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Biomedical subjects

N Gerard

Publications and source records attributed to N Gerard.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

The effect of the CYP2C19 genotype on the hydroxylation index of omeprazole in South Indians.

To investigate the relationship between CYP2C19 genotypes and the hydroxylation index (HI) of omeprazole in the South Indian population. Healthy unrelated South Indian subjects (n=300) were separated into three groups based on their CYP2C19 genotypes. They were administered a single oral dose of 20 mg omeprazole, and venous blood was collected 3 h later. Plasma was assayed using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and the omeprazole HI was calculated. The means of HIs in individuals with CYP2C19*1/*1 (n=124), *1/*2 (n=129) and *2/*2,*2/*3 (n=47) were 2.4, 5.3 and 22.5, respectively, and were found to be significantly different between any two groups (P<0.0001). A good correlation was established between CYP2C19 genotype and omeprazole HI (r=0.54, 95% CI 0.45-0.62; P<0.0001). Of the 300 subjects, 42 (14.0%; 95% CI 10.1-17.9) were phenotypic poor metabolizers (PMs), but only 33 of them had two mutant alleles and the remaining 9 PMs had at least one wild-type allele. Among the 258 extensive metabolizers, 14 had two mutant alleles. The prevalence of PMs in the South Indian population was 14.0%, which is similar to that in North Indians and Orientals but significantly higher than in Caucasians and Africans. A genotype-phenotype relationship was established between the CYP2C19 genotype and HI of omeprazole, but 7.7% of subjects deviated from expected genotype-phenotype associations. This could be due to an additional mutation, either in the exons/introns or in the 5'-regulatory region of the CYP2C19 gene.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 null genotype distribution in South Indians.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of the homozygous null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in the South Indian population. METHODS: Five hundred and seventeen unrelated natives of the South Indian states of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry (n=170), Kerala (n=122), Karnataka (n=110) and Andhra Pradesh (n=115) were analyzed for homozygous deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction method simultaneously detected both GSTM1 and GSTT1 homozygous null genotypes. The observed frequencies from the four groups were compared statistically with each other and the combined frequencies were compared with frequencies of other major populations previously reported in the literature. RESULTS: In South India, 30.4% (95% CI 26.4-34.3) lacked the GSTM1 gene, 16.8% (13.6-20.1) lacked the GSTT1 gene and 4.6% (3.0-6.8) lacked both the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes. The highest frequency of GSTM1 null was observed in Karnataka (36.4%, 27.4-45.4), while Andhra Pradesh had the lowest frequency of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 combined double-null genotypes (1.7%, 0.21-6.2). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the GSTM1 null genotype differed within India. The frequency of GSTM1 null in South Indians was significantly lower than that in Caucasians. The frequencies of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes in South Indians were significantly lower than in the Japanese.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Allele and genotype frequency of CYP2C9 in Tamilnadu population.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the frequency of CYP2C9*1, *2 and *3 alleles and the genotype of CYP2C9 gene in the Tamilian population. METHODS: The study was conducted on 135 unrelated healthy human volunteers. DNA was extracted from the peripheral leukocytes samples and was analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) protocol. The PCR products were digested with AvaII, KpnI or NsiI restriction enzymes. The digested products were separated using 8% polyacrylamide gel and stained by ethidium bromide. Genotyping of the subjects was done based on DNA fragment size. RESULTS: The frequencies of CYP2C9*1, *2 and *3 alleles in the Tamilian population were 0.907, 0.026 and 0.067, respectively. The distribution of CYP2C9*1/*1, *1/*2, *1/*3 and *2/*3 genotypes were 0.823, 0.044, 0.126 and 0.007, respectively. CONCLUSION: CYP2C9*3 is the most frequent mutant allele found in the Tamilian population. The distribution of this mutant allele in the Tamilian population was found to be lesser than in Caucasians but higher than in Chinese.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Genotype and allele frequency of CYP2D6 in Tamilian population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of CYP2D6 *3, *4, *5 and *10 allelic variants in a South Indian population and compare the frequencies with other major populations. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-based methods were used to identify the CYP2D6 genotypes of 106 healthy unrelated male and female volunteers of Tamilian origin. The allele and genotype frequencies observed were compared with other major populations. RESULTS: The *10 allele was the most frequent mutant allele in Tamilians (20.3%). The *5 allele occurred at 0.9% and the *3 allele was not detected. The most frequent allele causing enzyme inactivation was *4 allele in Tamilians (6.6%), which is significantly higher than that reported in Japanese (0%). CONCLUSIONS: The *10 allele is the most common mutant allele in Tamilians. The CYP2D6*4 and CYP2D6*5 alleles are distributed in a significantly different way in the Tamil population relative to Oriental populations.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Allele and genotype frequency of CYP2C19 in a Tamilian population.

