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Biomedical subjects

J Timsit

Publications and source records attributed to J Timsit.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A large subset of neutrophils expressing membrane proteinase 3 is a risk factor for vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It has been shown previously that proteinase 3 (PR3), a neutrophil intracellular protease that is the main antigen of antineutrophil cytoplasm (ANCA) autoantibodies, is present on the plasma membrane of a subset of freshly isolated neutrophils. This study shows that the size of this subset of membrane PR3-positive (mPR3+) neutrophils is a stable feature of a given individual, most likely genetically controlled. It ranges from 0 to 100% of neutrophils and allows us to define a new polymorphism in the healthy population, with three discrete phenotypes corresponding respectively to less than 20% mPR3 + neutrophils (mPR3low) or to a mean percentage of 47% (mPR3intermediate) and 71.5% (mPR3high) mPR3+ neutrophils. The frequency of the mPR3high phenotype was significantly increased in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (85% versus 55% in healthy subjects). The percentage of mPR3+ neutrophils was not affected by disease activity, relapses, or therapy, and did not reflect in vivo cell activation. In addition, mPR3+ phenotypes were normally distributed in cystic fibrosis patients, indicating that infection and/or inflammation per se do not lead to a high percentage of mPR3+ neutrophils. The frequency of the mPR3high phenotype was not related to anti-PR3 autoimmunization, since it was increased in vasculitic patients regardless of the ANCA specificity (anti-PR3, anti-myeloperoxidase, or unknown). Interestingly, the frequency of the mPR3high phenotype was also increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It was normal in type I-diabetes, a T cell-dependent autoimmune disease. It is proposed here that a high proportion of membrane PR3-positive neutrophils could favor the occurrence or the progression of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Adult↗

[Diabetes and pregnancy].

The presence of insulin-dependent or non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in pregnant women has been associated with an adverse effect on the maternal an fetal outcomes of pregnancy. The incidence of obstetrical and diabetic complications is increased, and a continuum has been observed between maternal blood glucose levels and perinatal outcome. The incidence of congenital malformations, macrosomia and prematurity is increased in offspring of diabetic mothers. Programming and intensive collaborative follow-up improve the outcome of such pregnancies. Gestational diabetes mellitus is an heterogenous condition defined as carbohydrate intolerance of variable severity with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Short term complications are mainly represented by fetal macrosomia and high cesarean section rate. Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of future diabetes, predominantly type 2. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are increased among their children.

Breast Feeding↗

Insulin autoimmune syndrome: a rare cause of hypoglycaemia not to be overlooked.

We report the case of a Caucasian patient with insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS), defined as the association of hypoglycaemic attacks with insulin autoantibodies in individuals not previously treated with exogenous insulin. This rare syndrome (more than 200 published cases) has been reported mainly in Japan. Most affected patients present with other autoimmune disorders, most often Graves' disease. In most cases, insulin autoantibodies appear a few weeks after the beginning of treatment with a drug containing a sulphyldryl group. A significant increase in insulin and C-peptide plasma concentrations and the presence of other antiorgan antibodies are observed. The susceptibility haplotype is present in the Japanese population, which may account for the high frequency of IAS. Spontaneous remission is observed in 80% of cases, with cessation of hypoglycaemic attacks and disappearance of insulin autoantibodies some months after withdrawal of the drug. This rare cause of hypoglycaemia in Caucasian subjects should be considered in aetiologic investigation of spontaneous hypoglycaemia.

Antithyroid Agents↗

Mutation screening in 18 Caucasian families suggest the existence of other MODY genes.

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a heterogeneous subtype of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus characterised by early onset, autosomal dominant inheritance and a primary defect in insulin secretion. To date five MODY genes have been identified: hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 alpha (HNF-4alpha/MODY1/TCF14) on chromosome 20q, glucokinase (GCK/MODY2) on chromosome 7p, hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF-1alpha/MODY3/TCF1) on chromosome 12q, insulin promoter factor-1 (IPF1/MODY4) on chromosome 13q and hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 beta (HNF-1beta/MODY5/TCF2) on chromosome 17cen-q. We have screened the HNF-4alpha, HNF-1alpha and HNF-1beta genes in members of 18 MODY kindreds who tested negative for glucokinase mutations. Five missense (G31D, R159W, A161T, R200W, R271W), one substitution at the splice donor site of intron 5 (IVS5nt + 2T-->A) and one deletion mutation (P379fsdelT) were found in the HNF-1alpha gene, but no MODY-associated mutations were found in the HNF-4alpha and HNF-1beta genes. Of 67 French MODY families that we have now studied, 42 (63%) have mutations in the glucokinase gene, 14 (21%) have mutations in the HNF-1alpha gene, and 11 (16%) have no mutations in the HNF-4alpha, IPF1 and HNF-1beta genes. Eleven families do not have mutations in the five known MODY genes suggesting that there is at least one additional locus that can cause MODY.

