of the human malaria parasite between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Indeed, passengers infected abroad could import plasmodia into Djibouti and thus become the index cases for local malaria outbreaks, in case the climatic and entomological prerequisites essential for sustaining malaria transmission are present.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Dissimilar glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency in the Afars and the Somalis of Djibouti].

In order to determine the prevalence of deficient activity of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) among the inhabitants of the east African Republic of Djibouti, we analyzed by the methaemoglobin reduction test the blood of 170 Djiboutian males, 81 Afars and 89 Somalis. Eight subjects were found to be G-6-PD deficient, 1 Afar and 7 Somalis (1.2% versus 8%; P = 0.02). We conclude that in Djibouti, health care providers should consider the presence of potential G-6-PD deficiency in their patients, especially in males of the Somali ethnic group. Indeed, many medications are contraindicated in the G-6-PD deficient subjects, and primaquine and pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine (FANSIDAR) have to be considered dangerous anti-malarial drugs for Somali males as long as their level of G-6-PD activity has not been determined. Since in Djibouti many acute falciparum cases are presenting with severe icteric anaemia, we hypothesize that some of these haemolytic anaemias might not be caused by the parasitic infection alone, but that some malaria patients might become aggravated through the administration of haemolytic drugs in case they are G-6-PD deficient. Finally, we propose that our study should be expanded to include the systematic determination of the variants of the enzyme in all subjects found G-6-PD deficient, since the clinical manifestations of G-6-PD deficiency are directly related to the type of variant present.

Antimalarials↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus in the Republic of Djibouti: literature review and regional data].

The first evidence of HIV infection in Djibouti, East Africa, was found in the spring of 1986; the first case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was diagnosed in March 1988; and, as of the end of 1991, 104 cases of AIDS had been reported. HIV-1 infection was predominant. Previously published results of four serosurveys carried out in October 87, June 1998, February 1990, and from January 1991 to April 1991 among high risk groups are presented and compared. The subjects included street girls, bar hostesses, and male STD patients. HIV-1 infection was demonstrated in 1991 among 36.0% of street girls, 15.3% of bar hostesses and 10.4% of male STD patients. Three sera were positive for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. The prevalence of HIV-1 infection among street girls in Djibouti did not increase between February 1990 and January 1991 while the prevalence of HIV infection among male STD patients rose almost five-fold during the same period. HIV prevalence in bar hostesses showed a steady growth. Epidemiology of HIV infection among prostitutes is complex as theses populations have a rapid turn-over. HIV prevalence data and predominance of Ethiopian nationality among prostitutes suggest importation of HIV from Ethiopia via the prostitutes and their clients. These results are reviewed and compared with data from Ethiopia and Somalia.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