PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Coulon

Publications and source records attributed to M Coulon.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Glass vials for small volume parenterals: influence of drug and manufacturing processes on glass delamination.

PURPOSE: Studies were initiated to examine the effect of formulation and process variables on the delamination process and also the influence of the glass manufacturing process, supplier, and glass surface treatment. METHODS: Stress testing was performed by exposing filled vials to multiple sterilization cycles followed by accelerated stability testing. Delamination incidence was determined by visual examination, light obscuration (HIAC), and microscopical methods. The inner surface of vials from each supplier and lot were also examined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Vials sourced from Supplier A had smooth surfaces as demonstrated by SEM examination, whereas vials sourced from Suppliers B and C displayed extensive surface imperfections such as pitting and/or deposits. These imperfections were localized to the vial wall, adjacent to the vial bottom, and increased with sulfate treatment. Delamination incidence increased in those vial lots with increased surface imperfections. Thus, vials sourced from Supplier A had the lowest frequency of delamination. Sulfate treatment and high pH increased delamination incidence to as high as 100%. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the importance of the surface morphology created during the vial forming process. Given the diferences observed, final vial selection should include extensive microscopical and product stress testing studies on multiple vial lots.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

A third major locus for autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia maps to 1p34.1-p32.

Autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH), one of the most frequent hereditary disorders, is characterized by an isolated elevation of LDL particles that leads to premature mortality from cardiovascular complications. It is generally assumed that mutations in the LDLR and APOB genes account for ADH. We identified one large French pedigree (HC2) and 12 additional white families with ADH in which we excluded linkage to the LDLR and APOB, implicating a new locus we named "FH3." A LOD score of 3.13 at a recombination fraction of 0 was obtained at markers D1S2892 and D1S2722. We localized the FH3 locus to a 9-cM interval at 1p34.1-p32. We tested four regional markers in another set of 12 ADH families. Positive LOD scores were obtained in three pedigrees, whereas linkage was excluded in the others. Heterogeneity tests indicated linkage to FH3 in approximately 27% of these non-LDLR/non-APOB ADH families and implied a fourth locus. Radiation hybrid mapping located four candidate genes at 1p34.1-p32, outside the critical region, showing no identity with FH3. Our results show that ADH is genetically more heterogeneous than conventionally accepted.

Adult↗

Fibulin-2: genetic mapping and exclusion as a candidate gene in Marfan syndrome type 2.

Fibulin-2 (FBLN2) is a new extracellular matrix protein that has been considered a candidate gene for Marfan syndrome type 2 (locus MFS2) based on chromosomal colocation at 3p24.2-p25 and disease phenotype. In the absence of polymorphic markers reported for FBLN2, direct sequencing of the gene was performed and two intragenic polymorphisms were identified. Linkage was excluded between FBLN2 and the MFS2 gene. Furthermore, two-point lod scores were generated between these markers and anonymous markers arrayed on the genetic map of 3p and closely linked to MFS2. These analyses placed FBLN2 at marker D3S1585.

Calcium-Binding Proteins↗

A second locus for Marfan syndrome maps to chromosome 3p24.2-p25.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant connective-tissue disorder characterized by skeletal, ocular and cardiovascular defects of highly variable expressivity. The diagnosis relies solely on clinical criteria requiring anomalies in at least two systems. By excluding the chromosome 15 disease locus, fibrillin 1 (FBN1), in a large French family with typical cardiovascular and skeletal anomalies, we raised the issue of genetic heterogeneity in MFS and the implication of a second locus (MFS2). Linkage analyses, performed in this family, have localized MFS2 to a region of 9 centiMorgans between D3S1293 and D3S1283, at 3p24.2-p25. In this region, the highest lod score was found with D3S2336, of 4.89 (theta = 0.05). By LINKMAP analyses, the most probable position for the second locus in MFS was at D3S2335.

Adult↗

Autosomal dominant Marfan-like connective-tissue disorder with aortic dilation and skeletal anomalies not linked to the fibrillin genes.

We describe a large family with a connective-tissue disorder that exhibits some of the skeletal and cardiovascular features seen in Marfan syndrome. However, none of the 19 affected individuals displayed ocular abnormalities and therefore did not comply with recognized criteria for this disease. These patients could alternatively be diagnosed as MASS (mitral valve, aorta, skeleton, and skin) phenotype patients or represent a distinct clinical entity, i.e., a new autosomal dominant connective-tissue disorder. The fibrillin genes located on chromosomes 15 and 5 are clearly involved in the classic form of Marfan syndrome and a clinically related disorder (congenital contractural arachnodactyly), respectively. To test whether one of these genes was also implicated in this French family, we performed genetic analyses. Blood samples were obtained for 56 family members, and four polymorphic fibrillin gene markers, located on chromosomes 15 (Fib15) and 5 (Fib5), respectively, were tested. Linkage between the disease allele and the markers of these two genes was excluded with lod scores of -11.39 (for Fib15) and -13.34 (for Fib5), at theta = .001, indicating that the mutation is at a different locus. This phenotype thus represents a new connective-tissue disorder, overlapping but different from classic Marfan syndrome.

Adult↗

Extended haplotypes and linkage disequilibrium between 11 markers at the APOA1-C3-A4 gene cluster on chromosome 11.