AIMS: To investigate the frequencies of CYP2C19*1, CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 alleles and CYP2C19 genotypes in a Tamilian population. METHODS: The study was conducted in 112 unrelated healthy human volunteers. DNA was extracted from leucocytes and analyzed by the PCR-RFLP protocol. The PCR product was digested with restriction enzymes (SmaI and BamH1) and then separated electrophoretically using polyacrylamide gel. RESULTS: The frequencies of the CYP2C19*1, *2 and *3 alleles were 0.598 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.507, 0.689], 0.379 (95% CI, 0.350,0.407) and 0.022 (95% CI -0.005, 0.049), respectively. The distribution of CYP2C19*1/*1,*1/*2, *1/*3, *2/*2 and *2/*3 genotypes were 0.295 (95% CI, 0.210, 0.379), 0.580 (95% CI, 0.488, 0.671), 0.027 (95% CI -0.003, 0.057), 0.080 (95% CI 0.030, 0.130) and 0.018 (95% CI -0.006, 0.042), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of CYP2C19*1/*1 in the Tamilian population is lower than that in Caucasians, Africans and the North Indian population. The CYP2C19*1/*2 is significantly higher in Tamilians when compared with other populations. The CYP2C19*1/*3 allele, which was not reported in the North Indian and Caucasian populations has been identified in 2.7% of the Tamilian population.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) downregulates the onset of intestinal inflammation in the nematode infected mouse.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Substance P (SP) release from sensory nerves induces neurogenic inflammation. Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) degrades SP, thereby limiting its proinflammatory effects. Intestinal inflammation following Trichinella spiralis infection markedly downregulates NEP, resulting in diminished SP degradation, with unknown functional consequences. We hypothesised that diminished expression of NEP would exacerbate T spiralis induced enteritis. METHODS: NEP knockout (NEP-/-) and wild-type (NEP+/+) mice were infected with T spiralis and studied at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post infection (PI). Tissue inflammation was quantified by computerised cell counting and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO). The leucocyte adhesion molecule, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and SP were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Before infection, the lack of NEP was not associated with changes in mucosal cellularity or MPO activity. Twelve hours PI, NEP-/- mice showed a 2.5-fold increase in MPO activity at a time when values in NEP+/+ mice were still within normal limits. MPO activity and cellularity peaked at 24 hours PI. This was accompanied by increased staining for both ICAM-1 and SP in NEP-/- mice. Infusion of rhNEP to NEP-/- mice significantly reduced MPO activity 24 hours PI. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that NEP downregulates the early onset of nematode intestinal inflammation and that increased bioavailability of SP and overexpression of ICAM-1 in NEP-/- mice likely play a role in the earlier onset of intestinal inflammation.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Proteinase-activated receptor-2 and hyperalgesia: A novel pain pathway.

Using a combined pharmacological and gene-deletion approach, we have delineated a novel mechanism of neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor-dependent hyperalgesia induced by proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on nociceptive primary afferent neurons. Injections into the paw of sub-inflammatory doses of PAR2 agonists in rats and mice induced a prolonged thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and elevated spinal Fos protein expression. This hyperalgesia was markedly diminished or absent in mice lacking the NK-1 receptor, preprotachykinin-A or PAR2 genes, or in rats treated with a centrally acting cyclooxygenase inhibitor or treated by spinal cord injection of NK-1 antagonists. Here we identify a previously unrecognized nociceptive pathway with important therapeutic implications, and our results point to a direct role for proteinases and their receptors in pain transmission.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Deletion of neutral endopeptidase exacerbates intestinal inflammation induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A.

