Estimation de la fonction rénale chez le patient anorexique

in Diabètes & Métabolism (2004), 30

Detection of renal failure in overweight patients.

in Kidney International (2004)

Estimation of renal function in anorexia nervosa

in Kidney International (2004)

Isostrychnopentamine, an indolomonoterpenic alkaloid from Strychnos usambarensis, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells

in Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (2003), 304(3), 1103-1110

Isostrychnopentamine (ISP) is an indolomonoterpenic alkaloid that is present in the leaves of Strychnos usambarensis, a well known African shrub or little tree. The roots contain quaternary alkaloids ... [more ▼]

Isostrychnopentamine (ISP) is an indolomonoterpenic alkaloid that is present in the leaves of Strychnos usambarensis, a well known African shrub or little tree. The roots contain quaternary alkaloids, which are used to make a curare-like arrow poison. However, tertiary alkaloids isolated from the same plant possess cytotoxic activities against mammalian cells and protozoa. The effect of ISP has been investigated on the growth and viability of HCT-116 colon cancer cells during their exponentially growing phase. ISP induced apoptotic cell death as shown by the translocation of phosphatidylserine from the inner layer to the outer layer of the plasma membrane, chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 and -9 activation. ISP provoked also cell cycle arrest in the G(2)-M phase. We also showed that the expression of p53 was not modified in ISP-treated cells, but that p21 was induced in a p53-independent manner. Finally, we demonstrated that ISP did not affect the catalytic activity of human topoisomerases I and II. In conclusion, ISP, which promotes cell death by a p53-independent apoptotic pathway, could be an interesting lead for cancer chemotherapy. [less ▲]

NF-κB transcription factor induces drug resistance through MDR1 expression in cancer cells

in Oncogene (2003), 22

The ubiquitous NF-kappaB transcription factor has been reported to inhibit apoptosis and to induce drug resistance in cancer cells. Drug resistance is the major reason for cancer therapy failure and ... [more ▼]

The ubiquitous NF-kappaB transcription factor has been reported to inhibit apoptosis and to induce drug resistance in cancer cells. Drug resistance is the major reason for cancer therapy failure and neoplastic cells often develop multiple mechanisms of drug resistance during tumor progression. We observed that NF-kappaB or P-glycoprotein inhibition in the HCT15 colon cancer cells led to increased apoptotic cell death in response to daunomycin treatment. Interestingly, NF-kappaB inhibition through transfection of a plasmid coding for a mutated IkappaB-alpha inhibitor increased daunomycin cell uptake. Indeed, the inhibition of NF-kappaB reduced mdr1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein expression in HCT15 cells. We identified a consensus NF-kappaB binding site in the first intron of the human mdr1 gene and demonstrated that NF-kappaB complexes could bind with this intronic site. Moreover, NF-kappaB transactivates an mdr1 promoter luciferase construct. Our data thus demonstrate a role for NF-kappaB in the regulation of the mdr1 gene expression in cancer cells and in drug resistance. [less ▲]

L'intérêt de la cystatine C dans l'évaluation de la fonction rénale

in Nephrologie (2003), 24(8), 457-68

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best indicator of renal function. GFR is usually estimated by serum creatinine or the creatinine clearance calculated on urine collected over 24 hours or with the ... [more ▼]

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best indicator of renal function. GFR is usually estimated by serum creatinine or the creatinine clearance calculated on urine collected over 24 hours or with the Cockcroft formula. These methods are however limited. Serum creatinine has a very poor sensitivity and urine collection is difficult. Cystatin C is a protease inhibitor produced in a constant manner by nucleated cells. This molecule is freely filtrated by the glomerule and quite completely catabolized in the proximal tubules. Its plasmatic concentration might thus be used to estimate GFR. Presently available data allow to conclude that plasmatic cystatin C is at least as good as serum creatinine to estimate GFR. It is less sensible to changes in body mass. Its determination appears more sensitive to detect early mild changes in GFR. Reference values are presently available for the different methods of determination. Cystatin C plasma level determination is more expensive than routine creatinine plasma determination. In the absence of very significant advantages, this might explain its limited use in daily clinical practice. [less ▲]

Influence of Hyperbilirubinemia on Spectrophotometric Measurement of 30 Biochemical Tests, using the Roche® Modular P-module

in Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine (2003), 41

The use of the Tosoh AIA-600II and AIA-1800 immunoassay analysers for the determination of CTNI

in Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine (2003), 41

Metabolic stress as a paradigm to elucidate genotype-environment interaction in psychosis

in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica (2002), 105(Suppl. 411), 91

Markers of oxidative stress limited to increased risk of cardiovascular disease in chronic hemodialysis patients

in Free Radical Biology & Medicine (2001), 31(suppl), 345