One hundred fifty-four unrelated French Caucasian subjects were typed for 11 RFLPs at or near the APOA1-C3-A4 gene cluster on the long arm of chromosome 11. All subjects belonged to families having lived in the Toulouse area (in the southwest of France) for over three generations. Allele frequencies for each RFLP were in agreement with previous studies in Caucasian populations for the APOA1/SstI marker. Pairwise linkage disequilibrium was determined. Among the 55 pairs studied, 30 are newly reported. Only three significant nonrandom associations were found: APOA1/MspI-3'APOC3/SstI, APOA1/MspI-3'APOA4/XbaI, and APOA4/DraI-APOA4/XbaI. Extended 11-marker haplotypes were constructed. Haplotype frequencies were estimated by the maximum-likelihood procedure and compared to expected frequencies calculated under the assumption of equilibrium. Among the 37 estimated haplotypes, seven containing at least four nonrandomly associated alleles showed markedly increased frequencies. These results, obtained in a geographically homogeneous population, confirm the existence of disequilibrium in the apolipoprotein cluster, but to a lower extent than previously reported in Caucasian populations, which were geographically more heterogeneous.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗

Linkage analysis of five fibrillar collagen loci in a large French Marfan syndrome family.

Marfan syndrome consists of a group of dominantly inherited disorders of connective tissue with wide clinical variability. Using the candidate gene approach, we have attempted to map the gene defect in a large French Marfan syndrome family with no ocular manifestations. We performed linkage studies with polymorphic probes for five structural procollagen genes. The data obtained exclude linkage of Marfan syndrome to the two major fibrillar collagen (COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL2A1) genes. These results confirm previously published data obtained from smaller pedigrees. A small positive lod score (Z = 0.99, theta = 0.00) was obtained for the COL3A1-COL5A2 gene cluster located on chromosome 2.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Regulation of gene expression in prediapausing embryos of the silkworm, Bombyx mori: pattern of protein synthesis.

Specific qualitative and quantitative changes in protein synthesis occur from the fertilization to the onset of diapause in the silkworm. We have used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to analyse the patterns of proteins synthesized in prediapausing eggs of Bombyx. This analysis has been carried out with in vivo labelled polypeptides and with proteins synthesized in vitro by RNA isolated at different stages. The oocyte contains an abundant supply of diverse mRNA which are translatable in vitro. A set of proteins with molecular weight range of 68,000 to 74,000 and isoelectric points of 5.85-5.95 (hereafter referred to as No. 30) is specific of the germ-anlage stage. Transcripts encoding the No. 30 proteins are not detectable in oocytes, and inhibition of transcription by actinomycin D indicates that No. 30 mRNA are synthesized de novo. Treating eggs at the germ-anlage stage with 4 N HCl at 46 degrees C prevents diapause and is accompanied by overproduction of No. 30 protein. The induction of No. 30 synthesis is also the main event of the heat shock response. The implications of these findings in relation to early embryonic development and prevention of diapause are discussed.

Animals↗

[Molecular diagnosis of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. Current data].

Carrier diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker's muscular dystrophy (BMD) has become possible using some twenty RFLPs detected by more than a dozen Xp21 probes that are either intragenic or flanking the disease locus. Results from familial studies on 88 DMD and BM families stress important considerations concerning a priori and final risks, individuals necessary for the identification of the phase, and the different strategies that can be applied, regardless of whether the study concerns an on-going pregnancy or a carrier-status determination, and whether the patient is at high or low risk. Finally, multiple sources of difficulties in interpreting the results depend on a) the occurrence of new mutations that must be traced; b) the existence of meiotic recombination; c) the necessity, in some instances, of relying upon the sole identification of the paternal X. These considerations emphasize the characteristics and the important limitations of this type of methodology.

Creatine Kinase↗

[Seroepidemiology of herpesvirus hominis and cytomegalovirus infections in the first 4 years of life (author's transl)].

Two hundred children and their mothers were examined when they were 10 months, 2 years and 4 years of age. Anti-cytomegalovirus, anti-Herpesvirus hominis and anti-rubella virus antibodies were titered. The evolution of antibody titers showed that primary infections with cytomegalovirus and Herpesvirus are especially frequent during the first months of life, and that mothers are the principal source of infection. In the group studied, it appeared that country of origin of the parents was the most important socio-economic factor influencing the frequency of infections in children, based upon the large variations of the serum positivity in mothers.

Algeria↗

[Indirect hemagglutination test for detection of antibodies to cytomegalovirus in blood collected on blotting paper (author's transl)].

Indirect hemagglutination test for detection of antibodies to cytomegalovirus is highly sensitive and reproducible, if employed in well-defined conditions. Standardization of the various factors involved is necessary as well as their reciprocal equilibrium : sheep erythrocytes, antigen, dilution of tanin, buffers quality. The hemagglutination test can be performed on small volumes such as blood collection on blotting paper (PKU). Antibody titers were compared in the serum and the blood so collected in 104 subjects : the results were very similar and no "false negative" were found in any case. This way of collecting blood and hemagglutination are technical improvements in epidemiologic studies of cytomegalovirus infection. It can be hoped they will be adapted to other group herpes infections.

Animals↗