Toxin A (TxA) of Clostridium difficile induces acute inflammation of the intestine initiated by release of substance P (SP) and activation of the neurokinin-1 receptor. However, the mechanisms that terminate this response are unknown. We determined whether the SP-degrading enzyme neutral endopeptidase (NEP, EC 3.4.24.11) terminates TxA-induced enteritis. We used both genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of NEP to test this hypothesis. In wild-type mice, instillation of TxA (0.5-5 microg) into ileal loops for 3 h dose dependently increased ileal fluid secretion, stimulated granulocyte transmigration determined by myeloperoxidase activity, and caused histological damage characterized by depletion of enterocytes, edema, and neutrophil accumulation. Deletion of NEP reduced the threshold secretory and inflammatory dose of TxA and exacerbated the inflammatory responses by more than twofold. This exacerbated inflammation was prevented by pretreatment with recombinant NEP. Conversely, pretreatment of wild-type mice with the NEP inhibitor phosphoramidon exacerbated enteritis. Thus NEP terminates enteritis induced by C. difficile TxA, underlying the importance of SP degradation in limiting neurogenic inflammation.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Rearrangements of the beta-globin gene cluster in apparently typical betaS haplotypes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The majority of the chromosomes with the betaS gene have one of the five common haplotypes, designated as Benin, Bantu, Senegal, Cameroon, and Arab-Indian haplotypes. However, 5-10% of the chromosomes have less common haplotypes, usually referred to as atypical haplotypes. We have demonstrated that most atypical haplotypes are generated by recombinations. The present study was carried out in order to explore whether recombination also occurs in chromosomes with the common (or typical) haplotypes. DESIGN AND METHODS: We screened the HS-2 region of the beta-globin gene locus control region (LCR) in 244 sickle cell patients who had typical restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-defined haplotypes of the betaS-gene cluster. For 14 cases in which the expected and the observed LCR repeat-sequence sizes were discrepant, the analysis was extended to other unexplored polymorphic markers of the bS-globin gene cluster, i.e.: pre-Ggamma framework, pre-Ggamma 6-bp deletion, HS-2 LCR (AT)xR(AT)y and pre-beta(AT)xTy repeats, and the intragenic beta-globin gene framework. RESULTS: In all 14 cases (15 chromosomes) in which the LCR repeat-sequence sizes were discrepant, a recombination involving a typical 3' segment of the betaS globin gene cluster was demonstrated. In most of the cases, the recombination site was located between the beta-globin gene and the betaLCR. Nine cases involving recombination were detected among 156 Brazilian HbS homozygotes and five among 88 African patients homozygotes for the Benin haplotype. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS. Thus, 3.1% of apparently typical haplotypes linked to the sickle cell gene involve recombinations similar to those that generate the atypical haplotypes, a finding that reinforces the picture of the beta-globin gene cluster as highly dynamic.

Africa↗
PubMed2000

Neurokinin-1 receptor agonists are involved in mediating neutrophil accumulation in the inflamed, but not normal, cutaneous microvasculature: an in vivo study using neurokinin-1 receptor knockout mice.

We have used tachykinin neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1 receptor) knockout mice to learn of the link between NK1 receptors and neutrophil accumulation in normal naive skin, as compared with inflamed skin. Intradermal substance P (300 pmol) induced edema formation in wild-type mice, but not in NK1 knockout mice, as expected. However, in contrast to IL-1beta (0.3 pmol), substance P did not induce neutrophil accumulation in wild-type mice. IL-1beta-induced neutrophil accumulation was similar in wild-type and knockout mice, but a significant (p < 0.05) contributory effect of added NK1 agonists, which by themselves have no effect on neutrophil accumulation in normal skin, was observed. The results support the concept that NK1 agonists such as substance P cannot act on their own to mediate neutrophil accumulation in naive skin and provide direct evidence that in inflamed skin, under certain circumstances, the NK1 receptor can play a pivotal role in modulating neutrophil accumulation during the ongoing inflammatory process. We investigated responses to two inflammatory stimuli (carrageenin and zymosan). Neutrophil accumulation was significantly attenuated (p < 0.001) in carrageenin- but not zymosan-induced inflammation in NK1 knockout mice. The carrageenin (500 microg)-induced response was inhibited (p < 0.05) by a NK1 receptor antagonist, SR140333 (480 nmol/kg i.v. at -5 min), in the wild-type group. The bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor antagonists (desArg9[Leu8]bradykinin and HOE 140) each reduced neutrophil accumulation to carrageenin in wild-type animals (p < 0.05), but did not cause further reduction of the suppressed response of knockout mice. The results provide evidence that kinin receptors participate in NK1 receptor-dependent neutrophil accumulation in inflamed mouse skin.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Spectrum of beta thalassemia mutations and their linkage to beta-globin gene haplotypes in the Indo-Mauritians.

