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Biomedical subjects

R Dufour

Publications and source records attributed to R Dufour.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

[Surveys of the treatment and socio-professional future of patients with spondylarthritis. Our impressions in 1986].

After a brief historical reminder, the authors emphasize the difficulties of such investigations; difficulties of realization, analysis and synthesis since the results depend on ethnic and socio-cultural origins, socio-professional factors, primary or secondary forms or the length of evolution of the disease. From their experience, the authors draw a certain number of figures which they compare to those from other authors, especially concerning factors which aggravate the functional prognosis of the disease, or condition its complications. As for the therapy, considering the divergent opinions expressed about the results obtained with modern treatments, and used for thirty years, the authors have initiated an opinion survey among the members of the FSR (French Society of Rheumatology). The analysis of personal cases, the synthesis of various publications, the results of their survey, lead them to conclude that the problem of the treatment of ankylosing spondylo-arthritis and its professional consequences, is currently still more medico-social than scientific. The picture of rheumatoid pelvispondylitis seems less severe today than before, but it is necessary to have a longer follow-up to evaluate it statistically.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMed1984

Plasma cholesteryl sulfate in Friedreich's ataxia.

Alteration of membrane fluidity and anomalies of membrane structural proteins have been suspected in Friedreich's ataxia. Plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity is also lowered in this disease, presumably because of a substrate effect. The membrane-stabilizing effect of cholesteryl sulfate (CS) and its inhibitory effect on LCAT activity prompted us to measure this substance in the plasma of Friedreich's ataxia patients as well as in normal subjects and in patients with Charlevoix-Saguenay disease. Plasma cholesteryl sulfate concentrations were significantly higher in Friedreich's ataxia, with levels above the upper limit of normal in nearly half of the cases. This increase was unrelated to age, sex or plasma cholesterol levels, but closely associated with the severity of the disease and thus considered to be secondary. A similar phenomenon (except the association with severity) was observed in Charlevoix-Saguenay ataxia. Levels also tended to be higher in first-degree relatives of Friedreich cases. The significance of these findings is discussed in the light of recent knowledge and experimental data obtained in this laboratory on rats made deficient in essential fatty acids. The highest concentrations of CS observed in Friedreich's ataxia (1097 micrograms/dL, 6 times the normal mean) was only 25% as high as the concentrations reported to inhibit LCAT activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Effect of methyl linoleate administration on phospholipid fatty acid composition and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in essential fatty acid deficient rats.

Methyl linoleate (18:2 omega 6) was administered to rats deficient in essential fatty acids (EFA) and the effects on osmotic fragility and lipid composition of their red blood cells were studied. Even if they remained deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, the fragile red cells of EFA-deficient rats were remarkably strengthened by the linoleate treatment. It is concluded that omega-3 fatty acids are not essential for the maintenance of cell membrane integrity in rats. Since the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio in red cells was lower in untreated than in treated rats, it is suggested that this factor might be responsible in part for the higher fragility of red cells in EFA-deficient rats. Despite the prolonged administration of overload quantities of methyl linoleate, the proportion of 18:2 omega 6 in the red blood cell phospholipids of treated rats was actually lower than that in rats fed a regular stock diet, while the relative content of other omega-6 fatty acids (20:4 omega 6, 22:4 omega 6, and 22:5 omega 6) increased. These results indicate that the metabolic processes of omega-6 fatty acids in treated rats were stimulated, probably as a result of the lack of competition from omega-3 fatty acids for the same enzyme systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

[Digital arteritis and bleomycin. Apropos of a case].

A 47-year-old patient developed severe digital arteritis after complementary bleomycin treatment following surgery for esophageal cancer. Arteriography images showed extrinsic stenosis of the digital arteries, results of other investigations suggesting development of a sclerodermic process due to bleomycin. Ischemic lesions regressed after thoracic sympathectomy. Similar cases have been well documented but cases of associated cancer and digital ischemia lacking iatrogenic features have also been reported. The pathogenic role of bleomycin appears to be established in the present case, but the possibility of the digital ischemia developing within the framework of a paraneoplasic syndrome is discussed.

Arteritis↗
PubMed1983

[Xanthoma and atherosclerosis in the presence of normal plasma lipids].

Normal plasma lipid levels do not prevent the infiltration of skin and arterial walls by cholesterol. This does not mean that lipoproteins do not play a role in tissue infiltration which takes place in subjects with normal lipids. Abnormal lipids, an abnormal distribution of atherogenic and non-atherogenic lipids in the blood, a latent hyperlipidemia, the relative proportions of apolipoproteins in circulation or an abnormal composition of the lipoproteins may contribute to this phenomenon. Our studies in subjects with normal lipid levels with xanthelasmata support the hypothesis that the apolipoprotein-B has atherogenic properties. In addition, they suggest that certain isomers of the apolipoprotein-E may also be involved. Preliminary studies in our laboratory using a simple technique of identifying the 6 phenotypes of the apolipoprotein-E suggest that the isomer E2 may favour the appearance of hyperlipidemia when another genetic or environmental factor is present.

Apolipoproteins↗
PubMed1978

[Therapy of retinal detachment with minimal intervention (author's transl)].

Two personal observations of a cure of retinal detachment with minimal intervention are presented: photocoagulation of a retinal tear and prolonged forced immobilization. As shown by E. Custodis, the closure of the retinal tear remains essential whereas the drainage of subretinal fluid is accessory.

Drainage↗