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Biomedical subjects

P Jego

Publications and source records attributed to P Jego.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Regulation of salmon gonadotrophin-releasing hormone gene expression by sex steroids in rainbow trout brain.

Salmon gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) is the major form of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in the brain of Salmonids and is encoded by two different genes: sGnRH1 and sGnRH2. In the present study, we examined the expression patterns of these two genes during development and throughout the reproductive cycle of the female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and also investigated the feedback action of sex steroids on brain mRNA levels. Both genes are expressed as early as 14 days postfertilisation and show a similar expression pattern during early life stages. In the adult female, sGnRH1 and sGnRH2 mRNAs are both present in neurones located in the ventral forebrain. This gene expression in the brain appears to be low during early vitellogenesis, and increases during oocyte maturation to reach a maximum after ovulation. The expression of sGnRH1 was not modified by in vivo steroid treatments in any experiment; however, testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone down-regulate brain sGnRH2 gene in immature and adult ovariectomised females. Oestradiol treatment decreases sGnRH2 mRNA levels in the brain of adult ovariectomised females only. In the triploid fish brain, none of the steroids affect brain sGnRH mRNA levels. Our results suggest that, unlike sGnRH1, the sGnRH2 gene is under a strongly androgenic inhibitory control in the immature and adult female rainbow trout.

Animals↗

[Cryptococcal infections in non-HIV infected patients. Study of four cases and review of literature].

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcal infections are frequent in HIV-infected patients and are regularly looked after. This infection may occur in others immunosuppressives situations and, in those cases, diagnosis is often delayed. METHODS: We report four cases of cryptococcal infections in patients whose immunosuppression isn't related with HIV infection but due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia, giant cell temporal arteritis, gastric neoplasm and lupus. Diagnosis, prognostic and treatment are detailed. RESULTS: Four patients aged from 25 to 76 presented a cryptococcal infection (three meningitis). A woman died at the admission. Another died seven years later. The two others are still alive under treatment. When infected, all patients were immunodeficiency. CONCLUSION: Cryptococcal infection may occur in patients non-HIV-infected patients. Early detection is needed to improve prognostic.

Adult↗

Differential regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase and estradiol receptor expression in the rainbow trout brain.

In numerous fish species, dopamine has been found to strongly inhibit gonadotropin release. Among the enzymes that regulate dopamine turnover, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting anabolic enzyme, could be a target for endocrine feedback regulation. Since dopamine turnover is stimulated by estradiol in rainbow trout, we have investigated the effect of estradiol on TH and estradiol receptor expression. In situ hybridization was used to quantify mRNA levels in the brain of ovariectomized female rainbow trout implanted or not with estradiol pellets. We demonstrated that preoptic TH and estradiol receptor mRNA levels are greatly decreased by gonadectomy during vitellogenesis. For TH expression, this effect was reversed in part by estradiol supplementation. We have also confirmed the existence of an inhibitory gonadal feedback on FSH secretion, mediated by estradiol. The stimulating effect of estradiol on TH expression found in this study could be a pathway involved in gonadal feedback on gonadotropin release.

Animals↗

[Epidemiologic description of amyloidosis diagnosed at the University Hospital of Rennes from 1995 to 1999].

INTRODUCTION: The frequency of amyloidosis is not well known in France. We compiled a register of amyloidosis diagnosed from 1995 to 1999 in the University Hospital of Rennes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was performed between 01 January 1995 and 31 december 1999. Diagnosis was assessed on positivity of red Congo by anatomopathology. Immunohistochemistry allowed the definition the type of amyloidosis. Clinical data, staging and outcome of patients were analysed. RESULTS: Forty-three amyloidosis were diagnosed (27 women, 16 men) with an incidence of 8,6 new cases per year. Mean age was 63.7 years. Five diagnosis were realised in 1995, six in 1996, six in 1997, 12 in 1998, 14 in 1999. Twenty amyloidosis were AL type (46.5%), seven AA (16.3%), 1 beta2 microglobulin type, 15 (35%) remained of undetermined type. Thirty-three amyloidosis (77%) were systemic, 10 were localized to one organ (23%). When diagnosis was made, biopsies concerned affected organs in 86% of the cases, accessory sites (labial salivary glands, bone marrow) in only 14% of the cases. Twenty-five patients died (58%). Two deaths were treatment-related, 16 to amyloidois, seven patients died of another complaint. CONCLUSION: Increased incidence of amyloidosis needs to be confirmed. We emphasize the importance of immunohistochemical typing on frozen samples, the value of accessory biopsies and the need for complete extension staging.