The beta thalassemia alleles in 53 thalassemic Indo-Mauritian patients and their families consisting of 23 homozygous beta-thalassemia, 9 HbE/beta-thalassemia, 18 HbS/beta-thalassemia, 1 HbD/beta-thalassemia, 1 deltabeta/beta-thalassemia and 1 HbH/beta-thalassemia from the island of Mauritius were studied. Characterization by polymerase chain reaction-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique revealed that the IVS1-5 (G-->C) mutation accounted for 74% of the beta thalassemic alleles, while six other mutations occurred at much lower frequencies: HbE codon 26 (G-->A); 10.4%, codon 8/9 (+G); 3.5%, codon 30 (AGG-->ACG) also called IVSI (-1).G-->C; 3.5%, codon 15 (G-->A); 3.5%, codon 41/42 (-CTTT); 2.4% and -28 (A-->G); 2.4%. Association of these mutations to specific beta globin gene sequence framework and haplotype allowed to trace their ancestral link. These data are useful in future molecular screening of the population in view of implementing a thalassemia prevention and control program in Mauritius.

Alleles↗
PubMed2000

Substance P mediates inflammatory oedema in acute pancreatitis via activation of the neurokinin-1 receptor in rats and mice.

Pancreatic oedema occurs early in the development of acute pancreatitis, and the overall extent of fluid loss correlates with disease severity. The tachykinin substance P (SP) is released from sensory nerves, binds to the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R) on endothelial cells and induces plasma extravasation, oedema, and neutrophil infiltration, a process termed neurogenic inflammation. We sought to determine the importance of neurogenic mechanisms in acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic plasma extravasation was measured using the intravascular tracers Evans blue and Monastral blue after administration of specific NK1-R agonists/antagonists in rats and NK1-R(+/+)/(-/-) mice. The effects of NK1-R genetic deletion/antagonism on pancreatic plasma extravasation, amylase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and histology in cerulein-induced pancreatitis were characterized. In rats, both SP and the NK1-R selective agonist [Sar(9) Met(O(2))(11)]SP stimulated pancreatic plasma extravasation, and this response was blocked by the NK1-R antagonist CP 96,345. Selective agonists of the NK-2 or NK-3 receptors had no effect. In rats, cerulein stimulated pancreatic plasma extravasation and serum amylase. These responses were blocked by the NK1-R antagonist CP 96,345. In wildtype mice, SP induced plasma extravasation while SP had no effect in NK1-R knockout mice. In NK1-R knockout mice, the effects of cerulein on pancreatic plasma extravasation and hyperamylasemia were reduced by 60%, and pancreatic MPO by 75%, as compared to wildtype animals. Neurogenic mechanisms of inflammation are important in the development of inflammatory oedema in acute interstitial pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) terminates colitis by degrading substance P.

Neurogenic inflammation is regulated by sensory nerves and characterized by extravasation of plasma proteins and infiltration of neutrophils from post-capillary venules and arteriolar vasodilatation. Although it is well established that substance P (SP) interacts with the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) to initiate neurogenic inflammation, the mechanisms that terminate inflammation are unknown. We examined whether neutral endopeptidase (NEP), a cell-surface enzyme that degrades SP in the extracellular fluid, terminates neurogenic inflammation in the colon. In NEP knockout mice, the SP concentration in the colon was approximately 2.5-fold higher than in wild-type mice, suggesting increased bioavailability of SP. The extravasation of Evans blue-labeled plasma proteins in the colon of knockout mice under basal conditions was approximately 4-fold higher than in wild-type mice. This elevated plasma leak was attenuated by recombinant NEP or the NK1R antagonist SR140333, and is thus caused by diminished degradation of SP. To determine whether deletion of NEP predisposes mice to uncontrolled inflammation, we compared dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in wild-type and knockout mice. The severity of colitis, determined by macroscopic and histologic scoring and by myeloperoxidase activity, was markedly worse in knockout than wild-type mice after 3 and 7 days. The exacerbated inflammation in knockout mice was prevented by recombinant NEP and SR140333. Thus, NEP maintains low levels of SP in the extracellular fluid under basal conditions and terminates its proinflammatory effects. Because we have previously shown that intestinal inflammation results in down-regulation of NEP and diminished degradation of SP, our present results suggest that defects in NEP expression contribute to uncontrolled inflammation.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The substance P receptor is necessary for a normal granulomatous response in murine schistosomiasis mansoni.

