Effect of different contraceptive methods on the oxidative stress status in women aged 40-48 years from the ELAN study in the province of Liege, Belgium

in Human Reproduction (2007), 22(8), 2335-2343

Oxidative stress is associated with the development of several disorders including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Among conditions known to influence oxidative stress, the use of oral contraception ... [more ▼]

Oxidative stress is associated with the development of several disorders including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Among conditions known to influence oxidative stress, the use of oral contraception (OC) in women has been a matter of ongoing discussion. METHODS: A total of 897 eligible and healthy volunteers were recruited from among the patients of 50 general practitioners participating in the ELAN study (Etude Liegeoise sur les ANtioxydants). A subsample consisting of 209 women aged 40-48 years was studied for a comprehensive oxidative stress status (OSS), including the analysis of antioxidants, trace elements and three markers of oxidative damage to lipids. Among 209 subsample, 49 (23%) were OC users (OCU), 119 (57%) non-contraception users (NCU) and 41 (20%) were intrauterine (hormonal and copper) devices users (IUD). RESULTS: After adjustment for smoking, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and BMI (or waist circumference), a marked and significant increase in lipid peroxides was observed among OCU women when compared with NCU and IUD users. A cut-off value of 660 mu M in lipid peroxides allowed the discrimination of OCU from the two other groups. In contrast, no difference was observed in the plasma concentration of both oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and their related antibodies. The increased level in lipid peroxides was strongly related to higher concentrations of copper (r < 0.84; P < 0.0001, cut-off value 1.2 mg/1). When compared with NCU and IUD users, plasma antioxidant defences were significantly altered in OCU women as shown by lower levels of beta-carotene (decrease of 39%; P < 0.01) andytocopherol (decrease by 22%; P < 0.01). In contrast, higher concentrations of selenium (increased by 11.8%; P < 0.01) were observed in OCU women. Blood concentrations of vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol and zinc were unaffected by OC use. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of OC significantly increases the lipid peroxidation in women aged 40-48 years. This may represent a potential cardiovascular risk factor for these women. [less ▲]

Risk of relapse after breast cancer is increased by exposure to organochlorine pollutants

in Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology (2007), 78

Les perturbateurs endocriniens: influence sur la Santé de l'Homme de la présence de résidus de P.O.Ps dans notre environnement

Conference given outside the academic context (2007)

Synchronization of validation and estimation strategies of doubt associated as part of the accreditation in trial laboratories

in Acta Clinica Belgica (2006), 61(Suppl. 1), 54-56

In order to achieve the harmonization of validation strategies, the interpretation of several validation criteria is proposed. Furthermore, a simple and visual decision tool to assess the validity of an ... [more ▼]

In order to achieve the harmonization of validation strategies, the interpretation of several validation criteria is proposed. Furthermore, a simple and visual decision tool to assess the validity of an analytical procedure is described: the accuracy profile based on the estimation of the total error of the measurements. This profile build with beta-expectation tolerance intervals can also compute with efficiency the uncertainty related to the results of a laboratory, which is an essential parameter for the accreditation of laboratories under ISO 17025. [less ▲]

Contribution a l'etude des effets perturbateurs endocriniens des polluants environnementaux

Report (2006)

There is an increasing scientific concern that organochlorine compounds, recognized as environmental pollutants, may cause estrogen-related disorders. One of the main hypotheses is that organochlorines ... [more ▼]

There is an increasing scientific concern that organochlorine compounds, recognized as environmental pollutants, may cause estrogen-related disorders. One of the main hypotheses is that organochlorines can act through their estrogenic or anti-estrogenic properties. Many endocrine diseases can be concerned by the pathogenic role on environmental residues in their promotion. The carcinogenic potential of environmental xenoestrogens on breast cancer is a matter of controversy. In Europe, despite their prohibition since the 70's, residues persist in soil and rivers, resulting in a widespread contamination of the general population. Our results suggest that environmental exposure to p,p'-DDE, HCB or PCBS may contribute to multifactorial pathogenesis of breast cancer. Male infertility is also a matter of concern. Our data suggest that male infertility can be associated with exposure of the mothers to p,p'-DDE, and that deleterious effects are probably restricted to intra-uterine life. Early or precocious puberty in children adopted from developing countries where organochlorines are still used is frequently reported. A possible relationship with exposure to DDT is suggested. There are two possible pathways to account for precocious puberty following chronic exposure to estrogenic related compounds: weak stimulation of estrogen sensitive tissues or removal in Belgium of the suppressing effects of estrogens on gonadotrophins, suppressing effect that was due to exposure in the origin country. [less ▲]

Les stupéfiants

Conference given outside the academic context (2006)

Contribution à l'étude des effets perturbateurs endocriniens des polluants environnementaux

Conference (2006)

Deux ans d'analyse de saisies d'heroine en region liegeoise

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2005), 60(9), 724-8

The results of heroin analysis from seizures in the Liege area during the last two years are presented in this article. Between January 2003 and January 2005, 50 samples were analysed in the Laboratory of ... [more ▼]

The results of heroin analysis from seizures in the Liege area during the last two years are presented in this article. Between January 2003 and January 2005, 50 samples were analysed in the Laboratory of Clinical Toxicology and Forensic Toxicology of the University of Liege. Mean heroin concentration was 14,7%. Noscapine and papaverine, other opium alcaloids, were simultaneously present with heroin. As diluents, we only identified caffein and acetaminophen. [less ▲]

Contribution a l'etude des effets perturbateurs endocriniens des polluants environnementaux

in Bulletin et Mémoires de l'Académie Royale de Médecine de Belgique (2005), 160(5-6), 301-10

There is an increasing scientific concern that organochlorine compounds, recognized as environmental act through their estrogenic or anti-estrogenic properties. Many endocrine diseases can be concerned by ... [more ▼]

There is an increasing scientific concern that organochlorine compounds, recognized as environmental act through their estrogenic or anti-estrogenic properties. Many endocrine diseases can be concerned by the pathogenic role on environmental residues in their promotion. The carcinogenic potential of environmental xenoestrogens on breast cancer is a matter of controversy. In Europe, despite their prohibition since the 70's, residues persist in soil and rivers, resulting in a widespread contamination of the general population. Our results suggest that environmental exposure to p,p' -DDE, HCB or PCBs may contribute to multifactorial pathogenesis of breast cancer. Male infertility is also a matter of concern. Our data suggest that male infertility can be associated with exposure of the mothers to p,p'-DDE, and that deleterious effects are probably restricted to intra-uterine life. Early or precocious puberty in children adopted from developing countries where organochlorines are still used is frequently reported. A possible relationship with exposure to DDT is suggested. There are two possible pathways to account for precocious puberty following chronic exposure to estrogenic related compounds: weak stimulation of estrogen sensitive tissues or removal in Belgium of the suppressing effects of estrogens on gonadotrophins, suppressing effect that was due to exposure in the country of origin. [less ▲]

Deux ans d'analyse de saisies d'héroïne en région liégeoise

Poster (2005)