Adult↗

Major histocompatibility class II genes polymorphism in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus with or without associated thyroid autoimmunity.

Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is sometimes associated with extrapancreatic organ-specific autoimmune diseases, but whether this phenotype results from a peculiar genetic profile is still unclear. The allelic distribution of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes (HLA-DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 and TAP) was analysed in 143 patients with IDDM alone by comparison with 82 IDDM patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (IDDM/AITD). The frequency of the DQB1*0301 IDDM-protective phenotype seemed to be lower in IDDM than in IDDM/AITD patients (16.8% vs 30.5% respectively, p = 0.02). By contrast, the frequency of the DRB1*04-DQB1*0302 IDDM-predisposing phenotype was higher in IDDM than in IDDM/AITD patients (91.3% vs 76.1% of DR4-positive patients respectively, p = 0.007), but these differences were not significant after correcting the p values, except in the case of the DRB1*0405-DQB1*0302 combination (21.3% vs 2.4% of DR4-positive patients, Pc = 0.05). Furthermore, all differences disappeared when patients were matched for age at IDDM-onset. Our data do not long give support for a particular role of MHC class II genes in favouring the occurrence of thyroid autoimmunity in IDDM patients, but rather suggest that some class II alleles or residues might determine the rapidity of progression to IDDM in genetically susceptible individuals. The involvement of non-MHC genes and/or environmental factors remains to be determined.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Eating disorders and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM): relationships with glycaemic control and somatic complications.

This study was designed to assess (by means of a diagnostic interview based on DSM-III-R criteria) the prevalence of eating disorders in 69 insulin-dependent diabetic (IDDM) out-patients, and the relationship with somatic risks. We found no cases of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, current or lifetime, in male patients with IDDM. No female patients with IDDM had anorexia, and 4.8% had current and lifetime bulimia. Eating disorders not otherwise specified (bulimic type) were significantly more frequent in women than in men (lifetime incidence 43% vs. 21%; current incidence 33% vs. 5%), and generally occurred after the onset of IDDM. Self-reports of bulimic behaviours according to the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh (BITE) were associated with high levels of glycosylated haemoglobin. There was no association between eating disorders (current or lifetime), with somatic complications being more likely to be explained by a long duration of illness and impaired glycaemic control.

Adult↗

Overexpression of placental leptin in diabetic pregnancy: a critical role for insulin.

Leptin, a small peptide produced by adipocytes, is implicated in an increasing number of endocrine regulations, including adiposity, satiety, puberty, and fertility. Although the factors involved in controlling maternal and fetal weight gain during pregnancy have not been fully elucidated, leptin has recently emerged as such a potential factor. In our study, we report the presence of high amounts of leptin mRNA and immunoreactive protein in the human placenta, establishing the placental synthesis of this hormone. A large (three- to fivefold) augmentation in leptin mRNA and protein was found in placentas from insulin-treated diabetic women. This finding was associated with increased concentrations of leptin and insulin in venous cord blood without modification of maternal circulating leptin levels. These data provide evidence that the placenta is a site for regulated leptin production in utero. Insulin is likely to play a critical role in this regulation, thus emphasizing the importance of placental leptin signaling in diabetic pregnancy.

Adult↗

High affinity presentation of an autoantigenic peptide in type I diabetes by an HLA class II protein encoded in a haplotype protecting from disease.

Polymorphism of the genes coding for the human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen class II DR and DQ molecules makes the single largest genetic contribution to the risk of developing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and can be associated with highly elevated as well as decreased disease frequency. The mechanism of IDDM risk modification by HLA polymorphism is likely to involve differential presentation of autoantigenic peptides by HLA class II proteins. We have generated T cell lines (TCL) with specificity for the IDDM autoantigen 65 kDa glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) from lymphocytes of two patients carrying HLA class II alleles associated with distinct risk of IDDM (DRB1*0101/0401 and 1302/1501). For both patients, TCL generated at various time points all recognized single epitopes mapped as GAD 88-99 and 248-257, respectively. These epitopes are presented by the DRB1*0101 and DRB5*0101, HLA class II molecules associated with a moderately elevated risk of IDDM, or carried in a strongly protective haplotype, respectively. In an HLA/peptide binding assay, epitope GAD 248-257 was shown to possess high affinity for DRB5*0101. This epitope overlaps with a central GAD peptide binding to the high risk allele DQB1*0302 and containing a Coxsackie P2C-identical mimicry sequence, raising the possibility of competition of DRB5*0101 and DQB1*0302 for binding of a central GAD65 fragment.