Adult↗

Hyperferritinemia revealing Gaucher's disease.

Hyperferritinemia is frequently observed during Gaucher's disease but has never been described as an initial manifestation. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman without a previous medical history who presented with hyperferritinemia and IgG monoclonal gammopathy. The diagnostic procedure was negative except for the bone marrow biopsy, which revealed Gaucher's cells. Low beta-glucocerebrosidase activity in leukocytes confirmed the diagnosis of adult Gaucher's disease. We discuss the differential diagnosis and the mechanisms of hyperferritinemia in this disease.

Journal Article↗

[Follow-up of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in a population of 51 patients older than 70 years ].

UNLABELLED: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are very frequent in the elderly. Its incidence is about 3% after 70 years. We have performed a retrospective study of patients aged of more than 70 years who were examined until 1995 for a MGUS. METHODS: The study included 51 patients: 24 men and 27 women. Information about evolution was obtained by medical file or by asking medical practitioner. We know the evolution of all patients until January 1st 2000. The median follow-up is 5.8 years (70 months). RESULTS: The MGUS remained stable for 34 patients (67%) with a median follow-up of 83 months (12 to 180 months). Nine patients (17%) developed malignant transformation of MGUS (6 multiple myeloma, 2 Waldenström macroglobulinemia, 1 malignant lymphoma). Eight (15%) developed a cancer. Twelve died without evidence of multiple myeloma or related disorder. The actuarial probability of malignant transformation at 5 years was 12%. CONCLUSION: The risk of malignant transformation of MGUS doesn't decrease in the elderly. A regular and prolonged follow-up is necessary.

Aged↗

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome after left internal mammary bypass in a patient with Takayasu's disease.

We report the case of a 56-year-old symptomatic woman who underwent 2 coronary bypasses (left internal mammary artery on the left anterior artery and saphenous venous bypass on the circumflex) for a tight stenosis of the left main coronary. An inflammatory syndrome had been explored for 1 year without specific diagnosis. Eight months later, coronary angiography was performed for recurrence of angina: both bypasses were patent without stenosis and the left main stenosis was unchanged, but significant stenosis of the subclavian artery was found just before the LIMA. The diagnosis of Takayasu's disease was suspected in accordance with the ARC criteria and corticosteroids were started. One year later, because of recurrent angina, the patient was surgically treated with subclavian, vertebral and internal mammary endofibrectomy and an inverted saphenous vein graft from the subclavian to the axillary artery for extensive supra-aortic lesions. The patient remains symptom free at 1 year follow-up.

Female↗

Two different messenger RNAs for salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone are expressed in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) brain.

Two different precursor genes encoding the decapeptide salmon GnRH (sGnRH) are present in most salmonid species. In rainbow trout, a precedent Southern blot study revealed the existence of two different sGnRH genes and, recently, two different genes and their complementary DNAs that encode the identical peptide sGnRH were isolated from ovary and testis. Our study confirms the existence of two different mRNAs encoding sGnRH (sGnRH mRNA-I and sGnRH mRNA-II) in the brain of rainbow trout and, for the first time, full-length complementary DNA sequences are given. Central and peripheral distributions of the two messengers are described and seem to indicate different regulation of their expression. sGnRH mRNA-I is found essentially in the olfactory bulbs and telencephalon, whereas sGnRH mRNA-II is more widely expressed in the brain. Our observations allow speculation on the respective roles of two genes encoding the same decapeptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance].

INTRODUCTION: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is an asymptomatic disorder associated with serum monoclonal immunoglobulin spike. Its incidence is about 1% in patients of 50 years of age, and rapidly increases in elderly patients. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS: Within the 20 years following diagnosis, about 25% of patients will evolve towards either multiple myeloma (for patients with IgG or IgA) or malignant lymphoproliferative disorder (for patients with IgM). Definition, circumstances associated with a transient monoclonal spike, and currently available parameters used for differential diagnosis with either multiple myeloma or malignant lymphoproliferative disorder are successively discussed. One part of the most usual biological parameters is of prognostic value, and is reviewed in more detail. Recent data concerning immunophenotype, cytogenetics and molecular biology of plasma cells reinforce the link between the asymptomatic condition and multiple myeloma. In monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, some plasma cells resemble normal or reactive plasma cells, whereas others mimic those found in multiple myeloma. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS: The most recent biological data are also discussed in order to evaluate whether some would help to discriminate those patients who will remain asymptomatic lifelong from those who will evolve towards multiple myeloma.