Immune cells within the granulomas of murine schistosomiasis mansoni make the neuropeptide substance P (SP) and express neurokine 1 receptor, which is the specific receptor for substance P (SPr). It was determined if mice with deletion of the SPr (SPr-/-) would develop a normal granulomatous response to schistosome ova during the course of natural infection. Mean liver granuloma size was smaller in SPr-/- mice compared with that of wild-type control animals. Although flow analysis revealed little difference in the cellular composition of the granulomas, both splenocytes and granuloma cells from SPr-/- mice produced much less IFN-gamma and IgG2a and less IgE. The expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4/IL-5) and IgG1 was comparable to the wild-type control. The mouse with targeted disruption of its SPr had the nonmammalian gene encoding the enzyme beta-galactosidase inserted in exon 1 of the SPr gene. There was beta-galactosidase activity in many mononuclear cells scattered throughout the schistosome granulomas of SPr-/- mice. Also, a granuloma T cell line derived from this transgenic mouse produced beta-galactosidase. These results provide further evidence that in murine schistosomiasis SPr is displayed commonly on granuloma inflammatory cells and is important for granuloma development and expression of IFN-gamma circuitry in this natural infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effects of soluble CD4 on simian immunodeficiency virus infection of CD4-positive and CD4-negative cells.

A soluble form of the CD4 receptor (sCD4) can either enhance or inhibit the infection of cells by simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and human immunodeficiency virus. We investigated the basis for these varying effects by studying the entry of three SIV isolates into CD4-positive and CD4-negative cells expressing different chemokine receptors. Infection of CD4-negative cells depended upon the viral envelope glycoproteins and upon the chemokine receptor, with CCR5 and gpr15 being more efficient than STRL33. Likewise, enhancement of infection by sCD4 was observed when CCR5- and gpr15-expressing target cells were used but not when those expressing STRL33 were used. The sCD4-mediated enhancement of virus infection of CD4-negative, CCR5-positive cells was related to the sCD4-induced increase in binding of the viral gp120 envelope glycoprotein to CCR5. Inhibitory effects of sCD4 could largely be explained by competition for virus attachment to cellular CD4 rather than other detrimental effects on virus infectivity (e.g., disruption of the envelope glycoprotein spike). Consistent with this, the sCD4-activated SIV envelope glycoprotein intermediate on the virus was long-lived. Thus, the net effect of sCD4 on SIV infectivity appears to depend upon the degree of enhancement of chemokine receptor binding and upon the efficiency of competition for cellular CD4.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

A novel C-->A transversion within the distal CCAAT motif of the Ggamma-globin gene in the Algerian Ggammabeta+-hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin.

Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) is a group of genetically heterogeneous conditions characterized by the continued expression of fetal hemoglobin in adulthood. These constitute natural models for understanding the mechanism(s) of the hemoglobin switch. Many large deletions in the beta-globin gene cluster and point mutations in one of the fetal globin gene promoters have been described before. In this study we describe a novel C-->A transversion (-114) in the distal CCAAT box of the Ggamma-globin gene promoter associated with the Ggammabeta+-HPFH phenotype in an Algerian family. Individuals heterozygous for this mutation exhibit moderate raise in Hb F levels (0.6-3.5%). Much higher Hb F levels (3.8-11.2%) are observed when a beta(o)-thalassemia allele is present in trans to the hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin allele. This novel Algerian HPFH mutation further stresses the importance of the distal CCAAT box in the postnatal regulation of gamma-globin gene expression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

A mismatched-primer polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism strategy for rapid screening of the polyadenylation signal mutation alpha(T-Saudi) (AATAAA-->AATAAG) in the alpha2-globin gene.

The most common nondeletional alpha-thalassemia allele, namely alpha(T-Saudi) (AATAAA-->AATAAG), in the Arabian peninsula and neighboring countries is responsible for a number of cases of Hb H disease. It is expected to alter significantly the clinical manifestations of beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, also quite prevalent in these regions. Recognition of the alpha(T-Saudi) allele has so far relied on technically-demanding procedures. Here we report a simple, rapid, and robust polymerase chain reaction-based detection procedure for this allele. This involves priming of the polymerase chain reaction with a deliberately introduced mismatch in one of the primers so that the mutant allele, after amplification, would introduce a StuI restriction enzyme site, the presence of which can be recognized by digesting the polymerase chain reaction product with this enzyme.

Adolescent↗