Adult↗

Identification of 14 new glucokinase mutations and description of the clinical profile of 42 MODY-2 families.

Mutations in glucokinase are associated with defects in insulin secretion and hepatic glycogen synthesis resulting in mild chronic hyperglycaemia, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus. We screened members of 35 families with features of maturity-onset diabetes of the young for mutations in the glucokinase gene and found 16 different mutations. They included 14 new mutations in the glucokinase gene: 9 missense mutations (A53S, G80A, H137R, T168P, M210T, C213R, V226M, S336L and V367M); 2 nonsense mutations (E248X and S360X); a deletion of one nucleotide resulting in a frameshift (V401del1); a substitution of a conserved nucleotide at a splice acceptor site (L122-1G-->T); and a 10 base pair deletion that removed the GT of the splice donor site and the following eight nucleotides (K161 + 2del10). In addition, we found two previously identified mutations: R186X and G261R. Study of 260 subjects with glucokinase-deficient hyperglycaemia from 42 families with 36 different GCK mutations made it possible to define the clinical profile of this subtype of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Hyperglycaemia due to glucokinase deficiency is often mild (fewer than 50% of subjects have overt diabetes) and is evident during the early years of life. Despite the long duration of hyperglycaemia, glucokinase-deficient subjects have a low prevalence of micro- and macro-vascular complications of diabetes. Obesity, arterial hypertension and dyslipidaemia are also uncommon in this form of NIDDM.

Adolescent↗

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in non-DR3/non-DR4 subjects.

Five to 20% insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients do not bear the classical HLA class II DR3 or DR4 susceptibility haplotypes. We have studied the clinical characteristics, anti-islet cell antibodies (Ab) and HLA class II genotypes in 72 non-DR3/non-DR4 Caucasian patients, mainly adults, presenting with clinically typical IDDM. The DRB1*08-DQB1*0402-DQA1*0401 haplotype frequency was increased in the patients compared to 272 non-DR3/non-DR4 controls (OR = 5.9, Pc < 0.005). This association was even stronger in the Ab-positive patients (DRB1*08: OR = 7.2, Pc < 0.005; DQB1*0402: OR = 9.2, Pc < 0.005; DQA1*0401: OR = 9, Pc < 0.02). In those subjects the DRB1*15 allele was less frequent than in controls (OR = 0.1, Pc = 0.05). By contrast, IDDM patients with no Ab showed no particular association with HLA class II allele although they had clinical and metabolic characteristics similar to that of Ab-positive subjects. The genetic basis for IDDM predisposition in the Ab-positive subgroup remains elusive since the DRB1*08-DQB1*0402 haplotype encodes an Asp57-positive DQ beta chain. However, all DR8 patients had a non-Asp57 encoding DQB1 allele on the second haplotype. Thus, trans-complementation leading to peculiar predisposing DQ alpha beta heterodimers may occur. Alternatively, a direct role of the DRB1*08 allele cannot be excluded. These results show that autoimmune type 1 diabetes occurs in non-DR3/non-DR4 subjects, mainly adults. They further support that IDDM, when defined on a clinical basis, encompass different pathogenetic entities.

Adolescent↗

[Emphysematous pyelonephritis in diabetics].

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare, life-threatening complication of upper urinary tract infections, characterized by the presence of gas in renal parenchyma and perirenal space. It occurs in 90% of cases in diabetic patients and E coli is the most common causative germ. The pathogenesis probably involves several factors including enhanced proliferation of microorganisms due to altered immune defences, mixed acid fermentation of glucose leading to gas production, and decreased elimination of the gas because of impaired tissue perfusion. Diagnosis is often delayed because the symptoms may be non-specific, as illustrated by the two cases we report herein. In patients with diabetes and febrile urinary tract infection, obstruction of the urinary tract should first be eliminated by echography. Then, if the infection does not rapidly respond to antimicrobial therapy, a scan should be performed. Aggressive management including correction of hemodynamics, parenteral antimicrobial therapy, and diabetes control with insulin therapy is mandatory, but a surgical procedure (nephrectomy or drainage) is almost always required.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