Disease Progression↗

Congestive heart failure: revealing light chain deposition disease.

We report a case of light chain deposition disease associated with multiple myeloma revealed by congestive heart failure. Endomyocardial biopsy showed Congo red negative deposits and lambda light chain deposits by the immunofluorescence method. After chemotherapy with melphalan and prednisone, complete remission of multiple myeloma and major improvement in cardiac condition were observed.

Journal Article↗

A randomized, multicenter, controlled trial using intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone in the initial treatment of simple forms of giant cell arteritis: a one year followup study of 164 patients.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To evaluate the corticosteroid sparing effect of an initial intravenous (i.v.) pulse of methylprednisolone (MP) in the treatment of simple forms of giant cell arteritis (GCA). (2) To analyze corticosteroid response, steroid related side effects, and GCA complications. METHODS: Patients received a 240 mg i.v. pulse of MP followed by 0.7 mg/kg/day oral prednisone (Group 1) or 0.7 mg/kg/day prednisone without an i.v. pulse (Group 2, controls), or a 240 mg i.v. pulse of MP followed by 0.5 mg/kg/day prednisone (Group 3). Corticosteroid dosage was reduced after normalization of 2 biological inflammatory variables to obtain half-dosage after 4 weeks in Groups 1 and 2 and 20 mg/day after 2 weeks in Group 3. Tapering was systematically attempted from the 6th month of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four patients were included in the trial (1992-96). Cumulative doses of corticosteroids after one year were identical for all groups (p = 0.39). No significant differences were observed in the time required for normalization of C-reactive protein, corticosteroid resistance (13.5%), and corticosteroid related side effects (39% of patients; p = 0.37). Corticosteroid resistant patients received larger doses and showed a high risk of GCA related complications (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: MP pulses have no significant longterm, corticosteroid sparing effects in the treatment of simple forms of GCA and should be limited to complicated forms. Moreover, corticosteroid resistance is a real risk factor for GCA complications.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Analysis of TNFalpha microsatellites in 35 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Although the cause of Sjögren's syndrome remains unknown, many arguments suggest a role for both environmental and genetic factors. An association with HLA molecules has been established. Other genes on the short arm of chromosome 6 may be involved, most notably the TNF gene, which may be pivotal in the development of the epithelial lesions. METHODS: We investigated TNFalpha microsatellites in 35 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome and in 146 healthy controls. RESULTS: The frequency of the TNFalpha10 allele showed a non-significant increase in the Sjögren's disease group (28.6% vs 15.8%; P = NS). We found significant increases when we considered only those Sjögren's disease patients with joint manifestations (N = 24; 37.5% vs 15.7%; P < 0.05) or only those with anti-Ro(SSA) antibodies (N = 10; 50% vs 15.7%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data support a role for the TNFalpha10 allele in primary Sjögren's syndrome, particularly those forms with joint symptoms and anti-Ro(SS-A) antibodies.

Adult↗

[Respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia in four immunocompromised adults].

INTRODUCTION: In hematologic malignancies, respiratory syncytial viral infections can be explained by neutropenia, and cellular and humoral immunodepression, and may cause severe respiratory infections. EXEGESIS: Four patients with hematologic malignancies developed a severe respiratory syncytial virus infection. Three of them had previously received autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). Progress was favorable for three patients. One patient died of acute respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: When such patients present with respiratory symptoms, especially during the winter months, they should be screened for RSV. Bronchoalveolar lavage allowed quick and accurate diagnosis by immunofluorescence. Treatment with nebulized ribavirin is controversial. Its use may be interesting in patients with high-risk factors (intensive chemotherapy, ABMT, diffuse pneumonia with hypoxemia).

Antiviral Agents↗

Familial multiple myeloma: report of fifteen families.

To further define the frequency, clinical and biological features of familial multiple myeloma we performed a retrospective study of related patients who presented with multiple myeloma. Most cases of familial multiple myeloma were observed in siblings (10/15), in whom the mean age at diagnosis was similar to unrelated multiple myeloma. In successive generations the mean age at diagnosis was lower. Monoclonal component was identical (IgG kappa) in seven families. Familial history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance was observed in three families. Five other prospective studies of 1263 patients identified four affected families (3.2 per 1000 cases of multiple myeloma), and raise the question of a genetic background in multiple myeloma.

Adult↗